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Moto News Weekly | Hattah 2019 | MX | MXGP | SGP

Moto News Weekly for July 9, 2019

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What happened this week

  • Red flagged mud fest at Hattah 2019
  • Eli Tomac & Dylan Ferrandis top RedBud National
  • Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado win MXGP of Indonesia
  • Sam Sunderland wins Silk Way Rally Round 2
  • Emil Sayfutdinov claims first SGP win for six years in Sweden
  • 2019 Speedway of Nations Finals teams announced
  • Rockhampton to host 2020 KTM AJMX
  • Dean Wilson confirmed to join AUS-X Open Melbourne

Red flagged mud fest at Hattah 2019

The 2019 Hattah Desert Race will go down in history as one of the most challenging, yet shortest races since it began. Heavy rain and hail pounded the event shortly after the scheduled eight-lap race commenced. The sheer volume of water restricted emergency vehicle access and the decision was made to cut the event short to four-laps.

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Milner JPM
Daniel Milner – Image by John Pearson Media

KTM duo Daniel Milner and Lyndon Snodgrass delivered a spectacular 1-2 finish, despite the conditions, with Milner having qualified fastest following Saturday’s Prologue with a blistering 2m45.417s lap-time set in the Top 10 Shootout, while Snodgrass recorded the third-fastest lap overall.

Contested in difficult, muddy conditions after rain arrived on Sunday morning, Milner claimed his second-career Hattah victory and clinching the Over 450cc 4-Stroke class win in the process. Milner’s effort was even more remarkable since he has been recovering from a broken collarbone sustained six weeks prior to Hattah, as well as tendonitis, limiting his seat time in the lead-up to what is recognised as one of the most gruelling races in the sport.

Daniel Milner – P1

“It’s such a good feeling to win Hattah after breaking my collarbone six weeks ago and undergoing surgery before I then had tendon problems in the opposite arm once I was back on the bike. I’d only had four days on the bike and one day of testing, so to bring it home is an unbelievable feeling and the KTM 500 EXC-F is such a weapon to ride! Things went our way in the race and we didn’t miss a beat – the bike was very similar to how I rode it last year in terms of set-up. It really was a matter of making sure we could get through the race and it became a case of survival, so I was being as consistent as possible. The decision to cut the race short was the right one in those conditions and I’m really happy to get another outright win here, that’s for sure.”

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Milner JPM
Daniel Milner – Image by John Pearson Media

Snodgrass also put forward a phenomenal ride on the KTM 450 EXC-F to not only claim an outright podium, but also comfortably score the 251cc-450cc 4-Stroke class win over eight minutes clear of his closest rival.

Lyndon Snodgrass – P2

“Today was a crazy one with all that rain coming down, making it a really tough mud race in the desert, so to finish second outright and first in class was definitely awesome. The Prologue was important and we did well in that, so today I tried to have the cleanest race possible all the way through to the end – it was a matter of survival in those conditions by the time we got to the last lap and especially towards the end. The KTM 450 EXC-F was faultless all weekend and we managed to get one position better than last year, so I’m rapt with that result.”

Hattah Desert Race Lyndon Snodgrass JPM
Lyndon Snodgrass – Image by John Pearson Media

KTM riders filled four of the top five positions outright, including Lachlan Terry in fourth and Davey Motorsports KTM’s Mason Semmens in fifth. Semmens won the Under 19s division, while KTM-mounted Jess Moore was also victorious in the Ladies Tenacious Women of Hattah category.

Claiming second in his class and an very impressive third outright was Josh Green, who on board the WR450F contested the 251 to 450cc 4 stroke class and was in good form all weekend. Despite a heavy fall on lap two, Green soldiered on for a top result in his typical style.

Josh Green

“This race is always one of the toughest of the year in dry conditions so when you add a heap of rain, it just becomes even tougher,” Green begins. “My first lap was pretty good but then on lap two, with the track getting hammered by the rain, I went over the ‘bars as I tried to plough through a deep, boggy spot. I have done some damage to my wrist and I will need to get hat checked out this week as its really sore now but while I was still warm and had some grip strength, I kept on going. If it had gone the full distance, I’m not sure if the wrist would have held up but I was fortunate to get to the finish line with a good result. Thanks to the team again. They earned their money from this event.”

Hattah Desert Race Josh Green
Josh Green – Image by John Pearson Media

The Motul Pirelli Sherco duo of Andy Wilksch and Nathan Trigg also began the Hattah Desert Race weekend in good form. Trigg posting the sixth fastest qualifying time and Wilksch just missing out on the top ten in eleventh. When the main race began and the heavens opened up, both riders put their 500 SEF Factory models to task while mayhem spread through the field.

At the completion of the fourth lap, Wilksch had powered his way to sixth with Trigg close behind in seventh. It was a solid performance by both riders in incredibly wild conditions.

Andy Wilksch – P6

“Our weekend came together pretty good in the end. The race was short and sharp in comparison to what we prepared for and the 500 Factory definitely played a part in our success. The extra power made it easy and our bikes didn’t wear out. Reliability was key in those conditions. Our bikes are strong and reliable and with the track deteriorating so rapidly each lap, the power of the 500 let me make passes down the straights. The bikes just ate the conditions with ease. I’ve never been able to crack the top ten at Hattah before so to get sixth feels like a bonus.”

Hattah Desert Race Andy Wilksch
Andy Wilksch – Image by John Pearson Media

Nathan Trigg was relishing the challenge and despite suffering a crash while avoiding a lapped rider, Trigg thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a wet Hattah, and took seventh overall.

Nathan Trigg – P7

“I had a couple of stacks in the rain, but somehow I was having fun. It was actually the most fun I’ve had at Hattah. I was hoping to qualify a bit higher up the order for a better starting position, but I still got going okay. The bike was awesome and really strong. It was just unreal, and I had a ball riding it. I didn’t even know what position I was in towards the end, but I rode the best I could and was happy to get a good result.”

Hattah Desert Race Nathan Trigg
Nathan Trigg – Image by John Pearson Media

Jack Simpson was able to take third in the 450cc 4-stroke class, after qualifying seventh outright, while a scary crash in lap one cost him dearly as he lost precious time on the leaders.

Jack Simpson – P8

“I lost it on the first lap. I had one of the biggest crashes in my life, several riders commented on it after the race, one saying it was the biggest crash he had ever seen.  I am lucky to have gotten away with only bumps and bruises and I am fortunate that the bike was still rideable. The crash rattled me but once I got going I was riding on adrenalin.  The hardest part was racing in the conditions.  The track was flooded in some areas, people were creating new lines, and some parts of the track became 50 meters wide.  It ended up being a battle of survival.”

Hattah Desert Race Jack Simpson MG
Jack Simpson

Michael Driscoll took the win in the up to 250cc 4 stroke class on his WR250F and regardless of the conditions, was well in control of his division after a common sense start saw him soon gain the lead and never let it go, in a strong performance for the 19 year old off road gun, with 13th in the outright result as well.

Michael Driscoll – P13

“I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry after all that. I was so looking forward to this race and I know how much work everyone on the team put in for it, so it was such a shame to have these conditions to race in. The bikes are destroyed and it was sketchy getting around out there as the rain, the mud, the bog holes as well as fallen or stranded riders meant it was like riding through a mine field. It was good to get the class win and tick off another goal for the season but I feel for the guys having to clean all this mess up and get our team bikes back into good condition again. Thank you to them and all our team sponsors for a huge effort that will still be going long after this weekend is over.”

Defending Hattah Desert Race champion Daniel Sanders and the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team had a rough weekend, in contention for victory until encountering difficulties in the closing stages. Sanders had immediately established himself at the front of the field on race-day Sunday, which was greeted with torrential rain-soaked, muddy conditions.

It appeared Sanders was on his way to the win until the prevalent water caused a suspected problem with the electrics, forcing him to stop and rectify the issue with timely assistance from his Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team crew. He went on to claim 14th position outright despite losing 20 minutes and seventh in the Over 450cc 4-Stroke category.

Daniel Sanders – P14

“It’s very disappointing because the team and I put a lot of effort into this one event each year. Obviously the weather today played a part and we started strongly, but unfortunately, the issue meant we gave away the win because I felt as though the race was mine at that point. The track was full of puddles because of the rain falling and we were hitting them at high-speed, so that could have led to the problem. We ended up getting going again and I brought it home to the finish, but it wasn’t to be today.”

Hattah Desert Race Daniel Sanders JPM
Daniel Sanders – Image by John Pearson Media

Penrite Honda Racing’s 250cc rider Mark Grove pushed as hard as he could in the challenging conditions to take second in his class.

Mark Grove – P19

“It was harder to see than explainable, racing the 250cc in these conditions was twice as tough as it be if it was dry, the bigger bikes were creating roost that would fill your goggles in, people were crashing and it was even hard to see fallen riders.  I understand why they cut it short.  It was the toughest Hattah I have ever done.” Grove commented.

Hattah Desert Race Mark Grove
Mark Grove

Emma Milesevic, a Honda Genuine Ride Red rider also excelled on her way to second in the women’s class and 37th outright. This year marked the first time women had finished inside the top 40 outright and the team were very pleased with her commitment to the race.

Hattah Desert Race Emma Milesevic R
Emma Milesevic

Honda’s Junior Factory Rider Madi Healey, of team BCP Pro Circuit Honda took first place in the Junior girls class on the CRF250R, and convincingly so, winning by over 20 minutes. This was Healey’s hat trick event at Hattah, having won the last three years in a row.

Hattah Desert Race Madi Healey
Madi Healey

The second of the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team entries, Fraser Higlett, encountered difficulties of his own in qualifying and started from 38th, but quickly sliced his way to sixth in the opening laps before the treacherous conditions ultimately ended his day on lap three of the four run.

Fraser Higlett – DNF

“Today was a rough one for me in the end, but I did my best toward the start of the race and we were looking good for a number of laps. I charged through the field in the tough conditions all the way up to sixth, so that was positive and I was feeling good in the mud. To start out of 38th definitely made things harder than they could have been and I’m disappointed with how the race finished for me, but we will be back and I will see what I can do next year.”

