Kawasaki becomes naming rights partner for ASBK premier category
Manufacturer increases support in the Australian championship.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Kawasaki Motors Australia has placed its support behind the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK), becoming the naming rights partner for the premier Superbike category.
The newly-titled Kawasaki Superbike class will headline the Australian championship as it tours the country for seven rounds, with the manufacturer well represented as title contender Bryan Staring (Kawasaki BCperformance) leads the charge alongside Lachlan Epis (Kawasaki BCperformance), Matt Walters (Kawasaki) and Glenn Scott (GSR Kawasaki).
“Kawasaki Motors is very happy to be supporting the ASBK in 2019 by taking in the naming rights to the Superbike class” said Robert Walker, national sales and marketing manager of Kawasaki Motors Australia.
“The series is as strong and competitive as it has been for several years and it’s good to see all of the manufacturers supporting racing in Australia. Entry level racing through to Superbike racing is having a revival under the new directions of Motorcycling Australia.”
Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle commented: “It’s fantastic to have Kawasaki’s renewed commitment to ASBK as both a sponsor and a manufacturer. The support of manufacturers like Kawasaki has helped to drive the resurgence of ASBK, meaning we’re able to provide a stronger championship than ever with bigger fields, stronger teams, and most importantly – great racing.”
Last weekend the ASBK completed a two-day test at Phillip Island, the venue that will host the season-opener on 21-24 February in conjunction with the FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK).
Moto News Wrap for February 4, 2019 by Darren Smart
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Moto News Latest
Great night for Kawasaki at San Diego AMA SX
French riders continue to dominate UK Arenacross
Cairoli and Prado continue top form at Ottobiano
Raga beats Bou at Barcelona X-Trial
Cooper and Harwood storm Taranaki
Nathan Watson claims French Beach Race title at Enduropale du Touquet
Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
Yamaha bLU cRU backs 2019 A4DE
Toowoomba to host opening round of AORC
Mountain Man just a few week’s away
King of MX receives manufacture’s backing
2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing increases USA contingency program
Jeffrey Herlings injury update
Italy disqualified from 2018 MXoN
Great night for Kawasaki at San Diego AMA SX
Kawasaki riders Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo have won the 450SX and 250SX main events respectively in sloppy conditions at round five of the AMA Supercross Championships which was held in San Diego last weekend.
Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo dominated the San Diego AMA SX round – Image by Hoppenworld
450SX Report
San Diego was soaked with unseasonal rain all week as well as on race night so the main event was shortened to just 15 minutes and on a completely water logged circuit Tomac survived the treacherous conditions to not only score his first win of the season, he became the fourth Red Plate holder for the 2019 season.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin played it safe all race to steadily climb up to second place over Ken Roczen on the very last lap and now sits just tied with Roczen in second place, just four points back from Tomac.
Eli Tomac
“Today was kind of wild with the conditions, we weren’t on the normal dirt but overall it was the direction we wanted to go, qualifying good, getting better starts to put ourselves in the right position but when the rain stopped the mud got thicker so the bike got heavy and each section was sketchy, it had to stop to make sure a track marker didn’t get sucked into my rear wheel and then had to stop to clear my goggles on the last lap so it was the hardest by far.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin
“It was a tough day, in the heat race I don’t know what happened but I almost did a 180 off the start but managed to get back to third then in the main I just tried to get a decent start but I didn’t so I was pretty far back, my helmet was heavy, my goggles were full of mud so I almost pulled my goggles off on the first lap but I didn’t which is awesome because it saved me and the roll-off worked out so towards the end, I had no idea where I was (placing wise) so I just kept on passing but you couldn’t attack or you could make a mistake, I got by Bogle, then I saw Kenny and got around him then when we crossed the line I looked at the board and I was in second.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Ken Roczen
“I thought I was in third, then I got passed my Marvin with one turn to go which wasn’t that happy about, I made some changes this week and we made some improvements on the starts which really paid off because today the tarts were really important, I got a super-good holeshot (in the main) but sure enough, I threw it away and went back to fourth of fifth then ended up third, for the championship we are only four points behind and it’s super tight so for my mind the season doesn’t really start until around round 10 and to somewhere near the front is good and I am just picking my battles right now, I just want to get out of the West Coast because it has been a long time since I accomplished that.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
It was mayhem all race causing Justin Barcia’s Yamaha to fail while Justin Bogle was unlucky not to land on the podium but the fill-in KTM rider managed fourth place ahead of Chad Reed, Aaron Plessinger, Joey Savatgy, and Cooper Webb who went over the handlebars while taking evasive action when Musquin momentarily stalled between two muddy jumps.
Chad Reed – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Webb lost the red plate in San Diego but remains in contention for the championship to sit in 4th, just eight points behind Tomac.
As for Reed, the veteran finally cracked the top five and has moved into ninth in the championship, just 15 points behind fifth placed Blake Baggett.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
450 Main Event Results
Eli Tomac
Marvin Musquin
Ken Roczen
Justin Bogle
Chad Reed
Aaron Plessinger
Joey Savatgy
Cooper Webb
Blake Baggett
Tyler Bowers
Vince Friese
Dean Wilson
Cole Martinez
Cole Seely
Ben Lamay
Carlen Gardner
Kyle Chisholm
Theodore Pauli
Cade Autenrieth
Alex Ray
Justin Barcia
Heath Harrison
450 Main Event podium – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
450SX Points after Round 5 of 17
Eli Tomac – 106
Marvin Musquin – 102
Ken Roczen – 102
Cooper Webb – 98
Blake Baggett – 80
Dean Wilson – 80
Justin Barcia – 74
Aaron Plessinger – 66
Chad Reed – 65
Cole Seely – 65
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250SX Report
There was only one rider on the track in the 250SX main that looked remotely comfortable in the slippery conditions and it was Cianciarulo who led from go-to-woe to not only convincingly take the win but the Kawasaki rider has moved into the championship lead after his closest rivals faltered.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Cianciarulo’s teammate Garrett Marchbanks rode well to finish second ahead of Jimmy Decotis while championship contenders Shane McElrath, Dylan Ferrandis and Colt Nichols finished 4th, 7th and 10th respectively.
