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Qatar Motorsports Academy welcomes a new generation

“We are very happy to kick-start the Qatar Motorsports Academy activities,” says Al Remaihi. “We have worked very hard, with the help of Dorna Sports SL and Aspire Academy, to make this project a reality. We are delighted with the response we have received, with more than 200 children pre-registering for Academy. Of course, the Academy capacity is less than this number and we will have to carefully choose who stays with the Academy. It is really nice to see the excitement of all the children that joined us today and amazing to share this experience with all of them.”

Source: MotoGP.comRead Full Article Here

Departure from KTM confirmed by Gibbs and Clout

Each heavily linked to CDR Yamaha through much of the silly season.

Image: Foremost Media.

KTM Motocross Racing Team duo Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout have both announced they will be departing the Austrian brand for 2019, signalling two of the domestic silly season’s most high-profile moves.

Gibbs revealed publicly for the first time this evening that his time at KTM will end come 1 December, while Clout previously indicated his exit following Auckland’s S-X Open.

Yet to make their plans official, both Gibbs and Clout are expected to be transferring to CDR Yamaha Monster Energy from 2019, marking a return to Yamaha Motor Australia for the first time in their premier class careers. No concrete information has been directly provided by CDR or Yamaha.

Current New Zealand champion Gibbs, who has been at KTM since stepping up to the 450 in 2013 and also won the 2015 MX Nationals MX1 title, fits Craig Dack’s plan of signing an outdoor specialist and has been linked to the squad since Coolum, while Clout has emerged as the country’s most exciting young MX/SX all-rounder.

CDR will almost certainly draft in a supercross rider – possibly an American import – following the eight-event MX Nationals season, with South Australia’s Gibbs to remain a motocross-only rider for the third-consecutive year.

Gibbs was part of Serco Yamaha through much of his MX2 career aboard a factory-backed YZ250F, while Clout captured the 2014 MX2 national championship with Yamaha’s official 250 program. Dean Ferris has already confirmed he will head to the US next year, while Dylan Long has recently been linked to Empire Motorsports aboard Kawasaki machinery.

The exit of both Gibbs and Clout comes as KTM Australia is understood to be shifting its factory program to Raceline, which steered the outgoing Mitch Evans to second in this year’s nationals behind Ferris. Evans was initially tipped to be remaining with KTM for 2019, but has since indicated he will head to Europe in MX2.

An announcement confirming at least one – potentially both – of CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s incoming riders could come as soon as this weekend when the team is in attendance at the bLU cRU-backed King of the Valley in Oakdale, New South Wales.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Product: 2019 Scott Enduro gear set

Purpose built for varied and changing enduro conditions.

Ficeda Accessories, the Australian distributor of Scott Motosports, has unveiled its 2019 collection of motocross and off-road apparel, including the Enduro gear set.

The Scott Enduro jersey combines durability with breathability, and is purpose built for varied and ever changing enduro terrain. High collared neck, durable chest and sleeves and mesh side ventilation make this a complete enduro jersey.

2019 scott enduro gear

Image: Supplied.

2019 Scott Enduro jersey key features:
– Durable stretch polyester chassis.
– Vented mesh side panels.
– Padded elbows.
– Extended collar height.
– Silicon no slip rear panel.

The Scott Enduro pant delivers all you expect and need from an Enduro pant, featuring a durable chassis, directly injected, reinforced knees for an extra layer of protection, dual zipped vent panels and much more. If you’re looking for functionality and design, this is a must have.

2019 scott enduro gear

Image: Supplied.

2019 Scott Enduro pant key features:
– 900D nylon, 1680 ballistic nylon construction.
– Stretch kevlar inner knee, TPR outer knee.
– Laser cut perforated ventilation on thigh panel.
– Silicon grip on inner waistband to eliminate slippage due to gripper/step seats.
– Articulated velcro stretch waist closures for a perfect adjustable fit.

Available two colour variations, the jersey is priced at RRP $59.95, while the pant comes in at RRP $219.95. For more information, visit www.ficeda.com.au.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Yamaha bLU cRU backs Oakdale’s King of the Valley

Moster Energy Team to be in attendance this weekend.

