Tag Archives: Competition

World Supersport campaign confirmed for Toparis in 2020

News 16 Jan 2020

World Supersport campaign confirmed for Toparis in 2020

FIM Europe Supersport Cup deal completed with Benro Racing team.

Image: Supplied.

Reigning Australian champion Tom Toparis will enter the European rounds of the World Supersport Championship (WorldSSP) in 2020 after signing with Benro Racing.

The 19-year-old rode with the Dutch team in IDM Supersport last season with a number of impressive performances, now transitioning to the world championship.

Recognised as the FIM Europe Supersport Cup for teams that don’t travel for the fly-away rounds and won by Kyle Smith last year, it is a significant step in the career of Toparis.

“I’m so happy to finally announce that I’ll be with the Benro Racing Team again, but this time on the world stage,” Toparis said. “I’m so grateful and lucky to get this opportunity. I know what to expect after a number of wildcards, so hopefully I can start out with solid results and build as the season progresses.

“With the Benro team and our experience last year racing IDM, I’m feeling confident we can learn all the new tracks quickly. I’m looking forward to an exciting step up to the World Supersport class in 2020.”

Benro Racing team manager Sraar van Rens added: “I’m glad we can finally announce that Tom Toparis will stay with Benro Racing in 2020. We have been speaking with Tom for a long time about this step, he is definitely ready for it and so we are proud that we can confirm our cooperation for 2020.

“Last year Tom did an excellent job and I think that we as Benro Racing have shown that we’re ready for the next step as well. With our experience over the last few years, we enter the WorldSBK paddock with a lot of confidence and I hope we prove it with some surprising results in the coming season!”

Since he will be in the FIM Europe Supersport Cup, Toparis won’t be on the grid at the Australian round between 28 February to 1 March at Phillip Island. His first appearance will come at Jerez, Spain, on 27-29 March.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Duffy on the cusp of finalising 2020 MX2 deal

News 16 Jan 2020

Duffy on the cusp of finalising 2020 MX2 deal

Interest from European teams not enough to persuade the Western Australian.

Image: Foremost Media.

Regan Duffy has revealed he’s on the cusp of finalising a deal that will see him contest the MX2 category in the 2020 MX Nationals, admitting interest from European teams wasn’t enough to persuade him to fast-track his international career.

The Western Australian had an incredible rookie season in the professional ranks, winning the MXD title before representing Team Australia at the Motocross of Nations, where he was highly-impressive as he piloted a 450 at the prestigious event.

The 17-year-old has long been adamant on taking his career overseas in 2021, a plan he’ll stick to as he makes an assault domestically this year.

“I can’t say too much yet, it’s not finalised,” Duffy declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “But I’ve got a pretty cool little deal that’s going to happen, so I’m excited to see how it pans out. I’m going to have a go at MX2 and step up with the big boys, and I’ll do the same in supercross again.

“I had a few [European] teams talking to me, I met some people and had some meetings. But I stayed with the thought that I need another year here – not as a rider, but as a person.

“I’m still a kid now – I’m six months away from even being an adult, so I didn’t really want to rush into anything. If something goes wrong over there, I’m all on my own.”

Duffy contested the 2019 season with Raceline KTM, although it appears he’ll be elsewhere for the upcoming season.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Rykers secures MX1 seat at Empire Kawasaki

News 16 Jan 2020

Rykers secures MX1 seat at Empire Kawasaki

Hellier confirmed as MXD entry at Kawasaki-supported squad.

Image: Foremost Media.

Western Australian Jayden Rykers will join Empire Kawasaki as its MX1 rider for the 2020 season, where he’ll be accompanied by MXD contender Deakin Hellier.

Rykers, who raced as a privateer in 2019, experienced a breakout rookie season in the premier class, finishing the MX Nationals in 10th despite being sidelined for the last three rounds, while he was 11th in the Australian Supercross Championship – his first full season in the discipline.

The 23-year-old admits the transition to the KX450 has far been seamless as he commences his preparations for the 2020 MX Nationals.

“It’s a massive reward after last year,” Rykers told MotoOnline.com.au. “I had to make the decision [in 2019] of where my future was heading, and that’s when I made the decision to step up to the 450.

“I guess a lot of changes happened in that year from working full-time to having our son. To be back in a situation now after such a hard year where I can put my mind back to the bike side of things is an awesome opportunity.

“I’ve spent four days riding the Kawasaki now, but when I first hopped on the bike, the transition wasn’t crazy – I felt quite comfortable straightaway. Everything’s been going smoothly.”

It was confirmed earlier this week that outgoing rider Dylan Long will sit out racing the 2020 season, while fill-in come team regular Lawson Bopping is unlikely to return after battling ongoing health issues.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance named 2020 ASBK title partner

News 16 Jan 2020

Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance named 2020 ASBK title partner

Australian Superbikes strengthened by incoming naming rights sponsor.

