The 95th running of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE), has commenced, taking place in the Apennine Mountains between Lombardy and Piedmont and running through to Saturday 4 September when it will finish with the traditional final day motocross races.
The FIM’s longest running motorcycle race welcomes over six hundred and fifty competitors from thirty nations to Rivanazzano Terme, for what is expected to be six days of picturesque, but challenging competition.
Postponed in 2020 due to the global COVID pandemic, this year the FIM ISDE has attracted riders from all over the World, both World-class competitors and enthusiastic amateurs, all wanting to enjoy the most-prestigious event on the enduro calendar. There are some notable absences however, with travel restrictions still taking their toll, including preventing the Australian teams from attending.
On days one, two, and three riders compete over one lap of one hundred and ninety-five kilometres, riding for seven-and-a-half hours each day and completing numerous cross and enduro special tests along the way.
Days four and five will feature a different course to that used during the first half of the event, again featuring a mix of cross and enduro special tests and totalling one hundred and ninety-eight kilometres. The sixth and final day will feature the closing motocross races, at the Valle Scrivia circuit in Cassano Spinola.
Josep Garcia
Host nation Italy have made the best possible start to the ninety-fifth edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro with winning performances in both the World Trophy and Junior World trophy classes. The much-anticipated opening day of competition also saw USA top the Women’s World Trophy result with Josep Garcia (KTM) posting the day’s fastest overall individual performance.
World Trophy – Day 1
A largely dry and dusty day of competition with little in the way of shock results or unfortunate DNFs, it was Andrea Verona (GASGAS), Davide Guarneri (Fantic), Thomas Oldrati (Honda), and Matteo Cavallo (TM) who, at the end of the one hundred and ninety five-kilometre, six-special test day, collectively sat at the top of the World Trophy team results, 52.37 seconds ahead of Spain, with the USA close behind in third.
Right from the off, the three nations all delivered impressive collective performances, with Italy unquestionably helped by the strong showings of Andrea Verona (GASGAS) and Matteo Cavallo (TM). Fast from the off, Verona held a slender outright individual lead with just one special test to go, falling twice on the final test and allowing Spain’s Josep Garcia (KTM) to go on and top the individual results with relative ease. In doing so Garcia helped Spain secure a strong second.
Andrea Verona
“I had a big battle with Josep Garcia all day, which was really good. I was ahead after the penultimate test and, well, I had a small fall in the final test and lost time. I somehow got some soil into my front brake lever, which meant the front brake was stuck on for a while. It was very strange. Then we had some rain and with the brake not so good I crashed again. Anyway, I’m happy. I had a good day and so did the team.”
Andrea Verona
While Italy hold the provisional World Trophy team lead at the end of day one, their advantage is anything but substantial. Less than one minute behind Italy, Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM), Josep Garcia (KTM), Marc Sans (Husqvarna), and Cristobal Guerrero (Beta) all successfully completed the day, keeping up the pressure on their European rivals and managing to stay ahead of the USA.
Sitting strong in third, the USA, led by former outright ISDE winner Taylor Robert (KTM), completed the day with incredibly similar overall special test times from each of their four riders. Despite Robert crashing on the opening test, the team looks set to battle with Spain and Italy throughout the event.
Taylor Robert
“I felt really good in the first test, but went down pretty hard and busted up my elbow a little. It took a little while to get my rhythm back again. Josep and Andrea were on fire, but I had a decent day, and importantly so did the USA Trophy team. The enduro test wasn’t easy on a 450, but the tests were great. We’re in for a good week of racing.”
Behind the top three, France rounded out the opening day in fourth, a little under thirty seconds behind the USA. With Sweden fifth, helped by an impressive ride by Mikael Persson (KTM), Canada, Portugal, Brazil, the Czech Republic and Finland rounded out the top ten.
Junior World Trophy – Day 1
As it was in the World Trophy class, in the Junior World Trophy category Italy ended day one on top. Just over one minute ahead of France, who in turn finished less than two seconds up on the USA, the three Italians of Lorenzo Macoritto (TM), Manolo Morettini (KTM), and Matteo Pavoni (TM) showed that just like their senior countrymen they are focused on doing just one thing this week – winning. So fast was team member Matteo Pavoni (TM) that he finished as the day’s outright second fastest rider, just twenty-one seconds behind Josep Garcia (KTM).
Not allowing Italy to get too far ahead, France secured a deserved runner-up result thanks to Luc Fargier (GASGAS), Leo Le Quere (Sherco), and Antoine Criq (Beta) as the trio also kept themselves ahead of the USA. France, who sit one minute behind Italy, but also narrowly ahead of the USA, have a lot to play for on day two. Equally, they have a lot to lose to the USA should any of their riders make any costly mistakes.
One better than their World Trophy teammates who sit fifth, Sweden hold fourth in the Junior World Trophy standings ahead of Spain and Finland, with Chile, Portugal, Czech Republic, and Norway rounding out the top ten.
Women’s World Trophy – Day 1
Ending day one with the biggest advantage of all the national teams, the USA stamped their authority on the Women’s World Trophy class with a highly impressive winning result. Collectively Brandy Richards (KTM), Rachel Gutish (Husqvarna), and Britney Gallegos (Husqvarna) sit three minutes and eighteen seconds ahead of Spain.
Brandy Richards
“I started out riding a little tight, but I progressed throughout the day. The tests were mostly long and fast, but they were fun to ride. The dirt and traction was different from place to place, but it was a good day for me.”
Brandy Richards
With Spain holding down second, and Great Britain third, it was Portugal and France who rounded out the top five with all eight Women’s World Trophy teams making it to the finish of the day.
Despite his falls in the final special test of the day, Andrea Verona (GASGAS) finished day one at the top of the Enduro1 class results, close to ten seconds ahead of Sweden’s Mikael Persson (KTM). Delivering one of the standout rides of the day, Persson found himself as the Swedish filling in an Italian sandwich with Verona ahead of him and Junior World Trophy team rider Lorenzo Macoritto (TM) behind him.
Although not entirely happy with the way he rode throughout the day, Spain’s Jose Garcia (KTM) has already opened up a near one-minute advantage at the top of the Enduro2 class, ahead of USA’s Taylor Robert (KTM) and Italy’s Thomas Oldrati (Honda).
Jose Garcia
“My day was good, even if I took a lot of dust in some of the special tests, which made things tricky. Also, I didn’t feel perfect on my bike. I’m not sure why, but anyway the day was good and I managed to win the overall too. I hope that tomorrow I can ride like I did on the final test today, and we’ll keep pushing as a team.”
With World Trophy team riders topping the Enduro1 and Enduro2 class result, in Enduro3 it was Italian Junior World Trophy team rider Matteo Pavoni (TM) who topped the time sheets. Fifteen seconds ahead of countryman Matteo Cavallo (TM), Pavoni kept experienced racers like the USA’s Ryan Sipes (GASGAS) and Spain’s Jaume Betriu (KTM) behind him.
At the top of the individual Women’s class results it was the USA’s Brandy Richards (KTM), one minute and forty-seven ahead of Great Britain’s Jane Daniels (Fantic), with Spain’s Mireia Badia (GASGAS) third.
The FIM International Six Days of Enduro continues on day two with riders repeating the one hundred and ninety five-kilometre Valle di Staffora lap.
Todd Waters has won the 2021 King of Capricorn over the weekend, with a consistent performance across the top two steps of the podium in the day’s races leaving him 20-points clear of runner-up Kirk Gibbs. Aaron Tanti completed the podium in third, with fourth through sixth a close affair between Jesse Dobson, Jai Walker and Levi Rogers, with a single point separating each rider, on 149, 148 and 147 respectively.
Todd Waters – P1
“Super fun weekend at the King Of Capricorn MX over the weekend. Taking out the overall in both the two-stroke and the King of Capricorn classes. Huge thanks to Mike Ward for pulling off the largest cash prize purse in Australian MX together with the RADMX Rockhampton Motocross, you guys rock.”
Kirk Gibbs – P2
“My Terrafirma Honda worked well all weekend and I felt competitive. My biggest setback were my starts. The format included 9 races, 5 of which were 3 lap sprint races. I got one out of nine holeshots. I definitely made life hard for myself all day and I know what I need to practice on. I really felt strong, and I could have made some aggressive passes, but I could have taken myself down as well. As much as I wanted to win the overall, I am glad I won the final race comfortably and I am in one piece to fight for the Queensland titles this coming weekend in MacKay.”
Kobe Drew claimed the Prince of Capricorn title, winning the class on 169-points, ahead of Jack Mather and Jett Burgess-Stevens, with Jake Cannon and Jet Alsop completing the top five.
2021 King of Capricorn Top 10
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Todd WATERS
213
2
Kirk GIBBS
193
3
Aaron TANTI
176
4
Jesse DOBSON
149
5
Jai WALKER
148
6
Levi ROGERS
147
7
Jayce COSFORD
112
8
Ricky LATIMER
103
9
Noah FERGUSON
93
10
Lochie LATIMER
87
2021 Prince of Capricorn Top 10
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Kobe DREW
169
2
Jack MATHER
147
3
Jett BURGESS-STEVENS
141
4
Jake CANNON
128
5
Jet ALSOP
110
6
Blake HAIDLEY
106
7
Liam OWENS
102
8
Charli CANNON
90
9
Jack WILLIAMS
78
10
Frederick TAYLOR
70
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2021 International Six Days of Enduro returns to Italy
The 95th edition of the FIM International Six Days of Enduro will kick off in Lombardy / Piedmont on Augusta 30, marking the 11th time Italy has hosted the event, with only Great Britain holding a better record.
Italy’s long association with the ISDE – originally titled the International Six Days Trial (ISDT) – began in 1931 when the town of Merano had the unique honour of hosting the event in back-to-back years. The Italians triumphed on home soil on the first of these occasions before giving way to the British who won the main two trophies when the ISDE returned a year later.
The ISDE returns to Italy in 2021 for the 11th time – Image by Dario Agrati
It wouldn’t be until 1948 that the event would return to Italy, in San Remo, followed by Varese in 1951. 17-years later it would reconvene in San Pellegrino Terme, before heading to Camerino in 1974.
1981 was the next time that Italy would act as the host to the freshly named ISDE. Isola d’Elba was the venue for this memorable edition, and home nation won both of the new team classes – namely the now established World Trophy and Junior Trophy competitions.
Five years later as San Pellegrino Terme accommodated the ISDE for a second time and was the scene of the 1986 celebrations as once again the host nation won both the World and Junior Trophies.
After an extended break, Italy was back in charge of delivering another notable running of the ISDE in 1997. Brescia being the last venue where the Italians achieved home wins in both the World Trophy and Junior Trophy categories. The beautiful island of Sardinia was the host in 2013, which marked the tenth time that the ISDE had been held on Italian soil.
Eight years later, and after having been postponed twelve months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FIM International Six Days of Enduro is returning to the Italian heartland of Enduro and to some of the best off-road terrain in Europe. Lombardy / Piedmont will once again welcome riders from across the world for six demanding days in the saddle from August 30 to September 4, 2021.
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Leszno defeat Lublin 48-42 at the Alfred Smoczyk Stadium
Polish racers Przemyslaw Pawlicki and Krzysztof Kasprzak were the last-heat heroes as they secured Grudziadz’s spot in the 2022 PGE Ekstraliga and sent Zielona Gora down.
Grudziadz spent most of the season bottom of the table, but they stormed to a last-gasp 48-42 victory at home to Czestochowa on Sunday, which saw them leapfrog Falubaz for seventh spot and drop one of Polish speedway’s superpowers into the First Division for next season.
Pawlicki has endured a mixed campaign for Grudziadz, but delivered when it mattered most, top-scoring on 13 points.
He led Kasprzak to a 4-2 in heat 15, parting Lions pair Leon Madsen and Bartosz Smektala on turn two to send the home fans into raptures, while KK nipped past Smektala on bend three to break Zielona Gora hearts.
This was after Nicki Pedersen and Kenneth Bjerre raced to a 4-2 of their own over Jonas Jeppesen and Mateusz Swidnicki in heat 14, with Jeppesen just snatching second on the line to send Grudziadz’s relegation fight to the last heat.
Kasprzak has endured a tough couple of seasons, but lifted himself for Grudziadz’s biggest match of the year, delivering 10 paid 11.
Triple world champion Pedersen roared back into action with 11 points after his racing ban for remonstrating with a referee was put on hold by the Danish Sports Confederation. His contribution was telling for a team that has relied on him heavily all season. His compatriot Bjerre collected nine paid 10.
Madsen was Czestochowa’s top scorer on 10 paid 11, while Smektala scored eight and Freddie Lindgren registered four.
Grudziadz’s triumph throws the future of Zielona Gora’s big guns for 2022 into serious question as the club faces its first season out of the top flight since 2006.
Local hero Patryk Dudek may be forced to move away from his boyhood club for the first time in his career in search of PGE Ekstraliga action, while SGP regulars Max Fricke and Matej Zagar may also seek pastures new.
In the day’s other match, Lublin secured second spot in the PGE Ekstraliga table and booked a play-off semi-finals showdown with Gorzow.
Leszno defeated Lublin 48-42 at the Alfred Smoczyk Stadium. But with the visitors taking the bonus point, the reigning champions will now face a tough semi-final showdown with table-topping Wroclaw as they bid for a fifth straight league title.
Aussie icon Jason Doyle impressed for Leszno on 13 paid 14, while Emil Sayfutdinov tallied 10 and World Under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey added eight paid 10. Jaroslaw Hampel was Lublin’s top scorer on nine.
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Max Fricke on the podium at SpeedwayGP Challenge
Polish racer Pawel Przedpelski admits he’s in dreamland after crowning the week he became a father by booking his place in the 2022 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series alongside Max Fricke and Patryk Dudek. The Torun icon topped the GP Challenge podium to take his place in the SGP World Championship for the first time next year.
Przedpelski tied on 12 points with Aussie champion Fricke, but triumphed in a run-off to win the meeting, while Fricke secured his SGP status for next year – regardless of where he finishes in the SGP 2021 standings. Meanwhile, former world No.2 Dudek bagged third place on 11 points to earn an SGP World Championship comeback after just a season away.
Victory capped a week Przedpelski will never forget after he welcomed daughter Rozalka into the world along with partner Michalina on Tuesday.
Pawel Przedpelski
“I can’t believe it. This week couldn’t have been better for me. On Tuesday my daughter came into the world. That was unbelievable. Today I got into the GP, so it is like a dream. It cannot be real. It is a beautiful day.”
Przedpelski stormed to 11 points from his opening four rides to put himself within touching distance of qualification. He found himself at the back in race 18 behind Dudek and Jan Kvech, but Przedpelski powered past Slovakian racer Jakub Valkovic for third going into bend three to snatch the point that sealed his spot on the sport’s biggest stage.
Fricke endured a difficult start, fighting his way past former Belle Vue team mate Dan Bewley for third in heat four as he finished behind Przedpelski and Andzejs Lebedevs.
The Victorian ace racked up 11 points from his remaining four rides, rounding them off by winning a ferocious battle with compatriot Chris Holder to take victory in race 19 and seal a podium place.
But the Zielona Gora and Indianerna star is still targeting qualification via the SGP 2021 top six – even with his spot for next year secure.
Max Fricke
“It definitely takes the pressure off, knowing that I am in the championship next year. But hopefully we don’t need this place. That’s the aim of the game. Now I can go out and focus on every GP and try and put in the best possible results to finish off the year.”
Dudek raced to two seconds and a third in his opening three heats. But he delivered a flawless finish, winning races 13 and 18.
Dudek’s fellow Polish star Janusz Kolodziej could have sealed a spot in SGP 2022 with second place in heat 20. But the Leszno man was left languishing at the back after a nightmare start and first turn, sending Dudek through.
Kolodziej had to make do with fourth spot on 10, although it could still be enough to secure his place in SGP 2022 in the event Fricke finishes in the 2021 SGP World Championship’s top six.
Kolodziej’s 10-point haul was matched by German ace Martin Smolinski in fifth. The Bavarian roared to victory in his opening two heats, before finishing second to Przedpelski in heat nine. But third places in his final two rides saw him fall short of a remarkable SGP comeback – just 15 months after recovering from serious hip and nerve injuries, which could have ended his career.
Latvian international Andzejs Lebedevs missed out on nine, while 2012 world champion Chris Holder, Dan Bewley, Jevgenijs Kostigovs and Jan Kvech all collected eight points.
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John Darroch tops WA State MX Round 4
Round 4 of the WAMX Senior State Championship ran over the weekend, with John Darroch taking a double win for the MX1 Pro victory, ahead of Charlie Creech and Stuart Eardley-Wilmot, with Luke Davis and Brendon Bayliss completing the top five.
In the MX2 Pro Class, Daniel Pajewski took the overall win ahead of Evan Browne, with each rider taking a win a-piece. Cody Chittick was third overall with a consistent 4-3 result.
Kayden Minear topped the MX3 class going 1-1, ahead of Deacon Paice (2-2) and Jordan Minear (3-3).
In the Veterans class Luke Few swept all three races for the win, ahead of Aaron Chircop and Trevor Unstead. Kara Cats meanwhile won the Womens class, ahead of Hannah Stewart and Che’Ebert.
WAMX Round 4 Final MX1 Pro Results
Pos
Rider
Total
R1
R2
1
JOHN DARROCH
50
25
25
2
CHARLIE CREECH
44
22
22
3
STUART EARDLEY-WILMOT
38
20
18
4
LUKE DAVIS
36
16
20
5
BRENDON BAYLISS
34
18
16
6
STEVEN POCOCK
29
15
14
7
AUSTIN RIDLEY
27
12
15
8
CODY HEGGS
27
14
13
9
CHRISTOPHER RUTTICO
25
13
12
10
MARIO D’ERCOLE
21
10
11
11
CHRISTIAN SILVESTRO
19
9
10
12
MICHAEL ZAWADA
17
8
9
13
JYE CORMACK
11
11
–
AORC Rounds 9 & 10 in South Australia cancelled
The AORC management team have now officially cancelled Rounds 9 and 10 of the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship, presented by MXstore, due to the continuing COVID-19 state border closures and lockdowns.
Daniel Milner – AORC 2020, Round 3 – Dungog
The AORC management team worked closely with their South Australian counterparts and host club Keyneton MCC, but under the current regulations, with border closures and extended lockdowns in several states, it is not possible for the Kingston SE round to proceed.
The AORC management understand riders were very keen to hit the track, but with the current state restrictions, the health and safety of competitors, teams, officials and fans are paramount.
Despite this, the South Australian Off-Road Championships which were to run alongside the AORC will still proceed for South Australian riders at a yet to be confirmed new venue.
The AORC management team thanked Keyneton MCC for their significant work in preparing for the AORC rounds as well as the wider enduro community for their support and understanding during this difficult time.
Under-16s Speedway Championships cancelled due to Covid
South Australian Sidewinders Under Sixteen Speedway Club have cancelled of the 2021 Australian Under 16’s 125cc Speedway Solo and Under 16’s 125cc Teams Championships due to COVID-19 State lockdowns and border restrictions. The Championships were to be held at Wingfield, South Australia on September 24 and 25.
Meredith Sterry – South Australian Sidewinders U16 Speedway Club Secretary
“In view of the Country’s current Covid 19 situation, and in particular the issues in NSW, along with the subsequent lock downs and border restrictions, we feel it would not be possible to conduct the event in the manner in which it deserves to be run.”
The Club and MA will work together in regard to next year’s Championships and to find a suitable date which will be announced in the near future.
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2021 Australian ATV National Championships cancelled
The Cretive48 have, in consultation with Motorcycling Australia, cancelled the 2021 ATV MX Nationals to be held at Kilcoy, QLD, October 16-17 due to current global pandemic of COVID 19 and the restrictions, lockdown and quarantine laws that vary from State to State that have resulted from this crisis.
2021 Australian ATV National Championships cancelled
Mitch Van Vliet
“We had big plans for the 2021 ATV MXN and the event was looking to be the biggest and best nationals yet. After the crazy year we had in 2020 it was looking promising for the event to go ahead 2021, but with the uncertainty and ever-changing laws from State to State the safest thing we could do at this point in time is cancel the event. We had some great sponsors lined up and for the first time we were planning on having the event Live streamed for the ATV World to tune in to see just how fast us Aussie are. I am still very passionate about growing the sport and plan on giving all ATV racers the most professional events that continue to get bigger and better every year. We are currently in negotiations with Motorcycling Australia in regards to the 2022 and 2023 ATV MX Nationals and will be making an announcement in the near future regarding those events. In the meant time please stay tuned to the Facebook page and instagram for any updates.”
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FOX Racing teams up with Australian Supercross Championship
The Australian Supercross Championship have entered into a naming rights partnership with global motocross apparel giant FOX Racing, with the FOX Australian Supercross Championship to boast a complete rebrand and all-new look.
Domestically, FOX have held a strong partnership for the best part of three decades with Australia’s successful racing outfit, CDR Yamaha, with a large collection of number one plates going to the Craig Dack run operation.
