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Moto News Wrap for March 12, 2019 by Darren Smart

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The LATEST News

  • Kawasaki tames ‘The Beast’ at Daytona
  • Bollinger Draws First Blood at GNCC
  • Cooper and Harwood Win NZ MX Champs
  • Snodgrass, Milner and Sanders Win Toowoomba AORC
  • Simpson Wins Opening Round of British MX Champs
  • Toni Bou Wraps Up 2019 X-Trial Championship
  • Major Sponsors Announced for MX Nationals
  • Honda Switches to Bridgestone Tyres
  • Kings and Queens of Canberra This Weekend
  • Honda ‘Ride Red’ Program continues in 2019

Kawasaki Tames ‘The Beast’ at Daytona

The famous Daytona Speedway hosted the tenth round of the AMA Supercross Championships last weekend and it was as good a night as it can get for Kawasaki with Eli Tomac earning an important win in the 450 class while Austin Forkner kept his championship win streak alive in the 250 East class.

AMA SX Rnd Starts JK SX Daytona
Daytona AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 10 – Image by Hoppenworld

You can find the full report here:
Tomac & Forkner give Kawasaki the sweep at Daytona SX (link)

The Ricky Carmichael designed layout was nicknamed ‘the beast’ as it had a bit of everything thrown in with a very technical ‘1000 feet’ rhythm lane, two sand sections, a wall jump and a series of off-set small whoops called ‘moguls’.

AMA SX Rnd Pits JK SX Daytona
Daytona AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 10 – Image by Hoppenworld

Despite the deteriorating track conditions Tomac looked untroubled as he went on to win for the third time this season while Webb showed his intestinal fortitude to finish second despite looking far from comfortable in the early laps and once again it was Musquin rounding out the podium in third, this time ahead of Baggett, Joey Savatgy, Zach Osborne, Justin Hill, Roczen, Justin Brayton, Reed, Dean Wilson and Shane McElrath who rode his KTM250SX-F at Daytona.

Eli Tomac

“Earlier in the day Marvin had a lap time that was two and a half seconds faster than me so I was questioning myself so we were playing catch up but then we made some improvements through practice and even in the main, it took some time to get into the groove and I got shuffled back to third but I finally found my lines, was making good time in the whoops and to get this third win at Daytona is pretty special.”

AMA SX Rnd Tomac JK SX Daytona
Daytona AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 10 – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Main Event Results

  1. Eli Tomac
  2. Cooper Webb
  3. Marvin Musquin
  4. Blake Baggett
  5. Joey Savatgy
  6. Zach Osborne
  7. Justin Hill
  8. Ken Roczen
  9. Justin Brayton
  10. Chad Reed
  11. Dean Wilson
  12. Shane McElrath

450SX Points after 10 of 17 Rounds

  1. Cooper Webb – 222
  2. Eli Tomac – 203
  3. Marvin Musquin – 203
  4. Ken Roczen – 201
  5. Blake Baggett – 161
  6. Dean Wilson – 149
  7. Chad Reed – 137
  8. Justin Brayton – 127
  9. Joey Savatgy – 124
  10. Aaron Plessinger – 123

250 East Coast Report

Forkner and Sexton have been the fastest riders all day and it wasn’t long before they were 1-2 with Cooper in third and that is the way it stayed until the chequered flag while Mitchell Oldenburg, Alex Martin and Brandon Hartranft all made their way into the top six after poor starts.

AMA SX Rnd Forkner JK SX Daytona
Daytona AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 10 – Image by Hoppenworld
Austin Forkner

“The start helped and doing that big rhythm every lap, it was easy to miss-time it and the whoops were tough so the difference for me was to not make any mistakes, I made some small ones but there were only six turns in the track which weren’t a big deal, it was getting the ruts in the rhythm sections and the whoops which were tough.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Forkner JK SX Atlanta
Daytona AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 10 – Image by Hoppenworld

250 East Coast Main Event Results

  1. Austin Forkner
  2. Chase Sexton
  3. Justin Cooper
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg
  5. Alex Martin
  6. Brandon Hartranft
  7. Kyle Peters
  8. Joshua Osby
  9. Kyle Cunningham
  10. Martin Davalos
AMA SX Rnd Podium JK SX Daytona
250SX Podium – Daytona AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 10 – Image by Hoppenworld

250 East Coast Points after 6 of 9 Rounds

  1. Austin Forkner – 125
  2. Justin Cooper  – 102
  3. Chase Sexton – 102
  4. Alex Martin – 78
  5. Martin Davalos – 71
  6. Brandon Hartranft – 71
  7. Jordon Smith – 70
  8. Mitchell Oldenburg – 69
  9. Kyle Cunningham – 65
  10. Kyle Peters – 62
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Bollinger Draws First Blood at Wildboar GNCC

The deep sand of Palatka, Florida hosted the opening round of the GNCC and it was Steward Baylor Jnr who managed to earn the outright win against his KTM teammate and defending champion Kailub Russell while Josh Strang earned a solid seventh outright and sixth in the XC1 class in his debut for the Kawasaki team.

GNCC Florida Rnd Steward Baylor Jr KH
Steward Baylor Jr – Image by Ken Hill

Ben Kelly scored fourth outright and first in the XC2 class ahead of rising stars Jonathan Girroir and Michael Witowski while Aussie girls Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker were split on the WMX podium by the talented Becca Sheets and it was Jesse Ansley who won the 125cc XC3 class.

GNCC Florida Rnd Tayla Jones KH
Tayla Jones – Image by Ken Hill

The second round will be next weekend in Washington for ‘The General’ GNCC where the inaugural eMTB (Electric Mountain Bike) round will be included in the championship.

Overall Top 10 with Points

  1. Steward Baylor Jr – 30
  2. Kailub Russell – 25
  3. Thaddeus Duvall 3 – 21
  4. Benjamin Kelley – 18
  5. Trevor Bollinger – 16
  6. Joshua Toth – 15
  7. Josh Strang – 14
  8. Jonathan Girroir – 13
  9. Michael Witkowski – 12
  10. Andrew Delong – 11
GNCC Florida Rnd Steward Baylor KH
Steward Baylor Jr on the podium – Image by Ken Hill

XC2 250 Pro with Points

  1. Ben Kelley. 30
  2. Jonathan Girroir – 25
  3. Michael Witkowski – 21
  4. Evan Smith – 18
  5. Tegan R Temple – 16
  6. Ben Parsons – 15
  7. Jonathan T Johnson – 14
  8. Philippe Chaine – 13
  9. Alex Teagarden – 12
  10. Zack Hayes – 11

FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am with Points

  1. Jesse Ansley – 30
  2. Cody J Barnes – 25
  3. Jake H Froman – 21
  4. Michael Beeler Jr – 8
  5. Nate Smith – 16

WXC with Points

  1. Tayla Jones – 30
  2. Becca N Sheets – 25
  3. Mackenzie Tricker – 21
  4. Korie Steede – 18
  5. Brooke Cosner – 16
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Cooper and Harwood Polish Off NZ MX Champs

Taupo’s iconic Digger McEwen Park hosted the fourth and final round of the New Zealand Motocross Championships and it was veteran Cody Cooper who managed to win his seventh MX1 championship by just six points over defending champion Kirk Gibbs while ironman Hamish Harwood won the MX2 and MX125 championships.

Cooper came into the final round with a slender 3-point lead over Gibbs and he extended that to 6 after winning the opening moto but he then lost the second shortened moto to Gibbs before completely dominating the final race to earn the championship.

Cody Cooper

“It was hard, one of the hardest races I’ve ever done I think, it was kind of good that I got a bad start because I managed to find some good lines that I would not have seen. It was a blessing in disguise really.

Kirk Gibbs

“I wasn’t feeling well actually at the start of the day. I woke up last night feeling cold and hot and I had diarrhoea this morning. I felt like I wanted to be sick. I drank some sugary drinks and that seemed to help. The last race I got out front early but struggled with the track a bit. Cody rode really well and passed me. I made a big mistake and came off the track. I lost a lot of ground and he got away and ended up winning.”

NZ MX Champs Kirk Gibbs final round MX Champs Taupo
Kirk Gibbs

Kayne Lamont finished 3-8-3 after a crash in the red-flagged second race, giving him fourth overall for the weekend and third in the championship.

Kayne Lamont

“I was third in the championship, the same as last year, behind the same two riders – they just swapped places this season. I was a bit frustrated with my pre-season injury but I’m pleased to be healthy coming out of these three rounds. I’ve got a good base to work from for the winter and I’ll prepare better and hope to stay injury-free for next season.”

NZ MX Champs Kayne Lamont final round MX Champs Taupo
Kayne Lamont

There was a unique sound that rang out throughout the entire 12 motos that made up the four rounds of the MX1 championship and that was the screaming KTM250SX two-stroke of apprentice electrician Blake Gillard who ended the championship in a more than credible fifth outright.

MX1 – Total Points Round 3

  1. Cody Cooper – 72
  2. Kirk Gibbs – 69
  3. Cohen Chase – 56
  4. Kayne Lamont – 53
  5. Hadleigh Knight – 47
  6. Blake Gillard – 44
  7. Cam Negus – 40
  8. Sam Guise – 40
  9. Roydon White – 35
  10. Richard Horne – 29

2019 FOX NZ Motocross Championship – MX1

  1. Cody Cooper – 285
  2. Kirk Gibbs – 279
  3. Kayne Lamont – 233
  4. Cohen Chase – 186
  5. Blake Gillard – 166
  6. Brad Groombridge – 151
  7. Hadleigh Knight – 141
  8. Roydon White – 139
  9. Sam Guise – 130
  10. Jacob Steel – 129
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Hamish Harwood competed in 24 motos and won most of them to earn the MX2 and MX125 championships ahead of class fields and it even more impressive when you figure in the fact that Hamish is working full time as a house builder between each round.

Wyatt Chase and Max Purvis rounded out the podium in the MX2 class while it was 15-year-old Ben Broad who earned the runner up position in the MX125 class ahead of Joshua Bourke-Palmer.

Hamish Harwood

“This is the first time I’ve won two titles in one season, four in a row for MX2 and now a 125cc title too. I didn’t make it easy for myself in the MX2 class. I had a couple of bad starts, but I only finished outside of the top three on one occasion. I had good points lead at the start of racing at Taupo, so I wasn’t too concerned about winning every MX2 race today.”

MX2 – Total Points Round 3

  1. Wyatt Chase – 72
  2. Hamish Harwood – 67
  3. Mason Semmens – 56
  4. Ethan Martens – 49
  5. Morgan Fogarty – 44
  6. Kyle Hartley – 41
  7. Maximus Purvis – 40
  8. Broc Martens – 35
  9. Sam Cuthbertson – 33
  10. Shaun Fogarty – 32

2019 FOX NZ Motocross Championship – MX2

  1. Hamish Harwood – 265
  2. Wyatt Chase – 214
  3. Maximus Purvis – 203
    Morgan Fogarty – 177
  4. Brad Groombridge – 108
NZ MX Champs Maximus Purvis final round MX Champs Taupo
Maximus Purvis

MX 125 – Total Points Round 3

  1. Hamish Harwood – 75
  2. Benjamin Broad – 66
  3. Tommy Watts – 56
  4. Joshua Bourke-Palmer – 56
  5. Jack Dunlop – 46
  6. Cam Dillon – 44
  7. Ethan Waters – 43
  8. Zac Jillings – 39
  9. Joseph Andrell – 32
  10. Charlie Richardson – 25

2019 FOX NZ Motocross Championship – MX 125

  1. Hamish Harwood – 300
  2. Benjamin Broad – 234
  3. Joshua Bourke-Palmer – 221
  4. Tommy Watts – 215
  5. Jack Dunlop – 172

Snodgrass, Milner and Sanders Win Toowoomba AORC

The Queensland country town of Toowoomba hosted the opening two rounds of the AORC last weekend and it was an action packed weekend in dry and dusty condition but as you would expect the cream always rises to the top and it was Daniel Sanders, Daniel Milner, Lyndon Snodgrass and Luke Styke who managed victories in the major classes.

Sanders was three minutes ahead of Beau Ralston and Andrew Wilksch on the opening day and it was a similar margin back to Wilksch and Ralston on the second day – Jesse Lawton and Matt Murray rounded out the top five on both days.

Daniel Sanders

“I experienced some crashes this weekend but kept my body healthy to recover as quickly as I could. Coming out of this weekend I know how much harder I need to work on my fitness to close those gaps ahead of Dungog next month.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Yamaha AORC E3 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Sanders 58:18.484
  2. Beau Ralston 1:02:19.321
  3. Andrew Wilksch 1:02:35.440
  4. Jesse Lawton 1:06:09.427
  5. Matt Murry 1:08:07.233
  6. Daniel Welsh 1:10:06.429
  7. Timothy Lonsdale 1:10:45.304

AORC E3 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Sanders 37:27.786
  2. Andrew Wilksch 40:10.830
  3. Beau Ralston 40:31.481
  4. Jesse Lawton 41:47.381
  5. Matt Murry 43:37.824
  6. Daniel Welsh 45:26.922
  7. Daniel Middleton 45:49.855
  8. Timothy Lonsdale 46:42.994
  9. Jackson Caldwell 46:48.398
  10. Luke Morrison 48:28.428
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Milner clocked the fastest day outright both days but in the E2 class he won the opening day by well over two minutes from Joshua Green, Jeremy Carpentier, Broc Grabham and Brad Hardaker and that line-up was repeated on Sunday with Milner’s margin cut to just 90 seconds over Green.

Daniel Milner

“Yesterday I found myself struggling in navigating the track, keeping the ball rolling and knowing what gear to ride. It doesn’t matter how hard we test in the off season, conditions seen today really put you to the test, all in all it was an awesome weekend for me, and I’ve picked up where I left off from last year. Everyone on the field seems to be getting faster, and it really goes to show that us Aussie riders are putting it to the world.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner F
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Yamaha AORC E2 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Milner 58:12.545
  2. Joshua Green 1:00:36.815
  3. Jeremy Carpentier 1:01:43.370
  4. Broc Grabham 1:05:06.627
  5. Brad Hardaker 1:05:19.209
  6. Kristian Sprenger 1:06:58.993
  7. Kaleb Treasure 1:07:18.907
  8. Brent Dean 1:08:08.480
  9. Jack Judge 1:08:24:042
  10. Wesley Keeley 1:08:35.773

AORC E2 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Milner 37:04.789
  2. Joshua Green 38:33.191
  3. Jeremy Carpentier 39:03.107
  4. Broc Grabham 41:17.709
  5. Brad Hardaker 41:57.983
  6. Kristian Sprenger 42:34.533
  7. Kaleb Treasure 42:56.997
  8. Wesley Keeley 43:17.885
  9. Brent Dean 43:30.524
  10. Jack Judge 43:31.188

Defending champion Styke narrowly got the win on day one over Snodgrass, Michael Driscoll, Fraser Higlett and Matthew Phillips (digest that line-up for a second) but on Sunday Snodgrass got the win by just 4 seconds over Styke, Driscoll and Higlett – unfortunately Phillips retired with an injury.

Lyndon Snodgrass

“Round 2 featured a different track that was more technical than yesterday. Coming into today I made some small changes, studied the new track extensively during yesterday’s walk, and today ended up being a lot better!”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lyndon Snodgrass
Lyndon Snodgrass – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Yamaha AORC E1 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Luke Styke 1:00:11.804
  2. Lyndon Snodgrass 1:00:44.286
  3. Michael Driscoll 1:01:12.331
  4. Fraser Higlett 1:01:27.354
  5. Matthew Phillips 1:03:22.590
  6. Jonte Reynders 1:04:10.772
  7. Seton Broomhall 1:07:58.887
  8. Lachlan Allan 1:09:14.454
  9. Kye Malone 1:11:00.681
  10. Alexander Ruloff 1:12:36.447

AORC E1 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Lyndon Snodgrass 38:03.337
  2. Luke Styke 38:07.726
  3. Michael Driscoll 38:48.957
  4. Fraser Higlett 39:09.410
  5. Jonte Reynders 40:35.042
  6. Seton Broomhall 43:43.988
  7. Lachlan Allan 44:30.347
  8. Joseph Cole 46:05.772
  9. Mackenzie Bowser 46:07.220
  10. Jarrad Vanderhor 46:15.756

Matthew Phiilip’s protégé Kyron Bacon lived up to expectations to win the EJ class while Jess Gardner (Womens), Kirk Hutton (Masters), Lee Stephens (Veterens), Adam Giles (2-Stroke Cup), Blake Hollis (J4), Riley McGillivray (J3) and Campbell Hall (J2) all won their respective classes.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba EJ Kyron Bacon
Kyron Bacon – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Yamaha AORC EJ Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Kyron Bacon 1:03:47.489
  2. Joshua Brierley 1:04:06.772
  3. Harrison Teed 1:05:20.839
  4. William Price 1:06:57.405
  5. Korey McMahon 1:07:55.681
  6. Cooper Sheidow 1:08:00.325
  7. Matt Waters 1:09:45.791
  8. Riley Nancarrow 1:10:22.995
  9. Nathan Howe 1:11:08.932
  10. Jordan Ryan 1:11:24.177

AORC EJ Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Kyron Bacon 40:21.778
  2. Joshua Brierley 41:09.418
  3. Harrison Teed 41:53.032
  4. Korey McMahon 42:38.214
  5. William Price 43:05.254
  6. Cooper Sheidow 43:38.153
  7. Riley Nancarrow 44:00.211
  8. Nathan Howe 44:08.461
  9. Matthew Pye 44:31.791
  10. Matt Waters 44:32.447

AORC Women’s Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Jessica Gardiner 1:13:37.414
  2. Emelie Karlsson 1:15:26.672
  3. Ebony Nielsen 1:18:10.896
  4. Emma Milesevic 1:18:41.568
  5. Danielle Foot 1:21:02.977
  6. Zoe Boccari 1:35:23.828
  7. Charlotte Gamble 1:58:19.594
  8. Isabella Hood 2:11:14.505

AORC Women’s Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Jessica Gardiner 44:21.944
  2. Emma Milesevic 47:36.299
  3. Ebony Nielsen 48:16.332
  4. Danielle Foot 48:57.051
  5. Emelie Karlsson 49:28.960
  6. Zoe Boccari 56:57.933
AORC Rnd Toowoomba Womens Podium
Women’s Podium – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC Masters Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Kirk Hutton 1:10:43.091
  2. Timothy Martin 1:15:21.955
  3. John Baker 1:17:56.029
  4. Ian Jenner 1:18:18.986
  5. Craig Treasure 1:18:20.476
  6. Peter Rudd 1:18:20.476
  7. Adam O’Connor 1:20:46.668
  8. Andrew Dennett 1:21:20.530
  9. Ian McGillivray 1:21:54.783
  10. Kenneth Hicks 1:22:29.499

AORC Masters Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Kirk Hutton 44:12.694
  2. Timothy Martin 45:34.107
  3. John Baker 47:36.194
  4. Ian Jenner 48:11.147
  5. Craig Treasure 48:30.065
  6. Peter Rudd 49:47.717
  7. Ian McGillivray 49:58.049
  8. Kenneth Hicks 50:19.411
  9. Andrew Dennett 50:29.575
  10. Zac Williams 50:40.066

AORC Veterans Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Lee Stephens 1:10:18.984
  2. Benjamin D’Arcy 1:12:16.018
  3. Matthew Keipert 1:12:23.882
  4. Christopher Thomas 1:12:57.099
  5. Jason Pearce 1:15:20.680
  6. Daniel Sawtell 1:16:22.776
  7. Paul Chadwick 1:17:00.579
  8. Luke Ablitt 1:20:20.680
  9. Phillip Chillemi 1:21:57.526
  10. Phil Newman 1:22:35.185
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AORC Veterans Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Lee Stephens 43:19.237
  2. Matthew Keipert 43:43.326
  3. Christopher Thomas 44:30.010
  4. Benjamin D’Arcy 45:30.266
  5. Jason Pearce 45:55.472
  6. Daniel Sawtell 47:39.455
  7. Paul Chadwick 47:40.939
  8. Luke Ablitt 48:41.890
  9. Phil Newman 51:19.834
  10. Daniel Wall 51:54.248

