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Lawrence collects first Triple Crown win in Arizona

Lawrence collects first Triple Crown win in Arizona

Tomac climbs to second all-time with 450SX triumph.

Jett Lawrence wins in 250SX West inside State Farm Stadium in April 2023.

Image: Octopi Media.

The standout 250SX West rider in 2023, Jett Lawrence put his previous Triple Crown misfortune in the past with his first victory in the alternate format of racing during the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross visit to Glendale, Arizona while Eli Tomac ascended to second all-time with the 51st victory of his career.

Scores of 1-3-1 put Lawrence atop the class for the fifth of six races thus far in 2023.

Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire both had enough speed to pressure Lawrence during each of the three races, with Hampshire reaching the checkered flag first in Race 2.

Hampshire claimed second overall on the strength of his race win, while Kitchen took 3-2-2 results to the final podium step.

Pierce Brown was fast all day aboard his TLD Red Bull GasGas machine, finishing 4-4-5 for fourth overall on the night. Unfortunately, Brown fell in the first turn after the night’s first gate drop and hit the ground again after Race 1 was red-flagged and restarted.

Failing to fully capitalize on the absence of newly injured Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Cameron McAdoo, Enzo Lopes (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha) finished seventh, fifth, and fourth in Glendale for fifth overall.

Derek Kelley was competitive for the local team AEO Powersports throughout the event and finished sixth overall. Kelley led Mitchell Oldenburg (Smartop MotoConcepts Racing), Max Vohland (Red Bull KTM), Robbie Wageman (Bar-X Suzuki), and Carson Mumford (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) in completing the top 10.

Returning to competition after a violent crash last time out at Seattle, Stilez Robertson (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) crashed and was hit by three riders in the first race. The incident brought out the red flag and put Robertson and Luke Kalaitzian out for the night.

With six rounds down and three to go for the west region 250SX category, Lawrence leads Hampshire by 26 points, with Kitchen a further 26 back. The series will return to action for the year’s first 250SX East/West Showdown at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium on April 22.

Eli Tomac secures the 450SX win in Glendale in April 2023.

Image: Octopi Media.

Held in the midst of a fierce 450SX championship battle, the 2023 Triple Crown at Glendale will forever have a place in the sport’s history as the round at which Tomac moved past James Stewart for second on the all-time win list.

Race results of 1-2-1 for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider were more than enough to secure the overall victory inside this year’s Super Bowl-hosting State Farm Stadium.

Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) executed a wire-to-wire victory of the night’s second race for the premier class, getting past Tomac at one point but taking control right back with a remarkable pass through the whoops. Sexton’s night of 4-1-3 race scores culminated in second overall.

The following positions were closely contested throughout the night, with TLD Red Bull GasGas rider Justin Barcia collecting his first Triple Crown podium on the strength of 3-6-2 results in the trio of races.

Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM) could do no better than fifth in Race 2, limiting his potential on the night as he turned 2-5-4 results into fourth overall. With Tomac more successful on the night, Webb forfeited his stake in the championship lead leaving the season’s 12th round.

Fast in qualifying and competitive during the evening program, Ken Roczen added his Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki to the overall top five with 5-3-5 race results.

Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki), Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM), the returning Colt Nichols (Team Honda HRC), Dean Wilson (Fire Power Honda), and Jason Anderson (Monster Energy Kawasaki) comprised the remainder of the top 10.

It’s the long-awaited first top-10 result of the 2023 Supercross season for Wilson, aided by misfortune for Anderson. A crash for the Kawasaki rider in the night’s final race ended his night early.

As the series heads east to visit MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Tomac will take to the track with a seven-point advantage over Webb in the 450SX standings. Sexton heads into the 13th round 25 points in arrears of Tomac.

Detailed results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

New Motorcycle Helmets for 2021 Worth Wearing

If there is one area of protective gear that is constantly evolving, and generally in a good direction, it is the brain bucket, the skid lid, aka the motorcycle helmet. New materials, new technology and techniques, and new innovations in safety have all helped shape the modern riding helmet, as well as new and more stringent testing and certification methodologies.