Mikey Rangel – FOX’s Global Director of Marketing
“The team at FOX is beyond excited and grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Australian Supercross Championship. The work Adam & the crew have done to drive a premier race experience through this series is admirable. We’re eager to kick off further collaborative efforts to celebrate Supercross in Australia with our activations on-site, presence in the domestic marketplace, and through FOX’s global platforms.”
FOX Racing teams up with Australian Supercross Championship
Adam Bailey – AUS SX Holding
“To say that we’re excited to be partnering with a global and iconic brand like FOX is a massive understatement. FOX is synonymous with dirt biking, globally. Their ability to build and market a brand is second to none and their designs and products they have built over the years are etched into some of the most memorable moments in Motocross and Supercross. We can’t wait to see what we can do together, with Supercross in Australia.”
Following a tumultuous two years which has been plagued by the Covid-19 pandemic, sports fans across the world have demonstrated their thirst for the return of actions sports. The 2021 FOX Australian Supercross Championship was scheduled to kick off in Queensland on October 16 and conclude in Victoria in late November, with events also confirmed in SA, WA and NSW. The current Covid-19 outbreak however has put this on hold until further notice.
‘It’s obviously been a tough period for everyone and for Supercross fans it’s been no different. We felt like as a Championship we were hitting our straps in 2019, culminating with 35,000 fans inside Marvel Stadium, so it was a huge shame to miss out on backing that up in 2020.
An official schedule for the 2021 FOX Australian Supercross Championship is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
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Adrien Metge wins 2021 Rally dos Sertões
The third round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship took place in Brazil on a route between Tamandaré and Tibau do Sul, offering a diverse challenge over stony and sandy terrain, rolling tracks and magnificent landscapes.
It was also a difficult route because of logistical issues created by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, and as a result few riders were able to participate, while the last stage was cancelled after torrential rain inundated the region.
Adrien Metge (Yamaha) led the motorcycle category from the Prologue to the end of the rally. However, the Frenchman experienced GPS issues on the first stage and over-speeding cost him a 16-minute time penalty and he finished the section in ninth. The Yamaha rider then went on to win all the stages, with the exception of the last one, that fell to Gregorio Caselani (Honda).
Adrien Metge wins 2021 Rally dos Sertões
On SS6, Metge almost didn’t finish when his engine gave signs of weakness and gave in at the end of the special. Fortunately, team-mate Tulio Malta – who had started far behind after experiencing a problem on stage five – was able to tow him to the bivouac.
Jean de Azevedo (Honda), for his part, made a comeback at the handlebars of a Honda and demonstrated that he had lost none of his ability to finish second overall, ahead of Bissinho Zavatti (Honda), Tulio Malta (Yamaha) and Gregorio Caselani (Honda).
Ricardo Martins (Yamaha) fell on the fourth stage and was forced to retire with fractured ribs.
With all the aforementioned riders registered in Rally2, Metge won Rallye dos Sertões and the Rally2 category, while the victory in RallyeGP went to Caselani.
2021 Rally dos Sertões Results
Pos
Rider
Nat
Man
Time
1
Adrien Metge
FRA
Yamaha
31:13.3
2
Jean Azevedo
BRA
Honda
31:47.2
3
Bissinho Zavatti
BRA
Honda
32:03.2
4
Tulio Malta
BRA
Yamaha
32:11.1
5
Gregorio Caselani
BRA
Honda
32:06.3
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Speedway of Nations Semi-Final line-up revealed
The line-ups for the 2021 Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Semi-Finals in Daugavpils on September 17 and 18 have been revealed.
Poland, Sweden and Denmark have all been drawn into a stacked Semi-Final 1 on Friday, September 17 with the nations boasting 15 FIM Speedway World Cup titles between them. They’ll battle for places in the Monster Energy SON Final in Manchester on October 16 and 17.
Speedway of Nations update
They are joined in the meeting by 2020 finalists, the Czech Republic, plus the USA, Slovenia and Finland.
Hosts Latvia take their place in Semi-Final 2, which sees them come up against reigning champions, the Motorcycle Federation of Russia.
Their national heroes FIM Speedway Grand Prix world title contender Artem Laguta and double European champion Emil Sayfutdinov have won all three Monster Energy SON world championships since the competition was launched in 2018 and will hope to make it number four in Manchester.
They will be determined to deliver a big performance in neighbouring Latvia as they also take on 2019 SON bronze medal winners Australia, Germany, France, the Ukraine and Italy.
The top two teams after 21 heats in each Semi-Final will automatically join hosts Great Britain in the Monster Energy FIM SON Final in Manchester.
The third and fourth-placed countries in each Semi-Final will then face off in the Final Qualifier, with the teams that triumph also taking their places at Manchester’s National Speedway Stadium.
SEMI-FINAL 1 LINE-UP:
Poland,
Denmark,
Sweden,
Finland,
Czech Republic,
Slovenia,
USA.
SEMI-FINAL 2 LINE-UP:
Motorcycle Federation of Russia,
Australia,
Latvia,
Italy,
Ukraine,
Germany,
France.
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Toni Bou finishes Andorra TrialGP 1-3
Toni Bou sneaked the win by the narrowest of margins in the first of the two TrialGP World Championship trials held this weekend in Sant Julià de Lòria, Andorra, before finished the fifth round on the third step of the podium, retaining the overall championship lead.
Toni Bou – Andorra TrialGP 2021
The difficulty level of the twelve Andorran sections made for a closely-fought trial on the first day of competition at the Andorra TrialGP, filled with tough, highly-demanding sections. In addition, several riders were further penalised for exceeding the maximum time limits.
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou fought neck and neck against long-term arch-rival Adam Raga for the triumph throughout the two laps of the Andorran course. Bou and Raga constantly traded places at the head of the table, but in the end it was Toni Bou who claimed the win, in spite of finishing on 46 marks, the same number as his rival. The tie-breaking factor proved to be the total time taken in completing the route, with the Repsol Honda Team rider finishing one minute ahead. Another fine result sees Toni Bou continue to top the championship leaderboard, now holding a thirteen-point advantage in the general standings.
Toni Bou – Andorra TrialGP 2021
The second trial of the Andorra TrialGP turned out to be an arduous task for the Repsol Honda Team riders. Andorra, while always a gruelling event for riders, also usually makes huge demands on the bike due to the high altitude of the sections and the high temperatures. Day 2 proved a struggle for all the competitors over the two twelve-section laps of the Sant Julià de Lòria course.
And it was Toni Bou’s turn to struggle in Andorra. Right off the bat, in section two, he picked up a puncture, before committing several errors which would eventually cost him the lead and rob him of a potential tenth win in Andorra. The Repsol Honda Team rider had to settle for third place in the end, but Bou keeps hold of the overall championship lead with an eight-point advantage over pursuer Adam Raga, winner of today’s trial.
Competitors will get little rest in this week with the forthcoming sixth trial of the 2021 TrialGP World Championship to be held next weekend in Cahors, France.
Toni Bou
“This weekend was really complicated. Finishing first and third is a great result, considering that we struggled so much. Despite all the problems, the team has worked hard and I am very grateful for that. Now we just have to work to recover the good feelings on the bike and be in the fight for the win in France next week.”
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by DunlopToni Bou – Andorra TrialGP 2021
2021 Pro Motocross Championship
Round 4 – Twisted Tea RedBud National
Following its second break of the 2021 season the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, returned to action for its Fourth of July tradition with the annual Twisted Tea RedBud National.
The fourth round of the season saw a massive crowd line the fences in their red, white, and blue for America’s Independence Day holiday and were treated to an afternoon of perfect weather.
Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis continued his impressive season by leading the way in the 450 Class for his third victory of the season.
In the 250 Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire demonstrated incredible speed all day en route to his third career win.
450 Moto1
As the gate dropped on the opening 450 Class moto, Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Aaron Plessinger prevailed with the Motosport.com Holeshot ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb and Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen. A quick pass by Webb in the second turn allowed him to steal the lead from Plessinger who retaliated to retake the lead just turns later. It was Plessinger, Roczen, and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo at the completion of the opening lap. Championship point leader Ferrandis was sixth at the start.
Red Bud AMA Pro Motocross
As the moto surpassed the 10-minute mark, Roczen started to close on Plessinger for the lead, eventually making the pass stick as Plessinger slid back to second. As Cianciarulo continued his charge in third, he would soon find himself under pressure from Ferrandis who was turning the fastest lap times of the race.
Adam Cianciarulo
Ferrandis was relentless in his push to the front and made the move on Cianciarulo just before the halfway point of the moto. The battle for the lead began to tighten up as Plessinger closed in on Roczen while his teammate Ferrandis closed in on them both with 10-minutes remaining. The Star Racing Yamaha teammates pulled alongside each other several times before Ferrandis took possession of second with a pass on Plessinger through the sand rollers.
Ferrandis
Ferrandis’ charge to the front could not be stopped as he struck on his championship rival Roczen to take the lead with just three laps remaining. The Frenchman would hold on to claim his second moto win of the season with 2.9 seconds to spare on Roczen. After leading early, Plessinger would finish third.
450 Moto 2
The deciding 450 Class moto kicked off with Plessinger launching out of the gate to sweep the Motosport.com Holeshots by edging out the Monster Energy Kawasaki duo of Eli Tomac and Cianciarulo, followed by Roczen and Ferrandis. Cianciarulo would lose the front end coming downhill on the opening lap and be forced to rejoin near the tail end of the field as Plessinger, Tomac, Roczen, and Ferrandis led the way on the opening lap.
The deciding 450 Class moto kicked off 450 Moto 2with Plessinger launching out of the gate to sweep the Motosport.com Holeshots by edging out the Monster Energy Kawasaki duo of Eli Tomac and Cianciarulo, followed by Roczen and Ferrandis. Cianciarulo would lose the front end coming downhill on the opening lap and be forced to rejoin near the tail end of the field as Plessinger, Tomac, Roczen, and Ferrandis led the way on the opening lap.
Ken Roczen
The battle immediately intensified up front as Tomac made quick work of Plessinger to take the number one position from Plessinger. Just behind the leaders, Roczen and Ferrandis matched one another’s pace in an effort for valuable championship points and to keep the leaders in sight. Roczen made a costly mistake that saw him go down hard, but he was able to dust himself off and remount in sixth.
Up front, Tomac and Plessinger were separated by no more than two seconds for the majority of the race as they took turns on clocking the better lap times.
With the race winding down, the battle for second began to heat up as Ferrandis closed in on his teammate Plessinger. He would use an excellent drive through the sand rollers to take second and set his sights on the race leader Tomac. As the crowd cheered them on, Tomac held on to take his second moto win of the season by just 1.5 seconds over Ferrandis. A distant third would go to Plessinger, while Roczen recovered for sixth.
Eli Tomac
It was Ferrandis who’s hard charging and consistency would give him the overall victory (1-2). Tomac earned his second consecutive podium of the season in season (4-1), while Plessinger completed the podium with an impressive 3-3 moto scores on the day. Roczen’s 6-2 was good enough for fourth. A jump during the red cross flag in Moto 1 resulted in Ferrandis being docked a single point and Roczen two points, however, the overall finishes remained the same.
Dylan Ferrandis
“I gave it everything and it was a big fight today, I charged really hard at the end of the motos. I wanted to win the second moto, but Eli [Tomac] was riding really good. I dreamed of winning here at RedBud and thanks to the fans for cheering loud for us all day. It’s been a good start to the season and I’m really looking forward to keep working hard so we can stay up front the rest of the season.”
Ferrandis passes Plessinger
With the win Ferrandis was able to extend his lead in the championship standings to 14-points over Roczen who lost crucial points in the second moto. Plessinger sits third, 36-points out of the lead.
Ken Roczen
“I was excited coming into RedBud for Fourth of July; it’s always a special race and the fans always go wild. We had a pretty decent couple of qualifying sessions. I ended up going fifth to the gate, which was totally fine; I felt pretty good on the track and was ready for the moto. In the first moto, I think I was third after the start and just kind of worked my way up there into second right away and made a move on [Aaron] Plessinger and was leading most of the race until about two laps to go. I kind of lost my rhythm a little bit. The track is really hard-packed underneath and soft on top, so it was really tricky to ride. It just wasn’t really my best performance, but at the same time I was okay with the second place. I got passed there with a couple of laps to go and tried to hang on behind [Dylan] Ferrandis and tried to make a pass back, but it just wasn’t enough. I was looking forward to the second moto. Moto 2 was kind of like when everything came undone. I was battling really hard to get to the front. I was in third and [Eli] Tomac was leading and Plessinger was second. I made my way past Ferrandis and just sat in third for a while trying to see what the race gave me. I had a bad case on [LaRocco’s] Leap, as Plessinger’s roost slowed me down so much. I hurt my wrist a little bit, but then a couple laps later I fell right after the leap. I tucked the front end, had a pretty big get-off, and my bars were a little bent. I’m glad I was able to finish at least in sixth and minimize the points damage. We’re healthy leaving RedBud and I’m just looking forward to prepping for next weekend’s race.”
Moto News Weekly proudly brought to you by Dunlop
250 Moto 1
When the gate dropped for the first 250 Class moto of the day it was Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Justin Cooper who emerged with the Motosport.com holeshot just ahead of the Team Honda HRC duo of Jett and Hunter Lawrence, Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Jeremy Martin and Hampshire.
Justin Cooper
As they crossed the finish on the opening lap, Cooper lost traction going up the face of the finish line and crashed out of the lead. Cooper’s mistake allowed a hard charging Hampshire to inherit the lead over the Lawrence brothers and Martin. Cooper would remount in 10th.
Hampshire pushed the pace out front with Jett Lawrence in tow and the duo began to slowly distance themselves from the train of riders behind them. As Jett Lawrence applied the pressure, Hampshire crashed out of the lead, but was able to restart quickly in second. Hunter Lawrence remained a distant third.
Jett Lawrence
With the race closing in on the halfway point of the 30-minute-plus-two-lap moto, Hampshire started to inch back onto the rear wheel of Jett Lawrence and searched for a way around. Hampshire would once again lose the front end of his motorcycle and find himself on the ground while contending for the race lead. Hunter Lawrence took full advantage of Hampshire’s mistake to move into second, while Hampshire remounted in third.
As Jett Lawrence continued to control the race out front, Hunter Lawrence and Hampshire started to gain momentum and slowly reduce the gap to the race leader. With three laps to go, Hampshire muscled his way around Hunter Lawrence for second and began to set his sights on the race leader Jett Lawrence but Jett held on to take the checkered flag for his third moto win of the season by 2.2 seconds over Hampshire. Hunter Lawrence finished third, just ahead of Cooper who recovered for fourth.
Hunter Lawrence
250 Moto 2
The final 250 Class moto of the afternoon saw Cooper capture his second Motosport.com Holeshot of the day, just ahead of his teammate Martin and first moto runner-up finisher Hampshire. The Lawrence brothers found themselves mired deep in the pack as Hunter was scored 11th and Jett 18th at the completion of the opening lap.
Justin Cooper
As the lead trio went to work with a clear track out front, Jett Lawrence put his head down in an attempt to do damage control, however, a costly mistake would see him make contact with another rider and go down, losing valuable time as he remounted outside the top-30.
Out front, Hampshire began to find his momentum as he moved Cooper to within striking distance for the race lead, using every inch of the track to find a way past. At the 15-minute mark, Hampshire would get a drive and out drag race Cooper to become the new race leader.
Just as Hampshire looked to have the race under control he would yet again find himself picking himself up off the ground as he surrendered the lead to Cooper in the late stages of the moto. Cooper emerged with his second moto win of the season by 12.9 seconds over Hampshire. Martin finished third in an impressive return from injury, followed by Hunter Lawrence in fourth. An inspiring ride by Jett Lawrence netted him sixth.
Hunter Lawrence
By virtue of 2-2 finishes Hampshire prevailed for his first win of the season and won the RedBud National for the second consecutive year. Cooper’s second moto win earned him second overall (4-1) as Jett Lawrence completed the podium in third (1-6), followed by his brother Hunter in fourth (3-4).
Jett Lawrence on the podium but saw his series lead trimmed by three points
RJ Hampshire
“This win just feels so good after everything I’ve gone through lately,” said Hampshire. “As you can hear, I’ve been super sick all week, so to be up here today is a bit emotional. I give it my all everytime I’m on the track, and it would have been great to get those moto wins today, but to win here at RedBud for the second year in a row is an amazing feeling. The speed has been really good lately and I’m looking forward to some of my favorite tracks coming up on the schedule.”
Jett Lawrence maintains his hold of the championship point lead by eight over Cooper who reduced the gap by three on the day. Hunter Lawrence remains third, 44-points out of the championship lead.
Jett Lawrence
“The bike setting in the first moto wasn’t good. I had RJ [Hampshire] charging, and if he got me, I didn’t really have any ammo to fight back. Between motos, my team did a great job making some adjustments that made the bike work better for me, but I just didn’t give myself a very good chance for winning or even getting myself into a good position. I came from 37th to sixth, so I think that’s pretty good. I definitely made a lot of passes, maybe the most passes of the day. I think if you look at the result it sucks because I lost three points, but you have to look at the positives; it was a strong ride, and I felt like there’s not many other people in this class that could do that.”
Jett Lawrence
Hunter Lawrence
“My weekend wasn’t bad; it wasn’t great, but we’ll take it. We went 3-4 moto scores for fourth overall. I missed out on the box by two points. That second moto I was in a ‘do or die’ position to catch J-Mart [Jeremy Martin] and make that pass. I was pushing to make up a lot of ground on him, coming from a pretty bad start, so I was ‘damned if I did, damned if I didn’t’; I had to risk it and push. I ended up laying it down and got back up, managing to finish in a position where I was chasing down fourth. All in all, I’m really happy with how the team worked together to make changes on the bike for the second moto, which benefited us a lot. It maybe wasn’t a moto-score result, but as far as my feeling on the bike, and everything else, we left better than what we started in the first moto, so I’m happy with that. RedBud was awesome. That was my first proper Fourth of July RedBud experience, so it was pretty cool. I also checked something else off my bucket list; I really wanted to scream ‘RedBuuuuud’ into the microphone. I hadn’t been able to do that until today, so that was cool.”
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Eli Tomac wins Oakland AMA Supercross Round 5
Dylan Ferrandis tops SX2 at Oakland
Billy Bolt extends SuperEnduro lead in Budapest
Gajser wins Italian MX Round 2 in Ottobiano – Evans second
Cooper claims 2020 NZ MX opener win in Balclutha
Nathan Watson crowned French Beach Race Champion
Toni Bou goes four for four at Barcelona X-Trial
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP 2020 riders announced
2020 Broadford Bike Bonana set for April
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship announce new sponsor
2020 Australian ISDE rider applications open
WP Suspension Australia to support Granquist & Karlsson
Motorcycle Speedway in Western Australia on a roll
MA announce updates to Speedway Australian Championship Selection
King Of MX heads to Bega for Qualifier 1
Australia to host FIM Oceania Junior Motocross Tri-Nations Cup
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
2020 Australian Track Championship
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
2020 King of MX
2020 Australian Motocross National Championship
2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship
Eli Tomac wins Oakland AMA Supercross Round 5
Chad Reed was missing from the 450 event at Oakland as he is still nursing some broken ribs from his tumble last week and there was no Aussie to cheer for when the 450 Main got underway.
Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld
Scoring the holeshot was Ken Roczen ahead of the Kawasaki pairing of Adam Cianiarulo and Eli Tomac, with Cooper Webb soon starting to challenge Eli Tomac. Tomac got the better of team-mate Cianciarulo with 12-minutes remaining in the moto and quickly pulled away to close to within a second of Roczen.
Tomac took the lead with nine-minutes remaining and wasted no time in pulling a second out on Roczen. He looked in control but he made a mistake with five-minutes remaining which allowed Roczen to cruise on by. Tomac then regrouped and had the gap back down to a just under a second with three-minutes remaining on the clock.
The Kawasaki man then passed Roczen again with two-minutes left. A minute later Tomac had built a 1.4-second buffer over Roczen, and when the clock had run out his lead was out to 2.5-seconds as they got the last lap board.
Cooper Webb managed to catch and pass Cianciarulo in the closing stages of the race to push him out of the podium positions, the Kawasaki man seeming to fade late in the race.
Eli Tomac, Cody Webb – Image by Hoppenworld
Then on the final lap Webb seemed to come from nowhere to be all over Roczen. The Honda man had perhaps been cruising to what he had thought was a safe second place, only to be gazumped at the final juncture by Webb. The two made some contact which left Roczen nursing his right foot after the race finished but what really hurt was losing that second place only metres from the finish line.
Eli Tomac was the deserving and very happy victor who celebrated clawing important points back on series leader Roczen, the German’s lead trimmed to now only three-points.
Eli Tomac – P1
“Wow, what a crazy night. We got a good start tonight and were able to get going right away. Had a good battle with Ken (Roczen) tonight, then got a little excited and missed my rear brake and went over the berm there. Luckily, I was able to recover quickly and charge back to the front. My KX™450 was straight up ripping tonight and we closed the points gap up to three points. I am feeling really good right now, and we are just going to carry this momentum into San Diego next weekend.”