AORC 2 Stroke Cup Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Adam Giles 1:10:52.544
  2. John Isherwood 1:15:40.846
  3. Todd Charlick 1:18:53.919
  4. Luke Francis 1:23:35.349

AORC 2 Stroke Cup Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Adam Giles 42:25.605
  2. John Isherwood 46:53.488
  3. Todd Charlick 48:56.977
  4. Luke Francis 50:56.691

AORC J4 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Blake Hollis 53:02.256
  2. Mackenzie Johnson 54:32.036
  3. Zac Perry 55:33.284
  4. Oscar Collins 55:58.836
  5. Charlie Milton 56:14.068
  6. Hayden Campbell 59:00.487
  7. Cody Chittick 59:22.145
  8. Kobe Conley 59.25.085
  9. Jay Simister 59:43.729
  10. Lochie Stafford 1:01:05.230

AORC J4 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Blake Hollis 40:11.651
  2. Mackenzie Johnson 41:29.590
  3. Oscar Collins 41:58.118
  4. Charlie Milton 42:04.277
  5. Cody Chittick 42:08.592
  6. Zac Perry 42:23.625
  7. Kobe Conley 43:30.128
  8. Jay Simister 45:34.060
  9. Hayden Campbell 45:51.944
  10. Clay Parsons 46:42.581

AORC J3 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Campbell O’Donnell 55:19.273
  2. Riley McGillivray 55:25.586
  3. Kodi Stephens 56:49.768
  4. William Dennett 57:20.674
  5. Tom Park 58:08.907
  6. Jack Bithell 58:58.440
  7. Maxwell Liebekner 59:11.116
  8. William Cooper 1:00:41.351
  9. Kelly Woolston 1:00:53.803
  10. Jake Hayes 1:02:32.856

AORC J3 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Riley McGillivray 40:57.774
  2. Campbell O’Donnell 41:25.296
  3. William Dennett 43:17.461
  4. Kodi Stephens 43:18.250
  5. Jack Bithell 44:11.868
  6. Maxwell Liebeknech 44:24.802
  7. Kelly Woolston 46:47.542
  8. Jethro Carriage 46:57.343
  9. William Cooper 47:03.253
  10. Jake Hayes 47:12.359
AORC Rnd Toowoomba J Podium Overall
J3 Podium – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC J2 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Billy Hargy 57:11.271
  2. Campbell Hall 57:27.053
  3. Jett Arnold 58:38.884
  4. Max Phillips 59:46.669
  5. Luke Chellas 1:04:36.666
  6. Kyle Sandstrom 1:05:49.553
  7. Jack Shearer 1:06:02.664
  8. William Vella 1:06:18.928
  9. Jack Hendrickson 1:07:35.950
  10. Eli Tripcony 1:08:33.760

AORC J2 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Jett Arnold 43:59.560
  2. Campbell Hall 44:40.490
  3. Max Phillips 45:00.793
  4. Kyle Sandstrom 47:43.948
  5. Luke Chellas 48:30.285
  6. Jack Shearer 48:55.449
  7. Thomas Vance 50:08.795
  8. Jack Hendrickson 51:34.044
  9. Max Mensforth 52:32.781
  10. Jet Brien 54:46.064

Simpson Wins Opening Round of British MX Champs

Shaun Simpson has put together a 1-2 result to win the opening round of the British MX1 championships ahead of Tommy Searle who was second overall with 3-1 results and third was Lewis Tombs with 5-4 results.

MX1 Moto One

  1. Shaun Simpson 31:07.023
  2. Harri Kullas 31:49.581
  3. Tommy Searle 32:36.734
  4. Mel Pocock 32:45.749
  5. Lewis Tombs 33:02.766

MX1 Moto Two

  1. Tommy Searle 32:15.581
  2. Shaun Simpson 32:38.463
  3. Jake Millward 32:57.623
  4. Lewis Tombs 33:04.516
  5. Ryan Houghton 33:06.107

MX1 Overall

  1. Shaun Simpson – 47
  2. Tommy Searle – 45
  3. Lewis Tombs – 34
  4. Jake Millward – 29
  5. Ryan Houghton – 27
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Toni Bou Wraps Up 2019 X-Trial Championship

Marseille, France has hosted the penultimate round of the 2019 FIM X-Trial World Championship and as expected Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou won his 13th X-Trial title to incredibly take his world championship tally to 25.

X Trial Rnd Toni Bou
Toni Bou

Bou´s direct rival for victory in Marseille was Gas Gas’ Jeroni Fajardo, who progressed from Heat One in sensational fashion by countback after he and TRRS’ Adam Raga were tied. But Fajardo was unable to complete any of the demanding Grand Final sections, and Bou already had victory on the night sewn up with a clean Section Five – his third completed section of the lap.

Toni Bou

“It´s been as demanding as it has enjoyable. This was my first chance to claim the Championship and I took it, even though it wasn´t easy. The sections meant we had to give our absolute best, and that meant the spectators enjoyed the show. But I was keen to claim the title here and avoid being under pressure in X-Trial Andorra, where there were will already be enough expectation as it is my home race. Now I know that we will be there to celebrate, and I hope to win in front of my fans to finish the season. This thirteenth title has been more complicated than some of the others, since my rivals have really pushed hard all season and I have never been able to relax. But I have gradually been improving and tonight has been the culmination of my hard work.”

X Trial Rnd Toni Bou
Toni Bou

Adam Raga, meanwhile, saw his fading Championship hopes extinguished for another year against Bou´s dominance.

Adam Raga

“It was a tough X-Trial right from the start, and I didn´t manage the time very well on the second lap, so ended up short on time and out of the Final. The atmosphere was incredible and the public really pushed us with their encouragement.”

X Trial Rnd Toni Bou
Toni Bou tops the X-Trials podium

The next date on the X-Trial calendar will see another Champion declared as the riders head on to Vendée for the X-Trial of Nations on 13th April.

Major Sponsors Announced for MX Nationals

Williams Event Management (WEM), promoters of the MX Nationals, have announced that on the back of an ongoing relationship with LINK International, Pirelli has the naming rights to the MX2 class while Motul will be the MXD title sponsor along with brands including Polisports and RK Chains.

mx nationals coolum rnd saturday start ImageScottya
MX Nationals – Image by Scottya

GAS Imports via their leading product THOR will be the MX1 title sponsor as well as round six and eight presenting partners, GAS will also be represented by other key products including Neken, EBC Brakes, Akrapovic throughout the series.

Kevin Williams – Series Director

“As I approach my 23rd year of running the Australian MX Nationals, I’m very excited to announce the continued support of LINK International as well as GAS Imports, these brands play an integral part in the motocross industry and it’s great to have their support for the 2019 championship.”

In other MX Nationals news, Yamaha Motor Australia have again renewed their partnership within the national motocross scene, their continued support and commitment to the Pirelli MX Nationals insures a strong 2019 series ahead.

Series promoter Kevin Williams also expressed his thoughts on the long and ongoing partnership with Yamaha Motor Australia.

Kevin Williams

“Yamaha have been an integral part of the motocross landscape for as long as i can remember. The on going support for not only the series but teams and privateers alike, along with the innovative bLU cRU experience engaging and capturing the future talents of the sport. They are a brand I’m proud to be partnered with.”

National Sales and Marketing Manager Matthew Ferry, explained the importance of the long partnership they have with the MX Nationals.

Matthew Ferry

“We have been a long time partner of the MX Nationals. The series provides for a large variety of motocross talent from the professionals all the way down to the bLU cRU 65 cup riders. The series helps create the dreams and aspirations for the up and coming riders and stars.”

The opening round of the 2019 season takes place next weekend (March 17th) at Appin Raceway on the outskirts of Sydney, NSW.

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Honda Switches to Bridgestone Tyres

With the full support of their lead rider Brett Metcalfe, Honda’s factory off road/motocross racing team in Australia have partnered with Bridgestone Tyres for the 2019 Australian MX Nationals and Supercross Championships.

Lincoln McFayden – Executive General Manager of McLeod Accessories

“McLeod’s are committed to providing race ready Bridgestone tyres to customers. The new range of Battlecross tyres are the race level spec ‘Made in Japan’ tyres that Bridgestone now sell to the general public as well. This is so important to us, to be able to sell the exact products we race, right here in Australia; it’s something not all tyre manufacturers can claim, it’s the Bridgestone advantage that’s for sure.”

After finishing the year out with a solid 2nd overall in the Australian Supercross Championship, Brett Metcalfe was eager to get some solid testing under his belt before making any changes to his set up.

Brett Metcalfe

“At this level we are always working on ways to improve ourselves and the bike. I have raced with Bridgestone before and I know what they are capable of. We needed to be sure we would stay at that level and I believe we will be at an advantage on many tracks with the new tyres. The predictable drive in certain conditions was incredible. Bridgestone has such a good variety with 4 different terrain options and we will be able to take advantage of them as conditions change throughout the day when racing.”

Honda Brett Metcalfe Bridgestone tyres Australian MX Nationals

Metcalfe and the team have made it clear they want to come into the new season with the same competitive momentum they finished with in 2018.

Round 1 of the MX Nationals will be held on 17th March in Appin, NSW.

Kings and Queens of Canberra This Weekend

Fairbairn Park will host the annual Stay Upright Kings & Queens of Canberra dirt track meeting this coming weekend Both the Pro Open and Pro 450 classes have attracted the biggest entry which will necessitate three heats of racing in each round.

Abrum and Bailey Richards lead the locals in those classes taking on a blend of experienced campaigners and some more recent recruits in to the senior ranks.

Victorian Bradley Burns always rides the Canberra track well, and he leads the experienced brigade along with South Coast rider Kale Galeano, former Canberra rider Michael Vecchi, consistent Sydneysider Nathan Smith and Edward Grabham from Forbes.

Racing this weekend will showcase the likes of former Australian Junior champion Kye Andrews from Taree, Melbourne rider Bryce Holmes, Tom Herrick from Temora, Connor Ryan and Jake Farnsworth from the Central Coast.

Albury rider Jesse Davies and South Coast Jake Schneiders will contest the Pro Open class as well as clashing in the small line-up of slider machines.

ACT riders are prominent among the entries for the older age brackets (over 35s and 45s) and the Pre 1985 machines which invariably provide plenty of close racing amid invariably great spirit shown by the competitors. Dirt Track Sidecars are also programmed with entries drawn by various NSW country clubs.

Junior racing continues to impress with all the age divisions produce exciting racing from riders who quickly establish themselves as polished performers.

Taree rider Hayden Nelson has an Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship to his credit and his most recent outing showed his versatility as he contested the Australian Junior Championship round for road racing and supermoto.

The oldest junior class (for 13 to Under 16s) is always a feature with Melbourne rider Max Berry likely to be battling for honours with Central Coast rider Harrison Ryan, Callan Butcher from Temora and Jack Joel from Gunnedah.

Saturday sees practice at 9am followed by the first round of competition, while on Sunday it will be straight in to racing at 9am.

While the finals of all classes of racing will wrap up the meeting on Sunday, an additional feature has been added to the Saturday afternoon schedule when fans will see two Shoot-Outs when senior and junior riders will compete in a series of one-on-one battles to find the winners.

The Fairbairn Park track is situated on Pialligo Avenue, Majura and best of all spectator entry is free.

Honda ‘Ride Red’ Program continues in 2019

In 2018, Honda Racing in Australia launched a new off road racing program, geared around supporting privateer riders working towards a factory seat and becoming future Motocross and Supercross stars.

Lachie Davis

This year, Honda have extended the program to incorporate three new female riders in a bid to support more of Australia’s up and coming talent in all areas of off road racing.

Emma Milesevic, Tanesha Harnet and Alysha Goullet will spearhead Honda’s female Ride Red campaign, with hopes to inspire other sportswomen to chase their respective dreams.

Glyn Griffiths – Honda’s Brand and Motorsport Manager

“Over 1000 females compete across all disciplines of motorcycle racing each year and when these three talented riders contacted Honda for support we were thrilled to provide them with a RIDE RED contract. Tanesha Harnett is no stranger to the Honda family, having raced as a very successful rider in Honda’s Junior program with Lee Hogan. Supporting female talent is something we are proud of and to offer a pathway for Tanesha to continue to grow her moto career was really important to us, along with the inclusion of 2 other talented riders, it’s going to be a great season.”

Tanesha Harnett will race in the MXD of the MX Nationals and the Women’s Nationals as well as her State Championship.

Tanesha Harnett

“Honda supported me through juniors and their loyalty towards me as I head into seniors is sincerely appreciated. This program is fantastic and to be given the chance to continue my career with Honda is awesome. I look forward to another year of competition and learning.”

Emma Milesevic will race selected Australian Off Road Championship events, including Hattah and the Women’s Nationals.

Emma Milesevic

“Wow, this is an amazing opportunity. I have raced around the world and to come home and get an opportunity like this is a dream come true. My Auntie raced Honda and won many women’s motocross titles and I hope to do the same and make my family, Honda and our sponsors proud.”

Emma Milesevic Catherine Owen Photography
Emma Milesevic

Alysha Goullett will race in selected MXD races, the Women’s Nationals and her respective State Championship.

Alysha Goullett

“This is my first real sponsorship and I won’t take it for granted. Sometimes all we need is some encouragement and I will do my best to represent everyone and show all of the girls out there that all you need to do is try and not to give up on your goals.”

Honda’s Ride Red program was developed to encourage senior competition participation by providing support to privateers. Penrite Honda Racing’s team owner Yarrive Konsky worked with Honda to get the program up and running.

Yarrive Konsky

“Growing up racing was difficult. The hardest part, aside from the expense was getting the right information. I didn’t know how to train, eat or set my bike up effectively. RIDE RED provides riders with what they need. Not all riders use our factory suspension and engine providers, but they can. They can also talk to our factory riders and capitalise on their wealth of experience. We have an open door policy.”

Honda Genuine will continue to be the Ride Red team’s title sponsor and the entire 2019 Honda Genuine Ride Red includes:

  • Emma Milesevic – CRF250R – MXD, Women’s Nationals and selected Off Road Events
  • Tanesha Harnett – CRF250R – MXD and Women’s Nationals
  • Alysha Goullet – CRF250R – MXD and Women’s Nationals
  • Lachie Davis – CRF450R – MX1 and SX1
  • Joel Wightman – CRF450R – MX1 and SX1
  • Izak Maule – CRF450R – MX1 and SX1
  • Caleb Goullet – CRF250R – MXD and SX2
  • Jai Constantinou – CRF250R – MX2 and SX2

For more information on Honda’s MX range, visit: https://motorcycles.honda.com.au/Off_Road_Competition (link)

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Milner & Sanders claim wins at AORC Rounds 1 & 2

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Luke Styke and Lyndon Snodgrass share E1 wins

Images by John Pearson Media

In typical Queensland fashion, Round 1 of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) kicked off in steamy conditions, with temperatures reaching into the mid-thirties, alongside dry, dusty conditions.

A new highly technical WR 450 Track pushed the world-class line-up from start to finish as they fought for podium real estate, with Daniel Milner quickest on track for Round 1.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba E Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner

With the completion of Day 1 (Round 1) Luke Styke claimed the E1 victory, Daniel Milner took out E2, Daniel Sanders claimed E3 and newcomer to the Senior category Kyron Bacon won EJ.

On Day 2 (Round 2) of the AORC, Toowoomba’s temperatures and dry conditions put the world class line-up to a final test. With the sun beating down competitors tackled a new Off-Road Advantage Track that demanded strong technical skill.

Coming out on top after the three tests was Lyndon Snodgrass for E1, Daniel Milner for E2, Daniel Sanders for E3 and Kyron Bacon for EJ.

Daniel Milner

“I gelled well with the KTM 350 EXC-F this weekend and it’s an unbelievable package for technical terrain like we had here in Toowoomba. My weekend was awesome, I just tried to stay smooth and consistent without many mistakes, even though we did have a couple of lay-downs along the way! I think every rider did. All in all, I’m absolutely stoked with how the first two rounds have started off the series and now I’m excited for the next event.”

Daniel Sanders

“To win both days in E3 was good, especially battling up front with [Daniel] Milner for the overall, so it was a strong weekend. The Husqvarna FE 501 was definitely competitive for me and I will keep working to gain strength so I can throw it around more to make the most of it in the coming rounds. It’s been a positive start to the season and now we will look ahead from this stage in the season.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

The Junior competitors in classes J2, J3 and J4 faced a challenging Day 1 (Round 1) test on the Yamaha bLU cRU Track that forced a reliance on technical skill, with the Sprint format demanding the fastest test time every time, and proved the undeniable skill that continues to emerge from Australia’s junior Enduro talent. Upon the close of the day’s action, Billy Hargy took out the best time for J2, Campbell O’Donnell for J3 and Blake Hollis for J4.

In true Australian Junior Enduro fashion, Round 2 proved how strong the emerging Enduro talent is, racing the same bLU cRU Track as Round 1. Coming out on top for Round 2 on the bLU cRU Track was Jett Arnold for J2, Riley McGillivray for J3, and Blake Hollis for J4.

Toowoomba also greeted the Women’s, Masters, Veterans and 2-Stroke Cup, as they tackled the five tests on the nearly eight kilometre track. Coming out on top for Day 1 of the 2019 AORC season was Jessica Gardiner for the Women’s class, Kirk Hutton for the Masters, Lee Stephens for the Veterans and Adam Giles for the 2 Stroke Cup.

Over three tests on the WR 450 Track, the Round 2 titles were fought out by the Masters, Women’s, Veterans and 2 Stroke Cup classes, with the wins awarded to Jessica Gardiner for the Women’s, Kirk Hutton for the Masters, Lee Stephens for the Veterans, and Adam Giles for the 2-Stroke Cup!

E1 – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Reigning E1 Champion, Styke, maintained his place at the top of his class, achieving the fastest test times in E1 on Day 1. Styke finished ahead of Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and Michael Driscoll (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) to take out the gold, with a time of 1:00:11.804.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba E Luke Styke
Luke Styke

Snodgrass continued to apply the pressure to Styke throughout the day, finishing just under 23 seconds behind the reigning Champion. Taking out the remaining spots in the top five was Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) and homegrown Australian legend, Matthew Phillips (MX Store, KTM), with a time of 1:01:27.354 and 1:03:22.590 respectively.

Arriving at the new Off-Road Advantage Track on Day 2 (Round 2), Lyndon Snodgrass came in with a point to prove. Managing the new track’s conditions alongside stifling heat, Snodgrass grappled with his bike to clinch a first place victory ahead of Round 1 Champion, Luke Styke by just over four seconds!

Lyndon Snodgrass

“Overall it was a good weekend for me! I didn’t feel super-confident in the sketchy conditions, but to get second yesterday and then win today is a good feeling and I’m really happy with the result. Riding the KTM 250 EXC-F is awesome for me, it’s really light and handles so well, which was positive for me this weekend. To get these results in such tough conditions is definitely good for the KTM Enduro Racing Team. Round 2 featured a different track that was more technical than yesterday. Coming into today I made some small changes, studied the new track extensively during yesterday’s walk, and today ended up being a lot better!”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lyndon Snodgrass
Lyndon Snodgrass – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Closing out the podium in third place today was Michael Driscoll, who flew ahead of his trailing competitors to clinch the final podium spot for two days running. Fraser Higlett claimed fourth for the second day in a row.

