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Moto News Wrap
March 5, 2019 – By Darren Smart

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Moto News Latest

  • Webb and Cianciarulo storm Atlanta AMA SX
  • Cairoli and Prado take first blood at Argentina MXGP
  • Evans creates history at Argentina
  • Barcia concussed – misses Atlanta
  • Holcombe kicks off 2019 with win in Italy
  • Price to be honoured at Aussie F1 GP
  • Dacka ready for season 2019
  • The stars of the AORC hit Toowoomba this Weekend
  • Mentoring role brings Matthew Phillips to AORC
  • Cosford wins Coolum 2-Stroke Cup
  • 2020 Aussie Speedway Solo Champs calendar announced
  • 2020 & 2021 Australian Junior and Senior Speedway Sidecar calendar

Webb and Cianciarulo storm Atlanta AMA SX

Atlanta, Georgia hosted the ninth round of the AMA Supercross Championships last weekend and it was an all KTM podium in the 450 class with championship leader Cooper Webb taking the win over Blake Baggett and Marvin Musquin while it was Adam Cianciarulo who won the first of the 250 East/West Shootouts ahead of Dylan Ferrandis and Austin Forkner.

See the full report here:
KTM 1-2-3 in Atlanta as Webb takes fifth victory of season (link)

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb Roczen Tomac Multiple JK SX Atlanta
2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

Unfortunately, Chad stalled his Suzuki late in the race to drop back to a disappointing 13th place but the Aussie still sits seventh in the championship, two spots ahead of Justin Barcia who was forced to sit out the event thanks to suffering a concussion after crashing during the week.

Cooper Webb

“Yeh, it was tough, the track was changing a lot but I knew where I was good but there were also places where Marv would catch me, I knew where he was catching me but I didn’t know what line he was using, it is hard when you are leading so I just hit my marks and they weren’t working as good as I would have liked so I started changing things up, made a few mistakes in front of Blake who I knew would be good through the whoops but towards the end I found some lines so another win, that was sweet.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb JK SX Atlanta
Cooper Webb – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

Blake Baggett

“It was really hard to pass, you could make a run on someone but to get by was another thing, Marv and Cooper were making runs at each other, I could see it going on in front of me then I got into second and could do the same but when they have that horseshoe sand section over the tunnel I will hands down voice my opinion that I am not for it, it is supercross with steep obstacles and no sand.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Baggett JK SX Atlanta
Blake Baggett – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin

“It was tough being the chaser tonight, you had to follow through the sand section and same with the whoops, I didn’t want to chance going to the right, it was a really tough track, I missed the main line in the sand and Blake got me and I would gain some ground then lose some ground, it was tough.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Musquin JK SX Atlanta
Marvin Musquin – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Main Event Results

  1. Cooper Webb
  2. Blake Baggett
  3. Marvin Musquin
  4. Ken Roczen
  5. Aaron Plessinger
    …13. Chad Reed

    AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb Baggett Musquin Podium JK SX Atlanta

    450SX Main Event Results
    Cooper Webb
    Blake Baggett
    Marvin Musquin

 450SX Points after 9 of 17 Rounds

  1. Cooper Webb – 199
  2. Ken Roczen – 186
  3. Marvin Musquin – 182
  4. Eli Tomac – 177
  5. Blake Baggett – 142
  6. Dean Wilson – 137
  7. Chad Reed – 124

250 East-West Shootout Report

There was no catching Cianciarulo with the East Coast championship leader taking the win by four second over Ferrandis who dropped Forkner by seven seconds while Sexton, Cooper, McElrath, Nichols, Martin Davalos, Michael Mosiman and Brandon Hartraft rounded out the top ten.

Adam Cianciarulo

“After the start I stayed patient behind Chase, made the move to second behind Austin and obviously didn’t want to do anything stupid which came to mind but I had a good race, mistake free and learned a lot throughout the day.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Cianciarulo JK SX Atlanta
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

250SX East/West Shootout Results

  1. Adam Cianciarulo
  2. Dylan Ferrandis
  3. Austin Forkner
  4. Chase Sexton
  5. Justin Cooper
  6. Shane McElrath
  7. Colt Nichols
  8. Martin Davalos
  9. Michael Mosiman
  10. Brandon Hartranft

250 East Coast Report

For the current top three riders in the East Coast series the shootout did them no harm with Forkner’s third place earning him a handy 18-point margin back to Cooper, who in turn has a two-point buffer back to Sexton.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Forkner Sexton JK SX Atlanta
Austin Forkner – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

250 East Coast Points after 4 of 9 Rounds

  1. Austin Forkner – 99
  2. Justin Cooper – 81
  3. Chase Sexton – 79
  4. Jordon Smith – 70
  5. Alex Martin – 60

West Coast Report

The shootout couldn’t have gone better for Cianciarulo who now holds a 15-point lead over Ferrandis who moved into second in the championship by two points over McElrath, who in turn has a three-point lead over Nichols.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Ferrandis JK SX Atlanta
Dylan Ferrandis – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

250 West Coast Points after 6 of 10 Rounds

  1. Adam Cianciarulo – 140
  2. Dylan Ferrandis – 125
  3. Shane McElrath – 123
  4. Colt Nichols – 120
  5. RJ Hampshire – 86
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Cairoli and Prado take first blood at Argentina MXGP

The MXGP of Patagonia, Argentina hosted the opening round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship and it was the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado who earned double moto victories in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.

MXGP Rnd Patagonia prado start qual
2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

MXGP Race Report

The only thing Cairoli failed at all weekend was his starts but the Italian managed to use all of his veteran savvy to squeeze his way to the lead before the end of the opening lap in moto 1 but it took 6 laps in the second moto to move into the lead.

While defending champion Jeffrey Herlings is on the sidelines with injury Cairoli is under no illusion as to how important these points are and he was doggedly determined to walk away with maximum points in Argentina.

Antonio Cairoli

“I am happy overall today because after yesterday I wasn’t sure how I will do off the starts. The rhythm was high in the beginning but I was just trying to see where I could gain some time. I managed to have 2 good starts, both were in the top ten…I found some good lines and I had a good race taking the overall which makes me really happy. There are a lot of Argentinian fans who cheer for me all year on social media so it is nice to give them a win especially on this track which I have never had the chance to win at, I was close last year but it is always nice to race where people don’t see us often and make them happy.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia antonio cairoli on the finish line
Antonio Cairoli – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Honda’s Tim Gajser took a hit after crashing on Saturday and was on the sore side on race day but he came through from a poor start in moto one to end the race in second, just 6 seconds back from a cruising Cairoli but in the second moto Tim was right there all race and was just 2 seconds back at the chequered flag – the former champ is showing form that will see him win races in 2019 – Herlings or no Herlings.

Tim Gajser

“It was good, I am really happy, yesterday I had a big crash and today I was a bit sore. In the first race I had a solid start inside the top ten and had to work hard to come through the pack but I finished 2nd which was good. In the second race I was a bit tight and didn’t relax, then Febvre and Tony passed me. I tried to stay with them to see where I was losing time then I passed Romain and with Tony we were about the same times, I tried to push but couldn’t get closer. It was a nice race and I’m looking forward to the next round already.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Gajser shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Romain Febvre scored third in the opening moto and was running a solid third in the second moto until a huge crash on lap 14 put the French Yamaha star out of the race and to rub salt into the wound former Yamaha rider Jeremy Van Horebeek put his Honda into third in the moto and third overall in his debut for his new team.

Jeremy Van Horebeek

“It is still unbelievable, until two weeks ago I didn’t know we would be here so it has been a crazy ride since last year. I am so thankful to this team for giving me the chance. I am thankful and I am going to keep on working to make this a great season.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia vanhorebeek action
Jeremy Van Horebeek – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Veterans Clement Desalle and Gautier Paulin earned top five positions with Arminas Jasikonis, Tommy Searle. Shaun Simpson, Jeremy Seewer and Pauls Jonass rounding out the top ten while Romain Febvre ended up 12th, one position ahead of Max Anstie and several ahead of Glenn Coldenhoff who was on deck to score points while recovering from injury.

MXGP Round 1, 2019 – Race 1

  1. Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM 34:41.270
  2. Gajser, Tim SLO Honda +0:06.253
  3. Febvre, Romain FRA Yamaha +0:09.838
  4. Desalle, Clement BEL Kawasaki +0:11.464
  5. Paulin, Gautier FRA Yamaha +0:02.566
  6. Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL Honda +0:32.226
  7. Lieber, Julien BEL Kawasaki +0:39.435
  8. Jasikonis, Arminas LMSF Husqvarna +0:49.752
  9. Jonass, Pauls LAT Husqvarna +0:50.285
  10. Seewer, Jeremy SUI Yamaha +0:59.164

MXGP Round 1, 2019 – Race 2

  1. Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM 34:56.475
  2. Gajser, Tim SLO Honda +0:02.386
  3. Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL Honda +0:37.829
  4. Anstie, Max GBR KTM +0:42.332
  5. Paulin, Gautier FRA Yamaha +0:43.070
  6. Desalle, Clement BEL Kawasaki +0:47.509
  7. Searle, Tommy GBR Kawasaki +0:49.602
  8. Jasikonis, Arminas LTU Husqvarna +0:58.810
  9. Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM +1:01.941
  10. Tonus, Arnaud SUI Yamaha +1:03.513
MXGP Rnd Patagonia RA MXGP Podium
2019 MXGP Round 1 – Argentina – 1) Tony Cairoli, 2) Tim Gajser, 3) Jeremy Van Horebeek

MXGP Round 1, 2019 – Standings

  1. Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 50
  2. Gajser, Tim SLO HON 44
  3. Van Horebeek, J. BEL HON 35
  4. Desalle, C. BEL KAW 33
  5. Paulin, G. FRA YAM 32
  6. Jasikonis, A. LTU HUS 26
  7. Searle, Tommy GBR KAW 22
  8. Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM 22
  9. Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 21
  10. Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 21
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MX2 Race Report

The defending champ Prado was expected to be the man to beat in Argentina but the Spaniard led every lap to win the opening moto from Thomas Kjer Olsen, Henry Jacobi, Calvin Vlaanderen and Mitchell Evans before handing down the same punishment in the second moto to take the win from Kjer Olsen, Evans, Vlaanderen and Jacobi.

Jorge Prado

“It was great to be back at the GPs, it is a long season but I have so much fun. Yesterday I had a good day but today I woke up and felt even better. I had 2 good starts which is very important because everyone is going fast and it is hard to make a difference. I am very happy with two firsts, for first overall, and points lead so it is a good start to the season.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia jorge prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Kjer Olsen and his Husqvarna were working a treat all weekend but his starts on Sunday saw the Dane playing catch up all day.

Thomas Kjer Olsen

“The first race I did slide on the gate…I felt like a came through the pack pretty good but once I got to second Prado was already like 12 seconds ahead so I tried to save some energy for the second race. Again not the greatest of starts but we will go back and work on those for sure to be more consistent. Overall I feel my riding was good and I felt good on the bike so I’m happy about that and it is a great feeling at the start of the season.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia olsen action
Thomas Kjer Olsen – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Mitch Evans sat in seventh place for most of the opening moto before passing Ben Watson and Tom Vialle late in the race to earn fifth place but in the second moto Evans was right on leader Prado’s rear wheel until Kjer Olsen dropped the Aussie to third on lap 5 but Mitch pushed hard to end the moto in third, only 12 seconds behind Prado after 18 laps – impressive!

Mitch Evans

“I couldn’t be any happier, I didn’t really know what to expect being my first GP.  I enjoyed every moment of it, it was awesome being here, the fans were awesome so I really enjoyed it. I knew the work that we put in during the off season and the preseason races that we had if I got good starts I could run with these boys.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Vlaanderen, Jacobi, Watson, Vialle, Jago Geerts, Adam Sterry and Davy Pootjes rounded out the top ten while New Zealand’s Dylan Walsh ended up in 15th overall, five spots ahead of Evans’ teammate Zach Pichon who would have been hoping for better than 20th overall.

Jed Beaton was unable to compete in Argentina thanks to picking up an injury just a week before the opening GP but the Aussie will definitely be at the second round in the UK in a few week’s time so two Aussies on the podium in the coming rounds is more than possible.

MX2 Round 1, 2019 – Race 1

  1. Prado, Jorge ESP RFME KTM 34:50.385
  2. Olsen, Thomas Kjer DEN DMU Husqvarna +0:16.677
  3. Jacobi, Henry GER DMSB Kawasaki +0:23.565
  4. Vlaanderen, Calvin NED KNMV Honda +0:25.535
  5. Evans, Mitchell AUS MA Honda +0:27.289
  6. Watson, Ben GBR ACU Yamaha +0:29.198
  7. Vialle, Tom FRA FFM KTM +0:37.127
  8. Sterry, Adam GBR ACU Kawasaki +0:39.496
  9. Mewse, Conrad GBR ACU KTM +0:41.631
  10. Pootjes, Davy NED KNMV Husqvarna +0:52.057
    …13 Walsh, Dylan NZL Husqvarna +1:07.458
MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

MX2 Round 1, 2019 – Race 2

  1. Prado, Jorge ESP RFME KTM 33:48.208
  2. Olsen, Thomas Kjer DEN DMU Husqvarna +0:04.825
  3. Evans, Mitchell AUS MA Honda +0:12.437
  4. Vlaanderen, Calvin NED KNMV Honda +0:23.647
  5. Jacobi, Henry GER DMSB Kawasaki +0:30.601
  6. Geerts, Jago BEL FMB Yamaha +0:31.623
  7. Watson, Ben GBR ACU Yamaha +0:34.405
  8. Vialle, Tom FRA FFM KTM +0:46.909
  9. Sterry, Adam GBR ACU Kawasaki +0:51.470
  10. Pootjes, Davy NED KNMV Husqvarna +0:53.754
    …18. Walsh, Dylan NZL Husqvarna +1:26.232
MXGP Rnd Patagonia evans action
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

MX2 Round 1, 2019 – Standings

  1. Prado, Jorge ESP KTM 50
  2. Olsen, T. DEN HUS 44
  3. Evans, M. AUS HON 36
  4. Vlaanderen, C. NED HON 36
  5. Jacobi, Henry GER KAW 36
  6. Watson, Ben GBR YAM 29
  7. Vialle, Tom FRA KTM 27
  8. 193 Geerts, Jago BEL YAM 25
  9. Sterry, Adam GBR KAW 25
  10. Pootjes, Davy NED HUS 22
  11. Mewse, Conrad GBR KTM 21
  12. Vaessen, Bas NED KTM 15
  13. Cervellin, M. ITA YAM 13
  14. Östlund, Alvin SWE HUS 13
  15. Walsh, Dylan NZL HUS 11
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Evans creates history at Argentina

Mitch Evans has sensationally created history by becoming the first Aussie to podium on his GP debut, bettering the likes of Robert Scott, Lyndon Heffernan, Jeff Leisk, Craig Dack, Andrew McFarlane, Chad Reed, Hunter Lawrence and Jed Beaton (to name a few) along the way.

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans shotbybavo
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

After his solid performance in tough conditions at the 2018 Motocross of Nations in America, Evans was starting to get calls from teams in Europe and it wasn’t long before Hunter Lawrence’s old team Honda 114 came knocking and the rest is history.

Mitch Evans

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Honda 114 Motorsports has presented me. Racing in the FIM Motocross World Championship has been a goal of mine since I competed in the world junior championship in 2010. There is a lot for me to learn and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I am excited to be racing with the best in the world.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans CreditTeamMotorsportsFacebook
2019 MXGP Round 1 – Argentina – Mitch Evans – Image courtesy of Team 114 Motorsports Facebook Page

Evans will now head to the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin in three weekend’s time and there is nothing surer that the Aussie has learned a lot in Argentina and will hit the second round with a belly full of confidence.

Barcia concussed – misses Atlanta

Justin Barcia has been evaluated to see if he sustained a concussion and was forced to sit out last weekend’s Atlanta Supercross following a training crash at his riding facility in Florida. Barcia

Below is the Monster Energy Yamaha statement:

“Following a medical check at TOC in Tallahassee, Florida, Barcia is being evaluated for concussion and as a precautionary measure will not take part in this weekend’s Monster Energy Supercross round at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

AMA SX Rnd Texas Justin Barcia Pits JK SX Arlington
Justin Barcia

“The news of Justin’s accident this morning is a real pity, but our main concern is Justin’s health and recovery. Following the Concussion Protocol, we hope that Justin will be back to 100% and cleared to participate soon.”

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Holcomba kicks off 2019 with win in Italy

In an effort to get some valuable race miles under his belt ahead of the Enduro World Championships in March, Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe has started his 2019 racing season with a confidence inspiring result at the opening two rounds of the Italian Enduro Championship in Gioia dei Marsi last weekend.

Steve Holcombe imgCristianoMorello
Steve Holcome – Image by Cristiano Morello

As the reigning Assoluti d’Italia champion, Holcombe was bettered by TM rider Loic Larrieu on the opening day but the World Champ rose to the occasion on day two to take the win from Larrieu and his teammate Daniel McCanney who scored third on both days.

Steve Holcombe

“It’s been a really strong start to the 2019 season for me. I had a good ride on Saturday to finish second and then with some improvements to our setup I was able to take the win on Sunday, which is a real boost. On day one we opted to use a hard compound rear tyre. But with overnight rain that choice didn’t work in our favour and I struggled to find grip on the first lap, especially in the enduro test. As conditions improved, so did my pace and I worked my way back into contention. Fastest on the final extreme test, I got close to topping the results but I wasn’t able to make it happen on the last cross test. However, with a strong end to the day I was able to carry that speed into Sunday. I won the first test to put myself into the lead, before going on to set the fastest time in three more tests and claim victory. I honestly didn’t expect to hold this sort of pace so soon in the year as this race is part of my training plan towards the Enduro World Championship. Overall, it’s been a great result for us as a team and one that will keep us pushing hard as we head towards round one of EnduroGP in Germany at the end of this month.”

Results – Italian Enduro Championship
Round 1

  1. Loic Larrieu (TM) 48:18.93
  2. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 48:25.39
  3. Daniel McCanney (TM) 48:29.79

Round 2

  1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 47:46.11
  2. Loic Larrieu (TM) 48:01.61
  3. Daniel McCanney (TM) 48:01.98

Price to be honoured at Aussie F1 GP

In an unprecedented move and with global television coverage to boot, 2019 Dakar Rally Champion Toby Price is set to join the Formula One drivers’ parade for a lap of honour ahead of the season opening race of the FIA Formula One World Championship at 2.30pm on Sunday, March 17.

Dakar Rally Toby Price ImgMarcinKin
Toby Price – Image by Marcin Kin

Price will follow the convoy of Formula One drivers during the parade to salute fans while riding aboard the KTM machinery he rode to his second Dakar victory.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott, acknowledged that the scheduled lap of honour is a fitting way to allow the fans to celebrate the popular two wheel and four wheel racer’s ackomplishments.

Andrew Westacott – Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO

“Toby Price is the only Australian to have ever conquered the gruelling Dakar Rally, and to have now won it for a second-time in defying circumstances is an incredible achievement. What better way to celebrate Toby’s accomplishment than allowing him to join 20 of his peers that are the best racing drivers in the world in a lap of honour on the world stage. We are thrilled to honour Toby at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 and see him receive the global recognition he deserves, when the world’s eyes are on Melbourne for the opening round of the FIA Formula One World Championship.”

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Dack ready for season 2019

It is hard to believe that it was 27 years ago that Craig Dack Racing (CDR Yamaha) was formed but what is not hard to believe that Craig himself, a multiple Australian Motocross and Supercross Champion still has the competitive juices flowing and is pumped for the new season.

Craig Dack

“I love this time of year. All the hard work over the off season from both the riders and the teams comes to the surface now and it’s time to go racing. This is why we do the work – to see how it plays out on the weekends. Having Appin as the opening round this year should make for a great start to the season as the track always turns on great racing and its well supported by the fans. Our team has a good history at the venue and we hope for that to continue this year. Both Luke (Clout) and Kirk (Gibbs) have had a great pre-season, and both are showing good form. Kirk has raced in New Zealand and showed plenty of speed and quickly adapted to the YZ450F while Luke has done a couple of local races and been successful at those, so I feel we are well placed heading into round one.”

mx nationals coolum round mx cdr dacka ImageScottYa
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack

“This is our second full season on the current generation YZ450F and it’s a sensational bike with a great chassis and powerful motor. Our time isn’t spent trying to develop the bike a great deal but rather personalise it for the individual rider as the production platform is so good. Brad, Aiden and Gary are able to get the most from it and the riders respect the fact we have such high quality technical staff at CDR. We value the long term partnerships we have with the best companies in the industry. It takes a lot of support to run a team like CDR and I’m proud of the relationships we have built over the years.”

Long term and loyal sponsors like Fox, Pro Circuit, Dunlop, NGK, DID as well as major partner Yamaha have been with CDR Yamaha since the early days and the continued building of relationships with companies like Monster Energy, Kincrome tools and Renthal keep the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at the front of the pack.

Kirk Gibbs' 2019 CDR Monster Energy YZ450FLook for ‘Dacka’ as he is known, the big blue Yamaha rig and the rest of the team on March 17 at Appin Raceway, south west of Sydney.

The stars of the AORC hit Toowoomba this weekend

This coming weekend Toowoomba will host then opening two rounds of the AORC and all of the heavy hitters will be on hand to have a crack at drawing first blood on their competition – let’s see what is going down in the three main classes.

