Australia’s Wil Ruprecht was won the 2021 Absolute Italian Enduro Championship, or Assoluti d’Italia as it is also known, in Maniago, with a hard charging Brad Freeman’s efforts not enough to close the gap.
Ruprecht finished the season on 141-points, to Freeman’s 135, while Matteo Cavallo was a more distant third on 112-points. A 4-5 scorecard over the weekend was enough for Ruprecht to wrap up the season, with Freeman in comparison running 1-1.
Wil Ruprecht
“What a year it has been in Italian Enduro. TM Boana Factory and I have persevered and improved in a way that has allowed us to take home and Italian title! If you told us we would be here a year ago we would find it hard to believe… So here’s to everyone in this photo and behind the scenes that makes the wheels turn. Two weeks out from the final two rounds of EnduroGP we’re hungry!”
2021 Assoluti d’Italia Enduro Standings
Pos
Rider
Class
Bike
Total
1
RUPRECHT Will Paul
ST
TM 250 4T
141
2
FREEMAN Brad
ST
BETA 300 2T
135
3
HORSE Matthew
D.
TM 250 4T
112
4
VERONA Andrea
D.
GAS GAS 250 4T
109
5
OLDRATI Thomas
AND
HONDA 450 4T
89
6
MAGAIN Antoine
ST
SHERCO 250 2T
75
7
MCCANNEY Daniel
ST
SHERCO 300 2T
65
8
HOLCOMBE Steve
ST
BETA 350 4T
64
9
MACORITTO Lorenzo
B.
TM 250 2T
61
10
ESPINASSE Theophile
ST
HONDA 250 4T
54
11
PAVONI Matteo
JU
TM 300 2T
51
12
GUARNERI Davide
TO
FANTIC 125 2T
48
13
MACDONALD Hamish
ST
SHERCO 300 4T
45
14
MC CANNEY Jamie
ST
HUSQ 300 2T
30
Italy claim the 2021 MXoN victory in Mantova
Team Italy has taken a narrow victory at the 2021 Motocross of Nations held in Mantova, with the all-KTM team winning from a hard-charging Team Netherlands led by Jeffrey Herlings by a single-point, while third placed Britain was just a single point behind in turn. The result marked Britain’s fourth consecutive podium.
Team Italy wins the 2021 Motocross of Nations held in Mantova
Despite the heavy downpour and the thunderstorm that rocked the day from the first warm up session until the final race of the day, this didn’t hinder Team Italy’s fighting spirit, or the support of the crowd of fans that turned out to support their nations. The trio of Cairoli, Guadagnini and Lupino put together some strong races to secure Italy’s third ever victory at the Monster Energy FIM MXoN, the first since 2002.
Race 1 – MXP/MX2
As the gate dropped for the first race of the day, it was Team Switzerland’s Arnaud Tonus who took the first Fox Holeshot of the day, though Team Latvia’s Karlis Sabulis was quick to take over the lead by the second corner ahead of Jose Burton of Team Spain and Tom Vialle of Team France.
Disaster struck Team Italy’s Antonio Cairoli and Team Netherlands’ Glenn Coldenhoff as the pair went down on the first corner, which meant that they had a long race ahead of them if they wanted to minimise the scores for their nation.
Thomas Kjer Olsen
While Sabulis continued to lead, Vialle fought his way into second as he started to close in on the Latvian for the win. The Frenchman then fell to fifth place, as Team Denmark’s Thomas Kjer Olsen continued his charge towards the top end of the field after getting around Butron for second.
While Olsen was battling for the win, his fellow countryman Mikkel Haarup was unlucky as he crashed out of 15th place. He eventually finished the race in 26th position.
Struggling further down the field were Cairoli and Coldenhoff who were looking for a way inside the top 20, as Team Germany’s Max Nagl retired from the race.
At the top end of the field though Olsen was all over Sabulis and moments later he took over the lead on lap five.
Cairoli eventually found his way inside the top 20, but moments later made use of the goggle lane which meant he dropped positions as a result. But with clearer vision, the Italian was able to fight back to 21st.
Tony Cairoli
His younger countryman, Mattia Guadagnini was having a strong race inside the top 10 and he only climbed further up as the race progressed. The MX2 rookie was able to find his way around Team Sweden’s Isak Gifting, who crashed, and then later Tonus and Sabulis.
With three laps to go, it was Olsen who led Vialle, with Watson still in third, followed by Tonus and Guadagnini. In the end, Olsen was able to hold off both Vialle and Watson to win the first heat for Team Denmark.
Race 2 – MX2/Open
In the second heat, we saw Team Switzerland’s Valentin Guillod with the Fox Holeshot, though it was Jeffrey Herlings of Team Netherlands who was quick to take over the lead with Guillod dropping to second and Team Austria’s Rene Hofer starting well in third.
Jeffrey Herlings
Meanwhile Vialle had a nightmare start and was down in 15th position, while Team Italy’s Guadagnini and Alessandro Lupino started strong in fifth and sixth respectively.
Hofer then set the fastest lap of the race as he was just 1.017 seconds down on Herlings after taking second from Guillod. The Austrian was having a great rider for Team Austria.
Things then went from bad to worse for Team France and Vialle who struggled with his bike and was eventually forced to retire from the race.
Team Germany’s Henry Jacobi then started to apply the pressure onto Lupino, while Guadagnini made a mistake and ended up on the ground loosing four positions as a result. He dropped to seventh.
There was more drama for Team France and Team Netherlands as Mathys Boisrame and Roan van de Moosdijk both crashed with the pair eventually finishing 19th and 20th, which was a blow for both teams.
Herlings then continued to edge out as he led by 23.951 seconds, with Guillod managing to get back past Hofer. Jacobi also found his way around Lupino and was up in fifth place, with Team Belgium’s Brent van Doninck just ahead.
Mattia Guadagnini
Guadagnini then too got around his fellow countryman Lupino but was unable to catch Jacobi and was forced to settle for sixth as the chequered flag fell.
Herlings went on to win the race by an impressive 49.117 seconds, with Guillod securing second for Team Switzerland and Hofer finishing third for Team Austria.
Race 3 – Open/MXGP
The third and final race, like always, was the most important. It was the decider for the team who will take victory, as well as the teams who were going to join the victors on the podium. Team Italy entered the final race with a solid 19-point lead over Team Belgium who were second at the time, with Team Great Britain third and looking to stay in the fight for the podium.
Jeffrey Herlings
And as the gate dropped, there was plenty of drama that unfolded which saw the nations classifications change for the final time, keeping the final order in question until the end of the race.
In the final heat of the day, it was Team Great Britain’s Ben Watson with the Fox Holeshot, but once again it was Herlings who muscled his way to the front, with Cairoli managing to squeeze past Watson also. While race one winner, Olsen was one of the unlucky riders who crashed in the start.
Herlings then set the fastest lap of the race as he looked to check out, like he did in race one. Cairoli kept things close for a few laps with Watson remaining third behind the pair.
While Team Belgium were looking to fight for a potential podium finish, they were dealt their first blow with their rider Cyrcil Genot forced to retire from the race early on. Later in the race, Van doninck was forced to do the same. This put the team out of the run for a medal this time around.
In the early stages of the race, the top 10 consisted of Herlings, Cairoli, Watson, Coldenhoff, Sabulis, Lupino, Team MFR’s Evgeny Bobryshev, Team Great Britain’s Shaun Simpson, Boisrame and Ken Bengston of Team Sweden.
Benoit Paturel of Team France dropped to 16th place which allowed Olsen and Jasikonis through, while Lupino had a huge crash and dropped down to 9th place.
Arminas Jasikonis
Not long after, Watson was another rider to get caught out with the Brit going down big. Luckily, he was able to get going quickly and only lost a position to Coldenhoff who was having a much better race that time around.
With five minutes to go before the end of the race, there was drama as a pending penalty put into question Italy’s fate. By that point Herlings had once again checked out of the race as Cairoli was keeping it steady in second.
It was all down to Lupino to make up another position in order to keep the hope of a victory alive, despite that pending penalty for course cutting. It was game on for Lupino who was keen on getting around Sabulis and eventually managed to do so which put him seventh. In the end, the Italian was given a 10-place penalty and was classified as 17th.
In the end it was Herlings who won the race and went 1-1 for the first time at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, though it was not enough for Netherlands to win, as a 2-17 score in race three from Cairoli and Lupino was enough for Team Italy to secure the victory on home soil. In terms of the race, Cairoli was second with Coldenhoff finishing third.
MXoN Overall
Following the day’s races, it was time for the usual team press conference of the top three nations, including the overall winners of each category and the winner of the Ricky Carmichael Award.
Cairoli, Guadagnini and Lupino – Team Italy
Team Great Britain’s Ben Watson was the overall winner in the MXGP category, while in MX2 it was Austria’s Rene Hofer and finally in open it was Jeffrey Herlings of The Netherlands’s who was victorious after his 1-1 result.
Also receiving an award this weekend was Team Belgium’s Liam Everts who was the recipient of the Ricky Carmichael MXoN youngest talent Award. Everts, who was making his Monster Energy FIM MXoN debut, had a solid day finishing fourth overall in the MX2 category.
Following the words of each rider, the top three teams were presented with their FIM medals by FIM President Jorge Viegas and FIM/CMS Director Antonio Alia Portela, followed by the presentation of the Champions Rings by Infront Moto Racing CEO David Luongo.
Tony Cairoli – Team Italy P1
“This was the one missing in my career and I’m really happy to get it. For sure it was a bit risky to come here and ride after last week’s crash. I didn’t feel 100%. On the dry track I could handle it better but on the wet track I was really struggling. The first moto crash didn’t help and I didn’t have the best feeling. I knew I needed just one decent moto and start and managed to do that. The other two guys did an amazing job, especially Mattia for his first time.”
Jeffrey Herlings – Team Netherlands P2 (Open Winner)
“I did what I could today and going 1-1 was the maximum. The team did all they could, and we had some bad luck. Since 2016 we have been on the box at every Nations and you cannot always win. Sometimes you have to lose to get better. I super-proud of Team Netherlands and also my results; I’ve never been 1-1 at this event before so it is good to add that to the collection. I’m looking forward to the German GP now.”
Jeffrey Herlings – Team Netherlands
Ben Watson – Team Britain P3 (MXGP Winner)
“When you come to this race you never know what to expect. I knew that this weekend there were a few of the top guys missing, so I came in here with my teammates, two really good mates of mine, and we managed to come within two-points of winning. It’s amazing. To win the MXGP overall was just the cherry on the top. I am feeling really happy with myself. It is a little confidence booster going into the rest of the season.”
Ben Watson – Team Britain
Rene Hofer – Team Austria P9 (MX2 Winner)
“It was a really great day for me. Coming as an underdog team meant there was not much pressure. It’s an achievement that I can certainly check-off for my career and it was also great for Team Austria because 9th overall meant our first top ten for a long time. I hope – and I will try – to ride like that in the last GPs and aim for my first podium finish.”
Rene Hofer – Team Austria
Thomas Kjer Olsen – Team Denmark P10
“It was an amazing feeling to win the first moto today. I had a great start then I found some good lines and I began to work my way forwards. A few times Tom Vialle would get close but I just felt really strong on the bike today and held him off for the win. I was really confident for another strong result in my second race, but a couple of crashes put me down the field and in these conditions at the back of the pack, it makes it really difficult. I came through quite well though to finish third overall in my class and this weekend has given me a lot of confidence for the remaining rounds of the world championship.”
In 2021 Montova, Italy will play host to the year’s edition of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Commencing on 26th September, Motorcycling Australia (MA) has called for all interested competitors to submit their applications to join Team Australia.
Kyle Webster – Team Australia – 2019 MXoN
There are three classes available for riders to nominate for: MX1, MX2 and Open. Riders are advised that they can nominate for more than one class. Applications must be submitted by no later than COB Friday 16th July.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team have confirmed that reigning 450MX Champion Zach Osborne will miss the remainder of the 2021 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in order to fully recover from an ongoing back injury.
Zach Osborne will now be out of action until 2022
Osborne, who sustained the back injury mid-way through the 2021 AMA Supercross Championship, worked hard to get himself ready for the opening round of the outdoor season but he unfortunately re-injured himself at the second round in Colorado. Upon further review with the team, Osborne made the tough decision to sit out the rest of the season to fully recover for 2022.
Zach Osborne
“I’m bummed to say the least. This injury has been a big setback with no clear path to 100% but I feel I’m on a good path now and I just need to give my body the time to heal itself. Myself, along with the team, made the decision to pull the plug and be ready for 2022. It was a tough decision in an already-trying year but I believe I can be back to 2020 form with this time away to heal up. Thanks to my team and fans for the support through this!”
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will return to racing this Saturday, June 19 in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania.
Sherco hotshot Jonte Reynders has completed an ideal build-up for the 2021 Hattah Desert Race by dominating the latest round of the Tasmanian enduro series at Bakers Beach, north-east of Launceston, on July 19.
The 24-year-old was a class above on his Pirelli Motul Sherco Racing Team 300 SE Factory two-stroke, easily winning the three-hour event ahead of great rivals Kyron Bacon and Seton Broomhall – even after an extra fuel stop!
Jonte Reynders
“I’m rapt with the result on a circuit that was quite difficult, but I made it a little hard for myself – just when I had a decent lead I made a silly mistake of refuelling when I didn’t need to. So I topped up the 300 Factory three times instead of two, which obviously cost me a fair bit of time. But I was able to regroup and take a strong win to extend my lead in the series.”
Jonte Reynders
Five rounds remain in the state title, but Reynders’ focus will now switch to the mainland for the Hattah Desert from July 2-4 where he will be one of the favourites in the open two-stroke class.
He’ll have some exalted guest company in the Pirelli Motul Sherco Racing Team: Ben Grabham – fresh from his two-stroke-winning heroics at the 2021 Finke Desert Race – on a 450 SEF Factory and Justin Carafa on a 500 SEF Factory.
Nathan Trigg, who lives just up the road from the Hattah epicentre at Ouyen, will also be looking to bounce back from his knee-twisting prologue crash at Finke, which put him out of the main game. Trigg rides a Mallee Motorcycles-backed 450 SEF Factory.
The circuit is 37km long, with the senior riders to complete eight laps.
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Daniel Sanders and GasGas ready for Silk Way Rally 2021
The 11th edition of the Silk Way Rally will get underway in less than one month. Setting off from Omsk (Russia), the second town of the Urals, on 1 July, the race will feature 10 varied and technical stages. Crossing Siberia before traversing Mongolia from West to East, the event passes through the famous Gobi Desert before reaching Ulaanbaatar on 11 July.
Silk Way Rally 2019
A total of 5250 km, of which more than 2850 are against the clock, offering the perfect mix of technical difficulty, variety and scenic beauty. From the Altai Mountains to the capital of Mongolia via the Gobi Desert and the endless Mongolian steppes, the 2021 edition of the Silk Way Rally will be quite simply exceptional.
Two years after Sam Sunderland (KTM) in the bikes, who will be the new white tigers to go down in the Silk Way Rally history books at the end of this incredible journey in the land of Genghis Khan?
For its second edition with a bike category, the Silk Way Rally 2021 has once again attracted the major factory teams on what is one of the highlights of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. This second round will benefit from a 1.5 coefficient thanks to its status as a marathon event with over six days of racing.
