Tag Archives: Jessica Gardiner

Aussie International Six Day Enduro Team announced

2019 ISDE Australian Team announced


After a highly successful outing in 2018 in Chile, the official Team Australia that will head over to compete the 2019 FIM ISDE in Portimao Portugal has been announced, with the event running November 11-16 and this years team tasked with defending two coveted trophies in order to remain the top spot.

Over six days on three different routes, traversing 1,500 kilometres and tackling 10 demanding special tests, Team Australia will go up against more than 30 nations from five continents. Riding on the back of an undeniably successful 2018 in Chile where Team Australia took home the Outright World Champion, World Trophy and Women’s World Trophy, the three teams will call upon a wealth of experience and an invaluable support team as they push both mind and body to the ultimate test.

ISDE Australian Team announced
2019 ISDE Australian Team announced

2018 ISDE Outright Champion, Daniel Milner (KTM Enduro Racing Team), returns again for 2019 riding a currently perfect Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) E2 season. Joining Milner for the second year in a row is speed demon and larrikin, Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team), whose ferocity in the 2019 AORC season as well as appearances in the Pirelli MX Nationals shows no chance of slowing down.

Long-time Australian ISDE competitor, Joshua Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube), returns to Team Australia for 2019 atop his Yamaha, bringing a World Trophy win from 2015 and immense AORC experience to the table. Rounding out the 2019 Australian World Trophy Team is Green’s Active8 Yamaha Yamalube teammate Luke Styke. Styke has become the first Australian to win an Australian Motocross, Supercross and AORC title, and will be an extremely valuable asset to the World Trophy Team as they pursue a campaign to protect their winning streak.

ISDE Australian Team announced
2019 ISDE Australian Team announced

Revered as a titan in the ISDE Women’s category, the Australian Women’s World Trophy team returns unchanged from 2018. With six consecutive title wins, these three ladies are one of the most successful Australian female sporting teams, let alone in motorcycling. Two-time Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Women’s Cross Country (WXC) Champion, Tayla Jones (Husqvarna Motorcycles USA), returns to defend her top spot in the Women’s category, and based on her stunning results so far in the 2019 racing season over in the United States, Jones will be a force to be reckoned with.

Currently pursuing a record breaking five-time AORC Women’s title record and set to land in Portugal for the Australian Women’s World Trophy Team is Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha MX Store Ballards Off-Road Team)! Taking the third and final position in the Women’s World Trophy Team is 2018 ISDE newcomer, Mackenzie Tricker (KTM). Tricker was a valuable team member of the 2018 victorious Women’s World Trophy Team, mounting a KTM, and closed off the her first ISDE event with an impressive finish in 9th place.

ISDE Australian Team announced
2019 ISDE Australian Team announced

Landing in Portugal for Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team will be three familiar faces, who fans will recognise as the 2017 Australian ISDE Junior World Trophy Team. With a plethora of experience under their belts since 2017, Michael Driscoll (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube), Wil Ruprecht (Yamaha) and Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) will represent Australia in Portimao, Portugal for six gruelling days of what’s fondly coined the “Olympics of motorcycling”.

Driscoll, mounting a Yamaha, will come into November’s festivities with the success of his 2018 AORC EJ Championship title plus strong continued results in the 2019 AORC E1 class. Featuring regularly now in the EnduroGP, Ruprecht will be comfortable in the Portuguese landscape after a strong EnduroGP Portugal with a second-place podium finish on Day 1. Returning to the Australian squad for the third year in a row, Snodgrass will bring experience from both the Junior and World Trophy Teams to support his teammates in achieving glory.

Don Atkins will continue his successful role as the Australian ISDE Team Manager for 2019.

The full official list of the 2019 Australian ISDE squad is as follows:

  • 2019 Australian World Trophy Team
    • Joshua Green
    • Daniel Milner
    • Daniel Sanders
    • Luke Styke
  • 2019 Australian Women’s World Trophy Team
    • Jessica Gardiner
    • Tayla Jones
    • Mackenzie Tricker
  • 2019 Australian Junior World Trophy Team
    • Michael Driscoll
    • Wil Ruprecht
    • Lyndon Snodgrass
  • Team Manager
    • Don Atkins

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | ISDE | Paris & Canadian SX | AFT | MX

Moto News Weekly Wrap

November 20, 2018

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax


What Went Down Last Weekend?

  • 2018 ISDE – Chile
    • World Trophy Report
    • Women’s World Trophy Report
    • Junior World Trophy Report
  • 2018 Paris Supercross – Paris, France
  • Barcelona Supercross – Spain
  • Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Hamilton
  • Vialle and Evans Set for 2019 World MX2 Champs
  • Nagl Returns to Sarholtz KTM
  • Herlings In for Hawkestone
  • Wade Young to Roof of Africa 2018
  • Musquin Injured
  • Peick Injured
  • Indian Ready for 2019
  • ISDE Head to Portugal in 2019
  • What Racing is Left for 2018?

2018 ISDE – Chile

In conditions similar to the A4DE at Cessnock earlier this year, Australia’s World Trophy Team and Women’s World Trophy Team have sliced their way through the hot and dusty conditions to take their respective class wins at the 2018 ISDE in Chile.

World Trophy Report

After five days of deep ruts, rocks and bulldust, Australia entered day six with a nine minute lead over their closest rivals so with Italy and the United States fastest at the final motocross race, Australia played it safe and crossed the finish line third overall which was more than enough to wrap up the FIM World Trophy Championship.

ISDE Day Australia
ISDE 2018 – Team Australia

Milner and Daniel Sanders went 1-2 at the Cessnock A4DE and this wasn’t far from being repeated ahead of the best riders in the world with Milner winning the coveted overall at the ninety-third edition of the FIM ISDE while Sanders was pipped by 8 seconds for second overall by America’s best at the event in Taylor Robert.

Daniel Milner

“This is a huge result for us. I had a sleepless night last night worrying about the final Motocross race, but it feels awesome that we won. We’ve been so strong as a team all week. Unfortunately, Lyndon Snodgrass dropped out on day two and we knew then how easily things could go wrong. But we never gave up fighting all week – the boys have ridden so, so good. To get this victory, along with the girls winning their class plus myself taking the individual win, is about as good as it gets for Australia and a result that is going to take a very long time to sink in.”

ISDE Day Australia Daniel MIlner
Daniel Milner
Taylor Robert

“It’s been an amazing week. I’m a little disappointed not to take the overall win but all-in-all I am happy with my riding. Days three and four were tough and I struggled a little there but I think everyone did. The tests were so technical, the dust was still a problem and the heat made everything a little worse. Day five went well, but I couldn’t catch Milner – hats off to him, he’s been riding really well out here in Chile. I’m really happy to take the win in my class and second for Team USA in the World Trophy competition is great too.”