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2019 Hattah Desert Race Outright Top 20

  1. Daniel MILNER 2:14:22.051
  2. Lyndon SNODGRASS 2:17:43.210
  3. Joshua GREEN 2:26:02.086
  4. Lachlan TERRY 2:26:03.909
  5. Mason SEMMENS 2:26:17.291
  6. Andrew WILKSCH 2:27:16.808
  7. Nathan TRIGG 2:28:35.600
  8. Jack SIMPSON 2:31:21.448
  9. Jeremy CARPENTIER 2:31:52.831
  10. Alex BOLTON 2:31:55.139
  11. Stefan GRANQUIST 2:32:52.585
  12. Sam DAVIE 2:33:07.569
  13. Michael DRISCOLL 2:33:40.942
  14. Daniel SANDERS 2:34:34.965
  15. William PRICE 2:35:27.517
  16. Lee STEPHENS 2:35:27.958
  17. Geoff BRAICO 2:37:40.882
  18. Broc GRABHAM 2:38:30.951
  19. Mark GROVE 2:38:40.017
  20. Jesse LAWTON 2:39:37.173

Senior Race

  1. Daniel MILNER 2:14:22.051
  2. Lyndon SNODGRASS +3:21.159
  3. Joshua GREEN +11:40.035

Up-to 250cc 4stroke

  1. Michael DRISCOLL 2:33:40.942
  2. Mark GROVE 2:38:40.017
  3. Hunter SEMMENS 2:39:37.576

Up-to 250cc 2stroke

  1. Danielle FOOT 3:00:07.677
  2. Jacob EUSTACE 3:00:23.466
  3. Nathan HOWE 2:14:53.708

251cc & over 2stroke

  1. Sam HANDLEY 2:15:51.541
  2. Michael COLLINS 2:42:29.845
  3. Trent PUDDY 2:45:31.076

251-450cc 4Stroke

  1. Lyndon SNODGRASS 2:17:43.210
  2. Joshua GREEN 2:26:02.086
  3. Jack SIMPSON 2:31:21.448

Ladies Tenacious Women of Hattah

  1. Jessica MOORE 2:46:54.604
  2. Emma MILESEVIC 2:49:28.301
  3. Jessica GARDINER 3:06:28.552

Under 19s

  1. Mason SEMMENS 2:26:17.291
  2. William PRICE 2:35:27.517
  3. Korey MCMAHON 2:41:00.258

Veterans 35-44yrs

  1. Lee STEPHENS 2:35:27.958
  2. David JONGEBLOED 2:53:43.870
  3. Steven POWELL 2:14:47.039

Masters 45yrs & over

  1. Kevin ARCHER 2:58:42.708
  2. Peter TAYLOR 2:16:24.770
  3. Lou STYLIANOU 2:18:12.841

Juniors – Small Wheel

  1. Angus RIORDAN 1:56:50.679
  2. Samuel PRETSCHERER +1:26.648
  3. Blake HOLLIS +3:45.381

Juniors – Big Wheels

  1. Angus RIORDAN 1:56:50.679
  2. Samuel PRETSCHERER +1:26.648
  3. Blake HOLLIS +3:45.381
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Eli Tomac & Dylan Ferrandis top RedBud National

The American motocross Independence Day tradition brought the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship to the seventh round of the 2019 season, with Michigan’s RedBud MX celebrating the 4th of July by kicking off the second half of the racing series with the RedBud National.

See the full report here:
Tomac & Ferrandis win 2019 RedBud MX National (link)

The storied track produced heated competition across both classes, with Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis claiming victory. Aussie Hunter Lawrence also went 8-4 for fifth overall.

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Starts JK MX RedBud
RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

Tomac’s third win of the season further strengthened his hold on the championship lead in the 450 Class. One year after he endured a misfortune-plagued afternoon at RedBud, the reigning champ returned in search of redemption and successfully grabbed his second victory in three years at the track. He’s now more than 30-points clear of Marvin Musquin in the standings.

Eli Tomac

“Overall, it was a really good day for us, I had been feeling good all day. It has been a little bit rough the last couple of weeks, but the first moto was a really good way to start the day and get things turned back around. I think that I had some better lines in the first moto, but I was able to move up and get the job done in the second moto.”

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Tomac JK MX RedBud
Eli Tomac – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (1-2)
  2. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (2-4)
  3. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (7-1)
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (3-5)
  5. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (6-3)
  6. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM (4-6)
  7. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (5-9)
  8. Benny, Bloss, Oak Grove, MO., KTM (9-8)
  9. Dean Wilson, United Kingdom, Husqvarna (12-7)
  10. Fredrik Noren, Sweden, Suzuki (8-13)
AMAMX Rnd RedBud Podium JK MX RedBud
450 Podium 1) Eli Tomac, 2) Jason Anderson, 3) Marvin Musquin – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

450 Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 304
  2. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 270
  3. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 264
  4. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 252
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 238
  6. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 227
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 170
  8.  Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 159
  9. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 150
  10. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 136

Ferrandis had been knocking on the door of his first win of the 250 Class season for several weeks, and he finally broke through with a dominant outing at RedBud.

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Ferrandis JK MX RedBud
Dylan Ferrandis – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

The Frenchman put forth the first 1-1 outing of the season in the division, which resulted in the third victory of his career. It marked the fifth RedBud victory for Star Yamaha in the past six seasons, and the win also moved Ferrandis into second in the 250 Class standings.

Dylan Ferrandis

Finishing the day with two moto wins and the overall, honestly I couldn’t have expected a better weekend. My bike was really good, and I felt very comfortable on it today. We improved a lot on it with the team, and I want to thank them all for the hard work they put in every day for me to get the best bike possible. Getting ready for the outdoors is tough after a long Supercross season, so it took me time but finally we are where we want. Now we’re going take some rest before getting back to work and get ready for Millville in two weeks.”

AMAMX Rnd RedBud Ferrandis JK MX RedBud
Dylan Ferrandis – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (1-1)
  2. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (5-2)
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (3-6)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (2-8)
  5. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (8-4)
  6. Ty Masterpool, Paradise, Texas, Yamaha (4-11)
  7. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (11-5)
  8. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna (10-7)
  9. Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (6-12)
  10. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, KTM (9-10)
AMAMX Rnd RedBud Podium JK MX RedBud
250 Podium 1) Dylan Ferrandis 2) Adam Cianciarulo, 3) Justin Cooper – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 307
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 282
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 281
  4. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 204
  5. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 200
  6. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 193
  7. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 173
  8. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 167
  9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 165
  10. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 129

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will take a weekend break before resuming on Saturday, July 20, from Spring Creek Raceway.

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Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado win MXGP of Indonesia

MXGP rolled into Palembang for the first of two back-to-back rounds in Indonesia, with Tim Gajser claiming the overall win despite tough competition from Romain Febvre, with consistency proving key, and Gajser now sitting on 488 points, with Antonio Cairoli in second place in the standings on 358 but continuing to recover from injury, prematurely ending his title fight.

See the full report here:
Gajser continues Honda streak in Indonesia | Prado wins MX2 (link)

Race 1 saw Tim Gajser take a clear win from Max Anstie and Jeremy Seewer, while Romain Febvre missed the podium in fourth.

MXGP Indonesia MX Gajser Anstie start qual
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Romain Febvre made his come-back in Race 2 with Tim Gajser taking runner up position, just 3.2-seconds back, with Glenn Coldenhoff taking the final podium position. Jeremy Seewer was just off the podium in fourth and currently sits third in the standings.

Tim Gajser

“I am really happy on how the GP went today, because after yesterday I knew it would bed hard to do two good races. The first race I could extend the lead and the second I had an amazing jump out of the gate and I was leading then I made a mistake and Roman and Jeremy passed me, but I managed to pass Jeremy but I didn’t even push for Roman as he was too far ahead. Eventually I felt really comfortable and I want to say a huge thanks to the team.”

MXGP Indonesia Tim Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Romain Febvre

“It has been too long since I won a race. I knew I had the speed since many GPs but I couldn’t make the start. I was frustrated. I had a good start in the second race, I was third, took the lead and made a gap and it was much easier than the first race. Now I am really looking for an overall win.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Febvre finish
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Jeremy Seewer

“It was a tough race even if my starts were great. This is one of the toughest races of the year for me but I’m happy on how the GP went. Now I just want to relax a bit before the next week in Semarang but it’s good that I could take some breathe on the championship chase. My season didn’t start really well but now that I’m having consistent results I just wish to keep going.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Febvre Seewer podium
Romain Febvre & Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

MXGP – GP Classification Top 10

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 47 points
  2. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 43
  3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 38
  4. Max Anstie (GBR, KTM), 37
  5. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 36
  6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 30
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 27
  8. Brian Bogers (NED, HON), 22
  9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 22
  10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), 21
    …15. Lewis Stewart (AUS, KTM) 13
    …16. Adam Coles (AUS, Husqvarna) 11

MXGP – World Championship Classification Top 10

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 488 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 358
  3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 327
  4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 318
  5. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 304
  6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 271
  7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 256
  8. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 246
  9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 245
  10. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 227
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In MX2 Jorge Prado added another win to his tally, however it wasn’t a clean sweep, with Thomas Kjer Olsen taking the Race 2 win, leaving Prado with 47-points to extend his championship lead, while Tom Vialle was second overall thanks to going 2-2, with Kjer Olsen third overall thanks to a 6-1 result.

MXGP Indonesia MX Prado start
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Race 1 went to Jorge Prado, with a clear win from Tom Vialle, while Maxime Renaux completed the podium. Aussie Jed Beaton came home in fifth.

In Race 2 Thomas Kjer Olsen took the win from Jorge Prado, with a consistent Tom Vialle third. Jed Beaton likewise remained consistent with another fifth place finish, claiming the same position and 32 championship points for the round.

Jorge Prado

“I was feeling good all weekend, the first race after the crash was quite difficult, but I could make it. I messed up the second race a bit, but I got to second and another GP victory. At the second race I had a good start, got into first, but my teammate was pushing and passed, and I got him at the end. The lap times were short and I struggled a bit. I am just happy with the win for the moment and I’m looking forward for next week.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Prado finish
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Tom Vialle

“I am really happy to have another fantastic weekend, it was very hot and the last five minutes of the second race were very hard, but I am very happy with this podium.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Vialle action
Tom Vialle – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“The first race was a struggle and I didn’t feel like myself and I was just trying to keep with my team-mate Jed who was riding good. The second race I think everyone was tired, but I really wanted that win and I made it, keeping my energies until the very end.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Olsen finish
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Jed Beaton

“It’s been another good GP for me. I felt like Germany was a really good step in the right direction, and that I was finally managing to put things behind me and deliver the pace I know I can. I kind of kept that momentum going here with two more strong results. It was a tough GP, we all knew the heat wasn’t going to be too much fun, but both races went well for me. I’m pleased things are moving in a good direction now, hopefully next weekend will be another positive weekend, too.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Beaton action
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

MX2 – GP Classification Top 10

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 47 points
  2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 42
  3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40
  4. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 34
  5. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 32
  6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, HON), 28
  7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 26
  8. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 24
  9. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 24
  10. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 21

MX2 – World Championship Classification

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 494 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 443
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 334
  4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 326
  5. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 307
  6. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 246
  7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 228
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 224
  9. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 209
  10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 192
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Sunderland wins Silk Way Rally Round 2

Sam Sunderland has taken the win at Stage 2 of the Silk Way Rally in Russia, with 413.63 kilometres covered on similar mixed terrain to the opening stage. A 212km timed special offered an additional challenge, including fast hazardous stony tracks.

