MotoGP lands in Latin America this weekend for round two at Argentina’s Termas de Rio Hondo. Andrea Dovizioso leads the field into South America ahead of Marc Marquez and Cal Crutchlow. Suzuki’s Alex Rins and Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi fill out the top five in the standings after round one.
Jack Miller in Argentina in 2018
It’s more than simply a change of scenery too, with the 4,806m circuit a severe test of riders, machinery and especially tyres. Its abrasive surface, mixed with high temperatures, and increased loads that are created throughout the five left and nine right-hand turns, plus its long straight in excess of one kilometre, means the Michelin rubber faces one of its most stringent tests of the whole season.
MotoGP Round 2 Preview – Argentina – Termas de Rio Hondo
The surface at Termas underwent changes last year, due to the resurfacing of most of the layout, but many of the sessions in 2018 were interrupted by wet weather, meaning riders never had the chance to fully exploit the range of tyres at last year’s event, so tyre provider Michelin will be hoping for improved conditions to give it the chance to demonstrate its ability at a track where it hasn’t had a fully dry event since its return to MotoGP in 2016. The track is also generally very dirty for the earlier sessions, and times drop markedly during the weekend as the surface cleans up.
With heat partnered by humidity, the floodlights of Losail are a distant memory and the record books see a switch around, for Termas de Rio Hondo traditionally has one man setting the pace: Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team). But pace, history shows, is not always the winning ingredient.
Marc Marquez has a strong history in Argentina, when he finishes
From 2014 to 2017, Marquez started from pole in Argentina, and in both 2014 and 2016 the reigning Champion took the win. But in 2015 the number 93 clashed with Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) and also crashed in 2017, both he and then team-mate Dani Pedrosa both slid out of contention – Marquez from the lead.
Marquez and Rossi spat exploded after Argentina clash last year – Image by AJRN
Last season amped up the drama even further as Marquez’ race went from disaster on the grid to failing to score after three penalties and another clash with Rossi – this one seeing the ‘Doctor’ hit the deck.
Cal Crutchlow will also be one to watch, having made a strong start to the season
It’s not just Marquez who has shown good pace at Termas de Rio Hondo for Honda, however. The aforementioned Pedrosa took some top results and Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) took two podiums even before his stunning win in the chaos of the 2018 event.
That bodes well for both him and new arrival at Repsol Honda Jorge Lorenzo, himself a podium finisher at the track previously, as the number 99 battles to improve upon a tough season opener in Qatar after a huge highside left him bruised for race day. That’s without remembering the five-time World Champion remains in recovery from a broken scaphoid.
Jorge Lorenzo joins Honda in 2019 and was just in the points in 13th in Round 1
After said Qatar race day, Yamaha will also be looking to improve upon Round 1 but their record in Argentina makes for good reading. Rossi won that 2015 event, who could forget, and teammate Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) took victory in Argentina in 2017 as part of a triple threat of wins to begin the season. Yamaha will be hoping for more of that and less of the struggles they encountered last year.
Valentino Rossi took the win in Argentina back in 2015 as pictured
With Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) and team-mate Fabio Quartararo also on 2019 machines it’s a big push, and in Qatar certainly the two Independent Team riders kept them more than honest at times. Quartararo, forced into a pitlane start after stalling on the grid, was the fastest man on track for much of the Qatar GP – the rookie has most definitely arrived, and impressed.
Franco Morbidelli
Meanwhile at Ducati, it was 25-points to begin the year in style for Andrea Dovizioso (Mission Winnow Ducati Team) as the Italian once again outwitted Marquez at a final corner. Last season it was a similar story in Round 1, but then it was two more difficult weekends for the Borgo Panigale factory rider. Will that remain true in 2019 and see ‘DesmoDovi’ racing for damage limitation before we head into the meat of the season in Europe? Or was Qatar not quite the whole picture?
Andrea Dovizioso claimed the win at Qatar
New teammate Danilo Petrucci will be hoping it wasn’t but for different reasons as the Italian was left disappointed in sixth, so a push to reassert some of his preseason pace can be expected too.
Likewise Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing), who had seat trouble that took him out of the Qatar season opener, and was P4 from pole in Argentina last year, and his new rookie teammate Francesco Bagnaia, whose pace from the Sepang test went a bit AWOL in the season opener. Argentina has been a tough venue at times for ‘Pecco’, but MotoGP is a different ball game.
Jack Miller will be looking to bring home the points after a Round 1 crash
Despite the longer track records of others, Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) could actually prove the biggest threat to Honda in Argentina though. Fast in testing, fast at Losail and only just off the podium, it was a good start to the season – and Termas de Rio Hondo is where the Suzuki rider took his first ever premier class podium.
On a streak of top six finishes in the last eight races, do not count out Rins as the former Championship contender in the smaller classes continues coming of age in MotoGP – and some speed from rookie teammate Joan Mir can likely be expected too. Mir shone in his first premier class race and he’s won at the venue before in Moto3, from 16th on the grid no less.
Alex Rins
The cast of riders fighting within that top ten doesn’t stop there. Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) will be gunning to tame Termas and take a few more points than his tenth place in Qatar, new teammate Andrea Iannone was nearly on the podium there previously although on a different bike, and Johann Zarco (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) has rostrum form.
Zarco took a point on his KTM debut at Losail, but he’ll be pushing to get more on a par with teammate Pol Espargaro as he gains more experience.
Johann Zarco in Qatar
Espargaro was P11 last year in Argentina and started this season with a P12 in Qatar, but the gap to the front was smaller again. So what can he do? And can rookie Miguel Oliveira (Red Bull KTM Tech 3) keep the KTM veteran honest as he threatened to do in an impressive season opener?
After the closest ever top 15 in Qatar, tune in for the Gran Premio Motul de la Republica Argentina at Termas de Rio Hondo on the 31st of March as MotoGP tango to the beat of a different drum and history saddles up to be made once again.
