Return of large-capacity motorcycle limited to 750 units.
Image: Supplied.
Triumph has showcased its all-new Rocket as part of its Triumph Factory Custom (TFC) unveiling today, which also saw the covers pulled off a limited edition Thruxton.
Triumph’s legendary Rocket was renowned as a pure original, with more muscle, presence and power than all others. And now a rare and premium TFC Rocket is planned to go into production.
Featuring an all-new Triple engine, the world’s biggest production powerplant will spectacularly re-define its own class with world-beating torque and performance, cutting edge technology, an all-new chassis and the highest level of premium specification equipment.
With a planned total worldwide production run of only 750, this Rocket will be an ultra-limited edition part of Triumph Motorcycles’ TFC concept, designed to create the most desirable Triumphs ever made.
The world’s biggest production engine at 2500cc is central to the Rocket TFC’s class-defining performance, yet this exceptional motorbike’s new chassis and premium brake and suspension set-up will deliver the dynamic precision handling of a world-beating roadster.
The motorcycle is set to boast cutting edge technology that is designed to combine with rider-focused capability, breathtakingly beautiful style, and an incredible muscular road presence.
Full details and specifications of the Rocket TFC will be released on 1 May, including price and timetable of availability. For more information, visit www.triumphmotorcycles.com.au.
Toparis made a wildcard entry at Phillip Island’s WorldSBK last year, charging to 15th while on debut in the world championship with Cube Racing, however this year the youthful talent will pilot a Landbridge Transport-backed Yamaha YZF-R6.
“I’ve done WorldSSP before, so I know what to expect now and I think it’s not so much of a shock anymore,” said Toparis. “I’ve been given a great opportunity to try and do well at my home round – the first round of WorldSBK – I’m so keen to get out with those guys again.
“Last year it was my favourite weekend of the year because I won all the Australian Supersport races and I scored a point in WorldSSP, so let’s hope I can do a little bit better this year and score a couple of points to reward the team for all the effort they’ve been putting in.”
Scheduled to take place on 22-24 February, the Yamaha Motor Finance-backed round will also feature the opening round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Motorists will be rewarded with cash gift vouchers for seeing motorcyclists in a novel twist to the Joe Rider road safety campaign.
Orange Ulysses Branch has won a $4100 Community Road Safety Grant from the NSW Government to run the campaign throughout February.
Branch president Lester Davis says he hopes the safety campaign will prevent SMIDSY (sorry mate, I didn’t see you) accidents in the region and make drivers more aware of riders.
The campaign features riders wearing fluorescent vests with the words “Joe Rider” on them. The campaign has previously been run in the ACT, Goulburn and Shoalhaven regions.
ACT rider with a Joe Rider vest
However, the Orange district in central NSW has a slight twist on the theme.
Drivers who see a Joe Rider vest can fill out a coupon in from the Friday and Saturday editions of the Central Western Daily newspaper to win cash prizes.
“There will be four riders from our branch at any time riding the roads in shifts,” Lester says.
“Drivers have to cut out the coupon, fill in the date, time and where they saw Joe and we compare that with a log book we will keep.”
Each Monday (February 11, 18, 25 and March 4) three correctly completed coupons will be drawn and the winners will receive a $50 gift card.
On the last day, three $500 gift cards will be drawn.
“We hope to do it annually, depending on how well it goes,” Lester says.
“If we get a good response and if we think we are doing some good, we will apply for the grant again.”
Adelaide racer David Johnson has enjoyed some stellar moments in his motorcycle racing career, but being part of the victorious Australian team in the 2018 International Challenge at last January’s Island Classic historic race meeting was a stand-out.
With the 2019 Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, this weekend – January 25-27 – Johnson is itching to return to the grid as Australia attempts to overcome super competitive teams from the USA and New Zealand with qualifying Friday morning, and racing Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at the gate from 8am each day.
Beau Beaton and David Johnson – Island Classic 2018
“The Aussie victory in 2018 is probably one of the greatest feelings I have had in my racing career, and I have won a lot of races in England and Europe,” said Johnson, who was the leading individual scorer in 2018 after winning two of the four races and finishing second in the others. He’ll campaign the same Suzuki XR69 F1 bike in 2019.
“In 2018 I just rode that XR69 and it was mint, which is a full credit to the guys who built the bike and prepared the suspension. The engine and chassis are just awesome.”
