Tag Archives: Competition

Competition, Motocross, News

Emotion-charged Lawrence celebrates breakout podium

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News 15 Jun 2020

Emotion-charged Lawrence celebrates breakout podium

Section: Competition

Young Australian recalls remarkable ride to third place at SLC5.

Image: Octopi Media.

Talented teenager Jett Lawrence was left buzzing after scoring a first-career Monster Energy Supercross podium in the 250SX West final on Sunday.

The 16-year-old starred on his way to third position alongside champion contenders Austin Forkner (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Yamaha).

In only his fifth Supercross appearance – he missed three races after crashing out of Anaheim 2 – Lawrence managed to put a main event together and realise his podium potential despite starting outside of the top 10 in Salt Lake City tonight.

“Obviously, I had a terrible start,” Lawrence reflected. “I was pretty pumped that there were whoops out of a turn, which I’m pretty happy about. They came into favour, I made a lot of my passes through there and I really gelled with the track.

“It took me a while to pass [Hunter] because he’s my brother and I don’t want to pass him dirty, but definitely, it’s cool to kind of see another Lawrence out there, that’s for sure. It was definitely a bit of a struggle to get around him.

“I didn’t even know that I came from outside of the top 10 to third, so that’s pretty cool. It definitely feels good to get this P3, I feel like I’ve earned it from coming outside of the 10. It’s been a rough path to get to where we are now – I got a little emotional after I went over the line.

“Everything went through my head, all the hard times we had in Europe, eating two-minute noodles in Australia just trying to survive, really. It feels good to be finally here and to be with such a great team – Geico Honda is more like a family to us. They’re all so good to us.”

With 250SX East returning this Wednesday, Lawrence will be back on track next Sunday for the Monster Energy Supercross 250SX Showdown, where both regional championships will be decided.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Shock rebound from Roczen to claim SLC5 victory

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News 15 Jun 2020

Shock rebound from Roczen to claim SLC5 victory

Section: Competition

Forkner overcomes Ferrandis as Jett Lawrence podiums in 250SX West.

Image: Octopi Media.

A resurgent Ken Roczen managed to win the 15th round of 2020 Monster Energy Supercross, rebounding from the health issues that have previously struck him in Salt Lake City.

The Team Honda HRC rider held on for his fourth 450SX victory of the year after making an early move on Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM) in a convincing effort.

Roczen has been badly hampered by fatigue in recent races caused by a virus and a case of the shingles, however, nothing would stop him from standing on top of the podium again today. He won by 3.140s over defending champion Webb, with points-leader Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) third.

Contact between Webb and Tomac in the first turn saw the latter bumped back through the pack, but he was able to claw his way back for another podium to maintain the red plates. He now leads by 24 points over Roczen, who climbed back past Webb by one point in the standings.

Fourth was another strong ride from Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), overcoming Malcolm Stewart (Smartop Bullfrog Spas Honda), as Dean Wilson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain KTM WPS), Justin Brayton (Team Honda HRC), Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha) and his teammate Aaron Plessinger were the top 10.

There was drama for Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) on the opening lap and he later went out of the race altogether after being caught up in a multi-rider incident including Vince Friese (Smartop Bullfrog Spas Honda). Australia’s Chad Reed (Mountain Motorsports CR22 Racing KTM) was 11th.

Monster Energy Supercross will continue with the penultimate round this Wednesday, 17 June, where Tomac has his first real opportunity to clinch the 450SX championship if he goes on to win the main event.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner has kept his title chances alive with a second-straight 250SX West victory at Salt Lake City 5.

An aggressive move by Forkner saw him get by points-leader Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Yamaha) on lap 15 and he went on to win by 1.751s.

While Forkner closed Ferrandis’ advantage in the championship to seven points with one Showdown round remaining next Sunday, it was a spectacular ride for Jett Lawrence (Geico Honda) to third that will also make headlines tonight.