Governing body still seeking government approvals for prestigious event.
Image: John Pearson.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) has confirmed the postponement of the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) that was initially scheduled to take place on 1-4 May at Moruya in New South Wales, with a new date still to be determined.
Due to government approvals surrounding the environment in which the 2019 A4DE will be staged, the date for the prestigious off-road event has been delayed.
To ensure that the area spanning the event’s four days are supported and protected to best of the Motorcycling New South Wales Enduro Committee’s and Far South Coast Motorcycle Club’s abilities, this change in date is vital to the success of the 41st anniversary of the event.
The Moruya location was set to provide a picturesque backdrop for the highly anticipated event, while parc ferme was intended to be located at the Moruya Showgrounds.
Red Bull KTM talent third at the MXGP of Great Britain.
Image: Supplied.
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle has emulated his senior teammate and reigning MXGP world champion Jeffrey Herlings by scoring a podium in just his second ever race in the MX2 World Championship.
The rookie performed strongly at Matterley Basin’s second round in Great Britain over the weekend, notching up an impressive 3-4 scorecard to round out the podium in third.
His overall placing mirrors that of Herlings’ maiden podium, which he landed in his second grand prix at the MXGP of Lombardia in 2010, finishing behind now AMA contenders Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin.
“It was a really good weekend,” said Vialle. “I had ridden well during the week and it fed into the practice sessions and both motos. I’m really happy with my starts because being at the front helps me find my rhythm – it is so important.
“I think a very good winter has helped with my transition from EMX to MX2. My feeling on the bike is another positive thing. Today has been a big step for me.”
The MXGP World Championship heads to Valkenswaard in The Netherlands this weekend for round three of the series.
Yamaha Racing Team pilot winds up fifth at the second round.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Daniel Falzon believes qualifying position amongst the competitive premier class is key to landing a strong finish in each and every stop of this year’s Motul Pirelli Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Falzon qualified P5 at Wakefield Park’s second round on the weekend in New South Wales, finishing 0.560s off pace-setter and Yamaha Racing Team partner Cru Halliday.
The talented South Australian navigated his way to a 4-5 results sheet in the two outings on Sunday, granting him fifth overall while promoting him to eighth in the championship standings.
“The weekend was positive in many ways and in the right direction after round one,” Falzon commented. “I need to get a better qualifying position so I can be up the front from the get go, and that is something I will work on before the next round.
“I think if I can get track position early in the race, the results will improve, and I can get on the podium. That’s the goal for the next round and being in my home state in South Australia, I really want to be at my best and make a big charge up the championship table. I was on the podium there last year and it would be amazing to win there at the next round.”
Reigning champion Troy Herfoss (Penrite Honda Racing) pulled through with a double-victory at Wakefield Park, leading a podium that consisted of Supersport champion Halliday and former multi-time ASBK title holder Wayne Maxwell (Team Suzuki Ecstar Australia).
Ant West goes wild in Brazil with Superbike opener win
Still engaged in the fight for his race licence with the FIM, Anthony West has grabbed an opportunity to race in Brazil with the Kawasaki Racing Team Brasil, and hopes to complete the entire 10-round season. Brazil is outside FIM jurisdiction.
Anthony West – Brazilian Superbike Championship 2019
West has been nicknamed ‘The Gringo’ by the local racers after a rider briefing, a name he’s adopted with pride and now has plastered across the back of his leathers.
Anthony West
“I’m excited to get back on a superbike. After everything the FIM has done to try and stop my career, I jumped at the chance to ride the ZX-10R in the Brazilian Superbike championship. I was here and able to meet the team and ride the bike at the Interlagos circuit for the pre-season test. After riding the bike, I was more determined then ever to race again in 2019. Thanks to everyone at JC Racing and Kawasaki Brasil for making this happen. Thanks to Arai helmets and Fusports boots for sticking with me everywhere I go. And thanks to all fans who support me every step of the way. I figured after seeing how fast Alex Barros is at 48 and Troy Bayliss at 49 and still carving up younger riders that gives me hope I still have more then 10 years left in the sport. You’re not getting rid of me that easy.”
Anthony West’s Kawasaki Brasil ZX-10R – Brazilian Superbike Championship 2019
West kicks off Brazilian Championship tilt at Interlagos Circuit
Westy and team arrived at the Interlagos Circuit outside Sao Paolo, on Thursday morning with a full schedule of testing prepared ahead of competing in the opening round of the Brazilian Superbike Championship.
Unfortunately the weather wreaked havoc on these plans, with light rain all day and a damp the trac, but not wet enough for rain tyres and no dry line for slick tyres, the entire test program was scrapped and would have to wait until FP1.
Friday saw the team struggling with various electronics issues that were upsetting the bike on corner entry. The team were able to come up with a number of electronic strategies and chassis settings that allowed Ant to extract all the performance out of the Pirelli control tyres, they were rewarded on Saturday with a front row starting position.
Anthony West – Brazilian Superbike Championship 2019
Sunday morning arrived with clear skies and warm temperatures. By the time the lights went out for the start of the race, the air and track temperatures were hotter than the team had experienced all weekend.
With the demanding track layout of the Interlagos circuit, and the highest temperatures the team had seen all weekend, tyre wear was on everyone’s mind. This left Ant having to ride the bike without traction control, while the team was never able to complete a race simulation on Friday or Saturday to check for tyre life.
Anthony West claims a narrow victory from Alex Barros – Brazilian Superbike Championship 2019
Ant was able to get a great start and led the field into turn one with ex Grand Prix star Alex Barros right behind him. Polesitter Eric Granado had a problem off the line and pulled into the pits with a mechanical failure. That left just Ant and Barros to battle it out at the front over the entire race distance, swapping the lead multiple times while leaving the rest of the field in their wake.
When the checkered flag flew, Ant crossed the stripe first with Barros a whisker behind him.