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld
Cooper Webb – P2
“I think I finally just raced ahead tonight. I think I’ve been just kind of conservative and not laying it out there like all these guys have been so today/tonight was a much better direction and I fought hard the whole Main Event. I still need a little there at the beginning but overall I’m pretty happy and I feel like I’m in a good spot moving forward.”
Cooper Webb chases Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld
Adam Cianciarulo – P4
“For me tonight we made great strides and for only riding one time this week to see if my tailbone was good to go, I am pretty pumped with the result. I can’t thank the whole Monster Energy Kawasaki team enough for giving me a setup tonight that allowed me to do what I did after being a little banged up. I am looking forward to some more recovery this week and to come out swinging next week in San Diego.”
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld
Jason Anderson – P5
“My night was alright. I think my heat race kind of messed up my gate pick and then I was on the outside so I wasn’t really able to be in the battle right away and once I got into fifth I was in no-man’s land so I just rode it in for fifth. We’ll move onto next weekend and hopefully put myself in a better situation.”
Jason Anderson – Image by Hoppenworld
450SX Main Event
Pos
Rider
Bike
Laps/Gap
1
Eli Tomac
Kawasaki KX450
21 Laps
2
Cooper Webb
KTM 450SX-F Factory Edi
+03.557
3
Ken Roczen
Honda CRF450R Works E
+04.726
4
Adam Cianciarulo
Kawasaki KX450
+14.812
5
Jason Anderson
Husqvarna FC450 Factory
+16.800
6
Justin Barcia
Yamaha YZ450F
+19.124
7
Dean Wilson
Husqvarna FC450 Factory
+28.468
8
Justin Hill
Honda CRF450R
+29.713
9
Blake Baggett
KTM 450SX-F Factory Edi
+31.336
10
Malcolm Stewart
Honda CRF450R
+48.111
11
Zach Osborne
Husqvarna FC450 Factory
+55.317
12
Aaron Plessinger
Yamaha YZ450F
+57.617
13
Justin Brayton
Honda CRF450R
+58.366
14
Vince Friese
Honda CRF450R
20 Laps
15
Martin Davalos
KTM 450SX-F Factory Edi
+15.151
16
Tyler Bowers
Kawasaki KX450
+16.402
17
Kyle Chisholm
Yamaha YZ450F
+17.974
18
Alex Ray
Kawasaki KX450
+33.447
19
Kyle Cunningham
Suzuki RMZ450
+37.451
20
Cade Autenrieth
Honda CRF450R
+55.953
21
Ryan Breece
Suzuki RMZ450
19 Laps
22
Joshua Cartwright
Kawasaki KX450
+11.918
450SX Standings
Pos
Rider
Total
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
1
Ken Roczen
113
17
26
23
26
21
2
Eli Tomac
110
16
19
26
23
26
3
Justin Barcia
98
26
23
14
18
17
4
Jason Anderson
96
18
21
18
21
18
5
Cooper Webb
95
21
11
21
19
23
6
Adam Cianciarulo
90
23
16
17
15
19
7
Malcolm Stewart
75
14
17
15
16
13
8
Justin Brayton
73
15
15
16
17
10
9
Blake Baggett
69
19
14
9
13
14
10
Zach Osborne
63
9
18
19
5
12
11
Justin Hill
61
12
12
11
11
15
12
Dean Wilson
59
10
10
13
10
16
13
Aaron Plessinger
57
11
13
8
14
11
14
Vince Friese
52
13
9
12
9
9
15
Martin Davalos
39
8
1
10
12
8
16
Tyler Bowers
27
6
6
8
7
17
Justin Bogle
24
7
8
7
2
18
Chris Blose
18
3
5
4
6
19
Chad Reed
15
5
2
5
3
20
Alex Ray
15
4
2
4
5
21
Ryan Breece
12
0
3
7
2
22
Kyle Cunningham
11
0
7
0
4
23
Kyle Chisholm
10
4
6
24
Benny Bloss
7
6
1
25
James Decotis
4
1
3
26
Cade Autenrieth
3
3
27
Fredrik Noren
2
2
28
Jerry Robin
1
0
1
29
Joshua Cartwright
1
0
0
1
SX2 Round Five – Oakland
All three Australians made it through to the 250 Main with Jay Wilson, Aaron Tanti and Luke Clout earning their spot on the start gates after some impressive performances in the heat races. Come the Main it was the #101 Penrite Honda that was the fast starter of the Aussies in fourth place as the riders negotiated lap one. Out front was Alex Martin, Austin Forkner and Dylan Ferrandis.
Luke Clout – Image by Hoppenworld
Forkner worked his way past Alex Martin a couple of laps into the race and Ferrandis then pushed the Suzuki man further back to third.
Cooper slipped past Clout with ten-minutes remaining in the moto, demoting the Aussie to fifth. The 25-year-old then came under pressure from Hartranft with five-minutes remaining, his fifth place finish was under threat.
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld
Dylan Ferrandis then put a somewhat controversial move on Forkner for the race lead, the Kawasaki man taking avoiding action from a charging Ferrandis, the two never made hard contact but the Frenchman is currently on probation after another questionable move at a previous round on Christian Craig. Ferrandis came out the other side with a two-second lead over Forkner.
On the final lap though Hartranft made a mistake and slipped back to eighth which allowed Clout back through to secure a fifth place finish. The South Australian was also the first Honda home and is now eighth in the championship standings.
Justin Cooper stole third place from Alex Martin in the dying stages of the race then pulled away with apparent ease to secure that final step on the podium.
At the chequered flag it was Ferrandis the clear victor over Forkner and the defending champion now leads the 250 West Championship by two-points.
Aaron Tanti carded a top ten finish, a strong ninth to the Serco Yamaha man. Jay Wilson recovered to 16th place after losing a lot of time in the incident involving Mosiman early in the race.
Dylan Ferrandis – P1
“I’m pretty pumped about the way my day went here in Oakland. I finished first overall and took the red plate, which is awesome. It was such a good night for the team and myself, but we still have many races to go. So we’re back to work again Monday and will work hard to be ready for the next round in San Diego.”
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld
Austin Forkner – P2
“Tonight was a solid night overall, obviously I would have liked to take the win, but the lapped traffic tonight was no joke. I am happy with where my riding is, so this week we will make some minor tweaks and keep improving. I’ve had to dig myself out of a hole and while we didn’t make up any points on the leader tonight, we did move up to third in the standings. Ten points down isn’t too bad and something I can manage. I’ll keep grinding, chipping away at those points and continue to dig out of this hole. Overall, it was a great night for the entire Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and we’re looking to finish next week off strong before the break.”
Austin Forkner – Image by Hoppenworld
Justin Cooper – P3
“It was another tough night for me but we were able to bounce back. I did what I had to do. I put in a lot of laps tonight, so I was pretty smoked in that Main. It was pretty hard to pass out there. I just took my time and focused on Alex (Martin). I’m just happy to get a good start and stay up when I hit Alex in that first turn. I have got to give it up to the whole team. We’ll go back to work and try and get back on top.”
Justin Cooper – Image by Hoppenworld
Alex Martin
“All around, better vibes this weekend in Oakland after a productive week of testing in North Carolina with the team. I was able to use that JGR Suzuki power and grab the Main Event holeshot. I led for a while before going back to third where I rode for the majority of the race before I got passed with a lap and a half to go, finishing fourth. Very bittersweet, but I’m happy with the progress that was made in just one short week with the team. I can’t wait for San Diego!”
Alex Martin – Image by Hoppenworld
Luke Clout – P5
“I felt better, testing had gone well and working with Buddy Antunez has clearly helped. It was a positive step forward but we have a lot of work in front of us. I really hope I can stay and complete the championship”
Luke Clout – Image by Hoppenworld
Pos.
Rider
Bike
Laps/Gap
1
Dylan Ferrandis
Yamaha YZ250F
16 Laps
2
Austin Forkner
Kawasaki KX250
+02.336
3
Justin Cooper
Yamaha YZ250F
+12.919
4
Alex Martin
Suzuki RMZ250
+15.287
5
Luke Clout
Honda CRF250R
+27.819
6
Mitchell Oldenburg
Honda CRF250R
+29.297
7
Derek Drake
KTM 250SX-F Factory Edi
+29.634
8
Brandon Hartranft
KTM 250SX-F Factory Edi
+36.472
9
Aaron Tanti
Yamaha YZ250F
+49.634
10
Martin Castelo
Husqvarna FC250
+51.142
11
Carson Brown
Husqvarna FC250
+56.787
12
Jacob Hayes
Husqvarna FC250
+1:05.070
13
Michael Leib
Husqvarna FC250
15 Laps
14
Cameron Mcadoo
Kawasaki KX250
+05.363
15
Robbie Wageman
Yamaha YZ250F
+06.973
16
Jay Wilson
Yamaha YZ250F
+09.282
17
Mitchell Falk
Honda CRF250R
+25.902
18
Taiki Koga
Kawasaki KX250
+33.950
19
Logan Karnow
Kawasaki KX250
+36.715
20
Lorenzo Camporese
Kawasaki KX250
+47.746
21
Killian Auberson
Husqvarna FC250
7 Laps
22
Michael Mosiman
Husqvarna FC250
3 Laps
250SX Standings
Pos
Rider
Total
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
1
Dylan Ferrandis
109
23
11
26
23
26
2
Justin Cooper
107
26
23
23
14
21
3
Austin Forkner
99
18
26
6
26
23
4
Brandon Hartranft
92
16
21
21
19
15
5
Alex Martin
85
13
19
18
16
19
6
Jacob Hayes
73
12
17
15
18
11
7
Mitchell Oldenburg
72
7
15
16
17
17
8
Luke Clout
66
2
16
17
13
18
9
Derek Drake
64
15
13
5
15
16
10
Michael Mosiman
63
19
3
19
21
1
11
Carson Brown
57
8
14
11
12
12
12
Jett Lawrence
46
14
18
14
13
Robbie Wageman
43
10
5
9
11
8
14
Martin Castelo
42
12
7
10
13
15
Aaron Tanti
41
0
10
10
7
14
16
Killian Auberson
41
9
8
13
9
2
17
Jay Wilson
33
6
12
8
7
18
Michael Leib
32
11
6
5
10
19
Christian Craig
29
21
1
1
6
20
Cameron Mcadoo
26
17
9
21
Logan Karnow
19
5
0
8
2
4
22
Mitchell Falk
18
1
7
4
6
23
Derek Kelley
13
4
9
24
Cheyenne Harmon
10
4
3
3
25
Ludovic Macler
7
0
2
4
1
26
Taiki Koga
5
0
5
27
Lorenzo Camporese
5
0
2
3
28
Chris Howell
3
3
Billy Bolt extends SuperEnduro lead in Budapest
The fourth round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship was played out at the Papp Laszlo Sportarena in Budapest over the weekend and after three hours of very intense racing and surprising developments the standings in both classes have seen big changes.
In Prestige, everyone was waiting for Taddy Blazusiak to respond after his rival, Billy Bolt, had a perfect GP in Spain. But it was not to be and the Brit further strengthened his lead over the six-time World Champion. In Budapest the only rider to have really troubled Bolt was Jonny Walker.
It wasn’t plain sailing for the young Brit, and the first race of the evening certainly didn’t go to plan as several mistakes – including a huge over-the-bars crash – which saw him fail to keep pace with the quick KTM pairing of Blazusiak and Walker. In fact, Walker impressively dominated the race with his smooth and precise style, gapping the field and leaving Blazusiak to settle for second. Remarkably, Bolt held on to third despite the difficulties, taking important points.
As Race 2 rolled around, Bolt wasn’t going to take any chances. Even after a less than perfect start due to the ‘reverse grid’ format, Bolt was at the front in a flash. Taddy Blazusiak also suffered a bad start, but as the Pole was also struggling with the bike set-up he found it difficult to make up positions. Bolt, edging ever further in front of his rivals, won the second race of the night ahead of Walker, Blazusiak and Pol Tarres, who took a great fourth.
In the final race of the night Jonny Walker once again took to the front with his pacy but precise style, but this time he could not hold off Bolt. The KTM rider made a small mistake in the melee while he was also suffering with arm pump he found it hard to fight back.
Blazusiak was looking keen and found himself in the lead for the first time of the evening, but Bolt was neck-and-neck with the SuperEnduro ‘GOAT’. Under pressure from the wild Brit, Taddy made a mistake that allowed the Factory Husqvarna rider to take the lead. Blazusiak was then also passed by his team-mate, Walker. Alfredo Gomez also snuck through to third as Taddy suffered from his set-up choices again.
With 227 points already clocked up Bolt leaves Hungary 16-points ahead of Blazusiak. After his excellent performance Walker has caught up a bit, but he remains 35 points from his compatriot. The final round of the season in Lodz will be fiery between these three riders.
Billy Bolt
“I came here wanting to show a new me. Often I make mistakes and rush things too much on track, but I’ve been working hard to be smooth, fast and importantly patient. Admittedly in race one I made too many errors and a better result than third slipped away, but I regrouped for the rest of the night. I picked the right moments to attack and was able to win both races comfortably. I’ve always shown my speed is there, but I’m so pleased to bring consistency into the mix like this. We’ve got a healthy lead now heading to the final round in Poland next month, where hopefully we can take this world title.”
Jonny Walker
“I’d been waiting for a ride like I had in race one for a while now. Things just sort of clicked and came together and I was able to make it count for the win. I got a strong start and put myself into the lead on lap two and was never properly challenged. It was brilliant to get a race win under my belt again. For the rest of the night my speed was there, but that break just didn’t come. But to back race one up with a pair of second place finishes is very good. Overall, it’s been a strong night and I’ve again shown myself as one of the championship’s strongest riders. I’m also enjoying myself a lot on the track. There’s still a lot to play for at the final round. We’re going to Lodz which is a stadium I’ve enjoyed a lot of success at in the past, so I’ll be fighting hard to end the series on a high for sure.”
Taddy Blazusiak
“It’s been a bumpy night for sure. I feel like I made the wrong decisions regards setup during practice. I expected the track to develop in a different way than it did and that made it harder for me to race on. I was off my game in the first two races and when I got to the front in race three, I couldn’t be consistent in my riding and made mistakes. Unfortunately, that’s how racing goes sometimes, but I’ll go to Poland hoping to do all I can to win. It’s my home race so I’ve got five weeks to prepare, be ready and go for the title.”
Alfredo Gómez
“The first two races were difficult. I crashed off the start in race one and that put me right at the back. Although I was enjoying the track, it wasn’t easy to make positions but I managed to recover to fifth. In race two I wasn’t in a good starting position on the second row and again got stuck in traffic. Sixth was the best I could do. But I’m happy to show my true form in race three. I was in a good position and got into third early on and then almost took second on the final corner.”
Prestige Overall Event Classification
Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 58 points
Jonny Walker (GBR), KTM, 56
Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 46
Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna, 35
Pol Tarres (ESP), Husqvarna, 29
Championship Standings (After round 4 of 5)
Billy Bolt (GBR), Husqvarna, 227 points
Taddy Blazusiak (POL), KTM, 209
Jonny Walker (GBR), KTM 192
Alfredo Gomez (ESP), Husqvarna 161
Blake Gutzeit (RSA), Husqvarna 112
SuperEnduro Juniors
The Junior class provided some of the most thrilling racing in Hungary, and at the end of the night there was a new leader – the third since the start of the season. Teodor Kabakchiev was the big winner in Budapest, the title hopeful took advantage of the excellent support from a large number of Bulgarian fans to win the night ahead of a keen Leon Hentschel and Dominik Olszowy, who appears to be coming back well.
The three young men fought a fantastic battle during the three races, with Kabakchiev and Hentschel exchanging the top spot several times in the last heat of the night. Ty Cullins failed to repeat the superb performance he had at Round 1 in Poland, suffering in each race in Hungary.
The American seemed to be paying for a lack of experience in the discipline, but also the fatigue of his frequent trips to and from America. The Junior category will certainly be exciting in the final round as Kabakchiev holds just two points over Hentschel, while Cullins is third, 20-points from the leader.
SuperEnduro Junior Standings – Top 5
Teodor KABAKCHIEV 185 points
Leon HENTSCHEL 183
Ty CULLINS 165
Adrien JACON 149
Dominik OLSZOWY 107
SuperEnduro European Class
Magnus Thor became the first Swede to win the European SuperEnduro Cup in Budapest. He had plenty of pressure coming into the evening, having failed to shine at the previous European round in Germany. He had to fight off an ever-attacking Sonny Goggia, and the pair were level on points coming into their final race of the night.
Despite taking overall victory at the Hungarian GP, the disappointed Goggia had to settle for second in the Championship. Pascal Springmman rounded out the Top 3 on the night. Also worth noting was the great home performance of Norbert Zsigovits, the Hungarian to a win in Race 1 to the rapture of the fans.
SuperEnduro European Standings – Top 5
Magnus THOR 102
Sonny GOGGIA 99
Pascal SPRINGMANN 76
Miha SPINDLER 64
Marco PFEIFFER 58
The riders of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship will now take a month and a half to rest before coming together for the grand finale in Lodz, Poland.
Gajser wins Italian MX Round 2 in Ottobiano – Evans second
The Ottobiano circuit hosted the second round of the 2020 Internazionali d’Italia Motocross on the sandy soil of the Lombardian track, with MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser unrivalled in MX1.
Tim Gajser leads Arnaud Tonus – 2020 Italian Motocross Championship Round 2
The reigning world champion led the race from start to finish. Behind him there was an excellent second place for teammate Mitchell Evans, who repeated his ranking obtained in Riola last Sunday, with Arminas Jasikonis in third. Henry Jacobi and Arnaud Tonus shined by classifying in fourth and fifth place respectively.
Mitchell Evans – 2020 Italian Motocross Championship Round 2
Maxime Renaux meanwhile won the MX2 class and moved to the top of the championship standings. There was a great second place for Gianluca Facchetti who led Tom Vialle and teammate Thibault Benistant at the finish.
Maxime Renaux – 2020 Italian Motocross Championship Round 2
Tim Gajser immediately took command of the Supercampione after an amazing start and kept it up to the chequered flag. Mitchell Evans confirmed his good form so far by taking the runner-up slot, while Arminas Jasikonis was again third. Arnaud Tonus finished fourth while Maxime Renaux, sixth, was the best rider with the smaller MX2 bike.
Tim Gajser – 2020 Italian Motocross Championship Round 2
The 2020 edition of the Internazionali d’Italia Motocross will end with the third and final round scheduled for next weekend at the Tazio Nuvolari circuit in Mantova.
MX1 Top 5 Result
GAJSER Tim (SLO)
EVANS Mitchell (AUS)
JASIKONIS Arminas (LTU)
JACOBI Henry (GER)
TONUS Arnaud (SUI)
MX2 Top 5 Result
RENAUX Maxime (FRA)
FACCHETTI Gianluca (ITA)
VIALLE Tom (FRA)
BENISTANT Thibault (FRA)
HAARUP Mikkel (DEN)
Supercampione Top 5 Results
GAJSER Tim (SLO)
EVANS Mitchell (AUS)
JASIKONIS Arminas (LTU)
TONUS Arnaud (SUI)
FORATO Alberto (ITA)
MX1 Championship Overall
GAJSER Tim (SLO) p.240
EVANS Mitchell (AUS) p. 200
JASIKONIS Arminas (LTU) p. 140
MONTICELLI Ivo (ITA) p. 105
JACOBI Herny (GER) p. 97
MX2 Championship Overall
RENAUX Maxime (FRA) p. 200
GEERTS Jago (BEL) p. 120
GUADAGNINI Mattia (ITA) p. 115
WATSON Ben (GBR) p. 100
FACCHETTI Gianluca (ITA) p. 100
Supercampione Championship Overall
GAJSER Tim (SLO) p. 240
JASIKONIS Arminas (LTU) p. 160
FORATO Alberto (ITA) p. 105
EVANS Mitchell (AUS) p. 100
SEEWER Jeremy (SUI) p. 100
Cooper claims 2020 NZ MX opener win in Balclutha
The 2020 Fox New Zealand Motocross Championship has kicked off in Balclutha, with the first of the four rounds run and won by Cody Cooper and Josiah Natzke in the MX1 and MX2 classes respectively.
Kirk Gibbs was second in MX1 – Image by CD Photography
Cody Cooper took a dominant win in the MX1 class, earning 75 championship points – the maximum – to kick off his season, with Australian Kirk Gibbs coming in second overall, ahead of Hamish Harwood, with Ethan Martens and Brad Groombridge completing the top-five.
Kirk Gibbs
“I fought back – came through the pack – had good speed and got to second. That’s all I could do. My starts let me down all weekend which I’m very disappointed about. It doesn’t look that bad on paper but I’m extremely disappointed with the end result. I wanted to go in there and have a win. I’ll come out swinging in Rotorua because I don’t want to let Cody get too far ahead or it will blow out with it being such a short series.”