David Johnson – Image Russ Colvin
Johnson, who finished fourth in the Superbike TT at the 2018 Isle of Man, knows that winning the International Challenge isn’t just about one man’s effort: it’s a function of multiple riders finishing well inside the top 10.
His 2019 Australian team includes a batch of stars who are now International Challenge staples: Aussie superbike champions Steve Martin and Shawn Giles, Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald, Jed Metcher and Beau Beaton.
Paul Byrne, Aaron Morris, Matthew Fyffe, Craig Ditchburn, Justin Mellerick, Scott Webster and Dean Outghtred complete the 13-rider squad, with Byrne particularly impressive last year in finishing fourth in the individual standings (aka the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy since 2013) behind Johnson, Jeremy McWilliams and Corser.
Martin, Metcher and Giles have all won the Ken Wootton trophy, the latter on multiple occasions.
“Hopefully there will be a handful of us out in front with a chance of winning races,” continued Johnson. “We just have to be smart about it, as we don’t want to take each other out.
“The young guys want to win pretty badly, as do I. However, if I feel that I’m not fast enough to win, I’m not going to do anything stupid to jeopardise another one of my team members from winning.”
2018 International Challenge – David Johnson leading – Image Russ Colvin
Twelve of the Aussie riders are on booming four-strokes, with Ditchburn taking the two-stroke route on the blazing Yamaha TZ750.
Big names galore from Kiwis and Team USA
All teams are allowed a maximum of 13 riders in the four six-lap International Challenge races, with New Zealand and Team USA boasting super competitive outfits in 2019.
Suzuki-strong, the Kiwis have recruited gun rider, Alex Phillis and aligned with Taupo based Carl Cox Motorsport. The international DJ’s racing arm brings three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, modern and classic racer Jay Lawrence and MCN road tester, Michael Neeves, into the silver fern fold.
David Johnson – Image by TBG
“The Australian team is going to have to work together to get the job done. The Kiws will have riders dicing for the race win, and Alex (Phillis) and John (Reynolds) will definitely be up there,” warned Johnson.
“Then the American team. Josh Hayes will be very hard to tame. He’s a four-time AMA Superbike champion. And Jason Pridmore was the fastest American rider last year, and I expect their bikes should be a lot more competitive this year. Looking at their fleet of Yamaha FJs is quite intimidating! Then with Larry Pegram, Dale Quarterley and Steve Rapp, and now my old team mate Mark Miller, the Americans will be very strong.”
David Johnson – 2018 – TBG Image
Rules & Regs
The International Challenge is reserved for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1984, the only exception being two 1985 Suzuki GSX-Rs models granted dispensation to race under the Kiwi flag in 2019. One year outside the Island Classic eligibility, the two Suzukis will be subject to agreed performance restrictions- comprising of a reduction in RPM limit, an overall weight increase and a reduced rear tyre width to eliminate any possible traction advantage.
To be campaigned by Reynolds and Neeves, the duo’s performance will be counted in International Challenge points, but not in the tally for the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy that’s awarded to the rider with the highest individual points.
David Johnson won outright overall honours with the most points across the four races to claim the Ken Wootton Perpetual Trophy in 2018 – Image by TBG
One of the world’s great historic bike meets
The 26th International Island Classic, presented by Visit Phillip Island, is one of the world’s great historic bike meets. Riders and fans from around the globe converge to celebrate a century of motorcycling with more than 450 bikes on display or competing in 56 races across classes from pre-WW1 bikes through to Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes.
Tickets at the gate
Tickets are available from Friday to Sunday at the gate from 8am. Friday features practice and qualifying across all classes, with racing from Saturday morning to Sunday late.
Children 15 and under are free, accompanied by a full-paying adult.
Camp at the circuit for an ultra-affordable Australia Day long weekend, with four nights for $84 per adult (with children 15 and under free to camp and enter the circuit). Campground opens at 8am Thursday, with 24/7 access via Gate 2.
Australian riders Troy Herfoss and Tom Toparis will be taking on the world’s best at Phillip Island this February, with the pair having been announced as wild card entries for the Australian round of the World Superbike and Supersport Championships respectively.
Herfoss and his Penrite Honda team will be keen to improve on last year’s wildcard performance, where technical difficulties led to retirement during the first race and the team electing not to start Race 2.
