The penultimate day of racing at round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship at Red Bull Romaniacs saw Wade Young (Sherco) take the day win, while Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) moved one step closer to clinching the overall victory.
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
After a night under the stars, the second half of the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye commenced with Offroad Day 3. With competitors feeling the effects of a punishing two days, a slightly shorter and less demanding day was welcomed by all.
Fourth to start this morning, Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young was on a mission to reel in those ahead of him. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt was first on his list of riders to tick off and once he reached Bolt’s rear wheel, the duo pushed on together before turning into a trio when Young’s team-mate Mario Roman was caught.
Wade Young caught Billy Bolt
Riding back and forth throughout most of the day, both Young and Bolt managed to break away from Roman in the closing stages but didn’t have the legs to bridge the gap to Lettenbichler, who started out first. However, Young’s efforts were duly rewarded, with the South African claiming the penultimate stage win of the rallye, and Bolt 34 seconds adrift as runner-up.
Another standout ride of the day came once again from young Bulgarian hotshot Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna). Regrouping after a tough outing yesterday, third on Offroad Day 3 ensured a career-best result for him.
Eleven seconds back, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Lettenbichler took fourth, to confirm a race lead of 21 minutes and 11 seconds over Young heading into tomorrow’s final day of racing. Losing time today for seventh, Roman slips just over eight minutes behind Young, but with Bolt only four minutes adrift in fourth, he’s not out of the woods just yet.
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
In truth, the battle for the final step of the podium is very much alive heading into the final day between Roman, Bolt, and Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker in fifth. With less than nine minutes separating the trio, it’s set to go down to the wire.
Beta’s Jonny Walker
Offroad Day 4 concludes this year’s Red Bull Romaniacs, with the traditional Gusterita hillclimb marking the final challenge of the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye. All eyes will be on Lettenbichler to see if he can make it three wins in a row.
Wade Young (Sherco)
“Starting out fourth I pushed hard in the beginning to try and make some ground on those ahead of me. I managed to catch up to Billy and then Mario and we were back and forth all day then. I got a little bit of a gap at the end and was able to ride it out for the win. To be honest, today was a welcomed day, the trail was good with no major bottlenecks and had a nice flow to it. I liked the marathon stage. It was well organised and a nice twist to the race for sure.”
Wade Young (Sherco)
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
“It’s been a good day, I actually enjoyed it a lot. There was a good mix of fast sections and Gold loops. Conditions were also dry out there today, which helped a lot. Wade caught me on the first few hills, I think I was still asleep! But then we got going together and pushed on. Second today, I’ll take that and give one last big effort for tomorrow because a podium is possible.”
Mario Roman (Sherco)
“Last night was a good experience, eating together and sleeping in the tent. I enjoyed it and it is a good addition to the event for sure. I started out second today, but Wade and Billy caught me early. When we grouped together, we rode out the rest of the day like that. The overall is still tight, and there’s a fight for the podium. I’m hoping for a tough day tomorrow to finish things off.”
Mario Roman (Sherco)
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Off Road Day Three Gold Class
Wade Young (Sherco) 4:20:52
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 4:21:26
Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 4:23:01
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 4:23:14
Jonny Walker (Beta) 4:25:27
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 4:26:01
Mario Roman (Sherco) 4:26:17
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 4:30:16
Dominik Olszowy (KTM) 4:31:19
Trystan Hart (KTM) 4:32:11
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Standings
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 15:02:01
Wade Young (Sherco) 15:23:12
Mario Roman (Sherco) 15:31:28
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 15:35:16
Jonny Walker (Beta) 15:40:11
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 15:56:02
Trystan Hart (KTM) 16:06:22
Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 16:19:49
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 16:24:07
Sonny Goggia (GASGAS) 17:10:18
*Results are provisional and subject to change following GPS inspection
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Graham Jarvis has put in a winning ride on Offroad Day 1 at Red Bull Romaniacs, round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. The Brit finished fastest to take over the overall race lead from Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler with South Africa’s Wade Young third.
2021 Red Bull Romaniacs
Overnight rain and early morning mist made it a tricky start for competitors as the Gold class riders set off into the 116-kilometre-long day. While the drop in temperature was welcomed, the rain would make some of the descents increasingly slippery for those opening the course.
Third in yesterday’s Time Trial, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Alfredo Gomez was first to start Offroad Day 1, by virtue of the reversed start order from yesterday’s top three. He was followed by young Bulgarian hotshot Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) who was eager to build on his result of second, 24 hours earlier. Time Trial winner Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young was third off the line.
Wade Young
With the top three feeling their way through the conditions, they were soon caught by KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler. But on corrected time it was Vision Track Beta’s Jonny Walker who was fastest through checkpoint 1. Together with Mario Roman (Sherco) the later start time was playing right into Walker’s hands.
For the first half of the morning the pace was high. A GPS navigational issue just before service dropped Roman back outside the top three. Jarvis began to take the reins out front, setting some of the fastest checkpoint times.
Having shaken off a few mistakes in the morning, the six-time Red Bull Romaniacs winner was now on a charge. Topping three of the day’s final five checkpoints, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider claimed a healthy three-minute-and-29-second margin of victory over Lettenbichler to bump him to the top of the overall standings.
Enjoying a solid ride throughout, Lettenbichler steered his KTM home for second, keeping relatively close to Jarvis. Despite a strong ride exiting the service point, the day didn’t quite go Young’s way and he ended it third, losing nine minutes to Jarvis.
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) was ninth
Working their way through traffic from 11th and 12th respectively, Roman and Walker gained the most places on Offroad Day 1. Walker edged out Roman, jumping from 12th to fourth, with Roman taking fifth, just 25 seconds behind the Beta rider in the overall standings.
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) was 10th
Offroad Day 2 marks the beginning of the all-important marathon stage. Competitors will end the day in the forest where no outside assistance is allowed. Remaining fast, but preserving both rider and machine, will prove crucial in order to enjoy a relaxing night under the stars!
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna)
“It was actually an eventful day. I dropped into a hole early on, got lost in the mist, but then found my rhythm and started to pick off some riders. It’s been a little bit of a surprise to win today, but I’m happy with that result because I feel like my riding is good. Yeah, tomorrow night in a tent should be interesting for an old guy like me, but I’m battling on!”
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna)
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
“I’m happy with that result today, I felt like I put in a solid ride. The pace of everyone up to the first service point was so high and we were all on the limit for sure. Graham rode insanely good and when he’s at his best like that, he’s tough! I feel like I’m off to a good start in Red Bull Romaniacs, tomorrow will be interesting and I’m excited for the marathon stage. We’re heading into new riding areas and with tomorrow night’s bivouac there should be good vibes at the finish. I’m excited to sleep in a tent!”
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM)
Jonny Walker (Beta)
“I had a good start this morning and just made a couple of little errors in the second half of the day. But they were fairly normal for a race like this. Overall, I’m happy to get a big day like this in on my Beta and I feel like I’m riding well, with more to come. There’s a long way to go, but a podium result is possible if I can keep things together – that’s the goal.”
Mario Roman (Sherco)
“I’m pleased with things today. I struggled a little with setup in yesterday’s Time Trial so we changed a few things around and it seemed to work much better. Conditions this morning were slippery with the rain and fog, which came as a surprise overnight. You needed to be careful on the downhills. After a strong start, I had a GPS issue before service, so I had to retrace my tracks. But I got it fixed and was able to put another strong ride in during the second half of the day. Overall, it’s been a good start to the week and I will push again tomorrow.”
Jonny Walker and Mario Roman
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Off Road Day One Gold Class
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 4:51:07
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 4:54:36
Wade Young (Sherco) 5:17:00
Jonny Walker (Beta) 5:05:01
Mario Roman (Sherco) 5:05:31
Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 5:08:38
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 5:10:39
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 5:13:34
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 5:13:47
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 5:15:07
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Standings
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) 5:29:49
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) 5:33:05
Wade Young (Sherco) 5:37:59
Jonny Walker (Beta) 5:46:05
Mario Roman (Sherco) 5:46:30
Teodor Kabakchiev (Husqvarna) 5:46:39
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna) 5:49:06
Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 5:22:28
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 5:53:57
Michael Walkner (GASGAS) 5:54:46
*Results are provisional and subject to change following GPS inspection
Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young topped the time sheets on the opening day of racing at round four of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, Red Bull Romaniacs.