Cianciarulo now holds an eight point lead in the championship over McElrath while Nichols is 10 points back and Ferrandis 12 as the 250SX West riders head into a three week break.
Adam Cianciarulo
“It is good going into the break with my mind at ease but when you have a stressful day like this with all of the unknowns and things that can happen out of your control it is tough but I felt better than usual so now happy to build on this.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Garrett Marchbanks
“It’s been a big learning curve riding with these guys and I have been working on my starts and my speed so to end up here in second is beyond where I thought we would be when the day got started. My dad and I use to flood a little turn track at our place which made me a pretty good mud rider.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
James Decotis
“I didn’t know I got third, I thought I got another fourth place, I am over fourth place, then I was told I got third, I was trying to stay up, my little legs I was dabbling and struggling so I just stood up, hit my marks to end up third so I am thankful for it.”
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
In his final race before heading home, Australian privateer Thomas Ravenhorst did not qualify for the night program after an electrical gremlin put an end to his night in San Diego but the good news for us Aussie’s is that Hunter Lawrence will be in action when the AMA Supercross Championship heads to Minneapolis this weekend.
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Main Event Results
Adam Cianciarulo
Garrett Marchbanks
James Decotis
Shane McElrath
Jess Pettis
Martin Castelo
Dylan Ferrandis
Mathias Jorgensen
Cameron McAdoo
Colt Nichols
Chris Blose
Michael Mosiman
Jacob Hayes
Carson Brown
RJ Hampshire
Scott Champion
RJ Wageman
Devin Harriman
Enzo Lopes
Deegan Vonlossberg
Ludovic Macler
Mitchell Harrison
250 Main Event podium – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
250 Points after 5 of 10 Rounds
Adam Cianciarulo – 114
Shane McElrath – 106
Colt Nichols – 104
Dylan Ferrandis – 102
RJ Hampshire – 75
James Decotis – 73
Cameron McAdoo – 72
Garrett Marchbanks – 71
Chris Blose – 70
Jess Pettis – 66
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French riders continue to dominate UK Arenacross
The Resorts World Arena, Birmingham hosted the fourth round of the six-round UK Arenacross Tour and it was the French pairing of Cedric Soubeyras and Greg Aranda who continued to dominate the series.
Soubeyras won the Superfinal over Aranda and Valentin Teillet and then the Pro-Lites final ahead of Teillet and Julien Lebeau before Aranda won the Pro 450 final over Charles Le Francois and Adam Chatfield.
Aranda now has a four point lead over Soubeyras in the Pro AX class, Soubeyras already has a healthy 48 point lead in the Pro Lites class and Aranda has a 49 point lead in the Pro 450 class while it is the Team FRO Systems Suzuki who is leading the team points chase.
The next stop of The Arenacross Tour is in two weeks’ time The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of February 2019.
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Cairoli and Prado continue top form at Ottobiano
The second round of the Italian Motocross Championship was held on a rain soaked Ottobiano circuit last Sunday and once again KTM riders Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado have not only won their MX1 and MX2 races respectively but they also finished 1-3 three in the MX1/MX2 combined Superfinal.
Tony Cairoli – Image by S. Taglioni
Cairoli won the MX1 moto after a hard fought battle with Yamaha’s Romain Febvre but by moto end the Italian had etched out a three second gap to take with win over Febvre, Tim Gajser, Gautier Paulin and Tanel Leok while in the MX2 class Prado won the moto by over seven seconds from Calvin Vlaanderen, Max Renaux, Michelle Cervellin and Ben Watson.
Jorge Prado – Image by S. Taglioni
The Superfinal lived up to expectations with Cairoli and Gajser battling tooth and nail for much of the race but Cairoli got the nod by a narrow margin over Gajser, Prado, Febvre and Mikkel Haarup.
Tony Cairoli – Image by S. Taglioni
Cairoli lead the MX1 championship by 40 points over Febvre and the Superfinal class by 40 points over Gajser while in the MX2 class Prado holds a 90 point lead with one round remaining at Mantova this weekend.
Jorge Prado – Image by S. Taglioni
Italian MX1 Standings
Cairoli Antonio (Ita) 240
Febvre Romain (Fra) 200
Gajser Tim(Slo) 160
Paulin Gautier (Fra) 130
Leok Tanel (Est) 115
Italian MX2 Standings
Prado Jorge (Spa) 240
Haarup Mikkel (Den) 150
Cervellin Michele (Ita) 125
Watson Ben (Gbr) 125
Renaux Maxime (Fra) 112
Raga beats Bou at Barcelona X-Trial
Adam Raga has taken a rare victory over Toni Bou at the second round of the FIM X-Trail World Championship held in Barcelona, Spain last weekend.
Adam Raga – X-Trial Barcelona
It was an up and down night for all riders on a very technical circuit but when it was all said and done Raga got the win over Bou with Jaime Busto coming home in third place so after two rounds Raga and Bou are tied on 35 points with Busto tied for third place in the championship with Jeroni Fajardo on 21 points.
The third round of the seven round series will be held in Bilboa, Spain on February 16.
Cooper and Harwood storm Taranaki
The Taranaki Motorcycle Club hosted the opening round of the highly anticipated New Zealand Motocross Championship and in perfect racing weather is was Cody Cooper and Hamish Harwood who came away with first blood in the MX1, MX2 and 125cc classes respectively.
MX1 Report
On the slippery Taranaki layout Cooper dropped the opening MX1 moto to defending champion Kirk Gibbs but the veteran was in no mood to give the Aussie any more fanfare to go on and win the final two motos for the overall win and the points lead heading to the second round of the four round series.
After narrowly winning the opening moto, Gibbs led most of the second moto only to lose the lead to Cooper late in the race but in the third race Gibbs was forced to come through the pack and found speed he had missed earlier in the day to finish just behind Cooper at the line.
Kayne Lamont was right in the mix in all three motos but dropped off the pace as the motos wore on to finish with three third place finishes for third overall ahead of Brad Groombridge (4-4-6), Cohen Chase (5-5-5), Hadleigh Knight and Blake Gillard (6-7-9) who was sizzling around Taranaki on a KTM250SX 2-stroke.
