Team SRC Kawasaki France captures Le Mans EWC victory
Australians Hook and Parkes endure difficulties in France.
Image: Supplied.
Team SRC Kawasaki France has captured victory at the Le Mans 24 Heures Motos for round two of the 2018-2019 FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in France.
The 42nd edition will be remembered as a 24-hour edge-of-seat duel on the track, as Honda Endurance Racing’s Randy de Puniet and Team SRC Kawasaki France’s Jeremy Guarnoni rocketed away from the grid, and the race came to an equally fast-paced finish featuring the same two teams, this time with Yonny Hernandez and Guarnoni in the saddle.
The suspense reached an even higher pitch when the safety cars came out to clean the track 15 minutes from the finish. Team SRC Kawasaki France carried the day thanks to Guarnoni, David Checa and Erwan Nigon’s determination to shake off Honda Endurance Racing’s de Puniet, Hernandez and Sebastien Gimbert.
Their amazing duel overshadowed a third-place finish by Suzuki Endurance Racing Team, who got back on the podium for their team manager Dominique Meliand’s last-ever 24 Heures Motos. The Suzuki’s riders Vincent Philippe, Etienne Masson and Gregg Black finished in practically the same lap as the duo in the lead.
Wepol Racing (Yamaha), Bolliger Team Switzerland (Kawasaki), 3ART-Moto Team 95 (Yamaha) and National Motos (Honda) also pulled off praiseworthy performances to finish fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth respectively, more than 10 laps behind the three squads leading the race at a scorching pace.
Thanks to their win, and the fact of staying in command of the race from the fourth hour to the finish, Team SRC Kawasaki France has gone to the top of the provisional standings of the EWC, ahead of Suzuki Endurance Racing Team.
Reigning champions F.C.C. TSR Honda France, which includes Australian Josh Hook, endured a significant loss of points following two crashes, which had the Japanese team plunging to the bottom of the rankings. Compatriot Broc Parkes also suffered a difficult weekend with Yamaha Austria Racing Team, the team suffering engine damage in a crash.
The next stop on the Endurance World Championship calendar is scheduled on 11 May for the 8 Hours of Slovakia Ring.
Cianciarulo strengthens 250SX West points lead with main event win.
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Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac has emerged victorious at Denver’s 15th round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.
The number three put on a stellar performance, ultimately crossing the line with a 7.774s advantage over points leader Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) closed out the podium in third, followed by an impressive P4 from Justin Bogle (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM) ahead of Joey Savatgy (Monster Energy Kawasaki).
In the 250SX West class, points leader Adam Cianciarulo (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki) strengthened his championship advantage by a further three points after claiming victory over Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha Star Racing).
Colt Nichols (Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha Star Racing) stepped onto the podium in third, while RJ Hampshire (Geico Honda) and Michael Mosiman (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) – who led the opening half of the main – completed the top five. The AMA Supercross series now heads to East Rutherford on 27 April.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker has been crowned the 2019 Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro world champion at Bilbao’s final round of the series in Spain.
It was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cody Webb who took out top honours on the night with 1-2-1 scorecard, while Haaker was second overall with a race win to his name, securing an incredible third world title in the series.
Taddy Blazusiak (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) closed out the podium in third ahead of Pol Tarres (Husqvarna) and Kevin Gallas (Husqvarna).
In the championship behind Haaker it was former champion Webb – just four points shy of the title – as Blazusiak accepted P3 in the points standings, 29 markers adrift of the leader.
Prado wins MX2 as Australia’s Evans secures top 10 result.
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Tim Gajser (Honda HRC) has earned his first victory of the season at Trentino’s fourth round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship in Italy.
The former world champion lodged a dominant 1-1 scorecard to defeat nine-time world champion and points leader Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who wound up with a pair of second place finishes.
Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha) closed out the podium in third, while Arnaud Tonus (Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha) and Ivo Monticelli (KTM) completed the first five.
In the MX2 category, reigning champion Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) reigned supreme with a pair of race wins, edging out Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2) and teammate Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) on the podium.
Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Ben Watson was fourth ahead of points leader Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), while Australians Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) and Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) concluded the day in positions seven and 12.
Fellow Australian Caleb Grothues (SDM Yamaha) contesting the EMX250 category of the European Motocross Championship was unable to qualify for both motos. The MXGP World Championship will head back to Italy on 12 May for the MXGP of Lombardia.
Landmark expansion in Victorian coup for Australia’s premier supercross.
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The 2019 Monster Energy AUS-X Open will take centre-stage at the famed Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Victoria, in a landmark move following four years in Sydney.
Recognised as the premier stop on the Australian schedule and one of the most high-profile international supercross events globally, the AUS-X Open will return on 30 November.
Wednesday saw Wonthaggi MX Nationals MX1 round winner Luke Clout and CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner Craig Dack join AUS-X Open directors Adam Bailey and Ryan Sanderson, along with Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle, at Marvel Stadium to launch the event.
