Moto News Weekly for August 6, 2019

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What happened this week

• JD Beach wins 2019 Buffalo Chip TT
• Ryan Sipes tops AFT Singles at Buffalo Chip TT
• Gajser and Prado claim victory at 2019 MXGP of Belgium
• Van De Moosdijk tops EMX at Lommel
• Husqvarna’s Waters & Todd claim titles at Coolum MX Nationals
• Bartosz Zmarzlik wins Speedway Grand Prix of Poland
• Dan Reardon joins CDR Yamaha for 2019 Australian SX
• Cole Seely announces retirement
• Team Belgium for 2019 Motocross of Nations announced

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JD Beach wins 2019 Buffalo Chip TT

JD Beach took an unexpected last-second victory at the 2019 Buffalo Chip TT at the American Flat Track premiere class showdown in Sturgis, with Jake Johnson seeming a clear winner until a mechanical issue on the final corner of the final lap wreaked havoc on his would-be victory.

TT standout Johnson grabbed the holeshot and quickly broke free at the front while a four-rider fight for second took shape involving Jarod Vanderkooi, Jared Mees, Bronson Bauman and Beach.

Passing opportunities proved few and far between as the riders negotiated the purpose-built TT circuit on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground that encircled “The Bar” and was pressed tight by thousands of fans on the fences. As a result, the top five could have easily been set from the opening lap if not for repeated drama.

First, Vanderkooi ran wide and quickly gave up three positions. An aggressive Beach then made his way by Bauman as well and immediately went about applying intense pressure on Mees for second.

That pressure was so great, in fact, that Mees ultimately decided it was better to just hand the position over to Beach than invite trouble in an attempt to defend it, especially once he saw that championship rival Briar Bauman was destined to DNF after crashing further back in the field.

At that point, Mees’ calculated decision appeared likely only to open the door for an eventual Estenson 1-2, but Beach still wasn’t satisfied. He somehow reeled in teammate Johnson, arriving on his rear wheel just in time to take the white flag. However, Beach simply couldn’t find a way through and was all but ready to follow Johnson to the checkered flag when Johnson’s bike suffered a mechanical issue exiting the race’s very final corner.

Beach promptly powered past, officially claiming the victory by 0.201 seconds. The win was the second of Beach’s AFT Twins career and his second straight on the tour’s run of TTs, having also won at the Arizona Super TT earlier this season.

JD Beach

“I’m heartbroken for Jake. He rode an amazing race. I came from like fifth and caught him, but we only had a lap to go. I was trying to find a way by him but there just wasn’t any room. Coming out of the last turn, I heard his bike blubber, so I knew I was hooked up and going. It’s awesome to get a win, but to get a win like that — especially with Jake because he’s such a good guy – it feels good but it doesn’t. I have to thank the whole crowd for coming out. This event is awesome. And I’ve got to thank the whole Estenson racing team. They’ve been working really hard. We’ve got a bike that can go right, and I think we’ve proved it. And we have another chance at the Peoria TT, so we’ll see what happens.”

Mees came home in third, slashing his title deficit from 26 to just 12 (173-161) to open the second half of the ‘19 title fight. Bronson Bauman finished fourth, followed by Vanderkooi in fifth.

Buffalo Chip TT – AFT Twins Main Event

#	Rider	Motorcycle	Gap
1	JD Beach	Yamaha MT-07	0.000
2	Jake Johnson	Yamaha MT-07	0.201
3	Jared Mees	Indian FTR750	8.754
4	Bronson Bauman	Indian FTR750	11.943
5	Jarod Vanderkooi	HD XG750R Rev X	13.236
6	PJ Jacobsen	Indian FTR750	14.809
7	Robert Pearson	Indian FTR750	15.346
8	Jeffrey Carver Jr.	Indian FTR750	15.987
9	Henry Wiles	Indian FTR750	16.209
10	Kayl Kolkman	Yamaha MT-07	27.252