Daniel Sanders

“It was a good week for me. I had a few small mistakes here and there during the week, but I am really happy with my speed. This was my first enduro race on the big FE 501 and I’m more than happy with the way it performed all week long. I really enjoyed racing the big bike in Chile. Conditions were tricky with the dust and the last lap of every day seemed like the most challenging one. With the heat coming through, your heart rate is also going up and you need to be strong physically to keep pushing.”

ISDE Day Australia Podium
ISDE 2018 – World Trophy team podium

With Lyndon Snodgrass forced out with a mechanical issue early in the event, Australia could not afford another rider to faulter so Josh Strang played his part perfectly with the Husqvarna pilot finishing fourth outright in the E2 class and tenth overall – a truly world class performance.

Josh Strang

“It was a long week of racing here in Chile and I am really happy we managed to get this win. The special tests were fairly good for me all week long. I was battling to remain up front every day. I was quite consistent during the week and managed to stay out of trouble. There were times when I felt that my speed could have been better, but overall, it’s more of an endurance event. More than anything else, the ISDE is a team event and for Team Australia it is perfect to come out on top both in the World Trophy and the Women’s World Trophy standings.”

ISDE Day Josh Strang
Josh Strang

The United States had to be content with the runner-up result for 2018 with Italy completing this year’s FIM World Trophy podium in third, while out-going champions France finish fourth, with Spain, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Chile and Germany rounding out the top ten.

World Trophy Team Results ISDE 2018

  1. Australia – 13:40:08:56 : Josh Strang (Husqvarna); Daniel Milner (KTM); Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna); Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM)
  2. USA – 13:47:18:54 : Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna); Taylor Robert (KTM); Steward Baylor (KTM); Zach Bell (Husqvarna)
  3. Italy – 13:50:57:85 : Alex Salvini (Husqvarna); Davide Guarneri (Honda); Thomas Oldrati (Honda); Giacomo Redondi (Honda)
  4. France – 13:57:31:53 : Loïc Larrieu (Yamaha); Christophe Charlier (Beta); Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas); Thomas Dubost (KTM)
  5. Spain – 14:01:18:37 : Victor Guerrero (Yamaha); Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha); Jaume Betriu (KTM); Jonathan Barragan (Gas Gas)

Women’s World Trophy Report

The Australian Women’s World Trophy Team won their sixth consecutive world title by over nine minutes ahead of Team USA while Spain, France and Sweden rounded out the top five.

After five days of enduro racing in blinding dust and stifling heat, day six presented the ladies with a short and fast motocross circuit and it was 2018 GNCC champion Tayla Jones who clocked in the fastest time for Team Australia of 10:23.76, leaving not a shadow of a doubt as to her rightful place as first overall in the class.

ISDE Day Women Australia
ISDE 2018 – Australia’s winning Women’s Team of Tayla Jones, Jessica Gardiner and Mackenzie Tricker
Tayla Jones

“It was a good six days! We had a strong team, we got some good times at the start of the week which really helped overall, and towards the end we stayed consistent which helped reduce the overall stress from the event. I’m really happy to get a sixth consecutive title, which is a new record! I’m also really honoured to get the overall championship! I have won once it before but there is no doubt that the second time is 10 times better. I would like to give a big thank you to the whole Australian team, the supporters, helpers and volunteers – we couldn’t have done it without them. I would also like to thank the whole Women’s World Trophy Team, Mackenzie and Jess, they’re great teammates. I would also like to thank all my supporters and sponsors back home, and everyone who made this possible!”

Jessica Gardiner clocked in the second fastest time of 11:21.54, which has secured her place as fourth overall behind Livia Lancelot from Team France and Brandy Richards from Team USA.

Jessica Gardiner

“It’s day six and finally we’ve gone through a really solid, hard week. The whole Team Australia helped us get through and we’re really happy to become six-time World Champions! It’s not every day that Aussies are six-time World Champions, it takes a lot of consistency and hard work. I couldn’t be happier have ridden with Mackenzie and Tayla, they’re great teammates and they’ve made it a lot of fun all week!”

FIM ISDE Vina del Mar Day Gardiner IMGDarioAgrati
Jessica Gardiner – Image by Dario Agrati

With a first time ISDE Women’s World Trophy title under her belt, Mackenzie Tricker was elated to be part of Team Australia’s dominance of ISDE 2018.

Mackenzie Tricker

“It was my first ISDE, and it started off pretty good in day one and two, but as the week went on, I felt like I went downhill. As we moved closer to day six, I just tried to salvage what I could and finish, but I felt pretty rough. I am absolutely stoked to have finished the event and have learnt a lot in the process. I was part of a great team and in the end, we were able to get the win!”

FIM ISDE Vina del Mar Day Mackenzie IMGDarioAgrati
Mackenzie Tricker – Image by Dario Agrati

Women’s World Trophy ISDE Results

  1. Australia – 10:26:54:17 : Tayla Jones (Husqvarna); Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha); Tricker Mackenzie (KTM)
  2. USA – 10:35:57:27 : Rebecca Sheets (KTM); Tarah Gieger (Honda); Brandy Richards (KTM)
  3. Spain – 10:47:48:11 : Mireia Badia (Husqvarna); Sandra Gomez (KTM); Gabriela Seisdedos (Gas Gas)
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Junior World Trophy Report

The Italian team of Andrea Verona (TM), Matteo Cavallo (Beta) and Davide Soreca (TM) ended a ten-year winless streak to take out the 2018 FIM Junior World Trophy championship ahead of the USA, France, Chile, Australia and Sweden.

Andrea Verona

“It’s just an unbelievable feeling. We knew coming into Chile that we could fight for the win, but we never imagined the entire week would go as well as it has. Last year we were just fifteen seconds behind France at the finish, so to win this year is great. Every day we pushed hard and never settled for position and I think that showed by only losing one day. It’s been ten years since Italy last won this class so that’s special too.”

ISDE Day ImageSarahKinrade Fraser Higlett
Fraser Higlett – Image by Sarah Kinrade

Despite having to push his bike over the line at the final motocross test, Fraser Higlet was the best of the Australia’s Junior riders with a ninth in the E1 class and a more than credible 38th outright while Andrew Wilksch and Thomas Mason battled through the never-ending dust to finish 49th and 51st respectively out of the 82 finishers.