E1

Reigning 2018 E1 Champion Luke Styke (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) has to go into the series as class favourite but the former motocross star will have to contend with four-time world champion Matthew Phillips (MX Store, KTM) in 2019.

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Luke
Luke Styke

The trouble doesn’t end there for Styke, Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) will no doubt come into Rounds 1 and 2 with a point to prove as will Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and Michael Driscoll (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) make thids class the hottest in the series.

E2

2018 E3 Champion Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) will move across to the E2 class this season and the early money is on Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha MX Store Ballards Off-Road Team), Joshua Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) and Broc Grabham to be Milner’s biggest competition this season.

Daniel Milner

“The 500cc bike was awesome, no doubt, but for me as a rider I find I suit a smaller bike better. So switching to a 350cc E2 class bike has been a really enjoyable change. I’m finding I’m moving faster and achieving better results with the smaller bike.”

Daniel Milner will be heading to Toowoomba for the opening round of the AORC
Daniel Milner – AORC heads to Toowoomba for 2019 opener

 E3

After taking out the E2 crown in 2018, Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) has moved to the E3 class and by all accounts Andy Wilksch (Motul Pirelli Sherco Team), Beau Ralston and Western Australian Jesse Lawton will all look to keep Sanders on his toes throughout the series.

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Mentoring role brings Matthew Phillips to AORC

After a couple of tough years overseas and right in the midst of potentially retiring from the sport, four-time World Champion Matthew Phillips has committed to the 2019 AORC on KTM machinery and it is in the role of mentoring young Kyron Bacon who will be competing in the EJ class that will see Phillips riding for the ‘love for the sport’ once again.

Matthew Phillips

“My plan is to compete in all 11 rounds of the AORC 2019 season, beginning in Rounds 1 and 2 in the E1 class. As the season moves on I’ll change things up a bit by moving across the senior classes with different bikes. The main thinking is that I want to maintain the love for the sport and by changing things up each round will definitely help that! Kyron rode at my property already, and he explained his situation back in 2018. I then offered my support to help him grow and climb up the ranks. Since we became a team, Kyron has been putting in an enormous number of hours, working his bike hard to get faster and faster. I definitely see him as a title contender in the EJ class for 2019 and beyond!”

Matthew Phillips
Matthew Phillips

Look for the KTM/MX Store team this weekend at the opening round of the 2019 AORC at Toowoomba.

Cosford wins Coolum 2-Stroke Cup

Young Jayce Cosford has overcome the weight of his three-digit race number to better some of the fastest riders in Australia to win the premier class at the second round of the 2019 2-Stroke Nationals held at Coolum raceway last weekend.

Cosford won all three motos of the YMI All Powers Cup to take the overall ahead of local shot-shot Jai Walker and round one winner Joel Milesevic while Andrew Shacklock (Hallman Retro Cup). Alex Larwood (125 Junior Cup), Hunter Collins (Yamaha 85cc Cup) and Ky Woods (Raceline 65cc Cup) all took out the support class wins.

YMI All Powers Cup

  1. Jayce Cosford
  2. Jai Walker
  3. Joel Milesevic
  4. Jesse Bishop
  5. Ryan Kenney
  6. Nicholas Kefford
  7. Danny Ham
  8. Wilson Greiner-Daish
  9. Cale Harkin
  10. Kobe Barton
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2020 Aussie Speedway Solo Champs calendar announced

On the back of a highly successful 2019 championship, a completely revamped 2020 Australian Speedway Solo Championship calendar has been announced with five rounds running from 2-11 January, commencing first in Kurri Kurri, NSW and moving South through VIC and landing at the iconic Gillman Speedway in SA.

Reflecting on the new calendar, defending champion Max Fricke is wrapped with the new schedule.

Max Fricke

“The new tighter schedule is a really great change! It matches the European style and suits what we’re used to as we compete throughout the year. It’s also a great experience for riders and fans alike, with such a tight window to collect as many points as you can whilst maintaining your fitness and drive. Going up against such strong competition back in January, which seemed to include everyone bar Jason Doyle, and then taking out my first Australian Senior Solo Championship title was such a great feeling! As we prepare for the European season, I am finding myself increasingly comfortable competing against the likes of Tungate and Holder. It’s also great to come back home to Australia and compete against locals that you haven’t experienced before, who may have different tactics and styles. The growth in Australian Speedway talent that competes in the Senior Solo Championship is really impressive and continues to grow the sport” highlighted Fricke.

Max Fricke
Max Fricke

 2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship

  • 2nd Jan – Qualifying Meeting (If Required) – Kurri Kurri, NSW
  • 3rd Jan – Round One – Kurri Kurri, NSW
  • 6th Jan – Round Two – Albury, VIC
  • 7th Jan – Round Three – Undera, VIC
  • 9th Jan – Round Four – Mildura, VIC
  • 11th Jan – Round Five – Gillman, SA

Stay in the loop with all things Australian Speedway by checking out the Australian Speedway Championships website and Facebook!

2020 & 2021 Australian Junior and Senior Speedway Sidecar calendar

The 2020 and 2021 Australian Junior and Senior Speedway Sidecar Championship calendar has also been announced, and reflecting the ever-increasing Speedway Sidecar talent that resides within the Australia, the Championship will land in Mildura, Victoria for 2020 and then venture across the Nullarbor Plain to Pinjar, Western Australia (WA) in 2021!

The 2020 Championship will run from 27-28 April* (*TBA), following on from the festivities of the Easter long weekend. Across in WA for 2021, the Championship will run over the Easter long weekend from 20-21 April.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Australian Speedway GP round dropped from calendar

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2019 Australian Speedway GP postponed

BSI Speedway has announced that the Australian FIM Speedway Grand Prix (SGP) will not be taking place in 2019.

PSE (Paul Sergeant Events), the locally based promoter that BSI Speedway was working in partnership with in Australia, is no longer able to stage the event due to unforeseen circumstances.

2017 FIM Speedway GP – Image Colin Rosewarne – Jason Doyle

The date and venue for the Australian event, which had been provisionally scheduled as the final round of the 2019 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series, was yet to be confirmed.

The 2019 season will now culminate at the Torun FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland on October 5.

2017 FIM Speedway GP – Image Colin Rosewarne – Brady Kurtz

BSI Speedway remains committed to bringing the event back to Australia, and is actively seeking a new local promoter to help stage the event in future years.

BSI Speedway managing director Torben Olsen

“While we were eager to run an Australian SGP in 2019, we decided that we should only do so when we are confident we can deliver the quality experience expected by our SGP riders, fans and community.

2017 FIM Speedway GP – Image Colin Rosewarne

“We were in dialogue with multiple venues for the 2019 event, and look to continue further discussions with Ipswich in particular with a view to hopefully bringing a fantastic SGP event back to Australia as soon as possible.”

2017 FIM Speedway GP – Image Colin Rosewarne

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto News | Dakar | SX | Arenacross | X-Trial | WORCS

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Moto News Wrap for January 22, 2019 by Darren Smart

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Moto News Latest

  • Congrats to Toby – KTM 1-2-3 at Dakar
  • KTM sweeps Anaheim
  • French Riders win Belfast Arenacross
  • Toni Bou wins Budapest X-Trial Round
  • KTM’s Taylor Robert wins Primm WORCS
  • Norton third at AMA Hare Scrambles
  • Australian Junior Solo Speedway Championships
  • Old Bar Twilight Dirt Track
  • Willowbank successfully hosts Junior Solo Titles
  • Woffinden wins Rob Woffinden Solo Classic
  • Yamaha backs AORC for 14th Year
  • Kirkness and Whale headline Newcastle Supertrack

Congrats to Toby – KTM 1-2-3 at Dakar

The Toby Price legendary status continues to grow after winning the 2019 Dakar Rally in the most trying of circumstances you would be hard pushed to find any off-road enthusiast who doesn’t admire the skill and tenacity of this genuinely humble Aussie.

Dakar Stage Toby Price Mattias Walkner
Toby Price with team-mate and runner-up, Matthias Walkner

Price went into Dakar 2019 under a cloud after breaking the scaphoid in his right wrist on the 12th of December and after getting it operated on by Dr. Mir in Barcelona the long-time KTM rider flew back to Australia to recuperate before the start of Dakar on January the 6th.

Once recuperated enough to start riding (well before doctor’s orders) Price got together with Stephen Gall and they went out to Queensland Moto Park, West of Brisbane to try out some wrist support via the CTi Custom Wrist Brace.

Dakar Rest Toby Price
Toby Price during the rest day midway through Dakar 2019

Toby initially rode without any support before he tried some taping which apparently helped but the breakthrough came when Gall fitted the Carbon ‘All Sport Dynamic’ OH2 Wrist Brace which really helped his confidence and this is the brace that helped Toby though to the end of the world’s most gruelling off-road motorcycle race.

Gall, himself a tough competitor who shares the distinction of multiple Finke Desert Race wins with Price, said, “I’m so happy to able to help him win this huge race.”

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price – Dakar 2019 – Job Done

The 2019 Dakar win adds to Price’s resume which includes his 2016 Dakar win, five AORC wins, two A4DE wins, six Finke Desert Race wins, five Hattah Desert Race wins, ISDE class wins, A Day in the Dirt Motocross Grand Prix win, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge win, Rallye OiLibya du Maroc wins and the 2018 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price

Coming into the final Stage 10, race leader Price was faced with a 359-kilometre trek, including a 112-kilometre special and 247-kilometre liaison around the city of Pisco and it couldn’t have gone better for Price who finished the stage in first place, two minutes and 21 seconds ahead of second place holder Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo (Monster Energy Honda Team 2019).

Overall, Price has finished a staggering nine minute and 13 seconds ahead of reigning title holder Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM Factory Team) while Sam Sunderland (Red Bull KTM Factory Team), clocking in 13 minutes and 34 seconds behind Price, rounded out the podium.

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price

With a podium filled to the brim with KTM bikes, the Austrian brand can now comfortably brag that the last time a KTM bike did not win the Dakar Rally was back in 2000!

Toby Price

“It feels amazing to stand here knowing I have won the Dakar, I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. I thought at the beginning of the event I would be lucky to even make the rest day. My Red Bull KTM bike has been amazing, I want to say a big thank you to my mechanic for that. The whole crew here do an amazing job – without them I would be no one.”

Dakar Stage KTM Toby Price
The pain was clearly visible throughout Dakar 2019

Fellow Australians Ben Young and James Ferguson finished Stage 10 in 55th and 67th place respectively while ending the 2019 Dakar Rally in 51st and 67th overall – great effort boys!

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KTM Sweeps Anaheim 2

Round three of the 2019 AMA Supercross Championship at Anaheim featured the first of the ‘Triple Crown’ formats and it was KTM riders Cooper Webb and Shane McElrath who came out on top in the 450SX and 250SX classes respectively.

450 Report

If you were telling anyone before the series kicked off that the first three 450SX round winners were going to be Justin Barcia, Blake Baggett and Cooper Webb you would have been scoffed at but the fact is that you would have been dead right and as arsy as they come.

AMASX Rnd Anaheim StartJ K
2019 AMA Supercross – 450 Start

Cooper Webb got 10th place the week before at Glendale but his performance at Anaheim 2, in particular race one against Roczen backed with his second race win and a solid third in the final race for the overall has put the former 250SX champion on the map as a title contender.

Cody Webb

“Last weekend I was tenth and that wasn’t what I wanted, so I had some redemption this week. But to win is insane – to win two races and be on the podium in the last one is incredible! I really have got to give it up to the group at KTM, they took me under and they changed everything for me. It’s been a struggle the last two years, so those guys just constantly pushing me to get back to where I was and reminding me that I still got it. I can’t believe it and I’ll never forget this day. I hope to keep it going, this is an incredible feeling. Man, I’m speechless.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Cooper WebbJ K
Cody Webb

Right now Marvin Musquin is managing a knee injury and he admits that the triple crown format is not his strong point but the Frenchman managed three sold races for second overall.

Marvin Musquin

“It’s not always been my strongest point on the start but I’ve been very consistent today. This week I only rode a little bit on Monday. I stayed in California and we got a lot of rain, but obviously it helped on the knee. I tried to work on it the whole week and I felt good getting on the bike compared to last weekend, so it was important and that’s what I need – to feel good and not have any pain. It was great racing tonight, I didn’t win any motos but I got second overall, I was consistent and I was able to battle for the lead and for the podium.”

Eli Tomac had never finished outside of the top five in any of the nine Triple Crown main events he has been part of and at A2 he kept that streak alive by going 4-4-1 for third place overall.

Eli Tomac

“In the first two main events I didn’t do myself any favours off the start but I was happy that we were able to charge forward both times into fourth place. The third race was awesome because I was able to get out in clean air and just ride. The track tonight was technical and even sketchy in some parts, but I am happy to be leaving here healthy and only two points back in the championship.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Eli Tomac J K
Eli Tomac
Ken Roczen

“Overall, it was a good night of racing. We showed a lot of speed and are happy with this Triple Crown race. We got off to a great start in the first race, getting the holeshot and leading the whole race until I made a mistake in the one of the last rhythm sections, which unfortunately cost me the win. We still came in second, which was great. I didn’t get the best start in the second race but weaseled my way through and felt like I was going really fast. I found myself in third and was catching the guys up front but I made a mistake and went down in the whoops and had about five guys go by me. I didn’t let that distract me, rode strong and worked my way back up to fifth. We were just trying to get through the third race, where I finished fourth and unfortunately, just missed the podium. It was a bummer not to be on the overall podium, but we still have the points lead and red plate so that’s awesome.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Ken Roczen J K
Ken Roczen
Cole Seely

“Once again, there are a lot of positives to take away from tonight. My starts were much better in two out of the three races, and I was able to run more toward the front of the pack. Being up there and feeling the pace of the front group was huge. The Triple Crown format is definitely a challenge because the turnaround time is really short and you’re basically doing three sprint races, so you have to be on it. I’m getting back into the flow and am excited to go racing each weekend, so seventh is another step in the right direction.”

HRC Contract Extended Cole Seely
Cole Seely

Class rookie Aaron Plessinger suffered poor starts all night but he improved his position each event with 12-9-6 moto finishes for seventh outright to hold down ninth overall in the championship points.

Aaron Plessinger

“Anaheim 2 was a pretty good race for me. I kind of was struggling with bike setup all day and then after the last practice we made a shock change, and it was great. I got a few bad starts in the first two main events, which hurt my results, but I felt good all night. I rode what I thought was the best that I have ridden. I went 12, 9, 6, for seventh overall. So, I think I did pretty good for it only being my third 450 race. I’m really amped for Oakland next weekend. I’m going to go back and work on my starts, practice them all week and get it down pat so hopefully we can get up front and get a podium.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Aaron Plessinger JK SX Anaheim
Aaron Plessinger

As for Plessinger’s Yamaha team mate, Justin Barcia went 7-3 for the first two races but the A1 winner spewed over the bars in one of the rutted rhythm section and was taken to hospital with a bruised tail bone – Barcia is expected to be at the gate this weekend.

Joey Savatgy, who is known as a good starter, looked to use the Triple Crown format to his benefit to achieve the results he has been looking for and in the three main event format, Savatgy was able to surge out front in nearly all three races, which helped him score 8-13-8 results to capture eighth overall.

Joey Savatgy

“It has been a shaky past two weeks for me, so to bounce back from last weekend and land inside the top 10 tonight is something we’ll take. We set out to be consistent today and we did that for the most part, so overall I am happy with where we are. We will clean up a few things this week and come out swinging in Oakland.”

Like many, Jason Anderson suffered from poor starts but managed a pair of sixth place finishes in the opening two races but in the third race he tangled with Chad Reed early and was forced off the track leaving the defending champ to finish back in 17th for ninth on the night to now be 17 points back from championship leader Roczen.

Jason Anderson

“I was able to get a top-10 overall, it wasn’t a horrible weekend, but I’m going to keep pushing and I’ll try to be better next weekend.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Jason Anderson JK SX Anaheim
Jason Anderson

Chad Reed came home in 10th in the opening race but his bike had an issue on the start lije of race two leaving the Aussie as a spectator but Chad bounced back for a solid fifth in the final race of the night for 13th outright.

450SX Results

  1. Cooper Webb 1 – 1 – 3
  2. Marvin Musquin 3 – 2 – 2
  3. Eli Tomac 4 – 4 – 1
  4. Ken Roczen 2 – 5 – 4
  5. Dean Wilson 9 – 8 – 7
  6. Cole Seely 5 – 7 – 13
  7. Aaron Plessinger 12 – 9 – 6
  8. Joey Savatgy 8 – 13 – 8
  9. Jason Anderson 6 – 6 – 17
  10. Justin Barcia 7 – 3 – 22
  11. Justin Hill 13 – 11 – 9
  12. Vince Friese 11 – 12 – 10
  13. Chad Reed 10 – 22 – 5
AMASX Rnd Anaheim Podium Webb Musquin Tomac JK
2019 Anaheim 2 – AMA SX Round 3 – Round Points
Cooper Webb 26
Marvin Musquin 23
Eli Tomac 21

450SX Points Standings

  1. Ken Roczen – 63
  2. Eli Tomac – 61
  3. Cooper Webb – 57
  4. Marvin Musquin – 56
  5. Justin Barcia – 56
  6. Dean Wilson – 52
  7. Jason Anderson – 46
  8. Aaron Plessinger – 45
  9. Blake Baggett – 45
  10. Cole Seely – 44
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250SX Report

Despite Adam Cianciarulo being the fastest man on the track and championship leader Colt Nicolls getting blazing starts, McElrath maintained a solid pace throughout the evening, placing on the podium in the first two mains before winning the final race of the night for the overall.

250 blasts off the line at Anaheim II
250 blasts off the line at Anaheim II
Shane McElrath

“We’ve been learning a lot throughout the season so far. I mean, we had a really good off-season but you can’t really do bike setup without going to the races and that’s my comfort – that’s really what we’ve been searching for. The last two weekends have been upsetting because of the way I’ve been riding but we’ve just kept pushing – perseverance produces hope, so this is good for us.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Shane McElrath J K
Shane McElrath

The Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing pairing of Dylan Ferrandis and Colt Nichols weren’t too far apart all weekend and at the end of the three main events they were separated by just two points with Ferrandis coming home in second overall while Nicoll rounded out the podium and more importantly maintain his championship points lead, albeit only two points over McElrath.

Dylan Ferrandis

“The short amount of time between each main event made it physically demanding, but I felt good and strong all night. All the rain from the week, made for a really technical rhythm section, but the bike was awesome. My teammate and I were able to put the bike up front at every start. I’m a bit disappointed to finished second again, but me and my team are going to analyze our race and work on what we need for the win.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Dylan Ferrandis J K
Dylan Ferrandis
Colt Nichols

“The track was very difficult. It got really rutty and soft during the third main event, so made it very hard to continue to jump the rhythm sections and keep everything consistent. The bike was incredible, got off to three really great starts. I’m a little bummed with the way I rode in the last main event after getting the holeshot, but overall it was a good night. Still came out with a podium, can’t be mad at that. It was also pretty tough to bounce back in between each race, with there being a short time in between each one of the main events. Made it physically demanding, but happy with the way I rode. Just have to get a little bit better.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Colt Nichols J K
Colt Nichols

Cianciarulo once again showed flashes of speed and brilliance as he was able to be a front runner in all three main event races but the Kawasaki rider crashed in the opening two races before being run down by McElrath in the final race to finish with 4-14-2 for fifth overall and he now sits fourth in the point’s standings.

Adam Cianciarulo

“Nights like tonight are frustrating as a racer because we did everything right, but ultimately some small mistakes cost us. We qualified fastest again and in the first race we got out to an early lead but unfortunately, I tucked the front end. In Main Event 2, I had a big get off which really hurt my overall score, but I was happy I was able to bounce back in the third race and come away with a second place. Overall, we are healthy and only eight points back in the championship. We’ve got work to do, but this Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is coming for you Oakland.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Adam Cianciarulo J K
Adam Cianciarulo

Poor old Thomas Ravenhorst was leading the LCQ before dropping back to the final qualifying spot and was just two corners away from making it to the main event before sliding out in the right hand berm.

250SX West Results

  1. Shane McElrath 3 – 2 – 1
  2. Dylan Ferrandis 2 – 1 – 3
  3. Colt Nichols 1 – 3 – 4
  4. J. Hampshire 5 – 4 – 5
  5. Adam Cianciarulo 4 – 14 – 2
  6. Cameron McAdoo 9 – 5 – 6
  7. Jacob Hayes 6 – 7 – 9
  8. Michael Mosiman 10 – 6 – 7
  9. Chris Blose 8 – 8 – 8
  10. Mitchell Harrison 12 – 9 – 11
AMASX Rnd Anaheim Podium McElrath Ferrandis Nichols JK
AMA SX Round 3 – 250 Western Round Points
Shane McElrath 26
Dylan Ferrandis 23
Colt Nichols 21

250SX West Points Standings

  1. Colt Nichols – 70
  2. Shane McElrath – 68
  3. Dylan Ferrandis – 63
  4. Adam Cianciarulo – 62
  5. J. Hampshire – 57
  6. Jimmy Decotis – 44
  7. Chris Blose – 44
  8. Cameron McAdoo – 41
  9. Michael Mosiman – 39
  10. Jacob Hayes – 37
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

French Riders Win Belfast Arenacross

The opening round of the UK Arenacross Series was held in Belfast last weekend and it was the French rides Greg Aranda and Cedric Soubeyres who drew first blood in the 450 and 250 Main events respectively.