Cody Cooper
“Obviously this is not my favourite track but I am slowly getting to like it and riding it better, my bike is working way better too so we can only get better at the tracks that I like with more traction and speed.”
Kirk Gibbs
“I really enjoyed that last moto, obviously it was a shame having to come from behind but I feel like that is the best I rode all day, that first moto I rode just to protect (from Cooper) the best I could so I was lucky to get that win and obviously in that second race I didn’t flow that well which allowed Coops to get away but in the last moto I felt really good, I was hitting all my marks, I love and bike and it is onward and upwards from here.”
Kayne Lamont
“Today I just tried to get some decent seat time and do some long motos at a high intensity so that was good to get that under my belt but we have a two week break now to Rotorua and I get myself around there pretty good so I will go there pretty confident after today so we will see what we can do there.”
MX1 – Total Points Round 1
Cody Cooper 2-1-1 – 72p
Kirk Gibbs 1-2-2 – 69p
Kayne Lamont 3-3-3 – 60p
Brad Groombridge 4-4-6 – 51p
Cohen Chase 5-5-5 – 48p
Hadleigh Knight 12-6-4 – 41p
Blake Gillard 6-7-9 – 41p
Tyler Steiner 7-10-8 – 38p
Mason Wilkie 10-10-7 – 34p
Jacob Steel 11-8-9 – 33p
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MX2 Report
The MX2 class saw three different moto winners with Max Purvis winning the opening moto from Harwood and Brad Groombridge after Aussie Wilson Todd crashed out of the lead but Todd bounced back to win the second moto over Harwood and Joel Meikle but in the final moto it was all Harwood who complete his sixth moto and his third back-to-back race to take the win over Todd and Purvis.
Harwood was forced to race a 4-stroke KTM this year after Motorcycling New Zealand banned the 250cc 2-srokes from the MX2 class but the three-time MX2 champion proved that it wasn’t the power of the 2-stroke that gave him the advantage in previous years.
Hamish Harwood
“The day panned exactly how I wanted it, real happy to win both classes, I am kind of lucky that even when I am tired I can hold a good pace but my main goal is to be healthy, this track can catch you out so now it is on to Rotorua.”
Wilson Todd
“The tracks here are a lot better than what we race on back home and there was plenty of good racing out there today with all of the lines and the way the track forms up but we will fly home tomorrow, do some training and get back for round two.”
MX2 – Total Points Round 1
Hamish Harwood 2-2-1 – 69p
Wilson Todd 8-1-2 – 60p
Maximus Purvis 1-6-3 – 60p
Brad Groombridge 3-6-5 – 51p
Joel Meikle 9-3-7 – 46p
Wyatt Chase 7-7-4 – 46p
Morgan Fogarty 6-4-10 – 43p
Micah McGoldrick 4-15-5 – 38p
Broc Martens 10-9-11 – 30p
Sam Cuthbertson 13-10-8 – 29p
125cc Report
Hamish Harwood works all week as a builder, completes his physical training after work and races on weekends with his father by his side so the three time NZ Champion decided to ride the 125cc class in 2019 and his three wins from three rides proved the decision to be sound.
Brodie Connolly came home with three second places and a name that we will be hearing from in the future is Ben Broad who at the tender age of 15 earned a podium finish in his first senior national outing.
Hamish Harwood
“Obviously the goal is to win but if I am feeling a little fatigued (because of the back-to-back races) I will settle for what I can get but if I am feeling good I am happy to take the win,
Brodie Connolly
“I am just trying to enjoy it (my racing), the track held up well today, the club did a great job, it was technical and hard which is what you want to get the technical riders on top, it was a good day overall.”
Ben Broad
“The track gets really rough compared to the junior days because they don’t groom it as much and there is more competition.”
125cc 2 STROKE – Total Points Round 1
Hamish Harwood 1-1-1 – 75p
Brodie Connolly 2-2-2 – 66p
Benjamin Broad 3-3-3 – 60p
Joshua Bourke-Palmer 4-4-5 – 52p
Tommy Watts 6-7-4 – 47p
Clayton Roeske 7-9-6 – 41p
Jack Dunlop 11-5-8 – 38p
Scott Barr-Smith 12-8-7 – 37p
James Rountree 5-15-10 – 33p
Charlie Richardson 10-11-12 – 33p
MX3 – Total Points Round 1
Steve Craig 1-2-2 – 69p
Lucas Gisler 4-1-1 – 68p
Jonathan Ellison 3-4-3 – 58p
Ivan Boehlen – 6-3-7 – 49p
Patrick Straub 2-13-4 – 48p
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Nathan Watson claims French Beach Race title at Enduropale du Touquet
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has claimed victory at the Enduropale du Touquet beach race, crowning the British rider champion of the Championnat de France des Sables series. Victory at the 44th edition of the iconic beach race also secured KTM’s first French Beach Race Championship title.
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
With the world-renowned Enduropale du Touquet playing host to the sixth and final round of the Championnat de France des Sables, Nathan Watson arrived at the legendary beach race third overall in the points standings. Knowing that a race win would offer him the greatest chance of championship success, the British rider set about doing exactly that.
A slow start to the race saw Watson lose considerable time on the leaders during the opening hour. Taking things too cautiously on the fast and smooth course, he began to find his rhythm as the event moved past the halfway point. With the track deteriorating, the KTM 450 SX-F mounted rider rapidly cut his way through the field, jumping from sixth to second in just two laps.
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Battling hard with race leader and championship rival Milko Potisek, the duo went head-to-head during the closing stages of the race. With the final pitstop complete, Watson attacked hard for the last two laps and managed to break clear. He eventually crossed the finish line as the 2019 French Beach Race champion with a comfortable five-minute margin of victory.