Penrite Honda – 2018 ASBK Superbike Champions – Image TBG
“I’m so stoked; over the moon.” Current Australian Superbike champion Herfoss said. “It’s a huge honour to be able to represent the number 1 plate in the domestic championship and be able to represent Australia in World Superbikes.”
Troy Herfoss – Image by GeeBee
“Last year didn’t go as well as I’d hoped so the team are really appreciative that we’ve got another opportunity. I’m 100% certain we’ll be a lot more competitive this year. Last year we… jumped right in the deep end, tried to build a bike… in a very short period of time and with very limited testing. Now we’re going to have a bit more of a competitive bike and a bit more knowledge on how the weekend works and hopefully we can get in there and get amongst it.”
Troy Herfoss – TBG Image
World Supersport wildcard Toparis already brings experience racing at the top level, having previously made appearances in Japan and Australia racing as a wild card in Moto3 – the feeder class to MotoGP.
In addition, the Goulburn native is reprising last year’s appearance at The Island, where a strong showing in the World Supersport race saw him advance back to 15th in the overall standings after starting the race last on the grid.
Tom Toparis – TBG Image
“Obviously very exciting, I’ve done (World Supersport) before, so I know what to expect now and I think it’s not so much of a shock anymore,” explained Toparis. “I’ve been given a great opportunity to try and do well at my home round – the first round of World Superbike – I’m so keen to get out with those guys again. Last year it was my favourite weekend of the year because I won all the Australian Supersport races and I scored a point in World Supersport, so let’s hope I can do a little bit better this year and score a couple of points to reward the team for all the effort they’ve been putting in.”
Toparis in the lead of the domestic Supersport race at Phillip Island – Image by TBG Sport
Both riders are expected to pull double-duty for the weekend, with the first round of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) running as a support act to the main event. Herfoss will be looking for a good result to kick start his 2019 title defence, while 2018 Australian Supersport runner-up Toparis will be keen to go one better in 2019.
Round 1 of the FIM World Superbike Championship is at Phillip Island Circuit in Victoria on 22-24 February, and includes the first round of the ASBK.
Additional three races a ‘clean advantage’ according to ASBK champion.
Image: Russell Colvin.
Reigning Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss has been granted a wildcard to contest the opening round of the 2019 FIM Motul Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Phillip Island on 22-24 February, which is also set to feature round one of the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK).
Herfoss scored a wildcard for the Yamaha Motor Finance-backed event in 2018, however with Penrite Honda Racing then in its infant stages and a WorldSBK-spec CBR1000RR SP2 prepared at the last minute, the Gold Coast-based rider was prevented from showcasing his full potential on the world stage.
With the added experience and an ASBK championship-winning season behind himself and the team, Herfoss has lifted expectations for his campaign this year with an improved performance in sight.
“We’ve been lucky enough to be accepted for the wildcard spot for the second running, so the team’s been working really hard over the christmas break to put together a bike in hope that we’d get the chance,” Herfoss explained to CycleOnline.com.au.
“I expect a lot more out of myself this year – I wasn’t happy with how I went last year, but that wasn’t anyone’s fault really. We were a new team and we tried to build a bike in a short amount of time.
“This year I know how things work in WorldSBK based off last year, so I expect more out of myself, but also, Deon and the team expect a lot more out of me this year because they’ve put in a hell of a lot of effort in over the off-season. The bike is going to be a lot more competitive, so there’s an expectation to be a lot better.”
Despite the WorldSBK transferring to a three-race format in 2019, Herfoss believes the additional track time will only benefit his cause in the ASBK, where he’ll also challenge in three 12-lap encounters across the weekend.
“It’s clean advantage,” he added. “The extra bike time can only help. It’s early in the season – we don’t get to do a lot of pre-season testing in Australia, so extra time on the bike is going to help. Obviously the bikes are a lot different, but I believe it will be an advantage for me.”
Herfoss was joined by Wayne Maxwell and Daniel Falzon as wildcards in the WorldSBK opener last year, however no additional opportunities have surfaced for the 2019 edition.
Four-time champion returns to the track for maiden 2019 outing.
Image: Supplied.
Performance development will be the key focus for reigning champion Jonathan Rea at this week’s FIM Motul Superbike World Championsip (WorldSBK) test in Jerez, Spain.
The Kawasaki Racing Team ace is looking to pick up where he left off during post-season testing in 2018, where he was able to sample a number of components on his ZX-10RR.
