Tag Archives: Competition

Competition, Motocross, News

Revised Pro Motocross schedule to include Loretta Lynn’s round

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News 2 Jun 2020

Revised Pro Motocross schedule to include Loretta Lynn’s round

Section: Competition

Series to commence with fans at Ironman Racing during mid-July.

Image: Supplied.

A new start date for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship has been announced, confirming the season is scheduled to commence on 18 July at Ironman Raceway in Indiana.

The reduced series will include 10 rounds – potentially 11 – between Ironman and Pala’s Fox Raceway, which is due to be held on 10 October in Southern California.

“On May 4th the Race Leadership Team announced that the series was tentatively set to be held from July 4th through October 3rd. This would leave only 13 days between the end of supercross and the start of motocross,” a statement read.

“As many states continue to roll out their phase-in plans, it became clear that a further delay in the start of the season would be the most advantageous for the riders, teams and the events themselves. The farther the series could push back into the summer the better for all. However, there is a hard start of July 18th, this being a live NBC broadcast date – television coverage being paramount for series and team sponsors.

“The new plan is to commence the 2020 season on Saturday, July 18th at Ironman Raceway and end on Saturday, October 10th at Fox Raceway. It is the intent to host 10 events and possibly 11 by the end of the season. Series organizers have consulted with OEM partners and have been advised that given the unexpected boost in off-road motorcycle unit sales and parts and accessories over the course of the last month (with many dealerships and after-market companies experiencing record sales), it would be premature to cut the season short at this time.

“The better approach would be to give the national tracks time over the course of the summer to see if their states relax their requirements to enable them to hold their national event. We are hopeful that some historical venues may be able to return to the schedule, but recognize that others may not. Hence, the schedule will be rolled out on a month-to-month basis as race tracks and state officials continue to develop their plans.”

It has also been revealed that Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, will host a round of Pro Motocross for the first time ever, marking a historic moment for the championship during the month of August.

“Besides the Ironman and Fox Raceway dates, the series is prepared to announce a surprise for the 2020 season,” it has been confirmed. “For the first time ever a pro national will be held at Loretta Lynn’s on the historical AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship racetrack in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

“The national will be held in August and will serve as a sort of homecoming for pro riders who have graduated from these familiar grounds. Though Loretta Lynn’s is not a traditional pro national venue, these are not traditional times and series managers are working hard to schedule nationals at venues in states that are open for business.

“In addition to the above, it is the current plan to include the following traditional venues on the schedule – Washougal, WW Ranch and High Point. These venues are located in states that have established clear phase-in guidelines that can be timely met. In addition to Loretta Lynn’s, it is highly likely that two more new venues will be added to the schedule based on the states where they are located.

“All events, no matter their location, will be conducted with fans with elevated social distancing protocols in compliance with CDC guidelines and as recommended by the Safe-to-Race Task Force. These protocols, currently under development, will be announced at a later date.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Another broken hand in practice sidelines luckless Tickle

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News 1 Jun 2020

Another broken hand in practice sidelines luckless Tickle

Section: Competition

Opening practice crash causes JGRMX Suzuki rider to sit out SLC 1.

Image: Supplied.

JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki’s Broc Tickle was re-injured in the first practice session at Utah, ending his day prematurely with another broken hand.

The luckless Tickle broke his left hand in Arlington and was able to recover during the mid-season pause, but ended up breaking his right hand at Salt Lake.

“In first practice I had a little crash, the bike came down and I punched it,” Tickle explained. “I ended up breaking my other hand on the outside – hoping to be back next Sunday.”

It’s been a frustrating time for Tickle since making his comeback in Tampa, where he finished 12th aboard the factory RM-Z450, only to injure his hand a week later in Texas.

A recovery target of next Sunday means he will sit out Wednesday’s 12th round of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season, with two rounds taking place per week at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the series-remainder.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Cianciarulo cleared of injuries after main event incident

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News 1 Jun 2020

Cianciarulo cleared of injuries after main event incident

Section: Competition

Monster Energy Kawasaki newcomer set to go again on Wednesday.

Image: Octopi Media.

An early fall forced the returning Adam Cianciarulo out on lap two of the 450SX main event in Salt Lake City one, now being cleared of injuries since.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki rookie was making his first appearance since breaking his collarbone in Arlington and picked up where he left off in terms of speed.

As Monster Energy Supercross held its first of seven rounds at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Cianciarulo qualified third and then finished second in his heat race, only to go down in the early stages while in podium contention during the final.