The Pro 450s was all about Aranda with the Team Green Kawasaki rider remained unbeaten all day, from free practice right through to the Main Event Super Final but he had to work for the win as Soubeyras tore off the start line, grabbing the holeshot and leading the race right up until two-thirds race distance.

Rider celebrate on the Belfast Podium
Belfast Arenacross 2019 Podium

Back in fourth Aranda first picked off Adrien Escoffier and then Valentin Teillet before he closed on Soubeyras and then charged through to the front.

Behind him Soubeyras kept his cool to take second and with Teillet in third, placed two 250s on the podium while Brit Jack Brunell had a storming ride to finish fourth.

Northern Ireland’s Martin Barr crashed earlier in the evening and sadly, a broken hand ruled him out of continuing through to the final, he promised to be back at Birmingham and added; “Despite the injury, I really enjoyed the whole evening. The crowd were unbelievable and I’m now concentrating on getting fit in time for Birmingham.”

Pro Main Event Super Final

  1. #20 Greg Aranda, Team Green Kawasaki
  2. #1 Cedric Soubeyras, FRO Systems, Husqvarna
  3. #373 Valentin Teillet, SR75 Suzuki
  4. #10 Jack Brunell, Team Green Kawasaki
  5. #6 Adrien Escoffier, Buildbase Honda
  6. #4 Fabien Izoird, Shocktech Kawasaki
  7. #64 Nique Thury, FRO Systems
  8. #3 Charles Le Francois, SR75 Suzuki
  9. #744 Diogo Graca, Castrol Power1 Suzuki
  10. #17 Matt Bayliss, Wooldridge Demolition

Pro 450 Championship

  1. #20 Greg Aranda, 90 points
  2. #3 Charles Lefrancois, 58 points
  3. #4 Fabien Izoird, 56 points
  4. #64 Nique Thury, 49 points
  5. #10 Jack Brunell, 45 points
  6. #8 Hugo Basaula, 42 points

Pro Lites Overall

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras
  2. #737 Valentin Teillet
  3. #6 Adrien Escoffier
  4. #744 Diogo Graca
  5. #259 Julien Lebeau
  6. #1x Joe Clayton

Pro Lites Championship

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras, 82 points
  2. #6 Adrien Escoffier, 56 points
  3. #259 Julien Lebeau, 54 points
  4. #737 Valentin Teillet, 48 points
  5. #1x Joe Clayton, 35 points
  6. #744 Diogo Graca, 31 points

Arenacross now heads back to the mainland for the third and fourth round of the Tour at The Resorts World Arena, Birmingham on Friday the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of February 2019. Doors open at 6pm and the evening’s entertainment gets underway at 7.00pm. Tickets are available directly from the Arena Box Office on 028 9073 9074 or on the door.

Remaining Arenacross Tour dates

  • 1st February – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
  • 2nd February – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
  • 15th February – The Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield
  • 16th February – The Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Toni Bou Wins Budapest X-Trial Round

The FIM X-Trial World Championship kicked off in Budapest last weekend and as one would expect Repsol Honda Team’s Toni Bou took the win from arch rival Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo.

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

Bou opened the season in the style with a marked difference by the end of the first round, collecting a single penalty compared to the six of Raga then in the semi-final, where only the top finisher from each group would make it through to the grand finale, Bou again proved unmatchable notching up two solitary marks.

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

The final showdown saw the champ face Raga, with the riders forced to take the same sections but in the reverse direction. Bou started the final losing ground to his opponent before some deft handling eventually moved the Spaniard up into first place and despite picking up a five in the penultimate hazard the defending champ secured the first victory of the 2019 FIM X-Trial championship.

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1
Toni Bou

“I’m super happy to start off winning. It was amazing to get this victory after the rib injury, which I’m still not recovered from totally. We must continue working to improve because I believe that I am not yet where I could be. I trained a little this year and I think I’m not at my usual level. There is still quite a way to go and I want to get there as soon as possible. Yes, in 2018 we won, but I suffered a lot because of the injuries. That is why I want to thank Joaquim Terricabras and all his medical team for the help they have given me, especially for the recent treatment for the rib injury.”

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

Results X-Trial Budapest 2019

  1. BOU Toni – 20
  2. RAGA Adam – 15
  3. FAJARDO Jeroni – 12
  4. BUSTO Jaime – 9
  5. BINCAZ Benoit – 6
  6. CASALES Jorge – 4
  7. DABILL James – 3
  8. FUJINAMI Takahisa – 2
  9. PEACE Dan – 1
X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou on the podium – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

KTM’s Taylor Robert wins Primm WORCS

The opening round of the 2019 Rocky Mountain ATV-MC WORCS Series got underway in Primm, Nevada last weekend and it was Taylor Robert (FMF/KTM) who came away with the victory over the Kawasaki pairing of Zach Bell and Blayne Thompson.

Robert, who was still sore from a big crash the day before while practicing, was dogged most of the way by Bell while Thompson made it two Precision Concepts/Kawasaki Team Green bikes on the podium.

Dante Oliveira (RPM/KTM) and defending champ Giacomo Redondi (KTM) rounded out the top five overall.

Taylor Robert won the opening round of the WORCS Series IMGHarlenFoley
Taylor Robert wins Primm WORCS – Image by Harlen Foley

Former WORCS champ Gary Sutherlin and a tough day, and that included running out of gas. The KTM rider still managed to place sixth overall, one spot better than Husqvarna rider Andrew Short, who made it to the track just in time after having just completed the Dakar Rally in Peru.

Clayton Hengeveld (Precision Concepts/Kawasaki Team Green) won the Pro2 class, and Mateo Oliveira (GasGas) won the Pro2 Lites division.

Pro

  1. Taylor Robert (KTM)
  2. Zach Bell (Kaw)
  3. Blayne Thompson (Kaw)
  4. Dante Oliveira (KTM)
  5. Giacomo Redondi (KTM)

Pro 2

  1. Clayton Hengeveld (Kaw)
  2. Tallon Lafountaine (Hon)
  3. Austin Serpa (KTM)
  4. Austin Walton (Hus)
  5. Chance Fullerton (Bet)

Pro 2 Lites

  1. Mateo Oliveira (GG)
  2. Brandy Richards (KTM)
  3. Tyler Nicholson (KTM)
  4. Dallas Serpa (KTM)
  5. Parker Wood (KTM)
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Norton Third at AMA Hare Scrambles

Aussie Callum Norton is over in America preparing for the 2019 Australian season and last weekend he contested the opening round of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship and despite the wet conditions and tough competition the KTM rider came home in third place.

Norton was actually leading the race in the early stages but Joe Wasson managed to get by and take the win over Max Gerston and Norton.

Old Bar Twilight Dirt Track

It was an action packed night of racing as the Australian Dirt Track season kicked off at Old Bar, Taree last weekend and in the end it was Jarryd Oram who came home with the win in the main event over Jamie Chapman and Thomas Donnely while pre-race favourite Michael Kirkness was forced to settle with the 450 class win after getting a flat tyre while winning the Open final.

Michael Kirkness at Old Bar last weekend
Old Bar Twilight Dirt Track – Michael Kirkness

Chapman bounced back from being pipped by Oram in the Open Final to win the 250cc class while Thomas Donnelly (Dash for Cash), Darren Saxon (Clubman), Michael Booth (Over 35s), Dale Austin (Women), Viv Muddle (65cc 7 – U/9s), Thoren Openshaw (65cc 9 – U/13s), Cody Wilby (85cc 4str Mod.7 – U/12s) and Mitchell Bisley (250cc 4str 13-U/16s) all tasted success over the weekend.

Open Final

  1. Jarryd ORAM
  2. James CHAPMAN
  3. Thomas DONNELLY
  4. Boyd Hollis
  5. Sam DAVIES
  6. Michael BOOTH
  7. Alec HURST
  8. Kye ANDREWS
  9. Jared MYER
    Michael KIRKNESS

450cc

  1. Michael Kirkness (Macleay)
  2. Thomas Donnelly (Gunnedah)
  3. James Chapman (Macleay)

250cc

  1. James Chapman (Macleay
  2. Thomas Donnelly (Gunnedah
  3. Blake Wilby (Taree)

Clubman

  1. Darren Saxon (Hunter)
  2. Ryan Wilson (Hunter)
  3. Nicholas Ptolemy (Macleay)

Peter Fahey Memorial Over 35s

  1. Michael Booth (Macleay)
  2. Michael Rix (Macleay)
  3. Jason Griffin (Hunter)

Women’s

  1. Dale Austin (Taree)
  2. Abbey Baker (Taree)

One Lap Dash for Cash

  1. Thomas Donnelly (Gunnedah)

65cc 7 – U/9s

  1. Viv Muddle (Gold Coast)
  2. Nate Jaeger (Gunnedah)
  3. Chayse Trappel (Macleay)

65cc 9 – U/13s

  1. Thoren Openshaw (Taree)
  2. Beau Bailey (Cowra)
  3. Will Bisley (Taree)
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85cc 4str Mod.7 – U/12s

  1. Cody Wilby (Taree)
  2. Will Bisley (Taree)
  3. Alexander Adamson (Kurri Kurri)

85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str 9 – U/12s

  1. Hayden Nelson (Taree)
  2. Carter Thompson (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Will Bisley (Taree)

85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str 11s

  1. Hayden Nelson (Taree)
  2. Carter Thompson (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Thoren Openshaw (Taree)

85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str 12- U/16s

  1. Mitchell Bisley (Taree)
  2. Cody Lewis (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Thomas Bullen (Kurri Kurri)

250cc 4str 13-U/16s

  1. Mitchell Bisley (Taree)
  2. Jack Joel (Central Coast)
  3. Jarred Loveday (Macleay)

Willowbank Successfully Hosts Junior Solo Titles

Willowbank Raceway’s Ipswich Switches Junior Speedway Club hosted the Australian Junior Speedway Championships last weekend and from all accounts it was an exciting three nights of racing as the resurgence of speedway in Australia continues to flourish.

In the premier Under 21 500cc class it was defending champion Jaimon Lidsey who scored a convincing win from Jordan Stewart, Matt Gilmore and Zach Cook while the under 16 250cc class was a red hot affair but in the end it was Keynan Rew who got the win over Patrick Hamilton, Harrison Ryan and Flynn Nichol.

The 2019 Australian 125cc Under 16’s Pairs Championship was won by the NSW team of Cameron Dunker and Lachlan Hayes while in the 125cc Individual Championship it was Maurice Brown who got the win over Patrick Bowes, Luke Kileen and James Person.

Woffinden wins Rob Woffinden Solo Classic

The Rob Woffinden Classic is a premium event celebrating the legacy that Rob left when he helped build Pinjar Park Speedway in WA from the ground up and last weekend it was his son Tai who won the event for the second time to cap off an off-season that saw the 2018 World Champion enjoy a relaxing time back in Australia while keeping his speedway skills sharp.

Tai Woffinden in action ImgWarwickHemy
Woffinden wins Rob Woffinden Solo Classic – Image by Warwick Hemy

The three-time World Champion defeated Cameron Heeps, Daniel Winchester and Blake Russell in the final before inviting all of the children on to the track to celebrate his win with a group photo on the presentation tailer.

Woffinden heads back to the UK in the coming weeks to start preparation for the defence of his World Speedway title.

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Yamaha Backs AORC for 14th Year

Running into its 14th consecutive year, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the continued relationship between Yamaha Motor Australia and the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) with Yamaha Motor Australia once again the naming rights sponsor for the 2019 season!

With a relationship that has spanned over a decade, MA and Yamaha Motor Australia will continue developing and expanding upon their professional relationship to build a successful 2019 season.

AORC Yamaha naming sponsor
Yamaha becomes AORC naming rights sponsor in 2019 for 14th consecutive year
Ray Howard – Yamaha’s Motorsport Manager

“Yamaha Motor Australia are pleased to continue our substantial and positive relationships with the Australian Off-Road Championship. 2018 was a season full of impressive developments and clear progress, and we are seeing more initiatives in place for the 2019 season. We look forward to continue working closely with MA and the promoting clubs to further develop an already prestigious Championship that has proven to be a fertile ground for producing international standard riders that are successful on a world stage.”

With the likes of six-time consecutive Women’s World Trophy Champion at the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) Jessica Gardiner included in the line-up of the Women’s class, the 2019 season couldn’t get any bigger! Alongside Gardiner are Team Australia’s World Trophy ISDE Champions Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders and Lyndon Snodgrass, who each will contend for AORC Championship titles in their respective classes!

AORC has a long and prestigious history of paving the way for international legends, with the likes of 2019 Dakar Rally title holder Toby Price a former two time winner of the AORC.

The 2019 season kicks off in Gympie, Queensland for Rounds 1 and 2, from 9-10 March and entries are now open.

Yamaha continues to support the AORC
2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

Kirkness and Whale Headline Newcastle Supertrack

Motorcycle racing action returns to the Newcastle Showground this Friday night (January 25) where the ‘Newcastle Supertrack’ meeting will be staged at the iconic venue and it will bring Michael Kirkness and Max Whale together as they battle for glory.

There will be several classes in a race programmed where fans will see two or three rows of riders at the starting grid which is on par with the Flat Track Racing in America but not normally seen in dirt track racing in Australia.

Australian Senior Dirt Track Gunnedah Kirkness
Michael Kirkness to head to Newcastle Supertrack

The appearance of Kirkness is significant as over the past decade he has done more flat track racing in the US than any other Australian rider which may give the former Troy Bayliss Classic winner an edge as the 450cc class features 19inch wheels with no front brakes – just like the American AMA flat track racing uses.

The toughest opponent for Kirkness will be Queensland teenager Max Whale who was a runaway winner of the 2018 Rookie of the Year award in the AMA Flat Track Single class despite missing several rounds due to a shoulder injury. Whale heads back to the US next month where he has signed with a well-established team for the 2019 season.

Max Whale Taree
Max Whale at Taree

Harry Maxwell has also lodged an entry and his enthusiasm for the meeting can be judged by the fact that he will be travelling down from Proserpine in north Queensland to take part while multiple Central Coast Cup winner David Smith is also among the entries.

There will also be racing for Twin Cylinder and Supermoto classes, a Pro 250 class and Speedway and Long Track sliders.

Action will get under way with practice and one round of racing on Friday afternoon from 4pm before a tea break, then introductions at 6.30pm and then the big night session.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Wrap for January 15, 2019 by Darren Smart

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Moto News Latest

  • Baggett and Cianciarulo Take Glendale AMA SX
  • Latest on Dakar Rally after Stage 7
  • Fricke Wins Aussie Speedway Solo Championship
  • Waters Wins Coffs Harbour Stadium
  • Bowers Wins German Supercross
  • ‘Sir’ Jeffrey Herlings is a Knight
  • MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina Entry Lists
  • Watson Wins Gurp TT Beach Race
  • 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Up-Date
  • Kirkness to Star at Old Bar Dirt Track This Weekend
  • 2020 Aussie Speedway Championship hosting EoIs open

Baggett and Cianciarulo Take Glendale AMA SX

The second round of the AMA Supercross Championship was filled with great racing and drama but when it was all said and done Blake Baggett won his first 450SX main event after Adam Cianciarulo completely dominated the 250SX main.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Pits Track JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2

450SX Report – Start 1

There were two starts to the 450 main so let’s start with the original gate drop where Ken Roczen outsmarted his competitors by breaking ranks to position himself on the third farthest outside gate away from all of the contenders who were on the middle to inside gates, to earn the holeshot from Marvin Musquin, Blake Baggett, Jason Anderson, Vince Friese, Malcolm Stewart, Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Dean Wilson and Justin Brayton while Chad Reed continues to struggle with his starts to be back in 14th place.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Rear Starts JK COVER
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2

Anderson moved to second place and all of the places were remaining predominantly the same for the first four minutes when Stewart spewed over the bars in the tough whoop section and didn’t move off the track so the race was stopped – news on Stewart’s status below.

Start 2 – Staggered Start

With Roczen at the front, the whole field sat single file from 1st to 21st on the main straight for the remaining 16 minutes of the main event and after a confusing drop of the flag Roczen led the field from Anderson, Musquin, Baggett, Friese. Tomac and the rest of the star studded field.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Roczen JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Ken Roczen

The first couple of laps were enthralling as Roczen held Anderson at bay but then the defending champ ran out of patience and drove hard into the right hand berm at the end of the whoops and thanks to their alternate lines coming together Roczen was dropped off his Honda.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Anderson JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Jason Anderson

All bets would have been on Anderson taking off for an easy win but Baggett, who had already passed Musquin was looking mighty comfortable on the hard packed, slippery surface and it wasn’t long before Anderson and Baggett were in a battle for the lead just as Roczen and Tomac moved into third and fourth with easy passes on the struggling Musquin.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Reed JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Chad Reed

Out front Baggett was all over Anderson for the lead for several laps and it looked like a cat playing with a wounded mouse for some time before Baggett literally rode around the outside of the defending champion as they entered a right hand berm before taking off for his maiden 450SX class main event win.

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Blake Baggett

“I have had weekends where I have had to run the pace with those guys, Kenny as well, then some weekends they leave me in the dust, so it feels good to finally get my whole program together and win a round against those guys.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Baggett JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Blake Baggett

Anderson’s title defence is back on track with a solid second place.

Jason Anderson

“This was a good weekend, I was able to ride the Main better than last week. I had a section that I didn’t think I was great in, so I didn’t want to put myself in a position to go down and lose points. I took the second and I’ll go from there.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Pits Anderson JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Jason Anderson

Eli Tomac didn’t get the best start and was right in the mix when Stewart went over the bars but the Kawasaki ace battled through to fourth place.

Eli Tomac

“I was feeling confident coming into the weekend and also felt good in qualifying. The track was massive and different from most of the tracks in the series. It’s never ideal to have to go to the LCQ but we got it done and stayed focused on the Main Event. We’ll be focusing on our starts this week and look to apply that practice to the race next weekend. We’re still third in points and in a really good position so we’ll come out swinging for the second go-around in Anaheim.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Eli Tomac J K
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Eli Tomac

Last week’s winner Justin Barcia didn’t get the starts he needed to contend for another win but the Yamaha rider is just one point off the championship lead.

Justin Barcia

“It was a really difficult day for me. The track was really high speed. It had some really technical rhythm sections. For some reason, I could never get a good flow on it. It was a little bit frustrating I would say, but I felt like every time I went on the track I kind of got better and better and made some really good bike changes. I wish I could have gotten more comfortable right off the bat. I just never felt comfortable today. It was definitely a frustrating day compared to my win last weekend. But all in all, the team really worked their butts off today to get me as comfortable as I could on the bike on this tricky track. It was really hard packed, really slick. The team went above and beyond and did a good job on the bike. The track was just a difficult one for me. So I’m moving on this week. Will work on a few things and then back to Anaheim. Looking forward to that. I’m really excited for A2.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Barcia JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Justin Barcia

Rookie Aaron Plessinger struggled with the track conditions to end the night just outside the top 10 in 11th.

Aaron Plessinger

“Phoenix Supercross was a little rough for me. I was struggling with the bike all day. I had a big crash in practice and then changed a lot on the bike for the heat race. The track was really, really getting slick in the heat race. I got a pretty good start in the heat race but just made a couple little mistakes and it cost me third and ended up fifth. In the main event, I didn’t really get a great start. Then we had to do a restart, a staggered start. That didn’t really play into my favour. I went from 12th to 13th, I think. Then about halfway through I started feeling really good and started flowing with the track and made a few passes and was catching another rider and just ran out of time. I think A2 will be a lot better. It will be the first triple crown, so I’m coming in with high hopes.”

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Chad Reed was dead-set on fire in his heat race to pass the likes of Roczen and Baggett on his way to second place but the final did not go Chad’s way with a poor start and a few small mistakes leaving the multi champion back in 14th place at race end.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Reed JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Chad Reed

Joey Savatgy’s night ended with a concussion after crashing during his heat race.

Joey Savatgy

“I was feeling really comfortable on the bike all day. The team and I were prepared to redeem our results from last week, but unfortunately, I made a mistake in my heat race, which caused me to sit out the rest of the night. It’s only the second round of a long season and I’m looking forward to using the experience and improving each week.”

450 Main Event Overall Results

  1. Blake Baggett
  2. Jason Anderson
  3. Ken Roczen
  4. Eli Tomac
  5. Marvin Musquin
  6. Justin Barcia
  7. Justin Brayton
  8. Dean Wilson
  9. Cole Seely
  10. Cooper Webb
  11. Aaron Plessinger
  12. Vince Friese
  13. Justin Hill Suzuki
  14. Chad Reed Suzuki
  15. Justin Bogle
  16. Kyle Chisholm
  17. Alex Ray
  18. Carlen Gardner
  19. Ben Lamay Honda
  20. Ronnie Stewart
  21. Cheyenne Harmon
  22. Malcolm Stewart
AMASX Rnd Glendale Podium Baggett Anderson Roczen JK
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – 450 Podium – Anderson, Baggett, Roczen

450 Supercross Points (Round 2 Of 17)

  1. Ken Roczen – 44
  2. Justin Barcia – 43
  3. Eli Tomac – 40
  4. Blake Baggett – 37
  5. Dean Wilson – 34
  6. Marvin Musquin – 33
  7. Jason Anderson – 32
  8. Cooper Webb – 31
  9. Aaron Plessinger – 29
  10. Justin Brayton – 28
  11. Cole Seely – 27
  12. Chad Reed – 23
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250SX Report

The fifteen minute 250SX main saw Cianciarulo take the holeshot ahead of Shane McElrath, Jimmy Decotis, Colt Nichols and Dylan Ferrandis who was on a mission as he passed Nichols but the Frenchman high-sided on a left hand sweeper which dropped him to 16th.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Cianciarulo JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Adam Cianciarulo

As Cianciarulo pulled away, Decotis and Nichols were going toe to toe for several laps before Nichols eventually won the battle and then demoted McElrath to third place but he was 10 seconds back from Cianciarulo and never looked like catching the flying Kawasaki pilot.