Anthony West – P1
“That was fun. From not being sure if I was going to be able to race this year, to standing on the top of the podium in my first race in the Brazilian Superbike championship, I couldn’t be happier. We lost a whole day of testing to the weather, we struggled with electronic issues, setup issues, and I injured my foot on the farm back in Australia. We just kept working and steadily made the bike better. It feels great to win a race and I can’t wait for the next round of the championship.”
Anthony West- Brazilian Superbike Championship 2019
The next round of the championship is back at Interlagos on April 14th.
Anthony West and the FIM Drug tests saga
The following statement from the FIM was released in November 2018, with no further updates since. The FIM originally notified Anthony West September 13, 2018, even though the FIM Anti-Doping Department were first notified of an “adverse analytical finding” from the testing facility in Germany on July 30, 2018. The FIM Medical Director notified the FIM Legal Department Director on August 24, 2018. The FIM Legal Department waited over two weeks to notify Anthony West, despite being required to give riders prompt notification of these findings.
“[Anthony] West remains banned from competing in any FIM motorcycling competition or activity until further notice. His ban is pending a final decision on the merits of the case.”
West’s latest statement on his continued battle for his race licence is as follows:
Anthony West
“FIM never responds to emails and does not want to talk on the phone. I’m still fighting. I do not know how long it will take.”
The Frenchman was handed a seven-point penalty and forfeiture of his prize purse for the costly error, however Team Honda HRC’s Roczen has downplayed the incident, taking little concern from not being awarded the win – which would’ve been his first of the year – and rather drawing satisfaction from his rebound performance.
The German talent has experienced an undiagnosed illness in recent weeks that has sapped his energy and saw him finish an uncharacteristic eighth at Indianapolis, bouncing back at the weekend with commanding runner-up result.
“I’m just happy with how I bounced back this weekend,” Roczen stated. “As it happened, I noticed it, but after it, we had the whole main ahead of us, and even when we went to the finish line I forgot about it until somebody said something. It is what it is – he won, and overall, I just feel I rode a solid main and kept it on two wheels.
“I’m still not 100 percent with whatever is going on with my body, but the feeling that I had on the bike was good all day. It was the same for the races—I just tried to go out there and have fun, and I rode really well. I had a good heat race with the win and then got a good start in the main.”
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’d Cooper Webb continues to lead the championship standings, with Musquin’s penalty ensuring the advantage remains at 14.
Thailand has become one of the powerhouses in the automotive world, manufacturing motorcycle brands as diverse as BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Triumph and Royal Enfield.
It’s now the largest automotive manufacturer in South East Asia and the 12th in the world, thanks to protective tariffs, corporate tax breaks and a central location wth several ports for export.
Powerhouse
Every dual-cab ute and Honda car, plus small Mazdas, Fords and MG sold into Australia are made in Thailand.
There are also more than 1800 automotive parts manufacturers in Thailand including the premium Swedish Ohlins suspension and BMW batteries for electric cars, scooters and future motorcycles.
BMW’s Thai EV battery factory
Motorcycle manufacture is also growing in leaps and bounds with Royal Enfield the eighth to announce it will open a factory in the country.
In 2015, Thailand made 1.8 motorcycles, with domestic sales of 1.6 million and exports of 350,000 units.
At the moment, the only motorcycles exported to Australia from Thailand are 80% of the Triumph range and some small- and medium-capacity Japanese bikes and scooters.
“As we explained when we announced this project in 2017, we intend to utilise it to make more of our products accessible to customers and targeted international market,” he says.
However, Harley-Davidson Australia spokesman Keith Waddell says the company has confirmed to them that “motorcycles for Australia will not be assembled in Thailand”.
That could change in years to come.
Thailand skeptics
Troy Bayliss tours the Ducati factory in Thailand (Image: Ultimate Motorcycle
When Honda announced it would be importing most of its cars from a new factory just outside Bangkok about a decade ago, there was some skepticism among Australian motoring journalists that they would be accepted by Aussie motorists.
So Honda Australia organised a tour of their factory which I attended.
I was surprised to find a state-of-the-art facility built on a greenfield site with supervisors walking around wearing white gloves and a floor so clean you could eat your dinner off it.
One supervisor told me the quality was strictly controlled, but the humid environment actually cured plastics and rubber better for a longer life than in vehicles made in Japan.
However, another manufacturer told me the humidity destroys some rubber very quickly.
To Aussie drivers, there now seems no problem with Thai-made cars. In fact, our top-four-selling vehicles are all Thai made.
The vehicles are good quality and the Thai-Australian free trade agreement makes them good value.
Likewise, there should be little concern with Thai bikes.
However, some say the recall problems Triumph has suffered in recent years are a result of Thai production.
Rather than a lack of quality production facilities, it’s more likely the rush to get new models on to the market as is the case with most motorcycle manufacturers.
Patent drawings of the motor, battery and radiator
The oil-and-liquid cooling system in the Kawasaki patent drawings are certainly more substantial than we have seen on any other electric motorcycle so far.
That would not only provide more range, but also greater performance.
Triumph Trident
Triumph Trident
The rumours about Triumph developing an electric motorcycle are a little more sketchy.
They are based on trademark and supposed patent filings.
We couldn’t find any details of a patent filing, but the trademark filing for the name “Trident” does spark interest.
The trademark would be used for “all possible classes”.
That includes motorcycling gear, accessories and even clothing.
But there is also a mention of electric machines which could be a motorcycle or an e-bike.
Given the enormous growth in e-bikes in Europe, that is the more likely.
Aussie Triples Rally
We can imagine the folk at the 10th annual Aussie Triples Rally at Evans Head in August wouldn’t be too impressed with a Trident e-bike!
The Triumph Trident was originally made from 1968 to 1975 and the same powerful and sophisticated triples were also sold as the BSA Rocket 3.
The Trident name was reborn in the 1990s with three- and four-cylinder bikes in various engine sizes from 750cc to 1200cc.