The biggest argument, however, is which helmet is best? That is not what we’re really asking in today’s listing, but the counterpoint is that not all riding is the same. What may be the perfect helmet for track riding and racing, may fail woefully in a desert run enduro or a motocross course. And there are those that don’t care for the sport style of riding, preferring comfortable helmets that can be worn for a day-long ride between cities.

Instead, today’s question is which are the best helmets worth wearing, for any given type of riding, in 2021. To qualify, the helmet itself doesn’t have to have been released in 2021, but it should be an update or new version that carries the latest and greatest advancements in safety, technology, materials, comfort, or any combination of all four. We will also be looking at both top-of-the-line and budget options, to provide the best spread of helmets.

With that said, on to the list!

Shoei RF-1400

Shoei RF-1400 Side View

When you think of the best of the best, Shoei is one of the few names that should immediately pop into your head, or more directly, pop onto your head. As the name suggests, the RF-1400 is the long-awaited update from the RF-1200, itself a legendary helmet in terms of construction and rider protection, but with all the necessary upgrades expected from a modern helmet.

The new helmet is improved in a variety of ways, the least of which is a revised aerodynamic shape. This new design offers up to 4% less wind resistance and noise, making an already quiet helmet even quieter. Reworked interior padding addresses one of the few gripes with the RF-1200, that being that it was at times uncomfortably tight to pull on. A redesigned ventilation system also improves upon its predecessor, allowing for optimal airflow.

The shell of the helmet is still made with Shoei’s excellent fiberglass, aramid, and organic fiber weave. It has superb strength and elasticity and has passed both the SNELL M2020 certification and ECE 22.05 certification tests.

Read the review: Shoei RF-1400

ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth

ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth Side View

  • Price: $320.00
  • Buy: Revzilla
  • Best of: Budget Full Face

Sometimes when a rider is helmet shopping, they may not have the available finances to afford a $500+ helmet. This doesn’t mean, however, that they should be left with a substandard helmet or one that skips out on important rider protection. Enter, then, the ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth, released in the latter half of 2020.

The most important bit of that name is MIPS or “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.” This is a special piece inside the construction of the helmet, between the EPS foam and the liner, that allows the helmet to absorb an impact and begin rotating to dissipate energy before the liner starts to move with the shell. It only covers a few millimeters, and the time between shell and liner rotation is measured in milliseconds, but it is enough to allow the brain to slowly accelerate to the speed of the shell, instead of bashing against the inside of your skull during a tumble.

The helmet itself is made of advanced injection molded polycarbonate and is backed by multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam, the MIPS system, and then comfortable, thick padding. Ventilation is through multiple oversized intake ports and a massive chin port and is exhausted via multiple exit ports. The helmet meets or exceeds DOT, ECE 22.05, and other world standards as part of ICON’s push for their “All World Standard.”

Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid

Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid Side View

Not everyone who rides does so on the pavement. There are many that prefer to ride trails, kick around in some dirt, or even do long, off-road adventures that often require more protection than what their street-going brethren need. For just such riders, Fly Racing has developed the Dirt Formula CC Solid helmet.

The CC in the name stands for Carbon Composite, which is an interwoven shell of carbon fiber, DuPont Kevlar, and fiberglass, creating a super-strong but elastic shell that also has penetration resistance. This is extremely important when riding in areas where there are branches, sharp rocks, and the like. This is backed by a new style of EPS, known as “Conehead EPS,” which literally uses cones of EPS on the innermost layers to progressively absorb initial impact energy, slowing the head down before it comes in contact with the full multi-layer EPS.

Also helping absorb impact energy, especially low speed falls and drops, is what Fly Racing dubs “Impact Energy Cells,” made of RHEON impact rubber. These cells line the entirety of the inside of the helmet, and are specially shaped and designed to absorb both linear and rotational energy that would not otherwise be absorbed by the shell or EPS during a low-speed crash.

The Dirt Formula CC Solid exceeds all certification tests for DOT and ECE 22.05

You can find out more about this helmet here

Bell MX-9 MIPS

Bell MX-9 MIPS Side View

  • Price: $169.95
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Budget Dirt and Trail Riding

Off-road riding, especially enduro and long adventure trails, can get quite tiring and also requires great visibility to see the branches, roots, rocks, and puddles you need to go through. The Bell MX-9 was famous for being a lightweight, protective, and affordable helmet that addressed all the needs of off-road riders. So it’s reassuring to know that Bell has updated their best off-road helmet with new safety features.