The 2018 Red Bull Romaniacs winner was quick to make his mark on the 18th edition of the world’s toughest Hard Enduro Rallye, setting the quickest time in Tuesday’s Time Trial Qualification. He led home a stacked field, with Jarvis Husqvarna Racing’s Teodor Kabakchiev second and Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Alfredo Gomez third.
With anticipation high, the opening day of competition was an early one as competitors tackled an 18-kilometre-long Time Trial Qualification. With the results determining the starting order for tomorrow’s Offroad Day 1 – the first of four offroad days – a strong result would pay dividends.
Race winner in 2020, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Manuel Lettenbichler led the Gold class away, but an early fall put him on the back foot as Young put the power down from the off. Fastest through the first checkpoint, he kept that momentum rolling to the finish line and claimed a healthy 19-second win after 37 minutes of racing.
Bulgaria’s Teodor Kabakchiev produced one of the day’s surprise results with the second fastest time. Kabakchiev finished eighth in 2020 but is already showing he wants more in 2021. Starting third on the road, Gomez was a little sluggish to settle in coming through checkpoint 1 in 12th, but he soon turned that around by jumping to third overall at the finish.
Taddy Blazusiak
“I’m happy with my qualifying here at Romaniacs. My start position was a little late, so I had a few slower riders in front, but I was still able to get through and finish in a good time. I did have one crash that cost me a few seconds, but I was able to pick myself up and get back on it pretty fast. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the event now. I enjoyed myself today, the bike feels good and the weather here in Romania is nice and dry this year. Conditions in the forests are dry, so you can really push and make good headway, even in the more technical sections. We’ll see what the rest of the event is like though, I think it’s going to be a tough one!”
GASGAS Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusia
Hampered by that early fall, Lettenbichler regrouped from eighth at checkpoint 1 to claim fourth, while GASGAS Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak put in a consistently solid ride for fifth, edging out Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna) by one second.
Canadian Trystan Hart is making an impressive debut
Canada’s Trystan Hart was the top performing rookie of the day, with the KTM rider claiming seventh.
Mario Roman
Abestone Hard Enduro winner Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) didn’t have the best outing in 10th, with Mario Roman (Sherco) and Jonny Walker (Beta) in 11th and 12th respectively. However, with ground to make up, the trio will be ones to watch for on Offroad Day 1.
Wade Young (Sherco)
“It’s been good to get Red Bull Romaniacs underway. Conditions were fast and dusty out there, but I felt happy straight away and my bike was working great. I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”
Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Red Bull Romaniacs: Time Trial Qualification Gold Class
Yearbury wraps up 2021 New Zealand Enduro Championships
By Andy McGechan
There was probably a small moment in time when Waikato man Dylan Yearbury thought his national title hopes had just flown out the window. But, a never-say-die attitude from the Husqvarna man was enough for him to complete the task he’d set himself when forced to settle for overall runner-up at last season’s COVID-19 pandemic-shortened New Zealand Enduro Championships… and that was to fight back and win it in 2021.
Cambridge’s Dylan Yearbury (Husqvarna FE350), outright winner of the 2021 New Zealand Enduro Championships – Image by Andy McGechan
Yearbury (Husqvarna FE350) was in command after the first three of five rounds in this year’s championships, having compiled a 2-1-1 score-sheet from the events in Tokoroa and the Marlborough and Porirua/Upper Hutt regions respectively, and he arrived in the Wairarapa Region for the final two back-to-back rounds at the weekend in a confident mood.
Yearbury finished runner-up to his main title rival Tommy Buxton at round four on farmland near Masterton on Saturday and was still the favourite to go on and wrap it up on similar terrain near Martinborough the following day. But a high-speed crash during Sunday’s fifth and final round very nearly shattered his dreams.
“I had a huge crash and the impact of that cracked the bike’s rear sub-frame. I knew it was risky to carry on with the bike damaged like that, but I didn’t have a lot of choice,” said the 26-year-old Cambridge builder. “The crash was in the day’s first ‘special test’ and it stunned me a bit. I struggled to get a flow going with my riding after that. I went okay, but not brilliant.”
But even when Yearbury is not at his best, he’s still a lot better than so many others in the competition and he managed to end the day at Martinborough third overall of the 65 starters, finishing behind Whanganui’s Seth Reardon and Buxton.
Fortunately for Yearbury, this was easily enough for him to get the job done and he could therefore celebrate winning his first national enduro championships outright. Buxton finished the series runner-up, with Reardon, Oparau’s James Scott and Taupo’s Wil Yeoman rounding out the top five.
Yearbury also added icing to his cake by claiming the over-301cc four-stroke class win. He is current and two-time winner of the parallel-but-separate New Zealand Extreme Off-Road Championships, but never the enduro nationals and that’s probably largely due to his competing overseas in past years.
With COVID putting a crimp on international travel, it’s likely we’ll see Yearbury’s name feature a little more regularly at home.
Sean Clarke (Husqvarna, expert veterans over-40 years class)
Julia Williams (KTM, women’s class);
Joshua Alexander (KTM, intermediate over-201cc 2-stroke and over 301cc 4-stroke class);
Harrison McClintock (KTM, intermediate under-200cc 2-stroke and under 300cc 4-stroke class);
Phil Gibson (Husqvarna, intermediate veterans 40-49 years class);
George Callaghan (Yamaha, intermediate 50-54 years class);
Phil Skinner (Husqvarna, intermediate veterans over-55 years class).
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Bou & Fujinami share TrialGP opener victories
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou became the first leader of the 2021 TrialGP World Championship after claiming victory in the Italian town of Tolmezzo. Team-mate Takahisa Fujinami finished in seventh place.
Toni Bou
Just five weeks ago Toni Bou was lying on a stretcher waiting to be operated on for a left leg fibula fracture. Today, Toni Bou was back in the competition, finishing on the highest step of the podium, having sealed the win at the 2021 Trial World Championship curtain-raiser in Italy.
Without having prepared or trained as he had wished, the Repsol Honda Team rider was nevertheless able to endure the first day of competition held in Tolmezzo (Italy). Despite suffering some discomfort on the second lap of the twelve sections, Bou went on to claim the victory by a mere point ahead of arch rival, Adam Raga.
Takahisa Fujinami, at 41 years of age, claimed victory on the second day of the Italian TrialGP. Toni Bou, runner-up, keeps hold of the overall leadership after the world championship opener.
Takahisa Fujinami
Five years have gone by since Takahisa Fujinami’s last win in Lourdes, France, in July 2016. Today, Repsol Honda Team’s Japanese rider made his return to the top step of the podium sealing victory number 34 in the Outdoor Trial World Championship.
Elevated temperatures marked the second day of the trial in the Italian town of Tolmezzo, wreaking havoc among riders in the more technical sections. Repsol Honda Team rider, Takahisa Fujinami, gradually improving throughout the day, was however, able to overcome many of the tougher sections, picking up just four marks on an extraordinary second lap to capture the final victory. With this superb result, “Fujigas” now holds third place in the overall standings, eight points behind the leader and team-mate, Toni Bou.
Takahisa Fujinami
“Yesterday, I felt comfortable on the bike, but the results didn’t materialize. In general, these last few months I have trained hard and I have felt very good with the bike. Yesterday, I did not expect to finish seventh, but the truth is that I was close to fifth and with room for improvement. What I did not expect was to be able to win today! I was looking for the win, but not 100%. I’m very happy. At 41, I don’t think anyone was expecting it, not my team, nor Toni, and I don’t think I was. It was terrific to be able to achieve it. I felt like I did in 2004, when I was 24 years old. Thank you very much to the whole team for always supporting me and helping me, this victory is a gift for all of you.”