Sam Sunderland – Silk Way Rally 2019
The titleholder, the British rider Sam Sunderland, Dakar winner in 2017, will defend the colours of Red Bull Ktm Factory Racing alongside his Austrian teammate Matthias Walkner.
Their sister team Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing will enter the Argentinian Luciano Benavides and their latest recruit, the American Skyler Howes, one of the revelations of the last Dakar.
Another rider to make a splash in Saudi Arabia with his fourth place, the Australian Daniel Sanders will have the honour of flying the flag for GasGas Factory Racing.
Daniel Sanders
Over at the Monster Yamaha Rallye Team, the Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren will be accompanied by another recent revelation, the Botswanan Ross Branch and ex-Supercross Champion, the American Andrew Short.
The Hero Motorsports team will be pinning their hopes on an eclectic trio of Portuguese rider Joaquim Rodriguez, the Argentinian Franco Caimi and the young German Sebastian Bühler.
The quad category is also back on this 11th Silk Way Rally and promises us a splendid duel between the ever young, five times world champion and ex-Dakar winner, the Pole Rafal Sonic and the Russian Alexander Maksimov, both riding Yamaha Raptor 700s.
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Herlings on form at Arnhem International
Jeffrey Herlings took the two moto wins over the weekend at the Arnhem International in Holland to claim the overall from Brian Bogers and Max Nagle, with Cyril Genot finishing fourth overall, just over the podium.
The event served as training for Herlings, between GP events, who admits he’s still working on his starts, with an aim to do better than in Russia.
Jeffrey Herlings
“I really enjoyed myself and it was a good training for the GP. Starts have to be better, but I can get a podium, and I will try and do better than I did in Russia.”
Herlings brought home 40-championship points in the MXGP opener last weekend, after finishing 4-2, and sits second overall in the standings, behind Tim Gajser, who won both races.
Dylan Ferrandis tops High Point ProMX
Images by Jeff Kardas
Following its first break of the 2021 season the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returned to action with its East Coast debut from legendary High Point Raceway. The third round of the summer campaign marked the sport’s return to the famed Pennsylvania venue for the first time since 2019 with the GEICO Motorcycle High Point National, where the threat of rain loomed over the afternoon but never really materialised.
High Point 2021
In the 450 Class a hard-fought, consistent afternoon was enough to put Dylan Ferrandis atop the podium for the second time this season. In the 250 Class, Jalek Swoll extended the parity in the division and broke through with his first professional victory as Jett Lawrence increased his lead in the 250 Championship.
450 Moto1
Light precipitation was present when the gate dropped on the opening 450 Class moto, where Adam Cianciarulo prevailed with the MotoSport.com Holeshot ahead of Chase Sexton and Christian Craig, who soon gave up the position to Ken Roczen, the championship leader. As Cianciarulo sprinted out to an early lead the Honda teammates engaged in a battle for second place.
450 Start
As the moto surpassed the 10-minute mark, the lead trio solidified their hold on those positions as Ferrandis gave chase from fourth. As the minutes continued to tick away the distance between the top three continued to shrink. Sexton soon closed in to within a couple bike lengths of Cianciarulo, but a mistake by Sexton not only caused the Honda rider to lose some ground, it forced Roczen into a mistake when he briefly went down and gave up third to Ferrandis.
Ferrandis and Roczen
With the threat defended, Cianciarulo gradually built a multi-second advantage over Sexton, who in turn built a comfortable margin over Ferrandis. As time ran out on the moto clock with just over three laps to go, Sexton tucked the front of his Honda and went down. As he looked to remount, both Ferrandis and Roczen were able to get by, which placed Sexton in fourth when he resumed.
Out front, Cianciarulo looked to close out his first moto win of the season with ease but was dealt with one last obstacle as a slower rider went down exiting the final corner. With nowhere to go, Cianciarulo ran over the downed motorcycle and fell over.
Adam Cianciarulo
He kept his Kawasaki running, got up, and pushed his bike across the finish line to win in unconventional fashion. Ferrandis followed five seconds behind in second as Roczen rounded out the podium in third. Sexton recovered to finish fourth as Aaron Plessinger completed the top five.
450 Moto 2
The deciding 450 Class moto kicked off as Justin Barcia emerged with the MotoSport.com Holeshot out of a gaggle of bikes. He was quickly passed by Plessinger for the early lead, while Eli Tomac and Cianciarulo followed through.
450 Start
Cianciarulo put the hammer down and made an aggressive push that carried him all the way around Plessinger and into the lead. He continued to ramp up the pace and established a multi-second advantage after just two laps. Behind him, Tomac’s first opportunity to run at the front of the field in 2021 saw him surge around Plessinger into second to put the Kawasaki riders at the top of the running order.
As the battle up front took shape the class’ title contenders made moves as well, as Ferrandis worked his way from fourth and Roczen from sixth. Both riders were urgent in their push and successfully moved into third and fourth, respectively. By the time they finished their early charge, the Kawasaki teammates were more than five seconds ahead. From there, Ferrandis and Roczen went head-to-head for third and traded the position before Ferrandis got the upper hand and asserted control of the spot.
Ken Roczen
Up front, Tomac closed onto Cianciarulo’s rear fender and a battle for the lead ensued. Tomac was able to get by, but Cianciarulo fought back and reclaimed the position. However, Tomac didn’t give up and kept the pressure on. The two came together, which pushed Cianciarulo out of a rut and allowed Tomac to move into the lead for the first time this season.
Once out front Tomac started to build an advantage over his teammate and was soon in control of the moto. As the moto surpassed the 20-minute mark Cianciarulo found himself under pressure from Ferrandis and Roczen in third and fourth. All three riders then duked it out for second and used every inch of the track in search of an advantage.
Dylan Ferrandis
As the crowd cheered them on, both Ferrandis and Roczen bullied their way around Cianciarulo, who dropped from second to fourth. That thrilling sequence also changed the battle in the overall classification, as Ferrandis moved into control of the afternoon.
For Tomac it was a dominant ride indicative of his three-year championship run. He stormed to his first moto win of the season by 3.2 seconds over Ferrandis, who was able to fend off Roczen for the entirety of the moto.
Although he missed out on a moto win, Ferrandis’ consistency was enough to vault him to the second overall victory of the season and his career via 2-2 moto finishes. Cianciarulo’s drop off the podium in the final moto relegated him to the runner-up spot by a single point (1-4), while Tomac made his first appearance on the podium this summer in third (6-1), which bumped Roczen (3-3) off the podium via tie-breaker.
Dylan Ferrandis – P1
“What a race. I don’t know (what to say), I got a good start and was able to get by Ken (Roczen), which was good because he was so fast today. It was a war (after that). Ken kept pushing me and we were able to come to Adam (Cianciarulo). It was crazy how competitive it was with them. We were going so fast and the track was so difficult. It’s just amazing to get a win here today and get a hold of the red plate again.”
Dylan Ferrandis
Adam Cianciarulo – P2
“It sure feels good to get that first moto win under my belt. I thought I had a decent sized gap in the second moto, but Eli was flying and caught me a bit off-guard. Fair play to him and the others, they rode amazing. I’m stoked with how awesome my bike has been feeling lately. I honestly believe with a little more endurance, I can be a regular winner this season. Thanks to everyone at Monster Energy Kawasaki for giving me a great bike to ride and always supporting me. We have another break coming up, but I’m ready to build off of this and get back to racing.”
Adam Cianciarulo
Eli Tomac – P3
“This was a big one for us. I’ve been in a bit of slump these last two races, so to get a win and feel like myself on the bike again is huge. After I got off the gate in Moto 2 and saw I had a good jump, I knew it was going to be a good moto. I was able to catch Adam rather quickly and once I was in the clean air, I rode my own race and started pulling away. This was an exciting race, and I can’t wait to keep this momentum rolling into RedBud. Thanks again to the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki squad for all the hard work this weekend.”
Eli Tomac
Ken Roczen – P4
“Today started off really good. I felt comfortable on the track, but we had a slightly different bike setup so in the first moto it really beat me up. I wasn’t that comfortable out there so I really couldn’t do that much. I still rode okay, but it wasn’t the best and I ended up third. In the second moto I was pinched off and had a really bad start. We did some adjustments to the bike that helped me out and I charged forward hard in the first half of the race and ended up having a good battle with Dylan [Ferrandis]. I ended up with another third place for fourth overall, which is kind of weird, but in the end, I’m okay with it because we rode really well and charged hard. That’s all we can do.”
Aaron Plessinger – P6
“This weekend had some ups and downs. I was really happy with my riding in the first moto. I got a really bad start but had a really good flow going and came back to fifth place. I went into the second moto really confident and got an awesome start, but I couldn’t really find that flow that I had in the first moto, and I dropped back to eighth. The track was really tough. There were some spots that were dry and some spots that were soft. So it was definitely weird, but we have a weekend off and will get back to work and get ready for RedBud!”
Justin Barcia – P7
“It was a little bit of a tough day. I just didn’t jive with the track that much and I never felt super comfortable. I think we’ll go back to California and work on a few things and try to be a lot better for RedBud in two weeks. All we can do is keep level-headed and be better for the next race.”
Justin Barcia
Marvin Musquin – P8
“In the first moto, the start was decent but the riding was not good enough and the feeling was not good enough so we decided to go back to some old settings on the shock and it shows, it was definitely better in the second moto. I didn’t get a good start but I was able to fight back, attack and race hard to come back to seventh place, so that was a lot better. Overall, I’m obviously not happy because we’ve been working hard and it didn’t pay off for this weekend, so we need to keep going.”
Cooper Webb – P10
“It was a bit of a struggle today. I felt like I put up a good fight in the first moto and ended up seventh. In the second moto, I got tangled on the start and I ended up crashing three times coming through the pack, so that was pretty unfortunate. Now we’ve got a weekend off and all we can do is try to improve.”
Cooper Webb
Christian Craig – P11
“I didn’t have the best day at High Point. I seemed to struggle to find good lines and had a couple of crashes, but I was able to get through with some points. We’re going to go back to work and look forward to a better RedBud.”
With the win Ferrandis also reclaimed control of the red plate as 450 Class point leader for the second time this season. He currently has a slim three-point advantage over Roczen, while Plessinger, who finished sixth on the afternoon (5-8) maintained his hold on third, 30 points out of the lead.
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.
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.
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.
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 – 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.
2019 EnduroGP of France – E3 Podium Saturday
2019 EnduroGP of France – Saturday Overall
Brad FREEMAN United Kingdom 1:08:22.13
Steve HOLCOMBE United Kingdom +19.86
Daniel MCCANNEY United Kingdom +23.01
Loïc LARRIEU France +36.69
Alex SALVINI Italy +1:06.89
Thomas OLDRATI Italy +1:18.78
Giacomo REDONDI Italy +1:34.81
Matteo CAVALLO Italy +1:37.44
Joseph WOOTTON United Kingdom +1:39.40
Antoine BASSET France +1:48.12
Benjamin HERRERA Chile +2:05.48
David ABGRALL France +2:11.83
Antoine MEO France +2:17.26
Christophe CHARLIER France +2:24.00
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.
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!”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
Theo 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.
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
Loïc LARRIEU France 1:05:47.21
Alex SALVINI Italy +8.07
Steve HOLCOMBE United Kingdom +22.33
Brad FREEMAN United Kingdom +28.58
Matteo CAVALLO Italy +42.42
Daniel MCCANNEY United Kingdom +49.69
Joseph WOOTTON United Kingdom +57.36
Antoine BASSET France +1:48.98
Davide GUARNERI Italy +1:57.15
Benjamin HERRERA Chile +2:04.72
Christophe NAMBOTIN France +2:13.23
Christophe CHARLIER France +2:21.31
Hugo BLANJOUE France +2:21.43
Thomas OLDRATI Italy +2:23.34
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 – 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Toni Bou – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM
2019 International Trophy Results
Germany – 1
Sweden – 7
United States – 8
Austria – 11
Australia – 18
Czech Republic – 19
Belgium – 30
Switzerland – 48
Ireland – 55
Andorra – 119
2019 Trial des Nations Championship
Spain – 4
Japan – 19
France – 24
Great Britain – 27
Italy – 45
Norway – 95
2019 Trial des Nations championship podium
2019 Women’s Trials Des Nations Result
Spain – 3
Great Britain – 10
Norway – 18
Germany – 22
United States – 26
France – 33
Australia – 101
Portugal – 147
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Thad Duvall (HQV)
Ricky Russell (YAM)
Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
Andrew Delong (HON)
Layne Michael (HQV)
Kailub Russell (KTM)
Josh Toth (KTM)
Benjamin Kelley (KTM)
Chris Venditti (KAW)
Takanori Nakajima (YAM)
Overall National Championship Standings
Kailub Russell (295)
Thad Duvall (258)
Steward Baylor Jr. (198)
Ben Kelley (166)
Trevor Bollinger (162)
Ricky Russell (123)
Andrew Delong (121)
Josh Strang (103)
Jordan Ashburn (113)
Josh Toth (107)
XC2 250 Pro Event Results
Liam Draper (KTM)
Craig Delong (HQV)
Evan Smith (HQV)
Austin Lee (HON)
Zach Hayes (KTM)
Ben Parsons (HQV)
Jesse Groemm (KTM)
Dylan Yearbury (YAM)
Samuel Evans (KTM)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings
Benjamin Kelley (300)
Michael Witkowski (189)
Craig Delong (188)
Evan Smith (183)
Liam Draper (172)
Austin Lee (164)
Ryder Lafferty (145)
Jonathan Johnson (137)
Alex Teagarden (123)
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.
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.
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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.
Jeffrey Herlings – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN – Image by Hoppenworld
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.
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.
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.
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 – 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 – 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.”
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.
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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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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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 – 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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What happened this week
Mees tops Springfield Mile I shootout
Mees does the double with Springfield Mile II victory
Gauthier dominates Springfield Short Track in AFT Singles
Gauthier tops Production Twins at Springfield Mile I
Luke Styke leads Yamaha AORC efforts at Coonalpyn
Janowski claims Teterow SGP win in Germany
Australian MXoN Team announced for Assen
Sultans Of Slide NSW Flat Track Cup classes announced
Australian Supercross Vic & Qld coaching days
KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open events
Mitchell Harrison to Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
Josh Hill to join CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team
Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
Empire Kawasaki announce 2019 Australian SX line-up
Jared Mees tops Springfield Mile I shootout
Defending AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees made it three for three in Mile competition in the 2019 American Flat Track competition with a last-corner victory in Saturday’s Springfield Mile I. Mees and 2018 Springfield Mile I winner Jeffrey Carver Jr. transformed the race into a two-rider duel for the win from the start.
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Carver seemed content to plant himself on the rear wheel of Mees over the opening half of the AFT Twins Main Event. However, the home-state hero brought the fans lining the grandstands to their feet by driving underneath the defending champ on lap 13.
Mees regrouped and re-assumed his position at the front in short order. Carver made two more attempts to wrestle away the lead, and it appeared he finally succeeded for good when he powered by with three laps remaining. However, Mees ducked under Carver entering Turn 3 on the final lap, only to see Carver slide back up the inside as they worked through Turn 4.