R.J Hampshire was another on the move and had moved up from a bad starting position to 5th by lap eleven and then quickly demoted Decotis to take 4th.

AMASX Rnd Glendale McElrath JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Shane McElrath

Cianciarulo secured maximum points with his 7th career victory, almost 12 seconds ahead of Nichols who retained his championship points lead with a five point advantage heading into the third round while McElrath held off a charge at the flag from Hampshire who finished well ahead of Decotis and Ferrandis who came home 6th after his crash.

Adam Cianciarulo

“I got through the first corner, unlike last week. I’m really tired of being the guy that just has potential. We just went back to the drawing board this week,”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Cianciarulo JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Adam Cianciarulo

Garrett Marchbanks struggled on the hard packed surface to end the night in 9th place.

Garrett Marchbanks

“Round 2 is done and I’m proud of our ninth-place position. I’m still learning each week, working on my starts and building my confidence. I’m so grateful for all the hard work my team has put in and all the support they continue to provide me with. This track was a lot different from the others I’m used to but I’m using everything as experience and applying it to each round.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Marchbanks JK SX Glendale
2019 AMA SX – Glendale Round 2 – Garrett Marchbanks

Tomas Ravenhorst had an up and down heat race with the Australian privateer running as high as 7th before dropping to 11th then back to the final qualifying spot only to drop back to 10th and a trip to the LCQ where he never figured to finish 15th.

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250 Main Event Overall Results

  1. Adam Cianciarulo
  2. Colt Nichols
  3. Shane McElrath
  4. RJ Hampshire
  5. James Decotis
  6. Dylan Ferrandis
  7. Chris Blose Husqvarna
  8. Sean Cantrell
  9. Garrett Marchbanks
  10. Michael Mosiman
AMASX Rnd Podium Cianciarulo Nichols McElrath
AMA Supercross 2019
250 Western Round Two Main Event Results
Adam Cianciarulo – Kawasaki
Colt Nichols – Yamaha +9.557
Shane McElrath – KTM +13.919

250 West Coast Points (Round 2 Of 9)

  1. Colt Nichols – 49
  2. Adam Cianciarulo – 44
  3. Shane Mcelrath – 42
  4. Dylan Ferrandis – 40
  5. RJ Hampshire – 38
  6. James Decotis – 34
  7. Garrett Marchbanks – 31
  8. Chris Blose – 30
  9. Michael Mosiman – 24
  10. Jess Pettis – 24

Latest on Dakar Rally after Stage 7

Sam Sunderland came out on top in the loop around San Juan de Marconae and now stands less than 10 minutes behind the new overall leader, Ricky Brabec who has a six minute lead over Toby Price who moved up to second place overall after stage 7.

Dakar Stage Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland

Still suffering with his injury, Toby Price battles on in third overall. Of the other Aussies in the event, Rodney Faggotter dropped out with a mechanical issue early in the event while James Ferguson is down as a DNF during stage six but Ben Young sits in a more than credible 63rd outright despite suffering six-minutes’ worth of penalties.

Price Update

Toby Price was given a 1 minute and 33 second penalty for some form of misdemeanor during stage 7 which drops the Aussie to third overall and eight plus minutes behind the leader with three stages to go.

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price takes a 1m33s penalty

See the full Round 7 report here (link)

Standings after Stage 7 (Bike class, Top 10)

  1. Ricky Brabec – Honda – 24h48m02s
  2. Adrien Van Beveren – Yamaha – 7m47s
  3. Toby Price – KTM – 8m 28s
  4. Sam Sunderland – KTM – 9m58s
  5. Pablo Quintanilla – Husqvarna – 9m59s
  6. Kevin Benavides – Honda – 16m15s
  7. Matthias Walkner – KTM – 16m16s
  8. Stefan Svitko – KTM – 37m09s
  9. Xavier De Soultrait – Yamaha – 39m08s
  10. Andrew Short – Husqvarna – 39m17s

2019 Dakar Rally remaining stages

  • Stage 8 – Tuesday, January 15, 2019 –
    San Juan de Marcona > Pisco, Total 575 km | Specials 360 km
  • Stage 9: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 –
    Pisco > Pisco, Total 409 km | Specials 313 km
  • Stage 10: Thursday, January 17, 2019 –
    Pisco > Lima, Total 359 km | Specials 112 km
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Fricke Wins Aussie Speedway Solo Championship

Despite Rohan Tungate winning the final round on his home track at Kurri Kurri, Max Fricke has been crowned the 2019 Australian Speedway Solo Champion thanks to three round wins and two podium finishes over the five hard fought rounds.

Only a handful of points separated Fricke, former World Champion Chris Holder and defending champion Tungate going into the final round at Loxford Park Speedway, Kurri Kurri on Friday night but the fans didn’t need to wait for the final to see Fricke win the championship after the former World Under 21 Champion produced enough points in his heats to clinch the title.

The 22-year-old from Mansfield finished the final round with four wins and one second place finish during his heats, and a second-place finish in the A Final to end the championship with 83 points.

Max Fricke

“It’s been a really close championship between myself, Rohan and Chris right from the get-go. It’s been a great Championship and I am unbelievably happy to now be named the Champion. All the clubs have done such a great job this championship and everything has worked out really well! I hope to look to add a GP World Championship but I think that’s a long way into the future, so I just need to continue improving and hopefully a goal like that can be achievable.”

Max Fricke Australian Speedway Solo Champion
Max Fricke – 2019 Australian Speedway Solo Champion

Tungate delivered an unforgettable performance at Kurri Kurri, winning all his respective heats and was just too fast for Fricke in the A Final to end the championship on 77 points, just six points shy of repeating his 2018 title win.

Rohan Tungate

“I came out with a plan and everything went to accordingly. I did everything I could and won all my races, so I achieved my goal in the end! Max rode well all meeting and all series, and you simply can’t take that away from him. I can sleep well knowing I rode him hard, and so did Chris. It’s been a hard Championship, and Max fought hard for it, so he deserves it.”

Chris Holder ended the championship on 70 points on the back of a round win and making it to the A Final at every round and despite a couple of mechanical issues Holder fought tooth and nail throughout the Championship to take out the bronze medal despite missing out on points in the A Final at Kurri Kurri.

Sam Masters closed off the championship on 53 points for fourth overall just ahead of Jack Holder on 52 points and Brady Kurtz on 51 points while Jaimon Lidsey and Nick Morris ended the series on 45 points apiece.

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Waters and Tanti Wins Coffs Harbour Stadium

Todd Waters and Aaron Tanti have added their name to the winners list when they won the Pro-Open and Pro-Lites classes respectively at the annual and highly rated Coffs Harbour Stadium Motocross last weekend.

Despite losing the opening moto to Luke Clout, Waters won the Pro-Open class over Connor Tierney and Joel Rizzo while Tanti scored the Pro-Lites class win over Mason Rowe and Rhys Budd.

Todd Waters to HRC
Todd Waters won the Pro-Open class

There were over 450 riders at the event and unfortunately Clout was forced from the final two Pro-Open motos with a mystery mechanical failure while the other class winners include:

  • Beau Price (7/u9 years 50cc),
  • Jake Cannon (10-11 years 65cc),
  • Hunter Collins (14-15 years 85cc/150cc 4st),
  • Taylor Thompson (Girls 85cc),
  • Jarrad Hardcastle (Vets Over 30),
  • Ashlea Bates (Women’s All Powers),
  • Chris Nichols (Vets Over 40),
  • Ryder Kingfsord (13 years 85cc/150cc 4st),
  • Ryder Creeke (7-9 Years 65cc),
  • Joshua Lea (C Grade Lites – Under 19),
  • Lachlan Burns (C Grade Lites – Over 19),
  • Hixson McInnes (11 years 85cc/150cc 4st),
  • Ryder Kingfsord (13 years 100-125cc 2st),
  • Charli Cannon (Girls Lites),
  • Jack Deveson (9-10 years 85cc/150cc 4st),
  • Reid Taylor (14-15 years 100-125cc 2st),
  • Connor Whitney (B Grade Lites),
  • Cody Kilpatrick (12 years 85cc/150cc 4st),
  • Connor McNamara (A Grade Lites),
  • Luke Holder (C Grade Open),
  • Harrison Reid (13-15 years 128cc2st/250cc4st),
  • Andrew Fuller (B Grade Open)
  • Jake Cobbin (A Grade Open).

Pro Open

  1. Todd Waters
  2. Connor Tierney
  3. Joel Rizzo
  4. Mason Rowe
  5. Robbie Marshall

Pro Lites – Top 5

  1. Aaron Tanti
  2. Mason Rowe
  3. Rhys Budd
  4. Jye Dickson
  5. John Bova

Bowers Wins King of Dortmund

American Tyler Bowers was in Germany last weekend contesting the final round of the ADAC Supercross Championship in Dortmund and it bore fruit with the former Arenacross Champ winning the first night on Friday before taking second on Saturday to capture the King of Dortmund crown ahead of Valentin Teillet and Cedric Soubeyras.

Gregory Aranda won the SX1 class overall thanks to his win on Saturday night while Teillet and Soubeyras finished third and fourth overall on the weekend.

Tyler Bowers won the German Supercross ImgJanBrucke
Tyler Bowers wins King Of Dortmund 2019 – Image by Jan Brucke

SX1 Overall

  1. Gregory Aranda
  2. Tyler Bowers
  3. Valentin Teillet
  4. Cedric Soubeyras
  5. Charles Le Francois
  6. Dominique Thury
  7. Fabien Izoird
  8. Adrien Escoffier
  9. Matthew Bayliss
  10. Nick Schmidt

King Of Dortmund

  1. Tyler Bowers
  2. Valentin Teillet
  3. Cedric Soubeyras
  4. Dominique Thury
  5. Charles Le Francois
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‘Sir’ Jeffrey Herlings is a Knight

2018 MXGP FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings, from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, has become a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

This honour is exclusively awarded in the Netherlands to people with outstanding achievements. A requirement which Jeffrey Herlings fits perfectly, after becoming 2018 MXGP World Champion, dominating the Dutch Masters of Motocross, and taking third as a part of the Dutch team at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Jeffrey Herlings

“What a night… amazing. To receive this honour is something very special. One of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t see this coming. I’m speechless but will go home tonight with a big smile on my face.”

Jeffrey Herlings Dutch Royal Decoration ImgMarvinDuiker
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Marvin Duiker

Herlings received the Royal decoration at the Motorsports gala of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Federation (KNMV) from Dutch Minister of Sports Bruno Bruins who had nothing but kind words.

Bruno Bruins – Dutch Minister of Sports

“You’re a great champion and an inspiration to others. You’re an example of what it takes to be a true sportsman. Our king could not attend the Grand Prix in Assen but is well aware of your achievements. He’d like to honour you with this decoration.”

At the same event Jeffrey was also awarded the highest Dutch award in motorsports: the Hans de Beaufort trophy. KTM Motorsport’s Director Pit Beirer handed this to him saying:

Pit Beirer – KTM Motorsport Director

“This is for being an outstanding rider and a fighter for your country. You deserve it for being an ambassador of the sport and turning over your knowledge to young riders.”

Sir Jeffrey Herlings enjoyed the night but he is fully focused on the upcoming 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship season kicking off on the 2nd and 3rd of March in Patagonia-Argentina.

MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina Entry Lists

Youthstream have announced the official entry lists for the opening round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship taking place at the Neuquen circuit in Patagonia-Argentina this 2nd and 3rd of March.

MXGP 2018 - Round One - Patagonia
MXGP of Patagonia

The MXGP of Patagonia-Argentina has made itself one of the most liked stops on the calendar since 2015 by both riders and industry members. The 2019 entry list showcases an impressive line-up with the best riders in the world. The combination of an amazing venue, stacked competition, and it being the first round of the season will leave all eyes watching in anticipation of the amazing racing which will surely be produced.

To see all those who will be lining up in Patagonia you can find both the MXGP & MX2 Entry Lists here below:

MXGP Riders

  • Team GBO Motorsport: Simon Furlotti
  • Team HRC: Tim Gajser/Brian Bogers
  • Monster Energy Factory MXGP: Romain Febvre/Jeremy Seewer
  • Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing: Sven Van Der Mierden/Micha Boy De Waal
  • KTM Sarhotz Racing: Max Nagl/Tom Koch
  • Scandinavian Racing Sports: Jonathan Bengtsson
  • Team Gibben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing: Alessandro Lupino/Benoit Paturel
  • Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing: Pauls Jonass/Arminas Jasikonis
  • JD Gunnex Racing Team: Jose Butron
  • A1M Husqvarna: Tanel Leok
  • RFX KTM Racing: Shaun Simpson
  • Standing Construct KTM: Glenn Coldenhoff/Max Anstie/Ivo Montecelli
  • Team VHR KTM: Jordi Tixier
  • Hitachi KTM: Graeme Irwin
  • BOS GP: Tommy Searle/Evgeny Bobryshev
  • Monster energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team: Arnaud Tonus/Gautier Paulin
  • Monster energy Kawasaki: Clement Desalle/Julien Leiber
  • NR83 Team: Nathan Renkens
  • JWR Yamaha Racing: Kevin Strijbos/Vsevolod Brylyakov/Anton Gole
  • Sixtytwo Motorsport Husqvarna: Klemen Gercar
  • Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Jeffrey Herlings/Antonio Cairoli’
  • AG Racing: Guryev Artem
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MX2 Riders

  • Marchetti KTM: Iker Larranaga/Andrea Zanotti
  • Team HRC: Calvin Vlaanderen
  • Yamaha SM Action – M.C. Migliori/Michele Cervellin/Max Renaux
  • E2T – Racing Team: Enzo Toriani/Hampus Kahri
  • F&H Racing Team: Henry Jacobi/Adam Sterry
  • Team Diga-Procross Husqvarna: Davey Pootjes
  • Team Gibben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing: Marcel Conija
  • KTM Racestore MX2 Max Bart: Lesiardo Morgan
  • JD Gunnex Racing Team: Richard Sykina/Petr Polak
  • Bud Racing Kawasaki: Brian Moreau/Brian Hsu
  • A1M Husqvarna: Roland Edelbacher
  • Honda 114 Motorsports: Mitch Evans/Zach Pichon
  • STC Racing IXS: Loris Freidig
  • Hitachi KTM: Conrad Mewse/Bas Vaessen
  • Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha: Ben Watson/Jago Geerts
  • Team Honda Redmoto Assomotor: Brent Van Doninck/Mathys Boisrame
  • Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Jorge Prado/Tom Vialle
  • Bike It DRT Kawasaki: Darian Sanayei/Gustavo Pessoa
  • Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing: Thomas Kjer Olsen/Jed Beaton
  • GT243: Maks Mausser
  • Revo Husqvarna UK: Dylan Walsh/Alvin Ostlund
  • Vamo Racing Team: Hakan Halmi

Watson Wins Gurp TT Beach Race

500 plus riders turned up for the Gurp TT de Grayan-Et-L’Hôpital which was round five of the France based beach race series called Championnat de France des Sables and it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson who claimed a hard-fought victory on the final lap of the two-hour 30-minute beach race over Husqvarna’s Yental Martens to record his third win of the series.

French Beach Race Rnd Gurp TT Yentel Martens
Yentel Martens – Gurp TT 2019

With championship leader Martens out front in the early laps, Watson settled into things and began to push the pace as the course roughened and by lap six worked his way up to the front of the field and into the race lead.

However, Martens didn’t want to give up without a fight and for the second half of the race the duo went head-to-head for victory. Finding the extra energy needed, Watson upped his pace aboard his KTM 450 SX-F during the closing stages of the event, overtaking Martens on the final lap to clinch a memorable race win.

Nathan Watson

“I’m really happy with that, I couldn’t ask for a better race. To finish on the top step of the podium again, for the third time in the championship, is awesome. The opening lap was fast, much faster than I expected it to be. I didn’t want to make mistakes and lose more places than I could gain, so I remained calm and let things settle. Then I began building my rhythm and made some really good passes to reach the front of the field. When I passed Yentel for the lead he stepped up his pace too and we were fighting hard until the end. It was a great battle – one I enjoyed a lot – so to end up on the top step of the podium feels amazing after such a great race. With another win it means my championship hopes are growing despite having missed round two. Now, with just Enduropale Le Touquet remaining, I’m just going there chasing victory because that’s a race I really want to win. If I can do that then we’ll keep our fingers crossed to see what happens regards the championship.”

French Beach Race Rnd Gurp TT Nathan Watson Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Nathan Watson – Gurp TT – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Yentel Martens

“That was a really nice race. Although I didn’t manage to get the victory, as a racer it’s hard to be disappointed in a performance like that. Nathan and myself were battling all the time and we were pushing the pace a lot. He just had that little bit extra on me during the final lap, but I can’t complain because I gave it everything I had. I must give a big thank you to my team, they were awesome too. The bike was wonderful and our pitstops were very slick and fast. With two weeks to go until le Touquet the race is now beginning to build on our minds. Today I showed that I can go there and be a contender for the top step of the podium. Everything is working so well and there is a good feeling inside the team that we can deliver something special there.”

French Beach Race Rnd Gurp TT Yentel Martens
Yentel Martens – Gurp TT 2019

Martens takes a 15 point lead into the sixth and final round of the Championnat de France des Sables at Enduropale Le Touquet on February 3.

Results – Championnat de France des Sables, Round 5

  1. Nathan Watson, KTM, 12 laps 2:30:07.650
  2. Yentel Martens, Husqvarna, 2:30:51.180
  3. Milko Potisek, Yamaha, 2:32:38.110
  4. Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 2:34:25.190
  5. Jeremy Van Horebeek, Honda, 2:34:55.910

Championnat de France des Sables Points after Round 5

  1. Martens – 150
  2. Watson – 135
  3. Potisek – 125
  4. Dewulf – 115
  5. Ramon Steve – 110
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Up-Date

MX Sports Pro Racing has announced the return of Fox Raceway in Pala, California, for the second round of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday, May 25.

Pala previously served as the season finale of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship for back-to-back seasons in 2010 and 2011, which signified the return of the sport to the San Diego area following an absence that spanned multiple decades after the closure of famed Carlsbad Raceway. During those two seasons, Ryan Dungey and Dean Wilson claimed back-to-back victories in the 450 Class and 250 Class, respectively, with Wilson amassing an undefeated record by winning all four motos.

AMAMX RNd Ironman Tomac Starts MX JK Ironman
AMA Motocross returns in 2019
Roy Janson – MX Sports Managing Director

“We are excited to keep the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in Southern California, and it’s fitting that it comes with a return to Pala considering the overwhelming popularity of that event during our initial partnership. This region provides the pulse for the entire sport, so it is important that we provide our teams, riders, and fans with the best possible venue to showcase this championship. The Pala Band of Mission Indians has remained committed to enhancing their facility, and they have put their trust into a group of industry veterans to ensure the track’s presence continues to grow.”

“When MX Sports Pro Racing contacted us with the opportunity to bring the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship back to Pala we jumped at the chance,” said Myron Short, Founder and VP of Operations for 2X Promotions. “This is the most storied motocross championship in the world and Fox Raceway has grown to become what is arguably California’s premier motocross track. It’s fitting that these two entities are back together and we hope this is the beginning of a long and historic partnership.”

AMAMX RNd Ironman Pits MX JK Ironman
AMA Motocross returns in 2019

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship has served as the preeminent motocross competition since 1972 and the 2019 season will kick off on Saturday, May 18, with the Hangtown Motocross Classic, where reigning back-to-back 450 Class Champion Eli Tomac will look to join elite company in his quest to win the Edison Dye Cup for the third straight season while in the 250 Class, the advancement of titleholder Aaron Plessinger into the 450 division means the Gary Jones Cup will be up for grabs, opening the door for the sport’s next star of the future to emerge.

2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule

  • Rd1: May 18, Hangtown Motocross Classic, Prairie City SVRA, California
  • Rd2: May 25, Pala National, Fox Raceway, Pala, California
  • Rd3: June 1, Lakewood, Colorado
  • Rd4: June 15, High Point National, High Point Raceway, Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania
  • Rd5: June 22, Florida National, WW Ranch Motocross Park, Jacksonville, Florida
  • Rd6: June 29, Soutwick National, Southwick, Massachusetts
  • Rd7: July 6, RedBud National, RedBud MX, Buchanan, Michigan
  • Rd8: July 20, Spring Creek National, Spring Creek MX Park, Millville, Minnesota
  • Rd9: July 27, Washougal National. Washougal MX Park, Washougal, Washington
  • Rd10: Aug 10, Unadilla National, Unadilla MX, New Berlin, New York
  • Rd11: Aug 17, Budds Creek National, Budds Creek MX Park, Maryland
  • Rd12: Aug 24, Ironman National, Ironman Raceway, Crawfordsville, Indiana

Malcolm Stewart Injured at Glendale

Malcolm Stewart broke his femur after crashing in the whoops during the 450 main event at the second round of the AMA Supercross at Glendale last weekend and was immediately taken to hospital where they operated on him on Sunday morning. This is what Malcom had to say on his Instagram account.