Silk Way Rally Stage Benavides MCH
Kevin Benavides retains the Rally lead, despite Sam Sunderland taking the Stage 2 win

Sunderland had completed Stage 1 in fifth and had his work cut out for him, in moving towards the series lead, which is still retained by Kevin Benavides, with eight seconds separating the two.

Kevin Benavides was lumped with opening the track for Stage 2 following his Stage 1 win, which he did from start to finish over 212 kilometres of special stage, full of narrow potholed track studded with rocks.

Sam Sunderland

“I’m happy to get stage two finished safely. The day started on similar terrain to yesterday on the forest tracks with lots of trees, vegetation and water splashes. It was extremely important to take note of every single kilometre on your road book and the dangers listed there. It was really important to concentrate on your notes and take in which danger was which. It was hard to get a reference today as there was no refuel, so I wasn’t sure how my pace was all day. It’s always great to win a stage but it wasn’t our strategy for today so we’ll move on an see how the remaining eight days go for us.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland – Image by Rally Zone
Kevin Benavides

“I opened the whole stage. We knew it would be hard and very technical with many stones and mud. The narrow tracks were difficult, but I enjoyed it in spite of it being very hard. I think I did it well and I was in a good position. It was technical, fast and with navigation over the final 50 kilometres. I nearly crashed into an animal but luckily he dodged out of my way! You have to be very attentive to everything. The rally is a game of chess, so let’s see how it turns out. I am happy with the result.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Benavides MCH
Kevin Benavides

Joan Barreda managed to make it through the tricky stage despite struggling to get the right feel and finished 2’40 adrift of the winner on the day and occupies fifth position in the general standings at a similar distance from the leader.

Joan Barreda

“I felt very good on the slopes today with lots of mud and some potholes with big rocks. I could not find the right feelings and I was looking forward to getting past this section. Then there was a faster part and I felt a lot better there. We finished the day without any problems; I am well placed at a minimum time behind the leader. Everything is going well. I hope that in Mongolia we will find more open stages and I can find places that suit my riding style better.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Barreda MCH
Joan Barreda

Stage 1 runner-up Luciano Benavides was second away for Stage 2 and the young Argentinian chose to back off slightly to ensure a safe result in the special. Luciano crossed the line in seventh place, close to three minutes down on Sunderland, and now lies fourth in the overall standings.

Luciano Benavides

“Overall, it was a good day for me. I was able to keep to a solid pace and really enjoyed the first half of the stage. Towards the end I lost my focus a little, the tracks were really fast with some tricky sections and I lost a little time there. After such a challenging stage I’m happy to reach the finish and now look forward to what tomorrow brings.”

Silk Way Rally Stage Luciano Benavides
Luciano Benavides – Image by Rally Zone
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Emil Sayfutdinov claims first SGP win for six years in Sweden

Russian racer Emil Sayfutdinov has celebrated his first FIM Speedway Grand Prix win for six years in Hallstavik, Sweden. Sayfutdinov had not celebrated an SGP success since topping the podium at the 2013 British SGP in Cardiff in a year which saw him mount a title charge, before his hopes were dashed by injury.

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019

The Salavat-born star heads to the Speedway of Nations finals in Russian on July 20 and 21 as World Championship leader after winning the Norrbil Swedish SGP final ahead of Martin Vaculik, Maciej Janowski and first-time finalist Max Fricke.

After a three-year absence from the series, Sayfutdinov has been battling to get back on top of the SGP rostrum since 2017. But despite achieving that aim in Hallstavik, he’s not going to celebrate this success for long with six riders separated by five points at the top of the standings.

Emil Sayfutdinov

“It feels amazing. I have been working for that for a long time – six years. When I came back to the SGP series in 2017, it was hard for me. I had my goal and a plan, but it didn’t work. Today everything worked very well and my team is also working very well, so I say thank you to them. I’ll just keep going and looking forward. I scored some good points and now I am leader with Dudek and Madsen. I am really happy about that. But to be honest, I have now forgotten about today. I am just concentrating and I know we have a lot more rounds and heats to come. We need to keep scoring the points and it will be good.”

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden 2019

Slovak star Vaculik is firmly in the title hunt as he holds fifth place on 44 points – level with Bartosz Zmarzlik in fourth. While he was unable to take victory in Hallstavik, he was glad to pile up the points.

Third-placed Maciej Janowski – last year’s Hallstavik winner – was delighted to get back on to the SGP podium after a tough start to the season, hampered by the shoulder ligament injury which kept him out of the opening round in Warsaw.

Max Fricke took fourth in Sweden to claim 11-points, while Jason Doyle was 11th, with Doyle currently sitting eighth in the standings, and Fricke 12th.

SGP Sweden Hallstavik
Speedway GP of Sweden Podium – 1) Sayfutdinov, 2) Vaculik, 3) Janowski

SGP World Championship Standings

  1. Emil Sayfutdinov 47
  2. Patryk Dudek 47
  3. Leon Madsen 47
  4. Bartosz Zmarzlik 44
  5. Martin Vaculik 44
  6. Fredrik Lindgren 42
  7. Niels-Kristian Iversen 32
  8. Jason Doyle 30
  9. Janusz Kolodziej 29
  10. Artem Laguta 27
  11. Matej Zagar 27
  12. Max Fricke 27
  13. Maciej Janowski 24
  14. Robert Lambert 24
  15. Antonio Lindback 23
  16. Tai Woffinden 15
  17. Bartosz Smektala 10
  18. Oliver Berntzon 7
  19. Vaclav Milik 4
  20. Matic Ivacic 2

Norrbil Swedish SGP Scores

  1. Emil Sayfutdinov 17
  2. Martin Vaculik 16
  3. Maciej Janowski 13
  4. Max Fricke 11
  5. Matej Zagar 10
  6. Fredrik Lindgren 10
  7. Bartosz Zmarzlik 8
  8. Niels-Kristian Iversen 8
  9. Leon Madsen 7
  10. Oliver Berntzon 7
  11. Jason Doyle 7
  12. Patryk Dudek 7
  13. Antonio Lindback 6
  14. Artem Laguta 5
  15. Janusz Kolodziej 3
  16. Robert Lambert 3
  17. Pontus Aspgren DNR
  18. Kim Nilsson DNR
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2019 Speedway of Nations Finals teams announced

The FIM Speedway of Nations Finals teams have been confirmed as defending champions Russia name an unchanged team for their title defence in Togliatti on July 20 and 21. With this year’s hosts making history when they won the inaugural SON Finals in Wroclaw last June – Russia’s first senior speedway World Championship of any kind.

Individual World Championship leader Emil Sayfutdinov, Artem Laguta and joint FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship front-runner Gleb Chugunov will bid to win back-to-back titles in front of a passionate home crowd in the biggest shale meeting ever staged in Russia.

Speedway of Nations Preview
2019 Speedway of Nations Finals teams announced

They face stiff competition from Poland, Sweden, Germany, Great Britain, Australia and Denmark, who all make the trip east in search of gold.

Poland welcome back Maciej Janowski, who was forced out of Race Off 1 in Landshut on May 4 after suffering shoulder ligament damage in a crash 24 hours before the German showdown. He takes Patryk Dudek’s place in the side, partnering world No.2 Bartosz Zmarzlik, with former World Under-21 champion Maksym Drabik named as their junior ahead of Bartosz Smektala.

Sweden name an unchanged team following their Race Off 1 triumph, with world No.3 Fredrik Lindgren partnering the in-form Peter Ljung and Filip Hjelmland named as their under-21.

Great Britain have been forced into a change since their Race Off 2 win in Manchester on May 11 after world champion and captain Tai Woffinden was sidelined with a fractured TH4 vertebra and a broken shoulder blade.

Former FIM Speedway Grand Prix regular Chris Harris steps in for Woffy, joining stand-in skipper Craig Cook and under-21 man Robert Lambert in a side bidding to build on the silver medal they clinched in Wroclaw.

Australia have drafted in Jason Doyle for the trip to Togliatti. He returns in place of Chris Holder after sitting out Race Off 2 due to injury. Hot on the heels of reaching his first ever SGP final in Hallstavik on Saturday, Max Fricke partners Doyle with national under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey named as their junior.

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Danish boss Hans Nielsen tracks the same three stars who battled their way through Race Off 2 as World Championship frontrunner Leon Madsen links up with seven-time national champion Niels-Kristian Iversen. Frederik Jakobsen is their under-21 rider.

Germany complete the Finals field with Erik Riss replacing Martin Smolinski in the side, with Kai Huckenbeck serving as captain. Lukas Fienhage is selected ahead of Michael Hartel as their under-21 man.

The seven sides will compete over 42 heats – 21 heats on Saturday and 21 on Sunday, with the top scorers progressing automatically into the Grand Final. The second and third-placed countries will then compete in the semi-final for the right to race the leaders for the world title.

Should the semi-final end as a 3-3, the team that scored the most points over 42 heats will progress to the Grand Final. And if the Grand Final ends all square, a run-off featuring one rider from each team will decide the world title.

Speedway of Nations Preview
Speedway of Nations 2019 Preview

2019 Speedway of Nations Final Team Line-Up

  • RUSSIA: 1 Emil Sayfutdinov (captain), 2 Artem Laguta, 3 Gleb Chugunov (U21). Also in squad: Grigory Laguta, Roman Lakhbaum (U21). Team Manager: Igor Dmitriev.
  • SWEDEN: 1 Fredrik Lindgren (captain), 2 Peter Ljung, 3 Filip Hjelmland (U21). Also in squad: Antonio Lindback, Alexander Woentin (U21). Team Manager: Morgan Andersson.
  • POLAND: 1 Maciej Janowski (captain), 2 Bartosz Zmarzlik, 3 Maksym Drabik (U21). Also in squad: Patryk Dudek, Bartosz Smektala (U21). Team Manager: Marek Cieslak.
  • GERMANY: 1 Erik Riss, 2 Kai Huckenbeck (captain), 3 Lukas Fienhage (U21). Also in squad: Martin Smolinski, Michael Hartel. Team Manager: Herbert Rudolph.
  • GREAT BRITAIN: 1 Craig Cook (captain), 2 Chris Harris, 3 Robert Lambert (U21). Also in squad: Tai Woffinden, Dan Bewley (U21). Team Manager: Alun Rossiter.
  • AUSTRALIA: 1 Jason Doyle (captain), 2 Max Fricke, 3 Jaimon Lidsey (U21). Also in squad: Chris Holder, Jordan Stewart (U21). Team Manager: Mark Lemon.
  • DENMARK: 1 Leon Madsen, 2 Niels-Kristian Iversen (captain), 3 Frederik Jakobsen (U21). Also in squad: Michael Jepsen Jensen, Patrick Hansen. Team Manager: Hans Nielsen.