AFT Twins Standings

#	Rider	Points
1	Briar Bauman	173
2	Jared Mees	161
3	Bronson Bauman	131
4	Henry Wiles	123
5	Jeffrey Carver Jr.	121
6	Brandon Robinson	119
7	Jarod Vanderkooi	107
8	Robert Pearson	104
9	Jake Johnson	99
10	Sammy Halbert	81

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Ryan Sipes tops AFT Singles at Buffalo Chip TT

For the second consecutive year, Ryan Sipes put on a masterclass of all-around riding ability at the Buffalo Chip TT with a convincing victory in the once-stopped and restarted AFT Singles Main Event.

With right- and left-handers of varying radii and jumps to navigate, the TTs demand a somewhat different, expanded skillset compared to the other three AFT disciplines. It should be no surprise that the supremely versatile Sipes once again shone under the lights at the Buffalo Chip, as he showcased the talents that also made him a Supercross race winner and America’s first-ever ISDE overall winner.

Sipes was in dominant form all day long, and effectively secured the win at the critically important start when he hammered into the lead off the line. His combination of superior speed and inch-perfect lines provided his opponents with precious little hope of defeating the Kentucky native on this night.

Ryan Sipes

“I wanted this one really bad. All I’ve thought about since I crashed at Springfield was I should have won there, and now I have to win here. And I did it, so I feel really good about it.”

AFT Singles points leader Dalton Gauthier was ecstatic to finish second. With series part-timer Sipes not in championship contention and key title rival Mikey Rush suffering another difficult outing, Gauthier’s podium performance opened up some breathing space at the top of the standings.

Defending champ Dan Bromley took over second in the championship chase with his sixth podium result of the season by finishing third. 2016 class champ Ryan Wells made an impressive charge on a track that was nearly impossible to pass on to arrive in fourth while top qualifier Chad Cose rounded out the top five.

Aussie Max Whale came home in the AFT Singles main event eighth on his Kawasaki KX450F, and currently sits ninth in the standings on 83-points.

Max Whale

“Had a blast at the Buffalo Chip TT. Ended the night with a solid P8. The track was unique, tight and hard to pass! Had to come from row 3. Plenty of bar bagging! Thanks to all my sponsors!”

Buffalo Chip TT – AFT Singles Main Event

#	Rider	Bike	Gap
1	Ryan Sipes	KTM 450 SX-F	0.000
2	Dalton Gauthier	Husqvarna FC450	2.141
3	Dan Bromley	KTM 450 SX-F	3.272
4	Ryan Wells	Yamaha YZ450F	7.56
5	Chad Cose	Honda CRF450R	8.072
6	James Rispoli	Yamaha YZ450F	8.369
7	Jesse Janisch	Yamaha YZ450F	8.509
8	Max Whale	Kawasaki KX450F	8.86
9	Jacob Lehmann	Honda CRF450R	9.119
10	Andrew DiBrino	Husqvarna FC450	9.866

AFT Singles Standings

#	Rider	Points
1	Dalton Gauthier	189
2	Dan Bromley	168
3	Mikey Rush	161
4	Jesse Janisch	150
5	Ryan Wells	126
6	Shayna Texter	108
7	Chad Cose	105
8	Morgen Mischler	90
9	Max Whale	83
10	Kevin Stollings	79

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Gajser and Prado claim victory at 2019 MXGP of Belgium

For the full 2019 MXGP of Belgium report see:
Tim Gajser extends his lead at the MXGP of Belgium (link)

Tim Gajser claimed the MXGP of Belgium victory over the weekend, with a 2-2 result netting 44-points and extending his championship lead, with Romain Febvre runner up on 43-points thanks to a 1-4 result. Glenn Coldenhoff claimed the final overall podium position with a consistent 3-3 result for 40-points.

Following the MXGP of Belgium Gajser holds the championship lead by an all but insurmountable 187-points with four rounds to go, with second place sitting with Jeremy Seewer who took fourth overall over the weekend and now holds 439-points. That’s a 37-point lead over Gautier Paulin on 402. Arnaud Tonus is a close fourth with 396-points.