Kirk Gibbs and Josh Coppins – Image by CD Photography
In the MX2 class it was closely fought with Natzke taking the win on 63-points from James Scott on 57, with Maximus Purvis a single point behind in third. Australia’s Morgan Fogarty was just outside the top three, with Dylan Walsh fifth.
In the Under-19s, James Scott took the win from Aussie Riley Ward, with Luka Freemantle third. The 125cc class saw Brodie Connolly take maximum points from Madoc Dixon and Mashall Phillips.
NZ Motocross MX1 Results – Round 1
Cody Cooper, 75 points
Kirk Gibbs, 64
Hamish Harwood, 62
Ethan Martens, 46
Brad Groombridge, 43
NZ Motocross MX2 Results – Round 1
Josiah Natzke, 63 points
James Scott, 57
Maximus Purvis, 56
Morgan Fogarty, 47
Dylan Walsh, 44
NZ Motocross Under-19 Results – Round 1
James Scott, 75
Riley Ward, 66
Luka Freemantle, 53
NZ Motocross 125cc Results – Round 1
Brodie Connolly, 75 points
Madoc Dixon, 66
Marshall Phillips, 54
Zac Jillings, 48
Ben Wall, 42
Nathan Watson crowned French Beach Race Champion
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has successfully defended his French Beach Race Championship title with a hard-fought podium result at Enduropale du Touquet.
Nathan Watson
With the infamous Enduropale du Touquet marking the seventh and final round of the CFS: Championnat de France des Sables, all eyes were on defending champion Nathan Watson to see if he could repeat his 2019 winning result.
As the 1,200 competitors lined up for the beginning of the gruelling three-hour event, Watson knew the importance of making a fast start and then pushing hard during the early stages of race. A little too keen to get his race started, the Brit was later deemed to have jumped the start, picking up a 60-second stop-and-go penalty.
Unaware of what was to come, Nathan exited the first corner just outside the top 10 and set about making ground on the leaders. Battling his way up to fifth during the first five laps, an efficient fuel stop after the first hour of racing moved him into third. Favouring the rougher conditions in the latter stages of race, Watson reached as high as second with just over one hour remaining.
With organisers then handing him the penalty, Nathan’s charge was ended and he ultimately lost his chance of victory. Dropping back down the leaderboard to fourth, he eventually battled his way back into a podium position and finished third at the checkered flag, behind Milko Potisek and Jeremy Van Horebeek
Nathan Watson
“It’s been a hard season, but to come away with back-to-back French Beach Race titles is amazing. It’s a credit to the team, they worked so hard to get this result. It’s me out on the track but it really is a team effort, for sure. Naturally, I wanted to win the championship with victory here today, but the cards didn’t fall my way. Between the nature of the track and then the stop-and-go penalty, things were against me. I felt like the track was maybe too fast for me and I needed more corners to slow the early pace down. I hold my hands up about the start, I simply got my timing a little wrong with the bungy being released. I went a little too early. One minute was a tough penalty, especially as I never gained anything and exited the first corner in 12th. But it is what it is. Overall, I’m pleased with the season as a whole. I think that myself and Camille showed we’re two of the strongest guys out there and our bikes never missed a beat. Thanks to KTM and the team, we’ll celebrate this title for sure!”
Nathan Watson
Championnat de France des Sables Round 7: Enduropale du Touquet
Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 15 laps, 3:06:44.033
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL), Honda, 3:10:10.404 +3:26
Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 3:12:26.582 +5:42
Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 3:12:49.154 +6:05
Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 3:14:39.632 +7:55
Championship Standings – Championnat de France des Sables
Nathan Watson (GBR) KTM, 845 points
Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 755
Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 671
Richard Fura (FRA), Yamaha, 558
Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL), Honda, 552
Toni Bou goes four for four at Barcelona X-Trial
The fourth round of the 2020 X-Trial World Championship was held in Palau Sant Jordi, and saw Toni Bou claim a fourth consecutive win this season and a thirteenth indoor triumph in Barcelona, with Jorge Casales putting GasGas on the podium in third, behind Adam Raga.
Toni Bou
The evening’s action got underway with the preliminary qualifying round with riders tackling a total of six sections. Bou notched up a total of nine penalty marks, two more than arch-rival Adam Raga. With the winners of each of the qualifying heats moving into the next round, the Repsol Honda Team swapped bikes and looked visibly more at ease. The rider then cruised into the Grand Final, accruing just six penalty marks on the way.
In the final, the Repsol Honda Team champ, encouraged throughout by the Barcelona spectators, proved that he is undoubtedly on the hottest form in the indoor discipline. Bou overcame his toughest adversary Adam Raga in the very last Montesa section of the Barcelona indoor trial event, to deliver victory number 13 to the Palau Sant Jordi crowd, for a 66th X-Trial World Championship win.
The result extends the Repsol Honda Team ace’s lead in the overall standings further to a 20-point advantage, with three trials still to run before the indoor season wraps up. The next outing will be held in Bilbao’s Bizkaia Arena on 15th February.
Toni Bou
“We are very happy. It was a really special night here in Barcelona. Being able to reclaim the victory in front of all the fans was incredible. We have given everything in a super tight final. I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me throughout the week, which has been quite a complicated one for me. Also, thanks to all the spectators who came along today in Barcelona to enjoy the show.”
Toni Bou topped the podium from Raga and Casales in Barcelona
Jorge Casales
“I’m really happy, this has been a very important race for me. Also, a really important first part of the season because I’m adjusting to competing on the GasGas. I’ve just had some months on this bike, we’ve worked really hard during these months and we’re seeing the results now. It was a really important race for me here in Barcelona and to get my first podium in the world championship is a dream come true. I’m really happy with it and I’ll continue working hard to continue with this level of performances. Let’s see what happens in Bilbao as every race is quite different. I’m really starting to get a good feeling with the bike now and we’re still working on things to make it even better. I’m really proud because I always trusted GasGas, we’ll continue working to make things happen. I’m really motivated for what’s to come.”
Jorge Casales
X-Trial Barcelona 2020 Results
1
BOU, Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
20
2
RAGA, Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
15
3
CASALES, Jorge
SPA
Gas Gas Factory Team
12
4
BINCAZ, Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
9
5
BUSTO, Jaime
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
6
6
FAJARDO, Jeroni
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
4
7
GELABERT, Miquel
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
2
8
MARCELLI, Gabriel
SPA
RG Team
1
X-Trial Rider Standings
1
BOU, Toni
SPA
80
2
RAGA, Adam
SPA
60
3
BUSTO, Jaime
SPA
28
4
FAJARDO, Jeroni
SPA
25
5
CASALES, Jorge
SPA
24
6
GELABERT, Miquel
SPA
22
7
MARCELLI, Gabriel
SPA
19
8
BINCAZ, Benoit
FRA
16
9
MARTIN, Toby
GBR
1
10
TOULY, Kieran
FRA
1
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP 2020 riders announced
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team will field one of its strongest rider line ups for the 2020 MXGP season with Jeremy Seewer, Gautier Paulin and Arnaud Tonus, having accumulated around 95 pieces of Grand Prix silverware as a result of more than 35 Grand Prix race wins and 18 Grand Prix victories throughout their careers.
Jeremy Seewer, Arnaud Tonus, Gautier Paulin
Arnaud Tonus
“The last few years have been really tough for me. I’ve dealt with a lot of injuries and suffering, both physically and mentally. At one point I almost thought about stopping my career because I was just over it. It’s pretty amazing to see it from where I was to where I’m at right now. I’m super, super thankful.”
Gautier Paulin
“I know what I want and, actually, I can really have what I want right now. Being back with the factory team is a big step and it brings with it that extra one percent, which in racing is big because we’re all at 100 percent. Being on the top step of the MXGP class means being involved every single minute of your life, to be the best.”
Jeremy Seewer
“After being vice-world champion, of course, there is only one more thing to achieve. It’s super tough out there to win. There are so many guys who are world champions, so many guys winning Grands Prix, so it’s a huge amount of work and a big story behind to actually become a world champion. I visualise what it would be like to be on the top, to be world champion. And I think it must be one of the most amazing feelings, just to be the best at what you do.”
2020 Broadford Bike Bonana set for April
The 2020 Broadford Bike Bonanza proudly presents the 12th incarnation of the iconic event, featuring a vast array of machines from yesteryear to be run from 7am Friday, April 10 to 2pm April 12, at the Victorian State Motorcycle Sports Complex, Broadford, Victoria, with online entries now open!
Last year’s Bonanza saw well over 5,000 attendees’ across the three days contribute to the legendary motorcycle event. The 2020 SIBBB will once again serve as an unofficial national meeting point for long lost friends and comrades from the ‘good ol days’ of motorcycling, with the theme for 2020 paying homage to all types of American made motorcycles and sidecars.
Road Race, Enduro, Speedway, Trials, Motocross, Dirt Track disciplines are all catered for in classic and vintage non-competitive on track displays, swap meets, a star-studded gala dinner (held in Broadford township April 11), static motorcycle displays and so much more.
Gates are open from 7am Friday 10th April, road race track from 1 – 4pm. Friday 10th only. The Rest of the tracks are running Saturday and Sunday are from 9am. Racing concludes 2pm Sunday 12th April.
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship announce new backer
Motorcycling Australia have announced Australia’s largest online motorcycle gear and accessories retailer – MXstore – as the ‘Presented By’ sponsor of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC).
This new partnership with MXstore is at an exciting time for both the championship and company as both go through significant growth. MXstore is Australia’s number one retailer for motocross and off-road related gear, from bike parts, racing and casual clothing, protective wear, leisure apparel, covering motocross, off-road and adventure disciplines.
MXstore’s Athlete & Partnerships Manager, Geoff Munro, said the move was an exciting step forward for the company.
Geoff Munro
“We’re extremely proud to be able to partner with the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship. It’s a fantastic series and we want to play our part to ensure it’s a great success for everyone involved. We’re privileged here in Australia to have some of the very best enduro riders in the world as well as some extremely promising talent coming through the ranks, so to be able to support their development and success through the AORC is pretty special to us.”
2020 Australian ISDE rider applications open
Motorcycling Australia has called for rider applications to be part of Australia’s next world beating team to take on the best enduro riders at the 2020 International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) in Italy, held from August 31 to September 5.
ISDE 2019 – Image by Dario Agrati
Australia tasted the bubbles of success in 2019 with the RecoveR8 Team Australia Junior Trophy Team Crowned World Champions, while Victoria’s Daniel Sanders secured the ISDE Individual Outright World and E3 Class Championship in Portugal, and 2018 saw Australia reign victorious in the World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy in Chile.
MA is calling for ISDE World Championship riders for the following three classes:
Please address any queries regarding the application directly to MA’s Off-Road Event Manager, Matthew Falvo via: Phone: 03 9684 0514 or Email: [email protected]
WP Suspension Australia to support Granquist & Karlsson
WP Suspension Australia have officially announced its support of Stefan Granquist and Emelie Karlsson for the 2020 off-road season. Joining the WP Suspension Team aboard Yamaha WR450F and WR250F’s respectively, Granquist and Karlsson will pilot their Yamaha machines in an array of off-road races nationwide.
WP Suspension Sales Manager Stefan Appelgren with Granquist & Karlsson
WP Suspension Australia Sales Manager – Stefan Appelgren expressed his excitement at having Stefan and Emelie join the team saying, “The push from WP Suspension into the Australian market is a welcomed addition as we will be supplying a race-specific solution for Japanese manufactures motorcycles. We are excited to have Stefan and Emelie represent the brand and look forward to seeing the WP Suspension logo on Yamaha machinery for 2020.”
With a 6th place finish overall last year, Stefan is a regular at the pointy end of the field in the E2 class of the AORC series, and shared, “Both Emelie and I are incredibly excited about this partnership for the new year. Last year was strong for both of us, we managed to show some speed and put results on the board with myself finishing 6th overall in E2 and Emelie ending up on the podium in the Womens class, even after missing some rounds through injury. It’s an honour to be associated with such a premium brand and we are eager to begin the testing process leading up to the first round of the AORC in Toowoomba.”
Stefan and Emelie will both be running the 48mm Cone Valve fork and Trax shock, which are available for Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki off-road motorcycles.
An increased network of WP Authorised Dealers, means that the same products you see on the bikes of these top professionals, can be purchased and further tuned through one of these dealers. More information on your closest WP Authorised dealer can be found at the following link. Authorised Centres: https://www.wp-suspension.com/authorized-centers/
Motorcycle Speedway in Western Australia on a roll
With Graeme Sinden
Fresh from two international solo friendlies (unofficial tests) between Australia and Great Britain and the running of the Western Australian Speedway Sidecar Championship, attention now focuses on the forthcoming Western Australian Speedway Solo Championship. The WA Title event will be held on Saturday February 15 at WA’s purpose built Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway at Neerubup in the Perth’s northern suburbs.
This highly sort after WA Solo Championship is one of the oldest and longest running Speedway events in Australia having commenced way back in 1927. The Championship has been won by many fine riders over the years including World Champions, Sweden’s, Ove Funden, New Zealand’s Ivan Mauger, Australia’s Chris Holder and Britain’s triple World Champ, Tai Woffinden.
Cam Heeps and Tai Woffinden
WA’s International Cam Heeps is expected to nominate and attempt to secure his fifth title win. The greatest number of wins in the Championship event is held jointly by WA’s Mick McKeon and Glenn Doyle with six-a-piece.
Significantly the youngest rider to win the Championship event is Dave Cheshire, also from WA, who won it way back in 1983/84 at the tender age of 16-years-of-age. He certainly had officials scrambling to check his birthdate and speedway license at the time.
MA announce updates to Speedway Australian Championship Selection
Motorcycling Australia released the following information in a recent bulletin, outlining changes to Australian Championship Selection in Speedway:
Information Bulletin #2010 – 31/01/2020
Affected Disciplines: Speedway
Effective: Immediately.
Information Pertains to: 14.11.4 c. Australian Championship Selection
Information: MA would like to advise of updates made to Speedway Australian Championship Selection 14.11.4 c.
Current Rule:
14.11.4 Selection and Qualification 14.11.4.1 To qualify for selection for an Australian Championship event, a competitor must apply in writing no less than 30 days prior to the event, and: a) Be the current Australian Champion, a Top 4 rider in the previous Australian Championships, or a GP rider within the last two years, or b) Be the best performing competitor in the State Championship of the State which issued the competitors’ licence, held a minimum of 30 days prior to the Australian Championship. c) Competitors who are not Australian residents may nominate to compete in the Australian Speedway Championship, and will be considered by the Speedway Commission for inclusion.
New/Updated Rule:
14.11.4 Selection and Qualification 14.11.4.1 To qualify for selection for an Australian Championship event, a competitor must apply in writing no less than 30 days prior to the event, and must be a holder of a current MA Senior National Competition license. To be seeded into this championship the following criteria applies; a) Be the current Australian Champion, a Top 4 rider in the previous Australian Championships, or a GP rider within the last two years, or b) Be the best performing competitor in the State Championship of the State which issued the competitors’ licence, held a minimum of 30 days prior to the Australian Championship or c) Be the best performing Australian competitor in the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship. Competitors who are not Australian residents may nominate to compete in the Australian Speedway Championship, and will be considered by the Speedway Commission for inclusion. All additional positions will be selected from the remaining applications received.
Notes:
Please save a copy of this bulletin and keep it with your MoMS for future reference
All Bulletins will be made available on the MA website (www.ma.org.au)
Rules may change throughout the year so please view the most up to date MoMS on the MA website (www.ma.org.au)
For Rule Change Request Process and forms, please refer to the MA website (www.ma.org.au)
King Of MX heads to Bega for Qualifier 1
Hot on the heels of the devastating fires that have done so much damage to the South Coast of NSW, the first round of the King Of MX motocross series will be hosted by the Far South Coast Motorcycle Club at their Bega race track on February 15-16.
Juniors will race on the Saturday, and Seniors on the Sunday, and the event is expected to bring out some of the best riders in Australia to put on a great show for the people of the South Coast.
Motorcycling NSW is hoping that the competitors, families, support crews, and spectators will also be generating a lot of income for local businesses, restaurants, and hotels just by coming to the area.
The Far South Coast Motorcycle Club venue is located at Sapphire Speedway, Tantawangalo Lane, Candelo and racing will start from around 9am each day on the 15th and 16th of February.
For more information on the 2020 King of MX, head to the brand-new website www.kingofmx.com.au.
2020 King of MX Calendar
Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 5 – April 18-19, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Sydney – Top 7 qualify for final
Final – June 6-8, Undisclosed Location
Australia to host FIM Oceania Junior Motocross Tri-Nations Cup
Australia will host the inaugural FIM Oceania Junior Motocross Tri-Nations Cup with the best junior motocross riders from Australia, New Zealand and France to do battle at Horsham in Victoria, April 4-5, 2020, as part of MX Nationals Rounds 1 & 2.
Each team will consist of a maximum of 10 riders aged 13-17-years-old aboard 125cc motocross bikes, with an FIM Oceania Junior Motocross Tri-Nations Cup individual and team trophy both up for grabs.
The races will be inspired by the FIM Junior MX World Championship formats and rules, and will be the perfect lead-up event for these young riders, before the FIM Junior MX World Championships in Greece in August.
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What happened this week
International Six Days of Enduro heads to Italy in 2020
Strong Aussie line-up for 2020 Anaheim SX
OZ Speedway goes global with streaming
Yamaha the major sponsor of 2020 AORC
2020 FIM Speedway of Nations heads to Manchester, England
2020 125cc Solo Speedway line-up announced
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sign Manuel Lettenbichler
Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to Serco Yamaha in 2020
GasGas Factory Racing sign Albert Cabestany
Australian Supercross celebrate successful 2019 season
MA announce 2020 Dirt Track and Track updates
2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar announced
2020 NSW State Motocross Championship announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
2020 Australian Track Championship
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
International Six Days of Enduro heads to Italy in 2020
For what will be the 95th edition of the FIM’s longest-running motorcycle race, the 2020 FIM ISDE will be held in Rivanazzano Terme in northern Italy from 31 August to 5 September. A nation rich in Enduro heritage, Italy last held the FIM ISDE in 2013 on the island of Sardinia.
2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
In 2020, it will be the Apennies region of Lombardy and Piedmont that will showcase the beauty of the country to off-road motorcycling enthusiasts from around the World. For race week Rivanazzano Terme’s air strip will turn into the headquarters for this iconic race.
Its buildings will offer full facilities to organisers and the World’s attending media, while the runaway itself will provide a spacious and hard standing working environment for all competing nations. There will also be room for a separate three-hundred-pitch camping area to accommodate competitors and spectators alike.
From Rivanazzano Terme’s air strip the race will lead riders out into the surrounding Apennies mountain region each day, with three unique courses to test both the World’s best Enduro riders and courageous amateurs.
As per tradition, the competition will sign off with a Motocross race on day six at Ottobiano Motorsport. With the circuit previously hosting the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship it will ensure a fitting and spectacular ending to the 2020 FIM ISDE.
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Strong Aussie line-up for 2020 Anaheim SX
With the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship less than a month away, the Australian contingent that’ll represent the green and gold will be the strongest it’s been in a decade.
Australian legend Chad Reed will sport the deuce deuce in his final A1 appearance, as he looks to conclude an illustrious career having earnt two World Supercross Championships.
Chad Reed – Image by AM
The Lawrence brothers of Jett and Hunter are meanwhile set to make their World Supercross debuts for Geico Honda in 2020. Jett is confirmed on the West Coast, however Hunter’s future in that regard is unclear, with either A1 or the East Coast opener inside Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium the destination for his Supercross debut.
Jett Lawrence – Image by AM
Luke Clout has teamed up with Australian backed Penrite Honda Racing to take on the 250 West Coast Supercross rounds as the team expands into the United States.
Luke Clout – Image by Michael Antonovich
Joining Clout on the West is his Serco Yamaha teammate from 2013, Jay Wilson, who’s put together his own Yamaha program to compete in the mostly Californian rounds.
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
Stalwart young privateer Joel Wightman too will make the jump over in the premier 450cc Class, whilst Serco Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti joins Wilson and co. in the opening 250cc West rounds.
Joel Wightman – Image by AM
The rapid rise of the Australian Supercross Championship is a major player in domestic Supercross development, with the 2019 series accelerating the professionalism of the sport within Australia, along with providing the springboard for young talent to pursue their dream on the world stage.
Hunter Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Chad Reed has shouldered the load for Australia in Supercross for the last decade, however it’s apparent that the nation is once again on the map worldwide, with a barrage of riders lining up and prepared to take on the world’s best in 2020.
See below for the full 2020 AMA SX calendar.
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OZ Speedway goes global with streaming
Australia’s 2020 Senior Solo Speedway Championship rounds, which will be held at Albury-Wodonga Speedway in Victoria, and Gillman Speedway in South Australia, will be live streamed to the world, following Motorcycling Australia securing the deal with NRGTV.
OZ Speedway to stream in 2020
A star studded 16-man field of former World and Australian Champions is set to kickstart the championship including 2016 under 21 World Champion Max Fricke and 2012 Speedway Grand Prix World Champion Chris Holder at Albury-Wodonga on January 6, and Gillman January 11.