As discussed earlier in this list, MIPS is a safety system designed to mitigate rotational impact energy on the head and brain, and if there is one area of riding that has the highest likelihood of rotational impact, it’s off-roading. Adding it to one of the top-rated off-road helmets of all time only reinforces that this is a helmet that should be on your head.

Made of lightweight polycarbonate, and fully lined (including the chin bar!) with dual-density, multi-layer EPS, the MX-9 MIPS easily passes all DOT and ECE 22.05 testing requirements. In fact, the MX-9 MIPS is one step below Bell’s competition helmet for professional motocross and supercross racers, and the trickle-down of safety advancements to an affordable budget helmet is very nice to see!

Find out more about this helmet here: Bell MX-9 MIPS.

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid Side View

There are some manufacturers that will state that they have the best, latest, and greatest safety innovations in their helmets that turn out to either be gimmicks or adaptations of other manufacturers’ ideas. And then there are those manufacturers that actually develop and design those ideas. AGV is one such manufacturer, and the Italian gear company blew the modular helmet category away in late 2020 with the Sportmodular Carbon Solid.

As the name suggests, this helmet has a 100% carbon fiber shell. The interior design, EPS foam layout, and protection quality were all modeled on the AGV Pista GP-RR MotoGP racing helmet, and as such, the Sportmodular is lined and padded in only the best, highest quality materials. It also sports a full carbon fiber, metal-reinforced chin bar that raises on strong hinges and has a top position lock.

An internal sun-shield in the crown is included, sitting behind a race-grade visor, what AGV calls their GT3 visor with pinlock functionality. Ventilation is multi-channel and multi-intake, allowing the rider to choose where and how they want ventilation. The AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid is one of the few modular helmets that is rated for use with the chin bar raised and locked, as well as down and locked. It passes all ECE 22.05 and DOT tests without issue.

Read the full review: AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid.

HJC RPHA 90S

HJC RPHA 90S Side View

When you pick a modular helmet, you honestly want to make sure you are getting the best protection possible, with the strongest chinbar locking mechanism possible. There are hundreds of helmets that are less expensive than the RPHA 90S that could be listed as budget modular, yet they all have their flaws and issues. This is why our budget pick sneaks in under $500, but it still relatively expensive.

The RPHA 90S is the most recent update of the RPHA 90, a top-rated modular for many years past. HJC, for the 90S, has created a new shell material called PIM Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus), which is made of carbon fiber interwoven with carbon-glass hybrid fabric. This allows for very dependable strength, elasticity, and penetration resistance.

The interior is lined with 3D engineered EPS and is then covered with HJC’s Multi-Cool lined padding. An integrated sun visor comes as standard, and the visor is the same as used on HJC’s racing helmets, model HJ-29, and comes fitted with an anti-fog pinlock insert. The RPHA 90S also received an excellent rating in our own review of it and is for sure a helmet that belongs on your head.

Check out the full review: HJC RPHA 90S.

Arai XD-4

Arai XD-4 Side View

  • Price: $609.95+
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Adventure and Rally Touring

It really doesn’t seem to matter who steps up to the plate to try to dislodge Arai from the top step of the ADV and rally touring ladder, the XD-4 is quite literally here to stay. It has been the top helmet for ADV for multiple years, through multiple variations, and the latest version of the XD-4 is just another example of always evolving and moving in a positive, safer direction.

Made of Arai’s legendarily strong fiberglass weave, the XD-4 is lightweight and extremely resilient to the rigors of ADV touring. Multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam lines the entire interior of the helmet, including the chin bar. The interior padding and liners are customizable, with 5mm peel-away thickness adjustments in the cheeks and temples. The cheek pads are also designed using Arai’s Facial Contour Support (FCS) design, which braces everything from the jaw up to the occipital bones with thick, supportive padding.

