Moto News Weekly for September 3, 2019

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What happened this week

• Mees tops Springfield Mile I shootout
• Mees does the double with Springfield Mile II victory
• Gauthier dominates Springfield Short Track in AFT Singles
• Gauthier tops Production Twins at Springfield Mile I
• Luke Styke leads Yamaha AORC efforts at Coonalpyn
• Janowski claims Teterow SGP win in Germany
• Australian MXoN Team announced for Assen
• Sultans Of Slide NSW Flat Track Cup classes announced
• Australian Supercross Vic & Qld coaching days
• KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open events
• Mitchell Harrison to Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
• Josh Hill to join CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team
• Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
• Empire Kawasaki announce 2019 Australian SX line-up

Jared Mees tops Springfield Mile I shootout

Defending AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees made it three for three in Mile competition in the 2019 American Flat Track competition with a last-corner victory in Saturday’s Springfield Mile I. Mees and 2018 Springfield Mile I winner Jeffrey Carver Jr. transformed the race into a two-rider duel for the win from the start.

Carver seemed content to plant himself on the rear wheel of Mees over the opening half of the AFT Twins Main Event. However, the home-state hero brought the fans lining the grandstands to their feet by driving underneath the defending champ on lap 13.

Mees regrouped and re-assumed his position at the front in short order. Carver made two more attempts to wrestle away the lead, and it appeared he finally succeeded for good when he powered by with three laps remaining. However, Mees ducked under Carver entering Turn 3 on the final lap, only to see Carver slide back up the inside as they worked through Turn 4.

Mees was ready for the move, and perfectly positioned himself for the decisive sprint to the flag; he stole the advantage back on exit and held it to the flag by 0.239 seconds.

Championship leader Briar Bauman was forced to use a provisional start to advance into the Main Event after suffering a mechanical issue in his Semi. Despite starting from dead last, Bauman somehow carved his way into seventh by the conclusion of lap 1 and established himself as one of five riders embroiled in a race-long battle for the final spot on the podium. Bauman ultimately won that battle, finishing in third 0.122 seconds ahead of brother/teammate Bronson Bauman. Bauman now holds a 30-point advantage over Mees (260-230) with four races remaining.

AFT Twins 2019 Springfield Mile I – Top 10

1. Jared Mees Indian – FTR750 0:35.746
2. Jeffrey Carver – Jr. Indian FTR750 +0.239
3. Briar Bauman – Indian FTR750 +1.878
4. Bronson Bauman – Indian FTR750 +2.000
5. Bryan Smith – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.016
6. Stephen Vanderkuur – Indian FTR750 +2.109
7. Brandon Robinson – Indian FTR750 +2.293
8. Davis Fisher – Indian FTR750 +2.455
9. Brandon Price – Indian FTR750 +2.709
10. Jarod Vanderkooi – HD XG750R Rev X +3.068

Mees does the double with Springfield Mile II victory

Monday’s Springfield Mile II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds proved worth the wait, delivering the most jaw-dropping AFT Twins Main Event of the 2019 American Flat Track season. Following an epic 25 miles that saw ten riders in contention for the victory even as they dove into the race’s final corner, multi-time defending AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees worked his magic yet again to win out in the last-lap dash to the checkered flag. Making the achievement all the more impressive, Mees did so after starting in last position from Row 4.

The champ turned in his one provisional start card of the season to advance to the Main after encountering bike issues in his Semi. However, he managed to slipstream his way forward over the race’s opening third, joining the mammoth front group by lap 10. He was dueling for the lead a lap later – a duel that wouldn’t end until the final stripe. In the end, Mees outlasted title rival Briar Bauman by a scant 0.083 seconds.

The triumph was the 14th Mile win of Mees’ illustrious career, tying him with the legendary Jay Springsteen for sixth all-time on the big tracks. It also brought him within a single race of Bauman in the evolving 2019 AFT Twins championship race, as he’s now just 25 points back (280-255) heading into the season’s final three races.

Jared Mees

“It was good to come off the back row and put my name on the list with the guys who have done that. It’s more emotional doing it this way on the back-up bike and working my way up. The Indian Motorcycle ran so phenomenal for me. My whole crew worked so hard; when that bike broke we were switching wheels, and shocks, and offsets to try to duplicate what we were running on the main bike. We got it done, and it feels amazing.”

Bronson Bauman came through in third to lock out the podium for the Indian Wrecking Crew for the first time in 2019. While the day ultimately belonged to Mees and Indian, a huge number of riders played starring roles with the entire top ten finishing within 0.653 seconds of the win.

Rookie Brandon Price made a late-bid for the victory, and was one of five riders who slid into Turn 3 on lap 25, side-by-side, vying for the lead. He ended up an impressive fourth, fractionally ahead of Brandon Robinson.