Takahisa Fujinami wins Day 2
Despite starting the day somewhat worse for wear after Day 1’s huge victory effort, Toni Bou once again performed well and was able to finish in a more than commendable second position. The Repsol Honda Team rider leaves Italy leading the world championship.
Toni Bou
“First of all, I want to congratulate my partner Takahisa Fujinami. What he has done today at 41 has been incredible. He works a lot and does such a good job with the whole team. As for me, I am happy with the weekend in general. Today in section 6 I hurt myself a bit, I made a mistake with the line and wasn’t able to secure my foot. Even so, I got a very good result. I hope I haven’t done too much damage and hopefully I will be able to recover fully for the second round of the world championship.”
Toni Bou and Takahisa Fujinami celebrate
Laia Sanz also showed she’s lost none of her feet-up skills by winning the opening day of the Women’s Trial World Championship at the GP of Italy. Giving her all to secure victory, Laia then placed a strong second on day two to sit as joint leader of the women’s championship ahead of the second round.
Laia Sanz
“Overall, it’s been a great trial for me. It’s been so nice to be back in the trial paddock, and to win on the first day was incredible – it felt so, so good to get that result. It wasn’t easy for me with the non-stop rules, but things worked out really well. The second lap was tough, but I managed to push to the end. I found day two hard. I was already struggling physically a little at the end of the first day, and today, with the heat, I wasn’t at 100%. I made some mistakes on the first lap that really I shouldn’t have made, but I was leading, so I was happy. The second lap was hard, I dropped some extra marks, and Emma was riding well. But there are many positives from this weekend, not least the day one victory.”
Laia Sanz
Next stop for the TrialGP World Championship will be a one-day-only event in Charade, France, on July 3.
TrialGP Italy Results
Pos.
Rider
Nation
Team
Points
1
Toni BOU
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
37
2
Adam RAGA
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
32
3
Takahisa FUJINAMI
JPN
Repsol Honda Team
29
4
Matteo GRATTAROLA
ITA
Beta Factory Racing
26
5
Jeroni FAJARDO
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
24
6
Jaime BUSTO
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
22
7
Miquel GELABERT
SPA
Gas Gas
18
8
Gabriel MARCELLI
SPA
Montesa Factory
18
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Abestone Hard Enduro next stop for World Championship
The 2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship looks to hit its stride for round three at the Italian Abestone Hard Enduro. Despite a difficult start to this year’s championship, due to the Covid-hit Extreme XL Lagares and subsequent cancellation of Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, the fighting spirit of Hard Enduro is very much alive as it regroups for the remainder of season.
Only four weeks out from the Abestone Hard Enduro, all eyes focus towards the Italian event. Injecting a new event into the Hard Enduro scene, taking place in the heart of the Tuscany mountains, the event is set to be both spectacular and exciting. Hard Enduro veteran Michele Bosi and his organising team are hard at work to ensure no stone is left unturned and no trail unexplored, as they work to ensure a race that will undoubtedly put Italy firmly back on the international Hard Enduro map.
With barely time to recover it’s then off to Romania and the incredible Red Bull Romaniacs for round four. An event that needs little introduction, it’s produced some iconic memories during its 17 editions to date. With organisers also planning for a marathon stage, featuring a ‘night under the stars’ for competitors, another show-stopper is on the cards.
From Romania the series heads across the pond to the USA for the Red Bull TKO. North America’s premier Hard Enduro, the Tennessee venue will be one to watch. With a wealth of American talent eager to shine on home soil, everyone will be pushing the limits to win.
Poland’s HERO Challenge in early September brings the series back to Europe for the home stretch. Staged over days there will be a real mix of Urban and Hard Enduro for riders to contend with, plus high-speed elements. The city prologue in the heart of Dabrow Górnicza is sure to become a highlight of the weekend. At a crucial stage in the championship, expect this year’s title contenders to step forward.
Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro plays host to the penultimate round of the series. Staged over three days, it offers a wide array of riding. From Friday’s prologue in the heart of the medieval town of Aguilar de Campoo, to Saturday’s extreme cross-country race around the shoreline of a gigantic lake and Sunday’s intense multi-lap quarry-based finale, it’s a technical masterpiece to excel at.
Ready to provide a truly memorable ending to the inaugural season of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship is Germany’s GetzenRodeo. Arguably one of the smallest venues on the calendar, it punches way above its welterweight. As the venue of the 2019 WESS finale, the racing was electric and we’re certain it will deliver another grandstand ending to sign off 2021.
The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship continues with the Abestone Hard Enduro in Italy on July 10-11.
ProMX set for Gillman, SA return to action at Round 3
The dirt flying action will return to South Australia on July 11 when the 2021 Penrite ProMX Championship, presented by AMX Superstores, hits Gillman, following the forced postponement last month of Round 3 of the Championship.
2021 Australian ProMX
The round was scheduled for May 30 at Gillman but was postponed due to the South Australian Government’s COVID-19 border restrictions only days prior to the event.
ProMX Management Team has now advised the tentative rescheduling of the Gillman round for July 11, 2021, subject to lifting of the SA Government COVID-19 border restrictions. The team will provide confirmation that the round will go ahead no later than June 25.
If restrictions do not allow the July 11 date to occur, a secondary date of September 19 will be considered by the ProMX Management Team and MRA.
Riders and teams are advised to monitor ProMX announcements in the meantime and entries for the event will re-open soon, a further communication will be announced confirming the time.
For the fans who had already purchased tickets, they will be able to use them for entry in July. For spectators wanting to get along to Gillman tickets are available now via www.auspromx.com.au.
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Queensland to host 2021 Australian Senior Dirt Track
The 2021 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships will fly into action September 4 and 5, at Mick Doohan Raceway, Banyo, Queensland. Originally slated to be held in Canberra, Queensland club North Brisbane Junior MCC will now host the Championships. The club is also hosting the Australian Junior Track Championships July 3 and 4.
The Senior Dirt Track Championships weekend will see Australia’s best dirt trackers fight it out to be crowned Motorcycling Australia’s Senior Dirt Track Champions. Full fields of 10 Championship classes are expected following the success of the recent Track Championships held Tamworth in NSW.
Classes of competition will include:
Pro 250 – 100cc to 150cc 2-stroke & 200cc to 250cc 4-stroke (MX)
Pro 450 – 250cc 2-stroke & 450cc 4-stroke (MX)
MX Open – 500cc 2-stroke & Over 300cc 4-stroke (MX)
250cc Slider – Up to 250cc
500cc Slider – Up to 500cc
Slider Open – Unlimited 460cc and over
Pro Open – Women Unlimited (MX)
Sidecar – Up to 1100cc
ATV Open – Up to 550cc 2-stroke & 700cc 4-stroke
ATV Open – Women Up to 550cc 2-stroke & 700cc 4-stroke
Jarred Brook who recently had success at Tamworth will be hoping to repeat his 2019 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships results (the last time the Championship was held) where he clean swept the competition in the MX Open, Pro 450 and Pro Open classes.
Andrew Brook – North Brisbane Junior MCC President
“It’s an honour to host the Championships, we as a committee have worked really hard to get us in this position to hold major meetings and we are very happy that we have secured both the Junior and Senior Dirt Track Championships. We have been doing some fairly major pit extensions which are looking very professional and will be ready in time for the Championships. With the excitement of Australian titles and being so close to the Brisbane, people love to see good riders, and good fast clean action, so we certainly expect a good crowd.”
Oklahoma City OKC Mile I & II this weekend!
Images by Scott Hunter
For the first time in 2021, the full power of Progressive American Flat Track will be unleashed on a big Mile racetrack with this weekend’s Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma City OKC Mile I & II at Remington Park in Oklahoma City on Friday, June 18 and Saturday, June 19.
Briar Bauman
Coming off of the cathartic victory of reigning two-time champion Briar Bauman at the recent Chicago Half-Mile, his title rival Jared Mees will be seriously motivated to counter with a victory (or two) of his own this weekend.