Meanwhile, the Aussie Triples Rally is always held on the third weekend in August.
For more information on the rally, email Col McAndrew or contact him on 0428 869889.
Queenslander accepts 15th overall with P8 finish in final moto.
Image: Supplied.
A pit stop in the opening moto at Matterley Basin’s second round of the 2019 MX2 World Championship is what ultimately hindered Mitch Evans’ overall result in Great Britain.
The Queenslander, who landed on the podium while making his debut at the season-opener in Argentina, suffered a fall in race one, which prompted him to make a clutch repair in the mechanics area, putting him almost a lap down before recording a P34 result.
The Team Honda 114 Motorsport ace bounced back in the second and final encounter, making amends as he charged to eighth position for 15th overall.
“Bad starts in both motos didn’t do me any favours,” Evans commented. “After a small crash in moto one, I had to make a pit stop to fix my clutch to stop it from slipping, which left me almost a lap down. I will continue to work on my starts and we should be sweet.”
Evans now sits eighth in the championship standings as the series heads to Valkenswaard in The Netherlands this weekend, marking round three of the world tour.
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
The LATEST News
Musquin and Ferrandis win in Seattle SX
Chad Reed OUT of 2019 Season
2019 A4DE postponed – Date TBA
Cairoli and Kjer Olsen storm Matterley Basin MXGP
Forato and Anderson win EMX in Great Britain
Prado sits out MXGP of Great Britain
Herlings to return to MXGP in May
Holcombe dominates EnduroGP
HRC’s Ricky Brabec wins the Sonora Rally
Ryan brothers shine at Casey Stoner Cup
Musquin and Ferrandis win in Seattle SX
Seattle hosted last weekend’s round of the AMA Supercross Championships and it was French riders Marvin Musquin and Dylan Ferrandis who won the 450SX and 250SX West main events respectively after an action-packed and somewhat controversial night of racing.
AMA Supercross Round 12 – Seattle – Image by Hoppenworld
The race was reasonably stagnant right up to the chequered flag with Musquin, Roczen, and Tomac filling the. Musquin took his second consecutive win but as far as the points go he was docked seven points for jumping through a medical flag.
Marvin Musquin
“I know what I did wrong, I have no excuses, I was leading and going for it and I saw the yellows (flags) and I did slow down but I did jump, but this doesn’t take away from my win because after that I slowed down and was looking back and Kenny was right behind me but I put in a solid main, I am really happy with my riding and that doesn’t take anything away (from the win), so I am really happy.”
Marvin Musquin – Image by Hoppenworld
Chad Reed lost traction as the field entered the second jump section at Seattle on the weekend, and sustained a hefty injury list from the clash, with eight broken ribs, a broken scapula and a collapsed lung. But blamed nobody but himself. See below for more details.
450SX Main Event Results
Marvin Musquin
Ken Roczen
Eli Tomac
Cooper Webb
Joey Savatgy
Dean Wilson
Blake Baggett
Zach Osborne
Cole Seely
Tyler Bowers
450SX Main Event Results – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin
Ken Roczen +02.361
Eli Tomac +07.407
450SX Points after 12 of 17 Rounds
Cooper Webb – 262
Marvin Musquin – 248
Eli Tomac – 243
Ken Roczen – 239
Blake Baggett – 200
Dean Wilson – 180
Joey Savatgy – 159
Chad Reed – 151
Justin Barcia – 144
Cole Seely – 142
250 West Coast Report
Cianciarulo made a mistake in the whoops late in the race, handing Ferrandis a handy lead with one lap remaining but Cianciarulo was able to close right back up on Ferrandis and even went for an unlikely block pass on the final turn. He came up short so it was Ferrandis’ first main win in America while Cianciarulo, Decotis, Mosiman and Chris Blose rounded out the top five ahead of RJ Hampshire who came back to sixth after the start straight crash.
AMA SX Round 12 – 250 Start – Image by Hoppenworld
Cianciarulo now holds a 12-point lead over Ferrandis as they head to Houston next weekend while the big losers at Seattle were Shane McElrath and Nichols with the third and fourth placed riders in the points scoring zero on the night thanks to McElrath pulling out after practice with a back injury and the first lap crash of Nichols.
Dylan Ferrandis
“It has taken me three years in America to get my first win, I have suffered a lot of bad starts but tonight I got a good start then my teammate (Nichols) crashed right in front of me so I took the lead and I was leading the main which is new for me so I just tried to ride with no mistakes, Adam was right on my back and it was really challenging for me but I think for the future this is going to help me a lot.”
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld
250 West Coast Main Event Results
Dylan Ferrandis
Adam Cianciarulo
Jimmy Decotis
Michael Mosiman
Chris Blose
RJ Hampshire
Mitchell Harrison
Cameron McAdoo
Enzo Lopes
Justin Starling
250 West Coast Main Event Results – Image by Hoppenworld
Dylan Ferrandis
Adam Cianciarulo +00.571
Jimmy Decotis +23.247
250 West Coast Points after 7 of 11 Rounds
Adam Cianciarulo – 163
Dylan Ferrandis – 151
Shane McElrath – 123
Colt Nichols – 121
J. Hampshire – 103
Michael Mosiman – 99
Chris Blose – 98
Cameron McAdoo – 94
Jimmy Decotis – 94
Garrett Marchbanks – 85
250 East Coast Points after 6 of 9 Rounds
Austin Forkner – 151
Chase Sexton – 125
Justin Cooper – 123
Alex Martin – 92
Martin Davalos – 89
Mitchell Oldenburg – 88
Brandon Hartranft – 82
Kyle Cunningham – 81
Kyle Peters – 79
Jordon Smith – 70
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Chad Reed OUT of 2019 Season
Superstar Chad Reed has been forced out of the remainder of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship following injuries received in a multi-rider pile-up at Seattle last weekend.