“Cooper ran into me pretty good there, he didn’t have anywhere to go – not his fault obviously – but got me in the back pretty substantially,” the 23-year-old said after Cooper Webb went over the top of him. “I wasn’t able to finish, just didn’t have it in me.

“It’s pretty painful at the moment, but I got checked out and all is well internally – no broken bones, so that’s good. I’m tired of hitting the ground, I guess I was a little too eager being in a good position so early and not having raced in a while.

“But yeah, it’s the same for everybody, I have to take accountability for that, I have to be better and that’s something I always kind of have to reign in a little bit. I get excited and I really want it, so we’ll fix that. First one out of the way and only up from here!”

Cianciarulo is expected to continue and line-up again when the 2020 season moves forward in Utah this Wednesday, which will mark round 12 of the championship.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Tomac extends advantage with Salt Lake City win

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News 1 Jun 2020

Tomac extends advantage with Salt Lake City win

Section: Competition

Controlled victory for McElrath as 250SX East series resumes.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac stretched an eight-point lead in Monster Energy Supercross 2020 at Salt Lake City, winning in the sport’s return to competition today.

Tomac was all class in the 450SX main event, remaining patient in difficult, dry conditions to win by 3.771s over Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM).

It was Blake Baggett (Team Rocky Mountain WPS KTM) led an action-packed first half of the race, before Tomac – who had to overcome both Webb and Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) in a scrap for position – ultimately made his way by.

Both Webb and Roczen soon followed, however, they weren’t able to mount another true challenge to Tomac from that point. Roczen saved a major mishap on the penultimate lap to salvage the final place on the podium.

Behind the leading trio, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne were fourth and fifth respectively, with Martin Davalos (Monster Energy Team Tedder KTM) climbing to sixth. Baggett, meanwhile, faded to seventh.

Rounding out the top 10 this afternoon were Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha), a fast-starting Justin Brayton (Team Honda HRC) and Dean Wilson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).

The return to racing of Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) was short-lived, going down heavily while in P2 on lap two. Both Tomac and Webb were momentarily caught up in the incident.

In addition, Chad Reed (Mountain Motorsports cbdMD CR22 KTM) was one of multiple riders to pit during the final, going out of the race but eventually credited with 19th.

Image: Octopi Media.

The first Salt Lake City round of 250SX East saw Monster Energy Star Yamaha’s Shane McElrath race to a pivotal victory to recommence the 2020 season.

The result has enabled McElrath to close to within seven points of defending champion Chase Sexton (Geico Honda), both now having two wins apiece so far.

Behind them to complete the podium was Daytona winner Garrett Marchbanks (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki), who managed to make his way by Jeremy Martin (Geico Honda) in the early laps and that’s where they would remain.

Despite going down on the opening lap, Pierce Brown (TLD Red Bull KTM) charged back to fifth, followed by Kyle Peters (Phoenix Racing Honda), Jalek Swoll (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Enzo Lopes (ClubMX Yamaha), Jace Owen (Phoenix Racing Honda) and John Short (Manluk Racing Honda).

There was trouble on the opening lap for the returning Colt Nichols (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) and he was forced to pit, before working his way back to 15th position. Geico Honda rookie Jo Shimoda was involved, also required to stop.

Round 12 of the Monster Energy Supercross championship will take place this Wednesday, again at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where each of the final seven rounds have been scheduled to round out the series.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Salt Lake City rounds like ‘a new season’ says Roczen

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News 30 May 2020

Salt Lake City rounds like ‘a new season’ says Roczen

Section: Competition

Team Honda HRC contender expecting strong restart on Sunday.

Image: Octopi Media.

The final rounds of Monster Energy Supercross will have the feeling of a new season when the gates drop in Utah on Sunday, which could serve as a boost for Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen.

Roczen is currently second in the 450SX point-standings and only three points down on red plate-holder Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki).

All seven rounds remaining will take place within Rice–Eccles Stadium at Salt Lake City as Supercross becomes one of the first professional sports to recommence since the COVID-19 pandemic placed the world on pause.

Recognized as a rider who delivers strong results in the early stages of the season, Roczen is in a strong position to capitalize across the next three weeks featuring consecutive races.

“I think, obviously if you look at my past, I am known for kind of coming out swinging,” Roczen said in the pre-race virtual press conference. “After three months or however long we’ve had this time off, you can definitely look at it like it’s the start of a new season.

“This will suit us well and I’ve prepared myself really well as well. I feel like I’m more ready and better than when I was racing earlier this year. I’m excited to kick things off again and really just trying to enjoy this crazy time. I’m ready, for sure.