Junior Trophy Overall

  1. Italy 13:58:35.51
  2. USA 14:02:33.01
  3. France 14:17:21.98
  4. Chile 14:19:45.09
  5. Australia 14:35:58.82

Enduro 1

  1. Andrea Verona (TM) 4:37:32.45
  2. Davide Guarneri (Honda) 4:38:07.91
  3. Victor Guerrero (Yamaha) 4:39:04.06
  4. Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna) 4:40:00.41…9. Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna) 4:48:36.03

Enduro 2

  1. Taylor Robert (KTM) 4:31:47.96
  2. Steward Baylor (KTM) 4:37:01.50
  3. Thomas Oldrati (Honda) 4:37:58.89
  4. Josh Strang (Husqvarna) 4:38:18.86

Enduro 3

  1. Daniel Milner (KTM) 4:29:53.48
  2. Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna) 4:31:56.22
  3. Giacomo Redondi (Honda) 4:37:17.18 …15. Andrew Wilksch …16. Thomas Mason

Enduro Women

  1. Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) 5:08:48.18
  2. Brandy Richards (Husqvarna) 5:11:43.87
  3. Livia Lancelot (Honda) 5:13:24.78
  4. Jess Gardner…9. Mackenzie Tricker

2018 Paris Supercross – Paris, France

In his debut at the event and just a week after winning AUS-X Open in Sydney, reigning US Supercross champion Jason Anderson has been crowned King of Bercy in Paris last weekend while Dylan Ferrandis got a huge support from the fans to get a podium result between Anderson and Zach Osborne.

King of Paris Jason Anderson Zach Osborne
2018 Paris Supercross – Jason Anderson tops the podium

Jason Anderson dominated the French Supercross, just missing two wins in the six races ever the two nights of racing after French hero Dylan Ferrandis won the second race on Saturday night before teammate Zach Osborne won the first sprint race on Sunday.

Jason Anderson

“The race was tough with some close racing on both nights and I’m happy with the overall win. The motos were short and I had to work a bit harder to make things happen. My lap times were not that good in qualifying and the superpole, but I was very happy with my speed in the motos and that’s what matters the most. I showed some good racecraft this weekend and that’s positive. I’m heading back to the US now. I hope I can come back even stronger for A1.”

King of Paris Jason Anderson
2018 Paris Supercross – Jason Anderson

Just a month after winning the Marseille Supercross in his first race on a 450 since a long time, Dylan Ferrandis also confirmed his great shape as he got a podium result each night to finish runner up in the overall classification.

Third overall Zach Osborne also got great results for one if his first race in the 450 class, but unfortunately lost all his chances with a puncture in the main event on Sunday while fourth and fifth went to Honda teammates Vince Friese and Justin Brayton who also helped the US Team to win the Nations classification,a win the riders dedicated to Weston Peick who was injured on Saturday.

Zach Osborne

“It was my first race as an official 450 rider and I felt really good on my new bike. Overall, it’s been a really positive weekend for me and it was good to get third in the overall. In the last moto on Sunday I was running in second but had a flat tyre that dropped me behind. I have a very positive feeling so far in this off-season and I’m looking forward to the Geneva Supercross in two weeks time. I believe the track over in Geneva will suit my style more and I can battle for some good results there.”

King of Paris Zach Osborne
2018 Paris Supercross – Zach Osborne

 King of Paris Overall (SX1) – Combined Results (Sat & Sun)

  1. Jason Anderson 1-3-1-3-1-1 : 10
  2. Dylan Ferrandis 3-1-4-10-4-2 : 24
  3. Zach Osborne 6-2-2-1-2-12 : 25
  4. Vince Friese 4-5-6-2-5-4 : 26
  5. Justin Brayton 9-6-3-4-3-3 : 28
  6. Jordi Tixier 8-7-5-15-5-8-7 : 48
  7. Justin Hill 5-27-7-9-6-5 : 49
  8. Cedric Soubeyras 13-8-15-5-8-7 : 56
  9. Fabien Izoird 7-10-9-8-13-15 : 62
  10. Ben LaMay 11-15-12-6-11-11 : 66

Americans also dominate the SX2 category with the new Prince of Paris in Jace Own who won three races and was runner up in the three others (1/2/1 and 2/1/2) while AUS-X SX2 class winner Cameron McAdoo (4/1/3 and 3/2/5) took out second place ahead of Frenchmen Adrien Escoffier (2/4/2 and 5/3/3) and Thomas Do (6/3/6 and 6/4/1).

Prince Of Paris (SX2) – Combined Results (Sat & Sun)

  1. Jace Owen 1-2-1-2-1-2 : 9
  2. Cameron McAdoo 4-1-3-3-2-5 : 18
  3. Adrien Escoffier 2-4-2-5-3-3 : 19
  4. Thomas Do 6-3-6-6-4-1 : 26
  5. Anthony Bourdon 3-5-8-1-13-6 : 36
  6. Brian Moreau 5-7-5-8-9-8 : 42
  7. Pierre Lozzi 13-8-4-4-8-7 : 44
  8. Lorenzo Camporese 7-6-7-9-6-14 : 49
  9. Julien Roussaly 9-17-11-7-5-4 : 53
  10. Calvin Fonvieille 12-9-9-10-7-9 : 56
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Barcelona Supercross – Spain

In the Triple Crown-style format (three main events) at the Barcelona Supercross it was Josh Grant who won the first two and finished second in the third to take the overall by one point over Stewart, who went 2-2-1 while Charles LeFrancois finished third overall.

Josh Grant won the Barcelona SX
Josh Grant wins the Barcelona SX 2018

SX1 Overall

  1. Josh Grant
  2. Malcolm Stewart
  3. Charles Lefrancois
  4. Dominique Thury
  5. Joan Cros

Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Hamilton

The final round of the supercross portion of the inaugural Rockstar Energy Triple Crown Championship wrapped up last Saturday night in Hamilton, Canada and it was Cole Thompson and Jess Pettis who wrapped up the SX1 and SX2 championships respectively.

Cole Thompson, who already claimed the $100,000 as the overall series winner, won the SX1 main event and the supercross title with Phil Nicoletti and Matt Goerke filling the podium while in the SX2 class Shawn Maffenbeier claimed the win over Tanner Ward and the new champion Jess Pettis.

Cole Thompson Canadian Triple Crown
Canadian Triple Crown Supercross 2018 – Cole Thompson

SX1 Overall

  1. Cole Thompson
  2. Phil Nicoletti
  3. Matt Goerke
  4. Daniel Herrlein
  5. Mike Alessi

SX1 Championship Standings (Final)

  1. Cole Thompson – 113
  2. Phil Nicoletti – 92
  3. Matt Goerke – 83
  4. Cody Vanbuskirk – 76
  5. Colton Facciotti – 74

SX2 Overall

  1. Shawn Maffenbeier
  2. Tanner Ward
  3. Jess Pettis
  4. Cade Clason
  5. Marco Cannella

SX2 Championship Standings (Final)

  1. Jess Pettis 115
  2. Shawn Maffenbeier – 107
  3. Logan Karnow – 99
  4. Marco Cannella – 86
  5. Tanner Ward – 86
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Vialle and Evans Set for 2019 World MX2 Champs

The 2019 World MX2 Motocross Championships will have two new faces on the start grid in 2019 with second generation French rider Tom Vialle and Aussie talent Mitch Evans signing with separate teams last week.

Vialle, son of former GP winner and title contender Frederic, will join World Champion Jorge Prado on the factory KTM 250 SX-F after a moto victory, five top-three race finishes and three podiums in the 2018 EMX250 European Championship.