Nathan Watson
“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling to not only win Le Touquet for the first time but also take the championship. We’ve worked incredibly hard this season, so to get a result like this is beyond words. During the first hour of the race I actually thought that I might not be able to do it. A lot of people overtook me early on and I was riding far too cautiously because the course was so fast and smooth. When it grew rougher that’s when I began to come into my own and really find my speed. I was just able to push hard and feel confident in the big sand holes and the slower traffic around me. When I caught Milko we battled for a while and then for the final pitstop we pitted at different times, so I didn’t know where he was after that. All I could do was give it 100 per cent during the final two laps until the finish line. This is the biggest victory of my career – it’s been my dream since I was a child to win this race and now I’ve become the first British rider to do so. I’m also the first KTM rider in over 30 years to win Le Touquet, too. Now, winning the championship as a result is perfect end to a fantastic season. Finally, I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the support they’ve put into me – it’s amazing to get the result we’ve all worked so hard for.”
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert
Results – Championnat de France des Sables, Round 6
Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 15 laps 3:30:20.951
Daymond Martens (BEL) Yamaha, 3:08:16.441
Richard Fura (FRA) Honda, 3:10:14.311
Adrien Van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha, 3:11:17.183
Stephane Watel (FRA) Honda 3:14:05.210
Final Championship Standings
Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 735 points
Milko Potisek (FRA) Yamaha, 625
Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA) KTM, 615
Maxime Sot (FRA) Yamaha, 590
Stephane Watel (FRA) Honda, 566
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Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
Suzuki Australia has announced the continuation of its Suzuki Support Rider (SSR) Contingency program for the 2019 MX Nationals, Australian Superbike Championship and recognised state motocross and road racing premier class championships.
Riders who compete on current generation Suzuki motorcycles are eligible to register as for the free SSR contingency program but the rider must register with Suzuki while only one rider can register per VIN.
Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
Suzuki will send each rider an acceptance letter, which includes a SSR Registration Number. One number will be issued per rider, even if the rider competes on more than one machine or in multiple capacity classes. This Registration Number will be used in all claims for contingency or other correspondence with Suzuki.
Only the nominated Motorcycling Australia sanctioned events will be eligible for contingency. Suzuki Support Riders registered for claiming contingency must use the Claim Form attached. Results will be verified by Suzuki against official M.A. results.
Contingency payments will only be made to riders who satisfy the following criteria:
Compete on current generation RM-Z250, RM-Z450, GSX-R600 or GSX-R1000/R.
Registered for SSR and have received acceptance including their Registration Number from Suzuki Australia.
Lodge a claim form within 7 days of the event to Suzuki Australia including their race support number. Suzuki will verify through official race M.A results
For further information on the 2019 SSR Contingency Program, interested customers should visit http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/suzuki-support-rider
Yamaha bLU cRU Backs 2019 A4DE
Motorcycling Australia has announced Yamaha bLU cRU as the official naming rights sponsor of the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) which will once again showcase the current world class talent residing in Australia.
Ray Howard – Yamaha Motorsports Division Manager
“2018 was a spectacular year for Yamaha bLU cRU and the A4DE and we are pleased to continue our relationship with the historic event in 2019. Last year’s Championship saw impressive developmental growth and strategic initiatives that propelled the event to more prestigious level. We are seeing these strategies and developments continue into the 2019 season, strengthening the reputation of this highly respected and much anticipated event. Yamaha bLU cRU looks forward to continue working closely with MA and the A4DE promoters to further develop the Championship, which has proven time and time again to be a fertile platform on which to produce and launch Australian riders onto a world stage.”
The 41st edition of the A4DE will be held in Moruya, NSW on May 1-4. Entries are available until the 17th April, so be sure to secure your place in the historic event here!
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Toowoomba to host opening round of AORC
Motorcycling Australia (MA) has advised all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) racing season that the location of Round 1 and 2 at Gympie, Queensland (QLD) will be relocated to Toowoomba on the 9th and 10th of March.
AORC heads to Toowoomba for 2019 opener
To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, the competition has been amended to continue successfully incorporating the state of QLD into the Championship whilst also making a conscious effort to minimise the necessary distance to travel.
Moving slightly South to Toowoomba, riders will be presented with picturesque backdrops contrasted by the challenges of the Great Dividing Range and its Western slopes. Both days will still feature continuous sprints where riders will race against the clock as they race to come out on top. Further information on the round and accommodation can be found on the competitor information page of the AORC website.
Mountain Man Just a Few Week’s Away
The Toowoomba Motocross Club is excited to serve up a brand new circuit when the KTM and Motorex backed Mountain Man Motocross hit the iconic Echo Valley facility on February 23-24.
This time round the club has settled on a new track designed to increase both the fun and technical quotient, while still facilitating the vintage racers and bikes with experienced track builder and former champion in his own right Sam Kendall designing the track.
Since the 40th anniversary epic in 2015, top MX1 contenders Kade Mosig, Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris have all joined the Mountain Man Honour Roll, and Toowoomba Motocross Club President Ojai Maguire is hopeful of a big turnout for this year’s event.
With a date just three weeks out from the start of the MX Nationals, another part of the attraction is the event’s status as a very useful hit-out for the riders, and a shakedown for the machines, on one of the country’s few world-class motocross tracks.
2019 Mountain Man
The other lure is Australia’s biggest prize pool. While the winner will walk away with $1500, the prizemoney pool will pay all the way down to 40th place in the title class.
With the event’s 40+ years of history the club is mindful of its strong heritage appeal and will continue the popular vintage racing during the Saturday program, while other support classes include Women’s, Junior and Sidecar racing.
With the resurgence of interest in two-stroke machines, this year the traditional 125cc Gold Cup has been renamed the Premix class and expanded to include two-stroke powered machines right up to the 500cc monsters which ruled the slopes of Echo Valley in years gone by.
The club has also moved to increase spectator value of Mountain Man, by providing access to the infield for a closer look at the action, offering a $10 weekend pass to access both days racing, and welcoming kids under 13 for free.
Tickets are available at the gate, and for more details please check out the Mountain Man Motocross Facebook page, or contact club President Ojai Maquire on (0428) 159 989.
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King of MX receives manufacture’s backing
Kawasaki, KTM, Honda, Suzuki and Husqvarna have banded together to support what is arguably Australia’s richest motocross race series, the King of MX NSW State Titles.