The latest update includes a slightly retuned shell shape, to better direct airflow into the vents to cool off the rider. New passive exhausts on the top-rear of the head also help pull heat and moisture out via a multi-step exhaust design, to keep the rider as cool as possible even in the hottest temperatures. The latest version of the Arai XD-4 is one of the few ADV helmets to receive the SNELL M2020 certification and is also one of the few approved helmets listed for the 2022 Dakar Rally.

See how this helmet compares to other models: find out more about the XD-4 here.

Shoei X-14 Solid

Shoei X-14 Solid Side View

  • Price: $769.99+
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Track, Supersports, and Race

The choice for the best helmet for track days, supersports riding, and powersports racing was a tough decision. However, we have to give Shoei the nod with this updated X-14 helmet. Developed in celebration of Shoei’s long term partnership with racing legend Marc Marquez (one of the greatest riders to throw a leg over a MotoGP bike) the X-14 has received something of much-needed update. This started with a new variation of the Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell material known as AIM+, which added elastic organic fibers into the weave to enhance lightness, rigidity, flex, and resilience.

That shell is specifically shaped to cut through the air as cleanly as possible, reducing overall drag on a rider’s head. Dual-density, multi-layer EPS foam covers the entirety of the interior, including a reinforced chin bar section. Shoei’s CAD-designed 3D Max-Dry interior system of pads and liners allows for the rider to customize the angle the helmet sits on the head, as well as the thickness of the padding, to ensure the optimal fit that won’t wobble, move, or slip during racing.

Ventilation is through the massive top vent, as well as the crown vents just above the visor. A chin vent is also integrated, which has a special channeling system in the EPS to direct air down the cheek pads and exhaust out the bottom rear of the helmet. Exhausts are all positioned either directly before or after the three spoilers on the rear of the helmet, which gives added stability to the helmet when cornering hard, with the head ducked down near the clip-ons.

The latest Shoei X-14 update passes the SNELL M2020 certification test, as well as achieves the rarest certification, that of FIM Homologation, the most stringent testing currently available.

Read the review of an older model: Shoei X-14.

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Side View

  • Price: $399.99
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Budget Track, Supersports, and Race

If the price of the Shoei X-14 makes you wince and sends your wallet screaming for the hills, then rest assured that there is a budget track day helmet for you. Scorpion, the company that always seems to find the best price-to-performance balance for their gear, has a very highly reviewed and rated helmet for you in the EXO-R1 Air.

Using what they term as Ultra-TCT, the shell is made up of interwoven fiberglass, aramid, and poly-resin fibers. This is lined with multi-density, multi-layer EPS, with channels cut into it specifically for maximum ventilation and cooling. This ventilation comes in the form of a ram-air top vent and a standard chin vent. Four exhaust ports behind the rear spoiler quite literally suck the heated air out of the helmet using the venturi effect.

The padding and liner inside the helmet uses Scorpions AirFit system and KwikWik cloth. The AirFit system allows the rider to inflate small bladders in the cheek pads, which contour to the face to keep the helmet in place at speed. KwikWik is a very absorbent lining fabric that is akin to a shammy, and soaks up sweat at an astounding rate, to either be evaporated out via the exhausts or, with the removable liners, washed and cleaned by hand.

The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air achieves DOT, ECE 22.05, SNELL M2020, and FIM Homologation certifications (FIM only for the small shell size).

Read the review: Scorpion EXO-R1 Air.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

MXGP star Coldenhoff joins Albek family

Australian company signs MXGP World Championship contender.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Glenn Coldenhoff has been named as the latest high-profile athlete to partner with Australian luggage company Albek.

The MXGP World Championship contender joins a list of supported athletes, headlined by two-time Dakar Rally champion Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and AMA supercross and motocross superstar Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing).

“I want to connect with people who are giving 100 percent,” said Coldenhoff. “I feel like Albek came to me with this intention – willing to grow – willing to do anything and that’s the attitude I also have. It’s a new brand – they have everything I need for all the travelling I do and it’s a nice style, so I’d love to join the team.”

Albek founder, Johnny Mclean, said it was always an ambition to have a rider the calibre of Coldenhoff join the company, explaining the European-based rider represent the brand’s core values.