Reed has a hefty injury list from the clash, with eight broken ribs, a broken scapula and a collapsed lung. – Image by Hoppenworld
Reed was on the inside of Cooper Webb going through the second right hand corner of the main event but his JGR Suzuki spun up as he was trying to launch into the next rhythm section and with the rest of the field flying down to the left his Suzuki spewed directly into the path of a heap of riders bringing Ryan Breece and Justin Brayton down before Kyle Chisolm was left with no choice but to land right on top of Reed.
Via social media the 32-year-old Reed announced that the crash has resulted in the multi supercross champion having to sit out the remaining five rounds.
Chad Reed – Instagram
“Yesterday was fun. Finally a halfway technical track; The whoops were so freaking awesome loved every pass, unfortunately a mistake in the main was costly. Eight broken ribs, broken scapula and a collapsed lung. I’m bummed my year comes to an end with five to go.”
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld
2019 A4DE postponed – Date TBA
Motorcycling Australia (MA) have advise all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE), that the event has been postponed, with a date to be confirmed in due course, find below further details:
A4DE 2018 – Image by Jeff Mawston
Motorcycling Australia (MA) Statement
“Due to government approvals surrounding the environment in which the 2019 A4DE will take place, the date for this prestigious event has been delayed. To ensure that the area spanning the event’s four days are supported and protected to best of the Motorcycling New South Wales Enduro Committee’s and Far South Coast Motorcycle Club’s abilities, this change in date is vital to the success of the A4DE 41st anniversary.
“To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, full refunds due to the date change will be provided, if requested, within 21 days. For a full refund please contact the A4DE secretary via [email protected].
“For further information surrounding the event and how to enter, please head to the A4DE website and Facebook. “MA and A4DE appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Further updates regarding the 2019 A4DE official date will be released via MA in due course.”
Cairoli and Kjer Olsen storm Matterley Basin MXGP
Perfect weather and a huge crowd gave Great Britain’s Matterley Basin circuit a boost as it hosted the second round of the FIM World Motocross Championship last weekend and it was Tony Cairoli who clinched his second win of the season while Thomas Kjer Olsen rode the wheels off his Husqvarna in the MX2 class to take his first win of the year.
Tony Cairoli in the lead
MXGP Report
Despite a shoulder injury Cairoli garnered his 87th GP victory with 1-2 moto results but you would have to say ‘the man’ of the GP was Tim Gajser who had a massive high-speed crash while leading the opening moto only to bounce back to finish third THEN get it all together to win the second moto ahead of a determined Cairoli.
Gautier Paulin’s 2-3 gave him third overall ahead of Clement Desalle, Jeremy Van Horebeek, Arnaud Tonus, Max Anstie, Jeremy Seewer, Arminas Jasikonis and Julien Lieber so after two rounds Cairoli leads the championship by just 8 points over Gajser who in turn has a 15-point lead over Paulin.
Tony Cairoli
“It was a great weekend and this track is for sure one of my favourites but, today it was very difficult to push from the beginning. I couldn’t really push because I am stiff on my right shoulder and neck which gave me arm pump right away. Hopefully I can be 100% again for the next race but overall, I’m really happy, of course for the championship everything is going well and this is my goal.”
Tony Cairoli
Tim Gajser is proving to be Cairoli’s main competition so far this season.
Tim Gajser
“Today was a special day for me and I’m really happy to finish on the podium. The first race I had a good start I was behind Tony and managed to pass him quickly but made a little gap then I made a mistake … thankfully I could continue. I was really happy to win the second race and I’m looking forward to next weekend. We can see that we are going to the right direction so we will continue pushing hard with the team and everybody I’m just happy that the pace and everything is finally back.”
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo
Gautier Paulin’s second round on the Yamaha earned the French star a solid podium.
Gautier Paulin
“Every weekend on the box is a good weekend. I was happy with the first moto. In the second moto I was riding stiff in the beginning, but overall, we had a good weekend and made a big step forward since Argentina. This was always the goal and this is what we are working really hard towards. I am really happy with my team Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP and the work they are putting in.”
Dean Ferris started the opening moto just inside the top 30 but as you would expect our fastest 450 rider made his way to 15th with lap times that were comparable to the like of Max Anstie, Arminas Jasikonis and Glenn Coldenhoff but a fall at the start of the second moto not only put pay to what should have been a great weekend for Ferris and it looks like he has picked up a knee injury.
Dean Ferris
“It was a tough weekend, but I got more comfortable in every session. I thought the last fifteen minutes of the race I found my groove and had some really good lap-times, so I was content with that. In moto two, I went down on the start and I have hurt my knee, so that will need to be assessed.”
Dean Ferris
MXGP Race 1 Top Ten
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 36:37.831
Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:01.956
Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.473
Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:24.293
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +0:26.271
Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.618
Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), +0:45.107
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.683
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:49.675
Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:56.271
MXGP Race 2 Top Ten
Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 36:01.717
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.709
Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:54.204
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:57.637
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:00.564
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +1:05.984
Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:20.385
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:22.071
Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:26.697
Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:28.257
2019 MXGP Podium – Matterley Basin, UK – 1) Tony Cairoli, 2) Tim Gajser, 3) Gautier Paulin
MXGP Overall Top Ten
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 47 points
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 45 points
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 42 points
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 32 points
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 31 points
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 30 points
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29 points
Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 22 points
Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 21 points
Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 17 points
MXGP Championship Top Ten
Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 97 points
Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 89 points
Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 74 points
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 66 points
Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 65 points
Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 56 points
Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 50 points
Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 39 points
Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 39 points
Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 38 points
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
MX2 Report
Olsen’s dominant weekend ended with a perfect 1-1 score to take the overall ahead of the hard charging Henry Jacobi’s 2-3 and Tom Vialle’s 3-4 which put the second-generation French motocross star on the podium in his second ever MX2 GP.
Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen’s first win of the season is not only a confidence booster but the Husqvarna rider now has a 16 point lead over second placed Jacobi in the championship and more importantly a 44 point lead over defending champion Jorge Prado who was forced to sit out the GP with a shoulder injury.
Thomas Kjer Olsen
“It was amazing to go 1-1 for the first time and it was even better when I was on the podium and they gave me the red plate because I didn’t realize I would be leading the points. Overall I had a great weekend, I felt really good out on the track, I had great energy and I felt really comfortable, we even made improvements every time I was out so I was really happy with that and how the whole team is working.”
Thomas Kjer Olsen
Jacobi is supported by F&H Kawasaki but it is far from being a factory team.
Henry Jacobi
“I had some special lines that I was seeing and nobody else took. 2nd overall is really good for us, the team, you know we are not a factory team, but we made some really good steps over the winter with F&H Racing.”
Henry Jacobi
Australian riders Jed Beaton and Mitch Evans had mixed success with Beaton’s return to racing after an injury kept him out of the opening round earned the Husqvarna rider tenth overall with a 9-13 finishes while Evans finished 15th overall after a DNF in the opening moto and an eighth in moto two.
Jed Beaton
“I had a really good weekend here at Matterley Basin. It was my first GP after many months, and I felt strong on the bike. It was good to get a top-10 in the opening moto. In the second moto I was close to the top-10 again and ended up finishing in 13th place. Getting a top-10 result in the overall is really positive for the rest of the season. There’s still a long way to go in this series. I’m pretty happy with where I am, hopefully I can start building from here.”
Jed Beaton
Mitchell Evans
“My weekend started well with a fourth in the qualifying race on Saturday, but Sunday I struggled with my starts. After a bad start in the first race I crashed whilst trying to fight my way forward. After a pit stop to fix a damaged clutch, I found myself almost a lap down and unfortunately, due to the track having such a long lap, I was unable to make up any positions. Another bad start in race two left me with a lot of work to do. I was able to fight my way back to eighth. I am happy with my riding and fitness after ten days of sitting on the couch following Argentina, due to an infection in my knee. We will work on my starts this week and be more prepared for next weekend! Thanks to my team and everyone supporting me!”
Mitch Evans
The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship is this weekend for the MXGP of The Netherlands in Valkenswaard.
MX2 Race 1 Top Ten
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 35:01.449
Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:04.278
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.160
Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.500
Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:30.179
Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:35.271
Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:36.018
Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:44.908
Jed Beaton (AUS, Husqvarna), +0:50.189
Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:54.010
MX2 Race 2 Top Ten
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 37:10.022
Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:09.936
Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:16.035
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:16.935
Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:20.044
Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:38.635
Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:43.577
Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:46.268
Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.765
Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:59.920
2019 MX2 Podium – Matterley Basin, UK – 1) Kjer Olsen, 2) Henry Jacobi, 3) Tom Vialle
MX2 Overall Top Ten
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 50 points
Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 42 points
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 38 points
Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 35 points
Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34 points
Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 28 points
Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 28 points
Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 22 points
Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20 points
Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 20 points
MX2 Championship Top Ten
Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 94 points
Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 78 points
Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 71 points
Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 65 points
Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 63 points
Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 50 points
Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 49 points
Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 45 points
Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 41 points
Forato and Anderson win EMX in Great Britain
Elberto Forato and Brad Anderson have won the opening rounds of the EMX250 and EMX2T classes respectively at the Matterley Basin round of the FIM World motocross Championships last weekend.
EMX250 Start – Matterley Basin
EMX250 Report
The EMX250 class is now age limited to 23 years of age and the overall winner was clearly Forato who led every lap on the way to a perfect weekend while Stephan Rubini took second with 3-5 finishes ahead of Roan Van de Moosdijk finished third with 6-3 scores.
Alberto Forato
“For me it was a good weekend, I lead from the first lap of every race, so I was able to focus on myself and I want to do this every weekend. It is a different bike and a different team this year but now I am really comfortable with everyone, the bike, the mechanics, and everything so it is good for me.”
EMX250 Race 1 Top Ten
Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), 32:04.381
Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Yamaha), +0:07.871
Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:13.441
Jimmy Clochet (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:17.624
Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Honda), +0:20.202
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:24.296
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +0:25.668
Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), +0:29.951
Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), +0:31.131
Caleb Grothues (AUS, Yamaha), +0:53.522
EMX250 Race 2 Top Ten
Alberto Forato (ITA, Husqvarna), 32:24.557
Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), +0:09.886
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:22.042
Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Honda), +0:23.370
Stephen Rubini (FRA, Honda), +0:26.631
Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, Yamaha), +1:01.793
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), +1:06.422
Michael Ivanov (BUL, KTM), +1:10.730
Jimmy Clochet (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:13.653
Josh Gilbert (GBR, Honda), +1:17.062
EMX250 Championship Top Ten
Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 50 points
Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 36
Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 35
Pierre Goupillon (FRA, HON), 34
Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 30
Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 29
Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28
Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 23
Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 22
Michael Ivanov (BUL, KTM), 22
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
EMX2T Report
The EMX2T class is the newest category of EMX racing and with this weekend being the first round of the championship a long list of riders entered for their chance to become the first winner and in the end it was Brit Brad Anderson who earned the overall with 1-1 moto results ahead of Vaclav Kovar’s 3-2 results while Andrea Gorini battled hard to go 6-4 for third overall.
EMX 2T Start – Matterley Basin
EMX2T Race 1 Top Ten
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 32:30.711
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), +0:11.823
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:18.398
Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:28.185
Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:29.117
Andrea Gorini (SMR, Yamaha), +0:41.229
Jamie Law (GBR, KTM), +0:48.410
Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:51.244
Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:53.367
Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:54.018
EMX2T Race 2 Top Ten
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 31:53.709
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:13.016
Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:23.472
Andrea Gorini (SMR, Yamaha), +0:31.933
Ben Putnam (GBR, Yamaha), +0:39.101
Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:41.262
Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:42.289
Matt Burrows (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:53.431
Marco Lolli (ITA, Yamaha), +0:57.771
Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:59.480
EMX2T Championship Top Ten
Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 50 points
Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 42
Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 33
Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 33
Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 30
Ben Putnam (GBR, YAM), 26
Marco Lolli (ITA, YAM), 24
Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 22
Matt Burrows (GBR, HUS), 21
Emanuele Alberio (ITA, HUS), 21
Prado sits out MXGP of Great Britain
Defending MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado did not take part in the second round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship last weekend in Great Britain after sustaining a shoulder injury thanks to a crash while practicing three weeks ago.