Malcolm Stewart

“Such a bummer on what happened last night. Surgery this A.M on femur! We will be back better than ever. Sorry I let you guys down! I appreciate all the prayers you guys sent me! I’ll give you guys a update soon.”

Malcolm Stewart broke his femur at Glendale
Malcolm Stewart

Interestingly, Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda team owner Mike Genova released a heartfelt statement regarding Malcolm’s injury – you can read it in full below:

Mike Genova – Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/MotoConcepts Honda Team Owner

“As most of you know, Saturday night in Glendale, while going Mach speed through the whoops pushing to catch the front runners, Malcolm had a big get off. While I am super bummed and disappointed for Malcolm, his family and our group, I am equally grateful and happy that Malcolm’s injury is limited to strictly a broken femur of which the doctors performed surgery on Sunday morning. My gratitude and happiness stems from the experience of having one of my guys lying virtually motionless for some twenty minutes, thirty feet away from me (I was in the managers tower) having no idea the extent of the injury, thinking the worst and having no way to be by Malcolm’s side to support and comfort him. Followed up by Tony [Alessi, team manager] and I going to the hospital after the race, only to find Malcolm alert and upbeat, (pain meds may have been working) preparing to eat an In and Out burger, insisting on how he will be back in no time, stronger and better than ever.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Malcolm Stewart J K
Malcolm Stewart before injury

“Unfortunately for Malcolm, his family, MCR, the fans and the whole race community, we are all going to have to patiently wait for Malcolm to recover from his injury and further pursue the excellence he displayed during the first two races of the 2019 season. I wanted to publicly acknowledge how proud I am of Malcolm for the level of commitment and work ethic he has invested into this years SX series. When looking for a ride this past September he gave Tony and I his word that he was ready to do whatever was required to be prepared to compete at the highest level in the 2019 SX series, all of which he has done to perfection — both on and off the track. To improve his overall fitness and endurance levels, Malcom hired a personal trainer, never missing a training session and constantly pushed himself to reach new fitness levels. Alongside focusing on improved fitness, Malcolm modified his diet and quickly dropped 25 pounds that improved his results on the bike. When it came to testing and riding days, Malcolm was often the first one to the track and handled the rigorous demands the team put on him with a positive and cooperative attitude. Malcolm has been very respectful to work with and brought a lift in our team.

AMASX Rnd Glendale Seely Malcolm Stewart J K
Malcolm Stewart before injury

“So Malcolm won’t get the chance to show the world how hard he worked and the results of his efforts, but I feel it’s only fair to Malcolm to let the world know how proud I am of him on how he chose to become a better racer, role model and man.”

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Kirkness to Star at Old Bar Dirt Track This Weekend

What was for many years a tradition will continue this Saturday (January 19) when the dirt track racing season opens with a twilight Dirt Track meeting at the Old Bar track near Taree and the star attraction will be former Troy Bayliss Classic winner and multi Australian Champion Michael Kirkness who will be the favourite to take the major class wins.

Reigning triple Australian Dirt Track champion Kirkness will take on another former champion in Marty McNamara while there is a strong contingent heading down the highway from the Macleay Club with the seasoned campaigners Jarryd Oram and Michael Booth joined by young guns Sam Davies, James Chapman and Alex Hurst.

Former Taree member Jared Myer has entered along with talented Queenslander Ben Montgomery and former junior stand-out Bayley James from the Hunter club.

Much interest will centre on two of the youngest senior entries in Taree rider Kye Andrews, a triple Australian champion in his last season in juniors, and Gunnedah rider Thomas Donnelly. Both have made a good impression in their limited senior outings to date.

The Over 35s class will take on added significance with the family of the late Peter Fahey sponsoring the class in his memory while Kempsey youngster Jayden Holder steps up to an older age bracket this year with Queenslander John Lytras and diminutive Beau Bailey from Forbes also among the best credentialed visitors coming to take on the strong entry of local riders in the junior classes.

All the juniors racing this weekend will be able to use the experience as a preparation for the New South Wales Junior Dirt Track Championship meeting which is to be held at the Old Bar track on the weekend of July 13 and 14.

This Saturday will see practice start at 12 noon followed by the first round of racing at 1pm and continue through to around 5.30pm.

Following a tea-break, the night-time session will finalise the program which will enable fans who cannot be there in the afternoon to still take in the action.

2020 Aussie Speedway Championship hosting EoI open

After the finish to the 2019 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship with a star-studded line-up, Motorcycling Australia has announce that opening of applications for qualified clubs and/or promoters to host Speedway Championships in 2020!
The relevant Australian Speedway Championships now accepting applications includes:

  • Australian Senior Solo Championship (One Round of Championship)
  • Australian U21 Championship, Australian U16 250cc, Australian U16 125cc Solo and Teams Championships.
  • Australian Senior and Junior Sidecar Championships

To apply for the opportunity to host a Championship in 2020, please click here (link).

Please note that all applications must be submitted before Friday 8th February 2019 in order to be reviewed with the opportunity of being accepted. All applications must be completed in full on the downloadable application form (link above), with a copy of the club’s track attached, and emailed to MA’s Track Event Manager, Sam Redfern, via [email protected].

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Max Fricke crowned 2019 Australian Speedway Champion

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Max Fricke
2019 Australian Speedway Champion

Australia’s top three riders, including a World Champion, reigning Australian Champion and determined up-and-comer battled it out for glory at Loxford Park Speedway, Kurri Kurri yesterday evening. Fans didn’t need to wait for the A Final though, with history already made when Max Fricke produced enough points in his final heats to make defeat impossible.

Max Fricke
Max Fricke

The Finale

Temperatures well into the high 30’s all evening at the final round of the series. The mounting pressure on the Kurri Kurri Speedway Club to maintain the track, alongside the pressure on riders to maintain their cool were major factors throughout the evening. Jaimon Lidsey reflected this mounting pressure, retiring from his fourth heat of the evening. Lidsey otherwise had a difficult run at Round 5 of the 2019 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship, scoring three seconds and a third-place finish, ending the Championship in seventh place on 45 points. Settling in behind Lidsey in eighth-place was Nick Morris, also on 45 points, who finished his heats with a win, plus three seconds and a third.

Taking out sixth place in the 2019 Championship was Brady Kurtz, a late bloomer in the Championship but one to keep an eye out for in next year’s Championship! Kurtz had an eventful evening, taking out two wins, two seconds and a fourth-place finish, which qualified him into the B Final. Scoring a total of 51 points, Kurtz just couldn’t hold onto the momentum, finishing the qualifier in fourth place. Ahead of Kurtz in fifth place overall was Jack Holder, with 52 points. Fiery and jesting in nature, Holder maintained his position in the finals but simply couldn’t push past the three Kings, Rohan Tungate, Chris Holder and Fricke, to make it onto the podium. Upon the close of Round 5, Holder had to be content with a qualification into the B Final, plus one win, two seconds and two thirds during his heats.

Coming in at fourth overall was Sam Masters, who made himself a dominant figure throughout this entire season. Masters’ efforts tonight with three wins, one second and one third place finish qualified him straight into the A Final. Masters closed off the Championship on 53 points and a third-place finish in the A Final, and will no doubt be a huge feature in next year’s Championship season!

Well ahead on 70 points and taking his well earnt place in third was Chris Holder, who fought tooth and nail throughout the Championship to take out the bronze. Keeping his fans on the edge of their seats during Round 5, Holder nabbed two wins and three second place finishes during his heats to qualify into the B Final. Up against his younger brother, Kurtz and Morris, there was simply no stopping Holder on his campaign to land himself into the A Final. Holder’s hunger for gold though could not match up to Rohan Tungate, Masters or Fricke in the A Final, and he settled instead for a fourth-place finish and enough points to comfortably land in third place overall.

Six points behind first and indisputably the fastest rider on track, reigning Champion Tungate took out second place overall in the Championship with 77 points. Tungate delivered an unforgettable performance at Kurri Kurri, winning all his respective heats and just too fast for Fricke in the A Final. Blazing a trail like a demon at the handlebars, Tungate was a ferocious competitor all evening but that six-point lead maintained by Fricke just couldn’t be beat.

Rohan Tungate

“I came out with a plan and everything went to accordingly. I did everything I could and won all my races, so I achieved my goal in the end! Max rode well all meeting and all series, and you simply can’t take that away from him. I can sleep well knowing I rode him hard, and so did Chris. It’s been a hard Championship, and Max fought hard for it, so he deserves it,” explained Tungate, reflecting on the closing round of the Championship.

In first place, on 83 points, was 22-year-old Fricke. Adding the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Champion title to his already impressive CV has done nothing to impact his humility, with the Mansfield local quick to remind himself and his fans that the goal of a World Championship is a long way into the future. Fricke finished Round 5 off with four wins and one second place finish during his heats, and a second-place finish in the A Final behind the lightning fast Tungate.

Max Fricke

“There’s some great talent that have won the Championship in the past, so it’s an honour to have my name on the list.  It’s been a really close championship between myself, Rohan and Chris right from the get-go. It’s been a great Championship and I am unbelievably happy to now be named the Champion. All the clubs have done such a great job this championship and everything has worked out really well! I hope to look to add a GP World Championship but I think that’s a long way into the future, so I just need to continue improving and hopefully a goal like that can be achievable.”

Max Fricke
Max Fricke

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto Wrap – 2019 MX Nationals Calendar announced

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Moto News Weekly Wrap

January 8, 2019

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

What Went Down Last Weekend?

  • 2019 MX Nationals calendar confirmed
  • Yamaha Dominates Anaheim 1
  • Fricke Leads Aussie Solo Championships after Three Rounds
  • Woffinden Wins WA Speedway Solo Titles
  • Zach Osborne Injured
  • KTM Dominates German SuperEnduro Round
  • HRC Confirms MX2 GP Line-Up
  • Mewse and Vaessen for Hitachi KTM
  • Stefan Everts Out of ICU

2019 MX Nationals calendar confirmed

TM x

The 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals (MXN) calendar has been confirmed by Williams Event Management, with a 10-round championship including double rounds in South Australia and Queensland.

mx nationals coolum rnd saturday amateur cup line up ImageScottya
MX Nationals return in 2019 – Image by ScottYa
  • Round 1 Appin NSW – March 17th
  • Round 2 Wonthaggi VIC – March 31st
  • Round 3 Broadford VIC – April 14th
  • Round 4 & 5 Murray Bridge SA – May 4th & 5th
  • Round 6 Gympie QLD- June 23rd
  • Round 7 Maitland NSW – July 14th
  • Round 8 Moree NSW – July 28th
  • Round 9 & 10 Coolum QLD – August 3rd & 4th

For all Class and Round information go to the MX Nationals Website at https://www.mxnationals.com.au/spectator-info/

Yamaha Dominates Anaheim 1

Yamaha riders Justin Barcia and Colt Nichols have won the 450SX and 250SX classes respectively when the opening round of the 2019 AMA Supercross Championship kicked off in an uncharacteristically wet Angel Stadium in Anaheim last Saturday night.

AMASX Rnd Podium Barcia Roczen Tomac
AMA Supercross 2019
450 Round One Main Event Results
Justin Barcia – Yamaha
Ken Roczen – Honda +3.053
Eli Tomac – Kawasaki +4.890

450 Class Report

It was always going to be a tough event with rain coming down as the gate dropped for the 20 lap main events and it was Dean Wilson who scored the holeshot from Malcolm Stewart, Jason Anderson, Barcia and Ken Roczen while Cooper Webb went down and caused a first corner pile-up which included Chad Reed.

Wilson led for 14 laps but all the while you could see Justin Barcia taking his time to find his rhythm and you can thank the many lapped riders for Wilson losing so much ground on laps 12, 13 and even 14 where Barcia made his way up the inside of Wilson for the lead.

AMASX Rnd Starts
2019 AMA Supercross – Anaheim 1 – 450 Start

Wilson lost some mojo over the next six laps to lose second place to Ken Roczen then third place to Eli Tomac but valiantly held on to finish ahead of a very hard charging Webb who put down the fastest lap time on the night.

Aaron Plessinger’s rookie season kicked off with a solid sixth place ahead of Stewart who had his customary small crash while Marvin Musquin, Reed and Cole Seely rounded out the top ten.

Reed and Anderson had main event of complete contrasts with Anderson losing ten positions to end the race in a disappointing 14th place while Chad passed ten riders to go from 19th to ninth by race end – only Webb passed more riders after going from 20th to fifth.

Justin Barcia

“Anaheim 1 was an awesome day. I had a lot of fun in practice, then going into the heat race it started to sprinkling a little. I didn’t get the best start but made some good passes and got into the lead and won my heat race which was awesome, and it felt really good to get that first one out of the way at the first race. The main event it was really pouring down. It was looking tricky watching the 250 start so I definitely got a little excited and nervous and all those feelings you get at the first race. I got off to a pretty decent start and worked my way up to third by a little over half the race. I played it smart and tried to make no mistakes. One of the guys went down in front of me and then I was able to charge harder and catch the leader, make the pass and ride a smooth race to the win. For me this is incredible, I haven’t won a 450 race in over six years so it’s a pretty awesome feeling. I couldn’t be much happier, I’m really excited to go to Phoenix. I just want to stay, smart, smooth, fast, consistent and focus on the championship plate.”

AMASX Rnd Justin Barcia
Justin Barcia
Ken Roczen on FB

“I couldn’t have asked for a better night. A heat race win and a 2nd in the main event at the first round. Conditions were tough! Anyway… stoked!”

Eli Tomac

“There were tricky track conditions due to the unusual amount of rain for Anaheim, but I managed to stay in good enough condition to keep jumping most of the lanes and pushing forward. I remained patient and controlled my pace throughout the Main Event, and although we’re always shooting for the top spot, I’m happy to kick off the season on the podium. The team and I are already looking forward to Glendale, let’s get this season rolling!”

AMASX Rnd Eli Tomac
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld
Cooper Webb

“Anaheim I is in the books and overall it was a really good day. We started with free practice just getting the hang of the track and I was able to qualify seventh. In the heat race, I didn’t get off to the greatest of starts and I didn’t ride to my potential, so I had a bad gate pick in the Main Event. I had a pretty outside gate but I nailed the start and I was first in the first turn but unfortunately, I fell over. It was slicker than I thought but I was able to get up and really put my head down and charge really hard to come back to fifth. I guess I had the fastest lap of the race, so that was really cool and I’m feeling confident and good with that result, so I’m ready to go to Phoenix next weekend!”

AMASX Rnd Cooper Webb
Cooper Webb
Aaron Plessinger

“Anaheim 1 went pretty well. I got better and better every time I went out on the track. The heat race went awesome. I started out about fifth or sixth, got past some guys and finished third. I was pretty amped on that and I went into the main event pretty happy with myself. I got a great start and just maintained it. There were sometimes where I felt a little winded, but I couldn’t back down and pushed on to the finish and got sixth. I’d say Anaheim I, my first 450 race, was pretty good in my eyes. We’ll keep making improvements and head into Phoenix hot on the ball.”

AMASX Rnd Aaron Plessinger
Aaron Plessinger
Marvin Musquin

“The riding was not too bad but physically it was not an easy day as I didn’t have much time on the bike this off-season. But we knew it coming in, so the goal was to score some points and I ended up eighth in the Main Event. I had a great start and Cooper did too, but we almost got into each other and he went down. I avoided him but I lost a lot of ground. It would have been a little bit easier on me to get out front – I was right there in second place behind Cooper, it was pretty cool – but almost both of us crashing. My goal, once again, was to be consistent and score points and that’s what I did. Eighth is not too bad considering and now we can move on and get better from there.”

AMASX Rnd Marvin Musquin
Marvin Musquin
Chad Reed

“With the weather, it was an interesting weekend. I had the feeling that no matter what I was going through, it was going to drastically change by the night program. I tried to get the most out of the daytime practices and qualifying to have good data for the next round in Glendale. Once the weather came I just dealt with it. I didn’t get the best of starts in my heat race. The conditions were tough and challenging, so I had to go to the LCQ. In some ways, it rained quite a lot in the LCQ, so I had a feel for what the track was going to be like in the main event. The downside was that I was on the far outside gate for the main. I was dead last on the start and came up to ninth, which is respectable. I feel like I have the pace. There are just a few things I need to work on to allow me to feel more comfortable when I’m out of my comfort zone. I have to adapt to the pace, but fortunately that’s one of my strengths. Sometimes that pace comes naturally, and other times it’s forced. I need to be more comfortable in that area. That’s something I will work on this week.”

AMASX Rnd Chad Reed
Chad Reed
Jason Anderson (via social media)

“Man yesterday did not go well… kinda overwhelmed with everything going on and wasn’t myself at all. Looking forward to bringing it back around in the next rounds and really want to thank my crew for all the support no matter how I do. Sorry guys but still looking forward and ready to give 110% the rest of the season! Also shoutout to my good friend @deanwilson15 for absolutely crushing it!”

AMA Supercross Rnd Anaheim Jason Anderson Img Simon Cudby
Jason Anderson – Image by Simon Cudby
Joey Savatgy

“I’ve been working so hard this off-season and feel really comfortable on the bike, but the weather made quite the challenge for us. I had a tip over on the bike and some issues with my goggles in the rain, but I remained focused on finishing the race to my best ability. We have a long season ahead of us, I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike and continuing to grow and improve.”

2019 AMA Supercross Championship Points after A1

  1. Justin Barcia – Yamaha 26
  2. Ken Roczen – Honda 23
  3. Eli Tomac – Kawasaki 21
  4. Dean Wilson – Husqvarna 19
  5. Cooper Webb – KTM 18
  6. Aaron Plessinger – Yamaha 17
  7. Malcolm Stewart – Honda 16
  8. Marvin Musquin – KTM 15
  9. Chad Reed – Suzuki 14
  10. Cole Seely – Honda 13
  11. Justin Brayton – Honda 12
  12. Blake Baggett – KTM 11
  13. Vince Friese – Honda 10
  14. Jason Anderson – Husqvarna 9
  15. Justin Hill – Suzuki 8
  16. Joey Savatgy – Kawasaki 7
  17. Carlen Gardner – Honda 6
  18. Ben Lamay – Honda 5
  19. Justin Bogle – KTM 4
  20. Ryan Breece – Yamaha 3
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250SX Report

The 15-lap main event started with pre-race favourite Adam Cianciarulo spewing through the first corner and having to dodge the outside barriers before re-joining the race in 15th place while out front it didn’t take long before Colt Nichols got around Shane McElrath who had RJ Hampshire and Dylan Ferrandis hot on his heels.

AMASX Rnd Track
2019 AMA Supercross – Anaheim 1

Nichols simply gapped the field every laps so all eyes were on the rest of the field and in particular the progress of Cianciarulo who blitzed his way to fourth on the back of an aggressive pass on Hampshire who apparently took exception and knocked Adam to the ground on the next corner but when it was all said and done Nichols took a very convincing win ahead of his French teammate Ferrandis while McElrath made it to the final podium spot ahead of Hampshire and Cianciarulo.

Colt Nichols

“It’s really an indescribable feeling to win at A1. The conditions were far from perfect but I was able to stay focused, ride my laps to take the win. That was the longest race of my life, it felt like. My mechanic gave me five to go, four to go, three to go… You’re kind of talking to yourself a little bit to get through it. I just tried to stay consistent. I really didn’t know how big of a lead I had and who was in second at the time, so just tried to keep the focus forward. I knew if I tried to relax a little too much I’d probably make a big mistake and crashed. So I just kind of tried to keep it moving and it ended up working out for me. The off-season was great this year. I was really, really pumped on how everything went. This is really what it was for. You can’t describe the feeling I had jumping that finish line in first. That’s why we all do this. For me to cross that off my list was a really, really big deal. That made all the suffering, all the pain of the past two years completely worth it.”

AMASX Rnd Colt Nichols
Colt Nichols

RJ Hampshire

“Glad to get back to racing, we had a really good offseason. Practice went well and then the rain came. The heat race was a little sloppy but I was able to get a good start and get out front. I won my first heat race in a while, which I was pretty pumped on. Main event came around and it was still raining pretty heavy. Got a decent start and was just kind of riding around in third for a few laps. I made a dumb mistake and went for the quad-quad in the rhythm before the whoops and came up way short and went down pretty hard. Then once I got up I was in fifth and had a couple more close calls throughout the race. Happy to get out of round 1 healthy and ready to go racing next weekend!”

Adam Cianciarulo

“I’m pretty disappointed I wasn’t able to contend for the win tonight, but with the conditions and going down, we’ll take what we can get. It makes me want to win that much more when we get to Phoenix. I want to win, but we also have to think long term. There are a lot of positives to take away from today’s race. The day started out great as we were able to secure the fastest qualifying time in practice, which gave us first gate pick to start the evening races. In my heat race, I got a little squirrelly off the start but I was able to save it and charge to the front and get my first heat race win of the year, which was awesome. The main event is a tough one to swallow because I know I should have been on the podium. It is unfortunate that I came together with another rider, however, I am happy I was able to remount and safely walk away from Anaheim 1 with some decent points. I am already looking forward to next weekend in Glendale.”