Image: Supplied.

Yamaha Motor Australia will be the major sponsor of the 2018 King of the Valley motocross event to be held at the Oakdale Junior Motocross Club this weekend, between 1-2 December.

To be known as the Yamaha bLU cRU King of the Valley, the annual event this year celebrates its 36th annual running – first held in 1982. The classic annual race meeting is now one the oldest fixtures on the Australian racing calendar, traditionally held at the start of each summer.

The new partnership will see Yamaha’s bLU cRU out in force with a dedicated pit area for Yamaha riders, ensuring the paddock is a sea of Yamaha bLU cRU blue throughout the weekend. CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team owner and motocross legend Craig Dack will also attend the weekend and view the future superstars of our sport.

One of the most hotly-contested categories will be the 65cc juniors, with a strong contingent of Yamaha YZ65 Cup riders expected to line up at the start gates. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for injured riders Daniel McCoy and Tyler Darby, who both suffered life-changing injuries requiring ongoing medical care.

Raffles will be held throughout the weekend, including a super raffle at the Oakdale Workers Club on Saturday night. The massive prize pool includes two brand new motorcycles, a Yamaha YZ65 and Yamaha TT-R 50E, as well as riding gear from the factory Yamaha Racing team. There will also be a major announcement made by Yamaha, as well as appearances by special Yamaha guests.

“Yamaha understands the importance of supporting local motorcycle clubs and we are proud to get behind this great event,” said Matthew Ferry, Yamaha national sales and marketing manager. “Oakdale JMCC has produced many top-level riders over the years and events like the Yamaha bLU cRU King of the Valley are sure to continue this trend. It should be an amazing weekend and we invite everyone to come out and watch some great racing with the bLU cRU.”

Oakdale JMCC president Andrew Blanchette is pleased to have the support of the bLU cRU: “We would like to thank Australia’s premier motorcycling manufacturer Yamaha and bLU cRU for supporting our 30-year event, King of the Valley. Investing time and money into our young children at grass roots and through the YJR program is setting strong values to parents and children racing in the sport – it provides a pathway for future champions. We hope to continue our relationship with Yamaha long into the future. Thank you again.”

The two-day race program will see the junior divisions race on Saturday and Sunday, while the seniors will race on Sunday only. Entry for spectators is by a gold-coin donation, which will go towards the event’s fundraiser. Full event details including rider registration is available at www.oakdalemx.com.au.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

MA reveals inaugural Oceania Junior Cup line-up

Diverse 26-rider field confirmed for junior road racing academy.

Image: Supplied.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has revealed the 26-rider line-up that will complete the field for the inaugural 2019 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.

The field consists of a diverse contingent of riders hailing from a number of disciplines, with a strong representation from four Australian states, two female contenders and an athlete from New Zealand.

The initiative is aimed at developing Oceania’s next road racing stars that’s set to provide young riders with everything they need to take to the track, opening the pathway to the next generation racers through an exciting experience.

It was announced last week that the FIM-supported six-round series has officially aligned with the Road to MotoGP program with the backing of Dorna Sports – promoter of the MotoGP World Championship.

Former international Damian Cudlin has also been appointed as the official coach for the academy, and will provide assistance to the youthful riders throughout the campaign.

2019 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup line-up:
Natalie Barbati
Reece Oughtred (VIC)
Jacob Hatch (QLD)
Zak Pettendy (NSW)
Hunter Diplock (NSW)
Tom Connors (NSW)
Carter Thompson (NSW)
Lincoln Knight (NSW)
Jamie Port (VIC)
Dominic Fletcher (NSW)
Toby James (VIC)
Cormac Buchanan (NZ)
Max Gibbons (QLD)
Jai Russo (NSW)
Angus Grenfell (VIC)
Patrick Bognar (VIC)
Glenn Nelson (QLD)
Cros Francis (NSW)
Pyper Kent (WA)
Marianos Nikolis (NSW)
Alex Kenworthy-Jones (NSW)
Varis Fleming (VIC)
Lucas Quinn (QLD)
Tom Drane (NSW)
Archie McDonald (NSW)
Jacob Roulstone (NSW)

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

KTM presents opportunity to own RC16 MotoGP contender

Two MotoGP race bikes on offer from the Austrian manufacturer.