Speedway of Nations Final Day 1 Draw

  • A: Germany
  • B: Denmark
  • C: Australia
  • D: Poland
  • E: Russia
  • F: Sweden
  • G: Great Britain

Speedway of Nations Final Day 2 Draw

  • A: Germany
  • B: Australia
  • C: Sweden
  • D: Poland
  • E: Russia
  • F: Great Britain
  • G: Denmark
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Rockhampton to host 2020 KTM AJMX

With the 2019 running of the KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship (AJMX) to be held in Gillman, South Australia, Motorcycling Australia have now also announced the 2020 location, with Rockhampton, Queensland locked in for July 6-11, 2020.

AJMX Penguin Tas Atmos
AJMX 2018 – Penguin, Tasmania

The KTM AJMX attracts competitors from all across Australia, as well as international hopefuls seeking to make their mark in Australia’s highly competitive MX scene.

Peter Dark – Rockhampton and District MX Club President

“It is a complete honour, and a reward for the effort our members have given to the sport for many years. The event will bring approximately 500 of Australia’s best junior racers from across every state in Australia, including a few international racers.”

Motorcycling Queensland General Manager Kim Rowcliffe said that the Rockhampton District Motocross Club was chosen to host the 2020 Australian Junior Motocross Championships due to its very strong credentials in delivering well run, well promoted, and successful motorcycle events.


Dean Wilson confirmed to join AUS-X Open Melbourne

AUS-X Open promoters have confirmed Dean ‘Deano’ Wilson will be back for his third consecutive year to compete at this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open at Marvel Stadium on November 30. The Scottish Thunder will return Down Under after fan outcry to bring the world Number #6 back to Australia left event organisers in a spin.

AMA SX Rnd Wilson Pits JK SX Houston
Dean Wilson – Image by Hoppenworld

The 27 year old raced to a career-best sixth overall during this year’s Monster Energy FIM World Supercross Championship as well as a third-place finish at the Houston round, but after an injury forced him out of the last two rounds, Wilson says he’ll be back for redemption in November and hopes to finish the year off with a bang.

Dean Wilson

“I’m super excited to be returning to the AUS-X Open again this year, my 2019 season was up and down, but I’ll be pushing hard for it in Melbourne, I’ll be definitely out there to get my redemption and come out on top. Obviously I’ve had some amazing results the past two years at AUS-X winning the Saturday night in 2017, and coming in second last year, I feel like I have what it takes third time around Down Under. Australia is such a sick place to visit and this time to be in Melbourne for the first time, I think it will make for the best year of AUS-X yet, the line-up is stacked and I can’t wait to take on the world’s best.”

AMA SX Rnd Atlanta Wilson JK SX Atlanta
Dean Wilson – Image by Hoppenworld

Wilson will head to Melbourne for the first time ever, and go up against what is shaping up to be the best International Supercross line-up Australia has ever seen, consisting of two-time World Champion Chad Reed and 2018 World Champion Jason Anderson, world number 10 Justin Brayton, world number eight Joey Savatgy and many more local and international stars. Check out the video below to see Dean receiving his invitation.

Source: MCNews.com.au

Gajser continues Honda streak in Indonesia | Prado wins MX2

MXGP 2019

Round 11 – MXGP of Indonesia, Palembang


MXGP has returned for two back-to-back rounds, the first of which was the MXGP of Indonesia in Palembang, where it was Tim Gajser once again dominating the big bikes, with Jorge Prado likewise taking another round win, as the two continued to dominate, and in the very tough heat of Indonesia both red plate holders also built on their series points leads.

MXGP Indonesia MX Gajser start
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Around the very unique circuit in Palembang, both Gajser and Prado didn’t have it all their own way, both losing a race, Gajser going 1-2 and Prado also 1-2, however the final tally saw the pair do enough to claim the red plates into Semarang, also in Indonesia next weekend with a confident feeling.

Aussie Jed Beaton also had a strong weekend going 5-5 in MX2 for fifth overall for the round and tenth overall, while in MXGP Lewis Stewart went 15-14 and Adam Coles went 16-15 to claim 15th and 16th overall for the round, respectively. Mitch Evans crashed in MX2 Race 1 and sat out the remainder of the weekend.

MXGP Germany Rnd Jed Beaton JPA
Jed Beaton was the top Aussie performer at the MXGP of Indonesia

MXGP

On a regular basis Tim Gajser led into the first lap of the opening MXGP race taking the FOX Holeshot, followed by Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff. Also, up front were Max Anstie, Romain Febvre, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin while Arminas Jasikonis crashed and dropped back to 15th place. Anstie moved past Coldenhoff for third, and Jasikonis was able to get back into 13th.

MXGP Indonesia Tim Gajser Jeremy Seewer
Tim Gajser & Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Running a little harder Gajser moved to more than five seconds away from Seewer and Anstie started to put pressure on the second placed man. Febvre closed in to Coldenhoff while Anstie was on Seewer but as the French was frustrated as he made a mistake, Anstie passes Seewer for second but he was seven seconds behind Gajser, who seemingly was cruising up front and around the same time Jasikonis was all over Bogersfor 11th.

Five laps to go Febvre was charging in Coldenhoff for a long while managed to go through. Light rain began as the race continued. Gajser though wasn’t having any problems up front, and everyone held their positions. Gajser was victorious at race 1 in Palembang, winning it from Anstie and Seewer.

MXGP Indonesia Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

At the start of the second MXGP race it was again Gajser in the early lead taking his fifth FOX Holeshot of the season, followed by Anstie, who crashed in the first lap and dropped back to 10th place. Tonus was also in trouble as he trailed near last and then couldn’t get his bike going again.

MXGP Indonesia MX Gajser start
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Seewer was second, then Febvre, Paulin, Coldenhoff, Bogers and Jonass. Monticelli also crashed and went back in 19th place. After two laps the lead by Gajser was nearly three seconds and Febvre had moved past Seewer and was running hard to catch the leader.

On lap 3 Gajser made a mistake and Febvre and Seewer both went past and dropped the Honda man to third place, but the red plate owner was quickly back past Seewer, although Febvre held a six second lead after eight laps.

MXGP Indonesia Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Coldenhoff passed Paulin and Seewer at the last laps to finish Race 2 in third place, and Anstie was onto Paulin to fight for fifth position while Febvre was miles ahead of Gajser. That left Febvre wining his first race of the season and the first after the 2017 MXGP of Sweden, ahead of Gajser and Coldenhoff.

MXGP Indonesia MX Seewer Coldenhoff
Glenn Coldenhoff – MXGP of Indonesia 2019

Tim Gajser took the overall win with his 1-2 results while Romain Febvre took second and his teammate Jeremy Seewer rounded up the podium.

MXGP Indonesia MX Gajser podium
MXGP saw Tim Gajser take the overall win from Febvre and Seewer
Tim Gajser 1-2

“All day I really enjoyed riding the track. In the first moto I grabbed the holeshot and made a little gap and controlled the race. I had a lot of fun out there and managed to win the first moto. In the second race I didn’t have the best jump out of the gate so I got closed off on the straight, but as they ran wide, I was able to cut inside and take another holeshot. On the fourth lap and went off the track, and my rear tyre spun on the dusty ground and I had a little crash. I re-joined the race in third place, but managed to pass Jeremy immediately. I saw that Romain was riding a really good pace out front so I decided to settle for second place and to win another overall. Obviously I’m still happy with how the day went and my standing in the championship.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Gajser finish
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Romain Febvre 4-1

“It’s been too long since I last won a race. It’s been hard and I have wondered what I am doing, but finally it’s in and I have done it, but still I am second overall, and I would like to win the Grand Prix. It’s always nice to win races, but I want to stand on the top step of the podium. It feels like it has been so close this season, but I miss it by just a little bit. I hope that it is coming, and I look forward to going to Semarang next weekend because I like the track there, it is fast and nice to ride, so I hope for good weather, good starts and then it will be good.”

MXGP Indonesia Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Jeremy Seewer 3-4

“I’ve been really consistent this season and this is what I have wanted to do. I have shown at the last GP’s that I am a threat to the podium, just some small mistakes cost me coming into here. I have had many good races this year and I feel good on the bike. I am really happy with my consistency even though I didn’t start the season the way I wanted to. I am happy I got on the podium here in such tough conditions, I managed to post two good results with two good starts. I know that there are places that I can improve, and I will work on these, but for now I am happy that I am here and I am happy with the way things are going.”

MXGP Indonesia Romain Febvre Jeremy Seewer
Romain Febvre & Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Gautier Paulin 7-5

“The weekend started well. The track was cool and really tacky, I managed to post the fastest time. In the first race I didn’t get the best start and we are all really close in speed on the track, so it was difficult to pass. At one point the guys got away and I secured seventh. The second race was challenging because I had a small issue on the sighting lap, so I started a little bit stressed out. I got a normal start, I was third around the corner and I finished fifth although I had a small issue with the front brake, but no excuse, I felt good on the bike so I am really looking forward to the next round. We will keep our head up and continue to push. I really want to thank the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP team for all of their hard work and support.”

Pauls Jonass 7-8

“I made a mistake in the qualification race on Saturday and crashed heavily on my shoulder, which made the whole weekend difficult for me. It’s really frustrating as I felt good on the track. I guess I was lucky it wasn’t a serious injury, but I banged my shoulder hard and that made it tough today – I didn’t have the power I needed for the ruts, braking bumps and landings from the jumps. But I did the best I could. I got a decent start in the first race then went a little wide in the second turn. After that I couldn’t push like I wanted to because of my shoulder. I made a few passes but eighth wasn’t what I wanted. Race two was similar – I couldn’t go any faster. It was a little bit of surviving, getting the most championship points possible. I’ll rest now and go again next weekend.”