Fraser Higlett

“It was a tough weekend for me, that’s for sure. The results weren’t what I wanted, but I pushed through and scored decent points, which is good. This gives me something to work from for the rest of the year and I know where I can be if I put it all together. I did have a few good test times, but struggled with some crashes this weekend, and I hope that the next rounds are more positive in terms of results. My Husqvarna FE 250 was really solid all weekend though, so now we will look ahead to the next one.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Fraser Higlett
Fraser Higlett – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

MX Store’s Matthew Phillips retired earlier today due to an injury.

Yamaha AORC E1 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Luke Styke 1:00:11.804
  2. Lyndon Snodgrass 1:00:44.286
  3. Michael Driscoll 1:01:12.331
  4. Fraser Higlett 1:01:27.354
  5. Matthew Phillips 1:03:22.590
  6. Jonte Reynders 1:04:10.772
  7. Seton Broomhall 1:07:58.887
  8. Lachlan Allan 1:09:14.454
  9. Kye Malone 1:11:00.681
  10. Alexander Ruloff 1:12:36.447

AORC E1 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Lyndon Snodgrass 38:03.337
  2. Luke Styke 38:07.726
  3. Michael Driscoll 38:48.957
  4. Fraser Higlett 39:09.410
  5. Jonte Reynders 40:35.042
  6. Seton Broomhall 43:43.988
  7. Lachlan Allan 44:30.347
  8. Joseph Cole 46:05.772
  9. Mackenzie Bowser 46:07.220
  10. Jarrad Vanderhor 46:15.756
AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lyndon Snodgrass
Lyndon Snodgrass on the podium with Luke Styke and Michael Driscoll – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC E1 Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Lyndon SNODGRASS 47
  2. Luke STYKE 47
  3. Michael DRISCOLL 40
  4. Fraser HIGLETT 36
  5. Jonte REYNDERS 31
  6. Seton BROOMHALL 29
  7. Lachlan ALLAN 27
  8. Joseph COLE 24
  9. Mackenzie BOWSER 21
  10. Alexander RULOFF 20

E2 – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

2018 treated Milner well, and Round 1 of the new 2019 season proved no exception. Milner finished with the fastest time for the day in the E2 class, while maintaining a steady lead over the five tests.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Upon the close of test five, Milner clocked in a time of 58:12.545, ahead of Joshua Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) by just under two minutes, and Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha MX Store Ballards Off-Road Team) by just shy of three minutes.

Broc Grabham and Brad Hardaker took out the remaining spots in the top five, with just under 12 seconds separating Hardaker from Grabham’s time of 1:05:06.627.

Taking out a consecutive round title on Day 2, was Daniel Milner, who remained well ahead of the pack throughout the day. Regardless of tough conditions and yesterday’s crash in the final laps, Milner remained steadfast to clinch both the Round 2 E2 title as well as the fastest time for the day!

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Landing in second place, just over three minutes behind Milner was Josh Green, who finished off the day’s three tests with a time of 38:33.191 ahead of Jeremy Carpentier. Carpentier closed off the podium ahead of Broc Grabham, with a time of 39:03.107.

Daniel Milner

“The biggest thing I took out from this weekend was the right technical skills are required to ride my new 350. Yesterday I found myself struggling in navigating the track, keeping the ball rolling and knowing what gear to ride. It doesn’t matter how hard we test in the off season, conditions seen today really put you to the test! All in all it was an awesome weekend for me, and I’ve picked up where I left off from last year. Everyone on the field seems to be getting faster, and it really goes to show that us Aussie riders are putting it to the world.”

Yamaha AORC E2 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Milner 58:12.545
  2. Joshua Green 1:00:36.815
  3. Jeremy Carpentier 1:01:43.370
  4. Broc Grabham 1:05:06.627
  5. Brad Hardaker 1:05:19.209
  6. Kristian Sprenger 1:06:58.993
  7. Kaleb Treasure 1:07:18.907
  8. Brent Dean 1:08:08.480
  9. Jack Judge 1:08:24:042
  10. Wesley Keeley 1:08:35.773

AORC E2 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Milner 37:04.789
  2. Joshua Green 38:33.191
  3. Jeremy Carpentier 39:03.107
  4. Broc Grabham 41:17.709
  5. Brad Hardaker 41:57.983
  6. Kristian Sprenger 42:34.533
  7. Kaleb Treasure 42:56.997
  8. Wesley Keeley 43:17.885
  9. Brent Dean 43:30.524
  10. Jack Judge 43:31.188
AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Milner
Daniel Milner claimed top spot from Green and Carpentier – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC E2 Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Daniel MILNER 50
  2. Joshua GREEN 44
  3. Jeremy CARPENTIER 40
  4. Broc GRABHAM 36
  5. Brad HARDAKER 32
  6. Kristian SPRENGER 30
  7. Kaleb TREASURE 28
  8. Brent DEAN 25
  9. Wesley KEELEY 24
  10. Jack JUDGE 23

E3 – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Round 1 saw Sanders kick off the E3 with a difficult start, crashing in the first test. In his typical fashion though, Sanders remain cool and collected, picking himself up and dusting himself off to take out the fastest time for the E3 class.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba E Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders

With a time of 58:18.484, Sanders was trailed by Beau Ralston by just over four minutes, followed on by Andrew Wilksch (Motul Pirelli Sherco Racing Team). Finishing up the top five places in Round 1 was Jesse Lawton and Matt Murry, with respective times of 1:06:09.427 and 1:08:07.233.

Closing off Day 2 of the weekend with two consecutive E3 title wins was Sanders, leading the charge ahead of the competition by just shy of three minutes. Sanders finished the day with a time of 37:27.786. Trailing behind in second place was Andrew Wilksch, who maintained a strong presence across the weekend to hold onto his place in the top three for the E3 class!

Daniel Sanders

“It was a pretty successful weekend finished off with some Champaign to boot. I experienced some crashes this weekend but kept my body healthy to recover as quickly as I could. Coming out of this weekend I know how much harder I need to work on my fitness to close those gaps ahead of Dungog next month.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Rounding out the podium in third place for Round 2 was Beau Ralston, finishing behind Wilksch by just over 20 seconds, with a time of 40:31.481.

Yamaha AORC E3 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Sanders 58:18.484
  2. Beau Ralston 1:02:19.321
  3. Andrew Wilksch 1:02:35.440
  4. Jesse Lawton 1:06:09.427
  5. Matt Murry 1:08:07.233
  6. Daniel Welsh 1:10:06.429
  7. Timothy Lonsdale 1:10:45.304

AORC E3 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel Sanders 37:27.786
  2. Andrew Wilksch 40:10.830
  3. Beau Ralston 40:31.481
  4. Jesse Lawton 41:47.381
  5. Matt Murry 43:37.824
  6. Daniel Welsh 45:26.922
  7. Daniel Middleton 45:49.855
  8. Timothy Lonsdale 46:42.994
  9. Jackson Caldwell 46:48.398
  10. Luke Morrison 48:28.428
AORC Rnd Toowoomba Daniel Sanders Podium
Daniel Sanders claimed top honours from Wilksch and Ralston – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC E3 Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Daniel SANDERS 50
  2. Andrew WILKSCH 42
  3. Beau RALSTON 42
  4. Jesse LAWTON 36
  5. Matt MURRY 32
  6. Daniel WELSH 30
  7. Daniel MIDDLETON 27
  8. Timothy LONSDALE 27
  9. Jackson CALDWELL 24
  10. Luke MORRISON 22

EJ – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Coming out on top on Day 1 in EJ was Bacon, who maintained a consistent form all day regardless of the heat or dust. Bacon retained high speeds and clear focus to remain in the top two of the leader board all day.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba EJ Kyron Bacon
Kyron Bacon

Bacon finished the day with a time of 1:03:47.489, ahead of Joshua Brierley who finished the day on 1:04:06.772. Third place was clinched by Harrison Teed, coming in hot on Brierley’s heels with a final time of 1:05:20.839. Rounding out the top five was William Price and Korey McMahon, with respective times of 1:06:57.405 and 1:07:55.681.

Reflecting the day’s events, Bacon explained that ‘the heat was a struggle, but the hardest aspect to manage was the dust. The conditions changed throughout the day as each test passed, making it even harder to remain fast and consistent.

On Day 2 (Round 2) in the EJ class, Bacon left Toowoomba with two deserving titles under his belt, after leading the charge to finish just shy of 50 seconds ahead of second place holder, Joshua Brierley.

Kyron Bacon

“I had an awesome day today ending up in the top ten fastest times for one of the tests. Hopefully we can continue to back up the success this weekend in Dungog next month.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kyron Bacon
Kyron Bacon – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Brierley finished with a time of 41:09.418, with Harrison Teed taking out the final podium position with a time today of 41:53.032. With such a small length of time separating the top three in EJ this weekend, great racing is expected at Rounds 3 & 4 in Dungog, New South Wales (NSW) next month.

Yamaha AORC EJ Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Kyron Bacon 1:03:47.489
  2. Joshua Brierley 1:04:06.772
  3. Harrison Teed 1:05:20.839
  4. William Price 1:06:57.405
  5. Korey McMahon 1:07:55.681
  6. Cooper Sheidow 1:08:00.325
  7. Matt Waters 1:09:45.791
  8. Riley Nancarrow 1:10:22.995
  9. Nathan Howe 1:11:08.932
  10. Jordan Ryan 1:11:24.177

AORC EJ Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Kyron Bacon (MX Store, KTM) 40:21.778
  2. Joshua Brierley 41:09.418
  3. Harrison Teed 41:53.032
  4. Korey McMahon 42:38.214
  5. William Price 43:05.254
  6. Cooper Sheidow 43:38.153
  7. Riley Nancarrow 44:00.211
  8. Nathan Howe 44:08.461
  9. Matthew Pye 44:31.791
  10. Matt Waters 44:32.447

AORC EJ Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Kyron BACON 50
  2. Joshua BRIERLEY 44
  3. Harrison TEED 40
  4. Korey MCMAHON 34
  5. William PRICE 34
  6. Cooper SHEIDOW 30
  7. Riley NANCARROW 27
  8. Nathan HOWE 25
  9. Matt WATERS 25
  10. Mathew PYE 22

J4 – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Already a household name in Australian Enduro racing, Blake Hollis finished Round 1 with the best time of 10:32.818. Hollis sat pretty amid the heat and dust, ahead of Mackenzie Johnson by just over a minute, with Johnson finishing today with a time of 54:32.036. Rounding out the J4 podium today was Zac Perry with a time of 55.33.284.

Dominating once again in Round 2 on Sunday in the J4 class was Hollis, who increased his lead throughout today’s challenging conditions to just over one minute. With a time of 40:11.651, Hollis found his feet early in the first of four tests, moving faster and faster as the day progressed. Following Hollis in second was Mackenzie Johnson, with a time of 41:29.590. Rounding out the podium in third today was Oscar Collins, with a time of 41:58.118.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba J Blake Hollis
Blake Hollis

AORC J4 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Blake Hollis 53:02.256
  2. Mackenzie Johnson 54:32.036
  3. Zac Perry 55:33.284
  4. Oscar Collins 55:58.836
  5. Charlie Milton 56:14.068
  6. Hayden Campbell 59:00.487
  7. Cody Chittick 59:22.145
  8. Kobe Conley 59.25.085
  9. Jay Simister 59:43.729
  10. Lochie Stafford 1:01:05.230

AORC J4 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Blake Hollis 40:11.651
  2. Mackenzie Johnson 41:29.590
  3. Oscar Collins 41:58.118
  4. Charlie Milton 42:04.277
  5. Cody Chittick 42:08.592
  6. Zac Perry 42:23.625
  7. Kobe Conley 43:30.128
  8. Jay Simister 45:34.060
  9. Hayden Campbell 45:51.944
  10. Clay Parsons 46:42.581
AORC Rnd Toowoomba Blake Hollis
Blake Hollis – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC J4 Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Blake HOLLIS 50
  2. Mackenzie JOHNSON 44
  3. Oscar COLLINS 38
  4. Zac PERRY 35
  5. Charlie MILTON 34
  6. Cody CHITTICK 30
  7. Kobe CONLEY 27
  8. Hayden CAMPBELL 27
  9. Jay SIMISTER 25
  10. Clay PARSONS 20

J3 – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Campbell O’Donnell clinched a top time for the J3 class on Day 1 of 55:19.273, slipping ahead rival Riley McGillivray by just over six seconds! The final podium position was nabbed by Kodi Stephens with a time of 56:49.768.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba J Campbell O’Donnell
Campbell O’Donnell

Round 1 delivered a showstopping performance as the three podium holders exhibited proof of Australia’s leading junior talent in Enduro raving, with O’Donnell, McGillivray and Stephens each landing a fastest time in one of the five tests.

After finishing second in Round 1 (Saturday), McGillivray came into Day 2 with confidence, finishing the four tests to take out first place. With a time of 40:57.774, McGillivray remained strong and consistent all day to take the lead.

Riley McGillivray

“My plans this weekend were to stay smooth and consistent, whilst putting in the best laps I could manage. Coming from Victoria, I definitely struggled with the heat yesterday, so today I worked really hard on keeping cool. This round has given me a heap of experience and has shown me what I’m going up against this season in the J3 class.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Riley McGillivray
Riley McGillivray – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Taking out the remaining places on the podium for Round 2 was Campbell O’Donnell and William Dennett, with respective times of 41:25.296 and 43:17.461.

AORC J3 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Campbell O’Donnell 55:19.273
  2. Riley McGillivray 55:25.586
  3. Kodi Stephens 56:49.768
  4. William Dennett 57:20.674
  5. Tom Park 58:08.907
  6. Jack Bithell 58:58.440
  7. Maxwell Liebekner 59:11.116
  8. William Cooper 1:00:41.351
  9. Kelly Woolston 1:00:53.803
  10. Jake Hayes 1:02:32.856

AORC J3 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Riley McGillivray 40:57.774
  2. Campbell O’Donnell 41:25.296
  3. William Dennett 43:17.461
  4. Kodi Stephens 43:18.250
  5. Jack Bithell 44:11.868
  6. Maxwell Liebeknech 44:24.802
  7. Kelly Woolston 46:47.542
  8. Jethro Carriage 46:57.343
  9. William Cooper 47:03.253
  10. Jake Hayes 47:12.359
AORC Rnd Toowoomba J Podium Overall
J3 Podium – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC J3 Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Riley MCGILLIVRAY 47
  2. Campbell O’DONNELL 47
  3. William DENNETT 38
  4. Kodi STEPHENS 38
  5. Jack BITHELL 31
  6. Maxwell LIEBEKNECHT 29
  7. Kelly WOOLSTON 26
  8. William COOPER 25
  9. Jethro CARRIAGE 23
  10. Jake HAYES 22

J2 – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Taking out the best time for Round 1 in the J2 class was Billy Hargy with a time of 57:11.271. Second place was clinched by Campbell Hall, who came in hot after Hargy with a time of 57:27.053. Hargy and Hall maintained a classic Tango throughout the days tests, as each fought for fastest times across the five tests. Taking out the final podium place for Round 1 was Jett Yarnold with a time of 58:38.884.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba J Billy Hargy
Billy Hargy

Taking the win Round 2 in J3 was Jett Arnold on Sunday, leading the charge ahead of his rivals by just over forty seconds. Arnold took some time to find his feet during today’s four tests, but once the confidence set in, he flew through the remainder of the day, finishing with a time of 43:59.560.

Following Arnold in second place for Round 2 was Campbell Hall, with a time of 44:40.490. Rounding out the podium today in J2 was Max Phillips, with a time of 45:00.793

AORC J2 Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Billy Hargy 57:11.271
  2. Campbell Hall 57:27.053
  3. Jett Arnold 58:38.884
  4. Max Phillips 59:46.669
  5. Luke Chellas 1:04:36.666
  6. Kyle Sandstrom 1:05:49.553
  7. Jack Shearer 1:06:02.664
  8. William Vella 1:06:18.928
  9. Jack Hendrickson 1:07:35.950
  10. Eli Tripcony 1:08:33.760

AORC J2 Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Jett Arnold 43:59.560
  2. Campbell Hall 44:40.490
  3. Max Phillips 45:00.793
  4. Kyle Sandstrom 47:43.948
  5. Luke Chellas 48:30.285
  6. Jack Shearer 48:55.449
  7. Thomas Vance 50:08.795
  8. Jack Hendrickson 51:34.044
  9. Max Mensforth 52:32.781
  10. Jet Brien 54:46.064

AORC J2 Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Jett YARNOLD 45
  2. Campbell HALL 44
  3. Max PHILLIPS 38
  4. Kyle SANDSTROM 33
  5. Luke CHELLAS 32
  6. Jack SHEARER 29
  7. Billy HARGY 25
  8. Jack HENRICKSON 25
  9. William VELLA 23
  10. Max MENSFORTH 21

Women’s – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Reigning Women’s Champion, Jessica Gardiner, commenced the 2019 season in perfect form as she pursues her campaign to smash the Women’s title record out of the park.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba W Jessica Gardiner
Jessica Gardiner

Gardiner finished Day 1 with a time of 1:13:37.414, ahead of Emelie Karlsson by just shy of two minutes. Karlsson finished the day with a time of 1:15:26.672, managing both the high heats, dust and her recovering foot injury to grab second place. Ebony Nielsen trailed Karlsson to take out third place for Round 1 by just under three minutes.

On Sunday’s Round 1 on the WR 450F Track, Gardiner remained a dominating force in the Women’s class, taking out a consecutive round win! Living up to her campaign in chasing the current record for the Women’s titles, Gardiner lead the class by just over three minutes!

Landing in second behind Gardiner was Emma Milesevic with a time of 47:36.299. A maiden voyage in Enduro racing for Milesevic, who currently continues to compete in Motocross, today’s racing proved her growing comfort in the new discipline.

Emma Milesevic

“So far so good! I’m still racing in Motocross as well, but I’m loving the challenge and change in riding Enduro. I’m trying to bring the same speed and aggression from my Motocross racing, whilst also refining my technical skills.”

Third place was clinched by Ebony Nielsen, who managed an impressive weekend to hold onto the final podium spot, with a time of 48:16.332.

AORC Women’s Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Jessica Gardiner 1:13:37.414
  2. Emelie Karlsson 1:15:26.672
  3. Ebony Nielsen 1:18:10.896
  4. Emma Milesevic 1:18:41.568
  5. Danielle Foot 1:21:02.977
  6. Zoe Boccari 1:35:23.828
  7. Charlotte Gamble 1:58:19.594
  8. Isabella Hood 2:11:14.505

AORC Women’s Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Jessica Gardiner 44:21.944
  2. Emma Milesevic 47:36.299
  3. Ebony Nielsen 48:16.332
  4. Danielle Foot 48:57.051
  5. Emelie Karlsson 49:28.960
  6. Zoe Boccari 56:57.933
AORC Rnd Toowoomba Womens Podium
Women’s Podium – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

AORC Women’s Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Jessica GARDINER 50
  2. Emma MILESEVIC 40
  3. Ebony NIELSEN 40
  4. Emelie KARLSSON 38
  5. Danielle FOOT 34
  6. Zoe BOCCARI 30
  7. Isabella HOOD 27
  8. Charlotte GAMBLE 27

Masters – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Returning to the AORC pits in Masters is household name, Kirk Hutton, who took out the best time for the class on Day 1 of 1:10:43.091. Moving from the Veteran’s class to Masters, Hutton made a seamless switch to his new class, leading the charge ahead of Timothy Martin by just over four minutes! Rounding out the podium today in third place was John Baker with a time of 1:17:56.029.

Come Round 2, Hutton put on a repeat performance to lead the charge on the WR 450F Track, juggling both a highly technical test and stifling Queensland heats to a 44:12.694 time.