Image: Russell Colvin.

The Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK) has named Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance as the series’ title partner for the 2020 season.

Forming what will be the Mi-Bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, the partnership comes as a boost for the series after a strong 2019 season of on-track racing.

“Mi-Bike Insurance is an exciting, fast-growing organisation that we see as being a great partner of ASBK as we share a common value of providing great value to people who are passionate about motorcycles,” said Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle.

“We have seen ASBK grow significantly in the past five years, not only in rider numbers, but also our national and international audience and fan base, and we believe partnering with Mi-Bike Insurance will help us grow the sport further.

“This year ASBK saw lap records smashed, handlebar to handlebar racing, and championships decided on the last lap of the last round, proving again we have a world-class product to showcase.”

Mi-Bike Insurance general manager Mark Bradley added: “We’re delighted to be associated with such a first-class championship and partnering with ASBK for 2020 is a natural fit for Mi-Bike Insurance and sister company AMMF (Australian Motorcycle & Marine Finance).

“As our businesses help in powering riders’ passions, we wanted to extend this support to grassroots racing and we encourage everyone to get behind this exciting series.”

The ASBK season kicks off on 27 February-1 March at Phillip Island in conjunction with the Motul Superbike World Championship.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Barreda storms to victory in shortened stage 10 of Dakar

News 16 Jan 2020

Barreda storms to victory in shortened stage 10 of Dakar

Price fourth as compatriot Faggotter lands P6 result on day 10.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Honda Team’s Joan Barreda stormed to victory in a shortened staged 10 of the Dakar Rally, as Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda Team) strengthened his lead in the overall standings.

Brabec was runner-up in the stage in another Monster Energy Honda Team dominated day, where Kevin Benavides locked out the podium.

Australian and defending champion Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was fourth, the number one hoping to make up ground until the stage was cut short with almost 200 kilometres to go due to safety concerns over weather conditions. Luciano Benavides (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) was fifth.

Overall, it’s Brabec who leads from Pablo Quintanilla (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), Barreda, Price and Jose Cornejo (Monster Energy Honda Team).

Australian Rodney Faggotter (Yamaha Motor Australia) was an impressive sixth on day 10 for a ranking of 13th, as fellow Aussies Phillip Wilson (Bas Dakar KTM Racing Team), Ben Young (Duust Rally Team), Trevor Wilson (Husqvarna) and Matthew Tisdall (Bas Dakar KTM Racing Team) are now ranked in positions 52, 59, 78, and 97.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Maiden YRT outing will be ASBK test indicates Wagner

News 15 Jan 2020

Maiden YRT outing will be ASBK test indicates Wagner

ASBK contender to make riding return aboard personal R1 this week.

Image: Foremost Media.

Aiden Wagner has indicated his first outing aboard the Yamaha Racing Team R1 will be at the official ASBK test at the end of the month, although he’ll make a return to riding this week aboard his personal bike in an effort to fast-track his progress after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Wagner, who won the opening round of ASBK at Phillip Island last year, has been sidelined since Wakefield Park’s second round, where a heavy crash prompted him to undergo his fourth shoulder reconstruction.

Recently signing with Yamaha Racing Team alongside Cru Halliday, the number 28 will visit Phillip Island on Thursday and Friday before riding at Winton on Sunday, where he intends to gain valuable seat time after eight months on the sidelines.

“I’m heading down to Phillip Island on Thursday and Friday for my first time back on the Superbike since the surgery,” Wagner told CycleOnline.com.au. “It’s recovering quite well – I’m feeling strong and I’m feeling fit.

“My surgeon has done a really good job of reconstructing it – as bad the injury was, he made quite a strong shoulder out of it. I think it will be just as strong.

“It won’t be my first test with the team – it’s just two ride days and then I’m heading up to Winton on Sunday to do another ride day. My first test with the team won’t be until the first official ASBK test. It’s more to get my eye in on the bike again and give myself enough seat time to get back into the swing of things.”

The official ASBK test at Phillip Island is scheduled for 29-30 January.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

‘More to give’ insists Wills following MX Nationals withdrawal

News 15 Jan 2020

‘More to give’ insists Wills following MX Nationals withdrawal

New South Welshman eyeing AUS Supercross return after undergoing knee surgery.

Image: Foremost Media.

Dylan Wills insists he has ‘more to give’ after recently announcing he’ll sit out the upcoming MX Nationals series in favour of undergoing knee surgery.

The popular New South Welshman had been battling an ACL injury for 18 months, prompting him to undergo surgery and repair the damage in hopes of prolonging his career.

Wills, 24, is anticipating a six-month recovery period before returning to the bike and has full intentions of making an assault at the 2020 Australian Supercross Championship.

“The weekend after I won that national at Raymond Terrace in 2018, I had a small little crash and completely ruptured my ACL,” Wills explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I saw a few doctors and specialists, and we came up with the idea to try and race without it.