MXGP Indonesia Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Brian Bogers 12-8

“The day didn’t really go as I wanted, especially the first moto. The first five or six laps felt okay and I was riding with the fast guys but then the heat hit me really bad and I couldn’t push anymore. I felt pretty bad about that so I really wanted to try harder for race two. I got out of the gate really well and from the beginning I was pushing even harder than the first moto. I didn’t want to save myself because that isn’t a good mindset and it seemed to work because even when I got a little tired with the heat, I could still keep pushing. I ended up with a twelfth and an eighth for eighth overall so that’s not too bad but I still want to do better.”

MXGP Indonesia MX Bogers action
Brian Bogers – MXGP of Indonesia 2019
Tony Cairoli – Injury Update

“It is sad to finish the championship this way and it hasn’t happened too many times in my career. When I tried to ride last week I knew I had some problems but I wanted to stay positive about the recovery. I had more scans in Belgium and the injury was much worse that we thought so they told me to have surgery right away and it was the best solution to get healthy again in the fastest way. Thanks to the team and to the fans for the support. I hope to visit a few races before the end of the season and will now concentrate on getting better.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli

MXGP of Indonesia – Round 11 – Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | EnduroGP | MXGP | EMX | GNCC | WESS

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Gajser & Prado dominate Teutschenthal

Teutschenthal in Germany hosted Round 10 of the FIM World Motocross Championship and it was the two championship leaders in Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado who won all motos in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.

MXGP Germany Rnd Kjer Olsen JPA
MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo

MXGP Report

The Teutschenthal circuit was incredibly rough this year with deep ruts throughout the hard packed and undulating circuit but Gajser made it all look easy on his factory Honda to take the opening moto win from four Yamaha riders in Arnaud Tonus, Jeremy Seewer, Romain Febvre and Gautier Paulin before blitzing the second moto ahead of Pauls Jonass, Tonus, Paulin and Max Anstie.

MXGP Germany Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019

With another 1-1 performance, Gajser extended his series points lead over the absent Antonio Cairoli to 83 while second overall went to Tonus with 2-3 moto results ahead of his teammate Gautier Paulin with 5-4 scores.

Tim Gajser

“I am very happy and I had a lot of fun. I made the races easier with the starts, because I took holeshots in both heats and today I couldn’t wait for Indonesia already. What I was missing in the first half of the season was the starts but now they’re better, the start was great in the first race. I took the FOX Holeshot and made a gap but made a mistake and I crashed, but then I managed to make a gap again and I looked forward to the second race. I am enjoying racing very much now. The weekend couldn’t have gone better.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019
Arnaud Tonus

“First race was crazier even if I could finish second when I passed Seewer at the last lap, then in the second race I needed to push at the end to keep the third position but then also Gautier made the podium on the last lap passing Anstie, and this is super cool for the team and for the great job they do for us.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Germany 2019
Gautier Paulin

“It has been a long time since my last podium, I had a crash in Portugal, not a lot of luck in France and in Latvia I needed to pick it up, but I was really tired about this crazy period, eventually now I’m back on the box and I am so thankful to be on the podium with Arnaud Tonus. We are back in the game.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Arnaud Tonus Gautier Paulin
Arnaud Tonus & Gautier Paulin – MXGP of Germany 2019

MXGP Championship Top 10

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 441 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 358
  3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 289
  4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 288
  5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 288
  6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 249
  7. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 225
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 220
  9. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 219
  10. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 208
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MX2 Report

Like Gajser, Prado proved too strong around the hard pack circuit of Teutschenthal with a win in the opening moto ahead of Tom Vialle, Henry Jacobi, Thomas Kjer Olsen, Bas Vaessen and Jed Beaton before taking a 14 second victory over Mathys Boisrame, Vialle, Kjer Olsen and Beaton in moto two.

MXGP Germany Rnd Kjer Olsen JPA
MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo

So Prado again went 1-1 and took his ninth Grand Prix victory of the year while second overall was Vialle and third was Boisrame on his first MX2 Podium.

Jorge Prado

“I started the weekend a bit weak and didn’t have a good feeling, but today I turned it around and I felt better in the second race. It was a tough track but it was cool to race here. The second race was another great one for me. I felt very good compared to the first race, and I am very happy about it. Another 50 points and I’m very happy with the weekend.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Jorge Prado RA
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Tom Vialle

“This second place is good for me and for the whole team. I felt good all weekend. Training with Joel Smets has also helped me a lot.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Tom Vialle RA
Tom Vialle – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Mathys Boisrame

“It was incredible and I am very happy for my first podium. I have a good feeling with my bike. The feeling in the second race was very good and I am happy with my first podium. It is MX2 and not easy.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Mathys Boisrame
Mathys Boisrame – MXGP of Germany 2019

Heartbreak for Aussie Mitch Evans who was looking for a way around Kjer Olsen in the opening moto only to crash hard and was forced out of the rest of the weekend while Beaton ended up sixth overall on the day to now sit 11th in the points.

MXGP Germany Rnd Mitch Evans
A crash ended Mitch Evans’ weekend – MXGP of Germany 2019
Jed Beaton

“I’m really happy with the way things have gone this weekend. To get sixth overall is another very important step forwards. I felt like both races were pretty similar really, just with a fall in the first moto that cost me some places. I didn’t get the best of jumps from the start in either race, but I held a tight line around the first turn and made up some places. That put me around 10th and I just pushed hard from there. Falling in the first race cost me some places but overall I was pleased with my riding. Fifth in the second race was good – it’s been a while since I’ve been racing with the guys near the front so it’s just good to be back racing there. It’s a really positive way to the end the GP. To be hitting some good form mid-way through the season is great. I’m looking forward to the overseas races now, and hope I can build on today’s results.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Jed Beaton JPA
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo

MX2 Championship Classification Top 10

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 447 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 403
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 313
  4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 284
  5. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 283
  6. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 246
  7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 226
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 204
  9. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 185
  10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 179
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German EMX Won by Rubini & Guyon

Teutschenthal in Germany hosted the latest round of the EMX250 and EMX125 Championships and it was Stephan Rubini who won both 250 motos while Tom Guyon went 2-1 to win the 125 class.

MXGP Germany Rnd VAN DE MOOSDIJK GP PH
Roan Van de Moosdijk – MXGP of Germany 2019

In the championship points, it is Rubini who took the Red Plate with 251pts, followed by Alberto Forato with 241pts and Roan Van De Moosdijk with 238pts while the lone Aussie in this series in Caleb Grothues was disqualified from the event after riding his damaged Yamaha into the pit exit during qualifying.

EMX250 Overall Top 10

  1. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 50 points
  2. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 44
  3. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 40
  4. Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 36
  5. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 29
  6. Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 25
  7. Nicholas Lapucci (ITA, KTM), 25
  8. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 25
  9. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 25
  10. Bastian Boegh Damm (DEN, KTM), 23 p.;

EMX250 Championship Top 10

  1. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 251 points
  2. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 241
  3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 238
  4. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 167
  5. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 137
  6. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 133
  7. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 111
  8. Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 103
  9. Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 91
  10. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 88

Despite Guyon’s victory it is Mattia Guadagnini who still leads the series points after finishing with 1-13 moto results so heading to the next round Guadagnini holds a 13 point lead over Guyon.

EMX125 Overall Classification

  1. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 47 points
  2. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 40
  3. Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 40
  4. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 33
  5. Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 31
  6. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 29
  7. Florian Miot (FRA, YAM), 29
  8. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 27
  9. Meico Vettik (EST, KTM), 19
  10. Andrea Bonacorsi (ITA, KTM), 16

EMX125 Championship Classification

  1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 218 points
  2. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 205
  3. Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 149
  4. Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 147
  5. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 146
  6. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 132
  7. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 128
  8. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 93
  9. Guillem Farres Plaza (ESP, KTM), 87
  10. Eddie Jay Wade (GBR, KTM), 76
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GNCC of West Virginia Falls to Kailub Russell

The Snowshoe GNCC in West Virginia hosted round eight of the 2019 Grand National Cross Country and it was once again Kailub Russell who came away with the win in the premier XC1 class while Ben Kelley remains undefeated in the XC2 class.

Russell extended his championship points lead to 48 with the XC1 class win over Steward Baylor, Ricky Russell, Jordan Ashburn, Grant Baylor, Cory Buttrick, Andrew Delong and Josh Strang.

GNCC West Virginia russell kailub KH
Kailub Russell – Image by Ken Hill

Kelly now holds an incredible 92 point lead in the XC2 class with the win over Craig DeLong and Kiwi Liam Draper while in the WMX class championship leader in Aussie Tayla Jones didn’t finish the event handing the win and points lead to Becca Sheets.

XC1 Open Pro – Bike – Class Results

  1. Kailub K Russell
  2. Steward Baylor Jr
  3. Ricky A Russell
  4. Jordan Ashburn
  5. Grant Baylor
  6. Cory Buttrick
  7. Andrew R Delong
  8. Josh V Strang
  9. Thaddeus Duvall

XC1 Open Pro – Bike – Class Points

  1. Kailub K Russell – 225
  2. Thaddeus Duvall – 177
  3. Steward Baylor Jr – 166
  4. Trevor Bollinger – 127
  5. Josh V Strang – 92

XC2 250 Pro – Bike – Class Results

  1. Benjamin M Kelley
  2. Craig B Delong
  3. Liam Draper
  4. Alex Teagarden
  5. Ryder Lafferty

XC2 250 Pro – Bike – Class Points

  1. Ben Kelley – 240
  2. Michael Witkowski – 148
  3. Evan Smith – 125
  4. Austin Lee – 121
  5. Craig B Delong – 113
  6. Liam Draper – 111

WXC – Bike – Class Results

  1. Becca N Sheets
  2. Rachael Archer
  3. Mackenzie Tricker
    Tayla Jones

WXC – Bike – Class Points

  1. Becca N Sheets – 215
  2. Tayla Jones – 183
  3. Mackenzie Tricker – 159
  4. Rachael Archer – 153
  5. Korie Steede – 118
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Waters and Wilson Storm Gympie MX National

The sprawling Queensland town of Gympie hosted Round 6 of the MX Nationals and it was Todd Waters and Jay Wilson who took the top honours in the MX1 and MX2 classes respectively.

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Todd Waters Kirk Gibbs
Todd Waters being chased by Kirk Gibbs and Hayden Mellross

Thor MX1 Report

On a fast and flowing natural terrain circuit the MX1 riders were on fire blitzing their way around a circuit that offered a lot to the riders in the way of passing opportunities, but the opening moto was all Waters despite constant pressure from a fresh looking Brett Metcalfe and the pair hit the chequered flag well ahead of Kirk Gibbs and Luke Clout.