“When we started this journey of Albek we only hoped we could align ourselves with great humans like Glenn Coldenhoff,” McLean commented. “Glenn is not only our hero but someone who resonates the pillar of our brand – pushing boundaries – challenging the norm – and we are stoked to be able to build products that help support this great athlete.”


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Webb overcomes Roczen in 450SX Atlanta 3 thriller

News 18 Apr 2021

Webb overcomes Roczen in 450SX Atlanta 3 thriller

Thrasher wins ATL 3 as Cooper draws closer to 250SX West title.

Image: Octopi Media.

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb took control of the 450SX championship with a late-race charge to pass title rival Ken Roczen for the win in the last of three Supercross races in Atlanta Motor Speedway, while Nate Thrasher won again in 250SX West.

It was a thriller of a night in Monster Energy Supercross, as the series completed it’s final residency of the year with a race that saw Webb come out on top and take a 16-point advantage in the championship standings with two rounds to go.

Off the line, it looked to be all Roczen, as he jetted out to the lead that eventually ballooned to over 10 seconds. It was his race to lose and a late-race crash in the whoops saw his lead chopped in half with just a few minutes remaining on the clock.

Webb, who was maintaining second place, saw the gap close and began to charge, eventually catching Roczen with just 90 seconds and a lap to go. He made quick work of his rival, taking the lead and gaining a two-second advantage.

A late-race bobble allowed Roczen to close, but in the end, it was all Webb taking the victory. Roczen was second and Tomac rode to a solid third-place finish.

Tomac’s podium was the result of a charge through the pack, battling much of the race with Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) and Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas). Plessinger was up front for most of the race after grabbing the holeshot, the Ohio rider eventually finishing fourth on the night.

Barcia had a solid pace and was able to salvage a fifth place eon the night ahead of a charging Malcolm Stewart (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha). Seventh went to Stewart’s teammate Ferrandis, who was actually in the lead group early on before crashing with Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) in the opening laps.

Eighth went to Dean Wilson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) who notched his seventh consecutive top 10 finish and climbs to 11th in the championship standings. Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM) finished a quiet ninth on the night.

Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) looked promising through the first half of the day, taking second fastest qualifying time and winning his heat race, he eventually finished 10th on the night.

The series now heads to Salt Lake City for the final two races of the season, with Webb on top by 16 points over Roczen.

Image: Octopi Media.

Nate Thrasher transferred from the LCQ to take the 250SX West main event win in the final round of racing in Atlanta ahead of Justin Cooper and Seth Hammaker, while struggles continued to plague championship contender Cameron McAdoo.

It was a wild night of Monster Energy Supercross racing for the last three rounds at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Battered from a qualifying crash, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s McAdoo lined up hoping to keep his title chances alive.

As the gate dropped in the main event, he instead found himself at the center of another crash that caused a red flag in the opening lap of the main.

This added frustration for Cooper who had grabbed the holeshot and got out to a lead in the opening lap, but he made it happen again in the restart, taking the lead early on.

A mistake in the opening laps allowed Thrasher to take the lead and he never looked back, winning his second race of the season and career. Cooper rode consistently to finish second place on the night, collecting valuable points in the championship.

Hammaker managed to grab a podium finish after nearly hitting the ground in the whoops with Jalek Swoll, the rookie taking his third podium of the season.

Hunter Lawrence charged through the pack to finish fourth after a crash early in the race. The Team Honda HRC rider continuing to show serious speed, setting the fastest lap time of the night.

Rounding out the top five was Kyle Peters (Phoenix Racing Honda) with an impressive ride, taking the spot in a late-race battle with Jalek Swoll (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) who took sixth.

Enzo Lopes (Phoenix Racing Honda) notched his best finish and first top 10 of the season in seventh place, with Mitchell Harrison putting his Muc-Off Honda in the top 10, finishing eighth.

Dilan Schwartz had a career-best night in ninth place on his BarX Chaparral Ecstar Suzuki as Coty Schock continued his run of solid form finishing in 10th on the night.

Cameron McAdoo ended one of the toughest weeks of his career battered and bruised down in 13th place. The title hopeful crashed hard in the final moments of qualifying today, aggravating injuries sustained in his Tuesday crash in round 14.