Kirk Hutton

“Today was a little bit harder than yesterday considering we tackled the Pro’s track, which was tough straight from the get go. It was unfortunate that we didn’t have any rain because the conditions made it that bit more difficult. The competition this weekend has been great, making it an absolute pleasure to compete in a sport I love. I haven’t seen Tim Martin since 1996, so it was fantastic to race against one another once again.”

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Kirk Hutton
Kirk Hutton – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Filling out the remaining podium positions was Timothy Martin and John Baker, with a time of 45:34.107 and 47:36.194 respectively.

AORC Masters Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Kirk Hutton 1:10:43.091
  2. Timothy Martin 1:15:21.955
  3. John Baker 1:17:56.029
  4. Ian Jenner 1:18:18.986
  5. Craig Treasure 1:18:20.476
  6. Peter Rudd 1:18:20.476
  7. Adam O’Connor 1:20:46.668
  8. Andrew Dennett 1:21:20.530
  9. Ian McGillivray 1:21:54.783
  10. Kenneth Hicks 1:22:29.499

AORC Masters Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Kirk Hutton 44:12.694
  2. Timothy Martin 45:34.107
  3. John Baker 47:36.194
  4. Ian Jenner 48:11.147
  5. Craig Treasure 48:30.065
  6. Peter Rudd 49:47.717
  7. Ian McGillivray 49:58.049
  8. Kenneth Hicks 50:19.411
  9. Andrew Dennett 50:29.575
  10. Zac Williams 50:40.066

AORC Masters Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Kirk HUTTON 50
  2. Timothy MARTIN 44
  3. John BAKER 40
  4. Ian JENNER 36
  5. Craig TREASURE 32
  6. Peter RUDD 30
  7. Ian MCGILLIVRAY 25
  8. Andrew DENNETT 24
  9. Kenneth HICKS 23
  10. Adam O’CONNOR 23

Veterans – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

Kicking off the opening round of the 2019 season, Lee Stephens came out on top with a time of 1:10:18.984, ahead of Benjamin D’Arcy by just shy of two minutes! Taking out the final place on the podium in third was Matthew Keipert with a time of 1:12:23.882.

Today’s competition across the field in the Veterans class was fierce, with many of the top 10 placed featuring in the top three times across the five tests.

AORC Rnd Toowoomba Lee Stephens
Lee Stephens – 2019 AORC Rounds 1-2

Stephens continued his domination on Sunday’s Round 2, clinching consecutive class wins, leading the Veterans by just over 20 seconds! With a time of 43:19.237, Stephens was trailed by Matthew Keipert, who finished with a time of 43:43.326.

Nabbing the final podium position in third, was Christopher Thomas, who finished behind Keipert by just over forty seconds!

AORC Veterans Round 1 Provisional Results

  1. Lee Stephens 1:10:18.984
  2. Benjamin D’Arcy 1:12:16.018
  3. Matthew Keipert 1:12:23.882
  4. Christopher Thomas 1:12:57.099
  5. Jason Pearce 1:15:20.680
  6. Daniel Sawtell 1:16:22.776
  7. Paul Chadwick 1:17:00.579
  8. Luke Ablitt 1:20:20.680
  9. Phillip Chillemi 1:21:57.526
  10. Phil Newman 1:22:35.185

AORC Veterans Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Lee Stephens 43:19.237
  2. Matthew Keipert 43:43.326
  3. Christopher Thomas 44:30.010
  4. Benjamin D’Arcy 45:30.266
  5. Jason Pearce 45:55.472
  6. Daniel Sawtell 47:39.455
  7. Paul Chadwick 47:40.939
  8. Luke Ablitt 48:41.890
  9. Phil Newman 51:19.834
  10. Daniel Wall 51:54.248

AORC Veterans Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Lee STEPHENS 50
  2. Matthew KEIPERT 42
  3. Benjamin D’ARCY 40
  4. Christopher THOMAS 38
  5. Jason PEARCE 32
  6. Daniel SAWTELL 30
  7. Paul CHADWICK 28
  8. Luke ABLITT 26
  9. Phil NEWMAN 23
  10. Daniel WALL 21

2-Stroke Cup – 2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2

In an exciting first for the 2019 season, AORC welcomed the new 2-Stroke Cup category, catering for 125cc up to 250cc machinery. Taking out the top spot in Round 1 was Adam Giles with a time of 1:10:52.544.

Trailing behind Giles to take out second place was John Isherwood, with a time of 1:15:40.846. Rounding out the podium for the 2 Stroke Cup was Todd Charlick, following on behind Isherwood by just over three minutes.

It ended as a very successful weekend for Adam Giles, who has left Toowoomba with two class trophies under his belt following Sunday’s racing of Round 2. Giles dominated during the three tests, keeping ahead of his competition to finish the day with just over a four-minute lead!

The remaining podium positions were clinched by John Isherwood and Todd Charlick, with respective times of 46:53.488 and 48:56.977. The 2-Stroke Cup will return as a supporting class at Dungog, New South Wales, from April 6-7.

AORC 2 Stroke Cup Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Adam Giles 1:10:52.544
  2. John Isherwood 1:15:40.846
  3. Todd Charlick 1:18:53.919
  4. Luke Francis 1:23:35.349

AORC 2 Stroke Cup Round 2 Provisional Results

  1. Adam Giles 42:25.605
  2. John Isherwood 46:53.488
  3. Todd Charlick 48:56.977
  4. Luke Francis 50:56.691

AORC 2 Stroke Cup Standings after Round 1 & 2

  1. Adam GILES 50
  2. John ISHERWOOD 44
  3. Todd CHARLICK 40
  4. Luke FRANCIS 36

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto Wrap | Atlanta SX | MXGP | Enduro | AORC

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Moto News Wrap
March 5, 2019 – By Darren Smart

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
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Moto News Latest

  • Webb and Cianciarulo storm Atlanta AMA SX
  • Cairoli and Prado take first blood at Argentina MXGP
  • Evans creates history at Argentina
  • Barcia concussed – misses Atlanta
  • Holcombe kicks off 2019 with win in Italy
  • Price to be honoured at Aussie F1 GP
  • Dacka ready for season 2019
  • The stars of the AORC hit Toowoomba this Weekend
  • Mentoring role brings Matthew Phillips to AORC
  • Cosford wins Coolum 2-Stroke Cup
  • 2020 Aussie Speedway Solo Champs calendar announced
  • 2020 & 2021 Australian Junior and Senior Speedway Sidecar calendar

Webb and Cianciarulo storm Atlanta AMA SX

Atlanta, Georgia hosted the ninth round of the AMA Supercross Championships last weekend and it was an all KTM podium in the 450 class with championship leader Cooper Webb taking the win over Blake Baggett and Marvin Musquin while it was Adam Cianciarulo who won the first of the 250 East/West Shootouts ahead of Dylan Ferrandis and Austin Forkner.

See the full report here:
KTM 1-2-3 in Atlanta as Webb takes fifth victory of season (link)

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb Roczen Tomac Multiple JK SX Atlanta
2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

Unfortunately, Chad stalled his Suzuki late in the race to drop back to a disappointing 13th place but the Aussie still sits seventh in the championship, two spots ahead of Justin Barcia who was forced to sit out the event thanks to suffering a concussion after crashing during the week.

Cooper Webb

“Yeh, it was tough, the track was changing a lot but I knew where I was good but there were also places where Marv would catch me, I knew where he was catching me but I didn’t know what line he was using, it is hard when you are leading so I just hit my marks and they weren’t working as good as I would have liked so I started changing things up, made a few mistakes in front of Blake who I knew would be good through the whoops but towards the end I found some lines so another win, that was sweet.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb JK SX Atlanta
Cooper Webb – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

Blake Baggett

“It was really hard to pass, you could make a run on someone but to get by was another thing, Marv and Cooper were making runs at each other, I could see it going on in front of me then I got into second and could do the same but when they have that horseshoe sand section over the tunnel I will hands down voice my opinion that I am not for it, it is supercross with steep obstacles and no sand.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Baggett JK SX Atlanta
Blake Baggett – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin

“It was tough being the chaser tonight, you had to follow through the sand section and same with the whoops, I didn’t want to chance going to the right, it was a really tough track, I missed the main line in the sand and Blake got me and I would gain some ground then lose some ground, it was tough.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Musquin JK SX Atlanta
Marvin Musquin – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Main Event Results

  1. Cooper Webb
  2. Blake Baggett
  3. Marvin Musquin
  4. Ken Roczen
  5. Aaron Plessinger
    …13. Chad Reed

    AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Webb Baggett Musquin Podium JK SX Atlanta

    450SX Main Event Results
    Cooper Webb
    Blake Baggett
    Marvin Musquin

 450SX Points after 9 of 17 Rounds

  1. Cooper Webb – 199
  2. Ken Roczen – 186
  3. Marvin Musquin – 182
  4. Eli Tomac – 177
  5. Blake Baggett – 142
  6. Dean Wilson – 137
  7. Chad Reed – 124

250 East-West Shootout Report

There was no catching Cianciarulo with the East Coast championship leader taking the win by four second over Ferrandis who dropped Forkner by seven seconds while Sexton, Cooper, McElrath, Nichols, Martin Davalos, Michael Mosiman and Brandon Hartraft rounded out the top ten.

Adam Cianciarulo

“After the start I stayed patient behind Chase, made the move to second behind Austin and obviously didn’t want to do anything stupid which came to mind but I had a good race, mistake free and learned a lot throughout the day.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Cianciarulo JK SX Atlanta
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

250SX East/West Shootout Results

  1. Adam Cianciarulo
  2. Dylan Ferrandis
  3. Austin Forkner
  4. Chase Sexton
  5. Justin Cooper
  6. Shane McElrath
  7. Colt Nichols
  8. Martin Davalos
  9. Michael Mosiman
  10. Brandon Hartranft

250 East Coast Report

For the current top three riders in the East Coast series the shootout did them no harm with Forkner’s third place earning him a handy 18-point margin back to Cooper, who in turn has a two-point buffer back to Sexton.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Forkner Sexton JK SX Atlanta
Austin Forkner – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

250 East Coast Points after 4 of 9 Rounds

  1. Austin Forkner – 99
  2. Justin Cooper – 81
  3. Chase Sexton – 79
  4. Jordon Smith – 70
  5. Alex Martin – 60

West Coast Report

The shootout couldn’t have gone better for Cianciarulo who now holds a 15-point lead over Ferrandis who moved into second in the championship by two points over McElrath, who in turn has a three-point lead over Nichols.

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Ferrandis JK SX Atlanta
Dylan Ferrandis – 2019 AMA SX Round 9 Atlanta – Image by Hoppenworld

250 West Coast Points after 6 of 10 Rounds

  1. Adam Cianciarulo – 140
  2. Dylan Ferrandis – 125
  3. Shane McElrath – 123
  4. Colt Nichols – 120
  5. RJ Hampshire – 86
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Cairoli and Prado take first blood at Argentina MXGP

The MXGP of Patagonia, Argentina hosted the opening round of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship and it was the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo of Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado who earned double moto victories in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.

MXGP Rnd Patagonia prado start qual
2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

MXGP Race Report

The only thing Cairoli failed at all weekend was his starts but the Italian managed to use all of his veteran savvy to squeeze his way to the lead before the end of the opening lap in moto 1 but it took 6 laps in the second moto to move into the lead.

While defending champion Jeffrey Herlings is on the sidelines with injury Cairoli is under no illusion as to how important these points are and he was doggedly determined to walk away with maximum points in Argentina.

Antonio Cairoli

“I am happy overall today because after yesterday I wasn’t sure how I will do off the starts. The rhythm was high in the beginning but I was just trying to see where I could gain some time. I managed to have 2 good starts, both were in the top ten…I found some good lines and I had a good race taking the overall which makes me really happy. There are a lot of Argentinian fans who cheer for me all year on social media so it is nice to give them a win especially on this track which I have never had the chance to win at, I was close last year but it is always nice to race where people don’t see us often and make them happy.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia antonio cairoli on the finish line
Antonio Cairoli – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Honda’s Tim Gajser took a hit after crashing on Saturday and was on the sore side on race day but he came through from a poor start in moto one to end the race in second, just 6 seconds back from a cruising Cairoli but in the second moto Tim was right there all race and was just 2 seconds back at the chequered flag – the former champ is showing form that will see him win races in 2019 – Herlings or no Herlings.

Tim Gajser

“It was good, I am really happy, yesterday I had a big crash and today I was a bit sore. In the first race I had a solid start inside the top ten and had to work hard to come through the pack but I finished 2nd which was good. In the second race I was a bit tight and didn’t relax, then Febvre and Tony passed me. I tried to stay with them to see where I was losing time then I passed Romain and with Tony we were about the same times, I tried to push but couldn’t get closer. It was a nice race and I’m looking forward to the next round already.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Gajser shotbybavo
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Romain Febvre scored third in the opening moto and was running a solid third in the second moto until a huge crash on lap 14 put the French Yamaha star out of the race and to rub salt into the wound former Yamaha rider Jeremy Van Horebeek put his Honda into third in the moto and third overall in his debut for his new team.

Jeremy Van Horebeek

“It is still unbelievable, until two weeks ago I didn’t know we would be here so it has been a crazy ride since last year. I am so thankful to this team for giving me the chance. I am thankful and I am going to keep on working to make this a great season.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia vanhorebeek action
Jeremy Van Horebeek – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Veterans Clement Desalle and Gautier Paulin earned top five positions with Arminas Jasikonis, Tommy Searle. Shaun Simpson, Jeremy Seewer and Pauls Jonass rounding out the top ten while Romain Febvre ended up 12th, one position ahead of Max Anstie and several ahead of Glenn Coldenhoff who was on deck to score points while recovering from injury.

MXGP Round 1, 2019 – Race 1

  1. Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM 34:41.270
  2. Gajser, Tim SLO Honda +0:06.253
  3. Febvre, Romain FRA Yamaha +0:09.838
  4. Desalle, Clement BEL Kawasaki +0:11.464
  5. Paulin, Gautier FRA Yamaha +0:02.566
  6. Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL Honda +0:32.226
  7. Lieber, Julien BEL Kawasaki +0:39.435
  8. Jasikonis, Arminas LMSF Husqvarna +0:49.752
  9. Jonass, Pauls LAT Husqvarna +0:50.285
  10. Seewer, Jeremy SUI Yamaha +0:59.164

MXGP Round 1, 2019 – Race 2

  1. Cairoli, Antonio ITA KTM 34:56.475
  2. Gajser, Tim SLO Honda +0:02.386
  3. Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL Honda +0:37.829
  4. Anstie, Max GBR KTM +0:42.332
  5. Paulin, Gautier FRA Yamaha +0:43.070
  6. Desalle, Clement BEL Kawasaki +0:47.509
  7. Searle, Tommy GBR Kawasaki +0:49.602
  8. Jasikonis, Arminas LTU Husqvarna +0:58.810
  9. Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM +1:01.941
  10. Tonus, Arnaud SUI Yamaha +1:03.513
MXGP Rnd Patagonia RA MXGP Podium
2019 MXGP Round 1 – Argentina – 1) Tony Cairoli, 2) Tim Gajser, 3) Jeremy Van Horebeek

MXGP Round 1, 2019 – Standings

  1. Cairoli, A. ITA KTM 50
  2. Gajser, Tim SLO HON 44
  3. Van Horebeek, J. BEL HON 35
  4. Desalle, C. BEL KAW 33
  5. Paulin, G. FRA YAM 32
  6. Jasikonis, A. LTU HUS 26
  7. Searle, Tommy GBR KAW 22
  8. Simpson, Shaun GBR KTM 22
  9. Seewer, Jeremy SUI YAM 21
  10. Jonass, Pauls LAT HUS 21
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MX2 Race Report

The defending champ Prado was expected to be the man to beat in Argentina but the Spaniard led every lap to win the opening moto from Thomas Kjer Olsen, Henry Jacobi, Calvin Vlaanderen and Mitchell Evans before handing down the same punishment in the second moto to take the win from Kjer Olsen, Evans, Vlaanderen and Jacobi.

Jorge Prado

“It was great to be back at the GPs, it is a long season but I have so much fun. Yesterday I had a good day but today I woke up and felt even better. I had 2 good starts which is very important because everyone is going fast and it is hard to make a difference. I am very happy with two firsts, for first overall, and points lead so it is a good start to the season.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia jorge prado
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Kjer Olsen and his Husqvarna were working a treat all weekend but his starts on Sunday saw the Dane playing catch up all day.

Thomas Kjer Olsen

“The first race I did slide on the gate…I felt like a came through the pack pretty good but once I got to second Prado was already like 12 seconds ahead so I tried to save some energy for the second race. Again not the greatest of starts but we will go back and work on those for sure to be more consistent. Overall I feel my riding was good and I felt good on the bike so I’m happy about that and it is a great feeling at the start of the season.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia olsen action
Thomas Kjer Olsen – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Mitch Evans sat in seventh place for most of the opening moto before passing Ben Watson and Tom Vialle late in the race to earn fifth place but in the second moto Evans was right on leader Prado’s rear wheel until Kjer Olsen dropped the Aussie to third on lap 5 but Mitch pushed hard to end the moto in third, only 12 seconds behind Prado after 18 laps – impressive!

Mitch Evans

“I couldn’t be any happier, I didn’t really know what to expect being my first GP.  I enjoyed every moment of it, it was awesome being here, the fans were awesome so I really enjoyed it. I knew the work that we put in during the off season and the preseason races that we had if I got good starts I could run with these boys.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

Vlaanderen, Jacobi, Watson, Vialle, Jago Geerts, Adam Sterry and Davy Pootjes rounded out the top ten while New Zealand’s Dylan Walsh ended up in 15th overall, five spots ahead of Evans’ teammate Zach Pichon who would have been hoping for better than 20th overall.

Jed Beaton was unable to compete in Argentina thanks to picking up an injury just a week before the opening GP but the Aussie will definitely be at the second round in the UK in a few week’s time so two Aussies on the podium in the coming rounds is more than possible.

MX2 Round 1, 2019 – Race 1

  1. Prado, Jorge ESP RFME KTM 34:50.385
  2. Olsen, Thomas Kjer DEN DMU Husqvarna +0:16.677
  3. Jacobi, Henry GER DMSB Kawasaki +0:23.565
  4. Vlaanderen, Calvin NED KNMV Honda +0:25.535
  5. Evans, Mitchell AUS MA Honda +0:27.289
  6. Watson, Ben GBR ACU Yamaha +0:29.198
  7. Vialle, Tom FRA FFM KTM +0:37.127
  8. Sterry, Adam GBR ACU Kawasaki +0:39.496
  9. Mewse, Conrad GBR ACU KTM +0:41.631
  10. Pootjes, Davy NED KNMV Husqvarna +0:52.057
    …13 Walsh, Dylan NZL Husqvarna +1:07.458
MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

MX2 Round 1, 2019 – Race 2

  1. Prado, Jorge ESP RFME KTM 33:48.208
  2. Olsen, Thomas Kjer DEN DMU Husqvarna +0:04.825
  3. Evans, Mitchell AUS MA Honda +0:12.437
  4. Vlaanderen, Calvin NED KNMV Honda +0:23.647
  5. Jacobi, Henry GER DMSB Kawasaki +0:30.601
  6. Geerts, Jago BEL FMB Yamaha +0:31.623
  7. Watson, Ben GBR ACU Yamaha +0:34.405
  8. Vialle, Tom FRA FFM KTM +0:46.909
  9. Sterry, Adam GBR ACU Kawasaki +0:51.470
  10. Pootjes, Davy NED KNMV Husqvarna +0:53.754
    …18. Walsh, Dylan NZL Husqvarna +1:26.232
MXGP Rnd Patagonia evans action
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

MX2 Round 1, 2019 – Standings

  1. Prado, Jorge ESP KTM 50
  2. Olsen, T. DEN HUS 44
  3. Evans, M. AUS HON 36
  4. Vlaanderen, C. NED HON 36
  5. Jacobi, Henry GER KAW 36
  6. Watson, Ben GBR YAM 29
  7. Vialle, Tom FRA KTM 27
  8. 193 Geerts, Jago BEL YAM 25
  9. Sterry, Adam GBR KAW 25
  10. Pootjes, Davy NED HUS 22
  11. Mewse, Conrad GBR KTM 21
  12. Vaessen, Bas NED KTM 15
  13. Cervellin, M. ITA YAM 13
  14. Östlund, Alvin SWE HUS 13
  15. Walsh, Dylan NZL HUS 11
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Evans creates history at Argentina

Mitch Evans has sensationally created history by becoming the first Aussie to podium on his GP debut, bettering the likes of Robert Scott, Lyndon Heffernan, Jeff Leisk, Craig Dack, Andrew McFarlane, Chad Reed, Hunter Lawrence and Jed Beaton (to name a few) along the way.