AFT Twins 2019 Springfield Mile II – Top 10

1. Jared Mees – Indian FTR750 0:35.263
2. Briar Bauman – Indian FTR750 +0.083
3. Bronson Bauman – Indian FTR750 +0.149
4. Brandon Price – Indian FTR750 +0.169
5. Brandon Robinson – Indian FTR750 +0.254
6. Sammy Halbert – HD XG750R Rev X +0.275
7. Henry Wiles – Indian FTR750 +0.398
8. Jarod Vanderkooi – HD XG750R Rev X +0.443
9. Davis Fisher – Indian FTR750 +0.516
10. Jeffrey Carver Jr. – Indian FTR750 +0.653

AFT Twins Standings

1. Briar Bauman 280
2. Jared Mees 255
3. Bronson Bauman 215
4. Jeffrey Carver Jr. 184
5. Brandon Robinson 170
6. Jarod Vanderkooi 166
7. Henry Wiles 145
8. Robert Pearson 135
9. Sammy Halbert 133
10. Jake Johnson 128

Gauthier dominates Springfield Short Track in AFT Singles

Championship hopeful Dalton Gauthier scored a critical victory in Friday night’s Springfield Short Track to claim sole possession of the AFT Singles points lead. The action at the Illinois State Fairgrounds was every bit as tense and frenetic as one would expect an Roof Systems AFT Singles Short Track showdown to be.

In the midst of a tight title fight with just three additional races remaining on the 2019 American Flat Track calendar, and serving as a microcosm of the season to date, while a handful of riders enjoyed their moments in the spotlight. Ultimately it all came down to Gauthier and reigning class champion Dan Bromley.

Former AFT Twins standout Chad Cose stormed to the holeshot and threatened to break free of the chaos before anyone else had an opportunity to react. However, Gauthier rolled forward on the momentum he had built up all day long when he ran quickest in both qualifying sessions and ripped to heat and semi victories.

Gauthier first slashed ahead of Spanish dirt track hero Ferran Cardús to move into third and then ran up the inside of Bromley to take over second on lap 7. By lap 10, he was hounding Cose inside and outside, applying heavy pressure wherever possible in hopes of prompting a mistake.

That mistake came on lap 13. Gauthier squared up Cose and the two very nearly came together on the short straight as Gauthier slid ahead into first. Once clear, the new leader was able to call on his superior pace to pull open just enough of a gap to negate the possibility of a potential last-lap Hail Mary.

Title rival Bromley was going in the opposite direction, dropping down to fourth after he was also overhauled by Peoria TT winner Dallas Daniels. 16-year-old prodigy Daniels had earned the pole but was shuffled back to seventh early. Undeterred, he clawed his way through the fray, not only edging ahead of Bromley but lining up Cose for the runner-up position.

Desperate to minimize the championship damage done by another Gauthier victory, Bromley turned in a clutch sequence of his own. With time running out, the defending champ dove up the inside of Daniels and Cose in two consecutive corners to leap up from fourth to second in one short lap. From there he held on to the checkered flag to remain within five points of Gauthier for the Singles championship lead (241-236).

Dalton Gauthier

“It’s huge. Coming into these last few races, it’s anyone’s game. I’m trying to get in front of Dan as much as I can, but he’s running strong. We’re having fun. Chad rode a really great race. It took me a few laps to catch him, but he was riding defensively. I just waited. I knew I had a few laps to go so I just waited for the mistake. He made one, and we got pretty close, but it was clean racing.”

Dan Bromley

“I just used my size to my advantage. It was a heck of a race. Chad got out front, and whether he’s behind you or you’re behind him, you never know what he’s going to do. He ran a good race. He, Dalton, and Dallas were out front for most of the race. It’s a little bittersweet to be in second, but I’m happy to be back up here on the podium.”

Daniels secured his second consecutive podium, in third, in what was just his sixth-career AFT outing, while Cose ended up one spot off the box after leading the majority of the laps. Meanwhile, Mikey Rush kept his championship aspirations alive in fifth. While the bulk of the focus is understandably on Gauthier and Bromley, Rush remains very much in contention. He’s within striking distance – just 25 points back of the lead (216) – with a Half-Mile and two Miles left to decide the 2019 crown.