Tim Gajser

“I had fun today and it is weird saying that in the sand for me. I had two good races and I let Max pass because he was faster, then he made a mistake and I got him back, then he passed me again. They told me if I was second, I would have won the overall. I very happy with this GP win as I didn’t’ expect it. I expected a top five would be good and to win here is really special. We have worked in the sand in the winter and it really worked out. The track was rough, and it was easy to make a mistake. I will try and make a good start and see if I can stay with these guys, but if I can’t I will settle for the points. It is always mental, coming here in Lommel, we know the race will be tough, so deep and so bumpy and I did my best.”

Romain Febvre

“I used a lot of energy for the qualifying race. I wanted a good start gate. I was first in the first corner of the first race and then Tim passed me, and I passed him again. I was feeling comfortable but it was really tough. The first race was easier, and the second race I didn’t get the start I liked.. It was tough and it was hot. I struggled at the beginning of the first race a bit, then 10 minutes before the end I lost a bit my rhythm and I was super happy to have won the first race. In second race I ended fourth for a second overall. I couldn’t pass Van Horebeek and Coldenhoff and I lost my rhythm. I am a little bit disappointed. Today I felt better than yesterday, but I didn’t have so much energy at the end.”

Glenn Coldenhoff

“It is great. Two weeks ago I didn’t feel good in the sand, but the team helped with a great bike and I give it to those guys. I am happy to be back up here and I enjoy it. The sand always suits me well, and it is easier than hard pack for me. Yesterday I felt good. I went into qualification to save energy for today’s race and maybe that was wrong, because I couldn’t find my rhythm and I struggled a bit. I pushed this morning and had that good feeling again pulling also the FOX Holeshot. I have to thank my boss and the whole team. We have been through difficult time, but we are back. The team has done an amazing job to have me comfortable in the sand.”

MXGP Round Overall

Pos	Rider	Total
1	Gajser, Tim	44
2	Febvre, Romain	43
3	Coldenhoff, Glenn	40
4	Seewer, Jeremy	34
5	Van Horebeek, Jeremy	29
6	Jasikonis, Arminas	28
7	Anstie, Max	25
8	Jonass, Pauls	24
9	Monticelli, Ivo	23
10	Paulin, Gautier	23

MXGP Standings

#	Rider			Points
1	Gajser, Tim	SLO	HON	626
2	Seewer, Jeremy	SUI	YAM	439
3	Paulin, G.	FRA	YAM	402
4	Tonus, Arnaud	SUI	YAM	396
5	Cairoli, A.	ITA	KTM	358
6	Jasikonis, A.	LTU	HUS	355
7	Coldenhoff, G.	NED	KTM	349
8	Febvre, Romain	FRA	YAM	336
9	Van Horebeek, J.	BEL	HON	329
10	Jonass, Pauls	LAT	HUS	321

In MX2 Jorge Prado proved unstoppable with a 1-1 result and 50 championship points to the tally, with the runner up position proving a tight competition with Calvin Vlaanderen, Ben Watson and Tom Vialle all sitting on 36-points a-piece, with Vialle missing out on the podium and Vlaanderen runner up. Adam Sterry in fifth overall was a further point in arrears.

Following Belgium Prado (644) holds a 124-point lead from Thomas Kjer Olsen (520), with Tom Vialle (416) a further 104-points back in third place. Jago Geerts sits fourth in the standings on 413-points, while Henry Jacobi completes the top five with 399-points.

Jorge Prado

“Normally it is a tough race even if I had a good flow the whole race. I was enjoying it and I was mentally prepared for this. We are closing in on the championship and looking for the next round. The first race was also good, the track is very rough, and you need to be careful with your energy and have energy for the second one. The second race was good, another FOX holeshot and that was my goal. The last lap I had more than 30 seconds lead and I tried to make it bigger, but I lost my hand and fell, lucky I got up quickly. Third GP win at Lommel, so I am happy.”