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans shotbybavo
Mitch Evans – 2019 MXGP Round 1 – Patagonia-Argentina

After his solid performance in tough conditions at the 2018 Motocross of Nations in America, Evans was starting to get calls from teams in Europe and it wasn’t long before Hunter Lawrence’s old team Honda 114 came knocking and the rest is history.

Mitch Evans

“I am grateful for the opportunity that Honda 114 Motorsports has presented me. Racing in the FIM Motocross World Championship has been a goal of mine since I competed in the world junior championship in 2010. There is a lot for me to learn and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. I am excited to be racing with the best in the world.”

MXGP Rnd Patagonia Mitch Evans CreditTeamMotorsportsFacebook
2019 MXGP Round 1 – Argentina – Mitch Evans – Image courtesy of Team 114 Motorsports Facebook Page

Evans will now head to the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin in three weekend’s time and there is nothing surer that the Aussie has learned a lot in Argentina and will hit the second round with a belly full of confidence.

Barcia concussed – misses Atlanta

Justin Barcia has been evaluated to see if he sustained a concussion and was forced to sit out last weekend’s Atlanta Supercross following a training crash at his riding facility in Florida. Barcia

Below is the Monster Energy Yamaha statement:

“Following a medical check at TOC in Tallahassee, Florida, Barcia is being evaluated for concussion and as a precautionary measure will not take part in this weekend’s Monster Energy Supercross round at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.

AMA SX Rnd Texas Justin Barcia Pits JK SX Arlington
Justin Barcia

“The news of Justin’s accident this morning is a real pity, but our main concern is Justin’s health and recovery. Following the Concussion Protocol, we hope that Justin will be back to 100% and cleared to participate soon.”

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Holcomba kicks off 2019 with win in Italy

In an effort to get some valuable race miles under his belt ahead of the Enduro World Championships in March, Beta Factory Racing’s Steve Holcombe has started his 2019 racing season with a confidence inspiring result at the opening two rounds of the Italian Enduro Championship in Gioia dei Marsi last weekend.

Steve Holcombe imgCristianoMorello
Steve Holcome – Image by Cristiano Morello

As the reigning Assoluti d’Italia champion, Holcombe was bettered by TM rider Loic Larrieu on the opening day but the World Champ rose to the occasion on day two to take the win from Larrieu and his teammate Daniel McCanney who scored third on both days.

Steve Holcombe

“It’s been a really strong start to the 2019 season for me. I had a good ride on Saturday to finish second and then with some improvements to our setup I was able to take the win on Sunday, which is a real boost. On day one we opted to use a hard compound rear tyre. But with overnight rain that choice didn’t work in our favour and I struggled to find grip on the first lap, especially in the enduro test. As conditions improved, so did my pace and I worked my way back into contention. Fastest on the final extreme test, I got close to topping the results but I wasn’t able to make it happen on the last cross test. However, with a strong end to the day I was able to carry that speed into Sunday. I won the first test to put myself into the lead, before going on to set the fastest time in three more tests and claim victory. I honestly didn’t expect to hold this sort of pace so soon in the year as this race is part of my training plan towards the Enduro World Championship. Overall, it’s been a great result for us as a team and one that will keep us pushing hard as we head towards round one of EnduroGP in Germany at the end of this month.”

Results – Italian Enduro Championship
Round 1

  1. Loic Larrieu (TM) 48:18.93
  2. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 48:25.39
  3. Daniel McCanney (TM) 48:29.79

Round 2

  1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 47:46.11
  2. Loic Larrieu (TM) 48:01.61
  3. Daniel McCanney (TM) 48:01.98

Price to be honoured at Aussie F1 GP

In an unprecedented move and with global television coverage to boot, 2019 Dakar Rally Champion Toby Price is set to join the Formula One drivers’ parade for a lap of honour ahead of the season opening race of the FIA Formula One World Championship at 2.30pm on Sunday, March 17.

Dakar Rally Toby Price ImgMarcinKin
Toby Price – Image by Marcin Kin

Price will follow the convoy of Formula One drivers during the parade to salute fans while riding aboard the KTM machinery he rode to his second Dakar victory.

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott, acknowledged that the scheduled lap of honour is a fitting way to allow the fans to celebrate the popular two wheel and four wheel racer’s ackomplishments.

Andrew Westacott – Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO

“Toby Price is the only Australian to have ever conquered the gruelling Dakar Rally, and to have now won it for a second-time in defying circumstances is an incredible achievement. What better way to celebrate Toby’s accomplishment than allowing him to join 20 of his peers that are the best racing drivers in the world in a lap of honour on the world stage. We are thrilled to honour Toby at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 and see him receive the global recognition he deserves, when the world’s eyes are on Melbourne for the opening round of the FIA Formula One World Championship.”

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Dack ready for season 2019

It is hard to believe that it was 27 years ago that Craig Dack Racing (CDR Yamaha) was formed but what is not hard to believe that Craig himself, a multiple Australian Motocross and Supercross Champion still has the competitive juices flowing and is pumped for the new season.

Craig Dack

“I love this time of year. All the hard work over the off season from both the riders and the teams comes to the surface now and it’s time to go racing. This is why we do the work – to see how it plays out on the weekends. Having Appin as the opening round this year should make for a great start to the season as the track always turns on great racing and its well supported by the fans. Our team has a good history at the venue and we hope for that to continue this year. Both Luke (Clout) and Kirk (Gibbs) have had a great pre-season, and both are showing good form. Kirk has raced in New Zealand and showed plenty of speed and quickly adapted to the YZ450F while Luke has done a couple of local races and been successful at those, so I feel we are well placed heading into round one.”

mx nationals coolum round mx cdr dacka ImageScottYa
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack

“This is our second full season on the current generation YZ450F and it’s a sensational bike with a great chassis and powerful motor. Our time isn’t spent trying to develop the bike a great deal but rather personalise it for the individual rider as the production platform is so good. Brad, Aiden and Gary are able to get the most from it and the riders respect the fact we have such high quality technical staff at CDR. We value the long term partnerships we have with the best companies in the industry. It takes a lot of support to run a team like CDR and I’m proud of the relationships we have built over the years.”

Long term and loyal sponsors like Fox, Pro Circuit, Dunlop, NGK, DID as well as major partner Yamaha have been with CDR Yamaha since the early days and the continued building of relationships with companies like Monster Energy, Kincrome tools and Renthal keep the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team at the front of the pack.

Kirk Gibbs' 2019 CDR Monster Energy YZ450FLook for ‘Dacka’ as he is known, the big blue Yamaha rig and the rest of the team on March 17 at Appin Raceway, south west of Sydney.

The stars of the AORC hit Toowoomba this weekend

This coming weekend Toowoomba will host then opening two rounds of the AORC and all of the heavy hitters will be on hand to have a crack at drawing first blood on their competition – let’s see what is going down in the three main classes.

E1

Reigning 2018 E1 Champion Luke Styke (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) has to go into the series as class favourite but the former motocross star will have to contend with four-time world champion Matthew Phillips (MX Store, KTM) in 2019.

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Luke
Luke Styke

The trouble doesn’t end there for Styke, Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) will no doubt come into Rounds 1 and 2 with a point to prove as will Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and Michael Driscoll (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) make thids class the hottest in the series.

E2

2018 E3 Champion Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) will move across to the E2 class this season and the early money is on Jeremy Carpentier (Yamaha MX Store Ballards Off-Road Team), Joshua Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) and Broc Grabham to be Milner’s biggest competition this season.

Daniel Milner

“The 500cc bike was awesome, no doubt, but for me as a rider I find I suit a smaller bike better. So switching to a 350cc E2 class bike has been a really enjoyable change. I’m finding I’m moving faster and achieving better results with the smaller bike.”

Daniel Milner will be heading to Toowoomba for the opening round of the AORC
Daniel Milner – AORC heads to Toowoomba for 2019 opener

 E3

After taking out the E2 crown in 2018, Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) has moved to the E3 class and by all accounts Andy Wilksch (Motul Pirelli Sherco Team), Beau Ralston and Western Australian Jesse Lawton will all look to keep Sanders on his toes throughout the series.

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Mentoring role brings Matthew Phillips to AORC

After a couple of tough years overseas and right in the midst of potentially retiring from the sport, four-time World Champion Matthew Phillips has committed to the 2019 AORC on KTM machinery and it is in the role of mentoring young Kyron Bacon who will be competing in the EJ class that will see Phillips riding for the ‘love for the sport’ once again.

Matthew Phillips

“My plan is to compete in all 11 rounds of the AORC 2019 season, beginning in Rounds 1 and 2 in the E1 class. As the season moves on I’ll change things up a bit by moving across the senior classes with different bikes. The main thinking is that I want to maintain the love for the sport and by changing things up each round will definitely help that! Kyron rode at my property already, and he explained his situation back in 2018. I then offered my support to help him grow and climb up the ranks. Since we became a team, Kyron has been putting in an enormous number of hours, working his bike hard to get faster and faster. I definitely see him as a title contender in the EJ class for 2019 and beyond!”

Matthew Phillips
Matthew Phillips

Look for the KTM/MX Store team this weekend at the opening round of the 2019 AORC at Toowoomba.

Cosford wins Coolum 2-Stroke Cup

Young Jayce Cosford has overcome the weight of his three-digit race number to better some of the fastest riders in Australia to win the premier class at the second round of the 2019 2-Stroke Nationals held at Coolum raceway last weekend.

Cosford won all three motos of the YMI All Powers Cup to take the overall ahead of local shot-shot Jai Walker and round one winner Joel Milesevic while Andrew Shacklock (Hallman Retro Cup). Alex Larwood (125 Junior Cup), Hunter Collins (Yamaha 85cc Cup) and Ky Woods (Raceline 65cc Cup) all took out the support class wins.

YMI All Powers Cup

  1. Jayce Cosford
  2. Jai Walker
  3. Joel Milesevic
  4. Jesse Bishop
  5. Ryan Kenney
  6. Nicholas Kefford
  7. Danny Ham
  8. Wilson Greiner-Daish
  9. Cale Harkin
  10. Kobe Barton
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2020 Aussie Speedway Solo Champs calendar announced

On the back of a highly successful 2019 championship, a completely revamped 2020 Australian Speedway Solo Championship calendar has been announced with five rounds running from 2-11 January, commencing first in Kurri Kurri, NSW and moving South through VIC and landing at the iconic Gillman Speedway in SA.

Reflecting on the new calendar, defending champion Max Fricke is wrapped with the new schedule.

Max Fricke

“The new tighter schedule is a really great change! It matches the European style and suits what we’re used to as we compete throughout the year. It’s also a great experience for riders and fans alike, with such a tight window to collect as many points as you can whilst maintaining your fitness and drive. Going up against such strong competition back in January, which seemed to include everyone bar Jason Doyle, and then taking out my first Australian Senior Solo Championship title was such a great feeling! As we prepare for the European season, I am finding myself increasingly comfortable competing against the likes of Tungate and Holder. It’s also great to come back home to Australia and compete against locals that you haven’t experienced before, who may have different tactics and styles. The growth in Australian Speedway talent that competes in the Senior Solo Championship is really impressive and continues to grow the sport” highlighted Fricke.

Max Fricke
Max Fricke

 2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship

  • 2nd Jan – Qualifying Meeting (If Required) – Kurri Kurri, NSW
  • 3rd Jan – Round One – Kurri Kurri, NSW
  • 6th Jan – Round Two – Albury, VIC
  • 7th Jan – Round Three – Undera, VIC
  • 9th Jan – Round Four – Mildura, VIC
  • 11th Jan – Round Five – Gillman, SA

Stay in the loop with all things Australian Speedway by checking out the Australian Speedway Championships website and Facebook!

2020 & 2021 Australian Junior and Senior Speedway Sidecar calendar

The 2020 and 2021 Australian Junior and Senior Speedway Sidecar Championship calendar has also been announced, and reflecting the ever-increasing Speedway Sidecar talent that resides within the Australia, the Championship will land in Mildura, Victoria for 2020 and then venture across the Nullarbor Plain to Pinjar, Western Australia (WA) in 2021!

The 2020 Championship will run from 27-28 April* (*TBA), following on from the festivities of the Easter long weekend. Across in WA for 2021, the Championship will run over the Easter long weekend from 20-21 April.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News | Tomac & Cianciarulo win San Diego AMA SX

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Moto News Wrap for February 4, 2019 by Darren Smart

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Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Moto News Latest

  • Great night for Kawasaki at San Diego AMA SX
  • French riders continue to dominate UK Arenacross
  • Cairoli and Prado continue top form at Ottobiano
  • Raga beats Bou at Barcelona X-Trial
  • Cooper and Harwood storm Taranaki
  • Nathan Watson claims French Beach Race title at Enduropale du Touquet
  • Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019
  • Yamaha bLU cRU backs 2019 A4DE
  • Toowoomba to host opening round of AORC
  • Mountain Man just a few week’s away
  • King of MX receives manufacture’s backing
  • 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing increases USA contingency program
  • Jeffrey Herlings injury update
  • Italy disqualified from 2018 MXoN

Great night for Kawasaki at San Diego AMA SX

Kawasaki riders Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo have won the 450SX and 250SX main events respectively in sloppy conditions at round five of the AMA Supercross Championships which was held in San Diego last weekend.

AMA SX Rnd Podium JK SX SanDiego
Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac and Adam Cianciarulo dominated the San Diego AMA SX round – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Report

San Diego was soaked with unseasonal rain all week as well as on race night so the main event was shortened to just 15 minutes and on a completely water logged circuit Tomac survived the treacherous conditions to not only score his first win of the season, he became the fourth Red Plate holder for the 2019 season.

AMA SX Rnd Starts JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

Marvin Musquin played it safe all race to steadily climb up to second place over Ken Roczen on the very last lap and now sits just tied with Roczen in second place, just four points back from Tomac.

Eli Tomac

“Today was kind of wild with the conditions, we weren’t on the normal dirt but overall it was the direction we wanted to go, qualifying good, getting better starts to put ourselves in the right position but when the rain stopped the mud got thicker so the bike got heavy and each section was sketchy, it had to stop to make sure a track marker didn’t get sucked into my rear wheel and then had to stop to clear my goggles on the last lap so it was the hardest by far.”

AMA SX Rnd Podium JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Marvin Musquin

“It was a tough day, in the heat race I don’t know what happened but I almost did a 180 off the start but managed to get back to third then in the main I just tried to get a decent start but I didn’t so I was pretty far back, my helmet was heavy, my goggles were full of mud so I almost pulled my goggles off on the first lap but I didn’t which is awesome because it saved me and the roll-off worked out so towards the end, I had no idea where I was (placing wise) so I just kept on passing but you couldn’t attack or you could make a mistake, I got by Bogle, then I saw Kenny and got around him then when we crossed the line I looked at the board and I was in second.”

AMA SX Rnd Musquin JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Ken Roczen

“I thought I was in third, then I got passed my Marvin with one turn to go which wasn’t that happy about, I made some changes this week and we made some improvements on the starts which really paid off because today the tarts were really important, I got a super-good holeshot (in the main) but sure enough, I threw it away and went back to fourth of fifth then ended up third, for the championship we are only four points behind and it’s super tight so for my mind the season doesn’t really start until around round 10 and to somewhere near the front is good and I am just picking my battles right now, I just want to get out of the West Coast because it has been a long time since I accomplished that.”

AMA SX Rnd Roczen JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

It was mayhem all race causing Justin Barcia’s Yamaha to fail while Justin Bogle was unlucky not to land on the podium but the fill-in KTM rider managed fourth place ahead of Chad Reed, Aaron Plessinger, Joey Savatgy, and Cooper Webb who went over the handlebars while taking evasive action when Musquin momentarily stalled between two muddy jumps.

AMA SX Rnd Reed JK SX SanDiego
Chad Reed – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

Webb lost the red plate in San Diego but remains in contention for the championship to sit in 4th, just eight points behind Tomac.

As for Reed, the veteran finally cracked the top five and has moved into ninth in the championship, just 15 points behind fifth placed Blake Baggett.

AMA SX Rnd Bogle JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

450 Main Event Results

  1. Eli Tomac
  2. Marvin Musquin
  3. Ken Roczen
  4. Justin Bogle
  5. Chad Reed
  6. Aaron Plessinger
  7. Joey Savatgy
  8. Cooper Webb
  9. Blake Baggett
  10. Tyler Bowers
  11. Vince Friese
  12. Dean Wilson
  13. Cole Martinez
  14. Cole Seely
  15. Ben Lamay
  16. Carlen Gardner
  17. Kyle Chisholm
  18. Theodore Pauli
  19. Cade Autenrieth
  20. Alex Ray
  21. Justin Barcia
  22. Heath Harrison
AMA SX Rnd Podium JK SX SanDiego
450 Main Event podium – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Points after Round 5 of 17

  1. Eli Tomac – 106
  2. Marvin Musquin – 102
  3. Ken Roczen – 102
  4. Cooper Webb – 98
  5. Blake Baggett – 80
  6. Dean Wilson – 80
  7. Justin Barcia – 74
  8. Aaron Plessinger – 66
  9. Chad Reed – 65
  10. Cole Seely – 65
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250SX Report

There was only one rider on the track in the 250SX main that looked remotely comfortable in the slippery conditions and it was Cianciarulo who led from go-to-woe to not only convincingly take the win but the Kawasaki rider has moved into the championship lead after his closest rivals faltered.

AMA SX Rnd Cianciarulo JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

Cianciarulo’s teammate Garrett Marchbanks rode well to finish second ahead of Jimmy Decotis while championship contenders Shane McElrath, Dylan Ferrandis and Colt Nichols finished 4th, 7th and 10th respectively.

Cianciarulo now holds an eight point lead in the championship over McElrath while Nichols is 10 points back and Ferrandis 12 as the 250SX West riders head into a three week break.

Adam Cianciarulo

“It is good going into the break with my mind at ease but when you have a stressful day like this with all of the unknowns and things that can happen out of your control it is tough but I felt better than usual so now happy to build on this.”

AMA SX Rnd Cianciarulo JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
Garrett Marchbanks

“It’s been a big learning curve riding with these guys and I have been working on my starts and my speed so to end up here in second is beyond where I thought we would be when the day got started. My dad and I use to flood a little turn track at our place which made me a pretty good mud rider.”

AMA SX Rnd Marchbanks JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld
James Decotis

“I didn’t know I got third, I thought I got another fourth place, I am over fourth place, then I was told I got third, I was trying to stay up, my little legs I was dabbling and struggling so I just stood up, hit my marks to end up third so I am thankful for it.”

AMA SX Rnd Decotis JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

In his final race before heading home, Australian privateer Thomas Ravenhorst did not qualify for the night program after an electrical gremlin put an end to his night in San Diego but the good news for us Aussie’s is that Hunter Lawrence will be in action when the AMA Supercross Championship heads to Minneapolis this weekend.