AMASX Rnd CrowdGarrett Marchbanks

“Being able to be a part of this team and lining up for my first supercross race has been a dream come true. With the conditions, I was focused on staying up and keeping it on two wheels. It’s nice to get a race under my belt, and we’ll see how it goes in dry conditions next weekend.”

Jimmy Decotis

“The first round of the year with the JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing crew was a blast. I was excited to debut the new Suzuki RM-Z250. I felt very comfortable all day. Unfortunately, I had a crash on the start of the heat race that put me in a tough spot for the main event. The conditions were tough due to the rain. Overall, I’ll take a seventh given the circumstances. We have lots of racing to come, and I’m excited to grab some more starts. I want to show the industry what the new RM-Z250 can do. Thanks to the whole team for supplying me with the best equipment. I’m looking forward to Glendale!”

AMASX Rnd Fireworks
2019 AMA Supercross underway! Image Hoppenworld

Thomas Revenhorst qualified to the night program and after coming 12th in his heat race was unfortunately taken out by another rider from behind in the LCQ but nothing is surer than the young Aussie will have learned a lot over the weekend and will come out swinging next weekend at Glendale, Arizona.

2019 AMA Supercross 250 Western Championship Points after A1

  1. Colt Nichols (Yamaha), 26
  2. Dylan Ferrandis (Yamaha), 23
  3. Shane McElrath (KTM), 21
  4. RJ Hampshire (Honda), 19
  5. Adam Cianciarulo (Kawasaki), 18
  6. Garrett Marchbanks (Kawasaki), 17
  7. Jimmy Decotis (Suzuki), 16
  8. Jacob Hayes (Yamaha), 15
  9. Chris Blose (Husqvarna), 14
  10. Jess Pettis (KTM), 13
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Fricke Leads Aussie Solo Championships after Three Rounds

Gillman Speedway, Olympic Park, Mildura and Undera Speedway have hosted the opening three rounds of the 2019 Australian Speedway Solo Championships and after 45 plus heats, six semi finals and three finals, Max Fricke holds a three point lead over Chris Holder who in turn has a four point break on Rohan Tungate with two rounds remaining.

Round 1

Former World Under 21 Champion, Fricke won the opening round at Gillman Speedway on the back of three heat wins and the final win for 17 points ahead of defending champion Tungate and former World Speedway Champion Holder who had some mechanical issues throughout the night.

Max Fricke

“The field this year was really tough so it’s nice to start this year off with a win. I dropped a couple of points along the way, but it was great to come away with the win, I’m very happy! There were some new faces this year which is fantastic to see. They’re all doing really well so I definitely need to watch my tail and try to keep them at bay! I’m feeling really good on the bike as we head into Mildura for Round 2. I haven’t ridden much since the end of last season back in September, so I had a couple of rides last week to shake off the cobwebs. Overall though, it’s just really nice to come away tonight with the win!”

Round 2

Clinching top position at Mildura was Chris Holder who scored a total of 18 points after winning four of his five heats, and taking out first place in the A Final ahead of Tungate and Fricke.

Holder reflected on his efforts in the past two rounds.

Chris Holder

“The competition in the past two rounds has definitely been tight so it was important tonight to get a good score and make up for Gillman. My memories of Undera aren’t entirely positive especially considering that I broke my wrist last time we were there, but I have won a round there previously! Undera is a small track and it’s tough racing, so starts are really important! But my starts today have been really good so I’m looking forward to it! I definitely am working to get myself into the Grand Prix, but coming back into racing you do a lot of miles. You want to win something but top three would also be good. But, I’m not looking too far ahead, instead I’d just like to enjoy myself and get back into racing! More than half of the riders out on the field are contenders for the Championship and any of them have the ability to upset the competition and take out a few vital wins. You can’t count anybody out so instead you just have to concentrate on getting into the finals!”

Round 3

On a tight and dusty Undera Speedway track Fricke stormed into a three-point lead in the championship after scoring 14 points in the heats before seeing off Chris Holder in the final on Monday night.

Holder scored 12 points during the heats and while 2018 Aussie Under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey, Tungate and Nick Morris all scored 11 points, one ahead of Jack Holder.

Fricke went into the meeting tied on 30 points with Holder and Tungate, who had to battle his way into the A Final the hard way but disaster struck when he came to grief and crashed on turn three, denying him even a consolation point as he was excluded.

Despite a strong early challenge in the A final re-run, Holder couldn’t overhaul Fricke for the victory in his home state, as Max picked up his second win in three rounds.

Max Fricke

“It’s exciting to be a leader again! After the first round it was a little bit daunting, but I had a good run in Mildura so I’m just trying to remain consistent. I think that consistency is key right now because that will be what wins the Championship. Right now I’m just handling it race by race and getting as many points as I can. The Grand Prix qualifying spot is the main motivator for me but we’re also here in the Championship and I want to win! Hopefully I can keep up the momentum and secure a spot in the top three! It’s close right now between me, Chris and Rohan, but there’s a little bit of a gap so hopefully we can try and secure that gap and get the best possible position in the lead up to the final rounds. Albury is a much bigger track, so there are a lot of changes in comparison to Undera, Mildura and Gillman. It’s going to be a great round, and no doubt a lot of the younger riders in the competition will do quite well as well! I just need to keep making good starts and get as many points as I can in the lead up to Kurri Kurri.”

Albury hosts round four on Wednesday with the championship concluding in Tungate’s home town Kurri Kurri on Saturday and both will be shown live on NRGTV.

Undera Heat Scores

  1. Max Fricke 14
  2. Chris Holder 12
  3. Jaimon Lidsey 11
  4. Rohan Tungate 11
  5. Nick Morris 11
  6. Jack Holder 10
  7. Justin Sedgmen 9
  8. Brady Kurtz 9
  9. Sam Masters 9
  10. Jordan Stewart 6
  11. Todd Kurtz 5
  12. Zane Keleher 5
  13. Ryan Douglas 3
  14. Kye Thompson 2
  15. Zach Cook 2
  16. Ben Cook 1.

B Final

  1. Tungate
  2. J Holder
  3. Morris

A Final

  1. Fricke
  2. C Holder
  3. Lidsey
  4. Tungate (f.exc).

Australian Championship Standings after Round 3

  1. Max Fricke 48
  2. Chris Holder 45
  3. Rohan Tungate 41
  4. Jack Holder 32
  5. Sam Masters 29
  6. Brady Kurtz 29
  7. Jaimon Lidsey 28
  8. Nick Morris 26
  9. Jordan Stewart 23
  10. Ryan Douglas 19

Woffinden Wins WA Speedway Solo Titles

2018 World Speedway Solo Champion Tai Woffinden has emulated his father Rob when he won the WA Speedway Solo Champion last week at the new Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway complex.

On a track that copped some criticism over the two nights of racing, Woffinden predictably dominated proceedings and easily won the final from Cameron Heeps, Kane Lawrence and Daniel Winchester.

Tai Woffinden

“Obviously I grew up here and my dad won the state title here so for me and him to both win is a very special achievement that not many people would be able to do. The track was really tricky for solo riders tonight. If it was a grand prix, it would have been off 100 per cent; they would have cancelled it. But I got the boys revved up as much I could and said ‘we’ve got to put on a show, there are people who have come to watch us’ and I think we did a good job.”

2019 WA Speedway Solo Championships Final

  1. 1st: Tai Woffinden
  2. 2nd: Cameron Heeps
  3. 3rd: Kane Lawrence
  4. 4th: Daniel Winchester
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Zach Osborne Injured

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna announced before the opening round of the 2019 AMA Supercross Championship that Zach Osborne sustained a collarbone injury in a practice crash and will miss the next four to six weeks.

Zach Osborne

“I am extremely bummed at the timing of this injury. I feel that I have reached a level of riding that I never had in my career, on a bike that I’m so very comfortable with. I know that everything happens for a reason and I’ll be back as soon as possible!”

Zach Osborne Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
Zach Osborne

Osborne, a two-time 250SX East Region Champion, was scheduled to make his 450 debut with three other high-profile rookies in Joey Savatgy, Aaron Plessinger and Justin Hill who made their debuts at Angel Stadium with differing success.

KTM Dominates German SuperEnduro Round

After two wins and a second place over the three finals, Cody Webb has claimed victory at round two of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Germany to take the series lead ahead of his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Taddy Blazusiak who placed second overall to ensure a KTM 1-2 result.

Despite a mid-pack start in race one, KTM 350 EXC-F mounted Webb was quick to carve his way through the field and work his way up to the wheel tracks of leader Blazusiak. Making a break for the lead, he put his KTM out front and claimed a well-deserved win.

FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Colton Haaker
Colton Haaker

Making the best of the reversed start order in race two, Webb wasted no time in reaching the front. Building a comfortable advantage, he claimed a commanding 19-second victory. Aiming for a hat trick of race wins, the American’s hopes of a clean sweep unfortunately didn’t materialise in race three.

A couple of early mistakes left Webb playing catch up, finishing an eventual third. But with enough in hand thanks to his two earlier race wins, Webb topped the overall podium and with it becomes the new leader of the 2019 SuperEnduro series.

Cody Webb

“It feels awesome to come away with the victory here in Germany, as well as the points lead in the championship. I think this is my third win here in Riesa, so I seem to have a good feeling with this place. Overall, it’s been a good night. I got off to a good start with a win in the first race. My start wasn’t the best but I had some good lines and was able to close the gap to Taddy and then take the win. Race two is always a little tricky with the reversed start order but I managed to find a bit of space and find a way through. I had a few mistakes in the final race and just lost my momentum a little. But third was enough to take the top step of the overall podium. With round three in Madrid just a couple of weeks away it feels good to have the series lead.”

SuperEnduro Rnd Germany Cody Webb FM
Cody Webb – Image by Future7Media

Following his winning performance at the opening round of the championship in Poland, Taddy Blazusiak entered Riesa aiming to keep that momentum rolling. Feeling confident in practice, he lined up for the opening race eager to put his KTM out front. However, following a crash from Alfredo Gomez, which resulted in a restart, he became unnerved by the incident and lost his rhythm and feeling with the track.

FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Alfredo Gomez
Alfredo Gomez

Nevertheless a 2-3 scorecard in the first two races kept him in the hunt for the overall podium entering race three. Feeling more settled, Blazusiak regrouped in style to secure an almost start-to-finish win, ultimately ending his night as runner-up to Webb.

Taddy Blazusiak

“It was a bit of tough night for me but we managed to turn things around for second overall. I felt great in practice and gelled very quickly with the track. However, when Alfredo Gomez crashed during the start of race one it unnerved me a little, I didn’t feel how I felt in practice. I was making mistakes in the restart and couldn’t shake them off. Race two was a similar story, too. I felt more myself in the final race and rode like I should have done all night there to win the moto. Unfortunately, we lost the series lead tonight but only by a few points. We’ve got round three in just a couple of weeks and I’m looking forward to making amends there. Finally, I’d just like to wish Alfredo a speedy recovery.”

SuperEnduro Rnd Germany Taddy Blazusiak FM
Taddy Blazusiak – Image by Future7Media

The 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with round three in Madrid, Spain on January 26.

Prestige Race 1

  1. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 6:46.552
  2. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 6:50.994 +4.442
  3. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 7:23.168 +36.616
  4. Kevin Gallas (GER), Husqvarna, 7:05.780 +1 lap
  5. Cristobal Guerrero (ESP), Yamaha, 7:10.590 +1 lap

Prestige Race 2

  1. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 6:50.910
  2. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 7:10.051 +19.141
  3. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 7:13.609 +22.699
  4. Cristobal Guerrero (ESP), Yamaha, 6:51.752 +1 lap
  5. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 7:13.480 +1 lap

Prestige Race 3

  1. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 7:35.335
  2. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 7:58.051 +22.716
  3. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 8:04.231 +28.896
  4. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 8:22.017 +1 lap
  5. Cristobal Guerrero (ESP), Yamaha, 7:39.342 +2 laps

Prestige Class — Overall

  1. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 57 points
  2. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 53 pts
  3. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 52 pts
  4. Cristobal Guerrero (ESP), Yamaha, 35 pts
  5. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 33 pts

Championship Standings (After round 2)

  1. Cody Webb (USA), KTM, 109 points
  2. Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 107 pts
  3. Colton Haaker (USA), Husqvarna, 101 pts
  4. Kevin Gallas (GER), Husqvarna, 58 pts
  5. Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 56 pts
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

HRC Confirms MX2 GP Line-Up

Honda’s assault on the MX2 category in the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship will see Assomotor Redmoto Honda and Team Honda 114 Motorsports running two riders each on the factory backed Honda CRF250R.

Spearheading the charge for the Assomotor Redmoto Honda team is 2018 EMX250 champion Mathys Boisrame who lines up alongside Brent van Doninck who joins Honda for the 2019 season for the first time aboard the CRF250R.

Honda are providing a further two CRF250Rs for Team Honda 114 Motorsports, who for 2019 are fielding a new pair of riders in Mitch Evans and Zachary Pichon.

After a winter of testing, the teams will be ready for the first Grand Prix of 2019 which is scheduled to be held in Argentina on 1-3 March.

Mathys Boisrame – Assomotor Redmoto Honda Team

“It’s been my dream to ride in MX2, and after winning the EMX250 title in 2018 I’m really looking forward to the new challenge. I have a really good feeling with the team and the CRF250R so I’m very happy to stay with Honda next season, and I think we have a very good chance of being competitive from the start of the season.”

MXGP Bulgaria Rnd EMX Boisrame
Boisrame celebrates his 2018 EMX Championship win – He will compete in MX2 for Assomotor Redmoto Honda Team in 2019
Brent van Doninck – Assomotor Redmoto Honda Team

 “I am really looking forward to riding for Honda in 2019 and joining the Assomotor Redmoto team. I felt really good on the CRF250R as soon as I tested it – it just feels really comfortable to ride and the engine is strong. I’m already riding a Honda a lot in the off-season, and I can’t wait to get to the gate next year.”

Mitchell Evans – Team Honda 114 Motorsports

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Honda 114 Motorsports has presented me. Racing in the FIM Motocross World Championship has been a goal of mine since I competed in the World Junior Championship in 2010. There is a lot for me to learn and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I am excited to be racing with the best in the world.”

Mitchell Evans
Mitchell Evans joins Team Honda 114 Motorsports in 2019
Zachary Pichon – Team Honda 114 Motorsports

“I am really excited to join Team 114 Motorsports and enter my first full Grand Prix season with them. I am already working hard physically to be ready and I am looking forward to working with Livia and the team. I had a great feeling when I rode the CRF250R for the first time; the suspension is just perfect. The engine suits my riding style too. We will start testing the bike soon and are all fully focussed on 2019. Being part of an official team will help me to make a step forward, as this season we missed some experience in our family-run team and could not do all of the rounds. Next year will be different and my father will have more time to work with me as well! I want to thank Honda and Team 114 for offering me this great opportunity.”

Mewse and Vaessen for Hitachi KTM

Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee have announced their rider line-up for 2019 with current Maxxis ACU British MX2 Motocross Champion Conrad Mewse teaming up with Dutchman Bas Vaessen to compete in the MX2 category of the 2019 F.I.M. Motocross World Championship and Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship.

Conrad Mewse
Conrad Mewse races for Hitachi KTM in 2019
Roger Magee – Team Principal

“We were very happy to re-sign Conrad at Imola and then clinch his first British championship. We’ve been watching Bas for a couple of years and thought it was the right time to bring him into the KTM family. Bas has already adapted to the KTM really well and will be travelling to Redsand with Conrad and the rest of the team next week for pre-season testing with WP Suspension.”

Both riders will use the potent KTM 250 SX-F equipped with semi-factory engines. “Conrad and Bas have so much potential and we’re looking forward to seeing them push each other to the next level,” said Roger.

Graeme Irwin will compete in the MXGP category of the F.I.M. Motocross World Championship and Maxxis ACU British Motocross Championship. Graeme endured a number of injuries in 2018 that cost him the chance to defend his 2017 British championship so will be looking for redemption aboard the KTM 450 SX-F.

Graeme Irwin
Graeme Irwin will compete in MXGP and the British MX Championship after an injury filled 2018 season

“We know Graeme has the speed to win, we just need to avoid some of the bad luck that bit him. We’re confident that Graeme will be much stronger at home and in the MXGPs this year, once he has fully recovered from the injuries sustained at Imola,” said Roger.

Troy Lee helmets and apparel, Alpinestars boots and Oakley goggles will once again provide state-of-the-art clothing and equipment for Graeme, Conrad and Bas.

Hitachi Construction Machinery and Milwaukee Power Tools will be joint title sponsors for 2019 and beyond. The new-look Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee Team will make their debut at the Hawkstone Park International on 17February 2019.

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Stefan Everts Out of ICU

More positive news regarding Stefan Everts’ battle with malaria has been released by his family. Below is the full update from the family:

Stefan Everts has been left out in the cold by Suzuki's change in policy
Stefan Everts’ family have released a further update

“Again, good news from Stefan Everts. The ten-time world champion, who was hit by malaria at the beginning of December, has traded the intensive care at the University Hospital of Leuven yesterday for the rehabilitation. The legend will stay in that department for six weeks to continue working on his recovery.

“For Everts, this is another big step forward. At the beginning of December, malaria broke out with him after taking part in Congo in the middle of November. He fought for a while for his life and was kept artificially asleep for a while. Everts fought back and defeated his biggest competitor ever. A few weeks ago, testing has already shown that he has not sustained permanent damage to organs and brain.

TM x

“In the last few days, Everts has once again made major steps forward, after which the professors decided to move him to rehabilitation. There he will be working hard on his recovery over the next few weeks.”

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Moto News Weekly | Speedway 2019 ready to fire | Everts starts Rehab

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Moto News Wrap for January 1, 2019 by Darren Smart
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Moto News Latest
  • Australian Speedway Solo Championships Ready to GO!
  • Ipswich to Host 2019 Australian Junior Speedway Championship
  • Anaheim 1 and Dakar – It’s Almost HERE!
  • Bloss Out – Bogle In
  • Changes to MXGP Calendar
  • Youthstream Releases the Provisional OAT (Officially Approved Teams) List
  • KTM Signs Liam Everts
  • Stefan Everts Starts Rehab
Australian Speedway Solo Championships Ready to GO!

We are just day away for the opening round of the 2019 Australian Speedway Solo Championships at Gillman Speedway on January the 3rd and for the first time in three years, the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship will run a Qualifier the day before the opening round, where 16 selected riders will battle it out for the remaining eight spots in the Championship.

The eight seeded riders are led by none other than Chris Holder who will be joined by the 2018 reigning Champion, Rohan Tungate, Max Fricke, Jack Holder, Zane Keleher, Brady Kurtz, Sam Masters and Jaimon Lidsey.

Former world and multiple Australian champion Chris Holder used the Jason Crump Classic at Kurri Kurri Speedway Club on Boxing Day to signal he will be a force in the upcoming Australian titles.

Chris Holder went through the night undefeated to claim the Jason Crump Classic Cup at Kurri Kurri Speedway Club on Boxing Day. Picture by Michael Hartshorn
Chris Holder went through the night undefeated to claim the Jason Crump Classic Cup at Kurri Kurri Speedway Club on Boxing Day. Picture by Michael Hartshorn

Holder won his five heats and then took out the A-final from Tungate, 2017 champion Sam Masters and Holder’s younger brother and 2018 NSW champion Jack.

Chris Holder won the Jason Crump Classic Cup at Kurri Kurri Speedway Club on Boxing Day. Picture by Michael Hartshorn
Chris Holder won the Jason Crump Classic Cup at Kurri Kurri Speedway Club on Boxing Day. Picture by Michael Hartshorn

And vying for the other eight spots on the grid are Mason Campton, Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Ryan Douglas, Matthew Gilmore, Jacob Hook, Todd Kurtz, Jedd List, Rob Medson, Nick Morris, Jack Morrison, Josh Pickering, Cooper Riordon, Justin Sedgmen, Jordan Stewart and Kye Thomson while Brayden McGuiness and Dakota Ballantyne will be on hand as reserves.

At the close of Round 1, riders will move North to Mildura, Victoria for Round 2 on 5th January, followed by Round 3 on 7th January at Undera, Victoria. The penultimate round will be held on 9th January at Albury Wodonga, Victoria, with a close to the Championship at Kurri-Kurri, New South Wales on 12th January.

Don’t miss a moment of the 2019 Championship by going to NRGTV to watch all of the action live and get up-dates by checking out the Australian Speedway Championship website and on Facebook.

2019 Australian Senior Solo Championship

  • ROUND 1: GILLMAN SPEEDWAY – 3RD JANUARY
  • ROUND 2: MILDURA – 5TH JANUARY
  • ROUND 3: UNDERA – 7TH JANUARY
  • ROUND 4: WODONGA – 9TH JANUARY
  • ROUND 5: KURRI KURRI – 12TH JANUARY
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Ipswich to Host 2019 Australian Junior Speedway Championship

The Ipswich Switches Junior Speedway Club will host four nights of action between the 17th and 20th of January at Willowbank Raceway with the Under 21’s 500cc title, the Under 16’s 250cc and 125cc titles and the Under 16’s 125cc Team title up for grabs.

The Under 21’s 500cc Speedway Championship will see reigning champion Jaimon Lidsey hoping to regain the title but he will have to contend with Matthew “Happy” Gilmore, Kye Thomson, Cooper Riordan and Jordan Stewart (to name a few) to win in 2019.