Tom Vialle

“I want to thank all the people who have helped make this opportunity with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing possible. It is a great to be joining the best team in the world for my first year in MX2! Being next to champions and race winners like Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado doesn’t bother me because I know it is a perfect chance to be learning from the fastest. I cannot wait to get started and to progress as much as I can.”

KTM Tom Vialle Joel Smets
Tom Vialle to 2019 World MX2 – With Joel Smets

Evans finished second to Dean Ferris in this years Australian MX Nationals before turning heads at the MXoN at Red Bud with 10-14 moto finishes for 8th outright in the Open class which has reportedly landed the Aussie with a ride with the same team that Hunter Lawrence rode for this year.


Nagl Returns to Sarholtz KTM

Max Nagl is back where it all started at the beginning of his long and successful career with a German star returning to the Sarholtz KTM racing team for the 2019 MXGP Championships and the ADAC MX Masters.

Max Nagl

“With Burkhard and Edith everything started. With this team I celebrated my first great successes. Everything started with the 85cc machine and then ended with the change to KTM factory in 2008. I am mega happy that it is now going back and we together with the help of KTM and our partners a great package, I am sure for the upcoming season! We want to fight a successful season together, look forward to the front and stack everything together. We want to go for the ADAC MX Masters title and get good results in the MXGP championship.”

Max Nagl
Max Nagl returns to the Sarholtz KTM team in 2019

Herlings In for Hawkstone

HIMX are delighted to announce that they have signed factory Red Bull KTM rider and 2018 MX1 World Champion Jeffrey Herlings for the Be Wiser – Bridgestone Hawkstone International on the 17th February 2019.

Jeffrey Herlings

“I’m super excited to come back to race at Hawkstone Park International on the 17th February. It’s a beautiful track and always a pleasure to come and race there. The fans are amazing every year when I raced there and hopefully we can fight again for the win in 2019 as we did in previous years. I want to give a big thank you to SMC for having me back and see you all in February!”

MXoN Herlings MX JK MXON
Jeffrey Herlings – Image by Jeff Kardas
Gary Ford – SMC

“Getting Jeffrey back to our event as World Champion is fantastic news. He’s always been a big supporter of Hawkstone and it is great he will be back in February. He always puts on a good show whenever he comes to Hawkstone Park and it is great news for the fans.

Also confirmed are Brits Tommy Searle and Max Anstie plus Rockstar Husqvarna riders Jed Beaton and Thomas Kjer Olsen.

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Wade Young to Roof of Africa 2018

It’s been a huge year for extreme enduro star Wade Young with victories at prestigious events including Red Bull Romaniacs, Megawatt and Sea To Sky. Young’s recent victory at the Wildwood Rock Extreme in Melbourne saw thousands of fans witness the South African decimate the competition.

Wade Young Franck Boulissett Derek Grundy Glenn Granger
Wade Young with Sherco Factory mechanic Franck Boulissett and Sherco Australia’s Derek Grundy and Glenn Granger

Young’s Wildwood Rock Extreme victory proved to be a stern lead-up to the 2018 Roof of Africa which will begin on December 5 in the Kingdom of Lesotho. With previous victories at the Roof of Africa, Young is determined to finish off his 2018 racing year with another hometown victory at what is widely regarded as the Mother of Hard Enduro.

Young’s dominating display at the Wildwood Rock Extreme earnt him a massive 10-minute margin from the nearest competitor, much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd. Young was inundated with fans seeking selfies, autographs and the chance to talk immediately after the race.

Wade Young

“I was very happy to take the win at Wildwood,” explained Young. “I like racing this event. The crowd was amazing and even through this race is a different format to the usual extreme events I race, it’s quite intense. The track is relentless and quite tricky in places but I really enjoyed it. Sherco Australia provided me with a great bike and it was a nice victory.”

Wade Young Wildwood Rock Extreme
Wade Young on his way to Wildwood Rock Extreme victory

Young raced a 2019 model Sherco 300 SE-R Racing at Wildwood Rock Extreme, proving that the standard engine and suspension package is a winning formula.


Musquin Out – Hill and Peick In

Defending King of Paris, Marvin Musquin was forced to sit out last weekend’s Paris Supercross after picking up a knee injury. Below is a press release from the event organizers.

“While he was conducting a final testing session before his departure for France and the big meeting of the Arena Paris-La Defense this weekend, Marvin Musquin unfortunately suffered a knee injury that has forced to withdraw! The organizers made a last-minute replacement with Weston Peick and Justin Hill.

AMA MX Marvin Musquin Podium MX JK SpringCreek
Marvin Musquin injured – Image by Jeff Kardas

“It was an obviously disappointed Marvin who made the news to the organizers: the prospect of being able to challenge the World Champion, Jason Anderson, for once on the soil of his country, was a challenge that was particularly close to his heart. The exact severity of the injury is not yet known and Marvin needs to consult his trusted doctor before knowing how much it will impact his program beyond the Paris Supercross.

“The organizers are looking for pilots likely to replace Marvin, at short notice, their co-headlining which, with such a short time, was obviously a challenge. The official Suzuki team Joe Gibbs Racing, however, rose to the challenge and upset its program to allow both of its flagship drivers to participate. Weston Peick, King of Lille 2015 and Justin Hill, champion SX 250 2017, will jump on a plane in a few hours with luggage filled with factory parts they will ride on brand new RMZ 2019 made available by Suzuki France and the Amexio Team of Nicolas Aubin.”

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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Peick Injured

Weston Peick is currently in a local hospital in France after a serious crash at the Paris Supercross where the stocky American collided with Dylan Ferrandis in the third SX1 main event and went down and was then landed on by Cedric Soubeyras.

Peick was immediately taken to the hospital and according to local sources has facial injuries that will more than likely need surgery.


Indian Ready for 2019

Indian announced its 2019 team with Jared Mees, who has won the last two AFT Twins Championships with Indian ready to do battle once again this time with brothers Briar and Bronson Bauman as his teammates while Brad Baker, who was paralysed in a practice crash at X Games last year, returns to the team as technical advisor and rider coach.

AFT Minnesota Mile Rnd Bryan Smith FA
Bryan Smith’s Indian FTR

AFT has announced new rules for the 2019 season that would benefit a production-based machine that can now be bored-and-stroked to 900cc instead of 750, and they can run larger throttle bodies. Indian is okay with the larger displacement, but not happy with the new throttle body rule.

Indian take serious issue with the third rule change – allowing production engines to increase from 38mm throttle bodies to 40mm. This rule excludes Indian Motorcycle Racing, because the Scout FTR750 is not a street legal production motorcycle. Not only does the rule singularly handicap Indian Motorcycle, it represents a significant impairment of our ability to compete on an equal level with every other team in the paddock, specifically on mile tracks.

