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Moto News Weekly for July 2, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Musquin & Cianciarulo top Southwick National
  • Toni Bou wins Belgium TrialGP Round 5
  • Australian ISDE Team update & controversy
  • Jorge Prado signs with Red Bull KTM until 2023
  • Tommy Searle joins KRT for MXGP
  • DPH Husqvarna Factory Racing leads MX Nationals to Round 7
  • Fly Racing sponsors 2019 Australian Supercross Rounds 1-3
  • Joeys reach 2019 FIM Team Speedway U21 World Championship final
  • 2019 Team Australia MXoN applications open!
  • RIP Neville Turner – Mount Kembla motocross fatality
  • 2019 FIM Junior Motocross Entrants revealed

Musquin & Cianciarulo top Southwick National

For the full Southwick National report see:
Musquin wins Southwick | Ferris & Lawrence both in Top Ten (link)

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.

AMA MX Rnd Southwick Starts JK MX Southwick Cover
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.”

AMA MX Rnd Southwick Musquin Osborne Tomac Podium JK MX Southwick
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.”

AMA MX Rnd Southwick Ferris JK MX Southwick
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.”

AMA MX Rnd Southwick Roczen JK MX Southwick
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.”

AMA MX Rnd Southwick Cianciarulo Multiple JK MX Southwick
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (1-2)
  2. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (3-1)
  3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (2-3)
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (4-4)
  5. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (7-5)
  6. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-6)
  7. Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Honda (5-7)
  8. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha (8-12)
  9. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (12-10)
  10. John Short, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda (15-9)

450 Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 257
  2. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 231
  3. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 229
  4. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 227
  5. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 212
  6. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 202
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 159
  8. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 136
  9. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 131
  10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 117

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (1-2)
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (3-1)
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (2-3)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (4-4)
  5. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (6-7)
  6. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (10-5)
  7. Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (7-8)
  8. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (5-11)
  9. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, KTM (11-6)
  10. Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Yamaha (12-9)

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 269
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 246
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 232
  4. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 178
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 167
  6. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 165
  7. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 162
  8. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 148
  9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 143
  10. 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.

AFT Twins Lima Half Mile Jared Mees ERV
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.”

AFT Twins Lima Half Mile Jared Mees ERV
Jared Mees – Lima Half Mile 2019

2019 American Flat Track – Lima Half Mile Main Event

  1. Jared Mees 25 Laps (winner)
  2. Jeffrey Carver Jr. +0.199
  3. Henry Wiles +0.867
  4. Brandon Price +4.487
  5. Bronson Bauman +10.639
  6. Robert Pearson +11.127
  7. Bryan Smith +11.715
  8. Davis Fisher +15.156
  9. Stephen Vanderkuur +17.956
  10. JD Beach +18.463

2019 American Flat Track Point Standings – AFT Twins

  1. Briar Bauman – 145
  2. Jared Mees – 132
  3. Brandon Robinson – 108
  4. Bronson Bauman – 101
  5. Henry Wiles – 96
  6. Jeffrey Carver Jr. – 90
  7. Jarod Vanderkooi – 85
  8. Robert Pearson – 78
  9. Jake Johnson – 75
  10. 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.

AFT Twins Lima Half Mile Singles Texter ERV
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

  1. Shayna Texter 15 Laps (winners)
  2. Dan Bromley +2.570
  3. Chad Cose +4.693
  4. Mikey Rush +4.915
  5. Ryan Wells +5.098
    …13. Max Whale
AFT Twins Lima Half Mile Singles Podium FA
AFT Singles Podium – 1) Shayna Texter, 2) Dan Bromley, 3) Chad Cose – Lima Half Mile 2019

2019 American Flat Track Point Standings – AFT Singles

  1. Mikey Rush 156
  2. Dalton Gauthier 144
  3. Dan Bromley 134
  4. Jesse Janisch 129
  5. 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.

TrialGP Belgium Rnd Toni Bou ps
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.”

TrialGP Belgium Rnd Toni Bou ps
Toni Bou – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019

Belgium TrialGP Result

  1. BOU Toni – Repsol Honda Team
  2. FAJARDO Jeroni – Gas Gas
  3. RAGA Adam – TRRS Factory Team
  4. FUJINAMI Takahisa – Repsol Honda Team
  5. BUSTO Jaime – Vertigo Factory Team
TrialGP Belgium Rnd PODIUM ps
Toni Bou topped the podium from Fajardo and Raga – TrialGP of Belgium Round 5, 2019

TrialGP Standings following Belgium

  1. BOU Toni – 100 points
  2. RAGA Adam – 67
  3. FAJARDO Jeroni – 67
  4. FUJINAMI Takahisa – 66
  5. 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.”

ISDE Day Australia Daniel MIlner
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.”

ISDE Chile Day Australian Junior Fraser Higlett JPM
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!”

Kawasaki Team Green Babbitts Online Motorsports
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.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Jorge Prado
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
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.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Searle GP PH
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.

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Todd Waters
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!”

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Wilson Todd
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 Gillman Speedway Brett Metcalfe
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.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Brett Metcalfe AI
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.”

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Justin Brayton
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.

Joeys Australia FIM Team Speedway U World Championship
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 Starts MX JK MXON
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.

You can download the 2019 FIM Motocross of Nations Australian Team Rider Application, Assen, Netherlands by clicking this link.

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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:

Moto X rider died Mt Kembla Moto X track (link)

2019 FIM Junior Motocross Entrants revealed

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
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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Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto Wrap | JD Beach pulls off AFT Twins win | SX | MX | Speedway

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Moto News Wrap for April 30, 2019 by Darren Smart

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The LATEST News

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Arizona AFT Super TT falls to JD Beach

Yamaha MT-07 rider JD Beach pulled off an improbable come-from-behind victory to claim his first-career American Flat Track premier class win in last Saturday night’s thrilling Super TT at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, Arizona.

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Twins Main ERV
AFT Twins head to the Arizona Super TT – Image by Scott Hunter

AFT Twins Report

Throughout the day it was the points leader Briar Bauman on his Indian who logged the fastest laps around the twisting and undulating Super TT circuit and he appeared well on his way to a seemingly effortless victory deep into the 25-lap Main Event but the determined Beach slowly reeled his quarry in and finally positioned himself to attack with just two laps remaining.

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Twins Start crash AXI
2019 Arizona Super TT – AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter

Beach, a multi-time national road racing champion made his move up the inside entering Turn 2 and pulled clear from there to at last complete the long-awaited breakthrough win ahead of Bauman and the defending champion Jared Mees (Indian) whom in turn got the nod over the Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Indian) and Jake Johnson (MT-07).

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Twins JD Beach AXI
2019 Arizona Super TT – AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter
JD Beach

“It’s amazing. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. We’ve been close before but never quite got it. To ride the race that I did — to be back from Briar like that and catch him and pass him with two to go — was awesome. I’ve just got to thank the whole team. We’ve definitely had our highs and lows this year so far. They’ve worked so hard. It’s a great feeling, but we’ve still got a lot of rounds to go and a lot of work to do. We’ll have some fun tonight and get back to work tomorrow.”

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT JD Beach AXI
JD Beach – Image by Scott Hunter

Bauman could take solace in the fact that he continued his perfect podium record on the season and extended his title lead to 18 points after four rounds.