Lawrence, only 16 years of age, ended the opening lap in 11th position and sliced his way through the pack for a first-career podium result. He made a couple of late passes on Cameron McAdoo (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) and Michael Mosiman (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) for position.

Sixth place was Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Star Yamaha) as he saw his title challenge further evaporate, edging Hunter Lawrence (Geico Honda) in what was only his second Monster Energy Supercross appearance.

It was then TLD Red Bull KTM teammates Brandon Hartranft and Derek Drake, followed by Christian Craig (Geico Honda) – who inside the top three prior to a fall – to complete the top 10. Penrite Honda’s Luke Clout was 12th, with Geran Stapleton (Honda) winning the LCQ and finishing in P20.

Wednesday will see the return of the 250SX East category, before next Sunday the annual Showdown will be staged at Rice-Eccles Stadium to determine the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross champions.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Roczen reveals shingles diagnosis from last week

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News 13 Jun 2020

Roczen reveals shingles diagnosis from last week

Section: Competition

Problems continue for Team Honda HRC contender in Utah.

Image: Octopi Media.

The odds keep stacking against Ken Roczen in his fight for the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross title, revealing he was diagnosed with shingles last Sunday.

Roczen has been battling a virus throughout much of the month in Salt Lake City, falling to third in the 450SX standings as a result.

Wednesday’s 14th round of the season was an improvement for Roczen in finishing fifth, however, despite learning that he had shingles in the lead-up. He’s vowed to keep challenging through the final three rounds.

“As everyone knows, I have been dealing with the virus for a while now and it also turned out I tested positive for shingles last Sunday,” he explained.

“I know everyone is sick of hearing it and so am I. Unfortunately those are things I can’t control. I can assure you I am doing my part to be ready, live healthy and doing all the things I can control.”

Team Honda HRC rider Roczen is currently third in the points coming into this Sunday’s SLC5, but faces an uphill climb now 27 points outside of red plate-holder Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki).

“Coming back after two days of trying to get everything lined up again following a tough race, I had a lot more fight and felt a lot better today,” he said following Wednesday’s race.

“I had a good heat and was able to put up a fight at least for some of the race. I’m not 100 percent yet obviously, because two days unfortunately is just not enough to get everything lined up, but it was much better than the last race.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Experience crucial for Hunter Lawrence in 250SX debut

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News 13 Jun 2020

Experience crucial for Hunter Lawrence in 250SX debut

Section: Competition

Supercross potential clear despite mixed showing for Australian.

Image: Octopi Media.

Geico Honda’s Hunter Lawrence plans to take experience gained in his first-career Monster Energy Supercross and apply it following a short turnaround this week.

Lawrence returned from a series of untimely injuries to finally make his 250SX West debut in Utah on Wednesday, claiming 13th position.

The result could have been stronger if it weren’t for an early incident, forcing him to pick his way through the pack from last position in the opening laps. Regardless, he learned a lot and will have the opportunity to line up again this Sunday.

“So good to be back at the races,” the 20-year-old commented. “At one point, I went six months with no riding due to back-to-back injuries. Being able to race these events is awesome and it was fun to dip my toes into Supercross for the first time.

“We had a few problems with the crashes, though. I think I was up to fifth in my heat race when I went down and then in the main I hit neutral when I was trying to avoid two guys stopped at the end of the whoops, had to come from last. Can’t wait to get more time under my belt and tidy a few things up so I can run up front!”

It was an eventful maiden outing for the former grand prix regular and Pro Motocross front-runner, clashing with Austin Forkner (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) in practice and having to go through to the main via a win in the LCQ following his heat race troubles.

Lawrence will need a solid result this weekend if he is to qualify for the upcoming ‘Showdown’ round to complete the 250SX season, currently 26th in the championship standings and needing to climb the order further to secure his place.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Rookie sensation Jett Lawrence rues Wednesday mistakes

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News 12 Jun 2020

Rookie sensation Jett Lawrence rues Wednesday mistakes

Section: Competition

Error costs Geico Honda newcomer of 250SX West higher finish.

