Category Archives: Motocross

Motocross

Opening MXGP races not key to title hunt says Cairoli

Popular Italian attempting to equal world championship record in 2019.

Image: Supplied.

Attempting to earn a record-equalling 10th MXGP World Championship in 2019, Antonio Cairoli has expressed that this weekend’s opening races at Nequen in Argentina isn’t key to the title hunt, however it is important to build a strong foundation.

Cairoli, who finished runner-up to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Jeffrey Herlings last year, dominated the pre-season events he contested, setting himself up positively for the grand prix season.

“I’ve never had great results in Argentina and I’m still searching for the win but it’s a really nice GP for me,” Cairoli explained. “The location is great, as is the track and the atmosphere made by the fans so I look forward to going there.

“Of course the season is really long and this is just the first race but we will all see ‘where we are’ and how things will run. The first races are not really the key to the whole championship – and I have seen this in my years in GPs – but it is important to build a good start and momentum from the beginning.”

Reigning champion Herlings will miss this weekend’s opener due to a foot injury, while his return to riding and racing is still to be determined.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Pricing confirmed for 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

Pricing confirmed for 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition

Limited edition premier class contender in dealerships this April.

Image: Supplied.

Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia has confirmed pricing of the 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition, which is based upon the title-winning factory race bike of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson.

Due for delivery in Australia this April, the limited edition premier class contender will be priced at RRP $14,995 at Husqvarna dealers around the country.

The pioneering new Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition has been developed using experience and data gained through the iconic Swedish brand’s factory racing program, this 2019 model forming the basis of what Anderson and teammate Zach Osborne are competing aboard this season.

Development carried out by Husqvarna Motorcycles engineers has resulted in the sharpest FC 450 yet, bolstered by technological advancements and class-leading components that add to the up-spec platform which pays tribute to the manufacturer’s international partnership with Rockstar Energy Drink.

Featuring distinctive bodywork and graphics to provide an elusive factory appearance, the 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition SOHC engine package is enhanced by a new CP forged box-in-box piston and Pankl con-rod. Collectively resulting in reduced friction, these provide maximum performance and reliability.

An FMF Racing Factory 4.1 RCT silencer has been fitted, including a blue anodised titanium body and carbon end-cap. It’s shorter than the base production model’s exhaust, aiding to mass centralisation and reducing chances of damage.

CNC-machined triple clamps are made from high-grade aluminium, featuring optimally-tuned steering stem stiffness and perfected fork tube alignment to increase responsiveness. The off-set can been easily adjusted between 20mm or 22mm.

In addition, the hydro-formed frame has premium black powder-coating, as well as anodised D.I.D DirtStar rims and machined hubs that offer maximum weight savings and strength. The 2019 Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition also has a carbon-fibre reinforced engine protector, mechanical hole-shot device and a front brake disc protector fitted as standard.

These features come on top of the usual Husqvarna FC 450 features, which include a composite two-piece sub-frame design, fully-adjustable 48mm WP split air fork, WP rear shock absorber, ProTaper handlebars, precise Magura hydraulic clutch system, selectable map switch that activates launch and traction control, electric starter powered by a lightweight Li-Ion 2.0 Ah battery and the potent Brembo braking package.

For more information, visit www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com/au.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

World champion Phillips makes AORC return official

Tasmanian to challenge multiple categories aboard KTM machinery.

Image: Supplied.

Four-time EnduroGP world champion Matthew Phillips has confirmed he’ll return to the Yamaha bLU cRU Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) this season, which is set to kick off on 9-10 March at Toowoomba in Queensland.

Overcoming a head injury that ended his 2018 campaign on the world stage, the well-credentialed Tasmanian will pilot KTM machinery, starting in the E1 division before sampling different offerings from the Austrian manufacturer in different categories throughout the season, making for a unique effort in his return year.

“Last year I suffered a head injury which put me off the bike for about six months,” Phillips explained. “I was in a negative headspace after that and decided to head home. As I started to recover I decided to help out a young and upcoming rider, Kyron Bacon, which got me back into the love of riding.

“My plan is to compete in all 11 rounds of the AORC 2019 season, beginning in rounds one and two 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.”

Phillips previously contested the world championship with KTM Factory Racing in 2014 and 2015, picking up the E3 title in his first year with the squad. He last competed in the AORC full-time back in 2012. It’s understood Phillips will support and mentor youthful talent Kyron Bacon in the AORC EJ category alongside his own campaign.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Practice incident sidelines Barcia for Atlanta supercross

Factory Yamaha rider assessed for concussion.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing has confirmed Justin Barcia will sit out this weekend’s ninth round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Atlanta.

It’s understood the number 51 experienced an incident while practicing at his training facility in Florida, prompting him to undergo a medical evaluation at the Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic (TOC), where he was assessed for a concussion.