Briar Bauman

“I had nothing for him. He came by me like I was tied to a tree… The bike was great all night. I thought I was in a pretty good position. I got the start and did everything right. The only problem is JD Beach came, so here we are in second.”

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Twins Podium ERV
2019 Arizona Super TT – AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter

Arizona Super TT – AFT Twins Main Event

  1. JD Beach Yamaha MT-07
  2. Briar Bauman Indian FTR750 +2.244
  3. Jared Mees Indian FTR750 +19.026
  4. Jeffrey Carver Jr. Indian FTR750 +23.610
  5. Jake Johnson Yamaha MT-07 +23.907
  6. Bronson Bauman Indian FTR750 +35.266
  7. Kayl Kolkman Yamaha MT-07 +35.896
  8. Brandon Robinson Indian FTR750 +36.052
  9. Sammy Halbert Harley-Davidson XG750R +40.515
  10. Larry Pegram Indian FTR750 +1 Lap
AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Twins Podium ERV
2019 Arizona Super TT – AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter

AFT Twin Standings

  1. Briar Bauman 82
  2. Jared Mees 64
  3. Brandon Robinson 64
  4. Henry Wiles 51
  5. Jarod Vanderkooi 51
  6. Jeffrey Carver Jr. 44
  7. Sammy Halbert 44
  8. Jake Johnson 43
  9. Larry Pegram 42
  10. Bronson Bauman 37
AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Twins Jared Mees AXI
Jared Mees – 2019 Arizona Super TT – AFT Twins – Image by Scott Hunter

AFT Singles Report

TT specialist Jesse Janisch and his Yamaha YZ450 upped his AFT Singles win streak to three with a wire-to-wire victory in Saturday night’s undercard Main Event over Dalton Gauthier and Ryan Wells.

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Singles Start ERV
Arizona Super TT – AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter

Janisch found himself under heavy pressure throughout the Main Event courtesy of points leader Dalton Gauthier who threw everything he had into one final strike at the chequered flag, pulling alongside Janisch as they two exited the race’s last corner and powered up the decisive jump with Janisch holding on by a scant 0.105 seconds at the line.

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Singles Start AXI
Arizona Super TT – AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter
Jesse Janisch

“This race was so much about the start. These guys were flying all day… I just tried running clean laps. Roof Systems Dallas TX got me off to a great start, and I was trying to watch the monitor and I saw Dalton right on me. But they kept going to a different battle, and I wanted to see where Dalton was at! He was really coming on that last lap.”

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Singles Jesse Janisch AXI
Jesse Janisch – Arizona Super TT – AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter

2016 AFT Singles champion Ryan Wells came home third ahead of Mikey Rush and Dan Bromley while Aussie Max Whale who was still feeling the effects of last weekend’s crash struggled home to 16th but he maintains a top ten position in the points.

AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Singles Podium ERV
Arizona Super TT – AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter

Arizona Super TT – AFT Singles Main Event

  1. Jesse Janisch Yamaha YZ450F
  2. Dalton Gauthier Husqvarna FC450 +0.105
  3. Ryan Wells Yamaha YZ450F +3.324
  4. Mikey Rush Honda CRF450R +5.822
  5. Dan Bromley KTM 450 SX-F +6.227
  6. Chad Cose Honda CRF450R +10.395
  7. Cole Frederickson Honda CRF450R +10.922
  8. Andrew Luker Kawasaki KX450F +11.236
  9. Ben Lowe Honda CRF450R +13.251
  10. Jacob Lehmann Honda CRF450R +13.829
AFT Rnd Arizona Super TT Singles Jesse Janisch AXI
Arizona Super TT – AFT Singles – Image by Scott Hunter

AFT Singles Standings

  1. Dalton Gauthier 79
  2. Jesse Janisch 72
  3. Mikey Rush 63
  4. Dan Bromley 58
  5. Morgen Mischler 40
  6. Oliver Brindley 38
  7. Shayna Texter 35
  8. Chad Cose 34
  9. Ryan Wells 31
  10. Max Whale 25
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Webb and Sexton Top the Podium at East Rutherford SX

On a jump infested and highly technical layout Cooper Webb has managed to win an action packed 450 main event to extend his championship lead, while Chase Sexton took over as the 250 East Coast class championship leader after winning his first main for the year.

AMA SX Rnd Starts JK SX NJ Cover
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Report

While his teammate Marvin Musquin was avoiding being run over after crashing in the first corner, Webb grabbed the holeshot from Zach Osborne and Eli Tomac, but before the opening lap was complete Tomac had moved to second and was right on the rear wheel of Webb.

AMA SX Rnd Sexton Podium JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld
AMA SX Rnd Starts JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

After a few attempts Eli was finally able to get to the lead and reminiscent to his Vegas performance in 2017 Tomac was looking to unsettle Webb as he slowed in several sections before cutting down to a tighter line through some of the corners but the Kawasaki rider finally cleared his thoughts to establish a small lead.

AMA SX Rnd Tomac Webb Multiple JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

In fact, it looked like Eli would pull away for the win until he got cross rutted and went down in the whoops to drop back to fourth behind Webb, Osborne and Blake Baggett. Osborne caught up to Webb to make the pass for the lead so it this stage Zach led ahead of Webb, Baggett and a fast closing Tomac but then Baggett crashed and Osborne rode straight up a right hand berm which gave the lead back to Webb.

AMA SX Rnd Osborne Webb Multiple JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

The atmosphere was electric as Tomac caught all the way up to Webb but an identical crash in the whoops dropped him back to third and that is the way they stayed to the line with Webb winning over Osborne, Tomac and Baggett.

AMA SX Rnd Osborne Musquin Savatgy Multiple JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

With one race left, Web has a 23-point lead over Tomac while Musquin, who came into the race as the only other rider besides Tomac within striking distance of his teammate salvaged a fifth after his crash to now trails Webb by 31 points so he is no longer in championship contention.

Cooper Webb

“The win is a great momentum booster for me. Having another win for me and the team that works so hard is awesome, but anything can happen, as we saw tonight, but it is nice to come in with a bigger lead. I felt like crap all day and all week, so to be out here at all was great, the goal was a top five, so to come away with a win was incredible.”

AMA SX Rnd Webb JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld
Zach Osborne

“It’s been a long gruelling road to get back, I felt great in the off season, had a really good bike and one tiny mistake took me out of the first six rounds but it is finally coming back to me, we completely changed the bike in the off week and I felt a lot more comfortable in the whoops. In the main event I got off to a good start and after getting beaten up in the past I decided to just send it which I did for a couple of laps then made the pass for the lead – it was a really good race for me.”

AMA SX Rnd Osborne JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld
Eli Tomac

“I had to have a chuckle about it, I mean, I did the exact thing twice (crash twice in the same spot), I mean, how do you even do that? We were going triple into the whoops and I was leaning a little too far to the right, got cross rutted and then went into the same tuff block, the same tip over, it’s like a replay. I could have got away with one of those but the second one really did me in.”