With six individual qualifying events spread around NSW, the King of MX series gives an unprecedented number of racers the chance to test their skills, meet more like-minded racers and their families, and earn their chance to race for their own NSW State Title.
Dave Cooke
“The King of MX is designed to give riders of all ages and abilities the chance to compete and be rewarded when they excel. We’re excited to see most major manufacturers find common ground in supporting this initiative where we actively promote the sport and reward those racers who rise to the top of their class. I can’t thank our partnering manufacturers enough for seeing the vision we have at Motorcycling NSW to support and grow the sport and keep producing, not only champions of the future, but a healthy sport that we can enjoy at all skill levels.”
With 21 classes representing riders of all age groups and skill levels, the beauty of the King of MX is that you don’t have to sacrifice any other championship to be in with a chance. Just race a qualifier that doesn’t clash with your schedule and race your way to the final, just like the 2018 Queen of MX Meghan Rutledge did.
Event Calendar
Qualifier 1: February 16-17, Appin
Qualifier 2: March 2-3, Moree
Qualifier 3: March 23-24, Condobolin
Qualifier 4: April 6-7, Leeton
Qualifier 5: April 20-21, Canberra
Qualifier 6: May 18-19, Maitland
King of MX Final: June 8-10, Goulburn
Racers need to enter one of the six qualifier events where the top six or seven finishers in each class earn their Golden Ticket to the final. Once a rider has qualified, they can still ride the other qualifier events, but they can’t win another Golden Ticket, giving even more riders a chance to qualify. At the final, State Title Champions will be decided over three motos for each class.
2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing increases USA contingency program
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A have increased its 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program to nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing.
In addition to coverage of the AMA Professional Supercross and Motocross, National and Regional Amateur MX and Off-Road events, Yamaha has expanded its support of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, with $467,350 available, almost five times as much as offered in 2018 for Yamaha bLU cRU GNCC racers. The Contingency Program also boasts increases in support to Yamaha bLU cRU riders in the American Flat Track (AFT) series, including those bLU cRU riders who will compete in the all-new AFT Production Twins class.
In addition to the professional championships, Yamaha continues to support the sport’s future stars at various national and regional amateur motocross races across the U.S., as well as the newly created “Supercross Futures” series.
Mike Guerra – Racing Department Manager for Yamaha
“Our bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program has proven to be hugely popular, and this year, we’ve increased the program by 15%, with total funds of nearly $5 million available to Yamaha riders who excel in competition. We have made huge increases in all classes of the GNCC series, the largest off-road series in the country, by boosting the contingency for Yamaha bLU cRU riders fivefold for 2019! We also have increased our support of the American Flat Track (AFT) series, including its all-new Production Twins class and have also stepped forward to support the new Supercross Futures” series that focuses on emerging supercross talent.”
Riders who compete in supercross, motocross, flat track, or off-road aboard any qualified Yamaha motorcycles are invited to register for the 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program.
All bLU cRU Contingency money will be paid directly to riders’ reloadable bLU cRU Debit Cards. In addition, each bLU cRU rider will receive a $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com, as well as discounts on Yamaha GYT-R parts and accessories.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Youthsteam sold to Infront
Swiss sports marketing company Infront has announced the acquisition of Youthstream, the owner of the exclusive television, marketing and global promotional rights to the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship until the 2036 season.
Youthsteam sold to Infront – Infront’s President & CEO Phillippe Blatter & Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo
The agreement covers several other events including the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the European Motocross Championship and the Motocross of European Nations while the management of the Monaco-based company will remain unchanged under the direction of President Giuseppe Luongo together with David Luongo as CEO and Daniele Rizzi as COO.
Phillippe Blatter – Infront’s President & CEO
“We are very glad to welcome the Youthstream team to the Infront Group. Under the proven management and expertise, the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship has become the premier event of off-road motorsport. Following the successful ownership and management of the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2007 to 2012, this acquisition provides us once again with a long-term property ownership in international motorsport further strengthening our comprehensive portfolio. We will collaborate very closely to further optimise fan experience, content offering and ultimately grow the global community in motocross.”
Giuseppe Luongo – Youthstream President
“We have been successfully building this company over more than three decades and are now very much looking forward to continue to further develop our ambitious vision for motocross together with Infront as one of the leading players in global sports business. This agreement comes at the right moment for the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship and allows Youthstream to accelerate its international development. I am sure that the synergies we will generate will be of great benefit for all properties we represent.”
Julien Ternisien – Infront Vice President Summer Sports
“The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is an exciting property with a clear potential to grow even further. We are looking forward to taking the sport to the next level of commercial success by activating our extensive media and sponsorship network as well as our full suite of innovative sports solutions. This goes hand in hand with improving media sales and accelerating digital marketing activities, including further improving the MXGP-TV OTT platform for fans all over the world.”
Jorge Viegas – FIM President
“The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship series is one of motorsports’ fastest growing and most promising properties. We are confident that Infront’s strong market position, resources and marketing capabilities combined with the strong track-record and proven expertise of Youthstream will help raise the bar even higher in terms of growth and popularity for the series.”
About Infront
Infront is a leading sports marketing company managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events, including the distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 1,000 staff working from 39 offices across more than 14 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year.
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Jeffrey Herlings injury update
Jeffrey Herlings is obviously hoping for a swift and comprehensive rehabilitation period after surgery to repair a broken right foot but it looks like the defending MXGP World Champion will miss the opening round in Argentina on March 3.
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Jeffrey Herlings
“I landed strangely from a jump and was at an angle when I went too close to the track ‘wall’ of dirt at Albaida. I got my foot caught between the bike and the mud. I knew we were in trouble, and we had the operation as soon as possible when we saw the foot was starting to swell. This is obviously not the best way to start 2019 but we’d been riding and preparing well and we have to work now to get back to that level. The good news is that Dr Claes and his team were really happy with how the operation went and I don’t have any more pain or swelling. In six weeks time we’ll know more and it all depends how the bone heals. Thanks for all the messages from the fans. We’ll be back strong!”