AFT Singles 2019 Springfield ST Top 10

1. Dalton Gauthier – Husqvarna FC450 0:13.447
2. Dan Bromley – KTM 450 SX-F +0.857
3. Dallas Daniels – Yamaha YZ450F +1.475
4. Chad Cose – Suzuki RMZ 450 +2.304
5. Mikey Rush – Honda CRF450R +3.395
6. Brandon Kitchen – Honda CRF450R +4.009
7. Ryan Wells – Yamaha YZ450F +5.744
8. Oliver Brindley – Yamaha YZ450F +5.833
9. Ferran Cardus – Honda CRF450R +6.219
10. Jacob Lehmann – Honda CRF450R +7.548

2019 AFT Singles Standings

1. Dalton Gauthier 241
2. Dan Bromley 236
3. Mikey Rush 216
4. Jesse Janisch 180
5. Chad Cose 166
6. Shayna Texter 155
7. Ryan Wells 155
8. Morgen Mischler 125
9. Max Whale 107
10. Kevin Stollings 93

Gauthier tops Production Twins at Springfield Mile I

Fresh off his clutch victory in Friday night’s Springfield Short Track, Dalton Gauthier steamrolled the competition in Saturday’s AFT Production Twins Main Event at the Springfield Mile I. Gauthier’s arcing high lines may have allowed his rivals to keep him relatively contained during the opening stages of the 15-lap Main Event, but once he finally stretched open enough of an advantage to prevent his opponents from blocking his preferred path, those same lines made him simply unstoppable.

The triumph was not just his second of the weekend, it was also his second in succession in the AFT Production Twins class; he delivered the XG750R a second win in the first possible opportunity after scoring its historic maiden win last time out in the Sacramento Mile.

Dalton Gauthier

“I have to thank Jarod Vanderkooi for telling me to go there (to the high line) after the Semi, so shout out to him. After the second or third lap I went up there and I was like, ‘Yeah, it’s hooking up. So I stayed up there and tried to ride consistent laps and break away and that’s what happened. I have to thank everybody at Harley-Davidson, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines and everyone else who has gotten this bike working this great. It’s been awesome, and I’m having a lot of fun.”

Kolby Carlile, who scored tonight’s holeshot, and Lima HM winner Chad Cose emerged from a multi-rider pack to battle for second place. The two actually managed to cut into Gauthier’s lead while waging their duel, which came down to the race’s final corner.

Carlile sailed past Cose to open the last lap, but Cose switched-up his opponent driving through Turns 3 and 4. However, the Estenson pilot managed a counter of his own while they streaked down the start/finish straight, nipping Cose by 0.101 seconds at the flag to finish as the race’s runner-up.

Second-ranked Ryan Varnes continued his consistent AFT Production Twins title campaign with his fifth top-five result of the year by taking fourth. Kevin Stollings was just 0.002 seconds back of Varnes to round out the top five.

Championship leader Cory Texter took the checkered flag in ninth. As a result, he now leads Varnes by just 22 points (133-111) with Carlile (100) and Gauthier (96) looking increasingly threatening in third and fourth, respectively.

AFT Production Twins 2019 Springfield Mile I – Top 10

1. Dalton Gauthier – HD XG750R 0:36.491
2. Kolby Carlile – Yamaha MT-07 +0.866
3. Chad Cose – Kawasaki Ninja 650 0.968
4. Ryan Varnes – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.584
5. Kevin Stollings – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.587
6. J.R. Addison – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.644
7. James Rispoli – HD XG750R Rev X +2.671
8. Cody Johncox – Yamaha MT-07 +6.769
9. Cory Texter – Yamaha MT-07 +8.399
10. Ryan Wells – Yamaha MT-07 +8.468

Carlile claims Production Twins Springfield Mile II win

Kolby Carlile materialised from the pack late to claim his first-career AFT Production Twins Main Event victory in dramatic fashion. All eyes had been on Dalton Gauthier, who was chasing a unique dual-class triple win on the weekend.

Like Mees in the premier class, Gauthier had to start on the back row, being forced to use a provisional start when his bike expired in his Semi. However, his form and momentum still made him feel all but unstoppable, as he powered from dead last to first place by the time the pack dove into Turn 1 for the second time.

He didn’t slow from there, opening up a 1.5-second advantage by the time the race was red flagged while working lap 10 of 15. On the restart, Gauthier went right back to work, steadily building another advantage on the pack. The only difference this time around was that teammate James Rispoli managed to hang onto the slipstream and use it to escape along with Gauthier.

With a 1-2 Black Hills Harley-Davidson seeming nearly assured, Gauthier raised his hand in disappointment with 3 laps to go, signaling another mechanical issue that spoiled his bid for the triple Springfield victory. Without the benefit of Gauthier’s draft, Rispoli found himself reeled back to the pack. Carlile caught him just in time to thunder by as they drove down the back straight for the final time.

Carlile tucked his head down and outpaced any potential counter moves, beating Rispoli to the line by 0.111 seconds.

Kolby Carlile

“I was confident the whole race; there was just so much traffic and I got sucked into it a little bit. I was letting those guys shake it out, but I knew I had the bike to win this thing. Dalton and James took off after the restart and I fell back again, but I knew my bike was strong enough to catch them. And that’s what we did. I just can’t thank my Estenson Racing crew enough… I broke my leg early in the year and I lost a round. I’m at a huge points deficit, but we’re trying to make it back. I’m finally feeling like myself again.”