The Australian Under 21’s Speedway Championship is the final step riders must make for their chance to represent Australia on the international stage at the FIM Team Speedway Under 21 World Championship. Australia will head to Vetlanda, Sweden for the Semi Finals, and if successful they will then head to Manchester, United Kingdom for the Finals!

Of the nominated riders, 16 have been drawn to compete in the 2019 Australian Championship, with two reserves also selected.

The 2019 Under 16’s 250cc Championship has drawn 13 successful nominees from across Australia including reigning Champion Keynan Rew who along with Patrick Hamilton and James Pearson are already creating a household name for themselves as they climb up through the ranks!

The Under 16’s 125cc Solo and Teams Championship will feature up and coming stars such as James Pearson who fans will also see compete in the Australian Under 16 250cc Speedway Championship, plus Flynn Nicol and Patrick Bowes.

The official entry list made up of 16 riders was drawn from a total collection of 20 nominated riders from across Australia.

Anaheim 1 and Dakar – It’s Almost HERE!!

It’s that time of year again where we are staring down the barrel of the start of two iconic events with the new Supercross season kicking off at Anaheim on January the 5th then the Dakar Rally with an all new route through Peru starts just a day later.

The 450SX class will see 36-year-old Australian Chad Reed take on a field of hard charging younger men led by established superstars including defending champion Jason Anderson, Eli Tomac, Marvin Musquin, Ken Roczen, Justin Barcia, Cole Seely, Justin Brayton, Blake Baggett, Malcolm Stewart, Justin Bogle and Dean Wilson while the likes of Cooper Webb, Joey Savatgy, Aaron Plessinger, Justin Hill and Zach Osborne will be out to prove themselves in this early stage of their 450 class careers.

AMA SX A TrackMap
Anaheim 1 track map

That is 17 very talented and competitive men all with their eyes on the one prize so look out A1 – it is going to be big and let’s hope Chad grabs the holeshot and comes through with what would be an historic win!

AMA SX Suzuki Chad Reed
Chad Reed on JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450

A1 will also see the opening round of the 250SX West Coast Series and it is going to be a cracker with Adam Cianciarulo, Shane McElrath, Chase Sexton, Austin Forkner, RJ Hampshire, Dylan Ferrandis, Mitchell Harrison, Michael Mosiman, Colt Nichols, Sean Cantrell, Cameron McAdoo and Jimmy Decotis all fit and looking for a win while young Aussie hard charger in Tomas Ravenhorst will also be looking to make a name for himself on the world’s biggest stage.

As for our other Aussie hope in Hunter Lawrence, we will see the Geico Honda rider contest the 250SX East Coast Series which kicks off at Minneapolis on February the 9th and from what we have seen Hunter is looking sharp as he prepares for his rookie supercross season.

MXoN Lawrence MX JK MXON
Hunter Lawrence – Hoppenworld Image
2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Schedule
  • Rd1: January 5 Angel Stadium of Anaheim Anaheim
  • Rd2: January 12 State Farm Stadium Glendale, AZ
  • Rd3: January 19 Angel Stadium of Anaheim Anaheim
  • Rd4: January 26 Oakland-Alameda Coliseum Oakland
  • Rd5: February 2 Petco Park San Diego
  • Rd6: February 9 US Bank Stadium Minneapolis
  • Rd7: February 16 AT&T Stadium Arlington
  • Rd8: February 23 Ford Field Detroit
  • Rd9: March 2 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta
  • Rd10: March 9 Daytona Speedway Daytona Beach
  • Rd11: March 16 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis
  • Rd12: March 23 CenturyLink Field Seattle
  • Rd13: March 30 NRG Stadium Houston
  • Rd14: April 6 Nissan Stadium Nashville
  • Rd15: April 13 Broncos Stadium Denver
  • Rd16: April 27 MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, NJ
  • Rd17: May 4 Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas

Dakar 2019

As for Dakar 19, 138 motorcycle competitors are going to set off on January the 6th for 11 days of competition that will see them complete over 5500km across some of the most desolate and uninviting terrain Peru (or anywhere else for that matter) has to offer and as you would expect all of Australia will be hoping that Toby Price and Rodney Faggotter go through the event trouble free, ride to their full potential and come home 1-2 – not too much to ask is it?

Dakar will be run per cent in Peru
Dakar will be run per cent in Peru
Dakar Rally 2019 Overview
Day – Stage Special Stage Km – Total Km
  • 6 January Start podium Lima
  • 7 January Lima-Pisco 84 331
  • 8 January Pisco-S. Juan de Marcona 342 554
  • 9 January SS.an Juan de Marcona-Arequipa 331 799
  • 10 January Arequipa-Moquegua 352 511
  • 11 January Moquegua-Arequipa 345 776
  • 12 January Rest day
  • 13 January Arequipa-S. Juan de Marcona 317 839
  • 14 January S. Juan de Marcona and Back 323 387
  • 15 January S. Juan de Marcona-Pisco 361 576
  • 16 January Pisco-Pisco 313 410
  • 17 January Pisco-Lima 112 358
  • Total km 2889 5541

Bloss Out – Bogle In

Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-WPS-KTM’s Benny Bloss will miss the entire 2019 Monster Energy Supercross season after sustaining a torn ACL in a practice crash early last week so the team has signed former 250SX East Region Champion Justin Bogle to fill-in. Bogle had put together his own program for 2019 after a deal with Phoenix Racing Honda had fallen through.

“Benny has been riding and progressing so well, it’s heartbreaking to Benny, his family, and the team,” said team owner Forrest Butler in a statement. “Benny has been with us since being a rookie in the summer of 2016, and 2019 was really ‘the year’ we were all ready to see what he could do. Really, there isn’t much to say as there are other injured riders too, or ones that have been there. We say it’s not fair, but it’s part of the sport and instead of wishing what could have been, it’s time to just focus ahead, get surgery and put in the hard work to be ready for the 2019 Motocross Nationals.”

“It was the silliest crash and there was nothing spectacular about it, extremely frustrating,” said Bloss in a statement. “I landed off a triple, and just went to the inside to make a new line, nothing crazy. I hit a slick spot and just lost the rear end doing the standard slide out, unfortunately, I had my leg fully committed and it got pinned under the handlebar and the ground. I knew I caught it the at a bad angle, and that’s pretty much end of the story—just the worst possible position I could have slid out in, and now it’s off to get my ACL fixed. I am young though, I have a lot of good people and sponsors behind me, I already have surgery scheduled as of today and have my full vision set on making the start of the outdoors.”

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Changes to MXGP Calendar

Youthstream have announced another revised calendar for the 19 round 2019 FIM World Motocross Championship which will now start on the first weekend of March at the Patagonia-Argentina Circuit of Neuquen and end in Hong Kong of all places on the third weekend of September.

Here is a summary of the changes:
-The MXGP of Switzerland anticipated for August has been cancelled 
- The MXGP of Italy in Imola will now be held on the 17th and 18th of August instead of the 21st and 22nd of September
– The MXGP of Hong Kong will move from the 20th and 21st of April to the now available 21st and 22nd of September as per the local organization request.\
– The venue for the 2019 MXGP of Lombardia on May 12th will be Mantova

Updated 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship Calendar
  • Rd1: Mar. 4 – MXGP of Patagonia Argentina, Neuquen
  • Rd2: Mar. 24 – MXGP of Great Britain, Matterley Basin
  • Rd3: March 31 – MXGP of The Netherlands, Valkenswaard
  • Rd4: April 7 – MXGP of Trentino, Pietramurata
  • Rd5: May 1 – MXGP of China, Shanghai
  • Rd6: May 12 – MXGP of Lombardia (I), Mantova
  • Rd7: May 19 – MXGP of Portugal, Agueda
  • Rd8: May 24 – MXGP of France, Saint Jean d’Angely
  • Rd9: June 9 – MXGP of Russia, Orlyonok
  • Rd10: June 16 – MXGP of Latvia, Kegums
  • Rd11: June 23 – MXGP of Germany, Teutschenthal
  • Rd12: July 7 – MXGP of Indonesia, Palembang
  • Rd13: July 14 – MXGP of Asia (Indonesia), Semarang
  • Rd14: July 28 – MXGP of Czech Republic, Loket
  • Rd15: Aug. 4 – MXGP of Belgium, Lommel
  • Rd16: Aug. 18 – MXGP of Italy, Imola
  • Rd17: Aug. 25 – MXGP of Sweden, Uddevalla
  • Rd18: Sept. 8 – MXGP of Turkey, Afyonkarahisar
  • Rd19: Sept. 22 – MXGP of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
MXGP Rnd Italy MX Start JPA
MXGP of Italy 2018 – MX2 Start – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo
Youthstream Releases the Provisional OAT (Officially Approved Teams) List

Youthstream has released the Provisional OAT (Officially Approved Teams) List for the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship Season confirming that 39 teams have entered the MXGP and MX2 classes ,with 35 riders entered for MXGP and 32 for MX2 with the two Honda MX2 teams yet to sign riders for four spots available.

The list gives a breakdown of the teams currently entered into the new season of racing along with the riders whom will represent them as the series travels throughout South America, Europe, and Asia.

The 2019 Provisional OAT MXGP & MX2 Lists can be viewed in its entirety below.

MXGP Riders 2019

  • Team GBO Motorsport: Simon Furlotti
  • Team HRC: Tim Gajser/Brian Bogers
  • Monster Energy Factory MXGP: Romain Febvre/Jeremy Seewer
  • Hutten Metaal Yamaha Racing: Sven Van Der Mierden/Micha Boy De Waal
  • KTM Sarhotz Racing: Max Nagl/Tom Koch
  • Scandinavian Racing Sports: Jonathan Bengtsson
  • Team Gibben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing: Alessandro Lupino/Benoit Paturel
  • Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing: Pauls Jonass/Arminas Jasikonis
  • JD Gunnex Racing Team: Jose Butron
  • A1M Husqvarna: Tanel Leok
  • RFX KTM Racing: Shaun Simpson
  • Standing Construct KTM: Glenn Coldenhoff/Max Anstie/Ivo Montecelli
  • Team VHR KTM: Jordi Tixier
  • Hitachi KTM: Graeme Irwin
  • BOS GP: Tommy Searle/Evgeny Bobryshev
  • Monster energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team: Arnaud Tonus/Gautier Paulin
  • Monster energy Kawasaki: Clement Desalle/Julien Leiber
  • NR83 Team: Nathan Renkens
  • JWR Yamaha Racing: Kevin Strijbos/Vsevolod Brylyakov/Anton Gole
  • Sixtytwo Motorsport Husqvarna: Klemen Gercar
  • Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Jeffrey Herlings/Antonio Cairoli’
  • AG Racing: Guryev Artem
MXoN Herlings MX JK MXON
Who will challenge Herlings in MXGP 2019….? – Hoppenworld Image

MX2 Riders 2019

  • Marchetti KTM: Iker Larranaga/Andrea Zanotti
  • Team HRC: Calvin Vlaanderen
  • Yamaha SM Action – M.C. Migliori/Michele Cervellin/Max Renaux
  • E2T – Racing Team: Enzo Toriani/Hampus Kahri
  • F&H Racing Team: Henry Jacobi/Adam Sterry
  • Team Diga-Procross Husqvarna: Davey Pootjes
  • Team Gibben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing: Marcel Conija
  • KTM Racestore MX2 Max Bart: Lesiardo Morgan
  • JD Gunnex Racing Team: Richard Sykina/Petr Polak
  • Bud Racing Kawasaki: Brian Moreau/Brian Hsu
  • A1M Husqvarna: Roland Edelbacher
  • Honda 114 Motorsports: TBA/TBA
  • STC Racing IXS: Loris Freidig
  • Hitachi KTM: Conrad Mewse/TBA
  • Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha: Ben Watson/Jago Geerts
  • Team Honda Redmoto Assomotor: TBA/TBA
  • Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: Jorge Prado/Tom Vialle
  • Bike It DRT Kawasaki: Darian Sanayei/Gustavo Pessoa
  • Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing: Thomas Kjer Olsen/Jed Beaton
  • GT243: Maks Mausser
  • Revo Husqvarna UK: Dylan Walsh/Alvin Ostlund
  • Vamo Racing Team: Hakan Halmi

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MXGP Rnd Italy Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado will stay and defend his MX2 Championship in 2019

KTM Signs Liam Everts

Promising Belgian youngster Liam Everts will officially become part of the KTM racing division from 2019 in an agreement that should see the latest generation of a famous family dynasty make his path up the motocross ladder to Grand Prix.

Everts, 14, has evolved as a racer in the last year, and his speed in just a second term with an 85cc motorcycle led to a third-place finish in the EMX85 European Championship. While Liam is able to count on the expertise and peerless achievements of his father Stefan—who is currently recovering from illness—he can also rely on the advice from four-times world champion and grandfather Harry as well as his mother, Kelly, who was so central to Stefan’s motocross efforts as he laid siege to all classes of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

The Everts’ will operate out of their own structure in 2019 as Liam prepares for his first season with the KTM 125 SX; the motorcycle with which Rene Hofer scored victories and red plates as EMX125 European Championship leader in 2018.

Liam Everts: “It feels like an honour for me to ride with KTM because it feels like they are the best brand in motocross. We have a long deal in place but I have been on a KTM for a while now and I love the bike; it’s amazing how it handles and how it fits my style. To get this contract is great. I’m really happy and I’m really looking forward to the future. Hopefully we can make some nice things together, we’ll go step by step and build along the way.”

Liam Everts
Liam Everts

Robert Jonas, VP of Offroad: “Liam comes from one of the best family names in motocross and while that also gives him an advantage it also brings pressure, but we’re excited by what we have seen from him so far. It’s clear the progress he has made with his pace and technique in 2018 and that points to even more potential. It is still early but he could go all the way. Liam is clearly making the commitment to racing at the highest level while looking at the next steps to get better and to enjoy success, so we’re really happy to be there with him.”

Liam Everts
Liam Everts

Stefan Everts Starts Rehab

The family of Stefan Everts released a positive update regarding his battle with malaria with the ten-time FIM Motocross World Champion beginning rehabilitation.

The Everts motocross dynasty from left to right Harry Liam and StefanEverts, who was hospitalized earlier this month after contracting the mosquito-borne disease at a charity event in the Democratic Republic of Congo, remains at the University Hospital of Leuven in Belgium, but has begun his physical rehabilitation after tests have revealed that he did not suffer any damage to his brain or organs.

“Everts started with his [physical] rehabilitation yesterday. Compared to the worrying condition of a few weeks ago, he’s already doing much better. Although he is still in the intensive care of the UZ in Leuven, he is already getting out of bed and can already walk a little. After a charity in Congo mid-November, the legend had suffered an aggressive form of malaria. The state of health of Everts had deteriorated so much that he was in danger for a long time. However, studies last week showed that neither his brain nor his organs suffered permanent damage due to the malaria attack. About the duration of his stay on intensive care and his rehabilitation is not yet certain.

“Everts realises after a good conversation with the professors in Leuven that he escaped the worst. ‘That I’m still here is my most beautiful Christmas present,’ let him know. Stefan and his family want to thank all the people for the huge support they got in the last few weeks and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. In new developments, the family—who is now looking to focus on Stefan’s rehabilitation—will again communicate through a press release.”

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Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Weekly Moto News Wrap with Smarty

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Moto News Wrap for December 25, 2018 by Darren Smart

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Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

What Went Down Last Week?

  • 2019 AORC Support Classes and SA Location Announced
  • Yamaha backs New 2 Stroke Nationals Series For 2019
  • Taree Kicks Off 2019 Dirt Track Season
  • McAdoo Slots in for Injured Sexton at Geico Honda
  • Kawasaki’s Off-Road Programs Expands in USA
  • Kyle Chisholm Signs with H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki for 2019
  • Stefan Everts Up-Date
2019 AORC Support Classes and SA Location Announced
AORC Omeo Luke Styke
Luke Styke – AORC Omeo 2018

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has confirmed Coonalpyn, South Australia as the location for rounds 8 & 9, running from August 30th to September 1st.

Expanding from two to three weekends running across Rounds 1 & 2, 3 & 4, and 10 & 11, the new and improved 2-Stroke Cup will cater to bikes ranging from 125cc up to 250cc. 2019 will also see the return of the Pony Express (All Powers) supporting class which will run at Round 7 of the 2019 AORC season at Broken Hill.

The Vintage (Evo Pre 86) supporting class will run to the same format as seen in 2018. Featuring at Round 3 and 4 in Dungog, New South Wales (NSW) as an Enduro, the Vintage class will run as a precursor to the Vintage Enduro at the Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE), held the following month.

All other classes from the 2018 season will remain unchanged for 2019 and Supplementary Regulations will be released in early 2019.

2019 AUSTRALIAN OFF-ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR
  • Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD – 9 – 10 March 2019
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW – 6 – 7 April 2019
  • Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW – 20 – 21 July 2019
  • Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW – 10 – 11 August 2019
  • Round 8 & 9: Coonalpyn, SA – 31 August – 1 September 2019
  • Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC – 14 –15 September 2019

Support Classes (*only at selected rounds)
2-Stroke Cup (125cc and 250cc) (*Round 1 & 2, 3 & 4, 10 & 11)
Pony Express: All Powers (*Round 7)
Vintage: Evo Pre 86 (*Round 3 & 4)

Yamaha backs New 2 Stroke Nationals Series For 2019

Blu Cru stroke NationalsYamaha Motor Australia is proud to announce a new partnership with Williams Event Management (WEM), as the naming rights sponsor of the 2019 Australian 2-Stroke national series which will be known as the Yamaha bLU cRU 2-Stroke Amateur Nationals, the series is open to all makes of two-stroke machines, with classes available for junior and senior amateur racers of all skill levels.

Announcing YMA’s involvement in the three-round championship through its bLU cRU sponsorship strategy, Matthew Ferry, National Sales and Marketing Manager Yamaha Australia said the series would provide an opportunity for junior racers to compete at a national level on three different circuits.

“During the 2018 MX Nationals, we had the opportunity to run the YZ65 Cup and found people were seriously enthusiastic about two-stroke junior racing, so when Kevin Williams from WEM spoke with us about the series, we were very excited. This will be an excellent opportunity for juniors to race nationally and develop their skills in this great sport.”

Five classes will contest the 2019 season, with the three-round series visiting Victoria, ACT and Queensland between February and April. The season kicks off at Traralgon in Victoria on 10 February, before heading north to Coolum, QLD, for round two on 3 March. The season finale will take place at Canberra, ACT, on 27 April.

Classes contesting the series are

  • Junior – 65cc; 85cc and 125cc
  • Senior – Two-Stroke All powers;
    Retro All Powers for motocross bikes aged 20 years or more
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Taree Kicks Off 2019 Dirt Track Season

For many years the Old Bar track near Taree had the honour of opening, and closing, the dirt track racing calendar in New South Wales and that tradition will continue in 2019 with the scheduling of the Twilight Open meeting for Saturday, January 19.

From 2014 to 2017 the Troy Bayliss Classic meeting opened the calendar and despite that event closing down the Taree Motorcycle Club is determined to put on a race meeting that will kick off the 2019 season with a bang.

The dirt track scene of course continues to produce exciting action for fans at the same time as producing exciting young talent progressing through the junior ranks in to other disciplines of the sport like speedway and road racing.

The twilight meeting will give riders the chance to blow away the cobwebs after a break from competition over the Christmas – New Year period.

As well as senior and junior 2-wheel action there will also be sidecar and ATV racing with entries closing on January 11, but Race Secretary Lyndel Butler has encouraged riders to get their entries in early as there will be a cap on entries for some classes to ensure a streamlined program for riders and fans alike.

Max Whale Taree
Max Whale at Taree
McAdoo Slots in for Injured Sexton at Geico Honda

The dramas continue at Geico Honda with the news that Chase Sexton is inured hot on the back of the news that Jeremy Martin will not compete in the 2019 season.

Sexton hurt his collarbone in a mountain bike crash and will now switch from 250SX West Region to 250SX East Region, giving him time to recover so Cameron McAdoo will join RJ Hampshire on a GEICO Honda CRF250R in the West while GEICO Honda will have Sexton, Christian Craig, and Hunter Lawrence racing 250SX East.

Cameron McAdoo seen on the grid here in Dallas 2018 – Hoppenworld Image
Kyle Chisholm Signs with H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki for 2019

After missing the 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross due to a knee injury sustained at round four at High Point, Kyle Chisholm will join Alex Ray and Adam Enticknap in the H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki team in 2019.

Chisholm moved back down to the 250 class in 2018 with 51Fifty Energy Drink Yamaha and finished eighth in the 250SX West Region while scoring five top ten finishes in the 450 class at a few East Coast race.

Chisholm underwent surgery in June to fix a torn meniscus and ACL and is looking forward to the new season – he posted this on social media:

‘Even though it’s no secret I haven’t officially posted about it, but I’m happy to be working with the @hepmotorsports@suzukicycles team for the 2019 @supercrosslive season. Thanks to all of the team’s sponsors. Looking forward to a good and fun season with the team.’

Stefan Everts Up-Date

Stefan Everts was hospitalized in Belgium early in December after he contracted malaria while participating in a charity event in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the family requested privacy during this difficult time so the news on Stefan’s condition have been scant but thankfully the family released some good news to Belgian media just before Xmas.