AFT Williams Grove Half Mile Jared Mees ERV
Jared Mees

Indian said it has no issue with the new displacement rules, nor new fuel rules put in place for 2019. Although Indian doesn’t like the fuel-body change, it will still go racing with full commitment, “Despite these changes, we will attack 2019 with the same competitive focus and determination that resulted in back-to-back championships over the past two years.”


FIM ISDE heads to Portugal for 2019

With winning celebrations now complete at the 2018 FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) in Chile, plans are already in place for the 2019 edition in Portugal.

After a ten-year absence, the FIM’s longest-sanctioned off-road motorcycle competition returns to Portugal for the first time since 2009.

FIM ISDE Vina del Mar Day IMGDario Agrati
2019’s edition of the ISDE will head to Portugal – Image by Dario Agrati

Situated in the south of the country, the beautiful Algarve city of Portimão and its World-renowned Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will host to the ninety-fourth running of FIM ISDE.

With its large, purpose-built facility, the international motor racing circuit will act as the paddock and centre hub of activity for the race while utilising the surrounding mountainsides, three unique routes will be laid out incorporating a wide range of terrain for riders to contest.

The opening two days will be predominantly sandy, while days three, four and five offer a contrasting character of forest and rocky terrain that will take riders into the country’s highest mountain range.

Daily routes are expected to be around three-hundred kilometres each in length, ensuring both riders and machines will be tested to their absolute limits, while also enjoying breath taking scenery.

With the official date yet to be confirmed, the ninety-fourth edition of the FIM ISDE is expected to be held between late October and early November.

FIM ISDE Vina del Mar Day IMGDario Agrati
ISDE 2018 – Image by Dario Agrati

What Racing is Left for 2018?

The Aussies kicked everyone’s arse at the ISDE last week so with that event done and dusted we now look to the SX Open in Auckland this coming weekend – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:

  • Australasia
    • New Zealand Supercross Championships
      • 24 – SX Open – Auckland
      • 1 – South Waikato
      • 15 – Southland
  • America
    • 2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
    • 2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
  • Europe
    • Geneva Supercross – Nov. 30/Dec. 1 – Switzerland
Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Source: MCNews.com.au

Strong start for Team Australia at 2018 ISDE | Day 1

Australian World Trophy Team second after Day 1

Women’s World Trophy Team first – Juniors fifth


The 2018 edition of the FIM International Six Day Enduro has gotten underway in Viña del Mar, with an early start to the day, as the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from twenty-five nations tentatively rolled off the start line to begin six days of world-class Enduro racing.

ISDE Chile Day start Img GF Media
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by G2F Media

The opening day’s course took riders north of the city, offering breathtaking views along the Pacific Ocean. On a route known as the Pacific Challenge, competitors completed two demanding laps and a total of six sandy and technical special tests, traveling a total of 284km.

ISDE Chile Day Ambience Img Dario Agrati
2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by Dario Agrati

Day one saw Team Australia remain a strong and dominant force in all classes, with the Aussie World Trophy Team finishing the day in second overall, behind the USA. In the Women’s class, the trio of Gardiner, Jones and Tricker taking a clear lead. The Australian Juniors also finished Day 1 in fifth position overall.


World Trophy Team

At the conclusion of day one the Australian World Trophy Team has finished an undeniable high, sitting in second position overall in the World Trophy Class underneath Team USA who have taken out top position, with less than five seconds separating the two teams.

ISDE Chile Day Joshua Strang JPM
Joshua Strang – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media

Day one also saw Team Australia score three positions in the top 15 with Daniel Sanders finishing the day with a fastest time of 54:42.00, winning the first test of the event which earned him second place overall. Sanders sits just under 22 seconds behind the current leader, Robert Taylor from Team USA.

Teammate Daniel Milner took out the third and last podium position, with a fastest time of 54:49.82 and winning the second and fourth test of the day. Milner sits just over seven seconds behind Sanders and will no doubt use tomorrow to put the heat on Team USA and close in on the current time different.

ISDE Chile Day Team Australia JPM
Team Australia at 2018 ISDE Day 1 in Chile – Image by John Pearson Media

Rounding the top 15 was Joshua Strang, who locked in a fastest time of 55:42.62. Lyndon Snodgrass came up against challenges throughout day one, earning 26th position overall with a fastest time of 56:03.17.

Daniel Sanders

“I started off day one really well, getting the first overall test win. Personally, I did some good test times but struggled in the dust especially with it being the first day and there being a lot of traffic. Milner and I fought through that though, and the two of us rode really well individually as well, leading the team to second position. We have a clean run tomorrow so hopefully we can make up some time on the Americans!”

Unofficial Day 1 – World Trophy Classification
  1. Team USA – 2:45:10.30
  2. Team Australia – 2:45:14.44
  3. Team Spain – 2:46:17.90
  4. Team Italy – 2:46:42.93
  5. Team France – 2:47:07.06

Women’s World Trophy Team

Making a resounding mark on the competition was the Australian Women’s World Trophy Team, who dominated throughout the day to maintain a stronghold on first place overall.

Australia is followed by Team USA, but thanks to the three riders Australia has produced a substantial 90 second lead. Fastest time for the team and the class was Tayla Jones, who clocked in the fastest time of 1:01:11.25 winning five out of the six tests.

ISDE Chile Day Mackenzie Tricker JPM
Mackenzie Tricker – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media

Coming in hot on Jones’ heels was debutant Mackenzie Tricker, who scored third place overall, clocking in a fastest time of 1:02:17.17 and coming in second in four of the six tests. Jessica Gardiner scored 8th position overall in the class, with a fastest time of 1:04:08.46.

Tayla Jones

“I had a pretty good day overall! The tracks are very dry and dusty and they dug out really quick – a lot quicker than I thought – so it made it really challenging. Today I crashed and lost a fair bit of time but all in all it went pretty well! Overall I’m pretty happy to hold the lead and hopefully we can stay upright tomorrow!”

Unofficial Day 1 – Women’s World Trophy Classification
  1. Team Australia – 2:03:28.42
  2. Team USA – 2:04:39.38
  3. Team Spain – 2:06:54.93
  4. Team France – 2:08:45.50
  5. Team Sweden – 2:14:57.15

Junior World Trophy Team

The Australian Junior World Trophy Team proved that they can hold their own, with all three team members scoring a place in the top 50 which has scored Australia fifth place.

Australia now sits roughly three seconds off fourth position, which is currently held by the hosting nation, Chile. Australia’s juniors will use day two to diminish the distance with Chile, and work to climb the leader board currently held by Italy, France and USA respectively.

ISDE Chile Day Australian Junior Fraser Higlett JPM
Fraser Higlett – 2018 ISDE Day 1 – Chile – Image by John Pearson Media

Fraser Higlett leads the charge for the Juniors, clocking a fastest time of 56:26.19 and scoring 41st position overall. Tom Mason earnt 43rd position overall with a fastest time of 57:11.96, and Andrew Wilksch rounding out the team’s efforts with a fastest time of 57:07.31 and landing 47th position.