AMA SX Rnd Tomac Webb Multiple JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Main Event Results

  1. Cooper Webb
  2. Zach Osborne
  3. Eli Tomac
  4. Blake Baggett
  5. Marvin Musquin
  6. Ken Roczen
  7. Joey Savatgy
  8. Joshua Grant
  9. Cole Seely
  10. Justin Hill
AMA SX Rnd Webb Osborne Tomac Podium JK SX NJ
450SX Main Event Podium – AMA SX Round 16, 2019

450SX Points after 16 of 17 Rounds

  1. Cooper Webb – 358
  2. Eli Tomac – 335
  3. Marvin Musquin – 327
  4. Ken Roczen – 300
  5. Blake Baggett – 274
  6. Dean Wilson – 223
  7. Joey Savatgy – 208
  8. Cole Seely – 194
  9. Justin Bogle – 158
  10. Justin Barcia – 154
  11. Chad Reed – 151
  12. Justin Brayton – 151
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250 East Coast Report

After the injured championship leader Austin Forkner made his way to the main event with a far from convincing fourth place in his heat race it was Alex Martin who grabbed the early lead in the main event ahead of Martin Davalos, Sexton and Forkner.

AMA SX Rnd Sexton Forkner Starts JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

Austin slammed by Sexton for third but he was soon in second behind his teammate Davalos after Martin slid out so it looked like things were going the way of Forkner BUT a flat landing before the wall jump caused him to re-aggravate his knee and take him out of the race.

When Austin pulled off, Sexton inherited second place and later he took over the lead from a struggling Davalos who would also surrender second and third to the Yamaha duo of Mitchell Oldenburg and Justin Cooper, so the win went to Sexton over Oldenburg, Cooper and Davalos.

AMA SX Rnd Davalos JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

With just the final East/West shootout at Las Vegas to go next weekend Sexton has inherited/earned a nine-point lead over Cooper with Forkner a further 13-points back. The 250 West Coast series is similarly placed with Adam Cianciarulo holding an 8-point lead over Dylan Ferrandis heading into Vegas so the combined final is going to be very interesting indeed.

Chase Sexton

“We have made a lot of bike changes from the beginning of the season, it is pretty crazy when you compare what I was riding back then to now, it has made a big difference and I have just been trying to put in my laps but I felt really good out there tonight, it feels awesome to be fastest qualifier, win my heat then the main, it’s been a long time and it feels great.”

AMA SX Rnd Sexton Davalos Multiple JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld
Mitchell Oldenburg

“It has been a tough physically and mentally but everyone around me has believed in me so this feels great, I felt awesome tonight, comfortable and it’s been a long couple of years but we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Justin Cooper

“We struggled with suspension but we did our best and I felt really good in the heat where I got into second and started putting in my laps before I ended up jumping into the hay bales and it all went downhill from there because I didn’t feel myself in the main event but not taking any credit from these guys, they are riding awesome.”

AMA SX Rnd Cooper JK SX NJ
AMA Supercross Round 16 – East Rutherford – Image by Hoppenworld

250 East Coast Main Event Results

  1. Chase Sexton
  2. Mitchell Oldenburg
  3. Justin Cooper
  4. Martin Davalos
  5. Brandon Hartranft
  6. Kyle Peters
  7. Alex Martin
  8. Jordan Bailey
  9. Lorenzo Locurcio
  10. Anthony Rodriguez
    …22. Austin Forkner
AMA SX Rnd Sexton Podium JK SX NJ
250SX Main Event Podium – AMA SX Round 16, 2019

250 East Coast Points after 8 of 9 Rounds

  1. Chase Sexton – 174
  2. Justin Cooper – 165
  3. Austin Forkner – 152
  4. Martin Davalos – 134
  5. Mitchell Oldenburg – 128
  6. Alex Martin –121
  7. Brandon Hartranft – 118
  8. Kyle Peters – 115
  9. Kyle Cunningham – 108
  10. Jordon Bailey – 91

250 West Coast Points after 9 of 10 Rounds

  1. Adam Cianciarulo – 208
  2. Dylan Ferrandis – 200
  3. Colt Nichols – 163
  4. RJ Hampshire – 145
  5. James Decotis – 128
  6. Michael Mosiman – 128
  7. Cameron McAdoo – 128
  8. Shane McElrath – 123
  9. Chris Blose – 119
  10. Garrett Marchbanks – 100
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Upton wins Gascoyne Dash

Easter weekend saw defending champion Cody Upton win the Gascoyne Dash which has competitors racing from the WA coastal town of Carnarvon to the outback oasis of Gascoyne Junction and back.

Gascoyne Dash Upton on his way to victory
Cody Upton wins the 2019 Gascoyne Dash

Upton lead a field of 32 bikes and 19 quads away for the Prologue but it was KTM rider James McCarthy, stopping the clock some 13 seconds ahead of fellow KTM Rider Thomas O’Connell, with the Yamaha of Alex Moore rounding out the outright podium while the leading quad was ATV MX convert, Luke Gaisford on his Honda.

The first day of the main event saw the field race east approximately 205 kilometres from coastal Carnarvon to the outback oasis of Gascoyne Junction and it was Upton who managed to take the win. The defending champ not only faced stiff opposition from his fellow competitors and the tough terrain on the race home, he would also have to overcome a broken left hand thanks to a rock thrown from a competitor’s bike on the run to Gascoyne Junction.

Gascoyne Dash Luke Gaisford won the Quad class
Luke Gaisford took the Quad win

While not able to match the pace that he set on day one, Upton was able to do just enough to lead the Moto field home ahead of McCarthy, Moore and O’Connell while Jye Schaap, Damon Meyer, Luke Thomson, Cameron Smart, Michael Lough and Andrew Somers rounded out the top ten.

Amongst the hotly contested quad category, ATV MX specialist Luke Gaisford powered home from the Junction to win his first desert enduro. Finishing 15th outright ahead of Blake Croonen and Colin Balshaw.

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Doyle headlines FIM Speedway of Nations Race Off 2

World champions Tai Woffinden and Jason Doyle lead a stellar field for the FIM Speedway of Nations Race Off 2 in Manchester on May 11 as the squads and starting line-ups are confirmed.

FIM Speedway of Nations
2019 FIM Speedway of Nations Race Off 2

Reigning world #1 Woffinden captains the Lions on home shale in his first racing appearance in the UK since becoming the first Brit to win three world titles last October.

Meanwhile, 2017 FIM Speedway Grand Prix winner Doyle leads the Australian challenge. The Brits and Aussies are up against Denmark, USA, Latvia, France and Finland with three places up for grabs in the Monster Energy SON Finals at Russian race track Togliatti on July 20 and 21.

Every nation had the chance to name a squad of up to five riders – three seniors and two under-21s, with two seniors and a junior starting in Manchester. Each under-21 must take at least one ride.

Doyle teams up with Belle Vue skipper Max Fricke, who gets the nod ahead of 2012 world champion Chris Holder to race on his SGB Premiership home track. Aussie Under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey serves as their junior rider, with Redcar rider Jordan Stewart the reserve under-21.

Jason Doyle - Image by Colin Rosewarne
Jason Doyle at least year’s Melbourne Speedway GP – Image by Colin Rosewarne

The Finals field will also feature three nations who advance from Race Off 1 in Landshut, Germany on May 4, which sees Germany, Poland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Ukraine and Italy compete.