Below is part of the statement the family released (translated by Google)

‘The situation of Stefan Everts, who has been affected by malaria, is developing favourably and his condition is no longer critical, which is why the ten-time world champion in motocross no longer needs a sedative. Everts is still in intensive care at the University Hospital of Leuven, where he is closely monitored and only his family members are admitted. About the effects of malaria or about the duration of the recovery, nothing can be said at the moment. The Everts family wants to thank everyone for the many statements of support and the encouraging words, we cannot possibly answer them all personally, that is why she (his wife) does it through this way: ‘A big thank you all to give us a heart in this difficult period.’

The family also asks, just like the past weeks, to give them the necessary rest so that she can concentrate fully on Stefan. In the case of new developments, communication will again take place via a press release.’

Stefan Everts has been left out in the cold by Suzuki's change in policy
Stefan Everts
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News | Geneva & Chemnitz SX | 2019 Teams | Peick Update

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Moto News Weekly Wrap

December 4, 2018

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

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What Went Down Last Weekend?

  • Brayton Wins King of Geneva
  • Bowers is King of Chemnitz
  • Watson wins in France
  • Price Ready for Challenging Dakar 19
  • Yamaha Signs Green, Driscoll and Style for 2019
  • Three More Yamaha Riders Set for 2019 MXGP
  • Kirk Gibbs Signs for CDR Yamaha for 2019
  • 2019 Mountain Man Motocross News
  • Metcalfe Heads Honda Campaign in 2019
  • King of MX 2019 Dates Announced
  • Weston Peick Update – Good News

Brayton Wins King of Geneva

Three-time Australian Supercross Champion Justin Brayton capped off a stellar ‘off-season’ by winning the King of Geneva last weekend with a win and a second place over the two nights of racing in front of a quality field and a huge crowd.

Justin Brayton King of Geneva trophy
Justin Brayton – King of Geneva 2018

Brayton was forced to come from outside the top five to pass Christian Craig for second place during Friday nights final and was looking like he was going to have to settle for second behind Zach Osborne when on the very last lap Osborne hit the rear tyre of a lapped rider only to crash leaving Brayton alone for the win ahead of Craig, Osborne, Vince Friese, Jordi Tixier, Cole Seely and Justin Barcia.

Barcia scored the holeshot in Saturday night’s final ahead of Craig and Brayton but it didn’t take long before Brayton got around Craig and started putting pressure on Barcia but after 20 gruelling laps Barcia got the win ahead of Brayton, Craig, Friese, Tixier, Valentin Teillet and Cole Seely.

Brayton earned a well-deserved King of Geneva over Craig and Barcia. “I don’t what happened to my starts but I knew what I had to do to win the King of Geneva, this is awesome to win my fifth King of Geneva supercross, that’s crazy, who would have thought when you see the list of names who have won this before but I am happy to be part of it and happy to have the record solo (for most wins), I’m stoked.”

SX Final Night One

  1. Justin Brayton
  2. Christian Craig
  3. Zach Osborne
  4. Vince Friese
  5. Jordi Tixier
  6. Cole Seely
  7. Justin Barcia
  8. Cedric Soubeyras
  9. Gregory Aranda
  10. Malcolm Stewart
  11. Valentin Teillet
  12. Fabien Izoird
  13. Nicolas Aubin
  14. Gaetan Le Hir
  15. Xavier Boog

SX Final Night Two

  1. Justin Barcia
  2. Justin Brayton
  3. Christian Craig
  4. Vince Friese
  5. Jordi Tixier
  6. Valentin Teillet
  7. Cole Seely
  8. Gregory Aranda
  9. Fabien Izoird
  10. Khousith Vongsana
  11. Xavier Boog
  12. Nicolas Dercourt
  13. Gaetan Le Hir
  14. Kevin Ballanger
  15. Joen Cros
  16. Nicolas Aubin
  17. Cedric Soubeyras
  18. Zach Osborne

King of Geneva

  1. Justin Brayton (20-17)
  2. Christian Craig (17-15)
  3. Justin Barcia (9-20)
  4. Vince Friese (13-13)
  5. Jordi Tixier (11-11)
  6. Cole Seely (10-9)
  7. Valentin Teillet (5-10)
  8. Gregory Aranda (7-8)
  9. Zach Osborne (15-0)
  10. Fabien Izoird (4-7)

Cameron McAdoo won the Prince of Geneva from Adrien Escoffier and Julien Roussaly.

Prince of Geneva

  1. Cameron McAdoo 17-20
  2. Adrien Escoffier 20-17
  3. Julien Roussaly 13-15

Bowers is King of Chemnitz

American Tyler Bowers was in Germany last weekend and was rewarded by claiming the King of Chemnitz honours after winning Friday night’s final ahead of Cole Martinez before backing that up with another win on Saturday night this time ahead of Charles Lefrancois.

Friday SX1 Final

  1. Tyler Bowers
  2. Cole Martinez
  3. Charles Lefrancois
  4. Dominique Thury
  5. Justin Starling

Saturday – SX1 Final

  1. Tyler Bowers
  2. Charles Lefrancois
  3. Dominique Thury
  4. Cole Martinez
  5. Justin Starling
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Watson wins in France

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has secured a dominant victory at round three of the Championnat de France des Sables Beach Race Series in St. Léger de Balson after charging his way to a commanding two-minute win.

camille chapeliere St Leger de Balson Beach Race
Championnat de France des Sables Beach Race Series in St. Léger de Balson

Offering a change from the traditional seaside beach race, round three of the Championnat de France des Sables made its way inland to the vast, deep sandy forest region of St. Léger de Balson for the third stop of the championship. Wet and changeable weather for the two-hour-30-minute race ensured conditions would be anything but predictable for the 300 riders competing.

After missing round two due to his World Enduro Super Series commitments, Nathan Watson returned to competitive action in the championship highly motivated following his recent victory at the Red Bull Knock Out beach race in The Netherlands.

Starting strongly, Watson rounded the opening lap inside the top five. However, with conditions proving wet and muddy, he knew it would be a race of attrition for many. Taking his time to settle into things, he steadily worked his way into the lead during the first 45 minutes.

Opting to pit early for a fresh pair of goggles and gloves saw him drop back to second place behind new race leader Milko Potisek. Feeling strong and comfortable in the deteriorating conditions, Nathan quickly worked his way back in front. Continuing his unrelenting pace, the KTM 450 SX-F rider ended the race with a two-minute-20-second margin of victory.

Nathan Watson

“I’m delighted and a little bit surprised with how well my race has gone. I felt in control the whole way through and despite some horrendously tough conditions I was able to manage the pace of the race to my advantage. With a lot of rain I knew conditions would be tricky. My start was ok and I was fourth after lap one. A few riders made some mistakes and then suddenly I was in the lead. However, I needed to pit early for fresh goggles and gloves and that dropped me back into second behind Milko. When I got going again I managed to pull him back in quite quickly and once ahead I continued that strong pace until the chequered flag. It feels great to get this win, especially off the back of my Red Bull Knock Out victory and I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum rolling into round four next weekend.”

nathan.watson St Leger de Balson Beach Race
Nathan Watson

The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round four on December 9, 2018.

Results – French Beach Race Series, Round 3

  1. Nathan Watson, KTM, 17 laps 2:39:26.670
  2. Milko Potisek, Yamaha, 2:41:47.330
  3. Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 2:45:24.490;
  4. Petar Petrov, KTM, 16 laps 2:40:52.881
  5. Maxime Sot, Yamaha, 2:41:22.540

Championship Standings (After round 3)

  1. Milko Potisek, Yamaha, 410pts
  2. Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 375pts
  3. Petar Petrov , KTM, 308pts
  4. Maxime Sot, Yamaha, 292pts
  5. Nathan Watson, KTM, 285pts

Price Ready for Challenging Dakar 19

Former Dakar Champion Toby Price is now in the final stages of preparations ahead of the 2019 Dakar Rally. One final test in Abu Dhabi is now all that stands between the current FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion and the 10-day event being held exclusively in Peru beginning on January 6th 2019.

Toby Price

“It’s going to be a bit of a strange Dakar, the route looks like about 70 percent is in the dunes and it’s going to be a real challenge, certainly no time to relax. In the past there have been days where you can pace yourself and still get a good result by concentrating on navigation and riding smooth – on this one I think it’s going to be flat-out from the very beginning.”

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Josh Strang Signs with Kawasaki

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has announced that Team Babbitt’s/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green will field two XC1 class riders in the 2019 GNCC and Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series with former GNCC XC1 Champion and current Full Gas Sprint Enduro Champion Josh Strang being the first to sign for the team.

Josh Strang

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to ride the all-new KX450. It’s exciting to join a team like Kawasaki, who believe in the potential of my riding and my results. I rode Kawasaki’s in Australia for many years before moving to the U.S. to race, so it’s really gone full circle for me. I can’t wait to get back on a brand that helped start my career and continues to provide support, which is a big part of succeeding.”

Kawasaki Team Green Babbitts Online Motorsports
Josh Strang

In addition to the Team Babbitt’s Online racing effort, Kawasaki Team Green will have a lot to offer off-road racers, including a $1.7 million racer rewards program with $427,700 dedicated to the GNCC series.

The Team Green trackside support crew, featuring technical assistance and parts sales for customers will attend seven rounds of the 2019 GNCC series as well as other off-road race events across the country. For GNCC events where the Team Green trackside support crew is not present, the Team Babbitt’s Online semi will have a supply of OEM parts to assist KX customers in need.

To further support our customer, racers can visit their Kawasaki Team Green dealer to earn up to a $1,500 rebate for the purchase of a new 2019 KX model. Kawasaki Team Green dealers have until February 15, 2019 to submit Racer Support applications.

Team Green Manager Ryan Holliday

 “We have been working hard to put these programs together and re-establish our presence in the off-road segment. Having the opportunity to continue our successful relationship with Team Babbitt’s Online and be involved with the GNCC series was an easy decision for us. The combination of having a great new KX450 model, experienced riders and the knowledge of our team staff gives us the potential for success right away.”

 Team Babbitt’s/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green along with the Team Green trackside support crew will take on the treacherous terrain of the Big Buck GNCC season opener in Union, South Carolina on February 24, 2019.

Yamaha Signs Green, Driscoll and Style for 2019

Josh Green, Luke Styke and Michael Driscoll will remain with the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube team for the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championships as well as other major events around Australia.

After winning the Under 19 division for two years running, Michael Driscoll will now make the big step up to the E1 class for 2019.

Michael Driscoll

“I feel like I have a good foundation to enter the professional classes now and confident I can mix it up with the best in the class right from the get go. Having watched closely how someone like Josh prepares himself and seeing the professionalism he approaches his racing enables me to learn that being successful is more than just hanging off the throttle. Being back with AJ (Roberts) and the team is great and we have a really good thing going. The bikes are awesome and we have an awesome group of people around us so hopefully Luke, Josh and myself can all push each other to have an even better season that last.”

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Michael
Michael Driscoll

Motocross convert, Luke Styke, proved a revelation in 2018 as he dominated proceedings in the E1 category taking the win in the AORC as well as the A4DE and landing well inside the top five Outright at the majority of the events.

Luke Styke

“Off road was completely new to me this time last year and almost every event I went to I had to learn not just about the bike, the rules or the riding, but also the formats and the fitness required to succeed at the highest level, so it was a lot to take in all at once but I was happy with how the year turned out. But for 2019, I now have that experience, so my time and focus can be on fine tuning my program to get the most from myself and being better again. Last year the goal was to win my class, in 2019, the next step is outright and although Daniel Milner is riding exceptionally well and one of the best riders in the world, there is no point racing if we don’t have him as the bench mark and try and beat him. It will take a lot of work and preparation but the team and I’m already hard at work and looking to make the next step in our performance.”

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Luke
Luke Styke

Entering into his eighth season with the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Team, Josh Green is back and determined to lead the way for the team in 2019.

Josh Green

“I still want to win as much as I did in my first season with AJ and the team. Having Styke and Driscoll in the team benefits me as much as I assist them in that I can use their energy and youthful exuberance to keep me going. Yamaha have been great to work with over the years and I’m 100% a Yamaha guy. I’m proud to represent not only this team but also Yamaha and still believe I’m more than capable of mixing it with anyone in Australian Off Road.”

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Josh
Josh Green
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Three More Yamaha Riders Set for 2019 MXGP

JWR Yamaha Racing has confirmed a three-rider team for the 2019 MXGP season with six-time Grand Prix winner, Kevin Strijbos leading the team which will also feature Vsevolod Brylyakov and Anton Gole.

Kevin Strijbos

“I’m really happy to join the JWR Yamaha Racing team. It is a young dynamic team and I will try to help them with my experience if needed. I’m also looking forward to riding the Yamaha 450F, as I have heard a lot of positive things about the bike. I cannot wait to ride it! It seems the circle will close; I started my first MXGP season on a Yamaha 125 in 2001 and it looks like I will also close it on a Yamaha. Of course, I will do my best next year to get the best results possible.”

Kevin Strijbos
Kevin Strijbos to JWR Yamaha Racing in 2019
Vsevolod Brylyakov

“Finally! I am pumped to announce my new deal with JWR Yamaha Racing for the 2019 MXGP season! It is going to be my first year in the MXGP class and to be honest I do feel very excited. After the past two difficult years, with two big injuries, it is not going to be easy to go and race with the strongest and fastest guys in the world, but I am not scared of work and I believe in myself. I am happy to say that I have people who are giving me the same feeling and that is giving me some extra motivation and the will to succeed. Now it is time make some plans, pack my bags and start my trip back to Europe! My knee feels better and stronger day by day. I cannot wait to go and ride this YZ450F!”

Anton Gole

“I am so happy to finally announce my deal with JWR Yamaha Racing. I have known Johan for a couple of years now and I think he is a very driven guy with big dreams and high goals, so I am really excited to join his team. I’m also going to step up to the MXGP class for next year, so to have Vsevolod Brylyakov and Kevin Strijbos as teammates will be awesome. I hope to learn a lot from them. It is going to be a tough challenge to ride in the big-boy class, but I feel really good on the YZ450F and I am really looking forward to it.”

Kirk Gibbs Signs for CDR Yamaha for 2019

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team unveiled Kirk Gibbs as one of their new rider signings for the 2019 season at the bLU cRU King of the Valley event at Oakdale, NSW, on the weekend.

mx nationals ranch mx saturday practice mx gibbs waiting ImageByScottya
Kirk Gibbs – Image by Scottya

Gibbs has been drafted to the powerful CDR Yamaha team for the 2019 motocross season and his first assignment was to spin some laps at the Oakdale event and was alongside team boss Craig Dack as the club hosted its final event of the year and raised money for injured riders Daniel McCoy and Tyler Darby.

With Dean Ferris deciding to look overseas and Dylan Long’s contract not renewed, Craig Dack has been on the lookout for two new riders to spearhead the teams’ 2019 campaign and he is pleased to reveal the signature of Kirk Gibbs for next season and is excited about what he brings to the team.

Craig Dack

“Kirk comes to us as an experienced racer with the qualities we look for in a professional rider. He is hard-working, dedicated and determined in character as well and talented and focused on racing. We believe surrounding him with the CDR Yamaha staff and on Yamaha machinery, we can elevate Kirk even further and look forward to a strong season from him.”

mx nationals coolum round mx cdr dacka ImageScottYa
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack

Gibbs has been a championship contender in the MX Nationals since the 2013 season and highlighted with his championship win in 2015.

Kirk Gibbs

“I think every rider in the pits look at CDR Yamaha as the best in the business as their on-track success and off -track knowledge is unmatched in Australia. So now to be a part of that environment and have such an experienced team to lean on for advice is a big confidence booster and one that I think can push my results even higher. I have only had some initial set up testing on the Yamaha YZ450F and already I feel I have a bike that I can ride well and suited to my style of riding. The power is smooth yet strong and the chassis feels really stable, so I feel we are well-placed already and really look forward to working closely with Craig and his team in 2019.”

mx nationals ranch mx saturday practice mx gibbs ktm ImageByScottya
Kirk Gibbs – Image by Scottya

The first assignment for Gibbs on his new Yamaha YZ450F is to tackle the New Zealand Motocross Championships beginning at the end of January before embarking on his MX nationals campaign starting on March 17.

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

2019 Mountain Man Motocross News

Since celebrating the 40th anniversary back in 2016, Toowoomba’s Mountain Man of Motocross has once again cemented itself as one of the most prestigious meetings on the calendar with Kade Mosig, Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris all being crowned ‘Mountain Man’ over the last three years.

2019 sees the event run over two days later in February (23/24) after the Toowoomba Motocross Club worked hard to minimize any clashes with both modern and vintage mx events while preparing an all new Echo Valley track which will host modern, vintage, post classic, veteran, female and sidecar racing once again.

Echo Valley was a round of the MX Nationals for many years and was voted as the best round of the 2017 series and the Toowoomba Motocross Club prepares the track as good as it ever has for Mountain Man so this is as good an opportunity you will have to kick your 2019 season off on a positive note – stay tuned for the supp regs.

Metcalfe Heads Honda Campaign in 2019

After a solid 2018 season which saw the veteran score second overall in the Australian Supercross Championship, Honda Australia has confirmed they will continue its partnership with Brett Metcalfe into 2019 motocross and supercross seasons.

Brett Metcalfe

“This year has been rewarding for many reasons, winning a round of supercross was important for me and the team. I am building a trusting home at Penrite Honda, my family is settling in at home in Mannum and I am back in the motherland after 18 years oversees. The bonus was finishing 2nd in the Australian Supercross Championship with a new team and on a new bike. We proved this year we could be competitive in Motocross. We were in the top three several times in races and we scored some podium finishes. As a team we were lacking consistency but we worked on that in the second half of Motocross season and in Supercross we turned a lot of things around which will better prepare us for next year.”

Australian SX Port Adelaide TBG Brett Metcalfe TBG
Brett Metcalfe – Image by TBG

The Penrite Honda team are pleased to have Metcalfe locked in for another year, feeling he is a great fit for their program and hope that he remains with them for the remainder of his career and beyond.

Yarrive Konsky – Penrite Honda Racing Team Director

“Brett and I have formed a trusting an open friendship and this certainly makes it easy to work together. It is astonishing to think he accomplished everything he did when you really know what he has gone through this year, moving his life back to Australia and spending a lot of time apart from his wife. He has such a resilience, something only great athletes have. He has a home at Honda and we believe in his talents, he is a proven asset on and off the track. We want to do this properly and our focus is on Brett. We may have a second rider to do selected rounds of Motocross but this is yet to be decided,”

Said Penrite Honda Racing Team director Yarrive Konsky who is equally excited about the documentary on Brett Metcalfe he has been working on. The documentary titled “Born to Race” is a compelling story.

Australian SX Port Adelaide TBG Brett Metcalfe TBG
Brett Metcalfe claims victory at the Australian Supercross Round 4

At this stage, the team has signed Metcalfe to be their sole Motocross rider and are yet to decide if they will sign a second rider.

Metcalfe left Australia in 2000 to take on the world, he returned full time this year to begin all over again. He and his family have faced real battles and stayed together through love, acceptance and forgiveness. The documentary will be released before the end of the year and shows the making of one of Australia’s true Moto Champions.

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

King of MX 2019 Dates Announced

Motorcycling NSW has confirmed the dates and venues for the 2019 King of MX NSW State Motocross Championship where racers need to enter one of the 6 qualifier events (see schedule below) where the top 6 or 7 finishers in each class earn their Golden Ticket to the final.

Dave Cooke – MNSW CEO

“We really wanted to rebuild the NSW State Motocross Championship into a prestigious event, and I think most will agree that the 2018 King of MX was exactly that. We’re proud of the number of riders that raced at the final in Port Macquarie, as well as the enormous prize purse that we were able to distribute to riders on behalf of our event partners. 2019 is looking to be another strong step forward and we’re excited to announce the dates today and look forward to seeing who enters the chase for the golden ticket.”

NSW King of MX

Once a rider has qualified, they can still ride the other qualifier events but they can’t win another Golden Ticket, so that gives even more riders a chance to qualify. At the final, State Title Champions will be decided over three motos for each class, and some will also earn a spot in the King, Queen, Prince or Princess of MX feature races.

More information will be announced in the coming weeks, including when entries open and supplementary regulations.

King of MX 2019 Dates

  • Qualifier 1 February 16-17 Sydney Region (Appin)
  • Qualifier 2 March 2-3 Northern Region (Moree)
  • Qualifier 3 March 23-24 Central West (Condobolin)
  • Qualifier 4 April 6-7 Riverina (Leeton)
  • Qualifier 5 April 20-21 Southern Region (Canberra)
  • Qualifier 6 May 18-19 Hunter Region (Maitland)
  • FINAL June Long Weekend 8-9-10 Goulburn

Weston Peick Up-Date – Good News

The first images of Weston Peick after his crash in France were released this week via his instagram page with this update on his progress:

Weston Peick

“Well this has been one hell of an injury I can’t explain how much suffering has gone on over the last two weeks. I had well over 10 fractures throughout my face requiring three surgeries. But it’s finally turning for the better I’m walking around slowly and getting my body moving again, I’ll be flying back home to the states Tuesday. Huge shout out to Road To Recovery and everyone that has made donations to help this long positive journey to get back on my bike. I can’t thank my family and friends enough for their prayers and positive thoughts. Big thanks to all the people here in France that have made my stay easier and more suitable for my family.”

Peick hospita
Weston Peick
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Source: MCNews.com.au