AMA SX Rnd McElrath JK SX SanDiego
AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

250 Main Event Results

  1. Adam Cianciarulo
  2. Garrett Marchbanks
  3. James Decotis
  4. Shane McElrath
  5. Jess Pettis
  6. Martin Castelo
  7. Dylan Ferrandis
  8. Mathias Jorgensen
  9. Cameron McAdoo
  10. Colt Nichols
  11. Chris Blose
  12. Michael Mosiman
  13. Jacob Hayes
  14. Carson Brown
  15. RJ Hampshire
  16. Scott Champion
  17. RJ Wageman
  18. Devin Harriman
  19. Enzo Lopes
  20. Deegan Vonlossberg
  21. Ludovic Macler
  22. Mitchell Harrison
AMA SX Rnd Podium JK SX SanDiego
250 Main Event podium – AMA Supercross 2019 – Round 5 – San Diego – Image by Hoppenworld

250 Points after 5 of 10 Rounds

  1. Adam Cianciarulo – 114
  2. Shane McElrath – 106
  3. Colt Nichols – 104
  4. Dylan Ferrandis – 102
  5. RJ Hampshire – 75
  6. James Decotis – 73
  7. Cameron McAdoo – 72
  8. Garrett Marchbanks – 71
  9. Chris Blose – 70
  10. Jess Pettis – 66
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French riders continue to dominate UK Arenacross

The Resorts World Arena, Birmingham hosted the fourth round of the six-round UK Arenacross Tour and it was the French pairing of Cedric Soubeyras and Greg Aranda who continued to dominate the series.

Soubeyras won the Superfinal over Aranda and Valentin Teillet and then the Pro-Lites final ahead of Teillet and Julien Lebeau before Aranda won the Pro 450 final over Charles Le Francois and Adam Chatfield.

UK Arenacross Super Final Podium
UK Arenacross 2019 – Birmingham – 1) Cedric Soubeyras, 2) Greg Aranda, 3) Valentin Teillet

Aranda now has a four point lead over Soubeyras in the Pro AX class, Soubeyras already has a healthy 48 point lead in the Pro Lites class and Aranda has a 49 point lead in the Pro 450 class while it is the Team FRO Systems Suzuki who is leading the team points chase.

Main Event Super Final

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras FRO Systems 15 Points
  2. #20 Greg Aranda Team Green Kawasaki 13
  3. #737 Valentin Teillet SR75 Suzuki 11
  4. #3 Charles Le Francois SR75 Suzuki 9
  5. #6 Adrien Escoffier Buildbase Honda 8
  6. #9 Adam Chatfield Buildbase Honda 7

Pro AX Championship

  1. #20 Greg Aranda 56 Points
  2. #1 Cedric Soubeyras 52
  3. #737 Valentin Teillet 31
  4. #4 Fabien Izoird 30
  5. #3 Charles Le Francois 25
  6. #6 Adrien Escoffier 24

Pro Lites
Main Event Overall

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras FRO Systems 28 points
  2. #737 Valentin Teillet SR75 Suzuki 28
  3. #259 Julien Lebeau Wooldridge Demolition 20
  4. #1x Joe Clayton Team Green Kawasaki 17
  5. #6 Adrien Escoffier Buildbase Honda 16
  6. #744 Diogo Graca Castrol Power1 Suzuki Motobase 15
  7. #13 Nolan Cordens KTM 13
  8. #337 Glenn McCormick Unique Fitout Husqvarna 11

Pro Lites Championship

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras 170 Points
  2. #737 Valentin Teillet 122
  3. #6 Adrien Escoffier 106
  4. #259 Julien Lebeau 102
  5. #1x Joe Clayton 72
  6. #744 Diogo Graca 60

Pro 450
Main Event Overall

  1. #20 Greg Aranda Team Green Kawasaki 30 Points
  2. #3 Charles Le Francois SR75 Suzuki 26
  3. #9 Adam Chatfield Buildbase Honda 19
  4. #64 Nique Thury Fro Systems Honda 17
  5. #33 Ashley Greedy FRO Systems Honda 17
  6. #8 Hugo Basaula Shocktech Kawasaki 14
  7. #200 James Dunn Castrol Power1 Suzuki Motobase 13
  8. #17 Matt Bayliss Wooldridge Demolition Honda 12

Pro 450 Championship

  1. #20 Greg Aranda 174 Points
  2. #3 Charles Le Francois 125
  3. #4 Fabien Izoird 93
  4. #64 Nique Thury 89
  5. #8 Hugo Basaula 73
  6. #33 Ashley Greedy 62

Team Championship

  1. Team FRO Systems Suzuki 259 Points
  2. SR75 Suzuki Suzuki 247
  3. Team Green Kawasaki 246
  4. Shocktech Kawasaki 166
  5. Wooldridge Demolition 161
  6. Buildbase Honda 151
  7. Castrol Suzuki MBC 84

The next stop of The Arenacross Tour is in two weeks’ time The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th of February 2019.

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Cairoli and Prado continue top form at Ottobiano

The second round of the Italian Motocross Championship was held on a rain soaked Ottobiano circuit last Sunday and once again KTM riders Antonio Cairoli and Jorge Prado have not only won their MX1 and MX2 races respectively but they also finished 1-3 three in the MX1/MX2 combined Superfinal.

Italian Championship Ottobiano Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – Image by S. Taglioni

Cairoli won the MX1 moto after a hard fought battle with Yamaha’s Romain Febvre but by moto end the Italian had etched out a three second gap to take with win over Febvre, Tim Gajser, Gautier Paulin and Tanel Leok while in the MX2 class Prado won the moto by over seven seconds from Calvin Vlaanderen, Max Renaux, Michelle Cervellin and Ben Watson.

Italian Championship Ottobiano Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – Image by S. Taglioni

The Superfinal lived up to expectations with Cairoli and Gajser battling tooth and nail for much of the race but Cairoli got the nod by a narrow margin over Gajser, Prado, Febvre and Mikkel Haarup.

Italian Championship Ottobiano Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – Image by S. Taglioni

Cairoli lead the MX1 championship by 40 points over Febvre and the Superfinal class by 40 points over Gajser while in the MX2 class Prado holds a 90 point lead with one round remaining at Mantova this weekend.

Italian Championship Ottobiano Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – Image by S. Taglioni

Italian MX1 Standings

  1. Cairoli Antonio (Ita) 240
  2. Febvre Romain (Fra) 200
  3. Gajser Tim(Slo) 160
  4. Paulin Gautier (Fra) 130
  5. Leok Tanel (Est) 115

Italian MX2 Standings

  1. Prado Jorge (Spa) 240
  2. Haarup Mikkel (Den) 150
  3. Cervellin Michele (Ita) 125
  4. Watson Ben (Gbr) 125
  5. Renaux Maxime (Fra) 112

Raga beats Bou at Barcelona X-Trial

Adam Raga has taken a rare victory over Toni Bou at the second round of the FIM X-Trail World Championship held in Barcelona, Spain last weekend.

X Trial Barcelona Adam Raga scored a rare win over Toni Bou
Adam Raga – X-Trial Barcelona

It was an up and down night for all riders on a very technical circuit but when it was all said and done Raga got the win over Bou with Jaime Busto coming home in third place so after two rounds Raga and Bou are tied on 35 points with Busto tied for third place in the championship with Jeroni Fajardo on 21 points.

The third round of the seven round series will be held in Bilboa, Spain on February 16.

Cooper and Harwood storm Taranaki

The Taranaki Motorcycle Club hosted the opening round of the highly anticipated New Zealand Motocross Championship and in perfect racing weather is was Cody Cooper and Hamish Harwood who came away with first blood in the MX1, MX2 and 125cc classes respectively.

MX1 Report

On the slippery Taranaki layout Cooper dropped the opening MX1 moto to defending champion Kirk Gibbs but the veteran was in no mood to give the Aussie any more fanfare to go on and win the final two motos for the overall win and the points lead heading to the second round of the four round series.

After narrowly winning the opening moto, Gibbs led most of the second moto only to lose the lead to Cooper late in the race but in the third race Gibbs was forced to come through the pack and found speed he had missed earlier in the day to finish just behind Cooper at the line.

Kayne Lamont was right in the mix in all three motos but dropped off the pace as the motos wore on to finish with three third place finishes for third overall ahead of Brad Groombridge        (4-4-6), Cohen Chase (5-5-5), Hadleigh Knight and Blake Gillard (6-7-9) who was sizzling around Taranaki on a KTM250SX 2-stroke.

Cody Cooper

“Obviously this is not my favourite track but I am slowly getting to like it and riding it better, my bike is working way better too so we can only get better at the tracks that I like with more traction and speed.”

Kirk Gibbs

“I really enjoyed that last moto, obviously it was a shame having to come from behind but I feel like that is the best I rode all day, that first moto I rode just to protect (from Cooper) the best I could so I was lucky to get that win and obviously in that second race I didn’t flow that well which allowed Coops to get away but in the last moto I felt really good, I was hitting all my marks, I love and bike and it is onward and upwards from here.”

Kayne Lamont

“Today I just tried to get some decent seat time and do some long motos at a high intensity so that was good to get that under my belt but we have a two week break now to Rotorua and I get myself around there pretty good so I will go there pretty confident after today so we will see what we can do there.”

MX1 – Total Points Round 1

  1. Cody Cooper 2-1-1 – 72p
  2. Kirk Gibbs 1-2-2 – 69p
  3. Kayne Lamont 3-3-3 – 60p
  4. Brad Groombridge 4-4-6 – 51p
  5. Cohen Chase 5-5-5 – 48p
  6. Hadleigh Knight 12-6-4 – 41p
  7. Blake Gillard 6-7-9 – 41p
  8. Tyler Steiner 7-10-8 – 38p
  9. Mason Wilkie 10-10-7 – 34p
  10. Jacob Steel 11-8-9 – 33p
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MX2 Report

The MX2 class saw three different moto winners with Max Purvis winning the opening moto from Harwood and Brad Groombridge after Aussie Wilson Todd crashed out of the lead but Todd bounced back to win the second moto over Harwood and Joel Meikle but in the final moto it was all Harwood who complete his sixth moto and his third back-to-back race to take the win over Todd and Purvis.

Harwood was forced to race a 4-stroke KTM this year after Motorcycling New Zealand banned the 250cc 2-srokes from the MX2 class but the three-time MX2 champion proved that it wasn’t the power of the 2-stroke that gave him the advantage in previous years.

Hamish Harwood

“The day panned exactly how I wanted it, real happy to win both classes, I am kind of lucky that even when I am tired I can hold a good pace but my main goal is to be healthy, this track can catch you out so now it is on to Rotorua.”

Wilson Todd

“The tracks here are a lot better than what we race on back home and there was plenty of good racing out there today with all of the lines and the way the track forms up but we will fly home tomorrow, do some training and get back for round two.”

MX2 – Total Points Round 1

  1. Hamish Harwood 2-2-1 – 69p
  2. Wilson Todd 8-1-2 – 60p
  3. Maximus Purvis 1-6-3 – 60p
  4. Brad Groombridge 3-6-5 – 51p
  5. Joel Meikle 9-3-7 – 46p
  6. Wyatt Chase 7-7-4 – 46p
  7. Morgan Fogarty 6-4-10 – 43p
  8. Micah McGoldrick 4-15-5 – 38p
  9. Broc Martens 10-9-11 – 30p
  10. Sam Cuthbertson 13-10-8 – 29p

125cc Report

Hamish Harwood works all week as a builder, completes his physical training after work and races on weekends with his father by his side so the three time NZ Champion decided to ride the 125cc class in 2019 and his three wins from three rides proved the decision to be sound.

Brodie Connolly came home with three second places and a name that we will be hearing from in the future is Ben Broad who at the tender age of 15 earned a podium finish in his first senior national outing.

Hamish Harwood

“Obviously the goal is to win but if I am feeling a little fatigued (because of the back-to-back races) I will settle for what I can get but if I am feeling good I am happy to take the win,

Brodie Connolly

“I am just trying to enjoy it (my racing), the track held up well today, the club did a great job, it was technical and hard which is what you want to get the technical riders on top, it was a good day overall.”

Ben Broad

“The track gets really rough compared to the junior days because they don’t groom it as much and there is more competition.”

125cc 2 STROKE – Total Points Round 1

  1. Hamish Harwood 1-1-1 – 75p
  2. Brodie Connolly 2-2-2 – 66p
  3. Benjamin Broad 3-3-3 – 60p
  4. Joshua Bourke-Palmer 4-4-5 – 52p
  5. Tommy Watts 6-7-4 – 47p
  6. Clayton Roeske 7-9-6 – 41p
  7. Jack Dunlop 11-5-8 – 38p
  8. Scott Barr-Smith 12-8-7 – 37p
  9. James Rountree 5-15-10 – 33p
  10. Charlie Richardson 10-11-12 – 33p

MX3 – Total Points Round 1

  1. Steve Craig 1-2-2 – 69p
  2. Lucas Gisler 4-1-1 – 68p
  3. Jonathan Ellison 3-4-3 – 58p
  4. Ivan Boehlen – 6-3-7 – 49p
  5. Patrick Straub 2-13-4 – 48p
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Nathan Watson claims French Beach Race title
at Enduropale du Touquet

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has claimed victory at the Enduropale du Touquet beach race, crowning the British rider champion of the Championnat de France des Sables series. Victory at the 44th edition of the iconic beach race also secured KTM’s first French Beach Race Championship title.

Le Touquet Beach Race Nathan Watson PH
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert

With the world-renowned Enduropale du Touquet playing host to the sixth and final round of the Championnat de France des Sables, Nathan Watson arrived at the legendary beach race third overall in the points standings. Knowing that a race win would offer him the greatest chance of championship success, the British rider set about doing exactly that.

A slow start to the race saw Watson lose considerable time on the leaders during the opening hour. Taking things too cautiously on the fast and smooth course, he began to find his rhythm as the event moved past the halfway point. With the track deteriorating, the KTM 450 SX-F mounted rider rapidly cut his way through the field, jumping from sixth to second in just two laps.

Le Touquet Beach Race Nathan Watson PH
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert

Battling hard with race leader and championship rival Milko Potisek, the duo went head-to-head during the closing stages of the race. With the final pitstop complete, Watson attacked hard for the last two laps and managed to break clear. He eventually crossed the finish line as the 2019 French Beach Race champion with a comfortable five-minute margin of victory.

Nathan Watson

“It’s an absolutely amazing feeling to not only win Le Touquet for the first time but also take the championship. We’ve worked incredibly hard this season, so to get a result like this is beyond words. During the first hour of the race I actually thought that I might not be able to do it. A lot of people overtook me early on and I was riding far too cautiously because the course was so fast and smooth. When it grew rougher that’s when I began to come into my own and really find my speed. I was just able to push hard and feel confident in the big sand holes and the slower traffic around me. When I caught Milko we battled for a while and then for the final pitstop we pitted at different times, so I didn’t know where he was after that. All I could do was give it 100 per cent during the final two laps until the finish line. This is the biggest victory of my career – it’s been my dream since I was a child to win this race and now I’ve become the first British rider to do so. I’m also the first KTM rider in over 30 years to win Le Touquet, too. Now, winning the championship as a result is perfect end to a fantastic season. Finally, I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the support they’ve put into me – it’s amazing to get the result we’ve all worked so hard for.”

Le Touquet Beach Race Nathan Watson PH
Nathan Watson – Image by Pascal Haudiquert

Results – Championnat de France des Sables, Round 6

  1. Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 15 laps 3:30:20.951
  2. Daymond Martens (BEL) Yamaha, 3:08:16.441
  3. Richard Fura (FRA) Honda, 3:10:14.311
  4. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA) Yamaha, 3:11:17.183
  5. Stephane Watel (FRA) Honda 3:14:05.210

Final Championship Standings

  1. Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 735 points
  2. Milko Potisek (FRA) Yamaha, 625
  3. Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA) KTM, 615
  4. Maxime Sot (FRA) Yamaha, 590
  5. Stephane Watel (FRA) Honda, 566
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Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019

Suzuki Australia has announced the continuation of its Suzuki Support Rider (SSR) Contingency program for the 2019 MX Nationals, Australian Superbike Championship and recognised state motocross and road racing premier class championships.

Riders who compete on current generation Suzuki motorcycles are eligible to register as for the free SSR contingency program but the rider must register with Suzuki while only one rider can register per VIN.

Suzuki Australia Continues with Contingency Program in
Suzuki Australia continues contingency program in 2019

Suzuki will send each rider an acceptance letter, which includes a SSR Registration Number. One number will be issued per rider, even if the rider competes on more than one machine or in multiple capacity classes. This Registration Number will be used in all claims for contingency or other correspondence with Suzuki.

Only the nominated Motorcycling Australia sanctioned events will be eligible for contingency. Suzuki Support Riders registered for claiming contingency must use the Claim Form attached. Results will be verified by Suzuki against official M.A. results.

Contingency payments will only be made to riders who satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Compete on current generation RM-Z250, RM-Z450, GSX-R600 or GSX-R1000/R.
  2. Registered for SSR and have received acceptance including their Registration Number from Suzuki Australia.
  3. Lodge a claim form within 7 days of the event to Suzuki Australia including their race support number. Suzuki will verify through official race M.A results

For further information on the 2019 SSR Contingency Program, interested customers should visit http://www.suzukimotorcycles.com.au/suzuki-support-rider

Yamaha bLU cRU Backs 2019 A4DE

Motorcycling Australia has announced Yamaha bLU cRU as the official naming rights sponsor of the 2019 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) which will once again showcase the current world class talent residing in Australia.

ADE bLU cRU

Ray Howard – Yamaha Motorsports Division Manager

“2018 was a spectacular year for Yamaha bLU cRU and the A4DE and we are pleased to continue our relationship with the historic event in 2019. Last year’s Championship saw impressive developmental growth and strategic initiatives that propelled the event to more prestigious level. We are seeing these strategies and developments continue into the 2019 season, strengthening the reputation of this highly respected and much anticipated event. Yamaha bLU cRU looks forward to continue working closely with MA and the A4DE promoters to further develop the Championship, which has proven time and time again to be a fertile platform on which to produce and launch Australian riders onto a world stage.”

The 41st edition of the A4DE will be held in Moruya, NSW on May 1-4. Entries are available until the 17th April, so be sure to secure your place in the historic event here!

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Toowoomba to host opening round of AORC

Motorcycling Australia (MA) has advised all competitors and teams entered into the 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) racing season that the location of Round 1 and 2 at Gympie, Queensland (QLD) will be relocated to Toowoomba on the 9th and 10th of March.

Daniel Milner will be heading to Toowoomba for the opening round of the AORC
AORC heads to Toowoomba for 2019 opener

To ensure the least amount of disruption to riders and teams alike, the competition has been amended to continue successfully incorporating the state of QLD into the Championship whilst also making a conscious effort to minimise the necessary distance to travel.

Moving slightly South to Toowoomba, riders will be presented with picturesque backdrops contrasted by the challenges of the Great Dividing Range and its Western slopes. Both days will still feature continuous sprints where riders will race against the clock as they race to come out on top. Further information on the round and accommodation can be found on the competitor information page of the AORC website.

Mountain Man Just a Few Week’s Away

The Toowoomba Motocross Club is excited to serve up a brand new circuit when the KTM and Motorex backed Mountain Man Motocross hit the iconic Echo Valley facility on February 23-24.

This time round the club has settled on a new track designed to increase both the fun and technical quotient, while still facilitating the vintage racers and bikes with experienced track builder and former champion in his own right Sam Kendall designing the track.

Since the 40th anniversary epic in 2015, top MX1 contenders Kade Mosig, Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris have all joined the Mountain Man Honour Roll, and Toowoomba Motocross Club President Ojai Maguire is hopeful of a big turnout for this year’s event.