It didn’t get any easier for him in the main event, taking three more substantial crashes and coming away from the night 16 points down on points leader Cooper with just one round to go.

The 250SX West series now takes a one-week break while the 250SX East championship gets back to action, their final race set to take place on 1 May in Salt Lake City.

Detailed Results

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

New-look Muc-Off Honda team of Brayton made official

News 25 Dec 2020

New-look Muc-Off Honda team of Brayton made official

Oldenburg returns for a second season as Harrison joins him in 250SX series.

Image: Supplied.

Muc-Off has been announced as title sponsor of the Konsky Motorsport-operated Honda team for 2021, signing Justin Brayton, Mitchell Oldenburg and Mitchell Harrison.

The motorcycle care and maintenance brand replaces Penrite as title sponsor, expanding into 450SX in Monster Energy Supercross alongside its existing 250SX effort.

It had already been confirmed that Brayton would be transferring from Team Honda HRC to the team in which he’s won four-consecutive Australian championships, while Oldenburg returns for a second season and Harrison has been named as replacement of Luke Clout.

“I am really pleased that we can finally shout about our plans for 2021,” Konsky said. “It has been four months in the making, with a final push at the 11th-hour to get to this point. Now we are here, I am keen to start seeing results.

“Working with Muc-Off as our new title sponsor for next year has been really refreshing. Their ethos and work ethic has been instrumental in getting us here and I am looking forward to seeing this relationship develop.”

Brayton commented: “It’s super-exciting to be working closely with Yarrive again for 2021, especially with him bringing an exciting new brand to the table – his passion and enthusiasm for this sport has been a positive influence on me.

“We have seen a lot of success in Australia, so I hope to relive this in the US next year. I have been riding the new 2021 CRF 450R and I am feeling comfortable on it, testing has been great so now I just need to put it all together and focus on a strong and consistent season.”

Muc-Off will be supplying the team with a full supply of their innovative motorcycle products from their Clean, Protect and Lube systems. This includes the renowned pink Nano Tech Bike Cleaner, the flagship product that launched the brand back in 1994.

“When I started the company it was a dream of mine to be working at the pinnacle levels of motorsport, so I am pumped that we are at the point where we can be title sponsors of an exciting Supercross team in such a dynamic and globally admired series,” stated Alex Trimnell, Muc-Off CEO.

“We look forward to working with the Muc-Off Honda team in developing new and exciting products, as well as supporting them in their mission to be a leading player in the sport. To see the brand with so much presence at this level of racing, makes me very and this I know is shared throughout the whole team at Muc-Off.”

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Gibbs to Honda Racing now official for 2021 outdoors

News 17 Dec 2020

Gibbs to Honda Racing now official for 2021 outdoors

Both Metcalfe and Webster to remain part of team again next season.

Image: Marc Jones Photography.

Honda Racing has made the signing of Kirk Gibbs official for the 2021 Australian ProMX Championship, joining the returning Brett Metcalfe and Kyle Webster in the three-rider line-up.

Gibbs transfers across from CDR Yamaha to ride the all-new CRF450R in a motocross-only contract, before Justin Brayton will take charge in Australian Supercross.

“Honda have won many championships and races – after three days of testing with the team I can see why,” 2015 MX1 national champion and current New Zealand title-holder Gibbs commented. “The team is committed and focused and has competitive resources available to them.

“There is no reason we can’t contend for the championship next year. I know its what people expect me to say, but the new Honda 450 is fast – amazingly fast – and after three days of testing we have a great package that will only get better.”

Metcalfe, meanwhile, will spend his fourth season with the Konsky Motorsport-owned organisation, winning last weekend’s AMX MXOpen in commanding fashion on debut aboard Honda’s latest premier class entry.

“I raced the new 450R stock, pulled the holeshot and won both races against other factory riders,” the experienced South Australian said. “I haven’t experienced a bike that fast in standard trim. Following three days of testing I feel we have made some significant gains and I am looking forward to our next test in January.”

After spending time in Europe this year, Webster will return with Honda in the MX2 seat riding the CRF250R, while Emma Milesevic will also be part of the factory effort in the MXW division of ProMX.