Image: Supplied.

An 11th-place result in the 250SX West final didn’t meet the expectations of Jett Lawrence following a series of errors on Wednesday and already he is eyeing redemption when Monster Energy Supercross continues this weekend.

The highly-rated 16-year-old featured in the top three throughout practice and qualifying at at Rice-Eccles Stadium, but mistakes in the whoops during the heat and the main event ruined his chances of a stronger showing.

Lawrence challenged toward the front throughout round 15 of Supercross – the seventh stop on the 250SX West schedule – and was in a top five position during the main when he went down and dropped outside of the top 10. Still, it was a promising return to racing over four months after his spectacular near-win and crash at Anaheim 2.

“I was definitely disappointed with my performance, definitely not happy with that,” Lawrence reflected. “I knew I should have been up with [Justin] Cooper, [Dylan] Ferrandis and that. I made another stupid mistake that, at my level being a professional, I shouldn’t make. I wasn’t happy, but the team was still happy and I knew I could’ve done better. What I got, I shouldn’t be getting that position with the level I’m at now.”

The Geico Honda rookie said that he felt strong the entire day in what was his first 250SX outing lining up against elder brother and teammate Hunter, 20, however, a lack of flow in the final did affect his performance. Expect improvements when the gates drop for the penultimate western regional round this Sunday.

“I felt really good the whole day,” the Australian said. “Practice started off really good, I was consistent with that and I think I went P3 in practice and the two ‘quallies’. Heat race, feeling good and I ended up making a little mistake in the whoops that made me crash. Come the main event, really good start, I kind of slid underneath [Justin] Cooper and then I went into [Austin] Forkner, which got me a little bit off balance.

“But, yeah, that whole main event I was struggling, trying to find a flow. I wasn’t pushing much, I was in a pretty comfortable… my rate rate wasn’t too high and I was feeling good. Just the whoops caught me off-guard – I came in, I ended up going to the left and my bike went right, so we ended up going to the right. Besides that, I was happy with how the day started off, we just need to keep going with that.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

First premier class win next on the agenda of Osborne

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News 12 Jun 2020

First premier class win next on the agenda of Osborne

Section: Competition

Up-trending conclusion to the season in Utah has been impressive.

Image: Supplied.

After placing fifth, third, fourth and second in Salt Lake City so far, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne now has a breakout 450SX victory in sight.

While he’s still maintaining a race-by-race approach in the closing stages of Monster Energy Supercross, Osborne’s form has been a major talking point this month.

“For sure, of course that’s the goal,” Osborne said. “I’ve got everything in the top five but a win so far since we’ve been here.

“But, like I said the other day, you have to walk before you can run and this season’s been really challenging for me up until the first race of this little swing we’re doing. For me, it’s been really positive this whole trip and I can’t be too disappointed.

“My main goal was to come here and kind of turn the momentum of the season that I had going, which was trending down, and get trending up – I think I’ve done that.

“It takes a lot of pressure off me just to hang some results and be up in the mix. I think that the win will come soon enough. I mean, I’m in a good position as far as my body goes and I feel like I can do it before we leave here.”

Two-time 250SX East champion Osborne has been both quick and consistent since the series arrived in Utah for its final seven rounds and, with three to go, the fast-starting 30-year-old has proven a podium regular in recent races.

“I think the biggest thing for me right now is that I’m in a really good headspace,” Osborne said. “I feel fresh when I get to the races and I’ve just been really enjoying the time here in Salt Lake with my family. It’s honestly been a huge refresher for me.

“My bike’s changed a little bit from the beginning of the year and I’m doing a little bit better at adapting the bike throughout the day, but the biggest thing is that I’m enjoying riding right now and going to the races. This whole thing’s been really good for my psyche and where I’m at in life.”