Jorge Prado – Image by Ray Archer
Prado did complain of a sore left shoulder after the crash but the Spaniard continued to prepare for Matterley Basin but felt the condition of the joint deteriorate and become more painful.
Further detailed medical examination with renowned surgeon and specialist Dr Claes in Belgium revealed a haematoma under the left shoulder blade was causing the discomfort so the best course of recovery involves rest, and Prado will return for another check-up on Tuesday 26th for further evaluation ahead of the Grand Prix of the Netherlands at Valkenswaard.
Jorge Prado – Image by Ray Archer
Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM Team Manager
“After such a strong start to the season for the team and Jorge it is disappointing for everyone that he and Jeffrey are now missing Matterley Basin and the first European round of 2019. Unfortunately this is part of the sport but, fortunately, it could be worse and we hope Jorge will be back on the bike very quickly. We’re in good shape and we are confident, and we believe this will not be such a big setback for us in what is a long season.”
Herlings to return to MXGP in May
In the wake of a complex operation on his broken right foot, MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings has stepped-up his physical training program with a view to start riding his Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F in late April and return to competition in the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship action sometime in May.
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Ray Archer
The four-times World Champion was already missed the opening two Grands Prix and he will also miss Holland and Italy but will then hopefully be counting the days until he can again be behind a FIM World Championship gate.
Jeffrey Herlings
“Rehab has been going very well and I cannot wait to be back and to throw a leg over the bike again. I want to be back at the GPs as quick as possible but we cannot say which race yet until I get some riding time. I’m also able to step-up my cycling and swimming now. For sure we’ll miss the next three rounds and we also don’t want to rush things and risk a setback.”
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff KardasSmarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Australia to host MXGP in 2020?
There was some noise made at the British GP last weekend with Australian GP promoter Willie Thomson on hand to hold talks with Youthstream, but it must be noted that nothing is concrete right now and that Thomson has yet to convince the WA government to foot the bill.
Holcombe dominates opening EnduroGP round
2019 EnduroGP Round 1
In almost perfect conditions Germany hosted the opening two rounds of the World EnduroGP Championships and it was defending champion Steve Holcombe who dominated both days but it was Aussie Will Ruprecht who etched his name in history to win Friday night’s Super Test against the best in the world before backing that up with a pair of podiums in the Junior class.
Steve Holcombe celebrates the win in Germany – Image by Future7Media
Holcombe won the overall EnduroGP class as well as the E3 class and Brad Freeman dominated the E1 class while it was Loïc Larrieu and Eero Remes who shared victories in the E2 class.
Loïc Larrieu – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Steve Holcombe
“It’s difficult to sum up how much of a surprise it is to win both days. My goal was to podium and claim strong points, so as you can imagine a double victory in EnduroGP and Enduro 3 is a huge result to take. I didn’t have a great Super Test on Friday – I never really do – but I wanted to push hard from the beginning on Saturday to see where I was at. That strategy paid off and I won by 70 seconds. I went with that tactic again on Sunday and made things count on the opening two laps. I ran out of steam a little on the final lap but knew that with the effort I’d put in earlier on, barring any major mistakes, I could win. We’ve a couple of weeks now until round two in Portugal, so the plan remains unchanged – keep working with the goal of getting stronger. I know there’s room to improve. Finally, a huge thanks to Beta and all the team – a result like this is very much a team effort.”
Steve Holcombe – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Danny McCanney
“I finish third today, I’m a little disappointed, but overall I’m very happy with my weekend. I can’t wait to continue the season and gain some more good results.”
Danny McCanney – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Brad Freeman
“I’m happy because today (day 2) I was able to increase my pace to catch up with Danny. I’m still a long way from Steve, but I’m happy to be on this 100 per cent British podium.”
Brad Freeman – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
Eero Remes
“The first day was very disappointing for me and the team, but I told the team that the season is very long and we are going to catch up. I feel good and this victory in E2 is a first great reward.”
Akrapovic Super Test Award Standings
Wil RUPRECHT 10 points
Benjamin HERRERA 9
Thomas OLDRATI 8
Daniel MCCANNEY 7p
Steve HOLCOMBE 6
Kirian MIRABET 5
Hamish MACDONALD 4
Andrea VERONA 3
Loïc LARRIEU 2
Alex SALVINI 1
EnduroGP Day 1 Top 10
Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
Christophe NAMBOTIN – France
Loïc LARRIEU – France
Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
Albin ELOWSON – Sweden
Christophe CHARLIER – France
Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
Steve Holcombe on the podium
EnduroGP Day 2 Top 10
Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
Eero REMES – Finland
Alex SALVINI – Italy
Loïc LARRIEU – France
Davide GUARNERI – Italy
Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
Brad Freeman – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
E1 Day 1 Results
Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
Davide GUARNERI – Italy
Rudy MORONI – Italy
E1 Day 2 Podium – EnduroGP Round 1 Germany, 2019
E1 Day 2 Results
Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
Davide GUARNERI – Italy
Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
Rudy MORONI – Italy
Loïc Larrieu – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1
E2 Day 1 Results
Loïc LARRIEU – France
Albin ELOWSON – Sweden
Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
Giacomo REDONDI – Italy
Antoine BASSET – France
E2 Day 2 Podium – EnduroGP Round 1 Germany, 2019
E2 Day 2 Results
Eero REMES – Finland
Alex SALVINI – Italy
Loïc LARRIEU – France
Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
Antoine BASSET – France
E3 Day 1 Results
Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
Christophe NAMBOTIN – France
David ABGRALL – France
Anthony GESLIN – France
E3 Day 2 Podium – EnduroGP Round 1 Germany, 2019
E3 Day 2 Results
Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
Anthony GESLIN – France
David ABGRALL – France
Dennis SCHROETER – Germany
EnduroGP Juniors
The Junior classes were as hard fought as the senior division and it was Italian Andrea Verona who came away with victory in both days but Ruprecht kept him honest all weekend in the overall Junior class and the J1 class while Jack Edmondson and Enric Francisco shared victories in the J2 class with Kiwi Hamish Macdonald dominating the J3 class.