Cody Johncox was next in line in a pack of riders that saw five men take the checkered flag within 0.554 seconds of the win. He finished 0.082 seconds back of Rispoli to complete the podium. Cory Texter did well to limit the damage done by Carlile’s victory by finishing a strong fourth. Still, Texter’s advantage has now been reduced to 23 points (148-125) over Carlile with three races remaining.

AFT Production Twins 2019 Springfield Mile II – Top 10

1. Kolby Carlile – Yamaha MT-07 0:35.993
2. James Rispoli – Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X +0.111
3. Cody Johncox – Yamaha MT-07 +0.194
4. Cory Texter – Yamaha MT-07 +0.332
5. Morgen Mischler – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +0.554
6. Ryan Varnes – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1.205
7. Jordan Harris – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1.818
8. Ben Lowe – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +5.587
9. Oliver Brindley – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +16.401
10. Chad Cose – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1 Lap

2019 AFT Production Twins Standings

1. Cory Texter 148
2. Kolby Carlile 125
3. Ryan Varnes 124
4. Dalton Gauthier 102
5. J.R. Addison 96
6. James Rispoli 95
7. Chad Cose 94
8. Ben Lowe 81
9. Cody Johncox 80
10. Kevin Stollings 72

Luke Styke leads Yamaha AORC efforts at Coonalpyn

Perfect conditions greeted rider for Rounds 8 & 9 of the AORC Championship in Coonalpyn, while the layout provided challenges on both days. Saturday saw a sandy based loop that had competitors excited about the terrain while Sunday saw some rock beds and hard pack thrown into the mix to keep everyone on their toes.

Luke Styke increased his lead in the E1 (250cc) class after dominating the weekend in South Australia. Styke, who enjoys racing the softer terrain, won 10 out of the 13 special tests conducted over both days and was able to stretch his lead out to 16 points with two rounds remaining.

Styke and rival Lyndon Snodgrass traded wins on Saturday, but Styke came out all guns blazing on Sunday to win six of the seven tests and cement his place at the top of the E1 table. His raw speed captured him fourth outright on Saturday and one position better on Sunday in third.

Luke Styke

“After a couple of ordinary rounds for me, it was good to get back on top of things and ride the way I should. I struggled a bit at Kyogle and Broken Hill, but I felt good all weekend and I love riding in these kinds of conditions. The bike was strong all weekend and I had a clean run with no major issues, so I leave here healthy, fit and confident to keep the momentum going into the final two rounds. Thanks to the team for all the hard work and we will keep it going all the way to the end as anything can happen in this sport.”

Josh Green maintains second place in the E2 (450cc) class after another consistent performance on the weekend in South Australia. Green finished second on both days behind class leader, Daniel Milner, and sits comfortably in second place in the series.

Green raced well on Saturday and was third outright but a few crashes on Sunday cost him valuable time on Sunday and while it dropped him a couple of positions in outright honours, it had no effect on the E2 class results.

Josh Green

“Nothing real exciting to report from me on the weekend. I felt I was riding pretty well all weekend, but not quite at the pace that Sanders and Milner were setting. I made a couple of mistakes on Sunday and fell off in two tests but fortunately both myself and the bike were unscathed. But I really liked the course layout and it was good to ride in dirt that offered plenty of traction and a good variety of high and low speed challenges. The team was on point again and we can now look forward to the final rounds in a couple of weekends.”

It was a case of the good and the almost good for Michael Driscoll. Driscoll charged to an impressive third in class (E1) and sixth outright on Saturday as he kept his 250F on song through the day on the sandy course. He wasn’t quite able to recapture the same form on Sunday, dropping one spot to fourth in E1 and ninth in outright honours.

Michael Driscoll

“Saturday was good, and it was like riding the conditions I have around home with soft dirt and plenty of traction. I pushed hard all day and wanted to mix it with Luke and Lyndon as best I could in as many tests as I could. Sunday I was a bit off and didn’t flow as well. I made a few errors out there and cost me some time and just didn’t ride as well as what I did yesterday. I still sit fourth in class and just five points away from a series podium, so I will need a big finish at the final two rounds to get onto the championship podium.”

Yamaha also had success in other classes with Kirk Hutton winning the Masters’ class on both days and also the series win as he now holds a 58 point lead going into the final two rounds. With only 50 points available, the former AORC champ can add another title to his belt after a successful year.

Jess Gardiner continues to lead the Women’s division after an up and down weekend in South Australia. Gardiner won on Saturday but was forced to settle for third place on Sunday in a rare off day. Gardiner still holds a comfortable 20 point lead going into the final weekend of the championship.