Calvin Vlaanderen

“It feels good to be back, this is the goal to come on the podium. First race I wasn’t happy, put it down and came back. Didn’t expect to be on the podium as I started the second race with the goal to have fun. I was stoked when I saw I was on the podium. I think in Italy I need two good starts and two good races. Maybe on the hard-pack I can put a bit more pressure on Prado and try and fight at the front.”

Ben Watson

“I am gutted for my teammate. I come here not knowing what to expect as I decided to race just some days ago. I came here to one of the toughest Grand Prix of the year and got on the podium. I want to thank the team, my girlfriend, my family and everyone who has been a part of this. The last few weeks have been difficult, I had a lot of time to improve after Indonesia and I got a lot of physical training in as I wanted a good comeback race. I only rode Tuesday for the first time, and we decided to come, and it was a big shock to me and the whole team. My teammate Jago deserved the second spot on the podium.”

MX2 Round Overall

Pos	Rider	Total
1	Prado, Jorge	50
2	Vlaanderen, Calvin	36
3	Watson, Ben	36
4	Vialle, Tom	36
5	Sterry, Adam	35
6	Renaux, Maxime	29
7	Genot, Cyril	22
8	Östlund, Alvin	22
9	Jacobi, Henry	22
10	Geerts, Jago	22

MX2 Standings

#	Rider			Points
1	Prado, Jorge	ESP	KTM	644
2	Olsen, T.	DEN	HUS	520
3	Vialle, Tom	FRA	KTM	416
4	Geerts, Jago	BEL	YAM	413
5	Jacobi, Henry	GER	KAW	399
6	Sterry, Adam	GBR	KAW	314
7	Watson, Ben	GBR	YAM	282
8	Renaux, Maxime	FRA	YAM	271
9	Beaton, Jed	AUS	HUS	250
10	Vlaanderen, C.	NED	HON	248

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Van De Moosdijk tops EMX at Lommel

The EMX250 and EMX125 classes continued their championships stories in Lommel at the MXGP of Belgium, and once again it was the sand masters who came out with amazing skills around one of the toughest circuits in the World.

Roan van de Moosdijk is the king of the sand in the EMX250 class, going 1-1 and taking the points’ lead in the series standings heading to the next round in Sweden. The Dutchman was a level above his competition as he clocked lap times bunch of seconds quicker than the other EMX250 riders. Kevin Horgmo was second overall and Mikkel Haarup third.

In the EMX125 class it was Simon Laengenfelder who scored 2-1 results to win the overall, ahead of series leader Mattia Guadagnini and Tom Guyon. Guadagnini continues to lead the series by 20 points over Guyon.

EMX250

Kevin Horgmo was quickly into the lead in the opening EMX250 race, followed by Isak Gifting, Kay Ebben and Roan van de Moosdijk. Mikkel Haarup moved past van de Moosdijk on lap two, and championship front runners, Rene Hofer was back in seventh, Stephen Rubini was ninth and Alberto Forato way back in 14th. Van de Moosdijk moved into second place on lap three.

Van de Moosdijk moved into the lead on the fourth lap while Rubini was up to sixth position. After six laps the lead was 12 seconds between van de Moosdijk and Horgmo. Haarup moved into second on lap 10 and Rubini moved into fifth place. Van de Moosdijk won the Saturday’s race 1 from Haarup and Horgmo.

In the second EMX250 race it was Van De Moosdijk who led early from Horgmo, Raivo Dankers, Bastian Boegh Damm and Rene Hofer. Rubini was down in seventh place. After just one lap the lead was already more than five seconds as the Dutchman was showing off his sand skills. A lap later the lead was nearly 10 seconds.

Forato moved into second place when he passed Horgmo, and Rubini crashed and dropped to 10th place. Not a lot changed with Van De Moosdijk moved to 30 seconds ahead of Forato on lap eight, then came Horgmo, Dankers and Boegh. Rubini remained in 10th place.