“In previous years I’ve always come out really good in the beginning. We’ve all had plenty of time to get ready, so it’s going to be somewhat of a new start, but mentally I’m going straight back to where we left off and being in race-mode. I want to get back that comfort from when I was racing.”

Since winning his first main event in three years at St. Louis, Roczen has won three rounds in total during the unprecedented 2020 season, only missing the podium twice during the first 10 rounds prior to the break.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix officially cancelled for 2020

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News 29 May 2020

Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix officially cancelled for 2020

Section: Competition

COVID-19 pandemic prompts Phillip Island MotoGP round cancellation.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Phillip Island’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix has formally been cancelled for 2020 as MotoGP organisers move to adjust the championship due to coronavirus.

Both Australia and the British GP have been dropped from the calendar, the FIM, IRTA and Doona Sports confirmed this afternoon.

“We’re saddened to have to announce the cancellation of these iconic events after finding no way through the logistical and operational issues resulting from the pandemic and rearranged calendar,” explained Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta.

“Silverstone and Phillip Island are always two of the most thrilling race weekends of the season, with both tracks never failing in their promise to deliver some of the closest racing in our championship.

“On behalf of Dorna, I would like to once again extend my thanks to the fans for their understanding and patience as we wait for the situation to improve. We look forward to returning to Silverstone and Phillip Island next year for more incredible battles.”

The Australian grand prix was set to take place at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit between 23-25 October. It has been the home of MotoGP in Australia since its return to Victoria in 1997.

“We’re very disappointed that MotoGP fans throughout Victoria, Australia and internationally won’t get the chance to make the pilgrimage to see the world’s best riders compete on one of the best circuits anywhere in the world,” said Australian Grand Prix Corporation chairman Paul Little AO.

“But the right decision has been made. The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix puts Phillip Island on the global stage and it’ll be back better than ever in 2021.”

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Red Bull Ring shakedown completed by KTM MotoGP team

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News 29 May 2020

Red Bull Ring shakedown completed by KTM MotoGP team

Section: Competition

Factory test rider Pedrosa joins Espargaro on-track in Austria.

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM has completed a private two-day test at Red Bull Ring in Austria as Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro took to the Spielberg circuit aboard their RC16 machinery.

The KTM team relocated to the confines of the Red Bull Ring and in full adherence to health and safety guidelines in the wake of COVID-19 on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

“I’m really happy we could organise these two days here in Spielberg and get the MotoGP team back on track,” commented Mike Leitner, Red Bull KTM team manager. “It was a big effort to get it done, but we tested everybody, made it happen and I think it was key for the mentality of the company, the team, everyone in the racing department and especially the riders.

“In general, we have been lucky with the weather. It was good for Pol to get back to race speed – after such a long time off the bike riders really need laps. For Dani also it was important to restart the test program. Thanks go to the team for making this happen and to Spielberg for letting us test here. We now hope to have more news on the calendar in the middle of June and we are really looking forward to go racing again.”

The wheels of the KTM RC16 were spun for the first time since the IRTA test in Qatar at the end of February. Over 20 team members joined current racer Espargaro and test rider Pedrosa for further set-up work with a view towards a potential first event of the season in the coming months.

All had tested negative for COVID-19 before resuming MotoGP activities after a three-month pause. Espargaro’s teammate, Brad Binder, could not take part in the test due to the travel restrictions affecting his current location in South Africa.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motocross, News

Reed details decision to make mid-season KTM transfer

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News 28 May 2020

Reed details decision to make mid-season KTM transfer

Section: Competition

Final seven races of professional career to be spent aboard 450 SX-F.

Image: Octopi Media.

Outgoing Australian icon Chad Reed will be KTM-equipped when Monster Energy Supercross resumes in Salt Lake City, set to complete his remarkable career over the next three weeks.

The 38-year-old began his final season aboard privateer Honda machinery through Daytona, however, he has since switched to KTM in the break.

Reed sold his Hondas when Supercross was first stopped due to COVID-19 in March, initially expecting for the series to restart in the fall. Instead, organizers have been able to bring the final seven rounds forward, beginning this Sunday in Utah.

“I was told that we were done until September-October,” Reed stated. “So, basically I was just getting a motorcycle I wanted to ride for the summer. Mountain Motorsports is a dealer for everyone and for me at this point in my career it gives me a fun opportunity to ride some bikes.

“I loved my Husky when I rode it, so I was just kind of doing it for a little bit of fun. One thing led to another, I really enjoyed the bike, I liked it and then I got the word that we were going back racing and I had already sold all of my bikes.