Race Off 2 Squads & Line-Ups (In Draw Order):

  • AUSTRALIA:
    • 1 Jason Doyle (captain), 2 Max Fricke, U21 Jaimon Lidsey.
    • Also in squad: Chris Holder, Jordan Stewart (U21).
  • FINLAND:
    • 1 Timo Lahti (captain), 2 Tero Aarnio, U21 Timi Salonen.
    • Also in squad: Jesse Mustonen, Niklas Sayrio (U21).
  • LATVIA:
    • 1 Andzejs Lebedevs (captain), 2 Jevgenijs Kostigovs, U21 Olegs Mihailovs.
  • DENMARK:
    • 1 Niels-Kristian Iversen (captain), 2 Leon Madsen, U21 Frederik Jakobsen. Also in squad: Michael Jepsen Jensen, Patrick Hansen (U21).
  • GREAT BRITAIN:
    • 1 Tai Woffinden (captain), 2 Craig Cook, U21 Robert Lambert.
    • Also in squad: Chris Harris, Daniel Bewley (U21).
  • FRANCE:
    • 1 David Bellego (captain), 2 Dimitri Berge, U21 Gaetan Stella.
  • USA:
    • 1 Austin Novratil, 2 Luke Becer (captain), U21 Broc Nicol.
    • Also in squad: Ricky Wells.
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Murray Bridge double header this weekend

This weekend will see the first of the two ‘double header’ rounds of the 2019 Australian MX Nationals with Murray Bridge putting together two days of racing that could well see major changes in the MX1, MX2 and MXD championship classes.

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MX Nationals head to Murray Bridge for Rounds 4 & 5

MX Nationals Series Promoter Kevin Williams today expressed his gratitude for the Rural City of Murray Bridge and explained that the venue is well equipped to have a full two days racing and the club are ready to welcome thousands of motocross fans.

Kevin Williams

“I’m very thankful to the Rural City of Murray Brdge for there commitment and partnership in making this event happen with Murray Bridge hosting the first of this years double header rounds, the South Coast Club have been working around the clock to make sure everything is up to a double standard and the track is well equipped to handle two days of gruelling racing.”

In the MX1 class Hayden Mellross holds on to the championship points lead by a slender 5-points over Luke Clout who in turn has a 2-point gap to Kirk Gibbs who has the exact same gap back to Todd Waters so that is less than 10 points from first to fourth which means this weekend at Murray Bridge could well shake this championship up…..or will it?

R Broadford MX Nationals M Hayden Mellross
Hayden Mellross – MX Nationals Round 3, Broadford, 2019

MX1 – Championship Standings After Round 3

  1. Hayden Mellross – 152
  2. Luke Clout – 147
  3. Kirk Gibbs – 145
  4. Todd Waters – 143
  5. Jesse Dobson – 121
  6. Justin Rodbell – 110
  7. Erki Kahro – 107
  8. Jayden Rykers – 102
  9. Brett Metcalfe – 97
  10. Charlie Creech – 94

The likes of Jay Wilson, Aaron Tanti, Kyle Webster and Nathan Crawford need to pull their fingers out and stop Wilson Todd from running away with this championship – and that is going to be difficult with Wilson looking to be in a class of his own during the last two rounds to now have a 28 point lead over Wilson.

R Broadford MX Nationals PQ Wilson Todd
Wilson Todd – MX Nationals Round 3, Broadford, 2019

MX2 – Championship Standings After Round 3

  1. Wilson Todd – 170
  2. Jay Wilson – 142
  3. Aaron Tanti – 133
  4. Kyle Webster – 126
  5. Nathan Crawford – 122
  6. Cooper Pozniak – 115
  7. Dylan Wills – 113
  8. Jye Dickson – 107
  9. Riley Dukes – 103
  10. Issac Ferguson – 93

The MXD class has been it’s usual action packed adventure for the youngsters and so far it has been Regan Duffy who has been the most consistent but Rhys Budd, Max Purvis and Mason Semmens have been on the winners pace while there are three or four other riders who are currently top ten in the points who have the speed to win motos.

R Broadford MX Nationals PQ Regan Duffy
Regan Duffy – MX Nationals Round 3, Broadford, 2019

MXD – Championship Standings After Round 3

  1. Regan Duffy – 157
  2. Rhys Budd – 152
  3. Maximus Purvis – 140
  4. Mason Semmens – 125
  5. Jack Kukas – 113
  6. Noah Ferguson – 111
  7. Brodie Ellis – 110
  8. Jayce Cosford – 99
  9. Mason Rowe – 98
  10. Liam Walsh – 98
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Victoria, ACT and WA Host Championship Rounds

The Yamaha BluCru 2-Stroke Nationals was held at Fairburn Park last weekend as was the VSMX at Swan Hill in Victoria and the WAMX Championships at the Coastal Motocross facility.

Jai Walker won the premier YMI All-Power class at Fairburn Park over Jake Cobbin and Connor Whitney while Blake Fox (Yamaha 125cc Jnr Cup), Ryder Kingsford (Yamaha 85cc Cup), Ky Woods (Raceline 65cc Cup) and Steven Bowen (Hallman Retro Cup) took out the support classes.

MX Nationals Rnd Conondale Jayden Rykers BikeWalkout ImageByScottya
Jayden Rykers (Pictured at MXN) – Image by Scottya

On a day that fielded many national riders Jayden Rykers won the premier All Powers class at Swan Hill over Erki Kahro and Ryan Shadbolt while Mason Semmens got the win over Max Purvis is the MX2 class then we saw Lewis Stewart (MX1A), Justin Carafa (Over 30s), Mike Reefman (Over 40s) and James Graham (Over 50s) win the support classes.

Coastal hosted the opening round of the WAMX championship and it was Regan Duffy who took out the MX1 class over Charlie Creech and Josh Adams before Duffy also took out the MX2 class over Corben Weinert and Dylan Hennessey while Chris Bosnakis (Quads), Hannah Bagnall (Womens) and Jacob Whatley (Amateur) won the support classes.

Over in the junior ranks the class winners were Brock Flynn, Kayden Minear, Seth Manuel, Dylan Walsh, Mason Brown, Jaylee Rimbas and Jodh McQuade.

Weekly Up-Date on Our Aussies Abroad

Jed Beaton – Rockstar Husqvarna

Championship: World MX2 Motocross Championship
Current Standing: 13th after Round 4 of 17
Notes: Thanks to some niggling injuries Jed sat out the opening round but has scored solid points in the next three rounds while still nursing a few aches and pains – the four week break from rounds 4 to 5 will do him no harm. The next round will be the MXGP of Lombardi in Italy on the 12th of May.

MXGP Rnd Trentino Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton

Mitch Evans – 114 Honda

Championship: World MX2 Motocross Championship
Current Standing: 8th after Round 4 of 17
Notes: Mitch sensationally started the season with a podium finish but since then it has been a bit of a roller coaster with great speed let down by two mechanical DNFs. The next round will be the MXGP of Lombardi in Italy on the 12th of May.

R Broadford MX Nationals PQ Richie Evans
Mitch Evans

Tayla Jones – Rockstar/Husqvarna/Moose Racing/Shaw Wines

Championship: GNCC
Current Standing: 1st after Round 4 of 13
Notes: Tayla has only lost one round so far this year and is looking as good as ever. Next round will be the ‘X Factor Whitetails’ at Peru near Indianapolis on May 4 and 5

GNCC Tayla Jones earned her third WXC win season Photo by Ken Hill
Tayla Jones competing the 2019 GNCC – Image by Ken Hill

Caleb Grothues – SDM Corse Yamaha

Championship: EMX250
Current Standings: 16th after Round 2 of 8
Notes: The former Australian and World Junior Motocross Champion rode well at the opening round but was forced to sit out the second round due to injury but the West Aussie should be back for the next round in France on the 26th of May.