The last two rounds of the AORC are set down for September 14 and 15 in Penshurst in Victoria. With class honours and podium positions still up for grabs, Yamaha riders will keep the pressure right until the final test has concluded.

AORC Round 8 – Outright

AORC Round 9 – Outright

E3 Standings – Top 5

E2 Standings – Top 5

E1 Standings – Top 5

EJ Standings – Top 5

Veterans Standings – Top 10

Masters Standings – Top 10

Womens Standings – Top 10

Janowski claims Teterow SGP win in Germany

Maciej Janowski launched his bid for a FIM World Speedway Championship medal on Saturday night winning the German FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Teterow.

Janowski, who was without a Grand Prix win in 13 months prior to round seven of the 2019 World Championship, made a jet-propelled start from gate two in the grand final to defeat Polish compatriot Bartosz Zmarzlik, Slovenian favourite Matej Zagar and in-form Dane Niels-Kristian Iversen.

Despite missing the opening round of this year’s series through injury, Janowski is only 11-points short of third placed Emil Sayfutdinov – and stands every chance of picking up his first World Championship medal in Torun, Poland, on October 5.

The 28-year-old Wroclaw star said hard work in the pits from his top team of mechanics inspired his lightning-fast start in the grand final, which ultimately saw him step to the top of the podium.

Maciej Janowski

“This is amazing, it’s always an amazing feeling when you win a Grand Prix. The whole meeting was very tough, we worked very hard during the meeting and I knew the final would be very hard with Bartosz Zmarzlik, Matej Zagar and Niels-Kristian Iversen involved. I felt very good from the start in the final, I made a perfect start and that helped me to win.”

World Championship contender Bartosz Zmarzlik was again in blistering form, registering 16-points on the night to join Leon Madsen at the top of the standings on 85-points with three rounds remaining.

After dropping only three points throughout his five qualifying rides, the Gorzow star finished second to Janowski in semi-final one before repeating that effort in the grand final.

Like Janowski, Zmarzlik paid tribute to his mechanics following round seven, and vowed to maintain his high levels of performance at next weekend’s ECCO Danish FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Vojens.

For Matej Zagar, a podium finish came as a welcome relief following a logistically challenging start to his weekend. A delayed flight forced the GP Challenge winner to start his journey to Teterow on a different plane, before arriving on the stroke of the start of free practice.

He topped the qualifying time sheet, before registering 15 points from his seven rides – placing him five points short of the top eight frame.

Following tonight’s result, Dane Leon Madsen surrendered his position as clear leader at the top of the World Championship standings. The Danish favourite finished behind Janowski and Zmarzlik in semi-final one, and dropped six points to his championship rival.

Elsewhere in the table, title hopefuls Emil Sayfutdinov and Fredrik Lindgren returned with a mixed bag of results from their qualifying rides – scoring 10 and nine points respectively.

But Martin Vaculik endured the most frustrating evening, registering just four points from five qualifying rides as the Slovak star dropped to fifth in the standings and is now 13 points short of the top pair. The series now moves to Vojens, Denmark, for Round 8 on Saturday, September 7.

SGP World Championship Standings

1. Bartosz Zmarzlik 85
2. Leon Madsen 85
3. Emil Sayfutdinov 78
4. Fredrik Lindgren 72
5. Martin Vaculik 72
6. Patryk Dudek 69
7. Maciej Janowski 67
8. Artem Laguta 58
9. Niels-Kristian Iversen 54
10. Matej Zagar 52
11. Janusz Kolodziej 50
12. Jason Doyle 48

Aztorin German SGP Scores

1. Maciej Janowski 16
2. Bartosz Zmarzlik 16
3. Matej Zagar 15
4. Niels-Kristian Iversen 13
5. Emil Sayfutdinov 10
6. Leon Madsen 10
7. Fredrik Lindgren 9
8. Patryk Dudek 8
9. Antonio Lindback 8
10. Artem Laguta 8
11. Tai Woffinden 8
12. Jason Doyle 6

Australian MXoN Team announced for Assen

Motorcycling Australia have announced the 2019 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) team selected to represent Australia at Assen, in the Netherlands on 28-29 of September. Known as the ‘Olympics of Motocross’, the prestigious event will host 31 teams from around the world.

After a tough selection process, the MXoN Australian Team will be proudly represented by Mitch Evans (Honda), Dean Ferris (KTM) and Kyle Webster (Honda), with the trio earning the right to don the green and gold against the best motocross riders on the planet, with the MXstore coming on board as a naming-rights sponsor.

Amid a strong campaign on the elite MXGP circuit, Evans, a Cairns native, is confident the team will be hard to beat.

Mitch Evans

“I’m excited to get out there, represent my country and race the best in the world. I’m looking forward to everyone getting behind us and hopefully we can get a spot on the box because we’ve got a really strong team this year.”