Jeffrey Carver Jr – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Mees was ready for the move, and perfectly positioned himself for the decisive sprint to the flag; he stole the advantage back on exit and held it to the flag by 0.239 seconds.
Championship leader Briar Bauman was forced to use a provisional start to advance into the Main Event after suffering a mechanical issue in his Semi. Despite starting from dead last, Bauman somehow carved his way into seventh by the conclusion of lap 1 and established himself as one of five riders embroiled in a race-long battle for the final spot on the podium. Bauman ultimately won that battle, finishing in third 0.122 seconds ahead of brother/teammate Bronson Bauman. Bauman now holds a 30-point advantage over Mees (260-230) with four races remaining.
AFT Twins 2019 Springfield Mile I – Top 10
Jared Mees Indian – FTR750 0:35.746
Jeffrey Carver – Jr. Indian FTR750 +0.239
Briar Bauman – Indian FTR750 +1.878
Bronson Bauman – Indian FTR750 +2.000
Bryan Smith – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.016
Stephen Vanderkuur – Indian FTR750 +2.109
Brandon Robinson – Indian FTR750 +2.293
Davis Fisher – Indian FTR750 +2.455
Brandon Price – Indian FTR750 +2.709
Jarod Vanderkooi – HD XG750R Rev X +3.068
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Mees does the double with Springfield Mile II victory
Monday’s Springfield Mile II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds proved worth the wait, delivering the most jaw-dropping AFT Twins Main Event of the 2019 American Flat Track season. Following an epic 25 miles that saw ten riders in contention for the victory even as they dove into the race’s final corner, multi-time defending AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees worked his magic yet again to win out in the last-lap dash to the checkered flag. Making the achievement all the more impressive, Mees did so after starting in last position from Row 4.
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
The champ turned in his one provisional start card of the season to advance to the Main after encountering bike issues in his Semi. However, he managed to slipstream his way forward over the race’s opening third, joining the mammoth front group by lap 10. He was dueling for the lead a lap later – a duel that wouldn’t end until the final stripe. In the end, Mees outlasted title rival Briar Bauman by a scant 0.083 seconds.
Bronson Bauman – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
The triumph was the 14th Mile win of Mees’ illustrious career, tying him with the legendary Jay Springsteen for sixth all-time on the big tracks. It also brought him within a single race of Bauman in the evolving 2019 AFT Twins championship race, as he’s now just 25 points back (280-255) heading into the season’s final three races.
Jared Mees
“It was good to come off the back row and put my name on the list with the guys who have done that. It’s more emotional doing it this way on the back-up bike and working my way up. The Indian Motorcycle ran so phenomenal for me. My whole crew worked so hard; when that bike broke we were switching wheels, and shocks, and offsets to try to duplicate what we were running on the main bike. We got it done, and it feels amazing.”
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
Bronson Bauman came through in third to lock out the podium for the Indian Wrecking Crew for the first time in 2019. While the day ultimately belonged to Mees and Indian, a huge number of riders played starring roles with the entire top ten finishing within 0.653 seconds of the win.
Rookie Brandon Price made a late-bid for the victory, and was one of five riders who slid into Turn 3 on lap 25, side-by-side, vying for the lead. He ended up an impressive fourth, fractionally ahead of Brandon Robinson.
AFT Twins Podium – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Twins 2019 Springfield Mile II – Top 10
Jared Mees – Indian FTR750 0:35.263
Briar Bauman – Indian FTR750 +0.083
Bronson Bauman – Indian FTR750 +0.149
Brandon Price – Indian FTR750 +0.169
Brandon Robinson – Indian FTR750 +0.254
Sammy Halbert – HD XG750R Rev X +0.275
Henry Wiles – Indian FTR750 +0.398
Jarod Vanderkooi – HD XG750R Rev X +0.443
Davis Fisher – Indian FTR750 +0.516
Jeffrey Carver Jr. – Indian FTR750 +0.653
AFT Twins Standings
Briar Bauman 280
Jared Mees 255
Bronson Bauman 215
Jeffrey Carver Jr. 184
Brandon Robinson 170
Jarod Vanderkooi 166
Henry Wiles 145
Robert Pearson 135
Sammy Halbert 133
Jake Johnson 128
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Gauthier dominates Springfield Short Track in AFT Singles
Championship hopeful Dalton Gauthier scored a critical victory in Friday night’s Springfield Short Track to claim sole possession of the AFT Singles points lead. The action at the Illinois State Fairgrounds was every bit as tense and frenetic as one would expect an Roof Systems AFT Singles Short Track showdown to be.
2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
In the midst of a tight title fight with just three additional races remaining on the 2019 American Flat Track calendar, and serving as a microcosm of the season to date, while a handful of riders enjoyed their moments in the spotlight. Ultimately it all came down to Gauthier and reigning class champion Dan Bromley.
Former AFT Twins standout Chad Cose stormed to the holeshot and threatened to break free of the chaos before anyone else had an opportunity to react. However, Gauthier rolled forward on the momentum he had built up all day long when he ran quickest in both qualifying sessions and ripped to heat and semi victories.
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
Gauthier first slashed ahead of Spanish dirt track hero Ferran Cardús to move into third and then ran up the inside of Bromley to take over second on lap 7. By lap 10, he was hounding Cose inside and outside, applying heavy pressure wherever possible in hopes of prompting a mistake.
That mistake came on lap 13. Gauthier squared up Cose and the two very nearly came together on the short straight as Gauthier slid ahead into first. Once clear, the new leader was able to call on his superior pace to pull open just enough of a gap to negate the possibility of a potential last-lap Hail Mary.
Dallas Daniels – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
Title rival Bromley was going in the opposite direction, dropping down to fourth after he was also overhauled by Peoria TT winner Dallas Daniels. 16-year-old prodigy Daniels had earned the pole but was shuffled back to seventh early. Undeterred, he clawed his way through the fray, not only edging ahead of Bromley but lining up Cose for the runner-up position.
Desperate to minimize the championship damage done by another Gauthier victory, Bromley turned in a clutch sequence of his own. With time running out, the defending champ dove up the inside of Daniels and Cose in two consecutive corners to leap up from fourth to second in one short lap. From there he held on to the checkered flag to remain within five points of Gauthier for the Singles championship lead (241-236).
Dalton Gauthier
“It’s huge. Coming into these last few races, it’s anyone’s game. I’m trying to get in front of Dan as much as I can, but he’s running strong. We’re having fun. Chad rode a really great race. It took me a few laps to catch him, but he was riding defensively. I just waited. I knew I had a few laps to go so I just waited for the mistake. He made one, and we got pretty close, but it was clean racing.”
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
Dan Bromley
“I just used my size to my advantage. It was a heck of a race. Chad got out front, and whether he’s behind you or you’re behind him, you never know what he’s going to do. He ran a good race. He, Dalton, and Dallas were out front for most of the race. It’s a little bittersweet to be in second, but I’m happy to be back up here on the podium.”
Daniels secured his second consecutive podium, in third, in what was just his sixth-career AFT outing, while Cose ended up one spot off the box after leading the majority of the laps. Meanwhile, Mikey Rush kept his championship aspirations alive in fifth. While the bulk of the focus is understandably on Gauthier and Bromley, Rush remains very much in contention. He’s within striking distance – just 25 points back of the lead (216) – with a Half-Mile and two Miles left to decide the 2019 crown.
AFT Singles Podium – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Singles 2019 Springfield ST Top 10
Dalton Gauthier – Husqvarna FC450 0:13.447
Dan Bromley – KTM 450 SX-F +0.857
Dallas Daniels – Yamaha YZ450F +1.475
Chad Cose – Suzuki RMZ 450 +2.304
Mikey Rush – Honda CRF450R +3.395
Brandon Kitchen – Honda CRF450R +4.009
Ryan Wells – Yamaha YZ450F +5.744
Oliver Brindley – Yamaha YZ450F +5.833
Ferran Cardus – Honda CRF450R +6.219
Jacob Lehmann – Honda CRF450R +7.548
2019 AFT Singles Standings
Dalton Gauthier 241
Dan Bromley 236
Mikey Rush 216
Jesse Janisch 180
Chad Cose 166
Shayna Texter 155
Ryan Wells 155
Morgen Mischler 125
Max Whale 107
Kevin Stollings 93
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Gauthier tops Production Twins at Springfield Mile I
Fresh off his clutch victory in Friday night’s Springfield Short Track, Dalton Gauthier steamrolled the competition in Saturday’s AFT Production Twins Main Event at the Springfield Mile I. Gauthier’s arcing high lines may have allowed his rivals to keep him relatively contained during the opening stages of the 15-lap Main Event, but once he finally stretched open enough of an advantage to prevent his opponents from blocking his preferred path, those same lines made him simply unstoppable.
Carlile & Rispoli – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
The triumph was not just his second of the weekend, it was also his second in succession in the AFT Production Twins class; he delivered the XG750R a second win in the first possible opportunity after scoring its historic maiden win last time out in the Sacramento Mile.
Dalton Gauthier
“I have to thank Jarod Vanderkooi for telling me to go there (to the high line) after the Semi, so shout out to him. After the second or third lap I went up there and I was like, ‘Yeah, it’s hooking up. So I stayed up there and tried to ride consistent laps and break away and that’s what happened. I have to thank everybody at Harley-Davidson, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines and everyone else who has gotten this bike working this great. It’s been awesome, and I’m having a lot of fun.”
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Kolby Carlile, who scored tonight’s holeshot, and Lima HM winner Chad Cose emerged from a multi-rider pack to battle for second place. The two actually managed to cut into Gauthier’s lead while waging their duel, which came down to the race’s final corner.
Carlile sailed past Cose to open the last lap, but Cose switched-up his opponent driving through Turns 3 and 4. However, the Estenson pilot managed a counter of his own while they streaked down the start/finish straight, nipping Cose by 0.101 seconds at the flag to finish as the race’s runner-up.
Second-ranked Ryan Varnes continued his consistent AFT Production Twins title campaign with his fifth top-five result of the year by taking fourth. Kevin Stollings was just 0.002 seconds back of Varnes to round out the top five.
Championship leader Cory Texter took the checkered flag in ninth. As a result, he now leads Varnes by just 22 points (133-111) with Carlile (100) and Gauthier (96) looking increasingly threatening in third and fourth, respectively.
AFT Production Twins 2019 Springfield Mile I – Top 10
Dalton Gauthier – HD XG750R 0:36.491
Kolby Carlile – Yamaha MT-07 +0.866
Chad Cose – Kawasaki Ninja 650 0.968
Ryan Varnes – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.584
Kevin Stollings – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.587
J.R. Addison – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.644
James Rispoli – HD XG750R Rev X +2.671
Cody Johncox – Yamaha MT-07 +6.769
Cory Texter – Yamaha MT-07 +8.399
Ryan Wells – Yamaha MT-07 +8.468
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Carlile claims Production Twins Springfield Mile II win
Kolby Carlile materialised from the pack late to claim his first-career AFT Production Twins Main Event victory in dramatic fashion. All eyes had been on Dalton Gauthier, who was chasing a unique dual-class triple win on the weekend.
2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Like Mees in the premier class, Gauthier had to start on the back row, being forced to use a provisional start when his bike expired in his Semi. However, his form and momentum still made him feel all but unstoppable, as he powered from dead last to first place by the time the pack dove into Turn 1 for the second time.
He didn’t slow from there, opening up a 1.5-second advantage by the time the race was red flagged while working lap 10 of 15. On the restart, Gauthier went right back to work, steadily building another advantage on the pack. The only difference this time around was that teammate James Rispoli managed to hang onto the slipstream and use it to escape along with Gauthier.
James Rispoli – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
With a 1-2 Black Hills Harley-Davidson seeming nearly assured, Gauthier raised his hand in disappointment with 3 laps to go, signaling another mechanical issue that spoiled his bid for the triple Springfield victory. Without the benefit of Gauthier’s draft, Rispoli found himself reeled back to the pack. Carlile caught him just in time to thunder by as they drove down the back straight for the final time.
Carlile tucked his head down and outpaced any potential counter moves, beating Rispoli to the line by 0.111 seconds.
Kolby Carlile
“I was confident the whole race; there was just so much traffic and I got sucked into it a little bit. I was letting those guys shake it out, but I knew I had the bike to win this thing. Dalton and James took off after the restart and I fell back again, but I knew my bike was strong enough to catch them. And that’s what we did. I just can’t thank my Estenson Racing crew enough… I broke my leg early in the year and I lost a round. I’m at a huge points deficit, but we’re trying to make it back. I’m finally feeling like myself again.”
Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Cody Johncox was next in line in a pack of riders that saw five men take the checkered flag within 0.554 seconds of the win. He finished 0.082 seconds back of Rispoli to complete the podium. Cory Texter did well to limit the damage done by Carlile’s victory by finishing a strong fourth. Still, Texter’s advantage has now been reduced to 23 points (148-125) over Carlile with three races remaining.
Production Twins podium – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Production Twins 2019 Springfield Mile II – Top 10
Kolby Carlile – Yamaha MT-07 0:35.993
James Rispoli – Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X +0.111
Cody Johncox – Yamaha MT-07 +0.194
Cory Texter – Yamaha MT-07 +0.332
Morgen Mischler – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +0.554
Ryan Varnes – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1.205
Jordan Harris – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1.818
Ben Lowe – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +5.587
Oliver Brindley – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +16.401
Chad Cose – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1 Lap
2019 AFT Production Twins Standings
Cory Texter 148
Kolby Carlile 125
Ryan Varnes 124
Dalton Gauthier 102
J.R. Addison 96
James Rispoli 95
Chad Cose 94
Ben Lowe 81
Cody Johncox 80
Kevin Stollings 72
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Luke Styke leads Yamaha AORC efforts at Coonalpyn
Perfect conditions greeted rider for Rounds 8 & 9 of the AORC Championship in Coonalpyn, while the layout provided challenges on both days. Saturday saw a sandy based loop that had competitors excited about the terrain while Sunday saw some rock beds and hard pack thrown into the mix to keep everyone on their toes.
Luke Styke increased his lead in the E1 (250cc) class after dominating the weekend in South Australia. Styke, who enjoys racing the softer terrain, won 10 out of the 13 special tests conducted over both days and was able to stretch his lead out to 16 points with two rounds remaining.
Luke Styke – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson
Styke and rival Lyndon Snodgrass traded wins on Saturday, but Styke came out all guns blazing on Sunday to win six of the seven tests and cement his place at the top of the E1 table. His raw speed captured him fourth outright on Saturday and one position better on Sunday in third.
Luke Styke
“After a couple of ordinary rounds for me, it was good to get back on top of things and ride the way I should. I struggled a bit at Kyogle and Broken Hill, but I felt good all weekend and I love riding in these kinds of conditions. The bike was strong all weekend and I had a clean run with no major issues, so I leave here healthy, fit and confident to keep the momentum going into the final two rounds. Thanks to the team for all the hard work and we will keep it going all the way to the end as anything can happen in this sport.”
Luke Styke
Josh Green maintains second place in the E2 (450cc) class after another consistent performance on the weekend in South Australia. Green finished second on both days behind class leader, Daniel Milner, and sits comfortably in second place in the series.