The live stream will be available FREE at both events (stream times TBC) via www.australianspeedwaychampionships.com.au (link) and returning to the commentary box will be Kevin Williams and three-time World Speedway Champion Jason Crump.
With no brakes, gears or fear, the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship at Albury-Wodonga and Gillman Speedways is expected to capture a significant worldwide audience particularly through Europe.
Sam Redfern – Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager
“This is one of the strongest championship fields we have produced which will guarantee spectators see some of the best racing of the new year both here in Australia and around the world.”
Yamaha the major sponsor of 2020 AORC
Motorcycling Australia have announced Yamaha Motor Australia as the major sponsor of the 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship, with 2020 marking the 15th consecutive year.
The partnership sees a significant expansion of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) which will feature 15 classes of competition, with new junior classes, the return of the 2 Stroke Cup, and Vintage class and continuation of all senior classes.
2019 AORC – Pro Race Start – Hedley, Victoria
The expanded competition will take championship rounds to Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and for the first time in history Tasmania and include sprint, cross country and enduro formats.
This 15-year partnership has produced a credible, sustainable and dependable championship for off-road racing enthusiasts that not only caters for grass roots motorcycling but has also produced talented riders that have gone on to the greatest of heights on the world stage.
Yamaha Motorsport Manager, Ray Howard, said Yamaha was dedicated to supporting the AORC and its expansion in 2020.
Ray Howard – Yamaha Motorsport Manager
“Yamaha Motor Australia are pleased to continue our substantial and positive relationships with Motorcycling Australia and the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship in 2020. 2019 was a sensational season and we believe with improvements to the 2020 calendar with new classes and adding Tasmania to the championship there will be even greater progress and improved development of off-road racing in Australia. We look forward to continue working closely with MA and local clubs throughout Australia to further develop the championship that has proven to be a fertile ground for producing international standard riders.”
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2020 FIM Speedway of Nations heads to Manchester, England
The 2020 FIM Speedway of Nations world champions will be crowned at Great Britain’s National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, with German track Landshut and Latvian circuit Daugavpils confirmed to host the semi-finals.
Team Australia at the 2019 Speedway of Nations
The Finals of speedway’s world team championship will take place on May 8 and 9, with GB seeded through automatically as host nation.
This will be the first time Great Britain has hosted the Monster Energy SON Finals, while GB’s opponents will be decided at the two semi-finals, with Semi-Final 1 taking place at Bavarian track Landshut on April 25 and Semi-Final 2 being hosted by Daugavpils on May 2.
Three nations from each round will qualify for the Monster Energy SON Finals in Manchester, joining Great Britain.
2020 FIM Speedway of Nations Calendar
April 25: Semi-Final 1: Landshut, Germany
May 2: Semi-Final 2: Daugavpils, Latvia
May 8/9: Finals: Manchester, Great Britain
2020 Speedway of Nations Semi-Final Draw
Semi-Final 1: Landshut, Germany (April 25): Germany, Poland, Denmark, Slovenia, Czech Republic, France and Italy.
Semi-Final 2: DAUGAVPILS, LATVIA (May 2): Latvia, Russia, Australia, Sweden, Ukraine, Finland and USA.
2020 125cc Solo Speedway line-up announced
Motorcycling Australia have released the list of riders selected to compete in the 2020 Australian 125cc Solo Speedway Championship at Pinjar, Western Australia, with a 16-rider field selected, as well as the 125cc Teams Championship which will kick-off the Championship at Pinjar Park on the weekend of January 17.
Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager, Sam Redfern, said the 16-rider solo and seven teams fielded shows Australia’s speedway talent was flourishing.
Sam Redfern – Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager
“This is a fantastic field of Australian talent for the 2020 solo championship and 125cc teams championship. Australian speedway is in a very healthy state and we have the talent to represent Australia on the world stage. I would certainly encourage speedway fans to get to Pinjar on the weekend of January 17 for what will be a fantastic championship meet.”
Due to a lack of nominations in the 250cc class, it will not proceed.
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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sign Manuel Lettenbichler
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have announced the signing of 2019 WESS Enduro World Champion Manuel Lettenbichler. The 21-year-old German joins the factory team with immediate effect as part of a two-year deal for 2020 and 2021.
Manuel Lettenbichler
Lettenbichler recently completed his most successful season to date, with the young German clinching the 2019 WESS Enduro World Championship title following a winning ride at the final round of the series, the GetzenRodeo.
Throughout 2019 Lettenbichler established himself as one of the world’s leading enduro competitors. With victories at Red Bull Romaniacs and GetzenRodeo, plus podium results at Extreme XL Lagares, Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble and the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, he achieved a total of seven top-five results from eight championship starts, on route to securing his debut WESS world title.
Additionally, ‘Mani’ added further silverware to his 2019 trophy cabinet by winning the AMA Extreme Offroad Grand Championship when he became the first non-American rider to win the Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro.
Lettenbichler joins riders Jonny Walker, Josep Garcia and Nathan Watson for 2020, where he’ll aim to successfully defend his WESS Enduro World Championship crown. Additionally, the young German will also contest selected AMA U.S. Extreme Offroad events.
Manuel Lettenbichler
“I’m really excited to join Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2020 and beyond. I’ve ridden KTM motorcycles since I started in enduro but joining the factory team really feels like the next chapter of my career is really beginning now. They are a team I’ve looked up to for a long time. We’ve worked closely together during the last two years, so I know how professional they are and I’m excited to make this an even closer relationship. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and know that racing to defend my title will be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get started.”
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Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to Serco Yamaha in 2020
Yamaha’s MX2 race team Serco Yamaha have announced the signings of Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to steer their YZ250F’s in 2020. Both riders are contracted to do the MX Nationals and the Australian Supercross Championships in the MX2 and SX2 (250cc) divisions and are out for nothing short of championship success.
Tanti returns to the team after laying solid foundations in 2019. Tanti finished fifth in the MX Nationals but was consistently in the lead group and unlucky not to finish higher in the championship standings.
He produced a break out season in Supercross, battling with the US stars on his way to fifth place in the championship, despite not finishing the final round. Although injured from a fall at the final round of Supercross, Tanti has taken to the US to keep racing and training as he prepares for the 2020 onslaught.
Aaron Tanti
“This is the first time in my career I have been with the one team for more than one season, so the stability is something that I like and allows me to make plans knowing that I have the support of Serco Yamaha for 2020. I have a great working relationship with Gavin and the Serco Yamaha team and we were quickly able to get something sorted for the 2020 season a little while ago so that allowed me to focus on my racing and training knowing that things are in place for next season. The YZ250F is an unbelievable bike and we already have a great platform to go ahead even further in 2020 as the team and myself have extensive knowledge and testing already done. It’s awesome to be able to continue with Serco Yamaha and look forward to another successful year with the team.”
Aaron Tanti – Image by AM
Joining Tanti for 2020 will be a new comer to Australian shores, Dylan Walsh. The New Zealand native has been competing in Europe for the past few seasons, highlighted with victory in the British MX2 Championship in 2019, but will return down under for the 2020 and make his debut in the Australian MX Nationals. Walsh will start his year racing in New Zealand before coming to Australia in March and begin the championship chase.
Dylan Walsh
“I would love to have stayed in Europe and continued racing as I felt that I would be a contender in MX2 this year but with the tight economy, my team shut down and I was left with nothing. Australia was the first place I looked when I got the news, and at the same time, Gavin has been doing some research on me, so it all worked out smoothly and here we are. Serco Yamaha have a great reputation and also a lot of success over the years in both motocross and supercross so its awesome to be part of such a strong and committed team. My plan is to stay in New Zealand and do the Nationals over here as a warm up for the MX Nationals in Australia. I will then base myself in South East Queensland to be near the team and get stuck into racing in Australia. I’m both exciting and looking forward to the new challenge and know that the level of racing in Australia is very good at the moment. I watched the racing regularly while I was in Europe and its no coincidence that many MXGP teams are looking at Australian riders. But I’m fit and ready to go and hoping for a great season both here in New Zealand and Australia.”
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GasGas Factory Racing sign Albert Cabestany
GasGas Factory Racing have announce the signing of Albert Cabestany, who will compete in the 2020 FIM Trial-E World Cup, assisting GasGas to push forward with the development of electric powered machinery, aboard the GasGas TXE.
Albert Cabestany
“I’m looking forward to this great opportunity with GasGas Motorcycles. Winning this year’s Trial-E World Cup with the TXE gave me a real insight into the true potential of this exciting motorcycle. I was very impressed with its capabilities and know that moving forward we can raise the bar again in 2020. It’s going to be a lot of fun fighting to defend my crown and hopefully delivering GasGas a fourth consecutive title.”
Albert Cabastany – GasGas Factory Racing
Cabestany is a name that needs little introduction in trials. Arguably one of the sport’s most successful riders, Albert impressively achieved nine wins and over 80 podium results during his 21-year-long FIM Trial World Championship career.
Coming together with GasGas Factory Racing for a one-off outing at the 2019 FIM Trial-E World Cup, Cabestany instantly gelled with the TXE, winning both rounds of the series to clinch the title in style. With his experience and vast trials knowledge the Spaniard is a natural fit to assist GasGas with the ongoing development of its TXE machine.
Albert Cabastany – GasGas Factory Racing
The three-round 2020 FIM Trial-E World Cup takes place in Andorra, Italy and France.
Australian Supercross celebrate successful 2019 season
Following attendance across the five rounds polling at 70,000, the 2019 Australian Supercross championship has been heralded a major success, with each round – bar Adelaide – also having a broadcast presence, giving an even wider audience.
The International interest from riders year on year too is undeniable, with more and more world-class caliber riders making the trip Down Under prior to their World Supercross Championship assault.
2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM
General rider numbers were on the increase too, especially in Wollongong where riders in both the SX1 and SX2 Classes were required to qualify for the night show – which is something that hasn’t happened in the series for a number of years. Overall, rider participation in the Australian Supercross Championship for 2019 was the strongest it’s been in at least the last decade.
Planning is now well underway for the 2020 Australian Supercross Championship and with an increasingly solid foundation in place, is expected to continue it’s steady growth in viewer eyeballs, event attendance and incredible racing competition. Stay tuned for more details on the 2020 Australian Supercross season.
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MA announce 2020 Dirt Track and Track updates
The following official Information Bulletin has been released by Motorcycle Australia, advising of a number of changes for the 2020 Dirt Track and Track seasons, regarding classes and competition.
Information Bulletin #2003 : 18/12/2019
Affected Disciplines: Dirt Track and Track
Information Pertains to: Dirt Track and Track Chapter Combination and Alterations to the 2020 MoMS
Updated: It was a directive from MA and the MA Board to combine the Dirt Track and Track Chapters. The intention with combining these chapters is for equality and fairness, safety and simplifying the rules as these disciplines are similar, but not the same.
Major changes implemented for 2020
15.2 Junior class age brackets
Slider and MX bikes and classes are separated. (As per new rule 15.5.0.6)
Standard Wheel and Big Wheel bikes in classes will compete together.
15.5.0.6 Rule deletion
The Commission and the Rules and Technical Committee have approved this Chapter and these updates as they are presented. We understand that in doing this there will be teething problems and not everyone will be satisfied with all rules. If you wish to propose a change to these rules they can do so by following the Rule Change Process as outlined on Pages 6 & 7 of the MoMS.
Current Classes
Categories for Australian Dirt Track & Track Championship Classes; (as will appear in the printed 2020 MoMS)
15.1 SENIORS
Pro 250 100cc to 150cc 2stroke / 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
Pro 450 250cc 2stroke/450cc 4stroke
MX Open 500cc 2stroke/Over 460cc 4stroke
250 Slider 150cc 2stroke & 250cc 4stroke
500cc Slider Up to 500cc
Slider Open Unlimited 460cc and over
Pro Open Women Unlimited
Sidecar Up to 1100cc
ATV Open Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
ATV Open Women Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
15.2 JUNIORS
7-u9 – 50cc Auto Div 2 Non Championship
7-u9 – 65cc
9-u13 – 65cc
7-u10 – 85cc 4stroke Modified
10-u14 – 85cc 4stroke Modified
9-u1211 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Standard Wheel
11-u1613 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Standard Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4strokeStandard Wheel
11-u13 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Big Wheel
11-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Girls Standard & Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Slider Only
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke &
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke Slider Only
13-u16 – 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
New/Updated Classes
Categories for Australian Dirt Track & Track Championship & Competition Classes; (as will appear in the online 2020 MoMS)
15.1 SENIORS
Pro 250 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke / 200cc to 250cc 4stroke (MX)
Pro 450 – 250cc 2stroke/450cc 4stroke (MX)
MX Open – 500cc 2stroke/Over 460cc 4stroke (MX)
Pro Open Women – Unlimited (MX)
250 Slider – 150cc 2stroke & 250cc 4stroke * removed due to lack of competitors
500cc Slider – Up to 500cc
Slider Open – Unlimited 460cc and over
Sidecar – Up to 1100cc
ATV Open – Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
ATV Open Women – Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
15.2 JUNIORS
4-u9 – 50cc Demo Division 1 Non Competitive
7-u9 – 50cc Auto Div 2 Non Championship * rationale for change below
9-u1311 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke * 2 class options for 12 year olds
1211-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke
11-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Girls Standard & Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Slider Only * removed due to insufficient entries
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke * removed due to duplication
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke & * removed as several other class options
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
13-u16 – 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
Rationale for the 7-u9 50cc Divi 2 class being changed to a Non Championship class is to ensure the children are here for development and fun with as little pressure and stress on them to win as possible. We do not want children to be pushed prematurely. These are young children and should not be stressed to race and win an Australian Championship, they will have the rest of their riding lives to chase titles if they choose to do so. It is also the hope this will bring bike costs and affordability down.
New Rule
15.5.0.6 Slider and MX machines are to compete separately, in their specified classes. Rationale being the Commission and the Rules & Technical Committee advise this is because they are different machines, with different styles, performance, machine requirements etc.
Rule removal
The below rule is to be removed;
15.4.1.2 Riders are eligible to enter one class above capacity of the machine entered (senior riders only).
Rationale for this rule being removed, is that capacity machines should be racing with comparable machines as they were designed. This will reduce over subscribed combined classes and in turn will come back to competitors as more of their class events on track.
Number Board Colours for Juniors
Tips to understanding and using the correct number board colours for your child. Understand child’s age as at 1st of January of that race year (2020). For Example, my child turned 12 on the 20th of June 2019, so as at the 1st of January 2020 my child is 12 years old, and can compete in this class all year. If my child decides to move up to a 13 year old class throughout the year, they can no longer go back down and compete in 12 year old classes.
Chose a racing class (for example 9-u13 85cc 2stroke or 9-u13 65cc etc)
Identify the age bracket on the number board colour table (15.9.3.2) which is most suitable and colour will be Canary Yellow boards with black numbers)
You can only compete in one age group class.
Wheel Sizes;
Several corrections and duplications have been identified and updated.
Current Rule; 15.20.9 Wheel Sizes
CLASS FRONT REAR
Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] [Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] 50cc Auto/Demo Class 10” or 12” [254 or 305] 10” [254] 65cc 14” to 15” [356 to 381] 12” [305] 80cc 4-stroke Standard & Modified 16” to 17” [407 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 15” to 17” [381 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17”19” to 19”21” [432482 to 482534] 16” to 17”19” [407 to 432482] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17” to 19” [432 to 482] 16” to 17” [407 to 457] (Dirt Track & Track) 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 17” [457] 14” [356] Standard Wheel (Dirt Track & Track) 100cc 18” to 21” [457 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 125cc & over 17” to 21” [432 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 250cc 4-stroke 17” to 23” [432 to 586] 16” to 19” [407 to 482]
New/Updated Rule; 15.20.9 Wheel Sizes
CLASS FRONT REAR
Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] [Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] 50cc Auto/Demo Class 10” or 12” [254 or 305] 10” [254] 65cc 14” to 15” [356 to 381] 12” [305] 85cc80cc 4-stroke Standard & Modified 16” to 17” [407 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 15” to 19”17” [381 to 482432] 14” to 17” [356 to 432] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17”19” to 19”21” [432482 to 482534] 16” to 17”19” [407 to 432482] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17” to 19” [432 to 482] 16” to 17” [407 to 457] (Dirt Track & Track) 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 17” [457] 14” [356] Standard Wheel (Dirt Track & Track) 100cc 18” to 21” [457 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 125cc & over 17” to 21” [432 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 250cc 4-stroke 17” to 23” [432 to 586] 16” to 19” [407 to 482]
Effective from: 1/1/2020
Note: As rules can be changed throughout the year, please view the most up to date MoMS at www.ma.org.au. Please see the MA website for Rule Change Request processes and documents.
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2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar announced
Motorcycling Australia and Williams Event Management have announced the 2020 Australian Motocross National Championship calendar. The series will be conducted over six weekends with nine rounds and three double header events.
Australian Motocross Championship – Image by
A number of factors have required changes to the 2020 calendar particularly around community, rider and spectator safety.
Original plans had the MX Nationals Pro Am at Traralgon in February for the Australian Women’s Vets and Under 19’s. But due to the extreme dry weather conditions and high fire danger risk the Traralgon event was cancelled, with a hope to reschedule it in the coming months.
There have been some major changes to the championship over the last five years, and riders and spectators will see changes again next year to fit within the current climate.
2020 Australian Motocross National Championship dates
Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23
The series will see several changes in order to ensure the future development and progress of the sport. All rounds will have two moto format only, and other changes are being considered. The supplementary regulation will be release in the first week of February.
2020 NSW State Motocross Championship announced
Motorcycling NSW have announced the 2020 King of MX calendar, with the series heading into its third year and continuing to encourage local racers in each of the six state regions to enter their local qualifier.
The King of MX was designed to revitalise the NSW State Motocross Championship, supporting regional clubs and their members by bringing a larger scale open event to them, where local club racers can throw down against those choosing to travel.
King of MX
2020 will see new partners combined with some long-term supporters to not only maintain the overall prize pool, but also tailor more prizes to those who do well at a qualifier, not just the final.
As with previous years, the King of MX will consist of six qualifying events, where the first six or seven (depending on the gates available at each qualifier) riders in each class will earn a ‘golden ticket’ to the final. Once a golden ticket is earned, riders don’t have to race any other qualifiers unless they want to, however each rider is only eligible to earn one golden ticket per class.
At the final, in a location that will be announced in due course, State Title Champions will be decided on the June long weekend, over three motos for each class, with the Prince and Princess of MX crowned from the 13 to under-16 years 250F (128cc-150cc 2st & 200cc-250cc 4st, 13 to u/16 years) and 13 to under-16 years girls’ class (100cc-150cc 2st & 200cc- 250cc 4st, 13 to u/16 years, all female) winners.
2019 King of MX Final winners
The 2020 King and Queen of MX will once again battle it out across their respective feature races, with racers selected based on the results of the senior class races. For more information on the 2020 King of MX, head to the brand-new website www.kingofmx.com.au
2020 King of MX Calendar
Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 5 – April 18-19, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Sydney – Top 7 qualify for final
Final – June 6-8, Undisclosed Location
NSW State Motocross Championship Classes
Nippers 4-u/7 years – Demonstration Only
50cc Division 2 – 7-u/9 years
65cc 7-u/10 years
65cc 10-u/12 years
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 9-u/12 years {standard wheel}
85cc 2st /150cc 4st 12-u/14 years {standard & big wheel}
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 14-u/16 years {standard & big wheel}
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 12-u/16 years All Female {standard & big wheel}
100cc-150cc 2st & 200cc- 250cc 4st 13-u/16 years All Female
100cc-125cc 2st 13-u/16 years
128cc-150cc 2st & 200cc-250cc 4st 13-u/16 years
MXW All Powers
MX1 A-Grade 255cc-450cc 2st/4st
MX1 B-Grade 255cc-450cc 2st/4st
C Grade Open
MX2 A-Grade up to 250cc 2st/4st
MX2 B-Grade up to 250cc 2st/4st
C Grade Lites
+35 Vets All Powers
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
After much anticipation, this year’s FIM ISDE got underway in Portimao. Overnight rain dampened conditions for competitors during the opening lap of two, but from the off racing was hot and heavy as the five hundred plus competitors from twenty six nations jostled for position.
Team Australia – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Determined to put RecoveR8 Team Australia out front, Daniel Sanders – Husqvarna was quick off the mark, setting the fastest time on the opening special test. But with United States’ Ryan Sipes and Spain’s Josep Garcia in close contention and the top-ten separated by just fifteen seconds, it was all to play for.
Daniel Sanders
“I wanted to start strong, there’s a lot of big names here this year and I wanted to put myself up there right away. Honestly, I didn’t expect to lead by so much, but it means I’m in a good place and I will look to build on that while helping to grow our FIM World Trophy lead.”
Daniel Sanders – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Continuing to position himself at the sharp end of the results, Sanders led his Australia teammates to victory on day one in Portugal. However, with United States ending the day only nineteen seconds behind, their lead is relatively slender at this early stage in the race.