Andrea Verona
“This might be the most beautiful victory of my career so far. When I lost so much time this morning after the bike stopped in the Cross Test I knew I had the potential to win. My body hurts because I really attacked all day, but I’m super happy.”
Andrea Verona
Wil Ruprecht
“I don’t know what to say to you, I am so disappointed, I cracked under the pressure, I crashed three times on the last test. Andrea was the better man and he deserves it. I can only try to learn and improve after such a defeat.”
The next round of the Maxxis FIM EnduroGP World Championship will take place in Portugal in the city of Valpaços from May 3rd to 5th.
Junior – Day 1
Andrea VERONA – Italy
Théophile ESPINASSE – France
Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
Junior – Day 2
Andrea VERONA Italy
Wil RUPRECHT Australia
Théophile ESPINASSE France
Enric FRANCISCO Spain
Jack EDMONDSON United Kingdom
Junior 1 (J1) – Day 1
Andrea VERONA – Italy
Théophile ESPINASSE – France
Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
Thomas DUBOST – France
Junior 1 (J1) – Day 2
Andrea VERONA – Italy
Wil RUPRECHT – Australia
Théophile ESPINASSE – France
Matthew VAN OEVELEN – Belgium
Thomas DUBOST – France
Junior 2 (J2) – Day 1
Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
Enric FRANCISCO – Spain
Leo LE QUERE – France
Emanuele FACCHETTI – Italy
Till DE CLERCQ – France
Junior 2 (J2) – Day 2
Enric FRANCISCO – Spain
Jack EDMONDSON – United Kingdom
Emanuele FACCHETTI – Italy
Ruy BARBOSA – Chile
Jimmy WICKSELL – Sweden
Youth Cup – Day 1
Hamish MACDONALD – New Zealand
Claudio SPANU – Italy
Matteo PAVONI – Italy
Alejandro NAVARRO HUERTAS – Spain
Hugo SVARD – Finland
Youth Cup – Day 2
Hamish MACDONALD – New Zealand
Matteo PAVONI – Italy
Claudio SPANU – Italy
Hugo SVARD – Finland
Nathan BERERD – France
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
HRC’s Ricky Brabec wins the Sonora Rally
The Sonora Rally takes place in the border region between Mexico and the United States near the Gulf of California and after five day Monster Energy Honda Team’s American rider Ricky Brabec claimed victory for the second time in the five year history of the event.
Ricky Brabec – Image by Boyd Jaynes
In conditions that varied from high speed arid tracks to 500km of sand dunes, Brabec set the pace of the race from the start, grabbing victories in the first three stages, which opened a significant margin of more than half an hour over rivals before the American masterfully managed the two final days of rallying, before reaching the final finish-line in the Sonora region capital with a 37’15” gap back to his nearest second place rival.
Ricky Brabec
“This rally was the first of the year for me so I was excited to just be able to ride the big bike again with some navigation. This desert to me is like home and very close from my home town so it makes it easy to show up with a small crew to race and as well to train. The terrain is sandy in spots with great dunes and a little more south is rocky hard pack, there’s a little of everything and for this I believe it’s proven training grounds. Looking forward to the rest of the year racing and training; hungry for more and to top it off Dakar 2020 will be in a good way, I believe. We must stay strong in the fight.”
Ricky Brabec – Image by Boyd Jaynes
Ryan brothers shine at Casey Stoner Cup
Kurri Kurri hosted the Casey Stoner Cup last weekend and for the second weekend in a row the Ryan brothers have dominated a major dirt track meeting with Harrison Ryan winning the Junior Cup minutes before older brother Connor led the field home in the eight-lap Senior Cup.
While Harrison scored big winning margins in an unbeaten run over the two days of racing in the 13-16 years age class, Connor was made work much harder.
In the Junior Cup Wade O’Keefe and Jayden Rodgers followed Harrison Ryan home to complete a clean-sweep of placegetters from the host club but in the Senior Cup it was Coffs Harbour rider Bailey Spencer who lead for the opening six laps before one mistake was punished as Connor Ryan and then Boyd Hollis took over the front running.
In other senior classes Connor Ryan also won the Pro 450 final over Hollis and North Queensland rider Harry Maxwell before Taree rider Blake Wilby topped the very competitive Pro 250 class ahead of Brisbane rider Ben Montgomery and Taree’s Kye Andrews, while Anthony Farrell was best in the Over 35s.
All junior classes produced plenty of close battles with Bray Bowden (13-16 years) and Noah Grabham (7-10s) both scoring class victories after winning all five rounds, while Gold Coast rider Viv Muddle amassed nine wins and a second placing to win both of his classes.
There was more success for Taree riders with Cody Wilby and Will Bisley finishing 1-2 in the 80cc class, while Hayden Nelson also scored a class win as did Cameron Dunker and Jayden Holder but perhaps the most stirring win came in the 65cc – 9 to 13 years final when diminutive Forbes rider Beau Bailey led home Jayden Holder and Gold Coast rider Riley Nautam less than hour after Bailey had crashed heavily in an earlier race.
The next major dirt track meeting is the 30th staging of the Trackmasters at the Barleigh Ranch track on the weekend on April 13 / 14.
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