Josh Green – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson
Green raced well on Saturday and was third outright but a few crashes on Sunday cost him valuable time on Sunday and while it dropped him a couple of positions in outright honours, it had no effect on the E2 class results.
Josh Green
“Nothing real exciting to report from me on the weekend. I felt I was riding pretty well all weekend, but not quite at the pace that Sanders and Milner were setting. I made a couple of mistakes on Sunday and fell off in two tests but fortunately both myself and the bike were unscathed. But I really liked the course layout and it was good to ride in dirt that offered plenty of traction and a good variety of high and low speed challenges. The team was on point again and we can now look forward to the final rounds in a couple of weekends.”
Josh Green
It was a case of the good and the almost good for Michael Driscoll. Driscoll charged to an impressive third in class (E1) and sixth outright on Saturday as he kept his 250F on song through the day on the sandy course. He wasn’t quite able to recapture the same form on Sunday, dropping one spot to fourth in E1 and ninth in outright honours.
Michael Driscoll
“Saturday was good, and it was like riding the conditions I have around home with soft dirt and plenty of traction. I pushed hard all day and wanted to mix it with Luke and Lyndon as best I could in as many tests as I could. Sunday I was a bit off and didn’t flow as well. I made a few errors out there and cost me some time and just didn’t ride as well as what I did yesterday. I still sit fourth in class and just five points away from a series podium, so I will need a big finish at the final two rounds to get onto the championship podium.”
Michael Driscoll
Yamaha also had success in other classes with Kirk Hutton winning the Masters’ class on both days and also the series win as he now holds a 58 point lead going into the final two rounds. With only 50 points available, the former AORC champ can add another title to his belt after a successful year.
Kirk Hutton
Jess Gardiner continues to lead the Women’s division after an up and down weekend in South Australia. Gardiner won on Saturday but was forced to settle for third place on Sunday in a rare off day. Gardiner still holds a comfortable 20 point lead going into the final weekend of the championship.
Jess Gardiner
The last two rounds of the AORC are set down for September 14 and 15 in Penshurst in Victoria. With class honours and podium positions still up for grabs, Yamaha riders will keep the pressure right until the final test has concluded.
AORC Round 8 – Outright
#
Rider
Time – Total
1
Daniel SANDERS
58:40.514
2
Daniel MILNER
59:30.788
3
Joshua GREEN
1:00:50.038
4
Luke STYKE
1:00:52.231
5
Lyndon SNODGRASS
1:01:00.940
6
Michael DRISCOLL
1:02:17.640
7
Riley GRAHAM
1:02:33.987
8
Fraser HIGLETT
1:02:55.789
9
Andrew WILKSCH
1:02:56.028
10
Jeremy CARPENTIER
1:03:40.107
AORC Round 9 – Outright
#
Rider
Time – Total
1
Daniel SANDERS
1:09:31.089
2
Daniel MILNER
1:10:59.206
3
Luke STYKE
1:12:31.488
4
Lyndon SNODGRASS
1:12:56.788
5
Joshua GREEN
1:13:21.455
6
Fraser HIGLETT
1:13:44.746
7
Jeremy CARPENTIER
1:14:50.294
8
Matthew PHILLIPS
1:14:51.763
9
Michael DRISCOLL
1:15:14.966
10
Andrew WILKSCH
1:15:33.329
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E3 Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Daniel SANDERS
225
2
Andrew WILKSCH
168
3
Jesse LAWTON
162
4
Beau RALSTON
148
5
Matt MURRY
145
E2 Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Daniel MILNER
225
2
Joshua GREEN
198
3
Jeremy CARPENTIER
167
4
Brad HARDAKER
119
5
Harrison TEED
91
E1 Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Luke STYKE
212
2
Lyndon SNODGRASS
196
3
Fraser HIGLETT
181
4
Michael DRISCOLL
176
5
Lachlan ALLAN
137
EJ Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Kyron BACON
215
2
Joshua BRIERLEY
198
3
Korey MCMAHON
181
4
Cooper SHEIDOW
158
5
Nathan HOWE
147
Veterans Standings – Top 10
#
Rider
Total
1
Lee STEPHENS
215
2
Christopher THOMAS
172
3
Jason PEARCE
148
4
Luke ABLITT
127
5
Paul CHADWICK
114
Masters Standings – Top 10
#
Rider
Total
1
Kirk HUTTON
222
2
Peter RUDD
164
3
Craig TREASURE
144
4
Timothy MARTIN
128
5
Ian MCGILLIVRAY
110
Womens Standings – Top 10
#
Rider
Total
1
Jessica GARDINER
217
2
Emma MILESEVIC
192
3
Emelie KARLSSON
186
4
Danielle FOOT
154
5
Ebony NIELSEN
112
Janowski claims Teterow SGP win in Germany
Maciej Janowski launched his bid for a FIM World Speedway Championship medal on Saturday night winning the German FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Teterow.
Janowski, who was without a Grand Prix win in 13 months prior to round seven of the 2019 World Championship, made a jet-propelled start from gate two in the grand final to defeat Polish compatriot Bartosz Zmarzlik, Slovenian favourite Matej Zagar and in-form Dane Niels-Kristian Iversen.
Despite missing the opening round of this year’s series through injury, Janowski is only 11-points short of third placed Emil Sayfutdinov – and stands every chance of picking up his first World Championship medal in Torun, Poland, on October 5.
The 28-year-old Wroclaw star said hard work in the pits from his top team of mechanics inspired his lightning-fast start in the grand final, which ultimately saw him step to the top of the podium.
Maciej Janowski
“This is amazing, it’s always an amazing feeling when you win a Grand Prix. The whole meeting was very tough, we worked very hard during the meeting and I knew the final would be very hard with Bartosz Zmarzlik, Matej Zagar and Niels-Kristian Iversen involved. I felt very good from the start in the final, I made a perfect start and that helped me to win.”
Maciej Janowski – 2019 German FIM Speedway Grand Prix, Teterow
World Championship contender Bartosz Zmarzlik was again in blistering form, registering 16-points on the night to join Leon Madsen at the top of the standings on 85-points with three rounds remaining.
After dropping only three points throughout his five qualifying rides, the Gorzow star finished second to Janowski in semi-final one before repeating that effort in the grand final.
Like Janowski, Zmarzlik paid tribute to his mechanics following round seven, and vowed to maintain his high levels of performance at next weekend’s ECCO Danish FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Vojens.
For Matej Zagar, a podium finish came as a welcome relief following a logistically challenging start to his weekend. A delayed flight forced the GP Challenge winner to start his journey to Teterow on a different plane, before arriving on the stroke of the start of free practice.
He topped the qualifying time sheet, before registering 15 points from his seven rides – placing him five points short of the top eight frame.
Following tonight’s result, Dane Leon Madsen surrendered his position as clear leader at the top of the World Championship standings. The Danish favourite finished behind Janowski and Zmarzlik in semi-final one, and dropped six points to his championship rival.
Elsewhere in the table, title hopefuls Emil Sayfutdinov and Fredrik Lindgren returned with a mixed bag of results from their qualifying rides – scoring 10 and nine points respectively.
But Martin Vaculik endured the most frustrating evening, registering just four points from five qualifying rides as the Slovak star dropped to fifth in the standings and is now 13 points short of the top pair. The series now moves to Vojens, Denmark, for Round 8 on Saturday, September 7.
SGP World Championship Standings
Bartosz Zmarzlik 85
Leon Madsen 85
Emil Sayfutdinov 78
Fredrik Lindgren 72
Martin Vaculik 72
Patryk Dudek 69
Maciej Janowski 67
Artem Laguta 58
Niels-Kristian Iversen 54
Matej Zagar 52
Janusz Kolodziej 50
Jason Doyle 48
Aztorin German SGP Scores
Maciej Janowski 16
Bartosz Zmarzlik 16
Matej Zagar 15
Niels-Kristian Iversen 13
Emil Sayfutdinov 10
Leon Madsen 10
Fredrik Lindgren 9
Patryk Dudek 8
Antonio Lindback 8
Artem Laguta 8
Tai Woffinden 8
Jason Doyle 6
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Australian MXoN Team announced for Assen
Motorcycling Australia have announced the 2019 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) team selected to represent Australia at Assen, in the Netherlands on 28-29 of September. Known as the ‘Olympics of Motocross’, the prestigious event will host 31 teams from around the world.
MXoN 2018
After a tough selection process, the MXoN Australian Team will be proudly represented by Mitch Evans (Honda), Dean Ferris (KTM) and Kyle Webster (Honda), with the trio earning the right to don the green and gold against the best motocross riders on the planet, with the MXstore coming on board as a naming-rights sponsor.
Amid a strong campaign on the elite MXGP circuit, Evans, a Cairns native, is confident the team will be hard to beat.
Mitch Evans
“I’m excited to get out there, represent my country and race the best in the world. I’m looking forward to everyone getting behind us and hopefully we can get a spot on the box because we’ve got a really strong team this year.”
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Germany 2019
Ferris, who is a three-time Australian Motocross champion and recently competed in the U.S, said representing his country was a highlight of his highly successful career.
Dean Ferris
“I’m super excited to be representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations this year in Assen. I’m really looking forward to racing alongside Mitch Evans and Kyle Webster, so it will be great to catch up with the boys.”
Dean Ferris – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
Webster, who was the runner up in the 2019 MX Nationals Motul MX2 class, was shocked when told he’ll be heading to the Netherlands.
Kyle Webster
“Honestly, I’m stoked. I didn’t really expect to be picked for the team, but I’m wrapped to be able to head over to Assen. It’s my first time heading over to the MXoN, so I’m not sure what to really expect. Being the biggest motocross event in the world, I just can’t wait to be a part of it. Without a doubt, it’s the biggest thing in my career for sure, so I’m really excited. It’s awesome to have both Dean [Ferris] and Mitch [Evans] as my teammates.”
Kyle Webster leads Wilson Todd at Coolum
Sultans Of Slide NSW Flat Track Cup classes announced
The question everyone has been asking is, “what classes are running at Sultans Of Slide?” And the answer is, there’s only eight. Four junior classes and four senior classes, and for the most part riders will choose one class, and they will bring one bike.
So you get the advantage of only having one bike to look after for the whole day. And as a bonus, you will get 56 laps of racing. You don’t normally get that even if you bring four bikes and ride multiple classes!
Sultans Of Slide – NSW Flat Track Cup
At each Sultans Of Slide event each class will get seven races, ranging in length from 4 to 15 laps, on two different track layouts, running a point score across the day to determine winners. No finals, no semis. Lots of ride time.
Juniors will choose between 50, 65, 85 and a Junior Lites class. Seniors will choose between an MX250 (2- and 4-strokes together), MX450, and up to 450 clubman class.
Seniors will also be able to cross-enter into the new “Open Multi” class if they have a bike to suit it, or they can ride the Open Multi class by itself if they prefer. They just need a multi-cylinder bike of any capacity, running on suitable wheels and tyres.
There’s only 18 entries per class, so when things up and the Supp regs are released, you will have to get in quick. Riders will also be starting on a grid with three rows. And sometimes there’ll be reverse grid races, just to mess with you.
With the classes now confirmed, stay tuned for details on when entries will open, exciting new partnerships and in excess of $10,000 plus a host of prizes.
2019 Sultans of Slide Classes JUNIORS (riders to choose one class only)
50cc Div 2 (7 to under 9)
65cc (8 to under 11)
85cc 2t & 150cc 4t (10 to under 14)
JUNIOR LITES up to 150cc 2t & 250cc 4t (13 to under 16)
SENIORS (riders to choose one class only, unless riding in Open Multi, which may be entered in addition to any other class)
Clubman (MX Frame Up to 450cc 4T)
MX 250 (2 or 4 stroke up to 250cc)
MX 450 (4T 450cc or 2T 350cc)
Open Multi (Multi cylinder any capacity)
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Australian Supercross Qld & Vic Coaching Days
Amateur and professional Supercross riders will have the chance to take part in several Supercross coaching and training days starting next week in both Victoria and Queensland.
Krusics Ride Park – Victoria
Kicking off next weekend (September 7-8) at Krusics Ride Park in Victoria, the venue will open the gates to their private Supercross tracks allowing riders of all skill levels the opportunity to attempt Supercross for the first time, or hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship season.
Krusics Ride Park – Victoria
Krusics has two tracks on offer, one for intermediate riders with tamed down jumps and tabletops and another full-blown pro-level track, both professionally prepared for the weekend. Saturday will be dedicated to training on the intermediate track with Sunday’s riding focussed on the pro track.
Ex-professional Supercross athlete Cameron Taylor (Y-AIM) will be offering tutelage to all skill levels over the weekend and on both tracks, to ensure there’s the opportunity to learn regardless of current skill level. Taylor says the opportunity for riders to access an intermediate track, learn Supercross skills and build confidence before progressing to the full-scale track all in one weekend, is the perfect way to make the transition from Motocross to Supercross.
Cameron Taylor
“This is the first time in Australian Supercross history that I’m aware of, that riders have been given the opportunity to learn Supercross in a safe and controlled environment, by starting on a scaled-down track, positioned right next to a full-scale professional one. This will really give us the chance to ensure riders are feeling comfortable before transitioning to Supercross. There’s no better feeling than racing on a Supercross track in front of thousands of people. I really look forward to sharing my experiences with riders, to help them build their confidence and hopefully lead them to a career in Supercross racing in the future, or simply help them prepare for this year’s Australian Supercross Championship.”
Cameron Taylor
Practice Day costs are $100 p/day and riders are required to have an AMA licence. Click here to join secure.motocross.asn.au/join-motocross (link). For coaching enquiries and bookings, contact Cam Taylor on 0417 332 457 or email [email protected].
For riders in the South East Queensland region, Nathan Crawford (00 Standards Elite Rider Training) is holding a coaching and endorsement clinic also on Saturday September 7, on a private Supercross track near Toowoomba. For more details call or message Nathan on 0401 812 125.
00 Standars Elite Rider Training Facility – Toowoomba – Queensland
Practice day costs are $220 p/day and riders will need SX suspension and previous riding experience.
Increasing access to practice tracks and professional Supercross coaching has been a major focus for the revamped Australian Supercross Championship and series organisers say this is a crucial step towards the overall goal of increased participation and the development of young riders in the future.
Adam Bailey
“Access to safe practice facilities and professional coaching has been the number one limiting factor for Australian Supercross riders and their development, for as long as I can remember. In the past, riders that do not have their own private track and property or access to one, have often either tried to compete underprepared or just decided not to take the risk to do Supercross competition. We’re committed to making that transition to competing in the Australian Supercross Championship, more accessible and safer, for all Aussie riders now and into the future.”
Both coaches will be able available for Motorcycling Australia Supercross Endorsements over the weekend. More information on other locations including more tracks in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales will be announced in the near future.
00 Standards Elite Rider Training Facility open for coaching and endorsement September 7.
Where: Toowoomba (Kaleb Barham personal track) *Further details via upon request.
When: 7th September 9am – 4pm
Cost: $220 p/day
Book now: 0401 812 125
*Riders will need SX suspension and previous riding experience.
*All other Ride Park Rules & Regulations apply.
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KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open events
The KTM Junior Supercross initiative will once again take centre-stage at the high-profile 2019 S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, set to be contested in Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia this November.
KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open in 2019
KTM Junior Supercross provides the opportunity of a lifetime for an incredibly fortunate group of youthful racers and their families. There will be 10 positions available for the S-X Open event to be held at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland on 16 November, while 20 places will be available for the AUS-X Open Melbourne event on 30 November for the first time ever.
Successful applicants will be treated to a full factory VIP experience, including a KTM 50 SX built by factory technicians to ride during the event. A KTM gift pack provided to each young rider will feature a full set of riding gear to keep, plus trophies will be awarded to podium finishers.
Aside from extensive off-track activities and enjoyment that will include mentorship from KTM’s professional racers and a special rider signing where kids can meet their heroes, the KTM Junior Supercross entrants will take a dedicated track walk, two practice sessions and a fun-filled exhibition event during the S-X Open program.
Entry criteria will apply, with both events open to KTM customers only with 12 months of racing results being taken into consideration. Every applicant’s latest school report card, weight and height requirements must also be met. Registrations for the 2019 KTM Junior Supercross events are open now, exclusively at www.ridektm.com.au (link).
KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open in 2019
Jeff Leisk – General Manager KTM Australia
“To be involved in the sport at this level, young aspiring riders and their parents, will certainly enjoy the KTM Junior Supercross experience. We aim to make them virtually feel like factory riders for the event, to give them that experience on a real supercross track in front of huge crowds. It’s an incredible opportunity and inspires riders to go onto bigger things in the sport, much like Ryan Dungey and others who at one stage took part in the challenge. It’s a really inspirational experience and these events are genuinely world-class, so it’s a pleasure to continue our relationship with the event organisers, AME Management, because we really love what they are doing for supercross in the region. The fact that they even consider the KTM Junior Supercross to be one of the highlights of their events just goes to show that they have the right vision that’s inclusive of tomorrow’s superstars and, from my own perspective, I know what it was like to be a young kid and an aspiring racer. So, while I never got to do anything like this, I know how impressionable you are at that age and that’s why it’s really special to be involved and to be providing families with this type of opportunity.”
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Mitchell Harrison to Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
Team Bud Racing Kawasaki have confirmed Mitchell Harrison for the 2020 MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship, after joining the team in April and starting to score regularly with top ten results since Germany.
Mitchell Harrison to remain with Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
Dedicated to his sport, the 21 years old American rider is currently seventeenth in the series and with a few more months of European experience will be a strong contender when the 2020 World Championship kicks off in of February 2020. He will also race the French Elite series.
Mitchell Harrison
“It’s been an amazing experience racing here, I came over here in April not knowing what to expect and the Bud Racing Team treated me like a family member and it’s cool to have another year with them and a chance to fill in on the podium with them, so very exited! Next year I will know most of the tracks and I will be more adapted to the bike, we already work on that between the races but now we’ll have a full winter to do that. The racing is amazing here, the tracks are unique, different than in the US but I like that.”
Mitchell Harrison
For team owner Stephane Dassé, giving another chance to Mitchell was one of his goal as everyone in the team enjoy working with him.
Stephane Dassé – Team Owner
“We’re happy to work with him next season, he came late in Europe and had to discover everything. He improves a lot through the season, has a good mentality and we think that after a good preparation during winter and some more European experience he will be able to get strong results. We’re happy to enter again the MX2 World Championship with him, and he will have two top level young team mates to compete and fight in front of the European EMX 250 & EMX 125 series and French championship; who will be announced very soon.”
Josh Hill to join CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team
Former AMA Supercross race winner, factory rider and freeride pioneer Josh Hill, will travel down under to contest the final three rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, commencing November 9.
Hill will join Dan Reardon and Luke Clout on the team with his first engagement being round three of the of the Australian Supercross Championship in Wollongong.
Josh Hill, Alta electric motorcycle
Hill will be working double time at Wollongong as he not only chases success in the SX1 final alongside competing the ‘Speed and Style’ event where he can combine his world class speed with his aerial acrobatics against names like Cam Sinclair and a host of others in a spectacular night of action.
Then its onto rounds four and five of the championship where Hill will really be put to the test at the S-X Open in Auckland and in the final round, the Aus-X Open at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Josh Hill
“I cant wait to get down to Australia and line up at the final three rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship. I have always wanted to return to Australia after racing there a few years ago and when the opportunity came about through CDR Yamaha, Monster Energy and Fox Racing, I had to make it happen. And this isn’t a holiday for me as I know the level of racing in Australia is high and it’s my goal to come down there and bring home plenty of prizemoney with me. I have been working hard to get myself in shape and ready to go come November 9 at Wollongong. I’m still competitive and would like nothing more than to kick a little ass down there and beat not only the Aussies but also the other international riders competing.”
Josh Hill
The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team will be bursting at the seems at the final three rounds with a star studded line up of the two best domestic supercross racers in Dan Reardon and Luke Clout and now with Josh Hill confirmed for the final three rounds, making for a huge month for team owner Craig Dack.
Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team Owner
“Having Josh Hill join us for the final three rounds is a real coupe for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team as he is not only one of the most popular riders in the world but still fast and talented enough to make the championship exciting. His alignment with Yamaha in the US, Monster Energy and Fox Racing makes it a simple transition into the team and I’m sure he will be on the pace when the gates drop at round three. He has been super easy to deal with and his enthusiasm to come to Australia and race with us is over flowing down the phone with every conversation. Having Dan and Luke as the main stays of our team and the X factor in Josh Hill gives us a very strong team for this years Supercross Championship. All three riders will be mounted on the new 2020 YZ450F and our preparations have already begun. We look forward to a great championship and working with three talented and skilled riders.”
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack
The five round Australian Supercross Championship starts on October 12 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
2019 ASX Calendar
Round 1 – October 12 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre (QLD)
Round 2 – October 19 – Gillman Speedway (SA)
Round 3 – November 9 – Wollongong (NSW)
Round 4 – November 16- Mt Smart Stadium Auckland (NZ / S-X Open Auckland)
Round 5 – November 30- Marvel Stadium Melbourne (VIC / AUS-X Open Melbourne)
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Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
Yamaha Motor Europehave announced that Hutten Metaal Yamaha will operate as the official Yamaha EMX250 team for the next three years through 2023. The team based in Beerzerveld, The Netherlands, have already established themselves inside the MXGP and EMX250 paddocks as a Yamaha supported team this year.
Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
Heading into 2020, Hutten Metaal Yamaha will focus solely on the European EMX250 Championship as the official EMX250 team with riders Thibault Benistant, Raivo Dankers and Gianluca Facchetti, equipped with Yamaha’s GYTR kitted YZ250F machines.
Between the three riders that will make up the Hutten Metaal Yamaha EMX250 team in 2020, there are two Junior Motocross World Champions and an EMX125 Champion. Raivo Dankers was the Junior 85cc World Champion back in 2015, Gianluca Facchetti was the Junior 125cc World Champion in 2017, while Thibault Benistant was the first Official Yamaha rider to claim the coveted EMX125 crown onboard a GYTR kitted YZ125 back in 2018.
Yamaha Motor Europe also thanked the SDM Corse Yamaha team for their efforts over the past few years. The SDM Corse Yamaha team will remain inside the Yamaha family for the 2020 season, receiving support for an EMX250 rider and Ruben Fernandez who will contest the 2020 MX2 World Championship.
Empire Kawasaki announce 2019 Australian SX line-up
Empire Kawasaki are fuelled-up and ready to launch into the 2019 Australia Supercross Championship season, and have announced they will run a team of three riders across the two classes, with two SX1 riders on 2020 Kawasaki KX450 and one SX2 Rider on the 2020 Kawasaki KX250.
Dylan Long will ride the new 2020 Kawasaki KX450
Dylan Long and Lawson Bopping will be piloting the SX1 machinery, while in SX2 American Supercross specialist Bradley Taft joins the team.
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Marking the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship halfway point, the Southwick National visited The Wick 338 sand track, with Marvin Musquin carrying the momentum following his first overall win of the season the previous weekend in Florida. He kept it going at the sandbox with an impressive performance that saw him become the first rider this season to capture back-to-back victory.
Southwick AMA Pro Motocross
The win also vaulted the Frenchman up to second in the 450 Class standings, where he’ll look to keep chipping away at his deficit to Eli Tomac over the second half of the summer.
Marvin Musquin 1-2
“Qualifying first meant a whole lot coming into the races today. I was so pumped to grab the holeshot in the first moto! It was a long moto, when you lead like that the whole time it feels like forever but it was super important to win that one because everyone was right there. I didn’t get the same start in the second moto but I worked my way through to second and it was good for the overall. It was tough out there physically, but we stayed consistent and came away with the overall.”
2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
Dean Ferris was happy to fight his way to a top ten result in Moto 1 from a poor start, while a crash in Moto 2 saw him finish just outside the top 10 in 12th, for eighth overall.
Dean Ferris 8-12
“I had a terrible start in moto one and had put in a really big fight. I am quite happy with the moto and wasn’t too far behind some really big guys. In moto two, I ended up going down and it was really physically demanding. I’m glad it’s over and we can focus on the next race.”
Dean Ferris – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
Roczen showed impressive speed in the early going of both motos at Southwick, setting quick lap times and making strong passes, only for his physical limitations to then thwart his progress and see him overtaken by several competitors, with a 12-10 result netting ninth overall.
Ken Roczen
“I was coming into Southwick fairly excited, though struggling a little bit recovering from last weekend’s race. Still, I came in with full motivation and a new fork setting that unfortunately didn’t work out very well for me in the first moto. On top of that, I could’ve recovered a little better from the weekend before, but I knew that I went out there and gave my best. For sure it wasn’t what we were looking for, but we’re going to continue working hard on the bike and I’m going to continue working on myself to get back in top shape and get back to winning races. For now I have to take it as it is, but I’m going to keep my head up and hope for a much, much better result from RedBud. I’m going to do everything I can throughout the week to prepare myself and get back to the very top. Other than that, there’s not much to say about my result besides we’re not very happy with it and are looking to turn it around next weekend.”
Ken Roczen – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
In the 250 Class, Adam Cianciarulo was in search of a rebound after his four-round winning streak was snapped in Florida. The championship leader rose to the occasion in Southwick, and emerged with his fifth win in six races to extend his lead in the championship standings.
Adam Cianciarulo 1-2
“I try to make good decisions [when I’m out there]. The more I mature as a racer, the more you just learn [how to handle situations]. I managed that [second moto], for sure. I’m not sure if I had Dylan’s pace in that [second] moto. He deserved that one. I tried to follow, but I’ll admit, I was a little bit fatigued. We still leave here with another win, and it’s amazing what we continue to accomplish as a team.”
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (1-2)
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (3-1)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (2-3)
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (4-4)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (7-5)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-6)
Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Honda (5-7)
Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha (8-12)
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (12-10)
John Short, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda (15-9)
450 Class Championship Standings
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 257
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 231
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 229
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 227
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 212
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 202
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 159
Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 136
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 131
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 117
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (1-2)
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (3-1)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (2-3)
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (4-4)
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (6-7)
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (10-5)
Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (7-8)
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (5-11)
Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, KTM (11-6)
Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Yamaha (12-9)
250 Class Championship Standings
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 269
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 246
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 232
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 178
Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 167
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 165
Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 162
Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 148
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 143
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 108
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Jared Mees tops 2019 Lima Half Mile
AFT Twins images courtesy of Scott Hunter
Defending multi-time Champion Jared Mees claimed the AFT Twins Lima Half-Mile over the weekend at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, in what was arguably the most thrilling of the 2019 American Flat Track season and one with massive championship implications – both factors working decidedly in Mees’ favor.
Jared Mees – Lima Half Mile 2019
The opening several laps featured an intense head-to-head showdown that pit Mees up against championship leader Briar Bauman. That duel was cut short by a red flag on lap 7, which altered the complexion of the Main dramatically.
Mees got a stellar jump at the restart, while Bauman was sucked into a battle for second with Jeffrey Carver Jr., Henry Wiles, and rookie Brandon Price. Bauman’s luck only got worse from there, as his rear tire came clean off the rim on lap 10. That unusual mishap put an end to his perfect season’s podium streak while instantly eliminating the bulk of his hard-earned championship padding.
Following Bauman’s exit, Carver ate up the gap to Mees, and the two then engaged in their own wild shootout for the lead. Running divergent lines, Mees and Carver proceeded to trade the position back and forth multiple times per corner for several laps in succession.
Carver attempted to square up the final turn but Mees powered neatly around the outside line, beating his opponent to the checkered flag by 0.199 seconds. Wiles came home third another 0.668 seconds in arrears.
Combined with Briar Bauman’s DNF and Brandon Robinson failing to make the Main 1 event after cashing in his only provisional start of the season, Mees’ triumph elevated him to second in the standings, a mere 13 points back of Bauman (145-132).
Jared Mees
“When you’re battling up in the cushion like that, it wears you out twice as fast. You’re wrestling the bike, and the bike’s jumping around. Hats off to Jeffrey; I work out so hard, and I didn’t have nothing left — I was done. I just want to give a big shout out to Jeffrey [Carver, Jr.] and Henry [Wiles] for a hellacious, awesome race.”
Jared Mees – Lima Half Mile 2019
2019 American Flat Track – Lima Half Mile Main Event
Jared Mees 25 Laps (winner)
Jeffrey Carver Jr. +0.199
Henry Wiles +0.867
Brandon Price +4.487
Bronson Bauman +10.639
Robert Pearson +11.127
Bryan Smith +11.715
Davis Fisher +15.156
Stephen Vanderkuur +17.956
JD Beach +18.463
2019 American Flat Track Point Standings – AFT Twins
Briar Bauman – 145
Jared Mees – 132
Brandon Robinson – 108
Bronson Bauman – 101
Henry Wiles – 96
Jeffrey Carver Jr. – 90
Jarod Vanderkooi – 85
Robert Pearson – 78
Jake Johnson – 75
Sammy Halbert – 74
AFT Singles
For the second consecutive year at the Allen County Fairgrounds, Shayna Texter was simply unstoppable in the Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Main Event.
Shayna Texter – Lima Half Mile 2019
After dominating the program in the lead-up to the Main, Texter found herself shuffled down to fourth as she fishtailed off the line. Undeterred, Texter put on a flat track masterclass as she propelled her way forward.
Shayna Texter
“My Red Bull KTM backed by Roof Systems motorcycle was just working so good. I couldn’t figure out how I won this race last year. I sat around for 365 days and thought, ‘Man, how did I win Lima?’ So, to win it twice is incredible. It’s a dream come true.”
Max Whale had a rough day but finished 13th in the Main event.
Max Whale
“Struggled all day on my A bike. Switched to the back up bike and was happy to make the main. Tried my hardest and all I could salvage was a 13th. Happy to still be running eighth in the championship. Keep moving forward!”
2019 American Flat Track – Lima Half Mile Singles Main Event
Shayna Texter 15 Laps (winners)
Dan Bromley +2.570
Chad Cose +4.693
Mikey Rush +4.915
Ryan Wells +5.098 …13. Max Whale
AFT Singles Podium – 1) Shayna Texter, 2) Dan Bromley, 3) Chad Cose – Lima Half Mile 2019
2019 American Flat Track Point Standings – AFT Singles
Mikey Rush 156
Dalton Gauthier 144
Dan Bromley 134
Jesse Janisch 129
Ryan Wells 105
AFT Production Twins
Chad Cose earned his first-career American Flat Track victory following a race-long scrap with runaway AFT Production Twins title leader Cory Texter. Texter entered Lima with a perfect three-for-three wins record on the season and threatened to make it four-for-four by storming to the holeshot and opening an immediate gap.