With a date just three weeks out from the start of the MX Nationals, another part of the attraction is the event’s status as a very useful hit-out for the riders, and a shakedown for the machines, on one of the country’s few world-class motocross tracks.

Toowoombas Mountin Man is only a few weeks away
2019 Mountain Man

The other lure is Australia’s biggest prize pool. While the winner will walk away with $1500, the prizemoney pool will pay all the way down to 40th place in the title class.

With the event’s 40+ years of history the club is mindful of its strong heritage appeal and will continue the popular vintage racing during the Saturday program, while other support classes include Women’s, Junior and Sidecar racing.

With the resurgence of interest in two-stroke machines, this year the traditional 125cc Gold Cup has been renamed the Premix class and expanded to include two-stroke powered machines right up to the 500cc monsters which ruled the slopes of Echo Valley in years gone by.

The club has also moved to increase spectator value of Mountain Man, by providing access to the infield for a closer look at the action, offering a $10 weekend pass to access both days racing, and welcoming kids under 13 for free.

Tickets are available at the gate, and for more details please check out the Mountain Man Motocross Facebook page, or contact club President Ojai Maquire on (0428) 159 989.

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King of MX receives manufacture’s backing

Kawasaki, KTM, Honda, Suzuki and Husqvarna have banded together to support what is arguably Australia’s richest motocross race series, the King of MX NSW State Titles.

With six individual qualifying events spread around NSW, the King of MX series gives an unprecedented number of racers the chance to test their skills, meet more like-minded racers and their families, and earn their chance to race for their own NSW State Title.

NSW King of MX

Dave Cooke

“The King of MX is designed to give riders of all ages and abilities the chance to compete and be rewarded when they excel. We’re excited to see most major manufacturers find common ground in supporting this initiative where we actively promote the sport and reward those racers who rise to the top of their class. I can’t thank our partnering manufacturers enough for seeing the vision we have at Motorcycling NSW to support and grow the sport and keep producing, not only champions of the future, but a healthy sport that we can enjoy at all skill levels.”

With 21 classes representing riders of all age groups and skill levels, the beauty of the King of MX is that you don’t have to sacrifice any other championship to be in with a chance. Just race a qualifier that doesn’t clash with your schedule and race your way to the final, just like the 2018 Queen of MX Meghan Rutledge did.

Event Calendar

  • Qualifier 1: February 16-17, Appin
  • Qualifier 2: March 2-3, Moree
  • Qualifier 3: March 23-24, Condobolin
  • Qualifier 4: April 6-7, Leeton
  • Qualifier 5: April 20-21, Canberra
  • Qualifier 6: May 18-19, Maitland
  • King of MX Final: June 8-10, Goulburn

Racers need to enter one of the six qualifier events where the top six or seven finishers in each class earn their Golden Ticket to the final. Once a rider has qualified, they can still ride the other qualifier events, but they can’t win another Golden Ticket, giving even more riders a chance to qualify. At the final, State Title Champions will be decided over three motos for each class.

2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing increases USA contingency program

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A have increased its 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program to nearly $5 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing.

In addition to coverage of the AMA Professional Supercross and Motocross, National and Regional Amateur MX and Off-Road events, Yamaha has expanded its support of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) series, with $467,350 available, almost five times as much as offered in 2018 for Yamaha bLU cRU GNCC racers. The Contingency Program also boasts increases in support to Yamaha bLU cRU riders in the American Flat Track (AFT) series, including those bLU cRU riders who will compete in the all-new AFT Production Twins class.

In addition to the professional championships, Yamaha continues to support the sport’s future stars at various national and regional amateur motocross races across the U.S., as well as the newly created “Supercross Futures” series.

Mike Guerra – Racing Department Manager for Yamaha

“Our bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program has proven to be hugely popular, and this year, we’ve increased the program by 15%, with total funds of nearly $5 million available to Yamaha riders who excel in competition. We have made huge increases in all classes of the GNCC series, the largest off-road series in the country, by boosting the contingency for Yamaha bLU cRU riders fivefold for 2019! We also have increased our support of the American Flat Track (AFT) series, including its all-new Production Twins class and have also stepped forward to support the new Supercross Futures” series that focuses on emerging supercross talent.”

Riders who compete in supercross, motocross, flat track, or off-road aboard any qualified Yamaha motorcycles are invited to register for the 2019 bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program.

All bLU cRU Contingency money will be paid directly to riders’ reloadable bLU cRU Debit Cards. In addition, each bLU cRU rider will receive a $45 credit on http://www.bLUcRUswag.com, as well as discounts on Yamaha GYT-R parts and accessories.

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Youthsteam sold to Infront

Swiss sports marketing company Infront has announced the acquisition of Youthstream, the owner of the exclusive television, marketing and global promotional rights to the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship until the 2036 season.

Infront has purchased Youthstream the promoters of MXGP
Youthsteam sold to Infront –  Infront’s President & CEO Phillippe Blatter & Youthstream President Giuseppe Luongo

The agreement covers several other events including the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship, the FIM Snowcross World Championship, the European Motocross Championship and the Motocross of European Nations while the management of the Monaco-based company will remain unchanged under the direction of President Giuseppe Luongo together with David Luongo as CEO and Daniele Rizzi as COO.

Phillippe Blatter – Infront’s President & CEO

“We are very glad to welcome the Youthstream team to the Infront Group. Under the proven management and expertise, the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship has become the premier event of off-road motorsport. Following the successful ownership and management of the FIM Superbike World Championship from 2007 to 2012, this acquisition provides us once again with a long-term property ownership in international motorsport further strengthening our comprehensive portfolio. We will collaborate very closely to further optimise fan experience, content offering and ultimately grow the global community in motocross.”

Giuseppe Luongo – Youthstream President

“We have been successfully building this company over more than three decades and are now very much looking forward to continue to further develop our ambitious vision for motocross together with Infront as one of the leading players in global sports business. This agreement comes at the right moment for the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship and allows Youthstream to accelerate its international development. I am sure that the synergies we will generate will be of great benefit for all properties we represent.”

Julien Ternisien – Infront Vice President Summer Sports

“The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship is an exciting property with a clear potential to grow even further. We are looking forward to taking the sport to the next level of commercial success by activating our extensive media and sponsorship network as well as our full suite of innovative sports solutions. This goes hand in hand with improving media sales and accelerating digital marketing activities, including further improving the MXGP-TV OTT platform for fans all over the world.”

Jorge Viegas – FIM President

“The FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship series is one of motorsports’ fastest growing and most promising properties. We are confident that Infront’s strong market position, resources and marketing capabilities combined with the strong track-record and proven expertise of Youthstream will help raise the bar even higher in terms of growth and popularity for the series.”

About Infront

Infront is a leading sports marketing company managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events, including the distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 1,000 staff working from 39 offices across more than 14 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year.

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Jeffrey Herlings injury update

Jeffrey Herlings is obviously hoping for a swift and comprehensive rehabilitation period after surgery to repair a broken right foot but it looks like the defending MXGP World Champion will miss the opening round in Argentina on March 3.

MXoN Herlings MX JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Jeffrey Herlings

“I landed strangely from a jump and was at an angle when I went too close to the track ‘wall’ of dirt at Albaida. I got my foot caught between the bike and the mud. I knew we were in trouble, and we had the operation as soon as possible when we saw the foot was starting to swell. This is obviously not the best way to start 2019 but we’d been riding and preparing well and we have to work now to get back to that level. The good news is that Dr Claes and his team were really happy with how the operation went and I don’t have any more pain or swelling. In six weeks time we’ll know more and it all depends how the bone heals. Thanks for all the messages from the fans. We’ll be back strong!”

MXoN Herlings MX JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Dirk Gruebel – MX2 Team Manager & Technical Co-Ordinator, Red Bull KTM

“This is obviously a disappointing situation for Jeffrey and the team and also for fans of MXGP because we all want to see the guys fit, healthy and ready to go for a new season. It is a shame the way the crash happened and if it hadn’t been for that part of the track then maybe he would have escaped without a problem.  Jeffrey had some first class treatment by Dr Claes in Belgium to fix the breaks in what is a tricky part of the body for injury. Everything went well though and there is nothing wrong with his ankle or anything else that could have made the injury more serious. Now he’ll look to recover again and come back to MXGP close to the form we saw in 2018.”

Italy disqualified from 2018 MXoN

Four months after the running of the 2018 Motocross of Nations at RedBud in America, the second placed Italian of Antonio Cairoli, Alessandro Lupino and Michele Cervellin has been disqualified after Cervellin failed the fuel test.

During the event on the 6th and 7th of October, Fuel samples were taken to be tested in accordance with the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross (Art.63.04 and 63.05) and it was the ‘fuel tests of No. 20 Michele Crevellin (Italy) attested non conformity with the FIM fuel specifications provided for in Art. 63.01.2 of the 2018-1 FIM Technical Rules Motocross, regarding the properties for unleaded fuel’.

Team Italy was disqualified from the Motocross of Nations after Michele Crevellins machine failed a fuel test. Photo by Youthstream
2018 MXoN – Team Italy

On this basis, the FIM Race Direction has decided to impose upon Mr Crevellin’s team (Team Italy) a disqualification from the entire event, in accordance with Art. 63.05.13 of the 2018-1 Technical Rules Motocross.

No appeal against the decision of the FIM Race Direction has been lodged before the International Disciplinary Court (CDI) within the set deadline so the final results of the 2018 Motocross of Nations have been updated accordingly and it now sees the Netherlands, Great Britain, Australia and USA rounding out the top five behind the winning French team.

2018 Motocross of Nations Top 10

  1. France – 32 (Dylan Ferrandis, Gautier Paulin, Jordi Tixier)
  2. The Netherlands – 39 (Glenn Coldenhoff Jeffrey Herlings, Calvin Vlaanderen)
  3. Great Britain – 41 (Ben Watson Max Anstie Tommy Searle)
  4. Australia – 43 (Hunter Lawrence Mitchell Evans Kirk Gibbs)
  5. USA – 43 (Justin Barcia Eli Tomac Aaron Plessinger)
  6. Belgium – 47
  7. Spain – 57
  8. Estonia – 63
  9. Germany – 70
  10. Canada – 90
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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Wrap for January 22, 2019 by Darren Smart

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Moto News Latest

  • Congrats to Toby – KTM 1-2-3 at Dakar
  • KTM sweeps Anaheim
  • French Riders win Belfast Arenacross
  • Toni Bou wins Budapest X-Trial Round
  • KTM’s Taylor Robert wins Primm WORCS
  • Norton third at AMA Hare Scrambles
  • Australian Junior Solo Speedway Championships
  • Old Bar Twilight Dirt Track
  • Willowbank successfully hosts Junior Solo Titles
  • Woffinden wins Rob Woffinden Solo Classic
  • Yamaha backs AORC for 14th Year
  • Kirkness and Whale headline Newcastle Supertrack

Congrats to Toby – KTM 1-2-3 at Dakar

The Toby Price legendary status continues to grow after winning the 2019 Dakar Rally in the most trying of circumstances you would be hard pushed to find any off-road enthusiast who doesn’t admire the skill and tenacity of this genuinely humble Aussie.

Dakar Stage Toby Price Mattias Walkner
Toby Price with team-mate and runner-up, Matthias Walkner

Price went into Dakar 2019 under a cloud after breaking the scaphoid in his right wrist on the 12th of December and after getting it operated on by Dr. Mir in Barcelona the long-time KTM rider flew back to Australia to recuperate before the start of Dakar on January the 6th.

Once recuperated enough to start riding (well before doctor’s orders) Price got together with Stephen Gall and they went out to Queensland Moto Park, West of Brisbane to try out some wrist support via the CTi Custom Wrist Brace.

Dakar Rest Toby Price
Toby Price during the rest day midway through Dakar 2019

Toby initially rode without any support before he tried some taping which apparently helped but the breakthrough came when Gall fitted the Carbon ‘All Sport Dynamic’ OH2 Wrist Brace which really helped his confidence and this is the brace that helped Toby though to the end of the world’s most gruelling off-road motorcycle race.

Gall, himself a tough competitor who shares the distinction of multiple Finke Desert Race wins with Price, said, “I’m so happy to able to help him win this huge race.”

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price – Dakar 2019 – Job Done

The 2019 Dakar win adds to Price’s resume which includes his 2016 Dakar win, five AORC wins, two A4DE wins, six Finke Desert Race wins, five Hattah Desert Race wins, ISDE class wins, A Day in the Dirt Motocross Grand Prix win, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge win, Rallye OiLibya du Maroc wins and the 2018 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price

Coming into the final Stage 10, race leader Price was faced with a 359-kilometre trek, including a 112-kilometre special and 247-kilometre liaison around the city of Pisco and it couldn’t have gone better for Price who finished the stage in first place, two minutes and 21 seconds ahead of second place holder Jose Ignacio Cornejo Florimo (Monster Energy Honda Team 2019).

Overall, Price has finished a staggering nine minute and 13 seconds ahead of reigning title holder Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM Factory Team) while Sam Sunderland (Red Bull KTM Factory Team), clocking in 13 minutes and 34 seconds behind Price, rounded out the podium.

Dakar Stage Toby Price
Toby Price

With a podium filled to the brim with KTM bikes, the Austrian brand can now comfortably brag that the last time a KTM bike did not win the Dakar Rally was back in 2000!

Toby Price

“It feels amazing to stand here knowing I have won the Dakar, I don’t think it has really sunk in yet. I thought at the beginning of the event I would be lucky to even make the rest day. My Red Bull KTM bike has been amazing, I want to say a big thank you to my mechanic for that. The whole crew here do an amazing job – without them I would be no one.”

Dakar Stage KTM Toby Price
The pain was clearly visible throughout Dakar 2019

Fellow Australians Ben Young and James Ferguson finished Stage 10 in 55th and 67th place respectively while ending the 2019 Dakar Rally in 51st and 67th overall – great effort boys!

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

KTM Sweeps Anaheim 2

Round three of the 2019 AMA Supercross Championship at Anaheim featured the first of the ‘Triple Crown’ formats and it was KTM riders Cooper Webb and Shane McElrath who came out on top in the 450SX and 250SX classes respectively.

450 Report

If you were telling anyone before the series kicked off that the first three 450SX round winners were going to be Justin Barcia, Blake Baggett and Cooper Webb you would have been scoffed at but the fact is that you would have been dead right and as arsy as they come.

AMASX Rnd Anaheim StartJ K
2019 AMA Supercross – 450 Start

Cooper Webb got 10th place the week before at Glendale but his performance at Anaheim 2, in particular race one against Roczen backed with his second race win and a solid third in the final race for the overall has put the former 250SX champion on the map as a title contender.

Cody Webb

“Last weekend I was tenth and that wasn’t what I wanted, so I had some redemption this week. But to win is insane – to win two races and be on the podium in the last one is incredible! I really have got to give it up to the group at KTM, they took me under and they changed everything for me. It’s been a struggle the last two years, so those guys just constantly pushing me to get back to where I was and reminding me that I still got it. I can’t believe it and I’ll never forget this day. I hope to keep it going, this is an incredible feeling. Man, I’m speechless.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Cooper WebbJ K
Cody Webb

Right now Marvin Musquin is managing a knee injury and he admits that the triple crown format is not his strong point but the Frenchman managed three sold races for second overall.

Marvin Musquin

“It’s not always been my strongest point on the start but I’ve been very consistent today. This week I only rode a little bit on Monday. I stayed in California and we got a lot of rain, but obviously it helped on the knee. I tried to work on it the whole week and I felt good getting on the bike compared to last weekend, so it was important and that’s what I need – to feel good and not have any pain. It was great racing tonight, I didn’t win any motos but I got second overall, I was consistent and I was able to battle for the lead and for the podium.”

Eli Tomac had never finished outside of the top five in any of the nine Triple Crown main events he has been part of and at A2 he kept that streak alive by going 4-4-1 for third place overall.

Eli Tomac

“In the first two main events I didn’t do myself any favours off the start but I was happy that we were able to charge forward both times into fourth place. The third race was awesome because I was able to get out in clean air and just ride. The track tonight was technical and even sketchy in some parts, but I am happy to be leaving here healthy and only two points back in the championship.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Eli Tomac J K
Eli Tomac
Ken Roczen

“Overall, it was a good night of racing. We showed a lot of speed and are happy with this Triple Crown race. We got off to a great start in the first race, getting the holeshot and leading the whole race until I made a mistake in the one of the last rhythm sections, which unfortunately cost me the win. We still came in second, which was great. I didn’t get the best start in the second race but weaseled my way through and felt like I was going really fast. I found myself in third and was catching the guys up front but I made a mistake and went down in the whoops and had about five guys go by me. I didn’t let that distract me, rode strong and worked my way back up to fifth. We were just trying to get through the third race, where I finished fourth and unfortunately, just missed the podium. It was a bummer not to be on the overall podium, but we still have the points lead and red plate so that’s awesome.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Ken Roczen J K
Ken Roczen
Cole Seely

“Once again, there are a lot of positives to take away from tonight. My starts were much better in two out of the three races, and I was able to run more toward the front of the pack. Being up there and feeling the pace of the front group was huge. The Triple Crown format is definitely a challenge because the turnaround time is really short and you’re basically doing three sprint races, so you have to be on it. I’m getting back into the flow and am excited to go racing each weekend, so seventh is another step in the right direction.”

HRC Contract Extended Cole Seely
Cole Seely

Class rookie Aaron Plessinger suffered poor starts all night but he improved his position each event with 12-9-6 moto finishes for seventh outright to hold down ninth overall in the championship points.

Aaron Plessinger

“Anaheim 2 was a pretty good race for me. I kind of was struggling with bike setup all day and then after the last practice we made a shock change, and it was great. I got a few bad starts in the first two main events, which hurt my results, but I felt good all night. I rode what I thought was the best that I have ridden. I went 12, 9, 6, for seventh overall. So, I think I did pretty good for it only being my third 450 race. I’m really amped for Oakland next weekend. I’m going to go back and work on my starts, practice them all week and get it down pat so hopefully we can get up front and get a podium.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Aaron Plessinger JK SX Anaheim
Aaron Plessinger

As for Plessinger’s Yamaha team mate, Justin Barcia went 7-3 for the first two races but the A1 winner spewed over the bars in one of the rutted rhythm section and was taken to hospital with a bruised tail bone – Barcia is expected to be at the gate this weekend.

Joey Savatgy, who is known as a good starter, looked to use the Triple Crown format to his benefit to achieve the results he has been looking for and in the three main event format, Savatgy was able to surge out front in nearly all three races, which helped him score 8-13-8 results to capture eighth overall.

Joey Savatgy

“It has been a shaky past two weeks for me, so to bounce back from last weekend and land inside the top 10 tonight is something we’ll take. We set out to be consistent today and we did that for the most part, so overall I am happy with where we are. We will clean up a few things this week and come out swinging in Oakland.”

Like many, Jason Anderson suffered from poor starts but managed a pair of sixth place finishes in the opening two races but in the third race he tangled with Chad Reed early and was forced off the track leaving the defending champ to finish back in 17th for ninth on the night to now be 17 points back from championship leader Roczen.

Jason Anderson

“I was able to get a top-10 overall, it wasn’t a horrible weekend, but I’m going to keep pushing and I’ll try to be better next weekend.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Jason Anderson JK SX Anaheim
Jason Anderson

Chad Reed came home in 10th in the opening race but his bike had an issue on the start lije of race two leaving the Aussie as a spectator but Chad bounced back for a solid fifth in the final race of the night for 13th outright.