Two days in Spain will allow the number one to compile the parts tested late last year, as he builds the base for his attempt at an incredible fifth-consecutive WorldSBK crown.
“I am excited to see my team and all the guys,” said Rea. “I had a training camp last week in Barcelona and I saw quite a few of them but this will be the first time we will get together as a group. Hopefully we can pick up where we left off at the last test.
“It has been a long, long winter but I arrive feeling refreshed and recharged after a lot of time at home. We expect some new material in preparation to build our base package at the start of the year.
“The tests at the end of last year were all about trying out different items and now we can put them all together and begin performance testing. I am excited because we were fast in Jerez in November, so I hope we can have some good weather this time.”
The Jerez test marks the first of three pre-season outings, as the WorldSBK contingent heads to Portimao on the 27-28 January, before one final test at Phillip Island on 18-19 February, one week prior to the season-opener.
Passing lanes make motorists safer with many speeding up to 125km/h to safely pass, yet police continue to set up speed traps in these safe sections of road.
Austroads has published a report that found passing lanes have many safety benefits, including perceived safety by motorists, safer operational conditions, and historical crash reductions.
That’s despite the fact that their research shows 85% of motorists break the speed limit to pass vehicles.
So why the speed traps in these lanes? Probably because police know they can “nab” a good quota of speeders.
Such a disingenuous practice penalises motorists who are actually being safe.
It’s not that motorists are speeding through these sections so they can continue to speed and represent a danger on the road.
In fact, the research shows the zones before and after overtaking lanes are made safer by the presence of these lanes.
Crash rates around passing lanes:
18.9% reduction in injury crashes in the passing lane;
10.% reduction 5km after the lane; and
17.6% reduction up to 2km before;
The last figure may be due to the presence of signage advising a passing lane is ahead.
In Australia, these signs are placed 3km before the overtaking lane, while in New Zealand they are 2km ahead.
Passing lane woes
We would also like to see trucks and vehicles towing trailers and caravans prevented from overtaking in these lanes unless there are no following vehicles.
Problems arise when trucks take the entire length of a passing lane to overtake another truck.
That can leave a trail of frustrated and annoyed motorists unable to pass the first truck which could lead to dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.
It’s not just trucks that cause problems, but motorists who try to pass but stay within the speed limit.
Slow vehicle overtaking
That’s because they are concerned police will have a speed trap in the lane.
If there were a requirement for vehicles in the “slow lane” to reduce their speed by 10km/h or an allowance for overtaking motorists to momentarily speed — as is already happening by 85% of users — more vehicles could pass.
That would lead to reduced risk-taking and road rage.
There are fines for this sort of behaviour. In Queensland, motorists can cop a $76 fine and two demerit points for driving in the right lane without overtaking in areas with 90km/h or higher speed limits, including passing lanes.
The 2019 Dakar Rally was staged over 10 days and produced some extremely close racing and results, with KTM Factory Racing putting on a dominant performance, led by Australian Toby Price.
Toby Price
The majority of the timed special stages were held on the soft sand dunes of the Peruvian desert, while good navigation and overall strategy were unquestionably of equal importance. A start position further down the field would allow a rider to ‘push the tracks’ and make up time on the riders ahead. In contrast, a stage win would mean opening the next day’s route and invariably losing time to the competitors behind.
With his participation initially in doubt following a training accident just weeks before the event, Toby Price arrived in Peru with the modest goal of simply completing the rally and backing up his teammates as best as he could. As the race progressed, the physical strain was obvious with his injured wrist becoming more painful with each passing stage.
Toby Price
Gritting his teeth, the 2018 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion nevertheless made the start of each stage and put in solid performances to lie in an impressive fourth overall at the rest day, halfway through the rally. Going into the second week, the tough and testing conditions started to take their toll on the competition and their machines as Price moved up the order.
Going into the final day, Toby had a one-minute lead over the then second-placed Pablo Quintanilla. The two friends and rivals would both have to ride their absolute best on the short 112-kilomtere special to be in with a chance of the win. Unfortunately for Quintanilla a crash just 10 kilometres into the stage ruled him out of contention while Price, after stopping to check his fellow competitor was OK, went on to win the stage and ultimately the rally.
The pain of Toby Price’s injury was clearly visible throughout Dakar 2019
Clinching his second Dakar title, Toby attributed his win to the support of both his fans and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.