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced it’s releasing two of its RC16 MotoGP race bikes for sale as part of a special pack that includes an exclusive MotoGP experience for the two buyers.

A rare opportunity, the bikes will be sold at 250,000 euros and will be accompanied by a full set of Pol Espargaro’s race gear, a signed Pol Espargaro helmet and the chance to become a member of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team for the weekend.

The grand prix experience will feature a paddock tour, pitbox tour, a meet and greet with Pol and Johann Zarco, a set of Red Bull KTM team wear and Red Bull Energy Station access all weekend at a grand prix of choice.

This RC16 was sculpted and created over a two-year period up until the motorcycle’s wildcard MotoGP debut at Valencia in 2016. Just two seasons of full time competition on the MotoGP grid later and the RC16 was part of the 2018 Valencia grand prix podium celebration.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Updated tyre the focus for Rossi in Jerez

Technical problem halts Yamaha ace from completing fast-lap.

Image: Supplied.

Michelin’s updated tyre was the focus for Valentino Rossi on the opening day of MotoGP testing at Jerez in Spain, where the multi-time world champion was unable to lodge a fast-lap and ultimately wound up 17th on the timesheets.

The Yamaha Racing Team introduced several new specification powerplants at last week’s Valencia test, although the two days in Jerez will ultimately determine the direction for 2019.

Rossi explained the direction is quite clear at this stage after pairing the update engine with the new tyre, although he encountered a technical difficulty later in the day which halted his progress.

“At the end my position in the timesheets is really bad, also because we had some problems with the new tyres, so I didn’t do a time-attack,” said Rossi.

“My pace is a little bit better, but I have to check the data more thoroughly. We continued to test the engine, we made some comparisons. The direction to go in and the decision is quite clear. I started riding on new tyres, but at one point I heard a strange noise, so I stopped. I sincerely don’t know what happened yet.”

Teammate Maverick Vinales was fourth fastest as testing is set resume tomorrow for the final outing of the year.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Dual-class strategy for Yamalube Yamaha Racing in 2019

Yamaha reaffirms heavy commitment to dirt bike racing next year.

Image: Foremost Media.

Yamalube Yamaha Racing will make an assault at both the 450 and 250 categories in the 2019 Pirelli MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championship, as Yamaha reaffirms its heavy commitment to dirt bike racing domestically.

The factory-backed team, which transitioned from a MXD based squad to the quarter-litre division this season, is still to officially announce its line-up, although it’s tipped the roster will remain unchanged with Jay Wilson set to defend his SX2 crown, while Richie Evans is anticipated to graduate to the premier class.

Alongside Yamaha’s support of a number of championships, the manufacturer has confirmed it will continue to back four official teams in motocross and supercross next year – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy, Serco Yamaha, Yamalube Yamaha Racing and WBR Yamaha – as well as maintaining its Yamaha Junior Racing program, which will see 14 riders supported across six states.

Yamalube Yamaha Active8, headed up by AJ Roberts, will continue to represent Yamaha’s off-road efforts in the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), Australian Four-Day Enduro (A4DE) and Hattah.

“Yamaha Motor Australia has a proud and successful racing history and it is one of the foundations of which Yamaha is built on,” explained Yamaha’s motorsport manager Ray Howard. “We invest heavily in motorsport as we believe it is not only a great showcase for our products but also the best development grounds to create better ones and Yamaha continue to push the envelope in terms of product development and performance.

“Some of our highest selling bikes, like the WR450 as well as the YZ250F and YZ450F are also racing bikes and our success on the race track has a correlation back to the showroom floor and therefore we will continue to strive for on track success with all our race teams.

“We look forward to an exciting 2019 in all aspects of racing and are confident we have the bikes, riders, teams and sponsorships in place to make it another memorable year for Yamaha.”

Introduced in 2018, the YZ65 Cup will make a welcomed return at selection national events.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au