Ferris, who is a three-time Australian Motocross champion and recently competed in the U.S, said representing his country was a highlight of his highly successful career.

Dean Ferris

“I’m super excited to be representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations this year in Assen. I’m really looking forward to racing alongside Mitch Evans and Kyle Webster, so it will be great to catch up with the boys.”

Webster, who was the runner up in the 2019 MX Nationals Motul MX2 class, was shocked when told he’ll be heading to the Netherlands.

Kyle Webster

“Honestly, I’m stoked. I didn’t really expect to be picked for the team, but I’m wrapped to be able to head over to Assen. It’s my first time heading over to the MXoN, so I’m not sure what to really expect. Being the biggest motocross event in the world, I just can’t wait to be a part of it. Without a doubt, it’s the biggest thing in my career for sure, so I’m really excited. It’s awesome to have both Dean [Ferris] and Mitch [Evans] as my teammates.”

Sultans Of Slide NSW Flat Track Cup classes announced

The question everyone has been asking is, “what classes are running at Sultans Of Slide?” And the answer is, there’s only eight. Four junior classes and four senior classes, and for the most part riders will choose one class, and they will bring one bike.

So you get the advantage of only having one bike to look after for the whole day. And as a bonus, you will get 56 laps of racing. You don’t normally get that even if you bring four bikes and ride multiple classes!

At each Sultans Of Slide event each class will get seven races, ranging in length from 4 to 15 laps, on two different track layouts, running a point score across the day to determine winners. No finals, no semis. Lots of ride time.

Juniors will choose between 50, 65, 85 and a Junior Lites class. Seniors will choose between an MX250 (2- and 4-strokes together), MX450, and up to 450 clubman class.

Seniors will also be able to cross-enter into the new “Open Multi” class if they have a bike to suit it, or they can ride the Open Multi class by itself if they prefer. They just need a multi-cylinder bike of any capacity, running on suitable wheels and tyres.

There’s only 18 entries per class, so when things up and the Supp regs are released, you will have to get in quick. Riders will also be starting on a grid with three rows. And sometimes there’ll be reverse grid races, just to mess with you.

With the classes now confirmed, stay tuned for details on when entries will open, exciting new partnerships and in excess of $10,000 plus a host of prizes.

2019 Sultans of Slide Classes
JUNIORS
(riders to choose one class only)

• 50cc Div 2 (7 to under 9)
• 65cc (8 to under 11)
• 85cc 2t & 150cc 4t (10 to under 14)
• JUNIOR LITES up to 150cc 2t & 250cc 4t (13 to under 16)

SENIORS
(riders to choose one class only, unless riding in Open Multi, which may be entered in addition to any other class)

• Clubman (MX Frame Up to 450cc 4T)
• MX 250 (2 or 4 stroke up to 250cc)
• MX 450 (4T 450cc or 2T 350cc)
• Open Multi (Multi cylinder any capacity)

Australian Supercross Qld & Vic Coaching Days

Amateur and professional Supercross riders will have the chance to take part in several  Supercross coaching and training days starting next week in both Victoria and Queensland.

Krusics Ride Park – Victoria

Kicking off next weekend (September 7-8) at Krusics Ride Park in Victoria, the venue will open the gates to their private Supercross tracks allowing riders of all skill levels the opportunity to attempt Supercross for the first time, or hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship season.

Krusics has two tracks on offer, one for intermediate riders with tamed down jumps and tabletops and another full-blown pro-level track, both professionally prepared for the weekend. Saturday will be dedicated to training on the intermediate track with Sunday’s riding focussed on the pro track.

Ex-professional Supercross athlete Cameron Taylor (Y-AIM) will be offering tutelage to all skill levels over the weekend and on both tracks, to ensure there’s the opportunity to learn regardless of current skill level. Taylor says the opportunity for riders to access an intermediate track, learn Supercross skills and build confidence before progressing to the full-scale track all in one weekend, is the perfect way to make the transition from Motocross to Supercross.

Cameron Taylor

“This is the first time in Australian Supercross history that I’m aware of, that riders have been given the opportunity to learn Supercross in a safe and controlled environment, by starting on a scaled-down track, positioned right next to a full-scale professional one. This will really give us the chance to ensure riders are feeling comfortable before transitioning to Supercross. There’s no better feeling than racing on a Supercross track in front of thousands of people. I really look forward to sharing my experiences with riders, to help them build their confidence and hopefully lead them to a career in Supercross racing in the future, or simply help them prepare for this year’s Australian Supercross Championship.”

Practice Day costs are $100 p/day and riders are required to have an AMA licence. Click here to join secure.motocross.asn.au/join-motocross (link). For coaching enquiries and bookings, contact Cam Taylor on 0417 332 457 or email [email protected].