“Since its inception the AUS-X Open has grown from strength-to-strength to a point where we’ve found ourselves in the fortunate situation of needing to expand to cater for the growing appetite of supercross racing and more broader sports fans across the country,” commented AUS-X Open chairman and V8 Supercars founder Tony Cochrane.
“Melbourne is renowned for hosting some of the world’s greatest sporting events and what better place than Marvel Stadium to deliver a world-class event to a world-class audience.”
“The AUS-X Open Melbourne will be bigger, faster, louder, featuring more entertainment and greater accessibility to these international megastars than ever before and I can’t wait for November 30 to showcase this amazing spectacle to the people of Melbourne. It really has to be seen to be believed.”
After establishing Qudos Bank Arena in Homebush as its home since the inaugural edition in 2015, near 100,000 fans have experienced the AUS-X Open and now – as fans have been asking – it will travel south to Marvel Stadium (formerly Etihad Stadium) from 2019 as tipped in this week’s Motoview feature on MotoOnline.com.au.
AUS-X Open organisers have confirmed that the circuit will be of a world championship size in Melbourne, the scale and magnitude a first-ever for Marvel Stadium. The on-track action will be paired with freestyle motocross, live music, pyrotechnics and non-stop entertainment all under the one roof.
It will also be an engineering feat, arguably unmatched by any supercross event in the world and certainly one of the most challenging in Australian history, as supports imported and constructed in the lower level carpark prepare to handle the immense pressure of up to 6000 tonnes of dirt, machinery and infrastructure.
The AUS-X Open will move to Melbourne from Sydney as part of a partnership with the Victorian Government via its tourism and major events agency, Visit Victoria. It has the full support of the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, The Hon. Martin Pakula.
“Victoria is unmatched as the sporting and event capital of Australia and we’re so excited to bring the AUS-X Open to a world-class venue like Marvel Stadium,” stated Mr Pakula. “Melbourne’s sporting calendar continues to be the envy of cities across Australia and around the world.
“We’re thrilled to add AUS-X Open to the list, this November. Major events, such as the AUS-X Open, are hugely important to our visitor economy, helping to drive Melbourne’s international positioning and profile, tourism, branding and business links.”
Adding even greater excitement, the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne will double as the grand final round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship, much to the delight of Doyle, the CEO of supercross sanctioning body MA. Additional rounds on the calendar remain to be confirmed.
“The Australian Supercross Championship is Australia’s premiere off-road motorcycle racing championship,” Doyle said. “To have the grand finale here in Melbourne, at an incredible event like the AUS-X Open, is a huge positive for the sport and fans alike.”
Marvel Stadium CEO Michael Green said the venue is thrilled to host world-class sporting talent along with thousands of avid fans: “We are very excited to work alongside AUS-X Open as the host venue for what will be a great event.
“We pride ourselves on the stadium’s multi-functionality and adaptability to deliver memorable fan experiences no matter the type of event. Marvel Stadium views the AUS-X Open event as a chance to showcase the venue’s versatility and show fans why Marvel Stadium continues to be one of the busiest multi-purpose stadia in the world.”
For more information and the exclusive opportunity to sign-up to access tickets during the pre-sale before they’re on sale to the public, you must ensure you sign up to an exclusive pre-sale ticketing opportunity at www.ausxopen.com. Pre-sale tickets will be available from 15 May via www.ticketmaster.com.au and will start at $39.99.
Nine-time world champion Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has dominated Valkenswaard’s third round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship in The Netherlands, boosting his points lead in the series classification.
The Italian ace pieced together a stellar 1-1 scorecard for top honours, comfortably defeating runner-up Clement Desalle (Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing) in the day’s overall points tally.
Former champion Tim Gajser (Honda HRC) was third overall, challenging Cairoli for victory in the final encounter, while the top five was rounded out by Jeremy van Horebeek (Honda SR Motoblouz) and Arminas Jasikonis (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing).
In the MX2 category, reigning world champion Jorge Prado returned from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of round two in exceptional fashion, dominating the day with a pair moto victories to earn the overall win.
Points leader Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) was second ahead of Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Jago Geerts, while Calvin Vlaanderen (Honda HRC) and Henri Jacobi (F&H Kawasaki) were fourth and fifth respectively.
Australian contenders Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) wound up 12th and 15th overall.
The Dutch grand prix also marked round on the Women’s Motocross World Championship, which saw Amandine Verstappen (Yamaha) emerge victorious over Nancy Van de Ven (Yamaha) and Larissa Papenmeier (MXFONTA Racing Yamaha). Aussies Meghan Rutledge (Kawasaki) and Tahlia O’Hare (KTM) were eighth and 13th overall respectively.
The MXGP World Championship now heads to Trentino in Italy this weekend for round four of the series.
Dual podiums for Australian Ruprecht in J1 category.
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Team Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe has earned a stellar double-victory at Dahlen in Germany for the opening round of the 2019 Maxxis EnduroGP World Championship.