However, Cose exploited the high line to perfection for the short time it existed and managed to steal away the lead while the contest was still in its early stages. Texter reclaimed the advantage for a single straight at mid-distance, but Cose pounced in the very next corner to counter. Texter then hounded his rival to the flag but was never able to find another hole in Cose’s defense.
Cose’s maiden win comes after more than a decade on the scene and after finishing the 2018 season ranked sixth overall in the premier AFT Twins class with a podium to his name.
Chad Cose
“I’m so happy for my team. It feels good for me, and I knew I was capable all along. But it’s tough. Nobody sees the behind-the-scenes stuff and everything like that. I’m so happy for my team — they work so hard for me.”
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Toni Bou wins Belgium TrialGP Round 5
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Team) has secured another victory in the 2019 TrialGP championship to further extend his lead at Round 5 in Comblain-au-Pont, Belgium. Hot conditions proved a challenge to competitors, with constant refreshment required while the two fiften section laps were complete.
Toni Bou – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019
Proving strong competition throughout the day was Jeroni Fajardo, with Bou taking the lead in the final section of the last lap to claim the win. This is Toni Bou’s fifth victory of the season, with a 19-point lead that seen him on the top step of the podium since Andora last year.
Teammate Takahisa Fujinami came in fourth, narrowly missing the podium, and holds the same position in the standings.
Toni Bou – P1
“Today was a very tough race. It was very easy to fail but very difficult to recover. On the first lap we had Fajardo ahead who had a great trial, but on the second I was able to come back and put up with the pressure well. I was able to take the win in the final section in front of the spectators, which was very nice. Looking ahead to the championship, today has been a very important day to take things one step further. Congratulates also to Fujinami, who today also had a great ride opening the track.”
Toni Bou – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019
Belgium TrialGP Result
BOU Toni – Repsol Honda Team
FAJARDO Jeroni – Gas Gas
RAGA Adam – TRRS Factory Team
FUJINAMI Takahisa – Repsol Honda Team
BUSTO Jaime – Vertigo Factory Team
Toni Bou topped the podium from Fajardo and Raga – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019
TrialGP Standings following Belgium
BOU Toni – 100 points
RAGA Adam – 67
FAJARDO Jeroni – 67
FUJINAMI Takahisa – 66
BUSTO Jaime – 51
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Australian ISDE Team update & controversy
The November 2019 FIM International Six Days’ Enduro (ISDE) inches ever closer, as Team Australia gets set to head to Portugal to defend their title, and Motorcycling Australia announce an update to the team line-up.
With Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and his fiancé expecting their first child in October, Milner opted to not risk missing the birth and as a result he won’t defend his personal and team title in 2019.
Daniel Milner
“My fiancé and I are super excited to announce that we are expecting Baby Milner in October! We can’t wait for parenthood and what the rest of this year has to bring! Unfortunately, my commitments to my family mean I have withdrawn from the RecoveR8 Australian ISDE Team. Sadly, I will be unable to defend my individual and team title.”
Daniel Milner at the ISDE in 2018
Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Fraser Higlett will step in the RecoveR8 Australian World Trophy Team, returning to the team after a strong performance at the 2018 ISDE, in Chile, where he finished ninth in the E1 class and 38th overall.
Fraser Higlett
“This has been a unexpected but super positive surprise! I’m really honoured to be returning to the ISDE for a second year and representing my country. 2018 marked my first year in the team, and I learnt a lot which I’ll take into Portugal to help defend our title.”
Fraser Higlett – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
There was some controversy over why 2018 competitor Josh Strang hadn’t been picked for the team with Strang sharing he missed initial selection due to the level of support it was believed he would receive and the reliability of his machine. He then shared that he was asked to fill in for Milner, but declined the position while congratulating Milner on his expectant fatherhood.
Josh Strang (on FB)
“Figured I could answer a few questions about ISDE now everything has all been settled. First off – I missed selection in the first pick due to the support I was able to receive or what the selectors presumed I would receive and the reliability of my machine. This made me even more upset about the choice that was made. Now this week I was asked to fill in again after [Daniel Milner] @milner_31 withdrew but it has been two months so I have made plans and I wasn’t chosen in the first place so why should I go now. I wish all the boys luck and I hope next year when I put my hand up I will be chosen the first time around. I’m an Aussie so you gotta put your 2-cents in when the time is right. Pumped for Milner, you don’t wanna miss the first few weeks with your kid mate! At least the rentals will be safe this year!”
Josh Strang joined Kawasaki for 2019 with the Babbit’s Kawasaki Racing Team
2019 RecoveR8 Australian World Trophy Team:
Joshua Green
Fraser Higlett
Daniel Sanders
Luke Styke
2019 RecoveR8 Australian Women’s World Trophy Team:
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
2019 RecoveR8 Australian Junior World Trophy Team:
Michael Driscoll
Wil Ruprecht
Lyndon Snodgrass
Team Manager:
Don Atkins
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Jorge Prado signs with Red Bull KTM until 2023
Defending MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado has confirmed he’ll remain with the Red Bull KTM in the MXGP Championship until 2023, with a contract extension made in Germany.
Jorge Prado
“KTM have supported me since I started racing and winning my first world title in the 65s. They offered me a great opportunity for MXGP because if I win this year then I’ll need to be on a 450 and so this all came together very easily. I’m very happy to stay another four years and we’re both excited about it. Since I joined this team and worked with Claudio [De Carli] I’ve really felt that my place was to stay here and learn. He has a lot of experience and I’m sure we’ll make a good pass to the 450s. I have a great team behind me and it is difficult to find a better place than where I am right now.”
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Latvia 2019
18-year-old Prado took his first GP podium in 2016 in Assen and by 2018 was MX2 world championship, while 2019 has seen him on track for another win having claimed nine round victories from the ten he’s contested, with 14 holeshots to boot.
He currently holds a 44-point lead in the standings and is aiming for back to back championships, which would put him in the history books alongside Marvin Musquin and Jeffrey Herlings.
Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM MXGP Team Manager
“In our sport we can never take anything taken for granted, so it is always satisfying when renewals like this happen and we can continue our journey. It is the sign that we are working in the right direction and the continuity in relationships means that the group is solid and close-knit. With Jorge I have had again the chance to help a young rider, which has always been one of my priorities, and I thank KTM for this. In the last two years I can only say that with Jorge we have always worked with the utmost commitment and with a smile, even in difficult times. He is a fantastic boy that deserves all his success.”
Jorge Prado and Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM MXGP Team Manager
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Tommy Searle joins KRT for MXGP
Tommy Searle will join the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team for the remainder of the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship, with both factory riders injured. BOS GP agreed to allow Searle to move from their team to the Factory team, starting with the Czech Republic round in July.
Searle currently leads the British Championship and will undergo several testing sessions on the Factory machine before competing.
Tommy Searle
“I’m obviously very happy to have this opportunity to ride for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team and I want to thank everyone involved for their support. I will work hard with them in the coming weeks to be ready and prepared for the Czech GP, and will also do my best in the British series to claimed this title for Kawasaki and BOS who gave me this opportunity this season.”
Tommy Searle – MXGP of Portugal
François Lemariey – Monster Energy KRT Team manager
“It’s great to see that all the parties involved made this possible, as we need to line up our Factory bike behind the gate as soon as possible again after the injuries to Clément and Julien. Julien underwent successful surgery last Monday to his arm; he is now recovering as well as Clément but we know that both will need time before getting back to racing. Tommy did most of his GP career with Kawasaki and we are pleased to welcome him in the team; several testing sessions are already planned so we can prepare together in good shape at the MXGP of Czech Republic. It was impossible to fly to Indonesia as the crates had to be delivered earlier his week, and we want Tommy to test the bike thoroughly before racing the GPs with us. ”
DPH Husqvarna leads MX Nationals to Round 7
Following a strong start to the second half of the 2019 MX Nationals season, the DPH Husqvarna Factory Racing Team head to Round 7 in Maitland with both the MX1 and MX2 leads, with Todd Waters and Wilson Todd. Teammate Bailey Malkiewicz also holds seventh in the MX2 standings.
Todd Waters
Boyd Hocking – DPH Husqvarna team manager
“I’m really happy with how things came together [at Round 6]. With all three racers being full of confidence after the break in the season, we all felt it would be a strong weekend but to finish the weekend leading both championships is unbelievable. With four rounds over three weekends still to go, a lot can happen, but we’re in a good position. Toddy (Todd Waters) and Wilbur (Wilson Todd), they continue to show that they are in it to win, and they’re the benchmark riders in their classes. When things don’t go exactly to plan, they consolidate, work hard and make it a positive result, and when it does go to plan, they cross the line first. I can’t wait for round seven!”
Wilson Todd
The seventh round of the MX Nationals is scheduled for Maitland, NSW on July 14.
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Fly Racing sponsors 2019 Australian Supercross Rounds 1-3
Fly Racing Australia has come on board with the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship as a major partner, coverings Rounds 1, 2 and 3 which well be held in Brisbane (Oct 12), Port Adelaide (Oct 19) and Wollongong (Novemer 9) respectively.
Australian Supercross Championship
The partnership was announced by Troy Bayliss with Fly Racing the naming sponsor for Round 2 at Gillman Speedway in Port Adelaide.
Troy Bayliss
“We are pleased to welcome Fly Racing’s partnership with Round 1,2 and 3 of the Australian Supercross Championships, Fly Racing has been a big supporter of Supercross athletes and teams around the world and it’s exciting to see that support expand to Supercross events here in Australia.”
Penrite Honda’s Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe in 2018
McLeod Accessories’ Brand Manager and Race Support Duncan Hale was also excited with the partnership, with Fly Racing currently supporting the Penrite Honda Racing team which returns in 2019 with the same team as 2018, including Justin Braytin and Brett Metcalfe.
Duncan Hale
“McLeod Accessories and Fly Racing are honoured to commence our partnership with Troy Bayliss Events and the Australian Supercross Championship for 2019. Our constant goal at McLeod Accessories and Fly Racing is to always provide the highest quality service to our dealers and the very best products to their customers. McLeod’s and FLY have a strong passion for the Local Motorcycle industry, and this is a great way to demonstrate our long term commitment to the growth of the sport in Australia. Troy Bayliss Events vision for the long-term health and growth of Australian Supercross is shared by McLeod Accessories. That like-minded thinking, coupled with the entire organization’s passion for the sport, made them an ideal partner for the Fly Racing brand. The 2019 Australian Supercross Championship is a great opportunity for us to showcase the all new mind blowing 2020 Fly Racewear, both on and off the track.”
Justin Brayton – Australian Supercross 2018
The Australian Supercross Championship is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
Australian Supercross Championship Ticket Sales
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Joeys reach 2019 FIM Team Speedway U21 final
Team Australia, consisting of Captain Jaimon Lidsey and team members Jordan Stewart, Kye Thomson, Zac Cooke and Matthew “Happy” Gilmore, fought tooth and nail in Vetlanda, Sweden to successfully secure their place in the FIM Team Speedway U21 World Championship final.
The Joeys were runner up at the recent Swedish round, claiming a place in the final – Image by Ian Charles
Clocking up a total of 40 points overall, the Joeys finished just behind the evening’s victor, Denmark, on 50 points. Team Captain, Lidsey, shone all evening to score the greatest sum of points for Team Australia, with 17 points. Happy Gilmore and Stewart followed on the success from Lidsey with 10 and nine points for the night, respectively.
Jaimon Lidsey
“A great result for Team Australia, in our semi-final and scoring enough points to secure a spot in the final in Manchester on the 12th of July. We’re absolutely pumped!”
Australia’s Joeys now head to Manchester, UK for the Final on Friday 12th July. Lidsey is set to be right at home come July, with the Final kicking off at his SGB Premiership home track in Manchester. Team Australia will now go head to head with 11-time FIM Team Speedway U21 World Champions, Poland, as well as Denmark and Great Britain, who finished second and third in the 2018 edition of the World Championship.
2019 Team Australia MXoN applications open!
2019 will see Assen, the Netherlands play host to the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN), kicking off on September 28 and Motorcycling Australia has just opened applications to join Team Australia.
MXoN 2018
The 2018 MXoN saw Team Australia finish in fourth overall behind France, the Netherlands and Great Britain, while 2019 will see Australia return stronger than ever and eager to reach the podium.
There are three classes available for riders to nominate for including MX1, MX2 and Open. Riders can nominate for more than one class and applications must be submitted by no later than COB Friday 26th July, with selected team members away for approximately seven days, with final details to be confirmed at a later date.
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Mount Kembla motocross fatality
In a tragic turn of events, experienced motocross rider 51-year-old Neville Turner has passed away following a collision with a tree on Sunday during a social ride on the practice track, at the Mt Kembla dirt bike complex.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe.com has been started to support Mr. Turner’s wife and family. You can find the GoFundMe page here:
Youthstream have announced the entry list for the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, and 65cc World Cup, which will be held in Pietramurata, Trentino on July 13-14.
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup
The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship includes the 125cc and 85cc two stroke categories plus the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup featuring young talents coming from all over the world competing not only for their national flag but to be crowned World Champions or World Cup winner.
Moto News Wrap for February 4, 2019 by Darren Smart
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Moto News Latest
Great night for Kawasaki at San Diego AMA SX
French riders continue to dominate UK Arenacross
Cairoli and Prado continue top form at Ottobiano
Raga beats Bou at Barcelona X-Trial
Cooper and Harwood storm Taranaki
Nathan Watson claims French Beach Race title at Enduropale du Touquet
Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
Yamaha bLU cRU backs 2019 A4DE
Toowoomba to host opening round of AORC
Mountain Man just a few week’s away
King of MX receives manufacture’s backing
2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing increases USA contingency program
Jeffrey Herlings injury update
Italy disqualified from 2018 MXoN
Great night for Kawasaki at San Diego AMA SX
Kawasaki riders Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo have won the 450SX and 250SX main events respectively in sloppy conditions at round five of the AMA Supercross Championships which was held in San Diego last weekend.
Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo dominated the San Diego AMA SX round – Image by Hoppenworld
450SX Report
San Diego was soaked with unseasonal rain all week as well as on race night so the main event was shortened to just 15 minutes and on a completely water logged circuit Tomac survived the treacherous conditions to not only score his first win of the season, he became the fourth Red Plate holder for the 2019 season.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin played it safe all race to steadily climb up to second place over Ken Roczen on the very last lap and now sits just tied with Roczen in second place, just four points back from Tomac.