Moto two had a lot of passing early which saw championship leader Clout crashing hard but by mid moto it was a four-way battle with Waters, Gibbs, Hayden Mellross and Metcalfe freight-training through the gum trees that lined the circuit just as Clout slid his way into 10th place.

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Todd Waters
Todd Waters

With a few laps to go Gibbs made the move past Waters into the lead and the two combatants went toe to toe right to the finish with Mellross and Metcalfe not far behind while Jesse Dobson, Dylan Long and Clout rounded out the top seven.

Waters 1-2 was enough to give him the overall round win while Gibbs’ 3-1 was good for second while Brett Metcalfe was third overall but as far as the championship points go Water has taken over the lead by 3 ahead of Clout and 5 ahead of Mellross.

Kirk Gibbs

“It was good to get things back on track and finish up with a good result here. More importantly, the way I rode was what mattered and to be able to pass all the guys at the head of the championship and take the moto win means more to me than finishing on the podium for the day. I just need to focus on the way I ride and doing my best laps and the results will continue to flow for the rest of the season. Thanks to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team who always put in 100% and its nice to reward everyone on the team and our supporters a podium this weekend.”

Brett Metcalfe

“I am so happy for everyone on the team. Everyone has been working hard and it paid off this weekend, it feels great to be back up there! It’s always reassuring when you get a good start and build a solid momentum as the day goes on. The break between rounds 5 and 6 has allowed my injury to heal so I am riding back to my potential. I battled back from a mediocre start and once I caught the lead group, it was tight and track condition made it difficult to pass anyone, the dust was intense so ultimately I took fourth. We have a couple of weeks to find some more pace and work on setup. I just want to win, simple as that and I can’t wait for Round 7 in Maitland.”

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Podium
MX1 Round Points
Todd Waters 67
Kirk Gibbs 65
Brett Metcalfe 60
Luke Clout

“It wasn’t a great day and I didn’t ride my best, but I was able to salvage what I could and I’m still only three points from the lead in the championship. There are only five points between three of us in the championship and now it comes down to not making any mistakes and keep putting myself in good position to win races and rounds. Next round is at Maitland, a track that I have raced at a few times and enjoy riding so I will put this one behind me, focus forward for the next round and get things back on track there.”

Securing his first career Superpole and following it with 6-5 finishes for sixth overall, Jesse Dobson has once again shown that he is the fastest privateer in the MX1 (450cc) class.

Jesse Dobson

“I’m really happy to get back to the form I expect after Murray Bridge. I know that I have the speed, and the FC450 is an awesome bike right out of the box, so to take out Superpole was a great start to the day. I spent some time testing suspension with Paul Baericke, and I’ve been riding with Nathan Crawford a lot in the break, and it’s really helped me take another step forward. I didn’t get the starts I needed, especially in the second moto but I felt really good on track, and although it got more technical as the day went on, I was able to move forward in both races. The guys at MX Farm have done a great job, and the track is only going to get better, so thanks to WEM for getting us to such a great venue, and thanks to the crew at MPE Husqvarna, I’ll switch over to a brand new FC450 for the final four rounds of the year!”

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Jesse Dobson
Jesse Dobson

MX1 – Raceline Superpole

  1. Jesse Dobson – 1:59.656
  2. Luke Clout +1:59.866
  3. Kirk Gibbs +2:00.924
  4. Brett Metcalfe +2:01.014
  5. Todd Waters +2:21.576

Thor MX1 Moto 1 – Top Ten

  1. Todd Waters 14 Laps Race Time: 29:25.020
  2. Brett Metcalfe +0.773
  3. Kirk Gibbs +23.767
  4. Luke Clout +24.851
  5. Hayden Mellross +37.623
  6. Jesse Dobson +47.614
  7. Caleb Ward +51.167
  8. Jayden Rykers +1:07.289
  9. Richie Evans +1:23.398
  10. Connor Tierney +1:29.192

Fastest Lap: Todd Waters – 2:03.970

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Thor MX1 Moto 1 – Top Ten

  1. Kirk Gibbs 14 Laps – Race Time: 29:55.384
  2. Todd Waters +0.679
  3. Hayden Mellross +1.855
  4. Brett Metcalfe +3.307
  5. Jesse Dobson +15.624
  6. Dylan Long +19.231
  7. Luke Clout +31.941
  8. Jayden Rykers +32.080
  9. Caleb Ward +45.700
  10. Richie Evans +1:02.154

Fastest Lap: Todd Waters – 2:05.823

MX1 Round 6 Overall Top Ten

  1. Todd Waters – 67
  2. Kirk Gibbs – 65
  3. Brett Metcalfe – 60
  4. Hayden Mellross – 56
  5. Luke Clout – 52
  6. Jesse Dobson – 51
  7. Jayden Rykers – 46
  8. Caleb Ward – 46
  9. Richie Evans – 43
  10. Dylan Long – 42

MX1 Championship Top Ten After Round 6

  1. Todd Waters – 332 Points
  2. Luke Clout – 329
  3. Hayden Mellross – 327
  4. Jayden Rykers – 253
  5. Justin Rodbell – 24
  6. Kirk Gibbs – 245
  7. Brett Metcalfe – 241
  8. Jesse Dobson – 227
  9. Richie Evans – 217
  10. Erki Kahro – 190

Motul MX2 Report

The MX2 class was looking like a Wilson Todd white-wash after the opening back-to-back motos where Todd won both despite serious attention from Jay Wilson in moto one and Nathan Crawford in moto two.

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Wilson Todd
Wilson Todd

When the gates dropped on the third and final MX2 race of the day it was Joel Evans who grabbed the holeshot with Luke Reardon and Todd close behind but it all turned to poo early in the lap with Evans going down and taking his fellow Husqvarna rider in Todd down with him.

Jay Wilson soon took over the lead and would go on to take the moto win ahead of Crawford, Aaron Tanti, Kyle Webster and Todd so the overall goes to Wilson over Todd and Crawford but Todd keeps his championship points lead of 24 over Webster and 25 over Wilson.

Jay Wilson

“Wow, its just amazing how things work out, after the first two motos where I was over riding and crashing, I went into race three just looking to ride well and post a result I could be proud of. Winning the round was the last thing on my mind. I didn’t get a great start but made some passes early and managed to hit the lead. I just put down the best laps I could and managed to build a five second lead. It wasn’t until two laps to go that I saw my pitboard that had 1st = 1st that the overall become possible. It was my first moto win of the year. I was a bit fortunate to get the overall win, but I will take it and it just goes to show that you have to keep on plugging away, never give up, and anything can happen. Thanks to my team and my family for another massive effort and we can now look forward to the next round and keep the podium streak going.”

Webster then finished fourth in the afternoon’s final moto to take fifth overall on the day.

Kyle Webster

“Having had a great mid season break with excellent results at Manjimup (third) and the NSW MX titles (first) I was really keen to get back to the Nats. But I never really settled into the track at Gympie on the day and just had to make the most of it. I tried to find my mojo by moto three, and was happy to be able to keep second place in the championship standings. The next round will be important and I will be pushing hard to stay up the front.”

MX Nationals Rnd Gympie MX Podium
Gympie MX2 Round Points
Jay Wilson 61
Wilson Todd 61
Nathan Crawford 60

Pirelli MX2 – Timed Qualifying

  1. Wilson Todd 1:58.538
  2. Nathan Crawford 1:59.300
  3. Jay Wilson 1:59.491
  4. Aaron Tanti 2:00.394
  5. Kyle Webster 2:01.055
  6. Bailey Malkiewicz 2:02.047
  7. Isaac Ferguson 2:02.539
  8. Dylan Wills 2:03.321
  9. Tomas Ravenhorst 2:03.336
  10. Morgan Fogarty 2:04.256

Pirelli MX2 – Back to Back Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Wilson Todd 7 Laps – Race Time: 14:42.760
  2. Aaron Tanti +3.244
  3. Kyle Webster +8.533
  4. Nathan Crawford +16.917
  5. Bailey Malkiewicz +21.017
  6. Jay Wilson +21.830
  7. Dylan Wills +33.230
  8. Cooper Pozniak +40.975
  9. Joel Evans +42.885
  10. Isaac Ferguson +43.419

Fastest Lap: Wilson Todd – 2:03.718

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Pirelli MX2 – Back to Back Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Wilson Todd 7 Laps – Race Time: 14:49.408
  2. Kyle Webster +4.477
  3. Nathan Crawford +10.396
  4. Aaron Tanti +12.672
  5. Jay Wilson +13.589
  6. Dylan Wills +26.099
  7. Morgan Fogarty +27.054
  8. Isaac Ferguson +34.180
  9. Bailey Malkiewicz +35.273
  10. Cooper Pozniak +51.539

Fastest Lap: Wilson Todd – 2:04.020

Pirelli MX2 – Moto 2 – Top Ten

  1. Jay Wilson 9 Laps – Race Time: 19:20.620
  2. Nathan Crawford +1.057
  3. Aaron Tanti +3.006
  4. Kyle Webster +13.190
  5. Wilson Todd +33.362
  6. Dylan Wills +36.061
  7. Bailey Malkiewicz +40.524
  8. Morgan Fogarty +50.981
  9. Luke Reardon +56.701
  10. Ricky Latimer +1:02.519

Fastest Lap: Nathan Crawford – 2:06.677

MX2 Round 6 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jay Wilson – 61 Points
  2. Wilson Todd – 61
  3. Nathan Crawford – 60
  4. Aaron Tanti – 60
  5. Kyle Webster – 60
  6. Dylan Wills – 50
  7. Bailey Malkiewicz – 48
  8. Morgan Fogarty – 43
  9. Isaac Ferguson – 39
  10. Tomas Ravenhorst – 38

MX2 Championship Top Ten After Round 6

  1. Wilson Todd – 344 Points
  2. Kyle Webster – 320
  3. Jay Wilson – 319
  4. Nathan Crawford – 272
  5. Aaron Tanti – 272
  6. Dylan Wills – 256
  7. Bailey Malkiewicz – 246
  8. Ricky Latimer – 209
  9. Cooper Pozniak – 206
  10. Riley Dukes – 202

Pirelli MXD Report

As per usual the action in the MXD class was fast and furious but it was championship leader in Regan Duffy who came away with the overall ahead of his closest river Max Purvis while Noah Ferguson claimed his maiden MXD podium result finishing in 3rd for the round.