“We have strengthened our technical team to manage our expectations,” Yarrive Konsky stated. “Our team is made up of some of the world’s best riders and we believe in them and our motorcycles. The new 450R has already exceeded our expectations and, together with Team HRC in America and Europe, we believe we will prove its capabilities.”

Its been a turbulent period for the Honda Racing team, confirming it has parted ways with longtime title sponsor Penrite – information on replacements still to be revealed – and it was also revealed that Luke Clout would be returning to Yamaha following a single term with Konsky Motorsport in the US.

Konsky will also continue to field an expanded program in Monster Energy Supercross, signing four-time defending Australian champion Brayton to lead its 450SX effort before travelling to Australia later in the year, while its 250SX riders and an incoming naming-rights partner are also to be announced.

Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Gajser completes MXGP season with victory in Trentino

News 9 Nov 2020

Gajser completes MXGP season with victory in Trentino

Final MX2 outing results in Watson achieving another overall win.

Image: Supplied.

MXGP world champion Tim Gajser completed the 2020 season with another overall victory at the Garda Trentino round, as Ben Watson achieved a round win in the final MX2 outing of his career.

Gajser went 2-1 for the round at Pietramurata, which saw the opening moto won by Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki) over Gajser and Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha).

Moto two resulted in Gajser turning the tables on Febvre to clinch the top step of the podium, with the retiring Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Yamaha) third. It was Gajser who won the final round, joined by Febvre and Paulin inside the top three.

While Team HRC’s Gajser captured the title on Wednesday with a round to spare, fourth overall on Sunday enabled Seewer to climb to runner-up in the final championship standings ahead of Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM), who was 12th at the final round due to a DNF in the second encounter.

Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Yamaha rider Watson delivered an emphatic result prior to stepping up to the premier class from next season, winning both MX2 motos for his second-career overall.

New champion Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) won moto one ahead of Maxime Renaux (Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori J1 Racing) and Watson, before Watson won moto two over Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Isaac Gifting (Diga Procross GasGas Factory Juniors).

That placed Watson on top of the podium for the weekend, joined by Vialle and Renaux, while in the final championship points, Vialle had already been crowned ahead of Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Renaux.

Beaton was top-finishing Australian overall in fourth position, also sealing that same result in the series, while Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) went 15-9 for 11th overall. DRT Kawasaki’s Wilson Todd scored points with P13 in moto two for 19th on Sunday.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Gasjer and Vialle crowned in penultimate round of MXGP

News 5 Nov 2020

Gasjer and Vialle crowned in penultimate round of MXGP

World championships clinched at Pietramurata on Wednesday.

Image: Supplied.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has clinched the 2020 MXGP World Championship in the Grand Prix of Pietramurata, joined by new MX2 champion Tom Vialle who also wrapped up the title in Wednesday’s penultimate round.

Gajser won his third premier class crown by finishing second in moto one, this time successfully defending his crown and adding it to his 2016 and 2019 victories.

Moto one was taken out by Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha) ahead of Gajser and Alessandro Lupino (Gebben Van Venrooy Yamaha), before the second moto was won by Gajser – wearing the number one plate in the afternoon – over Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Kawasaki).

Overall, Gajser secured his fourth round win of the season ahead of Seewer and Febvre, while in the championship, he now has an unbeatable 89-point advantage over Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM), who in turn is now only four points ahead of Seewer.

Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM’s Vialle earned his first MX2 World Championship with a round to spare by going 1-23 for eighth overall, but his win in moto one was enough to seal the series win.

That first outing was won by Vialle from Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Maxime Renaux (Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori J1 Racing), before the second race was topped by Jago Geerts (Monster Energy Yamaha) and Ben Watson (Monster Energy Yamaha), with Thibault Benistant (Hutten Metaal Yamaha) third.

It was Geerts and Watson who made it a Yamaha 1-2 overall, with Beaton claiming a third podium of the season in third position after taking fourth in moto two. With a single round remaining, again at Pietramurata this Sunday, Vialle holds a 57-point lead from series runner-up Geerts and Renaux.