While he built his reputation largely on his Half-Mile prowess – and later his all-around game – Mees has developed into one of the sport’s all-time great Milers in recent years. Since 2016, he’s racked up an astonishing 15 Mile wins, including all three previous stops at Remington Park.
Even though title hopeful Sammy Halbert is out of action while on the mend from injury, Mees’ path to victory will be all the more difficult to negotiate considering this weekend marks the anticipated return of “Mile Master” Bryan Smith.
Jared Mees
A tactical genius in high-speed drafting wars, Smith is tied with the iconic Bubba Shobert for third on the all-time Mile wins list at 25. Now picking and choosing his best races and funneling all of his focus and effort into winning those rather than the season-long grind of a championship chase, Smith could be a serious threat at the OKC Mile.
Despite the fact that the OKC Mile is one of the few Miles Smith has yet to conquer, he’s been on the podium in each of his three attempts. Given a sniff of the draft on the final lap, victory #26 could be within his grasp.
AFT Singles
Estenson Yamaha teammates Dallas Daniels and Mikey Rush are separated by just a single point atop the AFT Singles championship order thanks to their consistent excellence. Rush has yet to finish off the podium this year, while Daniels has finished no lower than fourth and holds the slight advantage thanks to his Atlanta Super TT victory.
Dallas Daniels & Max Whale
Both riders are proven Mile experts – Rush in particular – so it would be a surprise if they weren’t among the lead group battling it out for the wins again this weekend.
However, all eyes will be on the class’ all-time winningest rider, Shayna Texter-Bauman. Aggressive, instinctive and intelligent, Texter-Bauman is nearly unbeatable on high-speed tracks when everything is clicking, as evidenced by her record eight-career Mile wins, including one at Remington Park. Should she up that tally to ten, Texter-Bauman would instantly reignite the title pursuit she kicked off in double-win fashion back in March at Volusia Speedway Park.
Even though he’s best known for his legendary TT and ST accomplishments, Henry Wiles was actually the best Miler in the class during last year’s abbreviated schedule with a win and runner-up at the 2020 Indy Mile. The Honda ace could use a similar result this weekend to kickstart his championship campaign.
AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines
Cory Texter leads the AFT Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines field into the OKC Mile fresh off his second victory of the season at the Chicago Half-Mile.
Cory Texter
The championship’s top four ranked riders – Texter, Chad Cose, Dan Bromley and Dalton Gauthier – have put themselves in that position with consistently strong performances.
Oklahoma native Danny Eslick, fresh off of a third place finish at the Chicago Half-Mile, stands confident as he prepares to line up on his home turf.
In its return, the Indian Motorcycle of Oklahoma City OKC Mile brings back with it the open paddock experience and the return of a rider autograph session to precede Opening Ceremonies both days. Chasing Neon will entertain with its eclectic mix of live party music that ranges from country to classic rock and everything in between. Additionally, the Fan Zone and vendor area will keep spectators fully fed, hydrated, and stimulated all day at the track.
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AMA 2021 ISDE Teams revealed
The American Motorcyclist Association have announced the 10 Trophy team riders selected to represent the United States at the 2021 FIM International Six Days Enduro in Italy on Aug. 30 – Sept. 4, 2021.
Team USA win ISDE 2019 – Image by Dario Agrati
The 10 Trophy riders will compete as the U.S. World Trophy, Junior World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy teams. Every country participating in the ISDE is allowed four riders on its World Trophy Team, three riders age 23 or younger on its Junior Trophy Team, and three female riders on its Women’s team.
The U.S. World Trophy Team last won the ISDE —- the world’s largest annual off-road motorcycle competition – in 2019, giving the U.S. its second ISDE World Trophy title. The U.S. Women’s Trophy team won in 2019, as well, the first time since 2007 the Women’s Trophy team had taken the award.
The 2021 U.S. World Trophy Team includes: Johnny Girroir of Boonville, N.C., GASGAS EC 250F; Taylor Robert of Scottsdale, Ariz., KTM 450 XC-F; Layne Michael of Boonville N.C., Yamaha YZ450F; and Ryan Sipes of Ekron, Ky., GASGAS EC 300 TPI.
Antti Kallonen – U.S. ISDE Trophy Team Manager
“I’m excited to return to ISDE racing after a long, one-year break from it and our motivation is high with lots of fresh faces on our team roster this year. I’m excited to bring a new rider — Johnny Girroir — to the World Trophy team, as [Girroir] has been dominating in our national races here on a 250F. He is new to ISDE, but I have all the confidence he will perform well. With our seasoned veterans and former ISDE overall winners Taylor Robert’s and Ryan Sipes’ guidance, I have no doubt about it. I’m very excited to welcome back Layne Michael, who was part of our championship team in 2016. Since then, Layne has developed tremendously and I’m looking forward to a great performance from him as well. I’m equally excited about our all-new Junior team this year. Our former riders from the past have all aged out and we have some very fast, next-generation riders eager to step in, prove their speed and continue the title hunt in the Junior class. We have some new faces in the Women’s division as well. Brandy Richards will be returning and gunning for the overall victory together with new team member Rachel Gutish, who is no stranger to ISDE and I’m happy to welcome her back. I’m excited to bring new rider Britney Gallegos to the team and work with her and the entire team to have a successful race. I believe we have been able to form three strong teams to defend our World Trophy and Women titles and aim for a Junior title, as well.”
The 2021 U.S. Junior World Trophy Team, made up of riders age 23 and younger, includes: Cody Barnes of Sterling, Ill., Honda CRF250R; Dante Oliveira of Hollister, Calif., KTM 450 XC-F; and Austin Walton of Sparks, Nev., Husqvarna FX450.
USA took out the Women’s competition in 2019 – Image by Dario Agrati
The 2021 U.S. Women’s World Trophy team includes: Brandy Richards of Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM 250 XC-F; Rachel Gutish of Terre Haute, Ind., Beta 250 RR; and Britney Gallegos of Monte Vista, Colo., Husqvarna 250FX.
Joining the 10 Trophy riders are 21 Club Team riders, who have qualified through the AMA East and West ISDE Qualifier series in the first six months of the season.
The World Enduro Super Series (WESS) will become the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in 2021, after joining forces with the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), in a move aimed at boosting the Hard Enduro profile worldwide.
Extreme XL Lagares – Manuel Lettenbichler
In a natural evolution of the series, the focus will now solely be on Hard Enduro – the many different enduro event types that sit outside of the ‘traditional’ timecard enduro format – as the series transitions to become the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.
With eight rounds proposed for 2021, the series will feature the most iconic Hard Enduro races in Europe while also travelling to the USA for the Red Bull Tennessee Knockout (TKO), to form a true world championship.
Taddy Blazusiak – 2019 Erzbergrodeo Hare Scramble
Remaining focused on the WESS Championship’s founding principles, this new world championship will welcome riders of all abilities with events that remain as simple and enjoyable as possible, for all. Amateur riders will remain an integral part of all events where they will continue to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with the Pros.
The FIM Hard Enduro World Championship will integrate seamlessly into all events, with Pros now set to receive the reward and official recognition they deserve, by way of an officially sanctioned FIM title. Each event will feature one podium and one set of results with only the Pros going after the world title, and needing an FIM licence.
Red Bull Romaniacs – Mario Roman
For the fans, there will be even more live Hard Enduro coverage to look forward to in 2021. Up to three events are planned to be broadcasted live, free to view on Red Bull TV, showcasing iconic events Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, Hixpania Hard Enduro and GetzenRodeo. Furthermore, the championship’s exclusive media partner Red Bull Media House will continue to deliver coverage of all eight rounds.
With plans now firmly in place for an exciting 2021 season, all eyes look towards the opening round of the inaugural FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, which takes place at Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal on May 7-9.
GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Winfried Kerschhaggl – Series manager FIM Hard Enduro World Championship
“This is a very exciting time for us and our sport. Following an incredibly busy three years, building and shaping WESS, we’re ready to take the next step as the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. This has only been possible because of the continued support of our valued partners KTM Group and Red Bull Media House, who helped us gain the recognition of the FIM. The FIM will provide independent technical and sporting regulations for all Pro Riders, which will allow all manufacturers and professional athletes to participate under neutral, independent governance, while also awarding an FIM World Championship title – the highest recognised accolade within motorcycle sport. Importantly, we have been able to secure the continued integration of amateurs in all races. All amateur riders will compete following respective event regulations. With the full support of the FIM we look forward to further celebrating the world’s best Hard Enduro riders, while also supporting and recognising the efforts and ambitions of our amateur heroes. Together with the FIM we move into 2021 with confidence and enthusiasm and look forward to ongoing exciting racing.”
FIM Hard Enduro World Championship 2021 (Provisional)
FIM Hard Enduro World Championship launched in 2021
GasGas announce Australian factory MX, SX and Enduro teams
Waters, Wills, Norton to lead Husqvarna Factory efforts in 2021
Daniel Milner to headline KTM Factory Teams line-up in 2021
Jesse Dobson completes Serco Yamaha line-up for 2021
2021 Dakar Rally showcases global talent
2021 GNCC Series schedule announced
FIM Bajas World Cup 2021 Provisional Calendar
2021 Racing Calendars
Kayne Lamont wins 2020 Whakatane Summercross
Kayne Lamont has won the 2020 Whakatane Summercross MX1 title, with racing coming down to the fifth and final race of the day, which saw Lamont and Cody Cooper tied on points. Each rider had claimed two wins and two second places a-piece, heading into a hard fought final with everything on the line.
Kayne Lamont – Altherm JCR Yamaha
Race 1 saw Lamont take the win from Cooper and Ethan Martens, with Rhys Carter claiming fourth. Race 2 saw a repeat performance with Lamont once again taking the win from Cooper, this time by 5.838s, while Carter moved into the top three, a position he was intent on maintaining.
Cooper turned the tables on Lamont in Races 3 & 4, taking both wins, by 6.272 and 8.021s respectively, while Carter came home in third across both races.
The fifth and final race saw competitors facing a longer 11-lap race, but one that featured the joker lane lap unique to Whakatane, proving the closest race, with only 0.811s separating Lamont and Cooper at the line. A distant third saw Carter wrap up a consistent day.
The final win for Kayne Lamont lent him a four-point lead and the Whakatane Summercross MX1 title, ending the day on 242-points, to Cody Cooper on 238, while Rhys Carter wrapped up third with 213-points. Ethan Martens (206) and Tommy Watts (196) completed the top five in the MX1 class.
Kayne Lamont
“I am still in the mix of finding my final bike setup for nationals, which I will finalise with Ben Townley throughout January. I had decent starts all day and managed to get to the front early in my first two races. In races 3 and 4, I managed to get to second behind Cody but the track was very difficult to pass on so I finished behind him. In the final race I got the holeshot and rode a nice smooth race with Cody right behind me the whole time but I held him off to claim the win and the overall!”
Breingan Earthmoving – MX1 Overall Results
Pos
Competitor
Total
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
1
Kayne Lamont
242
50
50
46
46
50
2
Cody Cooper
238
46
46
50
50
46
3
Rhys Carter
213
41
43
43
43
43
4
Ethan Martens
206
43
41
41
40
41
5
Tommy Watts
196
39
40
39
39
39
6
Tyler Steiner
190
36
33
40
41
40
7
Brad Groombridge
189
40
37
37
37
38
8
Jacob Steel
187
37
39
38
36
37
9
Richard Horne
178
38
38
28
38
36
10
Isaiah McGoldrick
172
34
35
36
35
32
11
Quade Young
166
35
36
32
28
35
12
Sam Middleton
165
33
31
34
34
33
13
Andy Todd
161
32
34
35
29
31
14
Aydan Palmer
160
31
32
33
30
34
15
Caleb Franklin
151
30
28
30
33
30
16
Craig Dally
150
28
30
31
32
29
17
Travis Rankin
146
29
29
29
31
28
MX2
In the MX2 Josiah Natzke put in a masterclass of control, taking the holeshot in each race with overtaking proving difficult, leaving him with a perfect 250-points after five races.
Ben Townley and Maximum Purvis finished the day on 219-points a-piece, however Townley was awarded second with second place in the final race, leaving Purvis disappointed, sharing, “We’ve got a few things to work on before Woodville so we will go away put our heads down and try to sort them out.”
Maximum Purvis – Altherm JCR Yamaha
Completing the top five was James Scott on 212-points, while Luke Van der Lee was fifth with 197-points.
The Altherm JCR Yamaha Team will now prepare for the Woodville Grand Prix which ties into Round 1 of the New Zealand Motocross Championship, and will be held over the January 30-31 weekend at Palmerston North.
Josh Coppins – Altherm JCR Yamaha Team Manager
“We will spend the next four weeks getting Kayne and Max further tuned in for round one of the nationals which coincides with the Woodville GP on January 31. Our new junior rider Madoc Dixon will return from his wrist injury rehab and we look forward to seeing how he goes in the 125cc class this season.”
Underwood & Wilkins – MX2 Overall Results
Pos
Competitor
Total
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
1
Josiah Natzke
250
50
50
50
50
50
2
Ben Townley
219
41
43
46
43
46
3
Maximus Purvis
219
46
46
43
41
43
4
James Scott
212
43
41
41
46
41
5
Luke Van der Lee
197
40
39
39
40
39
6
Jacob Hunt
184
37
37
36
38
36
7
Carlin Hedley
178
36
36
34
37
35
8
Luka Freemantle
177
39
40
21
39
38
9
Hunter Scott
170
32
38
32
35
33
10
Carter Hanes
164
30
33
33
36
32
11
Sam Corston
163
35
34
31
32
31
12
Kaleb Livesey
162
34
32
29
33
34
13
Logan Maddren
155
27
30
37
34
27
14
Jack Rodgers
146
28
31
30
31
26
15
Reece Lister
140
38
22
40
–
40
16
Liam Hutton
137
29
25
28
27
28
17
Seton Head
136
31
–
38
30
37
18
Kyle Pickerill
132
26
28
27
26
25
19
Sam Robbie
131
21
26
26
28
30
20
David Ashton
129
25
27
25
29
23
21
Ben Valois
126
23
29
22
23
29
22
Toby McKendry
118
22
24
23
25
24
23
Leslie Longstaff
117
24
23
24
24
22
24
Toby Winiata
103
33
35
35
–
–
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FIM Hard Enduro World Championship launched in 2021
The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and WESS Promotion GmbH have announced a partnership for the Hard Enduro Sport, with the ‘FIM Hard Enduro World Championship’ launched with an inaugural season in 2021.
A new Pro-Class regulation, in line with all FIM international standards, will offer the highest level of transparency and fairness to professional riders, teams and manufacturers who will compete to win the official world-recognized title of FIM Hard Enduro World Champion.
Extreme XL Lagares
The integration of amateur riders has been promised to stay an inherent and defining characteristic of the series, which will see the common effort of amateurs and professionals competing in the same race to further attract enthusiasts around the world to participate in FIM Hard Enduro World Championship events, ensuring long-term growth of the Championship.
Tony Skillington – FIM CEO
“Every once in a while an opportunity comes to do something very interesting and new in motorcycle sport. I am completely convinced that this Championship will become a very important part of the FIM calendar in the future and I am more than pleased that we are finally signing a four-year contract for the promotion of a FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. I also appreciate the energy and dedication that both FIM and WESS have deployed together to work on all of the ways to make this Championship a success.”
Red Bull Romaniacs
Winfried Kerschhaggl – WESS Promotion GmbH states
“This is a very exciting time for us and our sport. Following an incredibly busy time, building and shaping WESS, work is paying off. The past three years helped us to gain the recognition of the FIM. A special thanks from our side goes to Tony Skillington, who has been very supportive since the conversations about a joint project started. We’re ready to take the next step as the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship. Together with the FIM we move into 2021 with confidence and enthusiasm and look forward to ongoing exciting racing.”