After missing Atlanta and Daytona due to a practice crash, Osborne has climbed from 14th in the championship standings and has climbed from 14th to eighth in points, now within 13 points of MotoConcepts’ Malcolm Stewart in P6.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Start on Wednesday ‘unacceptable’ admits Tomac

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News 12 Jun 2020

Start on Wednesday ‘unacceptable’ admits Tomac

Section: Competition

Supercross championship leader salvages third at round 14.

Image: Supplied.

Eliminating poor starts continues to be a priority of Monster Energy Supercross leader Eli Tomac after labelling his start ‘unacceptable’ at SLC4 on Wednesday.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider was able to slice his way through the pack from outside of the top 10 to third, but it could have been far worse.

Tomac has admitted that it was genuinely stressful to see title rivals Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM) – winner of the main event – and Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) battling for P1 while he was well down the order during the opening half of the race.

“The start was unacceptable,” Tomac said afterwards. “I mean, yeah, we start looking long-term, but the start was unacceptable. I was like third guy in line there, going into the first turn and was buried.

“So, the outcome was fine, but to be honest, I was pretty stressed out the first lap when I saw Coop and Kenny up front. I’m like, ‘oh no, this might be a 10-point night’, so I just kept digging there, got to third and that was acceptable, but I can’t keep doing those starts like that again.”

With the 450SX championship on the line and just three rounds remaining, Tomac faced true adversity in yesterday’s race in a bid to minimize damage.

A late pass on Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain KTM WPS) elevated him onto the podium, but he says there isn’t any specific reason why he’s managed to remain calm in those situations during 2020.

“I wish I could say there is, but no,” he added. “I haven’t been making those bad starts or whatever, like minimizing the damage. I had a bad race in Atlanta, went down and got back to fourth.

“Tonight, totally buried in 12th or 16th or something and got back to third. Those are the nights that have changed for me versus the past. I don’t know, the more racing, the more experience you get, I guess.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Shortened 13-round MotoGP calendar breaks cover

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News 11 Jun 2020

Shortened 13-round MotoGP calendar breaks cover

Section: Competition

All-European schedule released as 2020 gets set to commence.

Image: Supplied.

A revised 2020 MotoGP World Championship calendar features 13 premier class rounds, scheduled to commence at Jerez in July and it could expand further with flyaways.

Multiple double-header rounds at the same venue over consecutive weekends are scheduled in the series that has been overhauled following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The possibility of holding events outside Europe will be assessed and confirmed before the 31st of July,” the announcement read. “However, the 2020 season will not finish later than the 13th of December and will comprise a maximum of 17 events (including the Grand Prix of Qatar).”

According to organisers, all dates and events – as well as the eventual attendance of spectators – are subject to the evolution of the pandemic and the approval of corresponding governments and authorities.

If races outside of Europe do in fact go ahead later in the season, those to be included will potentially be the Americas, Argentina, Thailand and Malaysia. Each of the other regular locations have already been cancelled.

2020 MotoGP World Championship calendar (revised):
Rd1 – 8 March – Losail International Circuit, Qatar (Moto2/Moto3 only)
Rd2 – 19 July – Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Spain
Rd3 – 26 July – Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto, Spain
Rd4 – 9 August – Brno, Czech Republic
Rd5 – 16 August – Red Bull Ring, Austria
Rd6 – 23 August Red Bull Ring, Austria
Rd7 – 13 September – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, San Marino
Rd8 – 20 September – Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli, San Marino
Rd9 – 27 September – Barcelona, Catalunya
Rd10 – 11 October – Le Mans, France
Rd11 – 18 October – MotorLand Aragon, Aragon
Rd12 – 25 October – MotorLand Aragon, Aragon
Rd13 – 8 November – Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia
Rd14 – 15 November – Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

MotoGP organisers confirm cancellation of Mugello

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News 11 Jun 2020

MotoGP organisers confirm cancellation of Mugello

Section: Competition

Italian Grand Prix won’t take place during the 2020 season.