Duffy will take a 17 point lead over Purvis as the whole MX Nationals circus heads to Maitland on July 14.

Motul MXD – Timed Qualifying

  1. Regan Duffy – 2:02.150
  2. Noah Ferguson – 2:02.454
  3. Maximus Purvis – 2:02.454
  4. Rhys Budd – 2:02.951
  5. Mason Semmens – 2:03.794
  6. Brodie Ellis – 2:04.167
  7. Liam Walsh – 2:04.763
  8. Mason Rowe – 2:05.351
  9. Jai Walker – 2:05.455
  10. Jack Kukas – 2:05.848

Motul MXD – Moto 1

  1. Maximus Purvis – 9 Laps – Race Time: 19:13.299
  2. Regan Duffy +6.021
  3. Noah Ferguson +6.202
  4. Mason Semmens +7.232
  5. Jai Walker ++1 Lap
  6. Jayce Cosford +1 Lap
  7. Liam Walsh +1 Lap
  8. Mason Rowe +1 Lap
  9. Tye Jones +1 Lap
  10. Mackenzie O’Bree +1 Lap

Motul MXD – Moto 2

  1. Regan Duffy – 9 Laps – Race time: 19:31.740
  2. Maximus Purvis +3.326
  3. Mason Rowe +33.730
  4. Jayce Cosford +40.893
  5. Noah Ferguson +41.679
  6. Brodie Ellis +1 Lap
  7. Tye Jones +1 Lap
  8. Jai Walker +1 Lap
  9. Rhys Budd +1 Lap
  10. Liam Walsh +1 Lap

MX2 Round 6 Overall Top Ten

  1. Regan Duffy – 67 Points
  2. Maximus Purvis – 67
  3. Noah Ferguson – 56
  4. Mason Rowe – 54
  5. Jayce Cosford – 53
  6. Jai Walker – 49
  7. Tye Jones – 46
  8. Brodie Ellis – 45
  9. Liam Walsh – 44
  10. Mackenzie O’Bree – 41

MX1 Championship Top Ten After Round 6

  1. Regan Duffy – 356 Points
  2. Maximus Purvis – 339
  3. Rhys Budd – 293
  4. Brodie Ellis – 263
  5. Mason Rowe – 261
  6. Noah Ferguson – 253
  7. Jack Kukas – 233
  8. Jayce Cosford – 231
  9. Jai Walker – 230
  10. Liam Walsh – 223
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Musquin & Cooper win in Florida

The WW Ranch Motocross Park in Florida hosted the fifth round of the AMA Motocross Championship and on a tough and technical layout it was Marvin Musquin and Justin Cooper who came away with the overall wins in the 450 and 250 classes respectively.

AMAMX Rnd Florida Starts JK MX Florida
AMA Motocross Championship 2019 – Round 5 Florida

450 Report

Musquin was forced to come from just outside the top five to win the opening moto from Ken Roczen, Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb, Zach Osborne, Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, Blake Baggett and Dean Ferris but the second moto was all Tomac with a wire-to-wire win ahead of Osborne, Musquin, Anderson, Webb, Barcia and Ferris.

AMA Pro Motocross Rnd Florida Musquin
Marvin Musquin

Musquin’s 1-3 scores carried him to the eighth overall win of his career and ends a six-race winless streak and despite his slow start to the afternoon, Tomac’s win in the final moto vaulted him to the runner-up spot in the overall classification (7-1), while Osborne’s late pass on Musquin landed him third (5-2).

Marvin Musquin

“I tried [to catch Tomac]. I knew I had the overall, but winning both motos is the best. I just kind of ran out of energy there at the end. I’m a little disappointed. I didn’t see Zach coming [from third], but it’s still good. I salvaged third place in the moto, and that was good enough to earn the overall.”

AMA Pro Motocross Rnd Florida Musquin Trophy
Marvin Musquin

Tomac leaves Florida with a six-point lead in the 450 Class standings over Roczen, who finished sixth (2-10). The win allowed Musquin to climb from fifth to third, 31 points out of the lead.

Eli Tomac

“The difference from Moto 1 to Moto 2 was the result of a bad start in the first one. Not sure what happened there. I got a much better Moto 2 start and had a better feel on the bike. I’m happy to get through the heat today. The sand was a serious challenge and it changes things up for us, but overall it was a good day.”

AMAMX Rnd Florida Tomac JK MX Florida
Eli Tomac

Dean Ferris continues to impress with two solid top-ten rides.

Dean Ferris

“Overall, I’m pretty happy with today, I got two really mediocre starts, which kind of made it hard for me, but I put in a big charge. Made a lot of passes in the first moto and was able to get to 10th. In the second moto, the start was a little better. I felt really strong all moto in spite of the heat. I think my big off-season in Australia training in the heat and getting ready for this outdoor championship really helped me today. So I’m really stoked that I could push through and pick up a couple more positions late in the moto because my fitness was strong. We made some improvements while testing throughout the week, as stuff turns out. I’m looking forward to Southwick; onward and upward.”

AMAMX Rnd Florida Ferris JK MX Florida
Dean Ferris

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

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

450 Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 215 points
  2. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 209 points
  3. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 184 points
  4. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 182 points
  5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 182 points
  6. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 166 points
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 129 points
  8. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 117 points
  9. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 114 points
  10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 99 points
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250 Class

The 250 class had plenty of action with Chase Sexton riding the wheels off his Honda to win the opening moto ahead of Justin Cooper, Michael Mossiman, Dylan Ferrandis, Adam Cianciarulo, RJ Hampshire, Alex Martin and Hunter Lawrence before Ferrandis earned the second moto win over Cooper, Cianciarulo, Lawrence, Mossiman and Martin as Sexton sat in the pits with heat exhaustion.

AMAMX Rnd Florida Cooper JK MX Florida
Justin Cooper

Cooper’s consistent 2-2 results were enough to give him the first professional win of his career, edging out Ferrandis (4-1) who in turn got the nod over Cianciarulo who saw his four-race win streak come to an end in third (5-3) while Lawrence showed plenty of pace to recover from less than stellar star to end up 5th overall.

Justin Cooper

“I won because I got out front, and that felt good. That Moto 2 was the longest moto of my life. I’m just so spent right now. To win in this heat really says something, and it feels great to finally get this the win off my back.”

AMAMX Rnd Florida Cooper JK MX Florida
Justin Cooper

Despite seeing his win streak come to an end, Cianciarulo still has a firm hold on the championship point lead, where he sits 18 points ahead of Cooper. Ferrandis is third, 35 points out of the lead.

Adam Cianciarulo

“I don’t want to take anything away from these guys. They were ripping all day and were just better than me. I just didn’t feel great today. I didn’t really gel with the track, and my body didn’t really feel great. I’m fortunate to have the start like I had with all those wins, and I’m happy to leave here with a podium when I wasn’t at my best.”

AMAMX Rnd Florida Cianciarulo JK MX Florida
Adam Cianciarulo

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will reach its halfway point next Saturday, June 29, with the MB Tractor & Equipment Southwick National from New England’s legendary The Wick 338.

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

  1. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (2-2)
  2. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha (4-1)
  3. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (5-3)
  4. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna (3-5)
  5. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda (8-4)
  6. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki (7-6)
  7. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (9-7)
  8. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda (6-11)
  9. Jacob Hayes, Greensboro, N.C., Yamaha (13-8)
  10. Jordan Bailey, Orlando, Fla., Husqvarna (10-12)

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 222 points
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 204 points
  3. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 187 points
  4. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 159 points
  5. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 152 points
  6. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 148 points
  7. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 142 points
  8. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 129 points
  9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 116 points
  10. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 79 points
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McCanney and Salvini share EnduroGP wins

Rovetta in Italy hosted the fifth round of the Enduro GP Championships and it was Daniel McCanney who scored the overall win on day 1 before Alex Salvini recovered from a poor result to win day two.

EnduroGP Italy Danny McCanney
Danny McCanney – EnduroGP 2019

The rain drenched opening day seemed not to worry McCanney who easily accounted for defending champion Steve Holcombe and the hard charging Matteo Cavallo but the second day saw sunshine which seemed to favour Salvini who stormed to the win over Loïc Larrieu, Antoine Basset, Holcombe and McCanney.

Championship leader Brad Freeman ended up with 7-10 results so his points lead is down to just 4 ahead of Holcombe but Freeman continues to have a healthy 37 point lead in the E1 class while Salvini and Holcombe continue to lead the E2 and E3 class championships respectively.

EnduroGP of Italy – Saturday

The weather had its say on Day 1 of competition at the fifth round of the FIM Maxxis Enduro World Championship. The legendary ‘Valli Bergamasche’ race is known for being tough and unpredictable, and this was certainly the case on Saturday as very violent storm swept through the Rovetta area all day long. This altered the race conditions drastically and EnduroGP’s competitors spent a hellish day between rain, mud, and thunderstorms.

Four men shared the top spot over the course of the day, taking it in turns to lead. Matteo Cavallo, Thomas Oldrati, Steve Holcombe and Danny McCanney all had their time in the spotlight, but it was the Manxman who took the spoils at the end of the long and punishing day.

EnduroGP Italy Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe – EnduroGP 2019

The 2018 Junior World Champion, Cavallo took control of the race at the start of the day, leaving Thomas Oldrati in his wake, with the local rider overwhelmed by the presence of his many supporters. The two Italians were followed closely by a rider who loves these kind of conditions: the quadruple World Champion, Holcombe. The Brit seemed on great form despite his health woes.

The four protagonists had an absolutely fantastic battle over the three laps which made up today’s racing. The top position alternated between Cavallo and Oldrati, and then back to Holcombe. But it was Danny McCanney who put an end to this constant switch up when the factory Beta rider pipped his rivals by 6 thousandths of a second. His compatriot Holcombe had to settle for second, while Matteo Cavallo completed the top three overall. Oldrati finished 4th ahead of Loic Larrieu.

EnduroGP Italy Loic Larrieu
Loic Larrieu – EnduroGP 2019

Further down the leaderboard was EnduroGP points leader Brad Freeman who had to seriously grit his teeth all day and deal with immense pain. The young Brit limited the damage by finishing an amazing 7th. Also riding injured is Alex Salvini who took a valuable 9th place.

After his victory in last night’s Akrapovic SuperTest, Antoine Meo finished 11th on the day, more than a minute and a half down on the winner.

EnduroGP Italy Antoine Meo
Antoine Meo – EnduroGP 2019

In the E1 category, Matteo Cavallo took his first ever senior class win in front of his adoring fans. Thomas Oldrati and an ever impressive Brad Freeman rounded out the top three. In E2, Larrieu was able to overthrow Salvini and take an important victory ahead of Christophe Charlier and the ultra-consistent Benjamin Herrera.