450SX Results

  1. Cooper Webb 1 – 1 – 3
  2. Marvin Musquin 3 – 2 – 2
  3. Eli Tomac 4 – 4 – 1
  4. Ken Roczen 2 – 5 – 4
  5. Dean Wilson 9 – 8 – 7
  6. Cole Seely 5 – 7 – 13
  7. Aaron Plessinger 12 – 9 – 6
  8. Joey Savatgy 8 – 13 – 8
  9. Jason Anderson 6 – 6 – 17
  10. Justin Barcia 7 – 3 – 22
  11. Justin Hill 13 – 11 – 9
  12. Vince Friese 11 – 12 – 10
  13. Chad Reed 10 – 22 – 5
AMASX Rnd Anaheim Podium Webb Musquin Tomac JK
2019 Anaheim 2 – AMA SX Round 3 – Round Points
Cooper Webb 26
Marvin Musquin 23
Eli Tomac 21

450SX Points Standings

  1. Ken Roczen – 63
  2. Eli Tomac – 61
  3. Cooper Webb – 57
  4. Marvin Musquin – 56
  5. Justin Barcia – 56
  6. Dean Wilson – 52
  7. Jason Anderson – 46
  8. Aaron Plessinger – 45
  9. Blake Baggett – 45
  10. Cole Seely – 44
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

250SX Report

Despite Adam Cianciarulo being the fastest man on the track and championship leader Colt Nicolls getting blazing starts, McElrath maintained a solid pace throughout the evening, placing on the podium in the first two mains before winning the final race of the night for the overall.

250 blasts off the line at Anaheim II
250 blasts off the line at Anaheim II
Shane McElrath

“We’ve been learning a lot throughout the season so far. I mean, we had a really good off-season but you can’t really do bike setup without going to the races and that’s my comfort – that’s really what we’ve been searching for. The last two weekends have been upsetting because of the way I’ve been riding but we’ve just kept pushing – perseverance produces hope, so this is good for us.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Shane McElrath J K
Shane McElrath

The Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing pairing of Dylan Ferrandis and Colt Nichols weren’t too far apart all weekend and at the end of the three main events they were separated by just two points with Ferrandis coming home in second overall while Nicoll rounded out the podium and more importantly maintain his championship points lead, albeit only two points over McElrath.

Dylan Ferrandis

“The short amount of time between each main event made it physically demanding, but I felt good and strong all night. All the rain from the week, made for a really technical rhythm section, but the bike was awesome. My teammate and I were able to put the bike up front at every start. I’m a bit disappointed to finished second again, but me and my team are going to analyze our race and work on what we need for the win.”

AMASX Rnd Glendale Dylan Ferrandis J K
Dylan Ferrandis
Colt Nichols

“The track was very difficult. It got really rutty and soft during the third main event, so made it very hard to continue to jump the rhythm sections and keep everything consistent. The bike was incredible, got off to three really great starts. I’m a little bummed with the way I rode in the last main event after getting the holeshot, but overall it was a good night. Still came out with a podium, can’t be mad at that. It was also pretty tough to bounce back in between each race, with there being a short time in between each one of the main events. Made it physically demanding, but happy with the way I rode. Just have to get a little bit better.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Colt Nichols J K
Colt Nichols

Cianciarulo once again showed flashes of speed and brilliance as he was able to be a front runner in all three main event races but the Kawasaki rider crashed in the opening two races before being run down by McElrath in the final race to finish with 4-14-2 for fifth overall and he now sits fourth in the point’s standings.

Adam Cianciarulo

“Nights like tonight are frustrating as a racer because we did everything right, but ultimately some small mistakes cost us. We qualified fastest again and in the first race we got out to an early lead but unfortunately, I tucked the front end. In Main Event 2, I had a big get off which really hurt my overall score, but I was happy I was able to bounce back in the third race and come away with a second place. Overall, we are healthy and only eight points back in the championship. We’ve got work to do, but this Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is coming for you Oakland.”

AMASX Rnd Anaheim Adam Cianciarulo J K
Adam Cianciarulo

Poor old Thomas Ravenhorst was leading the LCQ before dropping back to the final qualifying spot and was just two corners away from making it to the main event before sliding out in the right hand berm.

250SX West Results

  1. Shane McElrath 3 – 2 – 1
  2. Dylan Ferrandis 2 – 1 – 3
  3. Colt Nichols 1 – 3 – 4
  4. J. Hampshire 5 – 4 – 5
  5. Adam Cianciarulo 4 – 14 – 2
  6. Cameron McAdoo 9 – 5 – 6
  7. Jacob Hayes 6 – 7 – 9
  8. Michael Mosiman 10 – 6 – 7
  9. Chris Blose 8 – 8 – 8
  10. Mitchell Harrison 12 – 9 – 11
AMASX Rnd Anaheim Podium McElrath Ferrandis Nichols JK
AMA SX Round 3 – 250 Western Round Points
Shane McElrath 26
Dylan Ferrandis 23
Colt Nichols 21

250SX West Points Standings

  1. Colt Nichols – 70
  2. Shane McElrath – 68
  3. Dylan Ferrandis – 63
  4. Adam Cianciarulo – 62
  5. J. Hampshire – 57
  6. Jimmy Decotis – 44
  7. Chris Blose – 44
  8. Cameron McAdoo – 41
  9. Michael Mosiman – 39
  10. Jacob Hayes – 37
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

French Riders Win Belfast Arenacross

The opening round of the UK Arenacross Series was held in Belfast last weekend and it was the French rides Greg Aranda and Cedric Soubeyres who drew first blood in the 450 and 250 Main events respectively.

The Pro 450s was all about Aranda with the Team Green Kawasaki rider remained unbeaten all day, from free practice right through to the Main Event Super Final but he had to work for the win as Soubeyras tore off the start line, grabbing the holeshot and leading the race right up until two-thirds race distance.

Rider celebrate on the Belfast Podium
Belfast Arenacross 2019 Podium

Back in fourth Aranda first picked off Adrien Escoffier and then Valentin Teillet before he closed on Soubeyras and then charged through to the front.

Behind him Soubeyras kept his cool to take second and with Teillet in third, placed two 250s on the podium while Brit Jack Brunell had a storming ride to finish fourth.

Northern Ireland’s Martin Barr crashed earlier in the evening and sadly, a broken hand ruled him out of continuing through to the final, he promised to be back at Birmingham and added; “Despite the injury, I really enjoyed the whole evening. The crowd were unbelievable and I’m now concentrating on getting fit in time for Birmingham.”

Pro Main Event Super Final

  1. #20 Greg Aranda, Team Green Kawasaki
  2. #1 Cedric Soubeyras, FRO Systems, Husqvarna
  3. #373 Valentin Teillet, SR75 Suzuki
  4. #10 Jack Brunell, Team Green Kawasaki
  5. #6 Adrien Escoffier, Buildbase Honda
  6. #4 Fabien Izoird, Shocktech Kawasaki
  7. #64 Nique Thury, FRO Systems
  8. #3 Charles Le Francois, SR75 Suzuki
  9. #744 Diogo Graca, Castrol Power1 Suzuki
  10. #17 Matt Bayliss, Wooldridge Demolition

Pro 450 Championship

  1. #20 Greg Aranda, 90 points
  2. #3 Charles Lefrancois, 58 points
  3. #4 Fabien Izoird, 56 points
  4. #64 Nique Thury, 49 points
  5. #10 Jack Brunell, 45 points
  6. #8 Hugo Basaula, 42 points

Pro Lites Overall

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras
  2. #737 Valentin Teillet
  3. #6 Adrien Escoffier
  4. #744 Diogo Graca
  5. #259 Julien Lebeau
  6. #1x Joe Clayton

Pro Lites Championship

  1. #1 Cedric Soubeyras, 82 points
  2. #6 Adrien Escoffier, 56 points
  3. #259 Julien Lebeau, 54 points
  4. #737 Valentin Teillet, 48 points
  5. #1x Joe Clayton, 35 points
  6. #744 Diogo Graca, 31 points

Arenacross now heads back to the mainland for the third and fourth round of the Tour at The Resorts World Arena, Birmingham on Friday the 1st and Saturday the 2nd of February 2019. Doors open at 6pm and the evening’s entertainment gets underway at 7.00pm. Tickets are available directly from the Arena Box Office on 028 9073 9074 or on the door.

Remaining Arenacross Tour dates

  • 1st February – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
  • 2nd February – Resorts World Arena, Birmingham
  • 15th February – The Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield
  • 16th February – The Fly DSA Arena, Sheffield
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Toni Bou Wins Budapest X-Trial Round

The FIM X-Trial World Championship kicked off in Budapest last weekend and as one would expect Repsol Honda Team’s Toni Bou took the win from arch rival Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo.

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

Bou opened the season in the style with a marked difference by the end of the first round, collecting a single penalty compared to the six of Raga then in the semi-final, where only the top finisher from each group would make it through to the grand finale, Bou again proved unmatchable notching up two solitary marks.

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

The final showdown saw the champ face Raga, with the riders forced to take the same sections but in the reverse direction. Bou started the final losing ground to his opponent before some deft handling eventually moved the Spaniard up into first place and despite picking up a five in the penultimate hazard the defending champ secured the first victory of the 2019 FIM X-Trial championship.

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1
Toni Bou

“I’m super happy to start off winning. It was amazing to get this victory after the rib injury, which I’m still not recovered from totally. We must continue working to improve because I believe that I am not yet where I could be. I trained a little this year and I think I’m not at my usual level. There is still quite a way to go and I want to get there as soon as possible. Yes, in 2018 we won, but I suffered a lot because of the injuries. That is why I want to thank Joaquim Terricabras and all his medical team for the help they have given me, especially for the recent treatment for the rib injury.”

X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

Results X-Trial Budapest 2019

  1. BOU Toni – 20
  2. RAGA Adam – 15
  3. FAJARDO Jeroni – 12
  4. BUSTO Jaime – 9
  5. BINCAZ Benoit – 6
  6. CASALES Jorge – 4
  7. DABILL James – 3
  8. FUJINAMI Takahisa – 2
  9. PEACE Dan – 1
X Trial Budapest Rnd Toni Bou mc
Toni Bou on the podium – Budapest X-Trial 2019 – Round 1

KTM’s Taylor Robert wins Primm WORCS

The opening round of the 2019 Rocky Mountain ATV-MC WORCS Series got underway in Primm, Nevada last weekend and it was Taylor Robert (FMF/KTM) who came away with the victory over the Kawasaki pairing of Zach Bell and Blayne Thompson.

Robert, who was still sore from a big crash the day before while practicing, was dogged most of the way by Bell while Thompson made it two Precision Concepts/Kawasaki Team Green bikes on the podium.

Dante Oliveira (RPM/KTM) and defending champ Giacomo Redondi (KTM) rounded out the top five overall.

Taylor Robert won the opening round of the WORCS Series IMGHarlenFoley
Taylor Robert wins Primm WORCS – Image by Harlen Foley

Former WORCS champ Gary Sutherlin and a tough day, and that included running out of gas. The KTM rider still managed to place sixth overall, one spot better than Husqvarna rider Andrew Short, who made it to the track just in time after having just completed the Dakar Rally in Peru.

Clayton Hengeveld (Precision Concepts/Kawasaki Team Green) won the Pro2 class, and Mateo Oliveira (GasGas) won the Pro2 Lites division.

Pro

  1. Taylor Robert (KTM)
  2. Zach Bell (Kaw)
  3. Blayne Thompson (Kaw)
  4. Dante Oliveira (KTM)
  5. Giacomo Redondi (KTM)

Pro 2

  1. Clayton Hengeveld (Kaw)
  2. Tallon Lafountaine (Hon)
  3. Austin Serpa (KTM)
  4. Austin Walton (Hus)
  5. Chance Fullerton (Bet)

Pro 2 Lites

  1. Mateo Oliveira (GG)
  2. Brandy Richards (KTM)
  3. Tyler Nicholson (KTM)
  4. Dallas Serpa (KTM)
  5. Parker Wood (KTM)
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Norton Third at AMA Hare Scrambles

Aussie Callum Norton is over in America preparing for the 2019 Australian season and last weekend he contested the opening round of the AMA West Hare Scrambles Championship and despite the wet conditions and tough competition the KTM rider came home in third place.

Norton was actually leading the race in the early stages but Joe Wasson managed to get by and take the win over Max Gerston and Norton.

Old Bar Twilight Dirt Track

It was an action packed night of racing as the Australian Dirt Track season kicked off at Old Bar, Taree last weekend and in the end it was Jarryd Oram who came home with the win in the main event over Jamie Chapman and Thomas Donnely while pre-race favourite Michael Kirkness was forced to settle with the 450 class win after getting a flat tyre while winning the Open final.

Michael Kirkness at Old Bar last weekend
Old Bar Twilight Dirt Track – Michael Kirkness

Chapman bounced back from being pipped by Oram in the Open Final to win the 250cc class while Thomas Donnelly (Dash for Cash), Darren Saxon (Clubman), Michael Booth (Over 35s), Dale Austin (Women), Viv Muddle (65cc 7 – U/9s), Thoren Openshaw (65cc 9 – U/13s), Cody Wilby (85cc 4str Mod.7 – U/12s) and Mitchell Bisley (250cc 4str 13-U/16s) all tasted success over the weekend.

Open Final

  1. Jarryd ORAM
  2. James CHAPMAN
  3. Thomas DONNELLY
  4. Boyd Hollis
  5. Sam DAVIES
  6. Michael BOOTH
  7. Alec HURST
  8. Kye ANDREWS
  9. Jared MYER
    Michael KIRKNESS

450cc

  1. Michael Kirkness (Macleay)
  2. Thomas Donnelly (Gunnedah)
  3. James Chapman (Macleay)

250cc

  1. James Chapman (Macleay
  2. Thomas Donnelly (Gunnedah
  3. Blake Wilby (Taree)

Clubman

  1. Darren Saxon (Hunter)
  2. Ryan Wilson (Hunter)
  3. Nicholas Ptolemy (Macleay)

Peter Fahey Memorial Over 35s

  1. Michael Booth (Macleay)
  2. Michael Rix (Macleay)
  3. Jason Griffin (Hunter)

Women’s

  1. Dale Austin (Taree)
  2. Abbey Baker (Taree)

One Lap Dash for Cash

  1. Thomas Donnelly (Gunnedah)

65cc 7 – U/9s

  1. Viv Muddle (Gold Coast)
  2. Nate Jaeger (Gunnedah)
  3. Chayse Trappel (Macleay)

65cc 9 – U/13s

  1. Thoren Openshaw (Taree)
  2. Beau Bailey (Cowra)
  3. Will Bisley (Taree)
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

85cc 4str Mod.7 – U/12s

  1. Cody Wilby (Taree)
  2. Will Bisley (Taree)
  3. Alexander Adamson (Kurri Kurri)

85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str 9 – U/12s

  1. Hayden Nelson (Taree)
  2. Carter Thompson (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Will Bisley (Taree)

85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str 11s

  1. Hayden Nelson (Taree)
  2. Carter Thompson (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Thoren Openshaw (Taree)

85cc 2str/ 150cc 4str 12- U/16s

  1. Mitchell Bisley (Taree)
  2. Cody Lewis (Kurri Kurri)
  3. Thomas Bullen (Kurri Kurri)

250cc 4str 13-U/16s

  1. Mitchell Bisley (Taree)
  2. Jack Joel (Central Coast)
  3. Jarred Loveday (Macleay)

Willowbank Successfully Hosts Junior Solo Titles

Willowbank Raceway’s Ipswich Switches Junior Speedway Club hosted the Australian Junior Speedway Championships last weekend and from all accounts it was an exciting three nights of racing as the resurgence of speedway in Australia continues to flourish.

In the premier Under 21 500cc class it was defending champion Jaimon Lidsey who scored a convincing win from Jordan Stewart, Matt Gilmore and Zach Cook while the under 16 250cc class was a red hot affair but in the end it was Keynan Rew who got the win over Patrick Hamilton, Harrison Ryan and Flynn Nichol.

The 2019 Australian 125cc Under 16’s Pairs Championship was won by the NSW team of Cameron Dunker and Lachlan Hayes while in the 125cc Individual Championship it was Maurice Brown who got the win over Patrick Bowes, Luke Kileen and James Person.

Woffinden wins Rob Woffinden Solo Classic

The Rob Woffinden Classic is a premium event celebrating the legacy that Rob left when he helped build Pinjar Park Speedway in WA from the ground up and last weekend it was his son Tai who won the event for the second time to cap off an off-season that saw the 2018 World Champion enjoy a relaxing time back in Australia while keeping his speedway skills sharp.

Tai Woffinden in action ImgWarwickHemy
Woffinden wins Rob Woffinden Solo Classic – Image by Warwick Hemy

The three-time World Champion defeated Cameron Heeps, Daniel Winchester and Blake Russell in the final before inviting all of the children on to the track to celebrate his win with a group photo on the presentation tailer.

Woffinden heads back to the UK in the coming weeks to start preparation for the defence of his World Speedway title.

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Yamaha Backs AORC for 14th Year

Running into its 14th consecutive year, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the continued relationship between Yamaha Motor Australia and the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) with Yamaha Motor Australia once again the naming rights sponsor for the 2019 season!

With a relationship that has spanned over a decade, MA and Yamaha Motor Australia will continue developing and expanding upon their professional relationship to build a successful 2019 season.

AORC Yamaha naming sponsor
Yamaha becomes AORC naming rights sponsor in 2019 for 14th consecutive year
Ray Howard – Yamaha’s Motorsport Manager

“Yamaha Motor Australia are pleased to continue our substantial and positive relationships with the Australian Off-Road Championship. 2018 was a season full of impressive developments and clear progress, and we are seeing more initiatives in place for the 2019 season. We look forward to continue working closely with MA and the promoting clubs to further develop an already prestigious Championship that has proven to be a fertile ground for producing international standard riders that are successful on a world stage.”

With the likes of six-time consecutive Women’s World Trophy Champion at the FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) Jessica Gardiner included in the line-up of the Women’s class, the 2019 season couldn’t get any bigger! Alongside Gardiner are Team Australia’s World Trophy ISDE Champions Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders and Lyndon Snodgrass, who each will contend for AORC Championship titles in their respective classes!

AORC has a long and prestigious history of paving the way for international legends, with the likes of 2019 Dakar Rally title holder Toby Price a former two time winner of the AORC.

The 2019 season kicks off in Gympie, Queensland for Rounds 1 and 2, from 9-10 March and entries are now open.

Yamaha continues to support the AORC
2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

Kirkness and Whale Headline Newcastle Supertrack

Motorcycle racing action returns to the Newcastle Showground this Friday night (January 25) where the ‘Newcastle Supertrack’ meeting will be staged at the iconic venue and it will bring Michael Kirkness and Max Whale together as they battle for glory.

There will be several classes in a race programmed where fans will see two or three rows of riders at the starting grid which is on par with the Flat Track Racing in America but not normally seen in dirt track racing in Australia.

Australian Senior Dirt Track Gunnedah Kirkness
Michael Kirkness to head to Newcastle Supertrack

The appearance of Kirkness is significant as over the past decade he has done more flat track racing in the US than any other Australian rider which may give the former Troy Bayliss Classic winner an edge as the 450cc class features 19inch wheels with no front brakes – just like the American AMA flat track racing uses.

The toughest opponent for Kirkness will be Queensland teenager Max Whale who was a runaway winner of the 2018 Rookie of the Year award in the AMA Flat Track Single class despite missing several rounds due to a shoulder injury. Whale heads back to the US next month where he has signed with a well-established team for the 2019 season.

Max Whale Taree
Max Whale at Taree

Harry Maxwell has also lodged an entry and his enthusiasm for the meeting can be judged by the fact that he will be travelling down from Proserpine in north Queensland to take part while multiple Central Coast Cup winner David Smith is also among the entries.

There will also be racing for Twin Cylinder and Supermoto classes, a Pro 250 class and Speedway and Long Track sliders.

Action will get under way with practice and one round of racing on Friday afternoon from 4pm before a tea break, then introductions at 6.30pm and then the big night session.

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Source: MCNews.com.au