Fraser Higlett

“It was a pretty good day today but the tracks were super dusty. It was tough starting back behind other riders but I made up some positions and the team came home strong by the end of the day. We’re all really consistent, so we’re hoping to maintain it over the remaining five days. Tomorrow should be easier – with hopefully less dust – and I shouldn’t have to pass as many riders to climb the leader board!”

Unofficial Day 1 – Junior World Trophy Classification
  1. Team Italy – 2:48:00.48
  2. Team France – 2:48:13.92
  3. Team USA – 2:48:13.92
  4. Team Chile – 2:50:42.54
  5. Team Australia – 2:50:45.46

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | AUS-X Open | WESS | WORCS | Stuttgart SX

Moto News Weekly Wrap

November 13, 2018

Smarty's Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax


What Went Down Last Weekend?

  • AUS-X Open – Sydney
  • World Enduro Super Series (WESS) – Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race
  • AMA World Off-Road Championships (WORCS) – Primm, NV
  • Stuttgart Supercross – Germany
  • Villopoto Misses AUS-X
  • 2019 AORC Dates Announced
  • Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE
  • What Racing is Left for 2018?

AUS-X Open – Sydney

From all accounts Sydney’s fourth annual Monster Energy AUS-X Open was a cracker with current AMA Supercross Champion Jason Anderson taking the SX1 class win while fellow Yank Cameron McAdoo won the SX2 class overall on the same night that Justin Brayton and Jay Wilson wrapped up there SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.

AUS X Open Jason Anderson
AUS-X Open

Anderson was in a class of his own to dominate the first two races and eventually won the third and final race after Aussie hero Chad Reed was stripped of his win due to a penalty for using the Joker lane twice.

Jason Anderson

“To get the win down here in Sydney means a lot – last season we weren’t in the shape we are this year, so it’s a good place to be. This event is so rad with a really cool vibe and super chill, so I definitely hope I’m invited back in years to come.”

Dean Wilson late inclusion bore fruit with the likeable Scotsman finishing a more than credible second overall ahead of Dan Reardon, Brayton, Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe.

AUS X Open Jason Anderson Podium
SX1 Overall
Jason Anderon 75
Dean Wilson 62
Daniel Reardon 60

SX1 Final 1

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Justin Brayton +3.724
  3. Dean Wilson +7.364
  4. Dan Reardon +11.788
  5. Luke Clout +11.887
  6. Brett Metcalfe +13.134
  7. Chad Reed +20.359
  8. Jace Owen +25.250
  9. Lawson Bopping +28.480
  10. Dylan Long +30.505

SX1 Final 2

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Dan Reardon +3.353
  3. Dean Wilson +4.015
  4. Chad Reed +8.670
  5. Brett Metcalfe +14.420
  6. Justin Brayton +16.270
  7. Luke Clout +19.227
  8. Lawson Bopping +23.333
  9. Jace Owen +23.776
  10. Dylan Long +25.272

SX1 Final 3

  1. Jason Anderson
  2. Dean Wilson +2.014
  3. Dan Reardon +9.058
  4. Dylan Long +14.071
  5. Justin Brayton +18.705
  6. Chad Reed -2.195 (penalised 5 positions)
  7. Jace Owen +21.064
  8. Brett Metcalfe +22.203
  9. Luke Clout +36.894
  10. Robbie Marshall +1 lap

SX1 Overall

  1. Jason Anderson – 75
  2. Dean Wilson – 62
  3. Daniel Reardon – 60
  4. Justin Brayton – 53
  5. Chad Reed – 47
  6. Brett Metcalfe – 44
  7. Luke Clout – 42
  8. Dylan Long – 40
  9. Jace Owen – 39
  10. Lawson Bopping – 35

SX1 Australian Supercross Championship

The SX1 Australian Supercross Championship was decided in Sydney, with American Justin Brayton wrapping up his third consecutive championship this time ahead of his teammate Brett Metcalfe, with third place going to Reardon on his privateer Yamaha.

Justin Brayton

“I’m stoked to win this championship, I was sick for the majority of the event, so to wrap up the championship really feels unbelievable. I’m wrapped for the Penrite Honda Team too, with my teammate Brett Metcalfe finishing second.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Podium AI
Justin Brayton and Brett Metcalfe celebrate on the podium

Final SX1 Championship Points

  1. Justin Brayton – 115
  2. Brett Metcalfe – 106
  3. Dan Reardon – 90
  4. Jace Owen – 84
  5. Dylan Long – 77
  6. Luke Clout – 72
  7. Robbie Marshall – 57
  8. Lawson Bopping – 53
  9. Jesse Dobson – 41
  10. Nicholas Sutherland – 39

AUS-X Open – SX2

The AUS-X Open Overall in SX2 was one to remember, with America’s Cameron McAdoo finishing the night with three second places to take the overall ahead of defending champion Jackson Richardson who won the final two races after finishing sixth in the opening final while Hayden Mellross ended the night in third to end up just 6 points shy of championship winner Jay Wilson who overcame a heavy crash to come home in 6th overall.

SX2 Final 1

  1. Jy Roberts
  2. Cameron McAdoo +0.837
  3. Dylan Wills +2.506
  4. Jacob Hayes +3.404
  5. Hayden Mellross +4.526
  6. Jay Wilson

SX2 Final 2

  1. Jackson Richardson
  2. Cameron McAdoo +3.821
  3. Hayden Mellross +5.505
  4. Dylan Wills +7.762
  5. Jay Wilson +8.879

SX2 Final 3

  1. Jackson Richardson
  2. Cameron McAdoo +0.534
  3. Hayden Mellross +1.435
  4. Josh Osby +2.681
  5. Jacob Hayes +3.510

SX2 Overall

  1. Cameron McAdoo – 66
  2. Jackson Richardson – 65
  3. Hayden Mellross – 56
  4. Dylan Wills – 53
  5. Jacob Hayes – 45
  6. Jay Wilson – 43
  7. Josh Osby – 42
  8. Aaron Tanti – 39
  9. Tomas Ravenhorst – 37
  10. Kaleb Barham – 36

SX2 Australian Supercross Championship

Jay Wilson has won the 2018 Australian SX2 Supercross Championship after a nail-biting weekend thanks to a heavy crash during Saturday’s qualifying that saw the former Australian Motocross Champion almost miss the final before battling tooth and nail to win the championship by just six points over Hayden Mellross.

The Yamalube Yamaha Racing rider carried an 11 point lead in the championship over Mellross and only 13 points separated the top four riders but with the final round in the tight confines of Qudos Bank Arena and the triple final format, it was anything but a foregone conclusion as it went all the way down to the wire in an epic nights’ racing.