Matthew Phillips
“First day done. Bit offf pace that I know I can do, just gonna get the bike settled and should be able to grow from here. We are leading the world trophy and so are the Junior guys, waiting to hear about the girls, but I think pretty strong finish all-round.. Having some fun so that’s the main thing.”
Matthew Phillips – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Mirroring the finishing order of the 2018 FIM ISDE, Italy slot into third, albeit already over two minutes behind the leading nations. Despite losing a rider early on, Great Britain battled hard on the opening day of racing.
Hampered by starting at the rear of the category and the untimely exit of Freeman, they still placed fourth. With an improved starting position for day two, they will look to build on that.
Brad Freeman – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
So too will Finland. Also hampered by a late start, the Finnish team ended their day fifteen seconds behind Great Britain in fifth, while Spain – boosted by Garcia’s performance – complete the top six. Host nation Portugal lie tenth after the opening day of competition.
World Trophy Day 1 Overall
Pos.
Country
Gap
1
AUSTRALIA
20:03.2
2
UNITED STATES
+19.53
3
ITALY
+2:03.59
4
GREAT BRITAIN
+2:23.91
5
FINLAND
+2:38.75
6
SPAIN
+3:27.27
7
FRANCE
+4:23.37
8
GERMANY
+5:56.99
9
SWEDEN
+7:00.01
10
PORTUGAL
+8:03.73
Junior World Trophy
In the FIM Junior World Trophy category, RecoveR8 Team Australia enjoyed an impressively strong start to their FIM ISDE campaign. With two of their riders Fraser Higlett and Lyndon Snodgrass placing inside the top-ten overall, they hold a healthy one-minute and fourteen second lead over United States.
Also performing strongly, United States will look to bridge that gap to their rivals on day two. France — spurred on by Theo Espinasse claiming the outright quickest time on special test three — slot into third. A slow start to their week sees defending champions Italy sit four seconds behind France in fourth. Great Britain end day one in fifth, while Spain complete the top six.
Junior World Trophy Day 1 Overall
Pos.
Country
Gap
1
AUSTRALIA
22:17.7
2
UNITED STATES
+1:14.10
3
FRANCE
+2:04.48
4
ITALY
+2:08.91
5
GREAT BRITAIN
+3:15.87
Women’s World Trophy
The opening day of racing in Portimao excitedly saw a major shakeup in the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition with Germany holding a slender advantage over United States, while defending champions RecoveR8 Team Australia were a surprise third.
Maria Franke – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Quick to make their presence felt in this year’s race, Germany have shown they will be a force to be reckoned with. Strong rides from Anne Borcher and Maria Franke puts them five seconds ahead of closest rivals United States.
One minute behind the leading duo in third, Australia will aim to regain some lost time on day two. Making their FIM ISDE debut, Great Britain have got off to a solid start in fourth, with Spain fifth. Sweden round out the top six on day one.
Women’s World Trophy Day 1 Overall
Pos.
Country
Gap
1
GERMANY
45:38.6
2
UNITED STATES
+5.45
3
AUSTRALIA
+1:02.66
4
GREAT BRITAIN
+2:57.14
5
SPAIN
+4:46.01
Enduro 1
In the Enduro 1 category it is Josep Garcia who tops the standings on day one. Winning the final four special tests, Garcia holds a thirty-eight second lead over Ryan Sipes, who in turn holds an eighteen second advantage over Finland’s Eero Remes – Yamaha in third.
Josep Garcia – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
French Junior Espinasse impresses with fourth. The Sherco mounted rider is two seconds behind Remes and less than one second up on Australia’s Luke Styke in fifth.
Enduro 1 Day 1 – Top 10
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Man.
Gap
1
GARCIA Josep
ESP
KTM
46:07.1
2
SIPES Ryan
USA
KTM
+38.17
3
REMES Eero
FIN
Yamaha
+56.98
4
ESPINASSE Theo
FRA
Sherco
+59.47
5
STYKE Luke
AUS
Yamaha
+1:00.26
6
SNODGRASS Lyndon
AUS
KTM
+1:06.24
7
VERONA Andrea
ITA
TM
+1:09.24
8
WOOTTON Joe
GBR
Husqvarna
+1:10.84
9
AVALLO Matteo
ITA
Sherco
+1:25.67
10
KYTONEN Roni
FIN
Husqvarna
+1:27.36
Enduro 2
United States’ Taylor Robert is out to an early lead in the Enduro 2 class. However, with thirty-seven seconds separating the top six, the category is closely contested.
Taylor Robert – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Ending day one just six seconds behind his teammate, Kailub Russell will look to close that gap tomorrow.
Consistently placing inside the top six, Higlett signs off on the opening day of competition in third, while Italy’s Davide Guarneri is fourth.
United States’ Junior rider Ben Kelley – KTM is fifth with Recover8 Team Australia’s Josh Green three-seconds adrift in sixth.
Josh Green
“Solid day but a few too many mistakes from me hindered my result. Team Aus is leading both Jnr and Trophy teams, all the team was on it, keen for tomorrow.”
Josh Green – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Enduro 2 Day 1 – Top 10
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Man.
Gap
1
ROBERT Taylor
USA
KTM
46:45.6
2
RUSSELL Kailub
USA
KTM
+6.15
3
HIGLETT Fraser
AUS
Husqvarna
+19.96
4
GUARNERI Davide
ITA
Honda
+27.91
5
KELLEY Ben
USA
KTM
+34.12
6
GREEN Joshua
AUS
Yamaha
+37.05
7
BAYLOR Grant
USA
KTM
+1:04.56
8
MAGAIN Antoine
BEL
KTM
+1:06.90
9
DRISCOLL Michael
AUS
Yamaha
+1:13.13
10
POHJOLA Eemil
FIN
TM
+1:17.69
Enduro 3
Claiming the overall lead on day one, Sanders powers his way to a commanding lead in the Enduro 3 category.
Daniel Sanders – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
With a clean sweep of all seven special tests, the Husqvarna rider is one-minute and forty-seven seconds clear of Italy’s Rudy Moroni in second.
Moroni however has less breathing room with a determined Steward Baylor of the United States twelve seconds behind.
On a charge, Great Britain’s Alex Snow and Danny McCanney are less than three-seconds adrift of Baylor in fourth and fifth respectively.
Germany’s Angus Heidecke completes the top six in Enduro 3.
Enduro 3 Day 1 – Top 10
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Man.
Gap
1
SANDERS Daniel
AUS
Husqvarna
45:33.1
2
MORONI Rudy
ITA
KTM
+1:47.32
3
BAYLOR Steward
USA
KTM
+1:59.42
4
SNOW Alex
GBR
Gas Gas
+2:00.49
5
McCANNEY Daniel
GBR
TM
+2:02.41
6
HEIDECKE Angus
DEU
KTM
+2:13.90
7
ETCHELLS Jed
GBR
Sherco
+2:36.20
8
GESLIN Anthony
FRA
Beta
+2:36.29
9
PAVONI Matteo
ITA
Beta
+2:56.20
10
ABGRALL David
FRA
Beta
+3:06.90
Enduro Women’s
The battle for top honours in the Enduro Women’s category sees Brandy Richards place fifteen second clear of Maria Franke in second.
Australia’s Tayla Jones is three seconds in front of Great Britain’s Jane Daniels, while Australia’s Jessica Gardiner and Anne Borchers complete the top six.
Enduro Women’s Day 1 – Top 10
Pos
Rider
Nat
Man
Gap
1
RICHARDS Brandy
USA
KTM
51:28.52
2
FRANKE Maria
DEU
KTM
15.01
3
JONES Tayla
AUS
Husqvarna
+1:34.79
4
DANIELS Jane
GBR
Husqvarna
+1:38.06
5
GARDINER Jessica
AUS
Yamaha
+2:09.42
6
BORCHERS Anne
DEU
Husqvarna
+2:26.54
7
TURNER Shelby
CAN
KTM
+2:45.05
8
SHEETS Rebecca
USA
KTM
+2:47.00
9
GONCALVES Joana
PRT
Husqvarna
+3:19.76
10
BADIA Mireia
ESP
Husqvarna
+3:28.26
11
TRICKER Makenzie
AUS
KTM
+3:36.11
The FIM ISDE continues on day two with a repeat of day one’s three-hundred kilometre Menhir Route.
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Aussies lead as 2019 ISDE kicks off in Portugal
The RecoveR8 Australian World Trophy, Junior Trophy and Women’s Trophy teams have arrived in Portugal, for the 94th running of the FIM International Six Day Enduro (ISDE), with the World Trophy and Junior Trophy teams already making their mark after Day 1, leading both classes.
Daniel Sanders – 2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
Overnight rain dampened conditions for competitors during the opening lap of two, but from the off racing was hot and heavy as the five hundred plus competitors from 26 nations jostled for position.
Determined to put RecoveR8 Team Australia out front, Daniel Sanders was quick off the mark, setting the fastest time on the opening special test. But with United States’ Ryan Sipes and Spain’s Josep Garcia in close contention and the top-ten separated by just fifteen seconds, it was all to play for.
2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
The FIM ISDE continues on day two with a repeat of day one’s three-hundred kilometre Menhir Route. Full report to follow.
2019 Australian ISDE Team
RecoveR8 World Trophy Team
Joshua Green
Matthew Phillips
Daniel Sanders
Luke Styke
RecoveR8 Women’s Trophy Team
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
RecoveR8 Junior Trophy Team
Michael Driscoll
Fraser Higlett
Lyndon Snodgrass
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Zach Osborne extends Husqvarna contract
Husqvarna Motorcycles have announced that Zach Osborne has signed with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team for an additional year, extending his current contract into the 2021 season.
Zach Osborne
Osborne has enjoyed a hugely successful professional racing career to date, over a wide variety of disciplines and championships. His impressive list of achievements include two consecutive Eastern Regional 250SX Championships (2017 and ’18), an AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship (‘17), an FIM World Motocross Championship win, 14 career FIM World Motocross Championship MX2 podiums, a British MX2 Championship, and representing the United States in both the International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and at the prestigious Motocross of Nations (MXoN).
Zach Osborne
The Virginia native most recently put forth an impressive debut in the premier 450MX class over the summer, claiming six podium finishes, 14 top-fives and one moto win in his rookie 450 season with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team.
Zach Osborne
“I’m very grateful to continue my relationship with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing! We’ve had some very successful years and I’m looking forward to more. I’ve truly enjoyed being a part of this program since the revitalisation of the brand started back in 2015 and it feels like just yesterday that I joined the team. We have a great group of people and I enjoy going racing with them every weekend.”
Zach OsborneWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Cody Webb joins the FactoryONE Shero Team
American hard enduro star Cody Webb has left KTM and joined the Sherco family. The three-time AMA EnduroCross champion and 2018 FIM SuperEnduro champion will race a 300 SE Factory edition for the FactoryONE Sherco Team.
Sherco is already well established in hard enduro with Wade Young and Mario Roman racing all major international extreme off-road events with Young claiming the 2019 American Hard Enduro Series. Webb will add a third and very strong component in this sector.
Cody Webb
“So excited to share this with everyone finally! Can’t wait to promote Sherco USA and win some races again. Big shout out to the FactoryONE Sherco team for putting this all together and making my dreams become a reality.”
Cody Webb will race a FactoryONE Sherco 300 SE Factory editionWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Suzuki announce 2020 JGRMX Yoshimura Team
JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory Racing has announced its Motocross riders for 2020, and new to the JGR Suzuki squad in the 450 class is 450SX Rookie of the Year Joey Savatgy, as Alex Martin returns to represent the 250 class on his RM-Z250.
Suzuki announce 2020 JGRMX Yoshimura Team
Savatgy, who is no stranger to winning on the Suzuki brand, having racked up multiple Championships coming up through the ranks in Suzuki’s Amateur Racing Program, will be a great asset to the team as he brings proven talent, speed, and versatility to the track.
During the 2019 Supercross season, Savatgy earned the 450SX Rookie of the Year award and ended the series with five top-five finishes. With 12 professional career wins to his name, he has proven he has what it takes to be up-front on the RM-Z450.
Joey Savatgy – Suzuki 2020 JGRMX Yoshimura Team
Millville, Minnesota native Martin returns to JGRMX/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki on his RM-Z250. With three podiums and 11 top-five overall finishes in his Supercross career, Martin was proud to add a career-best fifth place finish in the overall points standings on his RM-Z250 last season. A-Mart is eager to build upon those strong results and continue his successful career on Suzuki.
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2019 FIM Oceania Speedway draw for Gillman Speedway announced
FIM Oceania have announced the draw for the 2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship to be held on November 23 at Gillman Speedway, South Australia.
2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship
Gillman Speedway in metropolitan Adelaide, is one of Australia’s best speedway tracks and has previously held the FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championships, however this time solo speedway riders will be the stars under the FIM Oceania banner.
The sensational field of riders selected includes Australian’s solo stars, Rohan Tungate, Justin Sedgmen, Jack Holder and Jaimon Lidsey who will be lined up against Internationals Charles Wright (UK), Tom Brennan (UK), Dan Bewley (UK), Emil Grandal (Denmark) and Szmon Szlauderbach (Poland).
The FIM Oceania Speedway Championship will see some of the Oceania region’s best Speedway riders battling it out at Gillman with no brakes, gears or fear, Saturday 23rd January is anticipated to be an absolute scorcher!
2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Championship
Dan Bewley
Tom Brennan
Ben Cook
Matthew Gillmore
Emil Grandal
Jack Holder
Zane Keleher
Jaimon Lidsey
Jedd List
Brayden McGuiness
Robert Medson
Justin Sedgmen
Jordan Stewart
Szmon Szlauderbach
Rohan Tungate
Charles Wright
R1 – Kyle Bickley
R2 – Ben Ernst
R3 – Fraser Bowes
When & Where
FIM Oceania Speedway Championship : Date: 23rd November 2019
Venue: Gillman Speedway, South Australia
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2020 Australian Speedway nominations open
Motorcycling Australia have announced that nominations are now open and Supplementary Regulations are now available for the 2020 Australian Speedway U21’s, 125cc & 250cc Championships which will head to Victoria and Western Australia.
Nominations are open and close 4.30pm AEDST Wednesday 18th December 2019. Late nominations will not be accepted. Please note that only nominations completed and received online via Ridernet will be accepted.
Nominations and Dates are as follows:
2020 Australian Speedway U21’s Championship
2020 Australian Speedway U16’s 250cc Championship
2020 Australian Speedway U16’s 125cc Solo / Teams Championships
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2020 AORC calendar announced
The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has announced the 2020 calendar revealing dates and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.
Luke Styke – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson Media
Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up 12 rounds of the AORC for 2020.
Kicking off the season will be Queensland (QLD) for Rounds 1 & 2, taking place over the February 22-23 weekend in 2020.
Will Price – 2019 AORC, Dungog
The Championship will then move to New South Wales (NSW) for the following four rounds hosting Rounds 3 & 4 as well as Rounds 5 & 6 on March 14-15 and April 18-19, respectively.
AORC Rounds 1 & 2, Toowoomba – Image by John Pearson
We will then head down to South Australia (SA) who will host Rounds 7 & 8 on August 1-2.
Victoria (VIC) will host Rounds 9 & 10 on September 19-20.
2019 AORC – Pro Race Start – Hedley, Victoria
The championship finale will conclude at a yet to be confirmed venue on October 17-18.
Over the coming weeks AORC will reveal all of the locations for the 12-round 2020 championship, and will also reveal what will be in store for the 2020 classes as they continue to evolve and grow alongside the championship.
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: QLD – 22–23 February 2020
Round 3 & 4: NSW – 14–15 March 2020
Round 5 & 6: NSW – 18–19 April 2020
Round 7 & 8: SA – 1–2 August 2020
Round 9 & 10: VIC – 19–20 September 2020
Round 11 & 12: TBC – 17–18 October 2020
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
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What happened this week
Lettenbichler wins 2019 GetzenRodeo & claims 2019 WESS title
Gunter, Gall, Dack & Marmont all set for ASX Round 3 in Wollongong
Tommy Searle announces GP racing retirement
2019 ISDE & Enduro Vintage Trophy set to kick off in Portimao
2020 Australian Dirt Track & Track Championships announced
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Calendar Update
Speedway GP scoring & qualification revamped for 2020
2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
Lettenbichler wins 2019 GetzenRodeo & WESS title
Manuel Lettenbichler became 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion with a winning ride at the final round of the World Enduro Super Series, the GetzenRodeo in Germany over the weekend.
2019 Overall Podium – 1) Manuel Lettenbichler, 2) Alfredo Gomez, 3) Jonny Walker – Image by Future7Media
In what was a fairy tale outing for the home favourite, Lettenbichler delivered a riding masterclass in front of thousands of passionate Enduro fans to win both the morning GetzenRace qualifier and afternoon GetzenChamp race, clinching the world title in emphatic style.
Putting in an incredible final charge in the closing moments of the GetzenChamp race, Alfredo Gomez secured second to jump from fourth to runner-up in the final series standings. A sixth-place finish on the day saw Jonny Walker slip to third in the championship.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Entering the eighth and final round of the 2019 World Enduro Super Series as champion elect, Lettenbichler didn’t put a foot wrong all day. Taking control of the two-hour morning qualifier on lap one, he controlled his pace at the head of the 60-strong field of world-class Enduro riders.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Going on to win the GetzenRace over Taddy Blazusiak and Walker set the tone for what was to follow in the all-important 80-minute plus one-lap GetzenChamp finale. With Gomez, Graham Jarvis, Billy Bolt and Mario Roman close behind, the outcome of the afternoon battle seemed too close to call.
2019 GetzenRodeo
The 20 qualified riders blasted off the start line at 2.00pm sharp for what would become a gruelling battle. Lettenbichler wasted no time in establishing himself at the front and took the lead early on lap one. Behind him Gomez, Blazusiak, Walker and Jarvis all fought for position.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
As the laps continued Lettenbichler appeared to pull clear of the field, but not from Blazusiak, with the Polish star picking up his pace during the final 30 minutes. Riding right up to Lettenbichler’s rear wheel entering the final lap, it set up a showstopper of an ending.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Going for Gold, Blazusiak briefly took the lead but then crashed, giving Lettenbichler the breathing room he needed entering the final Red Bull X-Loop. With Lettenbichler riding clear to claim victory and become world champion, drama then struck Blazusiak when his bike stopped.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion
“I’m over the moon, I can’t describe it. To be honest I nearly cried on the podium. It was such a long, tough race today and it’s been such a long season. To finish the year with a first place in front of my home fans would have been amazing, but to win the championship as well is unbelievable. I’m on top of the world right now. My plan for today in both races was to get away well and try to control the race from the front. I was a little nervous in this morning’s race but thankfully it all went to plan. I was honestly exhausted in this afternoon’s race – I couldn’t have given any more. When Taddy passed me, I knew I had to dig deep and carry on and thankfully I managed to get past him again and make it to the finish. The fans have been amazing too – I hope they enjoyed the race as much as I did.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – Image by Future7Media
Capitalising on Blazusiak’s misfortune, Gomez incredibly worked his way past and into second – a move which ultimately sees him jump to second in the championship. With the top three decided, it was Bolt who ended his day in fourth, with Pol Tarres claiming his best result of the 2019 series with fifth.
Alfredo Gomez
“I’m very happy for myself and the team. I feel a little sorry for Taddy, but I actually damaged my bike on lap two and that meant I had a disadvantage for the rest of the race. I had a few crashes, but I think the race was tough on everyone – it’s so physical and the terrain is so technical, there is no time to rest at all. That and the fact that everyone else is pushing as hard as they can makes it really, really tough. I’m really pleased with my result and so happy with second in the championship – it’s what we were aiming for and it makes all the hard work worth it.”
Alfredo Gomez
Taddy Blazusiak
“I’ve enjoyed the race and rode my heart out, only to lose out just at the end. It’s racing I know, but it seems I get a little more bad luck than others. I’m pleased with how I rode – the race was a little up and down but to catch Mani near the end and take the lead was fantastic. I was really pushing as hard as I could because I knew what I had to do to get second in the championship, unfortunately it just wasn’t to be. I have to be proud – I’ve not given up all year and that is the main thing.”
Taddy Blazusiak
With Walker unable to break inside the top-five with a sixth-place result, and with Gomez placing second, it meant the Brit would slip to third overall in the final standings. Jarvis pushed on to take seventh, with Sherco’s Mario Roman eighth.
Jonny Walker
“It was a really tough race today, I enjoyed it, but I’m a little disappointed not to get second in the championship. I had a good ride this morning, I just stayed consistent and tried to conserve some energy. This afternoon I really tried my best but it wasn’t quite good enough. Nevertheless, if you’d offered me third overall at the start of the year I would have taken it. I have struggled all year in the extreme stuff, but I know what I need to work on, and with a good winter to get back to 100 per cent, the plan is to come back next year and attack right from the start of the season.”
Jonny Walker
Sweden’s Eddie Karlsson impressed by bringing his Sherco home in ninth, while Norway’s Ib Anderson completed the top-10 for Gas Gas.