With a 32 second lead Van de Moosdijk slipped over in a corner, but still had an easy lead when he got up and just to make matters even better for the leader, Rubini dropped out of the top ten and was in 13th.

Van De Moosdijk won race 2 from Forato and Horgmo and getting is double race win of the season and the Red Plate for the first time in his career. The Dutch rider got in the Belgian round in thirst position in the series and will head to Switzerland leading the series with 11 point over Rubini.

Roan Van De Moosdijk

“I didn’t know I had the points lead until the end of the race. The start today was good, and I controlled the races even if at the end I got tired. It’s been always a dream to have a red plate and now I have it, and close to home with all my family and friends here to see it. I want to thank my team and my trainer.”

EMX250 – Overall Top Ten

1. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 50 points
2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 40
3. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, HUS), 35
4. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 34
5. Ken Bengtson (SWE, HUS), 31
6. Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 28
7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 28
8. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 26
9. Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), 23
10. Hakon Fredriksen (NOR, YAM), 20

EMX250 – Championship Top Ten

1. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 288 points
2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 277
3. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 275
4. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 195
5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 137
6. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 133
7. Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 131
8. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 127
9. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 99
10. Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 97

EMX125

Joel Rizzi took the holeshot in the opening EMX 125 race but it was Mattia Guadagnini who took the lead quickly and just walked away from the field. Second was Simon Laengenfelder, and third Tom Guyon. Mike Gwerder finished in fifth and lost ground on the two front guys in the points race.

The second EMX125 presented by FMF Racing race proved a surprise as Laengenfelder took the lead on Guadagnini and Guyon on lap 3. After five laps the lead was five seconds as the German rider showed amazing sand skills.

Rizzi was also looking good in fourth position ahead of fifth placed Kay De Wolf. Laengenfelder rode brilliant to remain in control and winning from Guadagnini and Guyon.

Simon Laengenfelder won his first EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing round of his career with his 2-1 and he stands third in the championship while Mattia Guadagnini keeps the red plate.

Simon Laengenfelder

“I had the holeshot and Guadagnini passed me then I passed him back. I am so happy with the victory. I want to thank my team. This is unbelievable.”

EMX125 – Overall Top Ten

1. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 47 points
2. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 47
3. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 40
4. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), 34
5. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 30
6. Camden Mc Lellan (RSA, KTM), 26
7. Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 25
8. Max Palsson (SWE, KTM), 24
9. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 23
10. Joel Rizzi (GBR, KTM), 23

EMX125 – Championship Top Ten

1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 265 points
2. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 245
3. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 175
4. Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 174
5. Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 165
6. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 156
7. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 155
8. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 123
9. Guillem Farres (ESP, KTM), 101
10. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), 95

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Husqvarna’s Waters & Todd claim titles at Coolum MX Nationals

For the full round reports see:
DPH Husqvarna do MX1/MX2 Championship double (Round 10 – Link)
Reports | Results| Images from Coolum MX Nationals Rnd 9 (Link)

DPH Husqvarna Factory Racing team racers Todd Waters and Wilson Todd dominated the final two rounds of the MX Nationals in Coolum, to win both the MX1 450cc and MX2 250cc National Motocross Championships, and become the only team to win both the MX1 and MX2 titles in the one MX Nationals season.

Todd Waters quickly secured the MX1 Superpole on Saturday, before going on to win all three MX1 races, while Wilson Todd took both MX2 wins and secured a dominant round nine display for DPH.

With Sunday hosting the tenth and final round of the MX Nationals on the very same track, Todd Waters once more secured Superpole before going on to win both 16-lap MX1 races and securing the MX1 Championship.

Wilson Todd took a 1-2 finish in the back-to-back format and a third in the final moto to also secure the MX2 overall and the 2019 MX2 Championship.