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Hunter Lawrence – Geico Honda

Championship: AMA Motocross Championship
Current Standings: TBA
Notes: Hunter was looking sharp heading into the supercross championship before he crashed right before the opening round so he is now healed and by all accounts 100% ready for the outdoors which kicks off at Hangtown on May 18.

Hunter Lawrence MXoN MX
Hunter Lawrence – MXoN 2018

Jett Lawrence – Geico Honda

Championship: TBA
Current Standings: TBA
Notes: Jett joined the Geico Honda amateur program for 2019 and to date he has raced a handful of events like the Mini-Os etc – as soon as he races and there are results it will be right here.

Jett Lawrence ADAC
Jett Lawrence

Tahlia ‘TJ’ O’Hare – KTM DIGA Racing Team

Championship: MXW World Motocross Championship
Current Standings: 13th after Round 1 of 5
Notes: Tahlia’s initiation into the world motocross scene was at the toughest track on the circuit in Valkenswaard but she managed to get through with a solid 13th but look for TJ to move up the points standings at the second round in Portugal on May 19.

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Chad Reed – JGR Suzuki

Championship: AMA Supercross
Current Standing: 11th after Round 16 of 17
Notes: Chad was part of a multi bike crash at Seattle when he was sitting 7th in the championship and if a few things go his way Chad will be on the line at the final round of the championship at Vegas this weekend.

AMA SX Rnd Reed Brayton Multiple JK SX Seattle
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld

Wil Ruprecht – Johansson MPE Yamaha

Championship: EnduroGP – Junior Class
Current Standing: 2nd after Round 1 of 7.
Notes: Wil proved his worth at the opening round in Germany with a solid weekend on the only Yamaha in the field. The next round will be at Valpaços in Portugal on the 3rd and 4th of May.

EnduroGP Rnd Wil Ruprecht
Wil Ruprecht (Team Yamaha Johansson MPE) – 2019 EnduroGP Round 1

Meghan Rutledge – Bud Racing Kawasaki

Championship: MXW World Motocross Championship
Current Standings: 8th after Round 1 of 5
Notes: Meghan sat out the World Championships for four years and her first round was marred with some minor mistakes but there was no mistaking her speed so look for Meghan to have a much better round in Portugal on the 19th of May.

Meghan Rutledge is competing for Bud Racing Kawasaki Facebook photo
Meghan Rutledge

Josh Strang – Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki

Championship: GNCC / AMA Enduro
Current Standing: 6th after Round 4 of 13
Notes: New team for Josh and he is gaining confidence at every round – Josh sat in second place for the early part of round 4 before dropping to fifth overall. Next round will be the ‘X Factor Whitetails’ at Peru near Indianapolis on May 4 and 5

GNCC Washington Josh Strang KH
Josh Strang – 2019 GNCC – Image by Ken Hill

Mackenzie Tricker – KTM/MEPMX/Fly Racing

Championship: GNCC
Current Standing: 3rd after Round 4 of 13
Notes: Mackenzie is not far off cracking a win at the GNCC level but the pace is red hot out front between Jones and Becca Sheets. Next round will be the ‘X Factor Whitetails’ at Peru near Indianapolis on May 4 and 5.

FIM ISDE Vina del Mar Day Mackenzie IMGDarioAgrati
Mackenzie Tricker (2018 ISDE) – Image by Dario Agrati

Max Whale – Weirbach Racing Kawasaki

Championship: AFT Singles
Current Standings: 10th after Round 4 of 18
Notes: Max scored a disappointing 16th at the Super TT in Arizona last weekend thanks to still feeling the effects of the previous weekend’s big crash but he still sits 10th in the points with plenty of rounds left to prove his worth.

Max Whale Taree
Max Whale at Taree

Source: MCNews.com.au

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Moto News Weekly Wrap

December 4, 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?

  • Brayton Wins King of Geneva
  • Bowers is King of Chemnitz
  • Watson wins in France
  • Price Ready for Challenging Dakar 19
  • Yamaha Signs Green, Driscoll and Style for 2019
  • Three More Yamaha Riders Set for 2019 MXGP
  • Kirk Gibbs Signs for CDR Yamaha for 2019
  • 2019 Mountain Man Motocross News
  • Metcalfe Heads Honda Campaign in 2019
  • King of MX 2019 Dates Announced
  • Weston Peick Update – Good News

Brayton Wins King of Geneva

Three-time Australian Supercross Champion Justin Brayton capped off a stellar ‘off-season’ by winning the King of Geneva last weekend with a win and a second place over the two nights of racing in front of a quality field and a huge crowd.

Justin Brayton King of Geneva trophy
Justin Brayton – King of Geneva 2018

Brayton was forced to come from outside the top five to pass Christian Craig for second place during Friday nights final and was looking like he was going to have to settle for second behind Zach Osborne when on the very last lap Osborne hit the rear tyre of a lapped rider only to crash leaving Brayton alone for the win ahead of Craig, Osborne, Vince Friese, Jordi Tixier, Cole Seely and Justin Barcia.

Barcia scored the holeshot in Saturday night’s final ahead of Craig and Brayton but it didn’t take long before Brayton got around Craig and started putting pressure on Barcia but after 20 gruelling laps Barcia got the win ahead of Brayton, Craig, Friese, Tixier, Valentin Teillet and Cole Seely.

Brayton earned a well-deserved King of Geneva over Craig and Barcia. “I don’t what happened to my starts but I knew what I had to do to win the King of Geneva, this is awesome to win my fifth King of Geneva supercross, that’s crazy, who would have thought when you see the list of names who have won this before but I am happy to be part of it and happy to have the record solo (for most wins), I’m stoked.”

SX Final Night One

  1. Justin Brayton
  2. Christian Craig
  3. Zach Osborne
  4. Vince Friese
  5. Jordi Tixier
  6. Cole Seely
  7. Justin Barcia
  8. Cedric Soubeyras
  9. Gregory Aranda
  10. Malcolm Stewart
  11. Valentin Teillet
  12. Fabien Izoird
  13. Nicolas Aubin
  14. Gaetan Le Hir
  15. Xavier Boog

SX Final Night Two

  1. Justin Barcia
  2. Justin Brayton
  3. Christian Craig
  4. Vince Friese
  5. Jordi Tixier
  6. Valentin Teillet
  7. Cole Seely
  8. Gregory Aranda
  9. Fabien Izoird
  10. Khousith Vongsana
  11. Xavier Boog
  12. Nicolas Dercourt
  13. Gaetan Le Hir
  14. Kevin Ballanger
  15. Joen Cros
  16. Nicolas Aubin
  17. Cedric Soubeyras
  18. Zach Osborne

King of Geneva

  1. Justin Brayton (20-17)
  2. Christian Craig (17-15)
  3. Justin Barcia (9-20)
  4. Vince Friese (13-13)
  5. Jordi Tixier (11-11)
  6. Cole Seely (10-9)
  7. Valentin Teillet (5-10)
  8. Gregory Aranda (7-8)
  9. Zach Osborne (15-0)
  10. Fabien Izoird (4-7)

Cameron McAdoo won the Prince of Geneva from Adrien Escoffier and Julien Roussaly.