“The news of Justin’s accident this morning is a real pity, but our main concern is Justin’s health and recovery,” said Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing team manager Jim Perry. “Following the concussion protocol, we hope that Justin will be back to 100 percent and cleared to participate soon.”

Barcia, who won the opening round of the series at Anaheim, currently sits sixth in the championship standings. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb holds the red-plate over Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) heading into the weekend’s round.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Dack prioritising tailored tuning over further YZ450F development

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy showcases updated 2019 look.

Image: Supplied.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy owner Craig Dack has mentioned the squad is focused on tailored adjustments to the YZ450F for newly-signed riders Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout, rather than further developing the premier class contender.

The current generation YZ450F was introduced for 2018, with majority of development already taken place by USA-bound rider Dean Ferris, who piloted the motorcycle to a third-consecutive MX1 crown and 10 overall wins from 10 rounds in the Pirelli MX Nationals last season.

“This is our second full season on the current generation YZ450F and it’s a sensational bike with a great chassis and powerful motor,” Dack explained. “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.”

The powerhouse squad formally introduced the team and its partners today, showcasing the updated look it will sport in the upcoming MX Nationals followed by the Australian Supercross Championship.

“I love this time of year,” he added. “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 and Kirk 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.”

The opening round of the MX Nationals is scheduled for 17 March at Appin in New South Wales, with the series set to span 10 rounds over eight weekends.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Price’s Dakar Rally victory honoured at Australian F1 grand prix

Fan-favourite to ride Red Bull KTM Factory Racing contender in drivers’ parade.

Image: Supplied.

Toby Price will be honoured for his incredible 2019 Dakar Rally victory at the Formula 1 (F1) Rolex Australian Grand Prix next month in Melbourne, where he’ll join the official drivers’ parade for a lap of honour aboard his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing contender.

Price captured his second-career Dakar crown in January in a heroic campaign that saw him compete and ultimately win the 10-stage event while nursing a broken wrist.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott, said the scheduled lap of honour for Price at the F1 opener was a fitting way to acknowledge his global motorcycle triumphs.

“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,” said Westacott.

“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 1 World Championship.”

The Formula 1 drivers’ parade will be held at 2:30pm local tome on Sunday, 17 March, ahead of the grand prix commencing.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Green ‘in a good place’ ahead of AORC opener

Experienced talent to pilot all-new WR450F in E2 category.

Image: John Pearson.

New South Welshman Josh Green believes he’s in a good place ahead of the opening round of the 2019 Yamaha bLU cRU Australian Off-Road Championship, scheduled to launch on 9-10 March at Toowoomba in Queensland.

The Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing Team rider is set to pilot the all-new WR450F in the E2 category, the number 99 already declaring his comfort aboard the updated machine introduced for 2019.

“I have really gelled with the 2019 WR450F since the first day I rode it and feel that the changes Yamaha have made have improved the bike significantly,” said Green. “My times in testing have improved and we have just fine tuned the bike for Australian race conditions and I’m confident we are in a good place heading into round one.”

Green will be be joined by reigning E1 champion Luke Styke at the factory Yamaha squad, who’ll defend his crown in the class, while two-time Under 19’s champion Michael Driscoll will graduate to the professional ranks, contesting E1 alongside Styke.

Not only backing the series and the Active8 squad, Yamaha Motor Australia has also thrown its support behind a list of riders, including Stefan Granquist, Jeremy Carpentier, Nic Tomlinson, Riley Graham, Kirk and Harley Hutton, as well Jess Gardiner and Emelie Karlsson in the Women’s division.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Pukekohe victory a timely boost for Webster

CRF Honda Racing challenger completes pre-season in New Zealand.

Image: Supplied.

Victory in the MX2 class of the New Zealand MX Nationals has offered Kyle Webster a timely boost ahead of his campaign in the Pirelli MX Nationals, scheduled to commence on 17 March at Appin in New South Wales.

The Pirelli Penrite CRF Honda Racing rider travelled to the country to contest rounds two and three of the series, exiting the experience with a victory over defending champion Hamish Harwood (CML Motorex KTM Team) and Australian Mason Semmens (Davey Motorsports KTM).

“The third and final moto at Pukekohe was a really good one,” said Webster. “I made a great start and then focussed hard on the first few laps to open a gap and I lead the whole way to win the race. The 3-3-1 moto scores then gave me the overall round win on countback, which was an awesome way to wrap up the NZ trip.

“I really have to say thanks to Mark and the Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing team and Honda in Australia and New Zealand, Coops and his team, and all the other sponsors who made the trip possible. Like I said, the trip was a total blast!

“There’s nothing like racing at the highest levels and being on the gas the whole time to get you up to speed for the start of the local season. There was a real depth of talent in the New Zealand competition and that only makes you lift your game and it’s really boosted me for the Australian MX Nationals opener in a couple of weeks. I can’t wait.”

Entering his fifth MX Nationals campaign in the MX2 category, and with a number of wins behind from 2018, Webster is considered a title contender this season.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au