Todd Waters – 2019 Thor MX1 Champion

“I’ve wanted this for so long, and I’m pumped to be able to do it with such a great group around me. From personal sponsors that have been with me through my whole career, to new supporters, and the team at DPH, my family, and especially my Dad Steve. Having him behind me at every gate drop has been unreal and really helped to take the pressure off and just enjoy racing my bike. I’ve said it a lot this season, but I really love riding the FC450. DPH builds a family atmosphere where it’s easy to relax, focus and get the job done and that’s exactly what we did this weekend. I was confident coming into the weekend that I could wrap up the season, but I never expected to have a perfect finish with two superpoles and five race wins!”

Wilson Todd – 2019 MX2 Champion

“Everything came together for me this weekend. I’ve been comfortable leading the championship, but with such a small gap, and a double header weekend, anything could’ve happened. I didn’t get a great lap in qualifying, but I got out of the gates strong and was able to ride at a strong pace to take both race wins and increase my lead for the final day of racing. For Sunday, I wanted to win, but not at the sake of the championship, so I used my head, raced hard and took opportunities when they were there, without risking too much. I’m now a two-time MX2 champion, and really glad I could help DPH make history by taking both championships in the one season. Thank you to everyone that supports me and the whole team.”

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CDR Yamaha’s Luke Clout MX1 runner-up

Heading into the final two rounds over the weekend the premier MX1 championship rolled into Coolum on a knife’s edge with just two points separating the top two riders and with four points scoring motos on a track known to wreak havoc, where anything could have happened.

But, fight as he may, Luke Clout wasn’t able to overcome rival Todd Waters and had to settle for fourth place in each round which more than secured second place in the championship on board his Yamaha YZ450F.

Clout stuck to his guns all weekend and went down swinging. He wanted to take the challenge right up to Waters but a crash proved costly and he was unable to make any headway into the championship lead.

Luke Clout

“I did everything I could all weekend and the boys in the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team really put in the hard yards but I wasn’t good enough today and Todd deserved his victory. I felt pretty good on the bike most of the weekend but I had a decent crash in the final race on Saturday afternoon which left me and my bike pretty battered. The team worked through the night to get it back into perfect shape and we gave it our all, but just couldn’t get it done. Congratulations to Todd and his team this year. I know he has wanted this for a long-time and he has been great to race with all season. For me it was a better result than last season which is good, and the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team have been amazing to work with. Finishing second has given me more motivation to work harder for next years championship and I will be back to give it 100%. Thank you to my team, my family and my girlfriend for their support this season, also to WEM and the series sponsors in making the MX Nationals happen. Time now for a few days off and then its back into it for Supercross and I can’t wait to get back in the stadiums again.”

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Strong Coolum result for Kawasaki’s Dylan Long

Dylan Long finished off the 2019 MX Nationals championship in spectacular fashion at Coolum, scoring dual MX1 podium results in the double-header series finals.

Saturday’s Round 9 marked Long’s first overall podium of the year after he qualified in sixth position and then powered to 3-7 results in the opening MX1 sprint races for a combined moto score of fourth. In the final outing, he charged to third, granting him a deserved third overall for round nine.

Round 10 was even more impressive for the popular Victorian talent, transferring through Super Pole to qualify in third. The first moto saw him one again ride to a top-three result in third place, before backing that form up with second in moto two. Those results saw him achieve back-to-back overall podiums, this time in P2 for round 10 to cap-off the series.

Dylan Long

“I’m really stoked for myself and the Empire Kawasaki team to finish the season with these podium finishes,” beamed an elated Long. “The goal was to get better and better at every round once I came back from injury and we did that. After finishing third yesterday, I knew I would have to back it up today and we managed to finish second, so we’re really happy. The track was gruelling this weekend and especially today, but Empire Kawasaki had my KX450 working so good in these conditions and I can’t thank them enough!”