Of the remaining Australians in the field, Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) continued his late run of consistent form with 11th position via 12-12 finishes, while Wilson Todd (DRT Kawasaki) returned from injury to go 21-16 for 20th overall.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

TLD Red Bull GasGas team makes Barcia signing official

News 3 Nov 2020

TLD Red Bull GasGas team makes Barcia signing official

Brown and Mosiman to ride factory team’s MC 250Fs through 2021.

Image: Supplied.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas has officially confirmed the long-rumored signing of Justin Barcia, who will join 250 class riders Pierce Brown and Michael Mosiman in the new-look team.

Barcia will be GasGas’ lone premier class rider in the US on-board the factory MC 450F, committed to Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

“Appointing Troy Lee Designs as the official GasGas Factory Racing team for Supercross and motocross not only further strengthens our longstanding partnership with Troy [Lee] and his team, it also starts an important new chapter for TLD in the 450 class and for GASGAS in America,” stated Roger De Coster, director of motorsports in North America.

“[This] is a hugely important step for GasGas Motorcycles. As an energetic, new brand we’re excited to establish the MC 450F and MC 250F when we get back to racing and the start of the 2021 Supercross series.

“We look forward to providing the technical support and guidance needed to allow Justin, Pierce and Michael to perform at their very best in 2021 and wish everyone at Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing all the best for the new season ahead.”

Troy Lee added: “This is a dream come true. To be partnering with GasGas Motorcycles is an incredible opportunity for our team, running a factory 450 race effort is something I have always dreamed about. Troy Lee Designs and GasGas share a lot of the same values, it’s all about having fun, enjoying it all and turning up with energy and commitment!

“To be the official GASGAS supercross and motocross team in the States is very special, we’re really excited in playing our part in helping to establish the brand. We’re ecstatic to go racing with our world-class athletes, on what has become one of the most hyped new teams in some time.”

Barcia moves across from Monster Energy Yamaha to lead GasGas’ entry into US competition, while Brown was already part of the Troy Lee Designs team with KTM this season and Mosiman arrives from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team.


Source: MotoOnline.com.au

Consistent Cairoli takes MXGP of Trentino round victory

News 2 Nov 2020

Consistent Cairoli takes MXGP of Trentino round victory

Geerts maintains pressure in MX2 with fifth overall win of the season.

Image: Octopi Media.

Italian Antonio Cairoli has won the MXGP of Trentino as the final stage of the world championship opened on Sunday, while Jago Geerts was back on top in MX2.

Red Bull KTM’s Cairoli went 2-2 at the picturesque circuit for his third overall of the season, despite Tim Gajser (Team HRC) and Clement Desalle (Monster Energy Kawasaki) splitting the moto wins.

Moto one was taken out by defending world champion Gajser ahead of Cairoli and Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy Yamaha), before the retiring Desalle led the way in moto two from Cairoli and Gautier Paulin (Monster Energy Yamaha), who will also retire at the close of the season.

Overall it was Cairoli who stood atop the podium, joined by Gajser and Desalle. In the championship, Gajser now holds a 73-point lead over Cairoli, with Seewer a further 18 points behind in third position.

Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha’s Geerts crossed the line fourth in the opening MX2 encounter, but bounced back second time out to win and secure the round victory.

Moto one was topped by Thomas Kjer Olsen (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) ahead of world championship leader Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM) and Jed Beaton (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).

Later, Geerts won moto two from EMX250 champion Thibault Benistant (Hutten Metaal Yamaha) and Vialle. Those results saw Geerts win overall from Olsen and Vialle, while Beaton was P4 overall. Bailey Malkiewicz (Team Honda 114 Motorsports) finished P18.

Vialle now holds a 73-point lead in the world championship standings ahead of Geerts, who is the final rider within mathematical reach of the lead with two rounds remaining. The GP of Pietramurata will be held this Wednesday, 4 November.

New Zealander Courtney Duncan (DRT Kawasaki) claimed her second world title in the Women’s Motocross World Championship at the final round, edging Nancy Van De Ven (Yamaha) and Larissa Papenmeier (Yamaha). Australian Tahlia O’Hare (KTM) claimed 10th in points.

Detailed results


Source: MotoOnline.com.au