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Dirk Gruebel – MX2 Team Manager & Technical Co-Ordinator, Red Bull KTM
“This is obviously a disappointing situation for Jeffrey and the team and also for fans of MXGP because we all want to see the guys fit, healthy and ready to go for a new season. It is a shame the way the crash happened and if it hadn’t been for that part of the track then maybe he would have escaped without a problem. Jeffrey had some first class treatment by Dr Claes in Belgium to fix the breaks in what is a tricky part of the body for injury. Everything went well though and there is nothing wrong with his ankle or anything else that could have made the injury more serious. Now he’ll look to recover again and come back to MXGP close to the form we saw in 2018.”
Italy disqualified from 2018 MXoN
Four months after the running of the 2018 Motocross of Nations at RedBud in America, the second placed Italian of Antonio Cairoli, Alessandro Lupino and Michele Cervellin has been disqualified after Cervellin failed the fuel test.
During the event on the 6th and 7th of October, Fuel samples were taken to be tested in accordance with the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross (Art.63.04 and 63.05) and it was the ‘fuel tests of No. 20 Michele Crevellin (Italy) attested non conformity with the FIM fuel specifications provided for in Art. 63.01.2 of the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross, regarding the properties for unleaded fuel’.
2018 MXoN – Team Italy
On this basis, the FIM Race Direction has decided to impose upon Mr Crevellin’s team (Team Italy) a disqualification from the entire event, in accordance with Art. 63.05.13 of the 2018-1 Technical Rules Motocross.
No appeal against the decision of the FIM Race Direction has been lodged before the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) within the set deadline so the final results of the 2018 Motocross of Nations have been updated accordingly and it now sees the Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia and USA rounding out the top five behind the winning French team.
2018 Motocross of Nations Top 10
France – 32 (Dylan Ferrandis, Gautier Paulin, Jordi Tixier)
The Netherlands – 39 (Glenn Coldenhoff Jeffrey Herlings, Calvin Vlaanderen)
Great Britain – 41 (Ben Watson Max Anstie Tommy Searle)
Australia – 43 (Hunter Lawrence Mitchell Evans Kirk Gibbs)
USA – 43 (Justin Barcia Eli Tomac Aaron Plessinger)
Belgium – 47
Spain – 57
Estonia – 63
Germany – 70
Canada – 90
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Talented Queenslander to be joined by Wills and Semmens.
Image: Foremost Media.
Davey Motorsports KTM has revealed Caleb Ward will spearhead its efforts in the Pirelli MX Nationals, seeing him embark on his second campaign in the premier MX1 category.
The talented Queenslander will be joined by MX2 contender Dylan Wills, as revealed by MotoOnline.com.au last month, while Victorian Mason Semmens will represent the KTM-supported outfit in the MXD division.
In the brief social media announcement by Davey Motorsports, the squad also confirmed team regular and New Zealand champion Hamish Harwood will sit out this year’s Australian championship.
It’s also understood the outfit will assist an array of KTM and Husqvarna supported riders, including Morgan Fogarty (MX2), Liam Walsh (TBC), Chandler Burns (MX2), Noah Ferguson (MXD), Tye Jones (MXD) and Riley Ward (MXD). The opening round of the MX Nationals is scheduled for 17 March at Appin in New South Wales.
Youthful MotoGP squad unveils 2019 look at official team launch.
Image: Supplied.
Team Suzuki Ecstar has launched its 2019 look at its official team presentation over the weekend, showcasing the two GSX-RRs to be piloted by Alex Rins and Joan Mir.
With two seasons aboard the GSX-RR already, Rins spearheads the team’s efforts as the experienced rider in the garage, having achieved five podiums during the 2018 season with the clear target of getting to the top step of the podium this year.
“Finally winter is over and I can go back riding,” said Rins. “This winter break has felt so long and I can’t wait to be back riding again. After the last test in November I left clear feedback for the engineers to work on, as far as I know the improvements we will try in Sepang will not be drastic but many small improvements in many areas, which is totally the Suzuki philosophy.
“We know what we were missing on the bike, so I believe the R&D in Japan will deliver a package which will help us to improve further. My winter has been very intense, with successful recovery and intense training programme. This is an important year, because in 2018 we were able to show that we can consistently fight for podium positions, and now it’s time to go for the bigger prize – the victory.”
Debutant Mir has already proven that he is not daunted by the top class, showing solid performances in the November tests in Valencia and Jerez, however he acknowledges his maiden MotoGP campaign will be focused on learning rather than results.
“Needless to say, I am very excited to get back on my bike,” Mir commented. “This winter has been very long without riding but I focused on my physical training, which has given positive results so far. Of course I still need many more hours on the bike, there are so many things I still need to understand to be even more effective.
“But I feel very supported by the team and I will rely on their wealth of experience to improve, and also to contribute my own improvements to my bike. It will be a whole package, me and the bike, that will hopefully develop step by step. I don’t have any pressure, but for sure my clear objective will be to end the season with a smaller gap to the winner when compared to the first race.”
The first pre-season test for the MotoGP class is scheduled for 6-8 February at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so a motorbike that one rider might consider beautiful could appear so ugly to others they veer off the road in disgust!
Most motorcycles are more attractive than just about any of the cars on the road, especially modern models that seem to look more like sand shoes than cars.
Perhaps the most beauty challenged style of motorcycle is the adventurer. These are, after all, very practical machines, so looks are not important.
The ubiquitous BMW boxer GS models have been among the least attractive, yet I know many owners who think they have a certain macho charm.
But it’s not impossible to make an attractive adventure bike. Take, for example the Moto Guzzi Stelvio and its replacement, the V85 TT.
V85 TT
Which brings us to the first in our list.
10 most ugly bikes
10 Ducati Multistrada
The original 2003 Multistrada was widely referred to as the “Uglystrada”. The front headlight and fairing assembly look more like a Dyson vacuum cleaner than a motorcycle. It also rated in the top 10 simply because Ducati usually gets styling right (Paso aside), but this was such a hideous miss. Thankfully Ducati has totally redeemed the Multiustrada since a total redesign in 2010.