Toby Price – 2019 Dakar Champion
“It’s crazy knowing I have won the rally – I didn’t even think I would make the rest day. My bike has been amazing, the team has been amazing, honestly without the help and support of everyone around me I wouldn’t be standing here as winner of the Dakar. It all came down to the final day and I knew I had to push to be in with a chance of taking the win. The wrist has been getting worse and worse each day but I had to grit my teeth for one final time and go for it. Thankfully, all the hard work was worth it and the pain doesn’t matter anymore – I’m stood here as the 2019 Dakar Champion.”
Toby Price – Image by Marcin Kin
With Toby’s victory handing KTM their 18th consecutive Dakar Rally win, success earned in Peru was, as in previous Dakars, the result of a true team effort.
Pit Beirer – KTM Motorsport Director
“For us it’s another special moment, especially going into the new season, as all the racing world is looking at the Dakar. It was a very, very tough race – listening to the riders so far it was the toughest they ever went through. It’s just such a long fight, and we always prepare and hope with our riders. We struggled with their pain, but at the end of the day we could turn the race around another time and to win it with such a dominating result is just incredible. Toby has defied the odds – while it was looking like it may not be possible for him to start this year’s Dakar, winning together was something we could only have dreamed of. His fighting spirit to the final kilometre with the injury he has is remarkable.
Toby Price – Image by Marcin Kin
“The one-two-three may look easy on paper, but if you follow the Dakar and how difficult it was to reach this result it’s amazing what our people are doing – the bike preparation, logistics, trucks, physiotherapy and everything behind the scenes are all important. I really want to thank our fantastic team, it really is the number one team in the world – how the guys prepare for the Dakar, how the engineers build the bike, how the riders do such a fantastic race.
Dakar 2019
“Matthias fought so hard for second, which is a great achievement especially as many riders struggle the year after winning the Dakar, and Sam’s race was not easy for his hard-fought third place. We are looking forward to hearing all of their stories. Luciano, who has so far been classed as our team junior, also had a fantastic race. As did Laia Sanz, who yet again put on an outstanding performance. We are so proud of our rally achievements in KTM – we are happy that we are at the finish line and we now look forward to our team returning home so we can celebrate this moment together.”
The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team – Image by Sebas Romero
2018 Dakar winner, Matthias Walkner rode to an excellent second place overall, despite injuring himself during the early stages of the event. A hard landing from a dune resulted in a painful, swollen ankle but it didn’t slow the Austrian’s pace as he went on to claim two stage wins at the gruelling event.
Following nine days of racing, covering 5,000 kilometres, Walkner was just six minutes down going into the final stage. A third-place finish on stage 10 secured Matthias the runner-up position in the final rally standings.
Matthias Walkner
“The race was so close this year, I truly believe I rode my best Dakar ever. The whole 10 days went well and I made the minimum of mistakes. There were a couple of times where the start position was tough or we had trouble with the road book, but overall, I feel really happy with my performance. After hurting my ankle so early on, my goal was just to complete the rally safely. To take second place on the podium feels incredible. It’s such an emotional race for me – to put so much into something, so much hard work, and to get something back at the end is an amazing feeling.”
Toby Price with team-mate and runner-up, Matthias Walkner
In what was an up-and-down rally for Sam Sunderland, the Brit kept his composure and kept on battling right to the end. Stopping to assist a fallen rider on day five, Sunderland went on to win the stage after having the time lost reallocated to him at the end of the day.
With the following day’s stage being long and especially tricky to navigate, Sam put in an amazing ride opening the stage but ultimately placed 12th, losing 22 minutes to his rivals. Fighting back, the 2017 Dakar winner never gave up and, with his persistence paying off, secured an overall third place result at the chequered flag.
Sam Sunderland
“I’m happy to have finished the Dakar, it has been really difficult both mentally and physically this year. I want to thank my mechanic Grilly and the whole team for their support. Third position is a little bittersweet though after seeing my friend Pablo crash on the final stage. I need to mention the penalty I received for missing my start time on stage six, thankfully it was rectified at the end of the event but it put both myself and the team in a difficult position as we didn’t know exactly where we stood right up until the final moment. Overall, I’m happy with how I rode and I’m already looking forward to the next race.”
Sam Sunderland
Arguably putting in the ride of his career, Luciano Benavides justified his position within the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing squad with a superb eighth place in what is his first ever Dakar finish. Showing increasing speed and maturity throughout the rally, the young Argentinian became a regular top-10 finisher and in doing so, a great asset to the team.