Image: Supplied.

Mugello has been cancelled from the 2020 MotoGP World Championship calendar as a result on the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The Italian round has long been one of the most iconic in the sport, becoming a permanent fixture since the 1991 season.

“I would like to thank all of our fans who have supported and encouraged us during these months, and invite them back to Mugello in 2021 for what will be, as always, one of the most iconic events of the season.”

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Mugello,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “Sadly, we were not able to find a solution to the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar to enable us to visit the venue this season.

“It is a great loss as Mugello is one of the most beautiful circuits in the world and one we are very proud to call the home of the Italian Grand Prix. On behalf of Dorna, I would like to thank the fans for the understanding and patience they have shown as we wait for the situation to improve.”

The MotoGP World Championship will return to Mugello for the Italian Grand Prix from next season. We have already seen the German, Dutch, Finnish, British, Australian and Japanese rounds cancelled.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Third victory of the year captured by Webb at SLC4

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News 11 Jun 2020

Third victory of the year captured by Webb at SLC4

Section: Competition

Forkner makes ground in 250SX West with pivotal Utah win.

Image: Octopi Media.

Defending Monster Energy Supercross champion Cooper Webb picked up his third win of the 2020 season at SLC4, delivering a commanding performance tonight in Utah.

The Red Bull KTM rider won by 5.091s over the in-form Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), as Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) salvaged P3.

While Webb jumped out front early to withstand a challenge from a gritty Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) to lead every lap, Tomac was forced to climb from 12th at the end of the opening lap. Fourth was top-qualifier Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain KTM WPS).

Roczen, meanwhile, again dropped back down the order from around the halfway point, eventually crossing the finish in fifth place as he continues to battle health problems through the Salt Lake City rounds.

It was another strong showing from Martin Davalos (Monster Energy Team Tedder KTM) in P6, followed by Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), his teammate Dean Wilson, Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Benny Bloss (Rocky Mountain KTM WPS).

Anderson has now moved to fourth in the standings after Monster Energy Yamaha’s Justin Barcia crashed out of the main event, his factory YZ450F too badly damaged to continue in what appeared to be a strange incident. Australia’s Chad Reed (Mountain Motorsports CR22 Racing KTM) rode to 11th after a solid start inside the top five.

The 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Championship will again be staged inside Rice-Eccles Stadium this Sunday, 14 June. Tomac currently carries a 27-point advantage over Webb, with Roczen a further two behind.

Image: Octopi Media.

Victory in Salt Lake City has lifted Austin Forkner into 250SX West title contention as the regional series restarted in 2020 Monster Energy Supercross.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider climbed to second in the standings with two rounds remaining, now within 10 points of the lead.

Forkner was able to get out front early and maintain the lead from there, keeping red plate-holder Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) at bay to win by 3.109s. Completing the podium was Forkner’s teammate Cameron McAdoo.

It was an important result for McAdoo as, although he wasn’t able to fend off Ferrandis, his finish took points away from top qualifier Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha), who is now third in the points.

Finishing fifth was Michael Mosiman (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), directly behind Cooper and comfortably ahead of Alex Martin (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki). Seventh through 10th included Brandon Hartranft (TLD Red Bull KTM), Christian Craig (Geico Honda), Derek Drake (TLD Red Bull KTM) and Mitchell Oldenburg (Penrite Honda Racing).

Returning for his first appearance since Anaheim 2, Geico Honda’s Jett Lawrence ran inside the top five early, but a fall demoted him to an 11th-place result. Elder brother and teammate Hunter endured a trying debut, going down on lap one of the final and ending up 13th, behind countryman Luke Clout (Penrite Honda Racing).

The 250SX West championship will continue with its penultimate round this Sunday, 14 June, with Ferrandis looking to set up back-to-back crowns in the final stages of the season.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au