Prince of Geneva

  1. Cameron McAdoo 17-20
  2. Adrien Escoffier 20-17
  3. Julien Roussaly 13-15

Bowers is King of Chemnitz

American Tyler Bowers was in Germany last weekend and was rewarded by claiming the King of Chemnitz honours after winning Friday night’s final ahead of Cole Martinez before backing that up with another win on Saturday night this time ahead of Charles Lefrancois.

Friday SX1 Final

  1. Tyler Bowers
  2. Cole Martinez
  3. Charles Lefrancois
  4. Dominique Thury
  5. Justin Starling

Saturday – SX1 Final

  1. Tyler Bowers
  2. Charles Lefrancois
  3. Dominique Thury
  4. Cole Martinez
  5. Justin Starling
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Watson wins in France

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Nathan Watson has secured a dominant victory at round three of the Championnat de France des Sables Beach Race Series in St. Léger de Balson after charging his way to a commanding two-minute win.

camille chapeliere St Leger de Balson Beach Race
Championnat de France des Sables Beach Race Series in St. Léger de Balson

Offering a change from the traditional seaside beach race, round three of the Championnat de France des Sables made its way inland to the vast, deep sandy forest region of St. Léger de Balson for the third stop of the championship. Wet and changeable weather for the two-hour-30-minute race ensured conditions would be anything but predictable for the 300 riders competing.

After missing round two due to his World Enduro Super Series commitments, Nathan Watson returned to competitive action in the championship highly motivated following his recent victory at the Red Bull Knock Out beach race in The Netherlands.

Starting strongly, Watson rounded the opening lap inside the top five. However, with conditions proving wet and muddy, he knew it would be a race of attrition for many. Taking his time to settle into things, he steadily worked his way into the lead during the first 45 minutes.

Opting to pit early for a fresh pair of goggles and gloves saw him drop back to second place behind new race leader Milko Potisek. Feeling strong and comfortable in the deteriorating conditions, Nathan quickly worked his way back in front. Continuing his unrelenting pace, the KTM 450 SX-F rider ended the race with a two-minute-20-second margin of victory.

Nathan Watson

“I’m delighted and a little bit surprised with how well my race has gone. I felt in control the whole way through and despite some horrendously tough conditions I was able to manage the pace of the race to my advantage. With a lot of rain I knew conditions would be tricky. My start was ok and I was fourth after lap one. A few riders made some mistakes and then suddenly I was in the lead. However, I needed to pit early for fresh goggles and gloves and that dropped me back into second behind Milko. When I got going again I managed to pull him back in quite quickly and once ahead I continued that strong pace until the chequered flag. It feels great to get this win, especially off the back of my Red Bull Knock Out victory and I’m looking forward to keeping that momentum rolling into round four next weekend.”

nathan.watson St Leger de Balson Beach Race
Nathan Watson

The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round four on December 9, 2018.

Results – French Beach Race Series, Round 3

  1. Nathan Watson, KTM, 17 laps 2:39:26.670
  2. Milko Potisek, Yamaha, 2:41:47.330
  3. Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 2:45:24.490;
  4. Petar Petrov, KTM, 16 laps 2:40:52.881
  5. Maxime Sot, Yamaha, 2:41:22.540

Championship Standings (After round 3)

  1. Milko Potisek, Yamaha, 410pts
  2. Jeffrey Dewulf, KTM, 375pts
  3. Petar Petrov , KTM, 308pts
  4. Maxime Sot, Yamaha, 292pts
  5. Nathan Watson, KTM, 285pts

Price Ready for Challenging Dakar 19

Former Dakar Champion Toby Price is now in the final stages of preparations ahead of the 2019 Dakar Rally. One final test in Abu Dhabi is now all that stands between the current FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion and the 10-day event being held exclusively in Peru beginning on January 6th 2019.

Toby Price

“It’s going to be a bit of a strange Dakar, the route looks like about 70 percent is in the dunes and it’s going to be a real challenge, certainly no time to relax. In the past there have been days where you can pace yourself and still get a good result by concentrating on navigation and riding smooth – on this one I think it’s going to be flat-out from the very beginning.”

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

Josh Strang Signs with Kawasaki

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has announced that Team Babbitt’s/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green will field two XC1 class riders in the 2019 GNCC and Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series with former GNCC XC1 Champion and current Full Gas Sprint Enduro Champion Josh Strang being the first to sign for the team.

Josh Strang

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to ride the all-new KX450. It’s exciting to join a team like Kawasaki, who believe in the potential of my riding and my results. I rode Kawasaki’s in Australia for many years before moving to the U.S. to race, so it’s really gone full circle for me. I can’t wait to get back on a brand that helped start my career and continues to provide support, which is a big part of succeeding.”

Kawasaki Team Green Babbitts Online Motorsports
Josh Strang

In addition to the Team Babbitt’s Online racing effort, Kawasaki Team Green will have a lot to offer off-road racers, including a $1.7 million racer rewards program with $427,700 dedicated to the GNCC series.

The Team Green trackside support crew, featuring technical assistance and parts sales for customers will attend seven rounds of the 2019 GNCC series as well as other off-road race events across the country. For GNCC events where the Team Green trackside support crew is not present, the Team Babbitt’s Online semi will have a supply of OEM parts to assist KX customers in need.

To further support our customer, racers can visit their Kawasaki Team Green dealer to earn up to a $1,500 rebate for the purchase of a new 2019 KX model. Kawasaki Team Green dealers have until February 15, 2019 to submit Racer Support applications.

Team Green Manager Ryan Holliday

 “We have been working hard to put these programs together and re-establish our presence in the off-road segment. Having the opportunity to continue our successful relationship with Team Babbitt’s Online and be involved with the GNCC series was an easy decision for us. The combination of having a great new KX450 model, experienced riders and the knowledge of our team staff gives us the potential for success right away.”

 Team Babbitt’s/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green along with the Team Green trackside support crew will take on the treacherous terrain of the Big Buck GNCC season opener in Union, South Carolina on February 24, 2019.

Yamaha Signs Green, Driscoll and Style for 2019

Josh Green, Luke Styke and Michael Driscoll will remain with the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube team for the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championships as well as other major events around Australia.

After winning the Under 19 division for two years running, Michael Driscoll will now make the big step up to the E1 class for 2019.

Michael Driscoll

“I feel like I have a good foundation to enter the professional classes now and confident I can mix it up with the best in the class right from the get go. Having watched closely how someone like Josh prepares himself and seeing the professionalism he approaches his racing enables me to learn that being successful is more than just hanging off the throttle. Being back with AJ (Roberts) and the team is great and we have a really good thing going. The bikes are awesome and we have an awesome group of people around us so hopefully Luke, Josh and myself can all push each other to have an even better season that last.”

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Michael
Michael Driscoll

Motocross convert, Luke Styke, proved a revelation in 2018 as he dominated proceedings in the E1 category taking the win in the AORC as well as the A4DE and landing well inside the top five Outright at the majority of the events.

Luke Styke

“Off road was completely new to me this time last year and almost every event I went to I had to learn not just about the bike, the rules or the riding, but also the formats and the fitness required to succeed at the highest level, so it was a lot to take in all at once but I was happy with how the year turned out. But for 2019, I now have that experience, so my time and focus can be on fine tuning my program to get the most from myself and being better again. Last year the goal was to win my class, in 2019, the next step is outright and although Daniel Milner is riding exceptionally well and one of the best riders in the world, there is no point racing if we don’t have him as the bench mark and try and beat him. It will take a lot of work and preparation but the team and I’m already hard at work and looking to make the next step in our performance.”