The reigning champion dominated the opening stage in the outright EnduroGP standings, taking a strong win over Daniel McCanney (TM Racing Factory Enduro Team) and Bradley Freeman (Beta).
In the E1 class, it was Freeman who topped stage one over Matteo Cavallo (Sherco) and Thomas Oldrati (Honda RedMoto World Enduro), while E2 was taken out by Loic Larrieu (TM Racing Factory Enduro Team) followed by Albin Elowson (Husqvarna) and Christophe Charlier (Honda RedMoto World Enduro).
The E3 division was all about Holcombe as he stormed to victory in the class ahead of McCanney and Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas Factory Team). Holcombe returned in fine form for Sunday’s second stage, once again securing P1 in the outright EnduroGP classification, joined on the podium by Freeman and McCanney.
Freeman charged to top E1 honours for the second consecutive day, this time finishing ahead of Davide Guarneri (Honda) and Oldrati. Eero Remes (Johansson MPE Yamaha) rose to the top of the E2 standings on day two, edging out Alex Salvini (Honda) and Larrieu, while in E3 it was Holcombe followed by McCanney and Anthony Geslin (Beta).
Australian Wil Ruprecht (Johansson MPE Yamaha) lodged a stellar 3-2 scorecard in the J1 category to kickstart this full-time EnduroGP career, landing on the podium in both days of racing. The series now heads to Valpacos in Portugal on 3-5 May for the second stop of the championship.
Kjer Olsen wins MX2 as Beaton scores top 10 in return to racing.
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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli has captured victory at Matterley Basin’s second round of the 2019 MXGP World Championship in Great Britain.
The nine-time world champion rode supremely consistent in Sunday’s races, lodging a 1-2 scorecard to earn his second win in as many rounds.
Former champion Tim Gajser (Honda HRC) overcame a significant fall to wind up second overall, concluding the weekend with a race victory in the final moto, while Gautier Paulin locked out the top three for the first time with the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP outfit.
Clement Desalle (Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing) and Jeremy van Horebeek (Honda SR Motoblouz) were fourth and fifth respectively, as triple Australian motocross champion Dean Ferris (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) faced a difficult return to grand prix racing, suffering a suspected knee injury after finishing 15th in the opening encounter.
In the MX2 category, Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) dominated the weekend with two race victories, gaining the points lead in the process as former leader and reigning champion Jorge Prado (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) sat out the weekend with injury.
Henri Jacobi (F&H Racing Kawasaki) was second followed by Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), as the top five was completed by Calvin Vlaanderen (Honda HRC) and Ben Watson (Monster Energy Kemea Yamaha Official MX2).
Australians Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Mitch Evans (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) were 10th and 15th overall respectively, the duo lodging 9-13 and 34-8 scorecards. Compatriot Caleb Grothues (SDM Yamaha) wound up 12th overall in round one of the European Motocross Championship in the EMX250 division.
The MXGP World Championship now heads to Valkenswaard in The Netherlands this weekend for round three of the series.
Yamaha’s Ferrandis earns maiden 250SX West victory.
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Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has held onto his main event victory at Seattle’s 12th round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship after it came under review for jumping on a red-cross flag.
The Frenchman led every lap of the main, but it was the crash on lap one in the first rhythm lane that has stolen headlines, claiming Australia’s Chad Reed (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) and Justin Brayton (Smartop Bullfrog Spas Honda).
The duo were both assisted off the circuit by the Alpinestars Medical crew, while Kyle Chisholm (Suzuki) and Ryan Breece (Rock River CycleTrader Yamaha) remounted for positions 19 and 20.
Musquin was sanctioned with a seven-point penalty and forfeiture of his prize purse for jumping by the incident, however is still credited the win over Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) and Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki). The top five was completed by points leader Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and Joey Savatgy (Monster Energy Kawasaki).
In the 250SX West division, Frenchman Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha Star Racing) broke through for his maiden supercross main event victory, claiming top honours ahead of points leader Adam Cianciarulo (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki).
Jimmy Decotis (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) rounded out the podium, followed by Michael Mosiman (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Chris Blose (Husqvarna) in fourth and fifth. The AMA Supercross championship now heads to Houston in Texas for round 13 next weekend.
Forkner extends 250SX East points lead with commanding win.
Image: Supplied.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin has broken through to claim his first win of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship at Indianapolis’ 11th round.
The Frenchman put on a stellar display, securing the hole-shot before going onto win by 2.449s over Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM’s Blake Baggett, who safely edged out points leader Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).
Daytona victor Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) was fourth followed by Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) in fifth, marking a strong return from the sidelines. Australia’s Chad Reed (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) was 11th in the main event.
In the 250SX East category, Austin Forkner (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki) continued his winning ways, taking out a commanding 6.289s win over Chase Sexton (Geico Honda) while also extending his points lead to 26.
Monster Energy Yamalube Yamaha Star Racing duo Justin Cooper and Mitchell Oldenburg were third and fourth respectively, as Martin Davalos (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki) locked out the top five. The AMA Supercross series now heads to Seattle next weekend for round 12.
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