Australian Supercross Aaron Tanti
Aaron Tanti – SX2

Despite a poor grid pick in each final Wilson went 8-5-7 over the three moto format to earn 6th overall while his championship rival in Mellross managed 5-3-3 finishes for third overall.

Jay Wilson

“I’m not going to lie, that was just terrible riding and the worst I have raced for in so long, but we got through the night, got the championship done and I just couldn’t be happier. I was nervous all weekend and then that crash yesterday really took it out of me but I was determined to be strong and win my first supercross championship. Last year at the same venue was where I got my career back on track so it’s awesome that I was able to win a championship here and I have so many people to thank that have helped me get back to this point. Everyone at Yamaha who supported in me and believed in me when I was down and out, our team that does an amazing job each week, especially Mike Ward and Josh Coppins, who always have my back and have always played a part in my success.  Finally, I want to thank my wife and daughter for allowing me to do this and my family who were here tonight. It feels amazing to finally win this championship and it’s something I will remember for a long time. It was a stressful weekend and things got heated at times. but it was great racing with Hayden, Jacob and Wilson Todd and I want to also congratulate them on some great racing over the five rounds. I have really enjoyed racing them and we have kept it clean at each round and it’s been a lot of fun.”

SX2 Final Championship Points

  1. Jay Wilson 103
  2. Hayden Mellross 97
  3. Jacob Hayes 91
  4. Wilson Todd 75
  5. Jackson Richardson 74
  6. Josh Osby 68
  7. Aaron Tanti 62
  8. Dakota Alix 61
  9. Dylan Wills 60
  10. Bradley Taft 50

The Junior Lites 250cc Class was taken out by Jake Cuka, who put in a consistent season to claim the championship while in the 85cc Class it was Brad West who rode a calculated and conservative ride at the final round in Sydney, coming home in fourth place overall to seal the championship.

The two-stroke cup class was taken out by Ryan Marmont, as the age-old rivalry between Craig Anderson and Danny Ham added another chapter in Sydney as the two spent most of the race duelling with each other for the final place before Ham crashed into a wall in a desperate pass attempt on the final lap.

Victorian Ace Cheyne Boyd claimed the coveted Best Whip competition, finishing ahead of 2017 Champion – Corey Creed, and Honda rider Steve Mini while in Best Trick Blake Williams took gold, with Harry Bink getting the silver and Rob Adelberg with bronze.

In the Boost Mobile International Showdown Chad Reed lead team Australia to the win over the Americans while in the Monster Energy Best Trick competition Blake ‘Bilko’ Williams took the spoils with a 360 splits and a cliff-hanger backflip to claim the trophy.

The S-X Open Oceania Championship now rolls onto New Zealand in two weeks’ time, with more champions set to be crowned inside Mt Smart Stadium for the Monster Energy S-X Open Auckland on November 24.


World Enduro Super Series (WESS)
Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race – The Netherlands

History has been made as Billy Bolt is crowned the inaugural World Enduro Super Series at the eighth and final round, Red Bull Knock Out in The Netherlands which was won by Nathan Watson who got the better of MXGP star Glen Coldenhoff and Belgium’s Yentel Martens.

WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd manni lettenbichler FM
WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media

The Red Bull Knock Out Beach Race saw 1000 competitors taking to the start line for the one-hour morning qualifier which was won by Watson before 750 riders earned their place in the two-hour Final.

In the battle at the head of the World Enduro Super Series, all eyes were on title contenders Bolt and Lettenbichler, who were inside the top 20 of the 750 competitors. Positioning themselves out of trouble early on, the duo were closely matched with Bolt holding an important advantage.

WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd manni lettenbichler FM
Manuel Lettenbichler – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media

However, two crashes by Bolt put him on the back foot during the closing stages of the race. Needing a lap to regroup he began to make headway, using the technical X-Loop to his advantage. Pushing clear of Lettenbichler and working his way up to 12th, the Husqvarna rider crossed the finish line as the newly-crowned champion.

Billy Bolt

“To become the ultimate enduro champion is huge – I can’t believe it yet and it’s going to take a while for this moment to sink in. The race itself was crazy. I had two huge crashes and hit the ground hard, but apart from that I enjoyed it. It was tough making your way past all the other competitors – there were bikes everywhere. Also, the track conditions changed so much every lap and then the tide came in on the start straight, reducing it to half its width. I knew I needed to stay out of trouble as much as possible. And despite two crashes of my own making I pretty much did that. Overall, it’s been such a long season, with so many different races. Winning round one at Extreme XL Lagares feels a life time ago. To race everything from Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and now Beach Racing and come out of it all as the ultimate enduro champion is amazing.”

WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd billy bolt FM
Billy Bolt claims the 2018 WESS title in the Netherlands – Image by Future7Media

Results – Red Bull Knock Out, WESS Round 8

  1. Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 24 laps, 2:01:43.785
  2. Glenn Coldenhoff (KTM – NED) 2:03:14.001
  3. Yentel Martens (Husqvarna – BEL) 2:07:35.255
  4. Camille Chapeliere (KTM – FRA) 23 laps 2:03:48.396
  5. Todd Kellet (Husqvarna – GBR) 2:05:51.526
  6. Jamie McCanney (Yamaha – GBR) 2:06:02.401
  7. Lars van Berkel (KTM – NED) 2:06:57.553
  8. Axel van de Sande (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:19.272
  9. Jeffrey DeWulf (Yamaha – BEL) 2:07:57.178
  10. Sven van der Mierden (Husqvarna – NED) 22 laps 2:04:34.56
WESS Red Bull Knock Out Rnd billy bolt podium FM
WESS Championship Podium – WESS 2018 – Round 8 Red Bull Knock Out – Image by Future7Media

World Enduro Super Series Final Championship Standings

  1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GBR) 4800 points
  2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 4470 points
  3. Nathan Watson (KTM – GBR) 4103 points
  4. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4010 points
  5. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3675 points
  6. Paul Bolton (KTM – GBR) 3377 points
  7. Wade Young (Sherco – RSA) 3220 points
  8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GBR) 3010 points
  9. Jonny Walker (KTM – GBR) 2900 points
  10. Lars Enockl 2272 points

Stuttgart Supercross – Germany

Cole Martinez has been crowned the “King of Stuttgart” at the 36th ADAC Stuttgart Supercross after winning the main event on Friday and took out the overall victory with a fourth place in the second race on Saturday while last year’s winner Cédric Soubeyras of France won Saturday’s main event ahead of compatriot Gregory Aranda, who also finished second in the overall standings ahead Soubeyras.

Cole Martinez, the 26-year-old Suzuki rider from Rimrock, Arizona, was overjoyed at the award ceremony: “After much bad luck in recent years, I am grateful that I was able to come back to Stuttgart and that it has worked so well this year. ”


Villopoto Misses AUS-X

Ryan Villopoto elected to withdraw from last weekend’s AUS-X Open after his father, Dan passed away last week while riding with friends at Cahulla Creek in Southern California. Ryan wrote a heartfelt message on his social media account explaining the decision.

Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto
Ryan Villopoto

‘I just want to share a note with the @sxopensupercross fans to sincerely apologize as I will not be there today. As you all know the last week has been incredibly difficult on myself and my family. I was super excited to race in Sydney and have been working hard to be in the best shape I’ve been in years. I really wanted to race down there, but with all that happened as well as an unforeseen issue, I have to remain home with my family. I realize a lot of people put tons of work into helping me get there and to make it super special therefore I deeply want to express my appreciation. I promise to make it up to everyone down under. Thank you for all your ongoing support see you soon’


Yamaha AORC 2019 Calendar Released

The 2019 calendar for the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) has been officially revealed, confirming dates, locations and states for the highly anticipated National Championships.

Next year’s Championship will continue to use a double-header format, except for Round 7 as the series will return to Broken Hill NSW, for a 4-hour desert Cross Country.

AORC Dungog Juniors start
AORC Dungog

Kicking off the season will be Rounds 1 & 2 in Gympie QLD, taking place 9 – 10 March 2019. The Championship will then move to NSW for an Enduro in Dungog on 6-7 April.  Round 5 & 6 will see the series then return to Kyogle, NSW after a successful event in 2017, NSW on July 20-21. Broken Hill, NSW will again feature on 10-11 August and, then it’s off to SA from 31 August – 1 September. The championship finale will conclude at Victoria as it returns to Penshurst since being there last in 2016 on 14-15 September. Specific locations of the South Australian rounds will be released in due time.

2018 saw a number of firsts for the Championship with a Desert Cross Country along with several new support classes with the Amateur 125 cup, Vintage Cup and Pony Express. AORC will reveal what will be in store for 2019 in the coming weeks.

2019 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

  • Round 1 & 2: Gympie, QLD; 9 – 10 March 2019
  • Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW; 6 – 7 April 2019
  • Round 5 & 6: Kyogle, NSW; 20 – 21 July 2019
  • Round 7: Broken Hill, NSW; 10 – 11 August 2019
  • Round 8 & 9: SA; 31 August – 1 September 2019
  • Round 10 & 11: Penshurst, VIC; 14 –15 September 2019

Australia Ready to Race in the 2018 ISDE

At the time of writing Australia is taking to the track for day one of the 93rd FIM International Six Days Enduro (ISDE) and Australia’s World, Junior and Women’s Trophy Teams are in good stead after spending time in reconnaissance over the past week to prepare for a hot and dusty six days ahead.

Australian ISDE Team
Australia 2018 ISDE riders

Located two hours west of the Chile’s capital, Santiago, the city of Vina del Mar will play home to the world’s best Enduro riders over six days of adrenaline pulsing action. Organisers have planned three unique and challenging routes to test this year’s competitors, with the opening two days seeing riders tackle the aptly named ‘Pacific Challenge’.

Days three and four move our riders inland to see how well they handle rocky terrains, alongside dust and high heat. The second last day will find riders navigate a forestry course at Penuelas Lake and Wood, before competitors head into the sixth and final day with traditional a Motocross test in front of the Pacific Ocean in Vina del Mar.

Leading Australia out down the streets along Vina del Mar beach as the Flag Bearer was Australia’s World Trophy Team member, Josh Strang while Australia’s Women’s World Trophy Team received a very warm welcome during the Opening Ceremony, as they bid for a record-breaking sixth consecutive win.

Australian ISDE Team Womens
Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker

Scoring their first trophy back in 2013 in Sardinia, Italy, Australia’s three ladies, Jessica Gardiner, Tayla Jones and Mackenzie Tricker, are set to once again bring the fire to their international counterparts, serving unstoppable and unrivalled skills. Reflecting on arriving in Chile and the past week of testing and familiarising with the tracks.

Jessica Gardiner

“We’ve done a lot of walking here in Chile. It’s been quite hilly and therefore quite difficult to walk. It’s also been quite hot, and even though the metre says its only 22 degrees it really feels like 32! We’ve learnt that it’s going to be far more technical than the standard fast and flowing grass tracks usually seen at the ISDE. So there’s going to be more technique involved, which should make it interesting to decipher all the riders quickly! It’s been great to be with the girls in our Women’s World Trophy Team! We’ve found a new teammate in Mackenzie Tricker, so hopefully us Aussie girls can keep the ball rolling and stay strong. We’re preparing for a long, hot event, so we are going to have to really rely on our air filters changes and keeping our coolers up to date. So, fingers crossed for a good event!”

Australian ISDE Team Mens
Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lyndon Snodgrass and Joshua Strang

The class with arguably the most intense competition is the World Trophy, and Team Australia has already been coined as a strong and dominant force for 2018, with the potential to take out the trophy. Strang reflected on the team’s hunger and drive.

Josh Strang

“The conditions and terrain here in Chile are somewhat different to what I’m used to. But I think once the race starts today, I’ll no doubt just on into it and be good to go! The next six days should be pretty great, and all the Aussies are in good spirits!”

Australian ISDE Team Juniors
Fraser Higlett, Tom Mason and Andrew Wilksch

Australia’s Junior World Trophy Team member, Tom Mason, wrapped up the team’s experience so far in the lead up to today’s first race.

Tom Mason

“We’ve just finished up walking and testing out the tacks, and it’s been an awesome couple of days! The tracks here are the same as back home in Australia so we’re feeling pretty comfortable. All the bikes are ready and tested, and everyone feels ready! What we’ve found out from testing the tracks is that we just need to survive it, so the next six days will be pretty rough, but we’ll see how we go!”

World Trophy Team

  • Daniel Milner
  • Daniel Sanders
  • Lyndon Snodgrass
  • Joshua Strang

Women’s World Trophy Team

  • Jessica Gardiner
  • Tayla Jones
  • Mackenzie Tricker

Junior World Trophy Team

  • Fraser Higlett
  • Tom Mason
  • Andrew Wilksch

Team Manager – Don Atkins

There will be a full report on the ISDE in next week’s Moto News.


What Racing is Left for 2018?

Last weekend’s AUS-X was a dead-set cracker as was the final rounds of the WESS and we can look forward to seeing how our Aussie team fare at the ISDE next week – see the list of the remaining events for 2018 below:

  • Australasia
    • New Zealand Supercross Championships
      • 24 – SX Open – Auckland
      • 1 – South Waikato
      • 15 – Southland
  • America
    • Canadian Triple Crown Supercross – Nov. 17 – Hamilton
    • 2018 THOR Mini Olympics – Nov. 19-24 – Gainesville, FL
    • 2018 Day In The Dirt – Nov. 24-26 – Glen Helen, CA
  • Europe
  • ISDE – Nov. 12-17 – Chile
  • 2018 Paris Supercross – Nov. 17-18 – Paris, France
  • Geneva Supercross – Nov. 30/Dec. 1 – Switzerland

Source: MCNews.com.au