Eli Tomac
“Today was kind of wild with the conditions, we weren’t on the normal dirt but overall it was the direction we wanted to go, qualifying good, getting better starts to put ourselves in the right position but when the rain stopped the mud got thicker so the bike got heavy and each section was sketchy, it had to stop to make sure a track marker didn’t get sucked into my rear wheel and then had to stop to clear my goggles on the last lap so it was the hardest by far.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin
“It was a tough day, in the heat race I don’t know what happened but I almost did a 180 off the start but managed to get back to third then in the main I just tried to get a decent start but I didn’t so I was pretty far back, my helmet was heavy, my goggles were full of mud so I almost pulled my goggles off on the first lap but I didn’t which is awesome because it saved me and the roll-off worked out so towards the end, I had no idea where I was (placing wise) so I just kept on passing but you couldn’t attack or you could make a mistake, I got by Bogle, then I saw Kenny and got around him then when we crossed the line I looked at the board and I was in second.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Ken Roczen
“I thought I was in third, then I got passed my Marvin with one turn to go which wasn’t that happy about, I made some changes this week and we made some improvements on the starts which really paid off because today the tarts were really important, I got a super-good holeshot (in the main) but sure enough, I threw it away and went back to fourth of fifth then ended up third, for the championship we are only four points behind and it’s super tight so for my mind the season doesn’t really start until around round 10 and to somewhere near the front is good and I am just picking my battles right now, I just want to get out of the West Coast because it has been a long time since I accomplished that.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
It was mayhem all race causing Justin Barcia’s Yamaha to fail while Justin Bogle was unlucky not to land on the podium but the fill-in KTM rider managed fourth place ahead of Chad Reed, Aaron Plessinger, Joey Savatgy, and Cooper Webb who went over the handlebars while taking evasive action when Musquin momentarily stalled between two muddy jumps.
Chad Reed – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Webb lost the red plate in San Diego but remains in contention for the championship to sit in 4th, just eight points behind Tomac.
As for Reed, the veteran finally cracked the top five and has moved into ninth in the championship, just 15 points behind fifth placed Blake Baggett.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
450 Main Event Results
Eli Tomac
Marvin Musquin
Ken Roczen
Justin Bogle
Chad Reed
Aaron Plessinger
Joey Savatgy
Cooper Webb
Blake Baggett
Tyler Bowers
Vince Friese
Dean Wilson
Cole Martinez
Cole Seely
Ben Lamay
Carlen Gardner
Kyle Chisholm
Theodore Pauli
Cade Autenrieth
Alex Ray
Justin Barcia
Heath Harrison
450 Main Event podium – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
450SX Points after Round 5 of 17
Eli Tomac – 106
Marvin Musquin – 102
Ken Roczen – 102
Cooper Webb – 98
Blake Baggett – 80
Dean Wilson – 80
Justin Barcia – 74
Aaron Plessinger – 66
Chad Reed – 65
Cole Seely – 65
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250SX Report
There was only one rider on the track in the 250SX main that looked remotely comfortable in the slippery conditions and it was Cianciarulo who led from go-to-woe to not only convincingly take the win but the Kawasaki rider has moved into the championship lead after his closest rivals faltered.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Cianciarulo’s teammate Garrett Marchbanks rode well to finish second ahead of Jimmy Decotis while championship contenders Shane McElrath, Dylan Ferrandis and Colt Nichols finished 4th, 7th and 10th respectively.
Cianciarulo now holds an eight point lead in the championship over McElrath while Nichols is 10 points back and Ferrandis 12 as the 250SX West riders head into a three week break.
Adam Cianciarulo
“It is good going into the break with my mind at ease but when you have a stressful day like this with all of the unknowns and things that can happen out of your control it is tough but I felt better than usual so now happy to build on this.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Garrett Marchbanks
“It’s been a big learning curve riding with these guys and I have been working on my starts and my speed so to end up here in second is beyond where I thought we would be when the day got started. My dad and I use to flood a little turn track at our place which made me a pretty good mud rider.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
James Decotis
“I didn’t know I got third, I thought I got another fourth place, I am over fourth place, then I was told I got third, I was trying to stay up, my little legs I was dabbling and struggling so I just stood up, hit my marks to end up third so I am thankful for it.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
In his final race before heading home, Australian privateer Thomas Ravenhorst did not qualify for the night program after an electrical gremlin put an end to his night in San Diego but the good news for us Aussie’s is that Hunter Lawrence will be in action when the AMA Supercross Championship heads to Minneapolis this weekend.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Main Event Results
Adam Cianciarulo
Garrett Marchbanks
James Decotis
Shane McElrath
Jess Pettis
Martin Castelo
Dylan Ferrandis
Mathias Jorgensen
Cameron McAdoo
Colt Nichols
Chris Blose
Michael Mosiman
Jacob Hayes
Carson Brown
RJ Hampshire
Scott Champion
RJ Wageman
Devin Harriman
Enzo Lopes
Deegan Vonlossberg
Ludovic Macler
Mitchell Harrison
250 Main Event podium – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Points after 5 of 10 Rounds
Adam Cianciarulo – 114
Shane McElrath – 106
Colt Nichols – 104
Dylan Ferrandis – 102
RJ Hampshire – 75
James Decotis – 73
Cameron McAdoo – 72
Garrett Marchbanks – 71
Chris Blose – 70
Jess Pettis – 66
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French riders continue to dominate UK Arenacross
The Resorts World Arena, Birmingham hosted the fourth round of the six-round UK Arenacross Tour and it was the French pairing of Cedric Soubeyras and Greg Aranda who continued to dominate the series.
Soubeyras won the Superfinal over Aranda and Valentin Teillet and then the Pro-Lites final ahead of Teillet and Julien Lebeau before Aranda won the Pro 450 final over Charles Le Francois and Adam Chatfield.
Aranda now has a four point lead over Soubeyras in the Pro AX class, Soubeyras already has a healthy 48 point lead in the Pro Lites class and Aranda has a 49 point lead in the Pro 450 class while it is the Team FRO Systems Suzuki who is leading the team points chase.
The next stop of The Arenacross Tour is in two weeks’ time The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of February 2019.
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Cairoli and Prado continue top form at Ottobiano
The second round of the Italian Motocross Championship was held on a rain soaked Ottobiano circuit last Sunday and once again KTM riders Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado have not only won their MX1 and MX2 races respectively but they also finished 1-3 three in the MX1/MX2 combined Superfinal.
Tony Cairoli – Image by S. Taglioni
Cairoli won the MX1 moto after a hard fought battle with Yamaha’s Romain Febvre but by moto end the Italian had etched out a three second gap to take with win over Febvre, Tim Gajser, Gautier Paulin and Tanel Leok while in the MX2 class Prado won the moto by over seven seconds from Calvin Vlaanderen, Max Renaux, Michelle Cervellin and Ben Watson.
Jorge Prado – Image by S. Taglioni
The Superfinal lived up to expectations with Cairoli and Gajser battling tooth and nail for much of the race but Cairoli got the nod by a narrow margin over Gajser, Prado, Febvre and Mikkel Haarup.
Tony Cairoli – Image by S. Taglioni
Cairoli lead the MX1 championship by 40 points over Febvre and the Superfinal class by 40 points over Gajser while in the MX2 class Prado holds a 90 point lead with one round remaining at Mantova this weekend.
Jorge Prado – Image by S. Taglioni
Italian MX1 Standings
Cairoli Antonio (Ita) 240
Febvre Romain (Fra) 200
Gajser Tim(Slo) 160
Paulin Gautier (Fra) 130
Leok Tanel (Est) 115
Italian MX2 Standings
Prado Jorge (Spa) 240
Haarup Mikkel (Den) 150
Cervellin Michele (Ita) 125
Watson Ben (Gbr) 125
Renaux Maxime (Fra) 112
Raga beats Bou at Barcelona X-Trial
Adam Raga has taken a rare victory over Toni Bou at the second round of the FIM X-Trail World Championship held in Barcelona, Spain last weekend.
Adam Raga – X-Trial Barcelona
It was an up and down night for all riders on a very technical circuit but when it was all said and done Raga got the win over Bou with Jaime Busto coming home in third place so after two rounds Raga and Bou are tied on 35 points with Busto tied for third place in the championship with Jeroni Fajardo on 21 points.
The third round of the seven round series will be held in Bilboa, Spain on February 16.
Cooper and Harwood storm Taranaki
The Taranaki Motorcycle Club hosted the opening round of the highly anticipated New Zealand Motocross Championship and in perfect racing weather is was Cody Cooper and Hamish Harwood who came away with first blood in the MX1, MX2 and 125cc classes respectively.
MX1 Report
On the slippery Taranaki layout Cooper dropped the opening MX1 moto to defending champion Kirk Gibbs but the veteran was in no mood to give the Aussie any more fanfare to go on and win the final two motos for the overall win and the points lead heading to the second round of the four round series.
After narrowly winning the opening moto, Gibbs led most of the second moto only to lose the lead to Cooper late in the race but in the third race Gibbs was forced to come through the pack and found speed he had missed earlier in the day to finish just behind Cooper at the line.
Kayne Lamont was right in the mix in all three motos but dropped off the pace as the motos wore on to finish with three third place finishes for third overall ahead of Brad Groombridge (4-4-6), Cohen Chase (5-5-5), Hadleigh Knight and Blake Gillard (6-7-9) who was sizzling around Taranaki on a KTM250SX 2-stroke.
Cody Cooper
“Obviously this is not my favourite track but I am slowly getting to like it and riding it better, my bike is working way better too so we can only get better at the tracks that I like with more traction and speed.”
Kirk Gibbs
“I really enjoyed that last moto, obviously it was a shame having to come from behind but I feel like that is the best I rode all day, that first moto I rode just to protect (from Cooper) the best I could so I was lucky to get that win and obviously in that second race I didn’t flow that well which allowed Coops to get away but in the last moto I felt really good, I was hitting all my marks, I love and bike and it is onward and upwards from here.”
Kayne Lamont
“Today I just tried to get some decent seat time and do some long motos at a high intensity so that was good to get that under my belt but we have a two week break now to Rotorua and I get myself around there pretty good so I will go there pretty confident after today so we will see what we can do there.”
MX1 – Total Points Round 1
Cody Cooper 2-1-1 – 72p
Kirk Gibbs 1-2-2 – 69p
Kayne Lamont 3-3-3 – 60p
Brad Groombridge 4-4-6 – 51p
Cohen Chase 5-5-5 – 48p
Hadleigh Knight 12-6-4 – 41p
Blake Gillard 6-7-9 – 41p
Tyler Steiner 7-10-8 – 38p
Mason Wilkie 10-10-7 – 34p
Jacob Steel 11-8-9 – 33p
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MX2 Report
The MX2 class saw three different moto winners with Max Purvis winning the opening moto from Harwood and Brad Groombridge after Aussie Wilson Todd crashed out of the lead but Todd bounced back to win the second moto over Harwood and Joel Meikle but in the final moto it was all Harwood who complete his sixth moto and his third back-to-back race to take the win over Todd and Purvis.
Harwood was forced to race a 4-stroke KTM this year after Motorcycling New Zealand banned the 250cc 2-srokes from the MX2 class but the three-time MX2 champion proved that it wasn’t the power of the 2-stroke that gave him the advantage in previous years.
Hamish Harwood
“The day panned exactly how I wanted it, real happy to win both classes, I am kind of lucky that even when I am tired I can hold a good pace but my main goal is to be healthy, this track can catch you out so now it is on to Rotorua.”
Wilson Todd
“The tracks here are a lot better than what we race on back home and there was plenty of good racing out there today with all of the lines and the way the track forms up but we will fly home tomorrow, do some training and get back for round two.”
MX2 – Total Points Round 1
Hamish Harwood 2-2-1 – 69p
Wilson Todd 8-1-2 – 60p
Maximus Purvis 1-6-3 – 60p
Brad Groombridge 3-6-5 – 51p
Joel Meikle 9-3-7 – 46p
Wyatt Chase 7-7-4 – 46p
Morgan Fogarty 6-4-10 – 43p
Micah McGoldrick 4-15-5 – 38p
Broc Martens 10-9-11 – 30p
Sam Cuthbertson 13-10-8 – 29p
125cc Report
Hamish Harwood works all week as a builder, completes his physical training after work and races on weekends with his father by his side so the three time NZ Champion decided to ride the 125cc class in 2019 and his three wins from three rides proved the decision to be sound.
Brodie Connolly came home with three second places and a name that we will be hearing from in the future is Ben Broad who at the tender age of 15 earned a podium finish in his first senior national outing.
Hamish Harwood
“Obviously the goal is to win but if I am feeling a little fatigued (because of the back-to-back races) I will settle for what I can get but if I am feeling good I am happy to take the win,
Brodie Connolly
“I am just trying to enjoy it (my racing), the track held up well today, the club did a great job, it was technical and hard which is what you want to get the technical riders on top, it was a good day overall.”
Ben Broad
“The track gets really rough compared to the junior days because they don’t groom it as much and there is more competition.”
125cc 2 STROKE – Total Points Round 1
Hamish Harwood 1-1-1 – 75p
Brodie Connolly 2-2-2 – 66p
Benjamin Broad 3-3-3 – 60p
Joshua Bourke-Palmer 4-4-5 – 52p
Tommy Watts 6-7-4 – 47p
Clayton Roeske 7-9-6 – 41p
Jack Dunlop 11-5-8 – 38p
Scott Barr-Smith 12-8-7 – 37p
James Rountree 5-15-10 – 33p
Charlie Richardson 10-11-12 – 33p
MX3 – Total Points Round 1
Steve Craig 1-2-2 – 69p
Lucas Gisler 4-1-1 – 68p
Jonathan Ellison 3-4-3 – 58p
Ivan Boehlen – 6-3-7 – 49p
Patrick Straub 2-13-4 – 48p
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Nathan Watson claims French Beach Race title at Enduropale du Touquet
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has claimed victory at the Enduropale du Touquet beach race, crowning the British rider champion of the Championnat de France des Sables series. Victory at the 44th edition of the iconic beach race also secured KTM’s first French Beach Race Championship title.
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
With the world-renowned Enduropale du Touquet playing host to the sixth and final round of the Championnat de France des Sables, Nathan Watson arrived at the legendary beach race third overall in the points standings. Knowing that a race win would offer him the greatest chance of championship success, the British rider set about doing exactly that.
A slow start to the race saw Watson lose considerable time on the leaders during the opening hour. Taking things too cautiously on the fast and smooth course, he began to find his rhythm as the event moved past the halfway point. With the track deteriorating, the KTM 450 SX-F mounted rider rapidly cut his way through the field, jumping from sixth to second in just two laps.
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Battling hard with race leader and championship rival Milko Potisek, the duo went head-to-head during the closing stages of the race. With the final pitstop complete, Watson attacked hard for the last two laps and managed to break clear. He eventually crossed the finish line as the 2019 French Beach Race champion with a comfortable five-minute margin of victory.
Nathan Watson
“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling to not only win Le Touquet for the first time but also take the championship. We’ve worked incredibly hard this season, so to get a result like this is beyond words. During the first hour of the race I actually thought that I might not be able to do it. A lot of people overtook me early on and I was riding far too cautiously because the course was so fast and smooth. When it grew rougher that’s when I began to come into my own and really find my speed. I was just able to push hard and feel confident in the big sand holes and the slower traffic around me. When I caught Milko we battled for a while and then for the final pitstop we pitted at different times, so I didn’t know where he was after that. All I could do was give it 100 per cent during the final two laps until the finish line. This is the biggest victory of my career – it’s been my dream since I was a child to win this race and now I’ve become the first British rider to do so. I’m also the first KTM rider in over 30 years to win Le Touquet, too. Now, winning the championship as a result is perfect end to a fantastic season. Finally, I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the support they’ve put into me – it’s amazing to get the result we’ve all worked so hard for.”