9 MV Agusta F4Z Zagato
In the same vein, we expect Italian colleagues MV Agusta to get design right, even if they have trouble with reliability. In fact, the F4 is considered by many to be the most beautiful bike ever built. So it comes as a slap in the face that MV would prostitute itself for a rich Japanese businessman and produce this one-off Zagato monstrosity. Some may love it, but I just can’t look at it without feeling betrayed.
8 Most Chinese bikes
Most Chinese motorcycles fall into a design black hole. CFMoto is usually an exception to Chinese ugly, but this CF250T-5 is frightful. What is it, anyway? A cross between a cruiser, scooter and a household appliance?
7 Victory Vision
Is it any wonder Victory Motorcycles was axed? This massive tourer looked like someone chainsawed a ’57 Chev right up the middle. If Elvis is high on your Spotify rotation and you still use Brylcream, it may look attractive in a ‘50s sci-fi way. It actually handled well, but it was an embarrassment to ride and on a warm day, it was unbearably hot.
6 BMW K1
One of the biggest impediments to motorcycle efficiency is aerodynamics. In an effort to streamline bikes there have been some aero design hits like the Hayabusa (some may say it’s a miss). However, there have been many more misses. Top of the aero-awful list is the K1 which is even worse than the Ducati Paso. It may have been a techno de force with ABS and 16-valve engine, but it was fuK1 ugly!
5 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
Here’s another example of aero gone wrong. The new Road Glide is actually the best-handling of their touring bikes because the fairing is attached to the frame, not the forks, and it has great aero. But that bull-nose fairing is way out of proportion and looks ugly from every angle, including the rider’s seat.
4 Triumph Speed Triple
I’m going to step on a lot of toes here, because this is a much-loved bike. But the original Speed Triple with its bug-eyed twin headlights was hideous. They simply stuck out like an afterthought. Later models had reshaped lights and a small cowl above them that integrated better with the rest of the bike. Amazing how headlights can ruin a bike. Just take a look at the Ducati 999 with its stacked torch lights and the BMW S 1000 RR with its cockeyed lamps, although they’ve now gone symmetrical.
3 Honda Rune
The Honda Rune looks like something Batman would ride. If that’s your thing, great, but then Batman did wear his underpants on the outside!This 2004 cut-down Goldwing was a good idea that Honda later got right with the F6B and F6C. But this first limited-edition model was like a big plastic Batman toy.
2 Suzuki B-King
Some days I love this beast. Other days it just looks beastly. The Suzuki B-King looks like it was the result of abunch of designerswho concentrated on their own little bit. It just doesn’t have any cohesion and ends up looking like a Transformer. Also, its massive underseat pipes and lights formed a “frightened face” looking back at the following traffic.
Primer viaje del año dirección Malasia! Con ganas de que empiecen los primeros test! 😁
First trip of the year going to Malaysia! Looking forward to starting the first Test!✈️
#preseason #test #2019 Pull&Bear
Tissot
As for Nakagami, he will be riding a 2018 spec RC213V for the 2019 season, the same bike Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), his teammate Dani Pedrosa and Nakagami’s teammate Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) used last season. His transition from 2017 machinery to 2018 machinery? Well, P9 in Valencia was positive for the Japanese rider, but an immensely impressive P1 at the Jerez Test gave us a good indicator of the speed Nakagami could possess this year.
Shinichi Sahara –Project Leader: “We are approaching the true beginning of this new season with renewed enthusiasm and positivity. The tests at the end of last year gave us an important direction, and my expectation is to find ourselves at a competitive level. We have been working on many aspects of the GSX-RR and with the contribution of all our riders – Rins, Mir and the test rider Guintoli – we have been able to improve our technical package. For us, 2019 will be an important season: from one side we will have Alex Rins, who is still young in terms of age but is already experienced with our team and our machine, he has the tools to take the victory we long for. On the other hand we’ll start a new training programme with a young talent in the form of Joan Mir, with no pressure on him and all our efforts going towards his development. Last year we have also reinforced our test team and Guintoli is a true part of the squad who can give us important feedback, without forgetting the hard work done behind the scenes by Japanese test riders in Hamamatsu. I’d say we have a good and solid set up as a team, and we hope for a positive 2019 season.”
Aiden Wagner sets second fastest time in final session
By Mark Bracks
At the end of the two day official ASBK test it was Wayne Maxwell who could beat his chest as the fastest Superbike rider on the grid, after setting a 1:32.312 during the final day’s morning session.
Wayne Maxwell – Image by TBG
Wagner put in a notable final session of the day, setting a late 1:32.451 to post the second fastest time of the test, while close behind was the man who finished third last year in Troy Bayliss, followed by Josh Waters and Daniel Falzon. All bar Falzon and Wagner set their fastest times in the opening session of day two, before the heat really set in.
Defending champion Troy Herfoss meanwhile was sixth fastest, with Bryan Staring, Cru Halliday, Glenn Allerton and Mike Jones rounding out the top ten on the combined timesheets.
See below for individual sessions and the full combined testing times for the weekend.
Superbikes – Sunday Session 1
By 10am Sunday morning, the air temp was over 24 degrees at Phillip Island, with the track temperature already nudging 36 degrees. That meant that with the forecast saying it would only get hotter, it was vital to get the times in early as most expected the track and tyre performance to drop off as the temperatures rose and the day wore on.
Wayne Maxwell – Image by TBG
The first session saw Maxwell kick the day off well and continue his form, topping the sheets again with a blistering 1:32.312, which was only fractionally outside Troy Bayliss’s lap record of 1:32.224.
There were four other riders under the 1:33 mark for the first session of the day, with Bayliss, Waters, Wagner and Herfoss all claiming that honour. There was then a further one second gap back to Halliday in sixth.