• Where: 26 Signboard Lane, DUTSON, Vic, 3851 (Krusics Ride Park)
• When: Saturday 7th September 10am – 4pm
• Sunday 8th September 10am-4pm
• Cost: $100 p/day
• Book now: 0477 303 606
• https://m.facebook.com/krusicsridepark/

Toowoomba – Queensland

For riders in the South East Queensland region, Nathan Crawford (00 Standards Elite Rider Training) is holding a coaching and endorsement clinic also on Saturday September 7, on a private Supercross track near Toowoomba. For more details call or message Nathan on 0401 812 125.

Practice day costs are $220 p/day and riders will need SX suspension and previous riding experience.

Increasing access to practice tracks and professional Supercross coaching has been a major focus for the revamped Australian Supercross Championship and series organisers say this is a crucial step towards the overall goal of increased participation and the development of young riders in the future.

Adam Bailey

“Access to safe practice facilities and professional coaching has been the number one limiting factor for Australian Supercross riders and their development, for as long as I can remember. In the past, riders that do not have their own private track and property or access to one, have often either tried to compete underprepared or just decided not to take the risk to do Supercross competition. We’re committed to making that transition to competing in the Australian Supercross Championship, more accessible and safer, for all Aussie riders now and into the future.”

Both coaches will be able available for Motorcycling Australia Supercross Endorsements over the weekend. More information on other locations including more tracks in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales will be announced in the near future.

00 Standards Elite Rider Training Facility open for coaching and endorsement September 7.

• Where: Toowoomba (Kaleb Barham personal track)
  *Further details via upon request.
• When: 7th September 9am – 4pm
• Cost: $220 p/day
• Book now: 0401 812 125
• *Riders will need SX suspension and previous riding experience.
• *All other Ride Park Rules & Regulations apply.

KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open events

The KTM Junior Supercross initiative will once again take centre-stage at the high-profile 2019 S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, set to be contested in Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia this November.

KTM Junior Supercross provides the opportunity of a lifetime for an incredibly fortunate group of youthful racers and their families. There will be 10 positions available for the S-X Open event to be held at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland on 16 November, while 20 places will be available for the AUS-X Open Melbourne event on 30 November for the first time ever.

Successful applicants will be treated to a full factory VIP experience, including a KTM 50 SX built by factory technicians to ride during the event. A KTM gift pack provided to each young rider will feature a full set of riding gear to keep, plus trophies will be awarded to podium finishers.

Aside from extensive off-track activities and enjoyment that will include mentorship from KTM’s professional racers and a special rider signing where kids can meet their heroes, the KTM Junior Supercross entrants will take a dedicated track walk, two practice sessions and a fun-filled exhibition event during the S-X Open program.

Entry criteria will apply, with both events open to KTM customers only with 12 months of racing results being taken into consideration. Every applicant’s latest school report card, weight and height requirements must also be met. Registrations for the 2019 KTM Junior Supercross events are open now, exclusively at www.ridektm.com.au (link).

Jeff Leisk – General Manager KTM Australia

“To be involved in the sport at this level, young aspiring riders and their parents, will certainly enjoy the KTM Junior Supercross experience. We aim to make them virtually feel like factory riders for the event, to give them that experience on a real supercross track in front of huge crowds. It’s an incredible opportunity and inspires riders to go onto bigger things in the sport, much like Ryan Dungey and others who at one stage took part in the challenge. It’s a really inspirational experience and these events are genuinely world-class, so it’s a pleasure to continue our relationship with the event organisers, AME Management, because we really love what they are doing for supercross in the region. The fact that they even consider the KTM Junior Supercross to be one of the highlights of their events just goes to show that they have the right vision that’s inclusive of tomorrow’s superstars and, from my own perspective, I know what it was like to be a young kid and an aspiring racer. So, while I never got to do anything like this, I know how impressionable you are at that age and that’s why it’s really special to be involved and to be providing families with this type of opportunity.”

Mitchell Harrison to Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020

Team Bud Racing Kawasaki have confirmed Mitchell Harrison for the 2020 MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship, after joining the team in April and starting to score regularly with top ten results since Germany.

Dedicated to his sport, the 21 years old American rider is currently seventeenth in the series and with a few more months of European experience will be a strong contender when the 2020 World Championship kicks off in of February 2020. He will also race the French Elite series.

Mitchell Harrison

“It’s been an amazing experience racing here, I came over here in April not knowing what to expect and the Bud Racing Team treated me like a family member and it’s cool to have another year with them and a chance to fill in on the podium with them, so very exited! Next year I will know most of the tracks and I will be more adapted to the bike, we already work on that between the races but now we’ll have a full winter to do that. The racing is amazing here, the tracks are unique, different than in the US but I like that.”

For team owner Stephane Dassé, giving another chance to Mitchell was one of his goal as everyone in the team enjoy working with him.