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Luke
Luke Styke

Entering into his eighth season with the Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Team, Josh Green is back and determined to lead the way for the team in 2019.

Josh Green

“I still want to win as much as I did in my first season with AJ and the team. Having Styke and Driscoll in the team benefits me as much as I assist them in that I can use their energy and youthful exuberance to keep me going. Yamaha have been great to work with over the years and I’m 100% a Yamaha guy. I’m proud to represent not only this team but also Yamaha and still believe I’m more than capable of mixing it with anyone in Australian Off Road.”

Yamaha Active Yamalube Racing AORC Josh
Josh Green
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Smarty’s Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

Three More Yamaha Riders Set for 2019 MXGP

JWR Yamaha Racing has confirmed a three-rider team for the 2019 MXGP season with six-time Grand Prix winner, Kevin Strijbos leading the team which will also feature Vsevolod Brylyakov and Anton Gole.

Kevin Strijbos

“I’m really happy to join the JWR Yamaha Racing team. It is a young dynamic team and I will try to help them with my experience if needed. I’m also looking forward to riding the Yamaha 450F, as I have heard a lot of positive things about the bike. I cannot wait to ride it! It seems the circle will close; I started my first MXGP season on a Yamaha 125 in 2001 and it looks like I will also close it on a Yamaha. Of course, I will do my best next year to get the best results possible.”

Kevin Strijbos
Kevin Strijbos to JWR Yamaha Racing in 2019
Vsevolod Brylyakov

“Finally! I am pumped to announce my new deal with JWR Yamaha Racing for the 2019 MXGP season! It is going to be my first year in the MXGP class and to be honest I do feel very excited. After the past two difficult years, with two big injuries, it is not going to be easy to go and race with the strongest and fastest guys in the world, but I am not scared of work and I believe in myself. I am happy to say that I have people who are giving me the same feeling and that is giving me some extra motivation and the will to succeed. Now it is time make some plans, pack my bags and start my trip back to Europe! My knee feels better and stronger day by day. I cannot wait to go and ride this YZ450F!”

Anton Gole

“I am so happy to finally announce my deal with JWR Yamaha Racing. I have known Johan for a couple of years now and I think he is a very driven guy with big dreams and high goals, so I am really excited to join his team. I’m also going to step up to the MXGP class for next year, so to have Vsevolod Brylyakov and Kevin Strijbos as teammates will be awesome. I hope to learn a lot from them. It is going to be a tough challenge to ride in the big-boy class, but I feel really good on the YZ450F and I am really looking forward to it.”

Kirk Gibbs Signs for CDR Yamaha for 2019

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team unveiled Kirk Gibbs as one of their new rider signings for the 2019 season at the bLU cRU King of the Valley event at Oakdale, NSW, on the weekend.

mx nationals ranch mx saturday practice mx gibbs waiting ImageByScottya
Kirk Gibbs – Image by Scottya

Gibbs has been drafted to the powerful CDR Yamaha team for the 2019 motocross season and his first assignment was to spin some laps at the Oakdale event and was alongside team boss Craig Dack as the club hosted its final event of the year and raised money for injured riders Daniel McCoy and Tyler Darby.

With Dean Ferris deciding to look overseas and Dylan Long’s contract not renewed, Craig Dack has been on the lookout for two new riders to spearhead the teams’ 2019 campaign and he is pleased to reveal the signature of Kirk Gibbs for next season and is excited about what he brings to the team.

Craig Dack

“Kirk comes to us as an experienced racer with the qualities we look for in a professional rider. He is hard-working, dedicated and determined in character as well and talented and focused on racing. We believe surrounding him with the CDR Yamaha staff and on Yamaha machinery, we can elevate Kirk even further and look forward to a strong season from him.”

mx nationals coolum round mx cdr dacka ImageScottYa
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack

Gibbs has been a championship contender in the MX Nationals since the 2013 season and highlighted with his championship win in 2015.

Kirk Gibbs

“I think every rider in the pits look at CDR Yamaha as the best in the business as their on-track success and off -track knowledge is unmatched in Australia. So now to be a part of that environment and have such an experienced team to lean on for advice is a big confidence booster and one that I think can push my results even higher. I have only had some initial set up testing on the Yamaha YZ450F and already I feel I have a bike that I can ride well and suited to my style of riding. The power is smooth yet strong and the chassis feels really stable, so I feel we are well-placed already and really look forward to working closely with Craig and his team in 2019.”

mx nationals ranch mx saturday practice mx gibbs ktm ImageByScottya
Kirk Gibbs – Image by Scottya

The first assignment for Gibbs on his new Yamaha YZ450F is to tackle the New Zealand Motocross Championships beginning at the end of January before embarking on his MX nationals campaign starting on March 17.

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

2019 Mountain Man Motocross News

Since celebrating the 40th anniversary back in 2016, Toowoomba’s Mountain Man of Motocross has once again cemented itself as one of the most prestigious meetings on the calendar with Kade Mosig, Kirk Gibbs and Dean Ferris all being crowned ‘Mountain Man’ over the last three years.

2019 sees the event run over two days later in February (23/24) after the Toowoomba Motocross Club worked hard to minimize any clashes with both modern and vintage mx events while preparing an all new Echo Valley track which will host modern, vintage, post classic, veteran, female and sidecar racing once again.

Echo Valley was a round of the MX Nationals for many years and was voted as the best round of the 2017 series and the Toowoomba Motocross Club prepares the track as good as it ever has for Mountain Man so this is as good an opportunity you will have to kick your 2019 season off on a positive note – stay tuned for the supp regs.

Metcalfe Heads Honda Campaign in 2019

After a solid 2018 season which saw the veteran score second overall in the Australian Supercross Championship, Honda Australia has confirmed they will continue its partnership with Brett Metcalfe into 2019 motocross and supercross seasons.

Brett Metcalfe

“This year has been rewarding for many reasons, winning a round of supercross was important for me and the team. I am building a trusting home at Penrite Honda, my family is settling in at home in Mannum and I am back in the motherland after 18 years oversees. The bonus was finishing 2nd in the Australian Supercross Championship with a new team and on a new bike. We proved this year we could be competitive in Motocross. We were in the top three several times in races and we scored some podium finishes. As a team we were lacking consistency but we worked on that in the second half of Motocross season and in Supercross we turned a lot of things around which will better prepare us for next year.”

Australian SX Port Adelaide TBG Brett Metcalfe TBG
Brett Metcalfe – Image by TBG

The Penrite Honda team are pleased to have Metcalfe locked in for another year, feeling he is a great fit for their program and hope that he remains with them for the remainder of his career and beyond.

Yarrive Konsky – Penrite Honda Racing Team Director

“Brett and I have formed a trusting an open friendship and this certainly makes it easy to work together. It is astonishing to think he accomplished everything he did when you really know what he has gone through this year, moving his life back to Australia and spending a lot of time apart from his wife. He has such a resilience, something only great athletes have. He has a home at Honda and we believe in his talents, he is a proven asset on and off the track. We want to do this properly and our focus is on Brett. We may have a second rider to do selected rounds of Motocross but this is yet to be decided,”

Said Penrite Honda Racing Team director Yarrive Konsky who is equally excited about the documentary on Brett Metcalfe he has been working on. The documentary titled “Born to Race” is a compelling story.