2021 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship Provisional calendar
Round 1
May 7-9
Extreme XL Lagares
Portugal
FMP
Round 2
June 3-6
Red Bull Erzbergrodeo
Austria
AMF
Round 3
July 10/11
TBD
Italy
FMI
Round 4
July 27-31
Red Bull Romaniacs
Romania
FRM
Round 5
August 14/15
Red Bull TKO
USA
AMA
Round 6
September 18/19
TBD
Poland
PZM
Round 7
October 1-3
Hixpania Hard Enduro
Spain
RFME
Round 8
October 30/31
GetzenRodeo
Germany
DMSB
GasGas announce Australian factory MX, SX and Enduro teams
GasGas Motorcycles has announced a pair of race teams in Australia ahead of the 2021 season, marking the arrival of GasGas factory motocross, supercross and enduro squads.
GasGas announced 2021 Factory Racing effort in Australia
GasGas signed a youthful combination of Aaron Tanti (motocross/supercross) and Mason Semmens (enduro) for the coming year, set to battle it out among the sport’s best at a national level – a first for the GasGas brand across those categories.
Tanti is transferring into the MX1/SX1 category for the Australian Motocross Championship (ProMX) and Australian Supercross Championship. He will be equipped with the GasGas MC 450F, benefiting from experience gained in the US at the beginning of 2020.
Aaron Tanti – GasGas Motocross Racing Team
“I’m really looking forward to joining the factory GasGas team in 2021, it will be a lot of fun being part of the brand and I can’t wait to get on the new MC 450F. I was always aiming to step up to the premier class for next year if I was staying here in Australia, so it’s worked out well to be joining GasGas in the factory team and having this opportunity. I’ve been putting a lot of effort into my racing for a number of years now, so I look forward to getting things going!”
Aaron Tanti will join the GasGas Factory Racing team in Australia for 2020 – Image by Jeff Kardas
Alongside him and equally as eager to showcase his talents in the Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) is Semmens, who has learned his craft within the KTM Group family and will lead the GasGas enduro team on-board a GasGas EC 250F. He claimed runner-up in E1 as a rookie in the shortened 2020 season.
Mason Semmens – GasGas Enduro Racing Team
“To be joining GasGas for 2021 and continuing this journey off-road is super-exciting, I feel like it’s a good fit for me and I know that the bikes will be really competitive from the start. Last season we didn’t get to race as much as we’d hoped in the AORC, but it was a promising opening few rounds that I had and I’ve still been working hard since, so now I have my sights set on what’s to come next and hope to be right there challenging for wins and the title in my class especially.”
Mason Semmens will compete the AORC with GasGas Factory Racing
Brad Hagi – Managing Director KTM Group Oceania
“As we launch this exciting new brand into the market, it pairs perfectly having Aaron and Mason on board to represent us. GasGas is set to be competitive right out of the gates, but there is also an authentic, grassroots element to the brand that these two young guns represent with their enthusiastic and vibrant personalities. Mason has grown up through the KTM Group ranks and both himself and Aaron are ready to step up and stamp their authority on the Australia racing scene with GasGas.”
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Waters, Wills, Norton to lead Husqvarna Factory efforts in 2021
National MX1 champion Todd Waters will remain with Husqvarna in 2021 and will pull double-duty in both the Australian Motocross Championship (ProMX) and Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC).
Husqvarna Australia announce Todd Waters, Dylan Wills and Callumn Norton as their factory racers for 2021
Waters is an ambassador for the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand and will split his time between the Husqvarna Factory Racing Team riding the FC 450 in motocross and the FE 450 in enduro, where he placed third in E2 on debut during 2020.
Todd Waters
“To be remaining part of the Husqvarna family into 2021 is a big deal to me, an exciting project and one that I am happy to be involved in. We haven’t been able to race nationally since winning the MX1 title in 2019, but it has been a busy year in its own ways and now we are definitely looking forward to getting back on track and working hard to defend the championship. I’m also looking forward to continuing off-road, gaining experience there and hopefully being in contention throughout the season.”
Todd Waters will compete in the motocross and enduro events for 2021
Dylan Wills will also be running the Husqvarna flag, and is regarded as one of the country’s top young talents as he prepares to step up to the premier class in supercross. He will also be contesting MX2 outdoors within his own program.
Dylan Wills
“This is a dream come true for me, to be a part of a factory team in supercross and as a rookie on the FC 450. I will have great people behind me and the best equipment possible, so that is a great opportunity that I want to make the most of at this stage of my career and I’m thankful for everybody who has been involved to get this deal together. I’m going to be riding outdoors in MX2 with my own program as well, so we have solid plans in place and I’m looking forward to it all in 2021.”
Husqvarna Motorcycles will also bring their desert racing program back in-house, set to tackle the FINKE Desert Race with up-and-comer Callum Norton aboard the FE 501.
Callum Norton
“I am really excited to be able to go racing again and looking forward to what hopefully should be a good year! This will be my third FINKE desert race and I cannot wait to get out there on the Husky. I have always been attracted to desert racing, ever since I was a kid and went to watch the HATTAH race. Through my junior ranks I realised I liked sand and was pretty good at riding it, so when the opportunities came up when I turned Senior to focus on the desert style of racing, I jumped at the chance. And now to be part of the Husky team for 2021, I am so excited to get out there and see what we can do.”
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Daniel Milner to headline KTM Factory Teams line-up in 2021
KTM has announced its factory teams to contest the national enduro, motocross and supercross championships, as well as desert competition for 2021, with reigning Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) #1 plate-holder Daniel Milner headlining the line-up and continuing for a fifth-straight year.
Milner will revert to his favoured KTM 500 EXC-F in the E3 division next season, determined to get back to racing after having the 2020 championship cut short and spearheading KTM’s more focused off-road program.
Daniel Milner
“Being able to sign for my fifth year with KTM in 2021 is really cool. I’m looking forward to working with the team again, getting back to the races and seeing what we can do in the new year. I’ve been able to achieve a lot with KTM since joining them and have been really motivated this year, so we will continue that, aim to do the same again next season and deliver some more championships.”
Daniel Milner
In addition, longtime KTM Junior Motocross Racing Team standout Regan Duffy will lead KTM’s return to operating an in-house factory Australian Motocross Championship (ProMX) and Australian Supercross Championship effort.
Duffy captured the 2019 Australian MXD title riding KTM machinery and, following a glowing performance at that year’s Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in Holland riding the KTM 450 SX-F, the teenager has earned his opportunity in the premier class with KTM Motocross Racing Team.
Regan Duffy
“I’m really excited to be joining KTM and riding the 450 SX-F next season. I’ve been part of the brand’s development path for a lot of my career and feel at home on the bigger bike, so it’s a really good opportunity to step up with a great team around me. Not being able to race at the national level in 2020 was disappointing, but we will now set our sights on what’s ahead and look forward to the challenge.”
Regan Duffy
Current Finke Desert Race title-holder David Walsh will also return to the KTM Factory Racing Team in 2021, eager to get back on the KTM 500 EXC-F in a competitive environment as he looks to defend his result achieved in the prestigious event during 2019.
David Walsh
“I can’t wait to get back out on the bike with KTM and it will be good to do some racing again. I’m very grateful to be part of the factory team and I really want to keep the success in the desert going for everybody. I chased the Finke win for so long and managed to hold onto it without even racing this year! Seriously though, we will prepare for 2021 and make the most of this opportunity together.”
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Jesse Dobson completes Serco Yamaha line-up in 2021
After taking a fill-in ride with Serco Yamaha halfway through the 2020 season, Jesse Dobson joins as a full time ride with the Yamaha MX2 team in 2021. He will join Nathan Crawford in the two pronged attack contesting the MX2 championship at both the Pro MX and the Australian Supercross Championship.