Luciano Benavides
“It has been a very tough year to get to this point. After my crash at last year’s event I put in so much work over the following 12 months, not just on getting fit again but also on my road book skills and navigation. I am happy to say it all paid off – I felt more and more confident as the rally went on and made fewer mistakes. It feels great to get eighth place, my goal was to hopefully finish inside the top 10 and now I have done it, I can’t describe how it feels.”
Luciano Benavides – Image by Marcin Kin
Laia Sanz, ‘Queen of the Desert’, once again put in an awe-inspiring display as she rode to 11th place overall in what is her ninth consecutive Dakar finish. Halfway through 2018, Sanz was diagnosed with the Epstein Barr virus, making it extremely difficult to do any training at all, on or off the bike.
Coming into the event, the Spaniard’s goal was simply to successfully complete the rally with no thought about her overall position. Day by day, the KTM Factory Racing rider’s consistency, mental strength and navigational skills rewarded her with one strong result after another. Narrowly missing out on a top-10 overall position, Laia was over the moon with her performance.
Laia Sanz
“This year has been a very special Dakar for me, partly because I didn’t have time to prepare for the rally and because the format this year didn’t suit me or my style so well. There were times when I didn’t enjoy the event as much as I would have liked but I kept on going and now to stand here after placing 11th feels amazing. I am very proud to be able to ride the best machine for the best team.”
Laia Sanz – Image by Marcin Kin
Mario Patrao did a fantastic job for the KTM Factory Racing team, especially aiding the other riders at the halfway stage of the event’s marathon stage where no outside assistance is allowed to competitors. Unfortunately, a fall on stage six brought an end to the Portuguese rider’s race. We wish Mario all the best with his recovery.
The next event for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rally riders will be round one of the 2019 FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship – the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – held March 30-April 4 in the United Arab Emirates.
2019 Dakar Rally Final Standings
Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 33:57:16
Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 34:06:29 +9:13
Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 34:10:50 +13:34
Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Husqvarna, 34:18:02 +20:46
2019 proved a tough Dakar Rally season for the Monster Energy Honda Team. Joan Barreda and Paulo Gonçalves were forced out early, and Ricky Brabec lost his leading position to a mechanical issue. Best finishing Monster Energy Honda rider José Ignacio Cornejo came home in seventh, while Kevin Benavides received a hefty sanction that pushed him back to 12th from what would have likely been a podium finishing position.
Kevin Benavides – Dakar 2019
Thus the ultimate Dakar result still eludes the Monster Energy Honda Team and while the 2019 Dakar Rally may have ended, it is still the toughest, trickiest and most ruthless rally for both man and machine still remains the main outstanding team objective.
At the 2019 Dakar, Monster Energy Honda Team romped to stage victories, led for a great part of the race and showed themselves to be one of the hottest teams to beat, with several squad riders in contention, poised for success. But lifting the winning bronze touareg at the end of the race remains elusive. The lack of trophy will do little, however, to discourage the team as it endeavors to prepare further and grow stronger ahead of the next edition of the Dakar Rally.
Ricky Brabec – Dakar 2019 – Brabec suffered a mechanical issue, ending his run after winning Stage 4 and holding his lead into Stage 8
The 2019 edition of the great challenge, which took place entirely on Peruvian soil, got underway with a full Monster Energy Honda Team, made up of five riders, bringing a blend of experience and youth, including such figures as Portuguese Paulo Gonçalves, Spaniard Joan Barreda, Chilean Nacho Cornejo, American Ricky Brabec and Argentine rider Kevin Benavides. Throughout the 2018 season the squad repeatedly triumphed in events such as the Merzouga Rally, the Atacama Rally, the Ruta 40 and the Inca Challenge.
Joan Barreda – Dakar 2019 – Barreda’s bike was caught in a ravine in Stage 3
During the first week of racing, the team occupied top positions, initially with Joan Barreda, winner of the first stage, who kept hold of the coveted first place on day two, only to prematurely retire the following day. A surprising Ricky Brabec took up the torch, winning stage four and remaining overall leader until day eight.
Paulo Gonçalves suffered a fall on leg two of the marathon stage – Dakar 2019
Subsequently, the team suffered the full force of race regulations with Kevin Benavides picking up a heavy sanction which put an end to the Argentine’s chances of a podium finish. The twelfth place final position certainly did no justice to the continued efforts and development of Benavides.