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2019 MX1 Championship Final Points

1. Todd Waters 568
2. Luke Clout 530
3. Hayden Mellross 462
4. Kirk Gibbs 435
5. Brett Metcalfe 432
6. Justin Rodbell 373
7. Richie Evans 372
8. Jesse Dobson 360
9. Dylan Long 325
10. Jayden Rykers 300

2019 MX2 Championship Final Points

1. Wilson Todd 562
2. Kyle Webster 536
3. Jay Wilson 523
4. Nathan Crawford 492
5. Aaron Tanti 460
6. Dylan Wills 394
7. Bailey Malkiewicz 387
8. Ricky Latimer 360
9. Cooper Pozniak 345
10. Morgan Fogarty 327

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Bartosz Zmarzlik wins Speedway Grand Prix of Poland

World No.2 Bartosz Zmarzlik raced to Betard Wroclaw FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland glory on Saturday night and declared the epic event “the best GP in history.”

The Polish icon raced to his second win of 2019 and the second of his career on home soil – five years on from his unforgettable 2014 Gorzow SGP triumph as a wild card, which saw him become the youngest SGP winner of all time at the age of 19.

Zmarzlik topped the podium ahead of Martin Vaculik and Leon Madsen, and now leads the World Championship standings on 61 points – level with Emil Sayfutdinov and Madsen, but ahead of his rivals by virtue of his FIM ranking.

It was an incredible night of action which saw passing aplenty as Wroclaw staged its first SGP event in 12 years in a sold-out Olympic Stadium.

Zmarzlik was delighted to take the win a huge 17-point haul, but admits he had to fight for it.

Bartosz Zmarzlik

“I think that was the best GP in history because there were so many riders changing places all night. It was nice speedway. I’m very happy because this is my first win in Poland away from my home track Gorzow. I am very happy because I scored good points and it was a good meeting. It was good work today. It wasn’t so easy at the start, but the last heats were the best.”

Zmarzlik is nicely placed in his quest to become Poland’s third world champion, following in the footsteps of his former Gorzow team mate and mentor Tomasz Gollob in 2010.

But he’s not taking anything for granted at the championship’s halfway stage, with five rounds still to race.

Next up is the Scandinavian SGP at Malilla’s G&B Arena on August 17. Zmarzlik triumphed there in 2016 and has been in extraordinary form in the Swedish Elitserien this season, leading the average charts on 2.900 per race – from a maximum of 3.000.

Vaculik was pleased to pick up his third SGP second place of the season and 15 valuable points. He’s now just two off top spot with 59, occupying fourth place. But the Slovak admits he’s determined to convert his next final appearance into a victory.

Third-placed Madsen produced a show reel of epic rides on his way to the final. While he admits his starts forced him to go on the offensive, he was pleased to have the pace to pull off some big moves to stay among the championship frontrunners.

Speedway GP World Championship Standings

1. Bartosz Zmarzlik 61
2. Emil Sayfutdinov 61
3. Leon Madsen 61
4. Martin Vaculik 59
5. Patryk Dudek 55
6. Fredrik Lindgren 47
7. Janusz Kolodziej 44
8. Maciej Janowski 36
9. Jason Doyle 35
10. Artem Laguta 34

Betard Wroclaw SGP Scores

1. Bartosz Zmarzlik 17
2. Martin Vaculik 15
3. Leon Madsen 14
4. Janusz Kolodziej 15
5. Emil Sayfutdinov 14
6. Maciej Janowski 12
7. Patryk Dudek 8
8. Antonio Lindback 7
9. Artem Laguta 7
10. Tai Woffinden 6
11. Jason Doyle 5
12. Fredrik Lindgren 5
13. Maksym Drabik 4
14. Max Fricke 4

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Dan Reardon joins CDR Yamaha for 2019 Australian SX

Former multi-time Australian Supercross champion, Dan Reardon, will re-unite with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship starting on October 12 in Brisbane.

Reardon, who finished third in the 2018 championship on board a YZ450F, has joined forces with the most powerful team in Australian motocross and supercross and already deep into his preparations for the coming season.