Jesse Dobson
Dobson adjusted instantly to the Yamaha YZ250F and gelled with the team and the results showed on the track. His speed was right there with the best MX2 pilots in Australia and with the extra time to fine tune his training and riding, Dobson expects to be a major player in MX2 championships in the season ahead.
Jesse Dobson
“I said when I moved to the MX2 class at the start of 2020 that I wasn’t going to be there to make up the numbers and that I wanted success and that hasn’t changed. In fact, it has only got stronger as I was able to use 2020 as a season to gain experience back on a 250 and learn how to ride one properly and effectively again. I’m stoked to re-sign with Serco Yamaha and have a great bunch of people around me. The bikes are awesome, and we have a great list of team sponsors who provide us with the tools to win races and championships. It’s been a long wait between national events, and I can’t wait to get back behind the gate at round one and feel the excitement of competing at a national again. The MX2 class is always super competitive and there are plenty of good riders capable of winning rounds, so it’s time to get to work and make the most of the pre-season.”
Jesse Dobson
Team owner, Gavin Eales, likes how his team has come together and after a year of not much on track action, is recharged and ready to go for season 2021.
Gavin Eales – Serco Yamaha Team Owner
“In Nathan and Jesse we have two hard working and dedicated athletes who are both focused on winning races. Both of them enjoy the training aspect of racing and now bring a lot of experience to the team as they have been on the scene for several years now. It’s also a benefit that both live near our team base in Brisbane which makes life much easier when testing and maintaining bikes. We have also been fortunate to be with Yamaha Motor Australia and continue our relationship into its 21st year and the team will be the show case for the range of high performance products Serco distributes in Australia.”
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2021 Dakar Rally showcases global talent
The 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally is shaping up to offer an amazing field of competition in the bike category, a year after the victory by Ricky Brabec halted KTM’s long reign. 2020 will however see the Austrian firm counting on three former winners with the ambition of retaking their crown.
Ricky Brabec Dakar 2020 – Image by Rally Zone
The Saudi challenge will probably not be limited to a duel between KTM and Honda, Yamaha’s Van Beveren or Husqvarna’s Quintanilla, among other contenders, boast the capacities to join in the battle for victory.
Their hour has perhaps not yet arrived, but the leaders of the younger generation have already shown a glimpse of their talent, with the likes of Ross Branch, Skyler Howes and Jamie McCanney, alongside rookies like Daniel Sanders and Tosha Schareina, who will be attempting to make an impression.
Daniel Sanders – Image by Marcin Kin
The threat had been growing for several years, but the blows struck against KTM failed to land properly until last January. The saga was commenced by Fabrizio Meoni in 2001, then continued by the reign of Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, as well as via the emergence of a new generation at the end of the 2010s, but was interrupted by Ricky Brabec and his Honda following 18 consecutive victories.
The Austrian firm’s pride may have taken a blow, but it has not lost any of its potential and its trio of former winners, made up of Toby Price, Sam Sunderland and Mathias Walkner are only thinking of climbing back to the rally’s summit.
Toby Price, Matthias Walkner and Sam Sunderland
Among the favourites since his breakthrough in 2016 (claiming fourth), the dreams of Kevin Benavides could come true if he rides a flawless race. He managed to do this on the Rally of Andalusia, dominating his rivals on a less demanding racing format than the Dakar. His team-mate Ignacio Cornejo (fourth at Dakar in 2020), will also be on the lookout for victory, as will Spanish rider Joan Barreda who is still seeking a place on the podium.
Kevin Benavides Dakar 2020
While Honda can point to the boast of having been the first constructor to rock the KTM boat, Yamaha’s ambitions are just as legitimate, despite a 2020 edition marred by the premature exits of its two leaders. Adrien Van Beveren, whose taste of Saudi Arabia’s sands did not exceed three-days last January, has been whetting his appetite on the recent Bajas de Ha’il, where he won ahead of competitors that were less imposing than on the Dakar but sufficient to get him up to the right pace.
Adrien Van Beveren – Hail Baja 2
In the blue bike camp, he will be accompanied by the newcomer to the team Andrew Short (sixth in 2019) as well as by Franco Caimi (eighth in 2020). His former accomplice Xavier de Soultrait will be donning the colours of Husqvarna to join Pablo Quintanilla, the runner-up to Brabec in January, and a rider who also seems perfectly set to triumph after finishing in the top five in four participations out eight.
The places in this tightly packed elite will be even more sought-after given that a new generation is starting to break through, with Luciano Benavides, Ross Branch, Skyler Howes and Jamie McCanney, all finishing in the top 15 off the last edition.
Looking to the future, a watchful eye will also have to be cast over a handful of especially promising rookies who have caught the attention of the main constructors by shining in similar disciplines before making their debut this year on the Dakar.
Daniel Sanders – Image by Marcin Kin
Such is the case for Australia’s Daniel Sanders, who aims to follow in the tracks of Toby Price for KTM, but also Portugal’s Rui Gonçalves enrolled by Sherco and Spaniard Tosha Schareina. Finally, the youngest rider in the category also deserves a mention: Konrad Dabrowski, who is the direct heir to Marek, one of the pioneers of the Polish rally-raid school in Africa (with a ninth place finish in 2003 in particular).
2021 Dakar Schedule
Stage
Date
Start > Finish
Total
Special
P
Saturday, January 2, 2021
Jeddah > Jeddah
11 km
11 km
1
Sunday, January 3, 2021
Jeddah > Bisha
622 km
277 km
2
Monday, January 4, 2021
Bisha > Wadi Al Dawasir
685 km
457 km
3
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Wadi Al Dawasir > Wadi Al Dawasir
630 km
403 km
4
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
Wadi Al Dawasir > Riyadh
813 km
337 km
5
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Riyadh > Buraydah
625 km
419 km
6
Friday, January 8, 2021
Buraydah > Ha’il
655 km
485 km
Rest
Saturday, January 9, 2021
Ha’il (Rest Day)
–
–
7
Sunday, January 10, 2021
Ha’il > Sakaka
737 km
471 km
8
Monday, January 11, 2021
Sakaka > Neom
709 km
375 km
9
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
Neom > Neom
579 km
465 km
10
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Neom > Al-Ula
583 km
342 km
11
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Al-Ula > Yanbu
557 km
511 km
12
Friday, January 15, 2021
Yanbu > Jeddah
452 km
225 km
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki Racing AMA SX team announced
Suzuki’s 450 class race team for the 2021 Monster Energy AMA/ FIM World Supercross Championship will be Twisted Tea/ H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki Racing, with riders Max Anstie, Brandon Hartranft and Adam Enticknap on the race-ready 2021 Suzuki RM-Z450.
Max Anstie – Image by Jeff Kardas
Both Anstie and Enticknap had a solid season of racing in 2020 under the H.E.P. Suzuki tent and are excited to start racing in 2021. New to the H.E.P Motorsports Suzuki team for 2021 is Brandon Hartranft, making his rookie debut in the 450 class. All three riders will compete on the 2021 Suzuki RM-Z450 and benefit from the support of Suzuki’s RM Army support program.
Dustin Pipes – Twisted Tea/ H.E.P. Motorsports/ Suzuki Racing Team Co-Owner
“We are thrilled to up our game with Suzuki and its legendary RM-Z450 class bikes for the 2021 Supercross series. With Max, Adam and now Brandon on the squad, we expect strong and consistent results in the premier class this season.”
Chris Wheeler – Suzuki’s Racing Manager
“I’m excited to work with the Twisted Tea/ H.E.P. Motorsports Team, our premier 450 class Supercross team for 2021. This team has the experience and the strength of this rider line-up to make for a competitive and exciting Supercross season for Suzuki, and the RM Army in 2021.”
2021 GNCC Series schedule announced
The Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Specialized have just announced the series schedule for the upcoming 2021 season.