“I was putting in a lot of work to try and strengthen everything to make up for the fact I didn’t have an ACL – I was just continuing to dislocate it, and that just went on for too long. I kept thinking maybe it would get stronger, and it got the point 18 months down the track where I thought if I keep going this way, my career is going to be over.

“I really don’t want that – I believe I’ve got a lot more to give, and more of those Raymond Terrace-style rides to do before I even think about packing it up.”

Wills’ decision to skip this year’s MX Nationals comes at the same time his team from 2019, Davey Motorsports KTM, revealed it would also sit out the series with the possibility of returning for supercross. The team has played a significant role in ensuring a large number of riders could make the races over the year.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Oceania Historic Road Race Cup back to original format at Island Classic

News 15 Jan 2020

Oceania Historic Road Race Cup back to original format at Island Classic

Australia to take on America in FIM Oceania sanctioned competition.

Image: Russell Colvin.

The 2020 FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup will return to its original format when Australia takes on America at the International Island Classic on 24-26 January.

The cup’s competition will focus on the International Challenge, with the top five performers from each country combining their points in a bid to win the crown.

“This year the battle intensifies as the Australians take on the Americans, with both fielding strong teams,” said FIM Oceania president Glen Williams.

“The cup will again be staged as part of the 2020 International Island Classic which is a standout event for the Oceania region.

“FIM Oceania is responsible for developing motorcycle sport within Oceania whether in the form of junior road racing, motocross, speedway and via this exciting event of FIM Oceania Historic Road Race Cup. I’m sure the 2020 Cup will be brilliant and add another dimension to the historic festivities’’.

The Aussie riders include Island Classic stars of recent years – Steve Martin, Dave Johnson, Jed Metcher and Shawn Giles – plus a roster boasting the speed and experience of 2019 pace-setter Aaron Morris, Cam Donald, Beau Beaton and Alex Phillis.

The FIM Oceania title was launched in 2017, with Australia winning the first two years, but being knocked from their pedestal in 2019 when the format changed to non-International Challenge events and New Zealand took the prize.

Source: CycleOnline.com.au

Empire Motorsports retains Kawasaki backing for 2020 season

News 15 Jan 2020

Empire Motorsports retains Kawasaki backing for 2020 season

Victorian-based operation to announce team in the coming weeks.

Image: Foremost Media.

Empire Motorsport will enter its second year in partnership with Kawasaki Motors Australia after the manufacturer recommitted to supporting the Victorian-based team for the 2020 season.

Empire Kawasaki initially fielded a two-rider team in 2019 with Dylan Long and Deakin Hellier in the MX Nationals, while that later expanded to a three-rider effort with the inclusion of Lawson Bopping followed American Bradley Taft, who contested the Australian Supercross Championship.

“Empire Motorsports are very excited to be teaming up with Kawasaki Australia again for both motocross and supercross in 2020,” said team manager Tyson Cherry.

“The 2019 MX Nationals season was a great start to the relationship with Kawasaki Australia and we are looking forward to pushing to the top in 2020.

“[The] 2020 supercross season is looking promising after very positive rides and places in 2019. Exciting times ahead for both Empire Motorsports and Kawasaki Australia. We are really looking forward to the season onboard the Kawasaki KX250 and KX450.”

Empire Kawasaki is anticipated to reveal its line-up for 2020 in the coming weeks, where it’s likely Jayden Rykers will be confirmed as the MX1 rider following a breakout rookie campaign in the premier category last year.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Damaged brake lever hinders Lawrence at St. Louis

News 15 Jan 2020

Damaged brake lever hinders Lawrence at St. Louis

Australian teenager salvages fifth at the second round of Supercross.

Image: Octopi Media.

A damaged rear brake lever in the closing stages of St. Louis’ 250SX West main event last Saturday is ultimately what cost Jett Lawrence a potential maiden podium.

The youthful Australian, who overcame a heavy fall in his heat after colliding mid-air with Taiki Koga (Kawasaki), was challenging eventual winner Austin Forkner (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) for the lead before he clipped a tough-block with just minutes to spare in the 18-lap main.

It bent his rear brake lever, causing it to lock-on and prompting the Geico Honda rider to swiftly visit the mechanics’ area, demoting him down the order for a finish of fifth.

“Weekend was up and down,” said Lawrence. “Qualified good with fifth fastest, but the heat race was a complete disaster ride like a complete rookie! Thankfully I pulled it together somewhat in the main.

“I rode a good race and was ready to challenge for the win with three mins left in the main before I clipped a tough block which damaged my rear brake and locked it on forcing me to come into the pits.

“Kind of a bummer to have that happen, but it’s okay because I learnt a lot and am ready to battle at the front this weekend in Anaheim.”

Lawrence is now ranked sixth in the championship standings as Monster Energy Supercross heads to Angel Stadium in Anaheim this weekend.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au