Stephane Dassé – Team Owner

“We’re happy to work with him next season, he came late in Europe and had to discover everything. He improves a lot through the season, has a good mentality and we think that after a good preparation during winter and some more European experience he will be able to get strong results. We’re happy to enter again the MX2 World Championship with him, and he will have two top level young team mates to compete and fight in front of the European EMX 250 & EMX 125 series and French championship; who will be announced very soon.”

Josh Hill to join CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team

Former AMA Supercross race winner, factory rider and freeride pioneer Josh Hill, will travel down under to contest the final three rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, commencing November 9.

Hill will join Dan Reardon and Luke Clout on the team with his first engagement being round three of the of the Australian Supercross Championship in Wollongong.

Hill will be working double time at Wollongong as he not only chases success in the SX1 final alongside competing the ‘Speed and Style’ event where he can combine his world class speed with his aerial acrobatics against names like Cam Sinclair and a host of others in a spectacular night of action.

Then its onto rounds four and five of the championship where Hill will really be put to the test at the S-X Open in Auckland and in the final round, the Aus-X Open at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.

Josh Hill

“I cant wait to get down to Australia and line up at the final three rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship. I have always wanted to return to Australia after racing there a few years ago and when the opportunity came about through CDR Yamaha, Monster Energy and Fox Racing, I had to make it happen. And this isn’t a holiday for me as I know the level of racing in Australia is high and it’s my goal to come down there and bring home plenty of prizemoney with me. I have been working hard to get myself in shape and ready to go come November 9 at Wollongong. I’m still competitive and would like nothing more than to kick a little ass down there and beat not only the Aussies but also the other international riders competing.”

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team will be bursting at the seems at the final three rounds with a star studded line up of the two best domestic supercross racers in Dan Reardon and Luke Clout and now with Josh Hill confirmed for the final three rounds, making for a huge month for team owner Craig Dack.

Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team Owner

“Having Josh Hill join us for the final three rounds is a real coupe for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team as he is not only one of the most popular riders in the world but still fast and talented enough to make the championship exciting. His alignment with Yamaha in the US, Monster Energy and Fox Racing makes it a simple transition into the team and I’m sure he will be on the pace when the gates drop at round three. He has been super easy to deal with and his enthusiasm to come to Australia and race with us is over flowing down the phone with every conversation. Having Dan and Luke as the main stays of our team and the X factor in Josh Hill gives us a very strong team for this years Supercross Championship. All three riders will be mounted on the new 2020 YZ450F and our preparations have already begun. We look forward to a great championship and working with three talented and skilled riders.”

The five round Australian Supercross Championship starts on October 12 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

2019 ASX Calendar

• Round 1 – October 12 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre (QLD)
• Round 2 – October 19 – Gillman Speedway (SA)
• Round 3 – November 9 – Wollongong (NSW)
• Round 4 – November 16- Mt Smart Stadium Auckland (NZ / S-X Open Auckland)
• Round 5 – November 30- Marvel Stadium Melbourne (VIC / AUS-X Open Melbourne)

Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023

Yamaha Motor Europehave announced that Hutten Metaal Yamaha will operate as the official Yamaha EMX250 team for the next three years through 2023. The team based in Beerzerveld, The Netherlands, have already established themselves inside the MXGP and EMX250 paddocks as a Yamaha supported team this year.

Heading into 2020, Hutten Metaal Yamaha will focus solely on the European EMX250 Championship as the official EMX250 team with riders Thibault Benistant, Raivo Dankers and Gianluca Facchetti, equipped with Yamaha’s GYTR kitted YZ250F machines.

Between the three riders that will make up the Hutten Metaal Yamaha EMX250 team in 2020, there are two Junior Motocross World Champions and an EMX125 Champion. Raivo Dankers was the Junior 85cc World Champion back in 2015, Gianluca Facchetti was the Junior 125cc World Champion in 2017, while Thibault Benistant was the first Official Yamaha rider to claim the coveted EMX125 crown onboard a GYTR kitted YZ125 back in 2018.

Yamaha Motor Europe also thanked the SDM Corse Yamaha team for their efforts over the past few years. The SDM Corse Yamaha team will remain inside the Yamaha family for the 2020 season, receiving support for an EMX250 rider and Ruben Fernandez who will contest the 2020 MX2 World Championship.

Empire Kawasaki announce 2019 Australian SX line-up

Empire Kawasaki are fuelled-up and ready to launch into the 2019 Australia Supercross Championship season, and have announced they will run a team of three riders across the two classes, with two SX1 riders on 2020 Kawasaki KX450 and one SX2 Rider on the 2020 Kawasaki KX250.

Dylan Long and Lawson Bopping will be piloting the SX1 machinery, while in SX2 American Supercross specialist Bradley Taft joins the team.

Source: MCNews.com.au