With the 2019 season complete, the eight-round 2020 WESS Enduro World Championship begins with Extreme XL Lagares in Portugal on May 8-10.
World Enduro Super Series result from GetzenRodeo
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 10 laps 1:52:29.720
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 10 laps 2:01:32.662
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 9 laps 1:35:24.393
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 8 laps 1:40:49.789
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 7 laps 1:36:36.490
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 7 laps 1:38:07.331
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 7 laps 1:46:21.162
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 6 laps 1:45:55.845
Eddie Karlsson (Sherco – SWE) 5 laps 1:36:54.766
Ib Anderson (Gas Gas – NOR) 4 laps 1:46:32.079
2019 World Enduro Super Series final standings
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 6110pts
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4884
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 4810
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 4620
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 4450
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4165
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 4136
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3560
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 3415
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 3130
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Gunter, Gall, Dack & Marmont all set for Australian SX Round 3
Supercross fans at the Yamaha Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship in Wollongong are set to enjoy the ultimate dose of Supercross nostalgia, with a second-to-none line up of supercross and motocross legends on November 9.
Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship next heads to Wollongong – Brisbane Round 1 pictured
The legends featured will be headlined by Illawarra local and Australian dirt bike champions Anthony Gunter (three-time Mr Motocross), Jay Marmont (eight-time Australian Champion) Ryan Marmont (four-time Australian Champion) and accompanied by motocross and supercross royalty Craig Dack, Stephen Gall and one of Australia’s most recent Champions Dean Ferris (three-time Motocross Champion), making it five decades worth of Champions (70, 80, 90, 00, ’10s) .
Often referred to as the golden era, the Mr Motocross titles were the most coveted prize on offer and between the names above have collected 11 of the 16 titles. (Dack four, Gall four, and Gunter three).
Anthony Gunter
“I will be riding my 1979 Mr Motocross bike, I look forward to being on the grid next to so many respected riders, Gally and I had incredible rivalries and to be next to him on Nov 9 in WIN Stadium will be something special. It’s great to see Supercross back in the Illawarra and I hope everyone comes to enjoy the atmosphere.”
Phil Lovett and Anthony Gunter
The third round of the Australian Supercross Championship promises to be a spectacle both on and off the track and the addition of the Legends Parade is another great way for fans to enjoy a trip down Supercross/Motocross memory lane.
Stephen Gall
“Anthony and I were at the very start of Supercross in Australia, I retired from racing in 1990 but have been actively involved since. To see the sport continue to evolve is great to see. To be at the gates and look left and right to see riders from my era and more recent will be something special.”
Stephen Gall
CDR Owner and champion Craig Dack is equally as pumped to line up next to his old foe and put on a show for the fans on November 9.
Craig Dack
“To line up alongside some of the guys from my era not to mention some of my former CDR Yamaha team racers over the past 26-years will be such a special occasion. Geelong’s appreciation laps in 2018 was such a great thrill for us riders and the fans and I hope to see thousands of Wollongong’s fans enjoy it just as much.”
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack
Final release tickets have just been made available starting at $30 for Children and $40 for Adults. The Australian Supercross Championship is supported and sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
Yamaha Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship is proudly supported by Dunlop, MotorEx, Destination Wollongong, Westrac, 100%, Honda, M2R Helmets, Kawasaki, Fly Racing, Suzuki, UniFilter & Australian Motorcycle Festival.
Tickets to Yamaha Round 3 of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on November 9 are on sale now via the www.ticketmaster.com.au website.
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Tommy Searle announces retirement from GP racing
Tommy Searle, long-time member of the Green family, has decided to retire from the FIM Motocross World Championships where he has been a leading player of the series for more than a decade.
Tommy Searle – 2019 MXGP of Italy, Imola
Having first ridden round the family garden at the tender age of two Tommy’s natural talent was evident at an early age and he and his parents jumped at the opportunity to join Kawasaki’s prestigious Team Green youth squad when he was old enough to move to the 85cc class.
A five-times UK youth champion the English teenager was enrolled into the official Molson Kawasaki MX2 World Championship team for the 2005 British GP at Matchams Park and responded eight days before his sixteenth birthday with a typically gutsy and enthusiastic ride, twice recovering from falls to score championship points in both motos and send a signal to the world that he would play a significant role in the sport throughout the years to come.
Tommy Searle
The following year he already finished eighth in his first full GP campaign with his first trip to the podium in Sweden and was runner-up in the world in each of the two following seasons before heading for America for two years.
Returning to Europe in 2011 with Team Monster Energy CLS Kawasaki he immediately revived his World title challenge, adding two more series medals, eight GP victories and twenty-six podiums to his CV over the next two years to close his MX2 career with his third series silver medal and a heart-pounding double-victory in front of his adoring home-country fans at Matterley Basin.
With fourteen career GP wins Tommy is Britain’s most successful GP rider in the MX2 class and ranks third in total victories across all classes to multiple world champions David Thorpe and Jeff Smith. His MXGP career was unfortunately interrupted by injuries but he remained a top-ten runner throughout the subsequent seven years and he played a significant role in consecutive Motocross of Nations podiums for Great Britain in 2017 and 2018.
Tommy Searle
A Green warrior to the core Tommy assisted the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team with competition development and further top-ten finishes during the closing stages of the 2019 campaign and signed off his Kawasaki career in style with the British national MX1 title. Recently a proud father to Alfie James together with wife Sophia, Tommy’s future racing focus will be the British motocross series.
Kawasaki thanked Searle for his commitment to the Green family throughout the past two decades and wished him all the best for the future in both his professional career and private life.
Tommy Searle
“After almost fifteen years racing at the top level – twelve full years in the world championship and two in America – my focus next year will just be racing in the UK. As a kid I never knew it was possible to achieve what I’ve done – it seems one minute I was racing schoolboy motocross with the family, the next I was on the GP podium at 16 years old, racing against the best in the world. Now in the blink of an eye I’m retiring from the GPs. I’ve had so many good memories of travelling around the world – I’ve lived the dream and have had the privilege to work with and race a lot of great people along the way. I never managed to win a world championship but I came close a couple of times and overall I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved with fourteen GP wins and podiums in the US as a young gun. I’ll always be grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way. I want to say a massive thanks to the fans who have cheered me on – hopefully I gave you a few good memories over the years too – and of course a huge thank you to Kawasaki Motors Europe and Team Green UK for the past years working together! You have been a massive part of my career; cheers Steve Guttridge and Ross Burridge for the support and good times!”
Tommy Searle
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2019 ISDE & Enduro Vintage Trophy set to kick off in Portimao
In little over a week more than five hundred riders from twenty-six nations will compete in the 2019 FIM International Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) to be held in Portimao, Portugal from 11-16 November. This will mark the 94th edition of this huge and historic event, which remains the oldest competition in the FIM calendar.
ISDE 2018 – Image John Pearson
Defending champions Australia, both in the World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy classes headline an entry packed with professional and amateur riders from as far afield as Canada and Japan, and with a strong showing from European countries such as France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, not forgetting the participants from Argentina, Mexico and Guatemala.
This year’s ISDE will again include the fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy also. First introduced at the ISDE in Spain back in 2016, the competition for enduro bikes from yesteryear has also enjoyed growing support with over one hundred and twenty riders from nine countries included on the 2019 entry list.
The 2019 ISDE Australian Team has already been announced, check out the rider entries for a full list via the links below
With a combined entry just shy of six hundred and fifty riders the 2019 ISDE in Portugal is set to be another important chapter in the rich heritage of this unique event.
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2020 WESS calendar and rename announced
From the start of 2020, the World Enduro Super Series will be officially known as the WESS Enduro World Championship, with WESS Promotion GmbH also announcing the championship schedule for 2020. Featuring eight rounds and extending into the United States, the WESS Enduro World Championship is set to grow in stature and popularity in 2020.
The WESS gets a name update for 2020 – 2019 Hawkstone Park Cross-Country – Image by Future7Media
Now entering its third season, the WESS Enduro World Championship continues to thrive, strengthening its vision of a series that encompasses all Enduro formats while providing a global platform for both professional and privateer riders to compete together.
For 2020 the championship retains many of its world-renowned favourites from seasons one and two and includes the welcomed return of the popular Red Bull 111 Megawatt event in Poland. Breaking new ground, the championship heads to the United States and the well-established Tennessee Knockout.
111 Megawatt 2018
Ensuring a varied and challenging start to the new season, established events Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) and Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) will see racing commence in May.
During the month of June, Austria’s iconic Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble will host round three, while Red Bull 111 Megawatt makes a welcome return to the WESS Enduro World Championship for round four.
Romania’s Red Bull Romaniacs will spectacularly kickstart the second half of the season in late July for round five. Then venturing outside of Europe for the first time and cementing itself as a true world championship, the United States’ most-prestigious Hard Enduro – Tennessee Knockout – will be eagerly anticipated on August 15-16.
Red Bull Romaniacs
Switching gears to Cross-Country racing, the fabled Hawkstone Park in Great Britain will mark the penultimate round of the series in September with the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country. Following its well-received addition to the 2019 series, Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro takes the honour of hosting an October championship finale in what’s sure to become a thrilling crowning of the Ultimate Enduro World Champion 2020.
2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule
Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC
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2020 Australian Dirt Track & Track Championships announced
Motorcycling Australia has announced the release of the 2020 Australian Dirt Track and Track calendar ahead of the highly anticipated season.
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships – Image by Dave Lamont
The four 2020 Australian Dirt Track and Track Championships will each be run at a different venues across three states and territories: Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates
April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD
North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
Fairburn Park, ACT ACT Motorcycle Club
2020 Australian Track Championship dates
May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW
Tamworth Motorcycle Club
September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club
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2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Calendar Update
Following a request from the Kurri Kurri Speedway Club, Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the following date change for 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Championships.
The Australian Senior Solo Speedway – Image by Judy McKay
Due to unforeseen circumstances the initial qualifying/round scheduled for the January 2-3 at Kurri Kurri Speedway (NSW) has been changed to January 3-4, 2020.
MA advises that no other changes have been made to the Speedway calendar and thanked rider’s for their patience and understanding regarding this change of date.
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar
Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA
Speedway GP scoring & qualification revamped for 2020
The stakes will be even higher in FIM Speedway Grand Prix finals after the SGP Commission confirmed changes to the scoring and qualification system from 2020. Riders will be awarded championship points according to their finishing position in the SGP meetings, rather than how many points they score in each heat.
2020 Speedway GP points revamped announced
The system will see every rider who qualifies for the semi-final guaranteed at least nine championship points, with riders who fall short receiving eight or less on a sliding scale.
The winner of an SGP event will earn 20 championship points, with the runner-up 18, the third-placed rider 16 and the rider in fourth 14 points.
Director of the FIM Track Racing Commission (CCP) Armando Castagna explains the new system will add value to the championships by rewarding riders who reach finals and win rounds more regularly, ensuring an even more thrilling climax to SGP events.
Armando Castagna – FIM Track Racing Commission
“The main thinking for us is to harmonise our championship scoring system with other big sports events so that the winner always comes away with the most points, which will help attract and retain a wider audience for our sport.”
Phil Morris – SGP Race Director
“We want to reward those riders who get into the finals. Riders in the semi-finals will be giving their absolute all to get through as there is the potential to score an extra eight championship points. That’s a big swing and ensures there’s everything to race for when we reach that stage of the night, all building to a huge crescendo.”
Points scored by riders in their five heats will still be used to determine the eight riders who reach the semi-finals. The third-placed riders in the semi-finals will then be ranked ahead of the riders who finish fourth.
2019 Speedway GP
Of the two third-placed semi-final riders, the one who finished highest after the heats will be ranked fifth and receive 12 championship points, while the other will be ranked sixth and earn 11 championship points – with the existing countback system used to resolve any ties if riders finished level.
Likewise, the fourth-placed semi-final rider who scores highest in the heats will be ranked seventh, receiving 10 championship points, and the other fourth finisher will finish eighth and earn nine.
Meanwhile those who fall short of the top eight will be ranked according to the points they scored over 20 heats, again with the existing countback system used to decide any ties if riders finish level on points. Their overall finishing position in the meeting will determine how many championship points they are allocated on a sliding scale, with the rider ranked ninth scoring eight championship points and the rider in 16th spot earning one.
In another change for 2020, only the top six riders in the SGP World Championship will be guaranteed a place in the following season’s series – down from the eight automatic qualification places allocated this year.
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019
The top three from the GP Challenge will still qualify for the following season, while the winner of the Speedway European Championship series will also be guaranteed a spot in the SGP World Championship.
The line-up will be completed by five permanent wild cards, which will be selected by the SGP Commission.
FIM Speedway GP Qualification places
Top six in SGP World Championship standings
Top three at the GP Challenge
Winner of the Speedway European Championship
Five permanent wild cards selected by the SGP Commission
Speedway GP will boast a new point and qualification system in 2020
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2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
The FIM Speedway Grand Prix series heads for Russia next year as Togliatti joins nine returning venues on the 2020 SGP World Championship calendar.
Following the city’s successful Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Finals last July, the sport’s individual World Championship heads to the Anatoly Stepanov Stadium – one of the world’s finest purpose-built track-racing venues – on August 29, 2020.
2020 Speedway Grand Prix calendar announced
Russian stars Emil Sayfutdinov, Artem Laguta and Gleb Chugunov retained the country’s world team title on home shale last summer and now riders will go for individual glory in one of the biggest speedway meetings ever staged in Russia.
The SGP 2020 series launches with the PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland on May 16 at PGE Narodowy, with tickets already selling rapidly for Poland’s biggest speedway event.
That prestigious night of racing is followed by an historic German SGP in Teterow on May 30 as the Bergring Arena celebrates its 100th event and 90 years of racing at the venue with a must-see SGP and longtrack double-header weekend.
The action switches to Prague on June 13 as the Czech SGP returns to Marketa Stadium for a 24th straight year – extending the picturesque capital city’s record as the longest-serving SGP host.
After a month’s break the World Championship then resumes with a breathless few weeks, starting with one of the sport’s flagship events – the Adrian Flux British SGP at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on July 18. With the SGP series celebrating its 20th season of racing in the Welsh capital, fans can expect this year’s event to be bigger and better than ever.
Attention switches to Hallstavik just a week later as the Credentia Arena hosts the Swedish SGP on July 25.
2019 SGP of Poland
The summers hots up in Poland when the Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland returns to the storied Olympic Stadium on August 1 – a year on from staging what many have claimed was one of the all-time great SGP meetings, which saw Bartosz Zmarzlik top the podium on his way to the world title.
Another of the sport’s finest race tracks follows on August 15 as the Scandinavian SGP heads to Malilla.
Two weeks after the first-ever Russian SGP on August 29, Vojens Speedway Center plays host to the Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO on September 12 – the penultimate round of the season.
The action concludes with the Revline Torun SGP at the iconic Marian Rose Motoarena on October 3 as fans flock from all over the world to see the 2020 world champion crowned.
The calendar for the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations will be announced in due course.
2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar
May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
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What happened this week
Watson wins French Beach Race Loon-Plage Round 2
2019 Grand National Cross Country season wraps up at Ironman
RecoveR8 Australian ISDE team line-up updated
What to expect for 2020 AMA SX season after Monster Cup
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
Watson wins French Beach Race Loon-Plage Round 2
Nathan Watson secured victory at round two of the Championnat de France des Sables at Loon-Plage with the win moving the defending French Beach Race Champion to the top of the provisional series standings. Teammate Camille Chapeliere delivered a much-improved performance over his round one result, taking a strong fourth, while Jeffrey Dewulf and Milko Potisek completed the top three, mirroring their positions in the standings.
Nathan Watson
The Championnat de France des Sables moved north to Loon-Place, near Dunkirk, for round two, returning to a traditional beach race format, and the fight for victory was played out over a gruelling two-and-a-half-hour race.
Placing as runner-up at round one following a couple of mistakes, Nathan Watson was looking forward to the longer race distance and the chance to show both his pace and endurance. Starting 11th, during the opening six laps he calmly worked his way into the top five while maintaining sight of the leaders.
Taking the race lead on lap 17 of 25, Nathan then dropped to third following his final pit stop. Battling back to second and feeling strong while doing so, he again regained control of the race lead with two laps remaining. Upping his pace, with conditions at their worst he pulled clear of his rivals to secure a 26-second margin of victory.
Camille Chapeliere
Nathan Watson
“Taking the win and with it the championship leader’s red plate has made for a great day at Loon-Plage. I was looking forward to returning to the longer, more traditional style beach race after the shorter, multi-race format at round one. I feel that’s where I’m best and can keep pushing throughout the race. Unfortunately, my start wasn’t the best, but I knew if I kept the leaders in sight then the race would come to me. The sunshine actually made things tricky with shadows on the bumps and holes, so I tried to settle into the first hour and then work my way forward. With two laps to go I felt strong and attacked hard to put myself into the lead and pull clear for the win. Overall, I’m chuffed with that ride because my shoulder still isn’t 100 per cent and there’s a few more things we’d like to improve on the bike. I’ve got the final round of the World Enduro Super Series next weekend and after that I’ll fully concentrate on improving more.”
Nathan Watson
The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round three at Magesq on November 16-17.
Championnat de France des Sables Round 2 – Loon-Plage
Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 25 laps 2:31:54.730
Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA), KTM, 25 laps 2:32:21.320 +26.590
Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 25 laps 2:32:39.880 +45.150
Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 25 laps 2:37:25.260 +5:30.530
Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 25 laps 2:37:57.710 +6:02.980
Championship Standings (After round 2)
Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 285pts
Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA), KTM, 260pts
Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 235pts
Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 225pts
Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 201pts
2019 Grand National Cross Country season wraps up at Ironman
The 2019 Grand National Cross Country Series officially came to an end after Sunday’s motorcycle racing at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where tricky, muddy conditions proved a challenge, adding slick sections in spots throughout the day.
XC1 Holeshot – Image by Ken Hill
The conditions wouldn’t stop Ben Kelley from making his way through the pack after an almost dead last start off the line. Kelley would come through on the first lap already sitting third overall. Kelley would consistently get faster each lap, and by the time he came through on lap number two he would be sitting first overall.
Kelley was not looking back as he maintained those fast lap times until the chequered flag flew. Kelley has now earned two overall and XC1 Open Pro class wins in a row, and moved into the third place position in the National Championship points standings for the year.
Ben Kelly – Image by Ken Hill
Trevor Bollinger maneuvered his way through the pack after a fifth place start to the day to come through second overall and land his fifth podium finish of the season. Coming back from a mid-pack start to round out the overall podium at the season finale was Steward Baylor Jr. After running sixth and fifth for majority of the day, Baylor Jr. was able to capitalise on the last lap and take third overall to end his season.
Trevor Bollinger – Image by Ken Hill
Grant Baylor steadily worked his way up through the pack, moving his way up to fourth overall as the checkered flag flew. Josh Strang would derail his chain on the first lap, and have to battle back for his seventh overall on the day.
Trevor Bollinger, Ben Kelley, Steward Baylor Jr. – Image by Ken Hill
XC2 250 Pro
In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Craig Delong coming away with second-straight win the class, while also coming through eighth overall in Indiana. Delong would battle throughout the day swapping positions multiple times, but ultimately coming away with another win. Delong holds onto second in the XC2 class points standings for the year.
Craig Delong – Image by Ken Hill
Liam Draper earned another podium finish at the season finale, and holds onto fifth in the year end points standings. Draper put up a fight for the lead position and for his podium position throughout the duration of the race. Draper would hold off his fellow competitors though and take the second place finish by a couple minutes.
Jonathan Johnson landed himself the final podium position to end the year, with only a couple hours on a brand-new bike. This was Johnson’s first-ever XC2 podium finish, which helped him secure his eighth place finish in the class standings.
FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am
Chase Colville earned his first FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win of the season after a handful of podium finishes throughout the year. Colville sits third in the points standings. Nathan Ferderer and Logan Kittock rounded out the class podium with a second and third.
Simon Johnson – Image by Ken Hill
Taking home the top amateur honors at the season finale was Simon Johnson. Johnson clinched his class championship, while also announcing he would move to the XC2 class for the 2020 season. Ryder LeBlond came through to earn second overall and second in the 250 A class. After earning the youth overall championship earlier in the season Joseph Cunningham made his way to the top amateur podium to end the 2019 season.
WXC
MacKenzie Tricker came through to earn the WXC class win at the conclusion of Sunday’s morning race at the Ironman GNCC. Rachael Archer would come through to finish second with Becca Sheets rounding out the final WXC podium of the season.
Tayla Jones
“If anyone told me as I was packing my bags three-years ago to move to the other side of the world, and that in three years time I’d have three GNCC championships I would’ve laughed. It was the dream for sure but for it to now be a reality is incredible. This year was definitely the toughest, and I am beyond grateful for all of the support of my team, family and friends who stuck behind me the whole way.”
MacKenzie Tricker – Image by Ken Hill
However, attention would be turned towards Tayla Jones as she clinched her third WXC National Championship after a hard-fought battle all year long.