In a deal that sees Reardon combine the championship winning formula of the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, he has also been able to bring his own sponsors to the effort to create a unique and powerful team.

Dan Reardon

“It’s awesome to be back with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team and working with a great group of guys. We won the championship together in 2015 and I have built a close bond to CDR and Yamaha over the years. Last year I did my own program together with the help of Yamaha but the logistics of managing that and also preparing to race become more time consuming than I anticipated. It’s great to be back with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team again as I know that all the background work is taken care of and my sole focus is to win races and get the job done with no distractions. Craig has been great to work with in putting this deal together and we have been able to put together a deal that allows me to keep my global deals in place with companies like Fasthouse, DR Homes, Bell, Go Pro and Boost, but also take on the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team sponsors, infrastructure and support. I’m excited to go racing again and really looking forward to a successful year and a great championship battle in 2019.”

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team were on the look out for another rider for the 2019 supercross season as Kirk Gibbs is contracted for the MX Nationals only. After assessing all options, team owner Craig Dack, felt Reardon was the right man for the job and with previous success, Dack hopes to build on the already proven platform.

Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Team Owner

“Dan is obviously a talented, highly skilled and well credentialled supercross rider who has had a long term relationship with Yamaha here in Australia and the US. On limited budget in 2018, he was able to put together an impressive season and now with the extra support and infrastructure the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team can provide, we hope to take it to the next level with Dan in 2019. He is already comfortable with the Yamaha YZ450F and well under way in his preparation for the series. We are happy to put this deal together with Dan and some of his partners that have been behind him in recent years and feel we have the riders and the team to challenge for the 2019 SX1 supercross championship.”

The opening round of the Australian Supercross Championship gets under way on Saturday October 12 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre before travelling through Adelaide, Wollongong and Auckland before the grand final at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on November 30.

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Cole Seely announces retirement

Team Honda HRC rider Cole Seely announced his retirement from professional racing after over a decade competing at the highest level in both the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross series. Seely has dedicated nearly his entire professional career to the Honda brand, riding for a Honda satellite team throughout most of his 250 tenure before spending five years aboard a factory CRF450R.

At 29, Seely has accomplished a number of milestones. After turning pro in 2009, he signed with the then-Honda-backed Troy Lee Designs team in 2010. During his five-year stint with that team, Seely captured five 250SX victories and finished runner-up in the 2014 250SX West title chase.

In 2015, he was awarded 450SX Rookie of the Year honors after finishing third overall in the AMA Supercross series, highlighted by his first 450cc victory, at the Houston Supercross. Seely also represented Team USA at the 2017 Motocross of Nations.

Over the past few seasons, Seely has been plagued by injuries, which contributed to his decision to retire.

Cole Seely

“These past two years have been very difficult. Last year’s injury was severe and very tough on me both mentally and physically. I fought hard to return this season, but it was much more challenging than I anticipated. Now with this recent shoulder injury, it’s just another setback. This decision definitely wasn’t easy, but I think it’s the right choice. I’m grateful for having been given the opportunity to do something I’ve loved since I was a kid and to make it into my career. I’m grateful for the support from my fans and many sponsors throughout the years. I’d especially like to thank Honda, who has been behind me for my entire career, supporting me through the ups and downs. I’m grateful to have been partnered with such a great brand. I’m looking forward to this next chapter and to seeing where the future takes me.”

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Team Belgium for 2019 Motocross of Nations announced

The MXGP of Belgium hosted the presentation of the Belgian team for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. Presentation was held at the public area of the Lommel GP in front of a huge crowd of Belgian fans.

Team Belgium Manager Johan Boonen presented the 2019 Line up representing the Belgian colors in Assen on September the 28thand 29th.

Jeremy van Horebeek will lead the team riding the MXGP class, while Jago Geerts will compete the MX2 class and veteran Kevin Strijbos rounded up the Squad representing Belgium in the Open class.

Source: MCNews.com.au