“But really, to answer the question, I enjoy it. I loved that the brakes, transmission, how light it is, all the things you want from a race bike at the highest, highest level, this bike comes like that production, so it’s just a great starting point.”

In comparison to the independent Husqvarna he rode during the 2018 season in what was a difficult year, Reed has now gained access to higher specification WP suspension that has been specifically developed to suit the KTM.

“The one thing I struggled with most when I rode my Husky – a lot of people want to know that question – I didn’t have the resources back then with the time we had, to have access to the good WP suspension,” he continued. “This time around I have been lucky to have access to that and that has played such a huge role, working with a company the bike is built around.

“So far so good, I really like it. It brings back some fun memories, a lot of the things you do to make it better or improve certain feelings, you are going back 15 years, 16 years to my steel chassis days, so it’s funny to have that stuff in the back of your memory bank and a lot of that still works in the current day going racing.”

Reed is currently 17th in the 450SX championship points, delivering improved results directly prior to the stoppage with 13th-place finishes in Arlington and Daytona. He’s due to retire from the sport following round 17 in a few weeks time.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Kawasaki extends Lowes contract through 2021 season

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News 28 May 2020

Kawasaki extends Lowes contract through 2021 season

Section: Competition

Phillip Island race winner to remain aboard Ninja ZX-10RR next year.

Image: Russell Colvin.

Kawasaki Racing Team has re-signed Alex Lowes for the 2021 Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) following his winning debut at Phillip Island.

Lowes won race two in his first appearance aboard the factory Ninja ZX-10RR and will remain with the official team next season.

“It is great be with Kawasaki for 2021,” Lowes said. “I can continue adapting to the team and adapting myself to the ZX-10RR. Ever since I joined the team, I have really felt like it was an opportunity to for me to make another step forward with my riding.

“Being team-mates with Johnny [Rea] I feel can learn so much from him and the atmosphere in the team is great. The current situation in the world is not ideal for anyone, but Kawasaki really makes me feel positive and focused on the future. It has been fantastic to get something sorted for 2021 before going into the rest of the races this year.”

The 29-year-old made his signing official during a Skype call between himself, Kawasaki Motor Europe’s Steve Guttridge and Kawasaki Racing Team manager Guim Roda this week.

“The job Alex has done until now, his motivation for the KRT project and the serious way he trains himself to be the fittest rider he can be have been such strong arguments to renew with him,” Roda commented. “It also gives him the time and reassurance to show his full potential on the ZX-10RR.

“He has the speed to ride the bike on the limit and to perform at the level we expect. Fixing an agreement with Alex for 2021 so early in the season will give him a calmness to fully concentrate on his racing and make the best results possible this year.”

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Competition, Motorcycle News, News

Ducati confirms Miller for factory MotoGP team in 2021

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News 27 May 2020

Ducati confirms Miller for factory MotoGP team in 2021

Section: Competition

Australian promoted from Pramac Racing to official Ducati Team.

Image: Supplied.

North Queenslander Jack Miller will become a factory Ducati Team rider in the 2021 MotoGP World Championship, with an option to extend into the following season.

The Borgo Panigale brand has signed the 25-year-old following widespread speculation that the deal had been completed in recent weeks.

“First of all I want to thank warmly Paolo Campinoti, Francesco Guidotti and all the Pramac Racing team for the great support I have received from them in the two and a half years spent together,” Miller commented.

“It is an honour for me to be able to continue my MotoGP career with the Borgo Panigale manufacturer and I would like to thank all the Ducati management, Claudio, Gigi, Paolo and Davide, for having trusted me and given me this incredible opportunity.

“I look forward to starting riding again this year and I am ready to fully commit to the responsibility of being an official Ducati rider in 2021.”

Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati Motor Holding, added: “Since he arrived in the Pramac Racing team, Jack has grown steadily, proving himself one of the fastest and most talented riders in the championship. So we are happy that he has agreed to ride the official Desmosedici GP bike of the Ducati Team next year.

“We are convinced that Jack has all the right skills to fight continuously for the positions that matter, in every race, starting already this season with the Desmosedici GP20 of the Pramac Racing Team and taking a further step forward next year thanks to the support of the Ducati Team.”

Miller will become the third Australian after Troy Bayliss and MotoGP Legend Casey Stoner – who captured the manufacturer’s sole premier class crown in 2007 – to ride in the famous red of Ducati.

Miller, who made his MotoGP debut in 2015 at just 20 years old, joined Ducati in 2018 with the Pramac Racing team, the factory-supported team of the Bologna manufacturer, and finished last season eighth overall in the standings after taking five podiums during the year.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au