2020 GNCC Buckwheat 100 – Image by Ken Hill
Jeff Russell – GNCC Trail Boss
“We’re excited to get the 2021 GNCC Racing season off and rolling. We have a lot of really great facilities that have hosted some amazing events in the past, and we’re ready to see another season full of excellent racing on some great racecourses.”
The GNCC Series is set to kick off on February 20-21 with the Big Buck GNCC in Union, South Carolina. From there the series will head south for the seventh Annual Wild Boar GNCC in Palatka, Florida, which is also held in conjunction with the 2021 Daytona Beach “Bike Week” festivities on March 7-8.
Then the next weekend, March 13-14, the series continues in Washington, Georgia for a back-to-back round with The General GNCC at Aonia Pass Motocross.
Moving onto round four of the season, the series will head to Society Hill, South Carolina for the Camp Coker Bullet GNCC, March 27-28. Then after a two-week hiatus the series will once again return to Union, South Carolina April 17-18 for the Tiger Run GNCC at Big Buck Farm.
Kailub Russell retired in 2020 – Photo: Ken Hill
Kicking off the month of May will be the Hoosier GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana at Ironman Raceway for the first of two GNCC’s to be held on that property. Returning to the series schedule as one of the oldest GNCC events on the circuit will be the 33rd John Penton GNCC held in Millfield, Ohio on May 22-23, followed by the Mason-Dixon GNCC held in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania on June 5-6. The series will also make its return to Snowshoe Mountain for the 14th Annual Snowshoe GNCC event on June 26-27.
After the summer break, the series will return to Summit Bechtel Reserve for round 10 on September 11-12. The Mountaineer GNCC continues to be a popular addition to the series schedule. Located in the heart of southern West Virginia, the race is hosted at the spectacular 11,000-acre home of the National Scout Jamboree. Round 11 will be held in Millfield, Ohio for the Burr Oak GNCC, with the penultimate round of racing being hosted at the Buckwheat 100 in Newburg, West Virginia on October 9-10. Ironman in Crawfordsville, Indiana, will make its return to host the GNCC season finale race on October 23-24.
Josh Toth – Image by Ken Hill
The 2021 schedule welcomes back many of its most seasoned venues, including Big Buck in Union, South Carolina; The General in Washington, Georgia; The John Penton in Millfield, Ohio; West Virginia’s popular Snowshoe GNCC in Snowshoe, West Virginia; and the Ironman finale in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Two rain date have been set for the 2021 season for the weekends of July 11-12 and November 13-14, with locations to be announced at a later date, if needed.
2021 GNCC Schedule
Round
Date
Event Name
City, State
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 1
Feb 20-21
Big Buck
Union, SC
Micro
Rnd 2
Mar 6-7
Wild Boar
Palatka, FL
Micro
Rnd 3
Mar 13-14
The General
Washington, GA
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 4
Mar 27-28
Camp Coker Bullet
Society Hill, SC
Micro
Rnd 5
Apr 17-18
Tiger Run
Union, SC
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 6
May 1-2
Hoosier
Crawfordsville, IN
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 7
May 22-23
The John Penton
Millfield, OH
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 8
Jun 5-6
Mason-Dixon
Mount Morris, PA
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 9
Jun 26-27
Snowshoe
Snowshoe, WV
eMTB
Rain
Jul 10-11
RAIN DATE
–
–
–
Jul-31
Loretta Lynn eMTB
Hurricane Mills, TN
eMTB
Rnd 10
Sep 11-12
The Mountaineer
Beckley, WV
Micro/eMTB
Rnd 11
Sep 25-26
Burr Oak
Millfield, OH
Micro
Rnd 12
Oct 9-10
Buckwheat 100
Newburg, WV
Micro
Rnd 13
Oct 23-24
Ironman
Crawfordsville, IN
Micro
Rain
Nov 13-14
RAIN DATE
–
–
FIM Bajas World Cup 2021 Provisional Calendar
The 2021 FIM Bajas World Cup takes place over a Series of Qualifying Events as well as a Final. Each Event in the Qualifying Series has a scoring coefficient of 1 *. The Final has a scoring coefficient of 2 .
The Final is open to all competitors. In order to be included in the ranking of the FIM Bajas World Cup, competitors must have completed and scored points in at least one of the Events of the Qualifying Series. Only these competitors will be eligible for the final ranking of the FIM Bajas World Cup.
The final ranking of the FIM Bajas World Cup will be established on the basis of the two best results of the Qualifying Series, added to the points awarded in the Final. This is valid in all three categories (Motorbikes, Quads and SSV) and in all three classes (Women’s, Junior and Veteran).
FIM Bajas World Cup 2021 Provisional Calendar
Date
Round
Location
Nation
18-20 Feb
Dubai Intl Baja
Dubai
UAE
18-20 Mar
Jordan Baja
Aqaba
Jordan
8-10 Apr
Qatar Int Baja
Doha
Qatar
28-30 May
Baja do Pinahl
Serta
Portugal
17-19 Jun
Baja Jalapao 500
Teruel
Spain
23-25 Jul
Baja Aragon
Teruel
Spain
5-8 Aug
Hungarian Baja
Varpalota
Hungary
29 Aug-1 Sep
Atacama Baja 1
Copiapo
Chile
2-4 Sep
Atacama Baja 2
Copiapo
Chile
28-30 Oct
Baja Portalegre
Portalegre
Portugal
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
2021 Racing schedule
2021 Provisional MXGP Calendar
Rnd
Grand Prix
Date
1
MXGP of Oman, Muscat
Fri 2 Apr – Sat 3 Apr
2
MXGP of Italy, TBA
Sat 24 Apr – Sun 25 Apr
3
MXGP of Portugal, Agueda
Sat 8 May – Sun 9 May
4
MXGP of The Netherlands, Oss
Sat 22 May – Sun 23 May
5
MXGP of Germany, Teutschenthal
Sat 29 May – Sun 30 May
6
MXGP of Russia, Orlyonok
Sat 12 Jun – Sun 13 Jun
7
MXGP of Latvia, Kegums
Sat 19 Jun – Sun 20 Jun
8
MXGP of Jakarta (INA), Jakarta
Sat 3 Jul – Sun 4 Jul
9
MXGP of Indonesia, Semarang
Sat 10 Jul – Sun 11 Jul
10
MXGP of Czech Replublic, Loket
Sat 24 Jul – Sun 25 Jul
11
MXGP of Belgium, Lommel
Sat 31 Jul – Sun 1 Aug
12
MXGP of Sweden, Uddevalla
Sat 7 Aug – Sun 8 Aug
13
MXGP of Finland, Iitti-KimiRing
Sat 21 Aug – Sun 22 Aug
14
MXGP of Igora Drive (RUS), Igora Drive
Sat 28 Aug – Sun 29 Aug
15
MXGP of Turkey, Afyonkarahisar
Sat 11 Sep – Sun 12 Sep
16
MXGP of China, TBA
Sat 18 Sep – Sun 19 Sep
17
MXGP of France, St Jean d’Angely
Sat 9 Oct – Sun 10 Oct
18
MXGP of Spain, intu Xanadu-Arroyomolinos
Sat 16 Oct – Sun 17 Oct
19
TBA
Sat 30 Oct – Sun 31 Oct
20
MXGP of Patagonia Argentina, Neuquen
Sat 13 Nov – Sun 14 Nov
2021 Yamaha AORC presented by MXStore calendar
Round
Location
Date
Rounds 1 & 2
Nowra, NSW
March 27-28
Rounds 3 & 4
TBA, VIC
April 17-18
Rounds 5 & 6
Kyogle, NSW
July 17-18
Rounds 7 & 8
TBA, QLD
August 6-7
Rounds 9 & 10
Kingston SE, SA
September 18-19
Rounds 11 & 12
Omeo, VIC
October 16-17
2021 Australian Pro MX calendar
Rnd
Date
Location
1
Apr-11
Wonthaggi, Victoria Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
2
May-02
Canberra, ACT Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3
3
May-30
Gilman, South Australia Classes: MX1, MX2, MX3, 125 CUP