Kevin Benavides – 12th overall
“It didn’t turn out the way we thought it would finish, obviously I have prepared a lot for this edition, I had a very big dream to fight for. It’s a bit ugly to end up like this and that things are resolved at a table. Finally I finished the race in a decent way, with my head held high as a good athlete. Both Honda and I have done things well. We have appealed against the penalty and now we will have to wait until the race is over to see what happens. For my part today I went out to enjoy the last stage, I rode calmly. Our next goal is the world championship and then to prepare for the next Dakar. I want to thank all the team, sponsors, family, girlfriend, friends and all the people who support me through social networks. Thank you very much to all.”
Kevin Benavides – Dakar 2019
Chilean José Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Cornejo finished the odyssey with an excellent seventh overall place after finishing in runner-up spot on two stages. A notable Dakar for the team’s youngest rider.
José Ignacio Cornejo – Seventh overall
“The truth is that I am very happy about the comeback that I have made. At the beginning I lost time in one stage and the chances of being in the top ten were a little bit off, but we did not give up and pushed until the end. I ended up being seventh in the general, so I’m very happy. I am also satisfied with today’s stage, a second place is very good, I think I made a good performance. I would have liked it too if my companions could have finished the race, as some of them would have achieved the victory. At one point we had two riders fighting for the victory and we go home know that we have five riders in the squad capable of fighting for the top, which is very positive for the team. I have no doubt that next year we will return stronger. Personally, I will continue to work hard to keep up with the team’s objectives for the next edition of the Dakar. I want to thank all the staff of the team that have worked very hard, thank them for the great commitment they have with the project. We will continue working hard to achieve victory in the coming years.”
José Ignacio Cornejo was the Honda Team’s highest performer
The other team members didn’t make the final finish line: Joan Barreda was forced out when his bike got trapped at the bottom of a ravine on the third stage: Paulo Gonçalves suffered a fall on leg two of the marathon stage, and likewise Ricky Brabec, when a mechanical issue robbed the American of his leading overall position.
Monster Energy Honda Team at Dakar 2019
The final balance that Monster Energy Honda Team can take away from the event is a positive one, both for the individual performances and the joint team effort. The team comes away more experienced and with a huge desire to achieve the highest possible honours in the next edition of the Dakar in 2020
Monster Energy Honda Team at Dakar 2019
Yoshishige Nomura – HRC President
“HRC was not successful on our seventh challenge at the Dakar. I would like to apologize that we were not able to win the title, and that we could not meet the expectations of HRC fans worldwide. At the same time, I am proud of our Monster Energy Honda team, as it has proven itself to be very competitive. I appreciate the huge effort put in by our riders, team members and development team.
Monster Energy Honda Team at Dakar 2019
“In the 2019 Dakar, we experienced many situations that were unpredictable, but as with every Dakar, we have improved our ability to respond, and gained valuable experience. I am afraid we were not able to respond to the circumstances that we faced. I hope all Monster Energy Honda team members will have a good rest, in preparation for the next challenge. HRC will also start preparation for next Dakar soon! Finally, I would like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters, as they give us the strength to challenge the Dakar, and promise they can look forward to better performances from Honda and HRC in the future.”
Monster Energy Honda Team at Dakar 2019
The team thanked Honda Peru for the use of their facilities provided both during the preparation and the race itself. Likewise, the excellent collaboration maintained with MEC Team with their three other Honda riders, will not be forgotten. Their Bolivian rider Daniel Nosiglia, aboard a Honda CRF450 RALLY, achieved a commendable result, finishing in an excellent tenth overall place.
Monster Energy Honda Team at Dakar 2019
2019 Dakar Rally Final Standings
Toby Price – Red Bull KTM Factory Team 33h 57′ 16”
Matthias Walkner – Red Bull KTM Factory Team +00h 09′ 13”
Sam Sunderland – Red Bull KTM Factory Team +00h 13′ 34”
Pablo Quintanilla – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing +00h 20′ 46”
Andrew Short – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing +00h 44′ 10”
Xavier De Soultrait – Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team +00h 54′ 00”
Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo – Monster Energy Honda Team 2019 +01h 08′ 06”
Luciano Benavides – Red Bull Ktm Factory Team +01h 09′ 10”
Oriol Mena – Hero Motosports Team Rally +02h 08′ 41”
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