Marking the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship halfway point, the Southwick National visited The Wick 338 sand track, with Marvin Musquin carrying the momentum following his first overall win of the season the previous weekend in Florida. He kept it going at the sandbox with an impressive performance that saw him become the first rider this season to capture back-to-back victory.
Southwick AMA Pro Motocross
The win also vaulted the Frenchman up to second in the 450 Class standings, where he’ll look to keep chipping away at his deficit to Eli Tomac over the second half of the summer.
Marvin Musquin 1-2
“Qualifying first meant a whole lot coming into the races today. I was so pumped to grab the holeshot in the first moto! It was a long moto, when you lead like that the whole time it feels like forever but it was super important to win that one because everyone was right there. I didn’t get the same start in the second moto but I worked my way through to second and it was good for the overall. It was tough out there physically, but we stayed consistent and came away with the overall.”
2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
Dean Ferris was happy to fight his way to a top ten result in Moto 1 from a poor start, while a crash in Moto 2 saw him finish just outside the top 10 in 12th, for eighth overall.
Dean Ferris 8-12
“I had a terrible start in moto one and had put in a really big fight. I am quite happy with the moto and wasn’t too far behind some really big guys. In moto two, I ended up going down and it was really physically demanding. I’m glad it’s over and we can focus on the next race.”
Dean Ferris – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
Roczen showed impressive speed in the early going of both motos at Southwick, setting quick lap times and making strong passes, only for his physical limitations to then thwart his progress and see him overtaken by several competitors, with a 12-10 result netting ninth overall.
Ken Roczen
“I was coming into Southwick fairly excited, though struggling a little bit recovering from last weekend’s race. Still, I came in with full motivation and a new fork setting that unfortunately didn’t work out very well for me in the first moto. On top of that, I could’ve recovered a little better from the weekend before, but I knew that I went out there and gave my best. For sure it wasn’t what we were looking for, but we’re going to continue working hard on the bike and I’m going to continue working on myself to get back in top shape and get back to winning races. For now I have to take it as it is, but I’m going to keep my head up and hope for a much, much better result from RedBud. I’m going to do everything I can throughout the week to prepare myself and get back to the very top. Other than that, there’s not much to say about my result besides we’re not very happy with it and are looking to turn it around next weekend.”
Ken Roczen – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
In the 250 Class, Adam Cianciarulo was in search of a rebound after his four-round winning streak was snapped in Florida. The championship leader rose to the occasion in Southwick, and emerged with his fifth win in six races to extend his lead in the championship standings.
Adam Cianciarulo 1-2
“I try to make good decisions [when I’m out there]. The more I mature as a racer, the more you just learn [how to handle situations]. I managed that [second moto], for sure. I’m not sure if I had Dylan’s pace in that [second] moto. He deserved that one. I tried to follow, but I’ll admit, I was a little bit fatigued. We still leave here with another win, and it’s amazing what we continue to accomplish as a team.”
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (1-2)
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (3-1)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (2-3)
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (4-4)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (7-5)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-6)
Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Honda (5-7)
Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha (8-12)
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (12-10)
John Short, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda (15-9)
450 Class Championship Standings
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 257
Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 231
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 229
Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 227
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 212
Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 202
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 159
Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 136
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 131
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 117
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (1-2)
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (3-1)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (2-3)
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (4-4)
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (6-7)
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (10-5)
Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (7-8)
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (5-11)
Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, KTM (11-6)
Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Yamaha (12-9)
250 Class Championship Standings
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 269
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 246
Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 232
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 178
Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 167
RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 165
Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 162
Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 148
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 143
Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 108
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Jared Mees tops 2019 Lima Half Mile
AFT Twins images courtesy of Scott Hunter
Defending multi-time Champion Jared Mees claimed the AFT Twins Lima Half-Mile over the weekend at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, in what was arguably the most thrilling of the 2019 American Flat Track season and one with massive championship implications – both factors working decidedly in Mees’ favor.
Jared Mees – Lima Half Mile 2019
The opening several laps featured an intense head-to-head showdown that pit Mees up against championship leader Briar Bauman. That duel was cut short by a red flag on lap 7, which altered the complexion of the Main dramatically.
Mees got a stellar jump at the restart, while Bauman was sucked into a battle for second with Jeffrey Carver Jr., Henry Wiles, and rookie Brandon Price. Bauman’s luck only got worse from there, as his rear tire came clean off the rim on lap 10. That unusual mishap put an end to his perfect season’s podium streak while instantly eliminating the bulk of his hard-earned championship padding.
Following Bauman’s exit, Carver ate up the gap to Mees, and the two then engaged in their own wild shootout for the lead. Running divergent lines, Mees and Carver proceeded to trade the position back and forth multiple times per corner for several laps in succession.
Carver attempted to square up the final turn but Mees powered neatly around the outside line, beating his opponent to the checkered flag by 0.199 seconds. Wiles came home third another 0.668 seconds in arrears.
Combined with Briar Bauman’s DNF and Brandon Robinson failing to make the Main 1 event after cashing in his only provisional start of the season, Mees’ triumph elevated him to second in the standings, a mere 13 points back of Bauman (145-132).
Jared Mees
“When you’re battling up in the cushion like that, it wears you out twice as fast. You’re wrestling the bike, and the bike’s jumping around. Hats off to Jeffrey; I work out so hard, and I didn’t have nothing left — I was done. I just want to give a big shout out to Jeffrey [Carver, Jr.] and Henry [Wiles] for a hellacious, awesome race.”
Jared Mees – Lima Half Mile 2019
2019 American Flat Track – Lima Half Mile Main Event
Jared Mees 25 Laps (winner)
Jeffrey Carver Jr. +0.199
Henry Wiles +0.867
Brandon Price +4.487
Bronson Bauman +10.639
Robert Pearson +11.127
Bryan Smith +11.715
Davis Fisher +15.156
Stephen Vanderkuur +17.956
JD Beach +18.463
2019 American Flat Track Point Standings – AFT Twins
Briar Bauman – 145
Jared Mees – 132
Brandon Robinson – 108
Bronson Bauman – 101
Henry Wiles – 96
Jeffrey Carver Jr. – 90
Jarod Vanderkooi – 85
Robert Pearson – 78
Jake Johnson – 75
Sammy Halbert – 74
AFT Singles
For the second consecutive year at the Allen County Fairgrounds, Shayna Texter was simply unstoppable in the Roof Systems AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys Main Event.
Shayna Texter – Lima Half Mile 2019
After dominating the program in the lead-up to the Main, Texter found herself shuffled down to fourth as she fishtailed off the line. Undeterred, Texter put on a flat track masterclass as she propelled her way forward.
Shayna Texter
“My Red Bull KTM backed by Roof Systems motorcycle was just working so good. I couldn’t figure out how I won this race last year. I sat around for 365 days and thought, ‘Man, how did I win Lima?’ So, to win it twice is incredible. It’s a dream come true.”
Max Whale had a rough day but finished 13th in the Main event.
Max Whale
“Struggled all day on my A bike. Switched to the back up bike and was happy to make the main. Tried my hardest and all I could salvage was a 13th. Happy to still be running eighth in the championship. Keep moving forward!”
2019 American Flat Track – Lima Half Mile Singles Main Event
Shayna Texter 15 Laps (winners)
Dan Bromley +2.570
Chad Cose +4.693
Mikey Rush +4.915
Ryan Wells +5.098 …13. Max Whale
AFT Singles Podium – 1) Shayna Texter, 2) Dan Bromley, 3) Chad Cose – Lima Half Mile 2019
2019 American Flat Track Point Standings – AFT Singles
Mikey Rush 156
Dalton Gauthier 144
Dan Bromley 134
Jesse Janisch 129
Ryan Wells 105
AFT Production Twins
Chad Cose earned his first-career American Flat Track victory following a race-long scrap with runaway AFT Production Twins title leader Cory Texter. Texter entered Lima with a perfect three-for-three wins record on the season and threatened to make it four-for-four by storming to the holeshot and opening an immediate gap.
However, Cose exploited the high line to perfection for the short time it existed and managed to steal away the lead while the contest was still in its early stages. Texter reclaimed the advantage for a single straight at mid-distance, but Cose pounced in the very next corner to counter. Texter then hounded his rival to the flag but was never able to find another hole in Cose’s defense.
Cose’s maiden win comes after more than a decade on the scene and after finishing the 2018 season ranked sixth overall in the premier AFT Twins class with a podium to his name.
Chad Cose
“I’m so happy for my team. It feels good for me, and I knew I was capable all along. But it’s tough. Nobody sees the behind-the-scenes stuff and everything like that. I’m so happy for my team — they work so hard for me.”
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Toni Bou wins Belgium TrialGP Round 5
Toni Bou (Repsol Honda Team) has secured another victory in the 2019 TrialGP championship to further extend his lead at Round 5 in Comblain-au-Pont, Belgium. Hot conditions proved a challenge to competitors, with constant refreshment required while the two fiften section laps were complete.
Toni Bou – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019
Proving strong competition throughout the day was Jeroni Fajardo, with Bou taking the lead in the final section of the last lap to claim the win. This is Toni Bou’s fifth victory of the season, with a 19-point lead that seen him on the top step of the podium since Andora last year.
Teammate Takahisa Fujinami came in fourth, narrowly missing the podium, and holds the same position in the standings.
Toni Bou – P1
“Today was a very tough race. It was very easy to fail but very difficult to recover. On the first lap we had Fajardo ahead who had a great trial, but on the second I was able to come back and put up with the pressure well. I was able to take the win in the final section in front of the spectators, which was very nice. Looking ahead to the championship, today has been a very important day to take things one step further. Congratulates also to Fujinami, who today also had a great ride opening the track.”
Toni Bou – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019
Belgium TrialGP Result
BOU Toni – Repsol Honda Team
FAJARDO Jeroni – Gas Gas
RAGA Adam – TRRS Factory Team
FUJINAMI Takahisa – Repsol Honda Team
BUSTO Jaime – Vertigo Factory Team
Toni Bou topped the podium from Fajardo and Raga – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019
TrialGP Standings following Belgium
BOU Toni – 100 points
RAGA Adam – 67
FAJARDO Jeroni – 67
FUJINAMI Takahisa – 66
BUSTO Jaime – 51
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Australian ISDE Team update & controversy
The November 2019 FIM International Six Days’ Enduro (ISDE) inches ever closer, as Team Australia gets set to head to Portugal to defend their title, and Motorcycling Australia announce an update to the team line-up.
With Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team) and his fiancé expecting their first child in October, Milner opted to not risk missing the birth and as a result he won’t defend his personal and team title in 2019.
Daniel Milner
“My fiancé and I are super excited to announce that we are expecting Baby Milner in October! We can’t wait for parenthood and what the rest of this year has to bring! Unfortunately, my commitments to my family mean I have withdrawn from the RecoveR8 Australian ISDE Team. Sadly, I will be unable to defend my individual and team title.”
Daniel Milner at the ISDE in 2018
Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team’s Fraser Higlett will step in the RecoveR8 Australian World Trophy Team, returning to the team after a strong performance at the 2018 ISDE, in Chile, where he finished ninth in the E1 class and 38th overall.
Fraser Higlett
“This has been a unexpected but super positive surprise! I’m really honoured to be returning to the ISDE for a second year and representing my country. 2018 marked my first year in the team, and I learnt a lot which I’ll take into Portugal to help defend our title.”
Fraser Higlett – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media
There was some controversy over why 2018 competitor Josh Strang hadn’t been picked for the team with Strang sharing he missed initial selection due to the level of support it was believed he would receive and the reliability of his machine. He then shared that he was asked to fill in for Milner, but declined the position while congratulating Milner on his expectant fatherhood.
Josh Strang (on FB)
“Figured I could answer a few questions about ISDE now everything has all been settled. First off – I missed selection in the first pick due to the support I was able to receive or what the selectors presumed I would receive and the reliability of my machine. This made me even more upset about the choice that was made. Now this week I was asked to fill in again after [Daniel Milner] @milner_31 withdrew but it has been two months so I have made plans and I wasn’t chosen in the first place so why should I go now. I wish all the boys luck and I hope next year when I put my hand up I will be chosen the first time around. I’m an Aussie so you gotta put your 2-cents in when the time is right. Pumped for Milner, you don’t wanna miss the first few weeks with your kid mate! At least the rentals will be safe this year!”
Josh Strang joined Kawasaki for 2019 with the Babbit’s Kawasaki Racing Team
2019 RecoveR8 Australian World Trophy Team:
Joshua Green
Fraser Higlett
Daniel Sanders
Luke Styke
2019 RecoveR8 Australian Women’s World Trophy Team:
Jessica Gardiner
Tayla Jones
Mackenzie Tricker
2019 RecoveR8 Australian Junior World Trophy Team:
Michael Driscoll
Wil Ruprecht
Lyndon Snodgrass
Team Manager:
Don Atkins
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Jorge Prado signs with Red Bull KTM until 2023
Defending MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado has confirmed he’ll remain with the Red Bull KTM in the MXGP Championship until 2023, with a contract extension made in Germany.
Jorge Prado
“KTM have supported me since I started racing and winning my first world title in the 65s. They offered me a great opportunity for MXGP because if I win this year then I’ll need to be on a 450 and so this all came together very easily. I’m very happy to stay another four years and we’re both excited about it. Since I joined this team and worked with Claudio [De Carli] I’ve really felt that my place was to stay here and learn. He has a lot of experience and I’m sure we’ll make a good pass to the 450s. I have a great team behind me and it is difficult to find a better place than where I am right now.”
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Latvia 2019
18-year-old Prado took his first GP podium in 2016 in Assen and by 2018 was MX2 world championship, while 2019 has seen him on track for another win having claimed nine round victories from the ten he’s contested, with 14 holeshots to boot.
He currently holds a 44-point lead in the standings and is aiming for back to back championships, which would put him in the history books alongside Marvin Musquin and Jeffrey Herlings.
Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM MXGP Team Manager
“In our sport we can never take anything taken for granted, so it is always satisfying when renewals like this happen and we can continue our journey. It is the sign that we are working in the right direction and the continuity in relationships means that the group is solid and close-knit. With Jorge I have had again the chance to help a young rider, which has always been one of my priorities, and I thank KTM for this. In the last two years I can only say that with Jorge we have always worked with the utmost commitment and with a smile, even in difficult times. He is a fantastic boy that deserves all his success.”
Jorge Prado and Claudio De Carli – Red Bull KTM MXGP Team Manager
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Tommy Searle joins KRT for MXGP
Tommy Searle will join the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team for the remainder of the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship, with both factory riders injured. BOS GP agreed to allow Searle to move from their team to the Factory team, starting with the Czech Republic round in July.
Searle currently leads the British Championship and will undergo several testing sessions on the Factory machine before competing.
Tommy Searle
“I’m obviously very happy to have this opportunity to ride for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team and I want to thank everyone involved for their support. I will work hard with them in the coming weeks to be ready and prepared for the Czech GP, and will also do my best in the British series to claimed this title for Kawasaki and BOS who gave me this opportunity this season.”
Tommy Searle – MXGP of Portugal
François Lemariey – Monster Energy KRT Team manager
“It’s great to see that all the parties involved made this possible, as we need to line up our Factory bike behind the gate as soon as possible again after the injuries to Clément and Julien. Julien underwent successful surgery last Monday to his arm; he is now recovering as well as Clément but we know that both will need time before getting back to racing. Tommy did most of his GP career with Kawasaki and we are pleased to welcome him in the team; several testing sessions are already planned so we can prepare together in good shape at the MXGP of Czech Republic. It was impossible to fly to Indonesia as the crates had to be delivered earlier his week, and we want Tommy to test the bike thoroughly before racing the GPs with us. ”
DPH Husqvarna leads MX Nationals to Round 7
Following a strong start to the second half of the 2019 MX Nationals season, the DPH Husqvarna Factory Racing Team head to Round 7 in Maitland with both the MX1 and MX2 leads, with Todd Waters and Wilson Todd. Teammate Bailey Malkiewicz also holds seventh in the MX2 standings.
Todd Waters
Boyd Hocking – DPH Husqvarna team manager
“I’m really happy with how things came together [at Round 6]. With all three racers being full of confidence after the break in the season, we all felt it would be a strong weekend but to finish the weekend leading both championships is unbelievable. With four rounds over three weekends still to go, a lot can happen, but we’re in a good position. Toddy (Todd Waters) and Wilbur (Wilson Todd), they continue to show that they are in it to win, and they’re the benchmark riders in their classes. When things don’t go exactly to plan, they consolidate, work hard and make it a positive result, and when it does go to plan, they cross the line first. I can’t wait for round seven!”
Wilson Todd
The seventh round of the MX Nationals is scheduled for Maitland, NSW on July 14.
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Fly Racing sponsors 2019 Australian Supercross Rounds 1-3
Fly Racing Australia has come on board with the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship as a major partner, coverings Rounds 1, 2 and 3 which well be held in Brisbane (Oct 12), Port Adelaide (Oct 19) and Wollongong (Novemer 9) respectively.
Australian Supercross Championship
The partnership was announced by Troy Bayliss with Fly Racing the naming sponsor for Round 2 at Gillman Speedway in Port Adelaide.
Troy Bayliss
“We are pleased to welcome Fly Racing’s partnership with Round 1,2 and 3 of the Australian Supercross Championships, Fly Racing has been a big supporter of Supercross athletes and teams around the world and it’s exciting to see that support expand to Supercross events here in Australia.”
Penrite Honda’s Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe in 2018
McLeod Accessories’ Brand Manager and Race Support Duncan Hale was also excited with the partnership, with Fly Racing currently supporting the Penrite Honda Racing team which returns in 2019 with the same team as 2018, including Justin Braytin and Brett Metcalfe.
Duncan Hale
“McLeod Accessories and Fly Racing are honoured to commence our partnership with Troy Bayliss Events and the Australian Supercross Championship for 2019. Our constant goal at McLeod Accessories and Fly Racing is to always provide the highest quality service to our dealers and the very best products to their customers. McLeod’s and FLY have a strong passion for the Local Motorcycle industry, and this is a great way to demonstrate our long term commitment to the growth of the sport in Australia. Troy Bayliss Events vision for the long-term health and growth of Australian Supercross is shared by McLeod Accessories. That like-minded thinking, coupled with the entire organization’s passion for the sport, made them an ideal partner for the Fly Racing brand. The 2019 Australian Supercross Championship is a great opportunity for us to showcase the all new mind blowing 2020 Fly Racewear, both on and off the track.”
Justin Brayton – Australian Supercross 2018
The Australian Supercross Championship is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
Australian Supercross Championship Ticket Sales
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Joeys reach 2019 FIM Team Speedway U21 final
Team Australia, consisting of Captain Jaimon Lidsey and team members Jordan Stewart, Kye Thomson, Zac Cooke and Matthew “Happy” Gilmore, fought tooth and nail in Vetlanda, Sweden to successfully secure their place in the FIM Team Speedway U21 World Championship final.
The Joeys were runner up at the recent Swedish round, claiming a place in the final – Image by Ian Charles
Clocking up a total of 40 points overall, the Joeys finished just behind the evening’s victor, Denmark, on 50 points. Team Captain, Lidsey, shone all evening to score the greatest sum of points for Team Australia, with 17 points. Happy Gilmore and Stewart followed on the success from Lidsey with 10 and nine points for the night, respectively.
Jaimon Lidsey
“A great result for Team Australia, in our semi-final and scoring enough points to secure a spot in the final in Manchester on the 12th of July. We’re absolutely pumped!”
Australia’s Joeys now head to Manchester, UK for the Final on Friday 12th July. Lidsey is set to be right at home come July, with the Final kicking off at his SGB Premiership home track in Manchester. Team Australia will now go head to head with 11-time FIM Team Speedway U21 World Champions, Poland, as well as Denmark and Great Britain, who finished second and third in the 2018 edition of the World Championship.
2019 Team Australia MXoN applications open!
2019 will see Assen, the Netherlands play host to the FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN), kicking off on September 28 and Motorcycling Australia has just opened applications to join Team Australia.
MXoN 2018
The 2018 MXoN saw Team Australia finish in fourth overall behind France, the Netherlands and Great Britain, while 2019 will see Australia return stronger than ever and eager to reach the podium.
There are three classes available for riders to nominate for including MX1, MX2 and Open. Riders can nominate for more than one class and applications must be submitted by no later than COB Friday 26th July, with selected team members away for approximately seven days, with final details to be confirmed at a later date.
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Mount Kembla motocross fatality
In a tragic turn of events, experienced motocross rider 51-year-old Neville Turner has passed away following a collision with a tree on Sunday during a social ride on the practice track, at the Mt Kembla dirt bike complex.
A fundraiser on GoFundMe.com has been started to support Mr. Turner’s wife and family. You can find the GoFundMe page here:
Youthstream have announced the entry list for the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, and 65cc World Cup, which will be held in Pietramurata, Trentino on July 13-14.
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup
The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship includes the 125cc and 85cc two stroke categories plus the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup featuring young talents coming from all over the world competing not only for their national flag but to be crowned World Champions or World Cup winner.
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