Australian SX Port Adelaide TBG Brett Metcalfe TBG
Brett Metcalfe claims victory at the Australian Supercross Round 4

At this stage, the team has signed Metcalfe to be their sole Motocross rider and are yet to decide if they will sign a second rider.

Metcalfe left Australia in 2000 to take on the world, he returned full time this year to begin all over again. He and his family have faced real battles and stayed together through love, acceptance and forgiveness. The documentary will be released before the end of the year and shows the making of one of Australia’s true Moto Champions.

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

King of MX 2019 Dates Announced

Motorcycling NSW has confirmed the dates and venues for the 2019 King of MX NSW State Motocross Championship where racers need to enter one of the 6 qualifier events (see schedule below) where the top 6 or 7 finishers in each class earn their Golden Ticket to the final.

Dave Cooke – MNSW CEO

“We really wanted to rebuild the NSW State Motocross Championship into a prestigious event, and I think most will agree that the 2018 King of MX was exactly that. We’re proud of the number of riders that raced at the final in Port Macquarie, as well as the enormous prize purse that we were able to distribute to riders on behalf of our event partners. 2019 is looking to be another strong step forward and we’re excited to announce the dates today and look forward to seeing who enters the chase for the golden ticket.”

NSW King of MX

Once a rider has qualified, they can still ride the other qualifier events but they can’t win another Golden Ticket, so that gives even more riders a chance to qualify. At the final, State Title Champions will be decided over three motos for each class, and some will also earn a spot in the King, Queen, Prince or Princess of MX feature races.

More information will be announced in the coming weeks, including when entries open and supplementary regulations.

King of MX 2019 Dates

  • Qualifier 1 February 16-17 Sydney Region (Appin)
  • Qualifier 2 March 2-3 Northern Region (Moree)
  • Qualifier 3 March 23-24 Central West (Condobolin)
  • Qualifier 4 April 6-7 Riverina (Leeton)
  • Qualifier 5 April 20-21 Southern Region (Canberra)
  • Qualifier 6 May 18-19 Hunter Region (Maitland)
  • FINAL June Long Weekend 8-9-10 Goulburn

Weston Peick Up-Date – Good News

The first images of Weston Peick after his crash in France were released this week via his instagram page with this update on his progress:

Weston Peick

“Well this has been one hell of an injury I can’t explain how much suffering has gone on over the last two weeks. I had well over 10 fractures throughout my face requiring three surgeries. But it’s finally turning for the better I’m walking around slowly and getting my body moving again, I’ll be flying back home to the states Tuesday. Huge shout out to Road To Recovery and everyone that has made donations to help this long positive journey to get back on my bike. I can’t thank my family and friends enough for their prayers and positive thoughts. Big thanks to all the people here in France that have made my stay easier and more suitable for my family.”

Peick hospita
Weston Peick
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

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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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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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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
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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.

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

Source: MCNews.com.au

Motorcycle News, Motorcycle Racing, News

Australia move in the lead of ISDE 2018 | Day Two

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Australia lead overall and in Womens

Daniel Milner wins day two outright

Lyndon Snodgrass out

Images Sarah Kinrade

The second day of competition in the 2018 FIM ISDE saw competitors repeat the same dusty course as day one. However, with the dry conditions deteriorating it was a physically tough and demanding day for all competitors.

ISDE Dust ImageSarahKinrade
ISDE 2018

At the head of the field, the leading riders were able to avoid the majority of the heavy dust kicked up by the four-hundred and forty-six competitors from the twenty-five competing nations. Those competing towards the rear of the entry certainly had a tough time during day two of the ninety-third edition of the FIM ISDE.

ISDE Daniel Sanders ImageSarahKinrade
Daniel Sanders

Finishing a close second to the United States on day one, Australia upped their pace considerably on day two. Fastest in the majority of the tests, they turned their four-second deficit into a ninety-one second advantage by the end of the day’s sixth and final special test.

However, there was little reason to celebrate as the team also saw Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM) drop out of the competition. With all remaining rider’s scores counting, Australia can no longer afford another mistake as overall day two winner Daniel Milner (KTM) explains.

Daniel Milner

“It’s been a great day for Australia by taking the overall lead in the FIM ISDE, but we weren’t without trouble either as Lyndon dropped out. With all our scores now to count, we can’t afford another mistake for the next four days.”

ISDE Daniel Milner ImageSarahKinrade
Daniel Milner

“Personally, today was my day and I’m happy to take the win,” continued Milner. “I was one of the first riders to start, so that made the tests a little bit easier with no dust and or slower guys to overtake. Tomorrow the plan is to remain smooth and consistent, but most importantly trouble free.”

ISDE Daniel Milner ImageSarahKinrade
Daniel Milner

Unable to find an answer to Australia’s relentless pace, the United States were forced to play second fiddle to their close rivals on day two. With day three offering a new course and a fresh set of special tests, they aim to regroup and continue pushing hard.

ISDE Josh Strang ImageSarahKinrade
Josh Strang

Putting in a consistently strong day, Italy moved up one position in the overall standings to third, but are almost two minutes behind the Unites States, with defending champions France yet to find their form in fourth. It was not a good day for Spain as they slipped from third to fifth, while host nation Chile maintain their position of sixth in the overall classification.

In the FIM Junior World Trophy class there was no stopping Italy as they powered their way to another day win. Setting the pace in this year’s race, both Andrea Verona (TM) and Matteo Cavallo (Beta) placed inside the top ten overall, with Verona an impressive fifth.

“Fifth today is a really big result for me,” confirmed Verona. “I pushed hard from the first special test and was able to improve my speed over the previous day. Now, with the team we’ve also increased our lead in the standings and we look forward to what day three will bring.”

The United States hold onto the runner-up result, but are almost three minutes behind the Italians. Nearly a further three minutes back, France end day two in third, while Australia and Chile complete the top five.

Feeling at home in the dry and dusty conditions, Australia were able to build on their lead in the FIM Women’s World Trophy competition. The trio of Tayla Jones (Husqvarna) – fastest overall – Jessica Gardiner (Yamaha) and Mackenzie Tricker (KTM) now enjoy a three-minute and fourteen-second advantage over the United States as they approach the midway point in this year’s race. Spain maintain third overall but slip six minutes behind the United States, while France and Sweden round out the top five.

ISDE Tayla Jones ImageSarahKinrade
Tayla Jones

In the individual classification, Taylor Robert (KTM) from the USA maintains his overall lead in the FIM ISDE by three seconds from Milner. Claiming his second consecutive Enduro 2 day win, Taylor is one-minute and fifty-two seconds ahead of Italy’s Alex Salvini (Husqvarna), with Grant Baylor (USA-KTM) thirteen seconds behind Salvini in third.

With his winning ride on day two, Milner also moves to the top of the Enduro 3 category. He holds a seventeen-second advantage over teammate Daniel Sanders (Husqvarna), while Cavallo is third.

ISDE Daniel Sanders ImageSarahKinrade
Daniel Sanders

The Enduro 1 class is hotly contested with Italy’s Davide Guarneri (Honda) taking a seven-tenth of a second win over compatriot Verona. Guarneri now leads the category by fourteen seconds from American Ryan Sipes (Husqvarna), with Verona third.

Day three of the FIM ISDE will take competitors inland on a new course offering a mixture of hard packed and rocky, mountainous terrain. The proposed two laps and six special tests will total three-hundred kilometres of riding.

Source: MCNews.com.au