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Results – Championnat de France des Sables, Round 6
Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 15 laps 3:30:20.951
Daymond Martens (BEL) Yamaha, 3:08:16.441
Richard Fura (FRA) Honda, 3:10:14.311
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha, 3:11:17.183
Stephane Watel (FRA) Honda 3:14:05.210
Final Championship Standings
Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 735 points
Milko Potisek (FRA) Yamaha, 625
Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA) KTM, 615
Maxime Sot (FRA) Yamaha, 590
Stephane Watel (FRA) Honda, 566
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Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
Suzuki Australia has announced the continuation of its Suzuki Support Rider (SSR) Contingency program for the 2019 MX Nationals, Australian Superbike Championship and recognised state motocross and road racing premier class championships.
Riders who compete on current generation Suzuki motorcycles are eligible to register as for the free SSR contingency program but the rider must register with Suzuki while only one rider can register per VIN.
Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
Suzuki will send each rider an acceptance letter, which includes a SSR Registration Number. One number will be issued per rider, even if the rider competes on more than one machine or in multiple capacity classes. This Registration Number will be used in all claims for contingency or other correspondence with Suzuki.
Only the nominated Motorcycling Australia sanctioned events will be eligible for contingency. Suzuki Support Riders registered for claiming contingency must use the Claim Form attached. Results will be verified by Suzuki against official M.A. results.
Contingency payments will only be made to riders who satisfy the following criteria:
Compete on current generation RM-Z250, RM-Z450, GSX-R600 or GSX-R1000/R.
Registered for SSR and have received acceptance including their Registration Number from Suzuki Australia.
Lodge a claim form within 7 days of the event to Suzuki Australia including their race support number. Suzuki will verify through official race M.A results
For further information on the 2019 SSR Contingency Program, interested customers should visit http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/suzuki-support-rider
Yamaha bLU cRU Backs 2019 A4DE
Motorcycling Australia has announced Yamaha bLU cRU as the official naming rights sponsor of the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) which will once again showcase the current world class talent residing in Australia.
Ray Howard – Yamaha Motorsports Division Manager
“2018 was a spectacular year for Yamaha bLU cRU and the A4DE and we are pleased to continue our relationship with the historic event in 2019. Last year’s Championship saw impressive developmental growth and strategic initiatives that propelled the event to more prestigious level. We are seeing these strategies and developments continue into the 2019 season, strengthening the reputation of this highly respected and much anticipated event. Yamaha bLU cRU looks forward to continue working closely with MA and the A4DE promoters to further develop the Championship, which has proven time and time again to be a fertile platform on which to produce and launch Australian riders onto a world stage.”
The 41st edition of the A4DE will be held in Moruya, NSW on May 1-4. Entries are available until the 17th April, so be sure to secure your place in the historic event here!
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Toowoomba to host opening round of AORC
Motorcycling Australia (MA) has advised all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) racing season that the location of Round 1 and 2 at Gympie, Queensland (QLD) will be relocated to Toowoomba on the 9th and 10th of March.
AORC heads to Toowoomba for 2019 opener
To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, the competition has been amended to continue successfully incorporating the state of QLD into the Championship whilst also making a conscious effort to minimise the necessary distance to travel.
Moving slightly South to Toowoomba, riders will be presented with picturesque backdrops contrasted by the challenges of the Great Dividing Range and its Western slopes. Both days will still feature continuous sprints where riders will race against the clock as they race to come out on top. Further information on the round and accommodation can be found on the competitor information page of the AORC website.
Mountain Man Just a Few Week’s Away
The Toowoomba Motocross Club is excited to serve up a brand new circuit when the KTM and Motorex backed Mountain Man Motocross hit the iconic Echo Valley facility on February 23-24.
This time round the club has settled on a new track designed to increase both the fun and technical quotient, while still facilitating the vintage racers and bikes with experienced track builder and former champion in his own right Sam Kendall designing the track.
Since the 40th anniversary epic in 2015, top MX1 contenders Kade Mosig, Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris have all joined the Mountain Man Honour Roll, and Toowoomba Motocross Club President Ojai Maguire is hopeful of a big turnout for this year’s event.
With a date just three weeks out from the start of the MX Nationals, another part of the attraction is the event’s status as a very useful hit-out for the riders, and a shakedown for the machines, on one of the country’s few world-class motocross tracks.
2019 Mountain Man
The other lure is Australia’s biggest prize pool. While the winner will walk away with $1500, the prizemoney pool will pay all the way down to 40th place in the title class.
With the event’s 40+ years of history the club is mindful of its strong heritage appeal and will continue the popular vintage racing during the Saturday program, while other support classes include Women’s, Junior and Sidecar racing.
With the resurgence of interest in two-stroke machines, this year the traditional 125cc Gold Cup has been renamed the Premix class and expanded to include two-stroke powered machines right up to the 500cc monsters which ruled the slopes of Echo Valley in years gone by.
The club has also moved to increase spectator value of Mountain Man, by providing access to the infield for a closer look at the action, offering a $10 weekend pass to access both days racing, and welcoming kids under 13 for free.
Tickets are available at the gate, and for more details please check out the Mountain Man Motocross Facebook page, or contact club President Ojai Maquire on (0428) 159 989.
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King of MX receives manufacture’s backing
Kawasaki, KTM, Honda, Suzuki and Husqvarna have banded together to support what is arguably Australia’s richest motocross race series, the King of MX NSW State Titles.
With six individual qualifying events spread around NSW, the King of MX series gives an unprecedented number of racers the chance to test their skills, meet more like-minded racers and their families, and earn their chance to race for their own NSW State Title.
Dave Cooke
“The King of MX is designed to give riders of all ages and abilities the chance to compete and be rewarded when they excel. We’re excited to see most major manufacturers find common ground in supporting this initiative where we actively promote the sport and reward those racers who rise to the top of their class. I can’t thank our partnering manufacturers enough for seeing the vision we have at Motorcycling NSW to support and grow the sport and keep producing, not only champions of the future, but a healthy sport that we can enjoy at all skill levels.”
With 21 classes representing riders of all age groups and skill levels, the beauty of the King of MX is that you don’t have to sacrifice any other championship to be in with a chance. Just race a qualifier that doesn’t clash with your schedule and race your way to the final, just like the 2018 Queen of MX Meghan Rutledge did.
Event Calendar
Qualifier 1: February 16-17, Appin
Qualifier 2: March 2-3, Moree
Qualifier 3: March 23-24, Condobolin
Qualifier 4: April 6-7, Leeton
Qualifier 5: April 20-21, Canberra
Qualifier 6: May 18-19, Maitland
King of MX Final: June 8-10, Goulburn
Racers need to enter one of the six qualifier events where the top six or seven finishers in each class earn their Golden Ticket to the final. Once a rider has qualified, they can still ride the other qualifier events, but they can’t win another Golden Ticket, giving even more riders a chance to qualify. At the final, State Title Champions will be decided over three motos for each class.
2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing increases USA contingency program
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A have increased its 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program to nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing.
In addition to coverage of the AMA Professional Supercross and Motocross, National and Regional Amateur MX and Off-Road events, Yamaha has expanded its support of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, with $467,350 available, almost five times as much as offered in 2018 for Yamaha bLU cRU GNCC racers. The Contingency Program also boasts increases in support to Yamaha bLU cRU riders in the American Flat Track (AFT) series, including those bLU cRU riders who will compete in the all-new AFT Production Twins class.
In addition to the professional championships, Yamaha continues to support the sport’s future stars at various national and regional amateur motocross races across the U.S., as well as the newly created “Supercross Futures” series.
Mike Guerra – Racing Department Manager for Yamaha
“Our bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program has proven to be hugely popular, and this year, we’ve increased the program by 15%, with total funds of nearly $5 million available to Yamaha riders who excel in competition. We have made huge increases in all classes of the GNCC series, the largest off-road series in the country, by boosting the contingency for Yamaha bLU cRU riders fivefold for 2019! We also have increased our support of the American Flat Track (AFT) series, including its all-new Production Twins class and have also stepped forward to support the new Supercross Futures” series that focuses on emerging supercross talent.”
Riders who compete in supercross, motocross, flat track, or off-road aboard any qualified Yamaha motorcycles are invited to register for the 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program.
All bLU cRU Contingency money will be paid directly to riders’ reloadable bLU cRU Debit Cards. In addition, each bLU cRU rider will receive a $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com, as well as discounts on Yamaha GYT-R parts and accessories.
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Youthsteam sold to Infront
Swiss sports marketing company Infront has announced the acquisition of Youthstream, the owner of the exclusive television, marketing and global promotional rights to the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship until the 2036 season.
Youthsteam sold to Infront – Infront’s President & CEO Phillippe Blatter & Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo
The agreement covers several other events including the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the European Motocross Championship and the Motocross of European Nations while the management of the Monaco-based company will remain unchanged under the direction of President Giuseppe Luongo together with David Luongo as CEO and Daniele Rizzi as COO.
Phillippe Blatter – Infront’s President & CEO
“We are very glad to welcome the Youthstream team to the Infront Group. Under the proven management and expertise, the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship has become the premier event of off-road motorsport. Following the successful ownership and management of the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2007 to 2012, this acquisition provides us once again with a long-term property ownership in international motorsport further strengthening our comprehensive portfolio. We will collaborate very closely to further optimise fan experience, content offering and ultimately grow the global community in motocross.”
Giuseppe Luongo – Youthstream President
“We have been successfully building this company over more than three decades and are now very much looking forward to continue to further develop our ambitious vision for motocross together with Infront as one of the leading players in global sports business. This agreement comes at the right moment for the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship and allows Youthstream to accelerate its international development. I am sure that the synergies we will generate will be of great benefit for all properties we represent.”
Julien Ternisien – Infront Vice President Summer Sports
“The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is an exciting property with a clear potential to grow even further. We are looking forward to taking the sport to the next level of commercial success by activating our extensive media and sponsorship network as well as our full suite of innovative sports solutions. This goes hand in hand with improving media sales and accelerating digital marketing activities, including further improving the MXGP-TV OTT platform for fans all over the world.”
Jorge Viegas – FIM President
“The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship series is one of motorsports’ fastest growing and most promising properties. We are confident that Infront’s strong market position, resources and marketing capabilities combined with the strong track-record and proven expertise of Youthstream will help raise the bar even higher in terms of growth and popularity for the series.”
About Infront
Infront is a leading sports marketing company managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events, including the distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 1,000 staff working from 39 offices across more than 14 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year.
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Jeffrey Herlings injury update
Jeffrey Herlings is obviously hoping for a swift and comprehensive rehabilitation period after surgery to repair a broken right foot but it looks like the defending MXGP World Champion will miss the opening round in Argentina on March 3.
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Jeffrey Herlings
“I landed strangely from a jump and was at an angle when I went too close to the track ‘wall’ of dirt at Albaida. I got my foot caught between the bike and the mud. I knew we were in trouble, and we had the operation as soon as possible when we saw the foot was starting to swell. This is obviously not the best way to start 2019 but we’d been riding and preparing well and we have to work now to get back to that level. The good news is that Dr Claes and his team were really happy with how the operation went and I don’t have any more pain or swelling. In six weeks time we’ll know more and it all depends how the bone heals. Thanks for all the messages from the fans. We’ll be back strong!”
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Dirk Gruebel – MX2 Team Manager & Technical Co-Ordinator, Red Bull KTM
“This is obviously a disappointing situation for Jeffrey and the team and also for fans of MXGP because we all want to see the guys fit, healthy and ready to go for a new season. It is a shame the way the crash happened and if it hadn’t been for that part of the track then maybe he would have escaped without a problem. Jeffrey had some first class treatment by Dr Claes in Belgium to fix the breaks in what is a tricky part of the body for injury. Everything went well though and there is nothing wrong with his ankle or anything else that could have made the injury more serious. Now he’ll look to recover again and come back to MXGP close to the form we saw in 2018.”
Italy disqualified from 2018 MXoN
Four months after the running of the 2018 Motocross of Nations at RedBud in America, the second placed Italian of Antonio Cairoli, Alessandro Lupino and Michele Cervellin has been disqualified after Cervellin failed the fuel test.
During the event on the 6th and 7th of October, Fuel samples were taken to be tested in accordance with the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross (Art.63.04 and 63.05) and it was the ‘fuel tests of No. 20 Michele Crevellin (Italy) attested non conformity with the FIM fuel specifications provided for in Art. 63.01.2 of the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross, regarding the properties for unleaded fuel’.
2018 MXoN – Team Italy
On this basis, the FIM Race Direction has decided to impose upon Mr Crevellin’s team (Team Italy) a disqualification from the entire event, in accordance with Art. 63.05.13 of the 2018-1 Technical Rules Motocross.
No appeal against the decision of the FIM Race Direction has been lodged before the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) within the set deadline so the final results of the 2018 Motocross of Nations have been updated accordingly and it now sees the Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia and USA rounding out the top five behind the winning French team.
2018 Motocross of Nations Top 10
France – 32 (Dylan Ferrandis, Gautier Paulin, Jordi Tixier)
The Netherlands – 39 (Glenn Coldenhoff Jeffrey Herlings, Calvin Vlaanderen)
Great Britain – 41 (Ben Watson Max Anstie Tommy Searle)
Australia – 43 (Hunter Lawrence Mitchell Evans Kirk Gibbs)
USA – 43 (Justin Barcia Eli Tomac Aaron Plessinger)
Belgium – 47
Spain – 57
Estonia – 63
Germany – 70
Canada – 90
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Overnight the FIM released a statement concerning the results from fuel tests conducted at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations staged at Red Bud early last October.
Tests were conducted on a number of riders but only the sample taken from Italy’s Michele Cervellin fell outside the fuel parameters mandated by the FIM specifications.
The fuel sample from Michele Cervellin’s machine did not meet the FIM parameters
The FIM ruled that not only Cervellin would be removed from the results, but that the entire Team Italy squad results were nullified. Thus Antonio Cairoli and Alessandro Lupino also have their results removed, and Italy’s second place in the teams overall standing at the MXoN cancelled.
No appeal against the decision of the FIM Race Direction has been lodged before the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) within the set deadline. As a consequence, the decision of the Race Direction is final.
That promotes The Netherlands in to second in the team standings.
Australia had originally placed fourth on the results, finishing on an equal 38 points with Great Britain who were placed fifth. But the cancellation of the Team Italy results unfortunately means that Great Britain are the ones promoted on to the podium by two points. Australia remains fourth, but are now placed on equal points with Team USA who now rank fifth in the official results.
MXoN 2018 Results – Revised
Team France 32
Team Netherlands 39
Team Great Britain 41
Team Australia 43
Team USA 43
Team Belgium 47
Team Spain 57
Team Estonia 63
Team Germany 70
Team Canada 90
Team Sweden 96
Team Austria 98
Team Ireland 117
Team Venezuela 119
Team Czech Republic 120
Team Brazil 127
Team New Zealand 134
Team Puerto Rico 165
Hunter Lawrence starred for Team Australia at the 2018 MxOn with second and seventh places – Hoppenworld Image