Kawasaki Superbike – Practice 5 (Sun Session 1)
Wayne MAXWELL (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR 1:32.312
Troy BAYLISS (QLD) Ducati Panigale FE +0.319
Josh WATERS (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR +0.364
Aiden WAGNER (QLD) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.532
Troy HERFOSS (QLD) Honda CBR RR SP +0.672
Cru HALLIDAY (NSW) Yamaha YZF-R1 +1.587
Daniel FALZON (SA) Yamaha YZF-R1 +1.635
Glenn ALLERTON (NSW) BMW S RR +1.642
Arthur SISSIS (SA) Suzuki GSXR RL7 +1.706
Mike JONES (QLD) Kawasaki ZX10RR +1.842
Superbikes – Sunday Session 2
The second session was held just before the lunch break and saw Bayliss return to the top of the timesheets, while a multitude of consistent laps from Falzon propelled him into second for the session. Wagner and Maxwell completed the top four and these were the only other riders to also descend into the 1:32s for the session.
Troy Bayliss – Image by TBG
The consensus of those that were asked is that they were all still trying to find a setup to suit the new Pirelli tyres. All bar Bayliss, who basically just adapted to the new tyres well.
To me, that gives an indication of the man’s adaptability, a skill that would have been honed on those many laps in the Superbike World Championships where a new compound or new profile change from either Michelin or Pirelli was more common than many changing underwear!
Kawasaki Superbike – Practice 6 (Sun Session 2)
Troy BAYLISS (QLD) Ducati Panigale FE 1:32.676
Daniel FALZON (SA) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.108
Aiden WAGNER (QLD) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.281
Wayne MAXWELL (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR +0.281
Josh WATERS (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR +0.628
Cru HALLIDAY (NSW) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.636
Bryan STARING (WA) Kawasaki ZX10RR +0.793
Troy HERFOSS (QLD) Honda CBR RR SP +0.882
Glenn ALLERTON (NSW) BMW S RR +1.338
Mike JONES (QLD) Kawasaki ZX10RR +1.408
Superbikes – Sunday Session 3
By the time the third session of the day commenced the track temp was over 55 deg with lap times dropping by over a second across the board.
Daniel Falzon – Image by TBG
Daniel Falzon topped the time sheets for the first time, as he set the benchmark of 1:33.208 for the session. Closest was Bayliss, who went within 0.038 second of equaling the time on his last flying lap, with Waters third and Wagner fourth.
Kawasaki Superbike – Practice 7 (Sun Session 3)
Daniel FALZON (SA) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:33.208
Troy BAYLISS (QLD) Ducati Panigale FE +0.036
Josh WATERS (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR +0.215
Aiden WAGNER (QLD) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.217
Cru HALLIDAY (NSW) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.256
Bryan STARING (WA) Kawasaki ZX10RR +0.317
Wayne MAXWELL (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR +0.317
Troy HERFOSS (QLD) Honda CBR RR SP +.403
Glenn ALLERTON (NSW) BMW S RR +0.411
Mark CHIODO (VIC) Honda CBR RR SP +0.792
Superbikes – Sunday Session 4
With the final session of the two days approaching, a massive blackout hit the Island after a tree came down on a power line, shutting off power to the track and thus power to tyre warmers and other equipment in the pit sheds. As such over half the field of Superbikes decided to pack up for the day, including Daniel Falzon and Glenn Allerton.
Cru Halliday was third fastest in the final session – Image by TBG
After the final 25 minute session with the remaining riders – and a red flag delay after Mark Chiodo crashed at Lukey Heights for the second time of the weekend – it was Aiden Wagner who was the fastest from Maxwell, Halliday, Waters, Mike Jones and Bayliss.
Kawasaki Superbike – Practice 8 (Sun Session 4)
Aiden WAGNER (QLD) Yamaha YZF-R1 1:32.451
Wayne MAXWELL (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R ELR +0.492
Cru HALLIDAY (NSW) Yamaha YZF-R1 +0.760
Josh WATERS (VIC) Suzuki GSX-R EL R +0.853
Mike JONES (QLD) Kawasaki ZX10RR +1.335
Troy BAYLISS (QLD) Ducati Panigale FE +1.487
Troy HERFOSS (QLD) Honda CBR RR SP +1.524
Max CROKER (NSW) Suzuki GSX-R +2.287
Alex PHILLIS (VIC) Suzuki GSXR +2.429
Arthur SISSIS (SA) Suzuki GSXR RL7 +2.504
Sunday Superbike Wrap
While there are no prizes for being fastest at a test there is certainly a form guide we can take away, especially with the first round of the Australian Superbike Championship at the same venue in a little under three weeks time.
There may be the usual bunch of street fighters that have battled out the championship over the last couple of years at the front of the field, but Aiden Wagner has certainly made a few sit up and take notice.
Aiden Wagner – Image by TBG
The 25-year-old Queenslander was never out of the top five during the two days and his consistency in lap times was impressive. Also when you peek into the pit box of the Landbridge Transport/Wagner Soil Testing Team and see what isn’t there, it makes his effort even more outstanding.
It is very much a true privateer team with good personnel around him and while the focus will be on the manufacturer teams, just keep an eye on the #28 Yamaha R1 of Wagner. He will be ready to pounce, and he is certainly ready to win.
The first round of the Australian Superbike Championship will be held alongside the opening round of the Superbike World Championship at Phillip Island 22-24 February.
Kawasaki Superbike – Phillip Island Test – Merged classification
Kawasaki ace gains points lead as Cianciarulo earns 250SX West victory.
Image: Supplied.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac has won a mud-filled main event at San Diego’s fifth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and FIM World Championship, earning the 450SX points lead in the process.
Tomac pushed through the demanding encounter, capturing victory over Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin by 4.199s, as Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) completed the podium in third.
Justin Bogle (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM) was an impressive fourth – his best finish of the season – while Australia’s Chad Reed (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) rounded out the top five. Former points leader Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was eighth, demoting him to fourth in the standings.
In the 250SX West class, Adam Cianciarulo (Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki) gained the points lead after capturing his third victory of the series, comfortably defeating teammate and podium newcomer Garrett Marchbanks (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) and third’s Jimmy Decotis (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing).
The top five was completed by Shane McElrath (TLD Red Bull KTM) and Jess Pettis (KTM), while former points leader Colt Nichols (Monster Energy Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha) was 10th in the treacherous conditions. The AMA Supercross championship heads to Minneapolis next weekend, marking the first east coast round of the championship.