Danny McCanney narrowed the gap in E3 title race, winning in front of Holcombe and David Abgrall.

EnduroGP Italy Danny McCanney
Danny McCanney – EnduroGP 2019

In Junior, TM Racing rider Andrea Verona took his eighth victory out of a possible 9. After a ‘blip’ on Day 2 in Greece where he ‘only’ finished 3rd, the Italian rider was back on top form. The weather conditions and the state of the tests did not prevent Verona from being dominant. He won by more than a minute ahead of Theo Espinasse. Britain’s Jack Edmondson completed the podium.

The J1 category was also taken by Verona, ahead of Espinasse and Roni Kytonen. In J2, we saw an excellent victory from Edmondson. Chile’s Ruy Barbosa and local man Emanuele Facchetti filled out the rest of the podium.

EnduroGP Italy podium junior day
Junior 1 – Day 1 Podium

In the 125cc Youth Cup, Matteo Pavoni took his second victory of the season, this time in front of his home fans. Hamish Macdonald, returning from injury made a great comeback with second place despite still suffering physically. Sardinia’s Claudio Spanu gave his all in the final test of the day to take a podium on Italian soil.

One race after David Knight took the Open Senior title, the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup saw another rider crowned. Portugal’s Goncalo Reis is 2019’s Open 2-Stroke winner. Joining him on the podium were Nico Ranbow and Benet Gomez.

Open 4-Stroke belonged to Robert Riedel’s today as he took a surprise win in front of Pietro Enrico Collovigh  and Tom Ellwood, who could only managed third with his Kawasaki.

David Knight kept his pace and took another win in the Senior category. Werner Muller and Duccio Graziani were second and third respectively.

Despite the party atmosphere reverberating around the hills of Rovetta and Clusone, a good night’s sleep will be in order for the exhausted riders. Day 1 at the ‘Valli Bergamasche’ tested everyone to their limits – especially those brave riders who are already injured. Sun is promised for Sunday, but whatever the weather, this  Acerbis Grand Prix of Italy 2019 will go down in history.

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EnduroGP of Italy – Sunday

After the incredibly violent storms on Day 1, it was a total turn around for Sunday, with hot weather and sunshine the order of the day. However, the race conditions on this second day of the Acerbis Grand Prix of Italy were still very tricky, with waterlogged tests still very slippery and rutted. Physically and emotionally drained after Saturday’s action, the riders still gave us an absolutely unforgettable race day

EnduroGP Italy Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini – EnduroGP 2019

Alex Salvini proved once again that he is still one of the top guns in Enduro, shrugging off the pain of his dislocated shoulder, ‘Rocky’ won his home GP in front a fervent crowd. This victory meant so much for the Honda rider, as he scored maximum points in E2 and EnduroGP. Feeling emotional at the finish line, Salvini collapsed, leaning on his ‘tifosi’ (home fans) for support. The rider from Bologna took victory by a considerable margin over his opponents – he was more than 42 seconds ahead of runner-up: Loïc Larrieu.

Loic Larrieu

“I’m a guy from the South, I’m not used to so much rain or being cold, especially in the summer! The day was really complicated, I started off badly but I managed to recover and I’m happy to win in E2, when I really thought that I was going to finish a long way down the order.”

EnduroGP Italy Loic Larrieu
Loic Larrieu – EnduroGP 2019

The factory TM rider seemed much more comfortable in the sun than in the rain, he won 5 tests today (4 Cross and 1 Enduro). In fact, he has been very consistent on all terrains since the start of the year, and despite losing out to Salvini, these latest good results should give him an extra boost before the final two rounds.

One of the most impressive performances of the day came from Antoine Basset. Riding well and with no real mistakes, Basset took 3rd step on the EnduroGP podium. He was in the Top 5 of every test on Sunday, and the Frenchman may well have turned a corner before the summer break.

Steve Holcombe was the first rider to take the reins on Sunday, leading at the end of the first lap. After relinquishing the lead, he managed to stay on the podium for most of the day, but in the end his virus got the better of him and Holcombe dropped down to fourth at the end of the day. However, he can be very satisfied and proud of his overall performance in recent weeks as his health has suffered.

EnduroGP Italy Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe – EnduroGP 2019

Danny McCanney had a contrasting Day 2, the overall winner on Saturday lost a full minute on the first test of the day when he hit a rock and the chain came off his TM Racing machine. This unfortunate moment cost him over one minute and he dropped to 21st place! He fought hard all day to finally finish an amazing fifth in the overall standings.

Danny McCanney

“I’m thrilled, this first EnduroGP win means lot to me. The day began badly – my chain came off in the first Extreme test, but when the rain started pouring down I felt very comfortable with the conditions. I am really happy with today’s result!”

EnduroGP Italy Danny McCanney
Danny McCanney – EnduroGP 2019

By just 4 points, Brad Freeman leaves Italy with the golden plate still affixed on the front of his Beta Boano bike. But without showing extreme courage and putting himself through excruciating pain, he would have certainly lost this lead.

Freeman finished 10th on Day 2, and even won the last run through the Technomousse Extreme Test. The Brit will go to Turin on Tuesday to undergo surgery for the fractured collarbone he has been suffering with since the Grand Prix of Greece. The summer break has come at just the right time for the brave Beta Boano rider.

Brad Freeman

“I feel very bad, I am in such a lot of pain. My condition got worse every turn and the last lap was really hard. I have to really mentally prepare for tomorrow’s race day.”

On this thrilling second day, there was a reshuffle in many of the classes and lots of epic battles too! Let’s take a look at each class…

In E1, Thomas Oldrati won in front of his home crowd. As a long standing regular rider in World Enduro, he has amassed a lot of fans, and they were happy to see him on the top step. Completing the podium were Rudy Moroni and Brad Freeman.

EnduroGP Italy Alex Salvini
Alex Salvini – EnduroGP 2019

The hero of the day in the Italian crowd’s hearts was Alex Salvini, who took a fantastic win as well as the lead of the E2 category. French duo Loic Larrieu and Antoine Basset rounded off the top three.

Amazingly, Steve Holcombe signed off another win in E3, at the expense of McCanney and Anthony Geslin.

Steve Holcombe

“The GP of Italy is always an incredible event and this year it was one of the best ever – the amount of people who came out to watch the race was incredible. The weather made it an interesting one, with one wet day and one dry day. I enjoyed it as much as I can the way my physical condition is at the moment. Overall, I’m really pleased with my results. Coming so close to winning on day one and then finishing second is a little frustrating, but still a great result all things considered. On Sunday the opening two laps were ok for me, but then I struggled during the third lap – in the rocky cross test and the enduro especially. But that’s what I expected. Being just four points from the lead of the EnduroGP championship is something I really wasn’t expecting, but with just two rounds of the championship remaining it means that everything is to play for. Now it’s all about rest and recovery the best I can. There’s a good break before the next round of the series so I’ll use that time to monitor where I’m at with the virus and do all I can to get back into the best shape.”

EnduroGP Rnd Italy Steve Holcombe
Steve Holcombe – EnduroGP of Italy 2019

The title appeared to belong to Andrea Verona from the start of the season as the flawless Italian rider dominated the first 5 Grand Prix of the year. Winning 9 out of 10 days of racing so far, the youngster kept the competitive Junior class at bay in all conditions and over all terrains. A little like his compatriot, Matteo Cavallo, did in 2018, Verona has proven that he will be a star of the future.

Matteo Cavallo

“What a day! I have not often experienced this type of racing conditions in Italy, it was crazy. But I’m so happy to take my first E1 win, and to have been running at the front of EnduroGP during the day. Now that I have tasted victory I want more! But for now I am very tired, I think i’ll go to bed immediately and only get up again tomorrow morning!”

Theo Espinasse saw the victory pass him by as he crashed in the last Maxxis Cross test of the day. Disappointed to miss out, Espinasse promises to win one by the end of 2019!

Although the Frenchman will have to fight with Enric Francisco, who has only one goal for the remainder of the season: to defeat “The Shark”, Andrea Verona. Third on Day 2, the Spaniard was satisfied to have been able to finish such a difficult GP on the podium.

Naturally, the J1 class was won by Andrea Verona, ahead of Espinasse. Belgium’s impressive Antoine Magain took the 3rd step on the podium. In J2, Enric Francisco took a strong victory, beating Ruy Barbosa and Jack Edmondson.

EnduroGP Italy Andrea Verona
Andrea Verona – EnduroGP 2019

In the Youth Cup 125cc category Claudio Spanu took his first World victory by just 0.4 of a second over the rider who had beaten him by 0.06 of a second in the Spanish GP: Matteo Pavoni! The podium was 100% Italian since Spanu and Pavoni were joined by an extremely promising Manolo Morettini. Is the future of Enduro going to be Italian?

In the Champion Lubes Enduro Open World Cup, the winners of the day are very similar to those of the day before! David Knight took another top step in the Senior class, ahead of Werner Muller and local man, Andrea Belotti. Goncalo Reis made his mark in Open 2-Stroke by winning both days of the Acerbis GP of Italy, ahead of Benet Gomez and Nico Ranbow. In the Open 4-Stroke class, Robert Riedel did the double. Thomas Elwood and Pietro Enrico Collovigh filled out the podium.

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Once again the ‘Valli Bergamasche’ did not disappoint, not only living up to expectations – but exceeding them! This classic Italian event gave us two fantastic days of racing, and a wild party atmosphere! The huge crowds were thrilled by the stars of EnduroGP all weekend long.

Now it’s time for the riders and paddock personnel to have a well deserved rest…. EnduroGP be back in action on 14th and 15th of September for the Czech Republic Grand Prix in the Uhlirske Janovice region.

EnduroGP Rnd Italy Steve Holcombe Podium
EnduroGP Podium – EnduroGP of Italy 2019

Enduro GP – DAY 1

  1. Daniel MCCANNEY
  2. Steve HOLCOMBE
  3. Matteo CAVALLO
  4. Thomas OLDRATI
  5. Loïc LARRIEU
  6. Christophe CHARLIER
  7. Brad FREEMAN
  8. Benjamin HERRERA
  9. Alex SALVINI
  10. Antoine BASSET
  11. Antoine MEO

Enduro GP – Day 2

  1. Alex SALVINI
  2. Loïc LARRIEU
  3. Antoine BASSET
  4. Steve HOLCOMBE
  5. Daniel MCCANNEY
  6. Christophe CHARLIER
  7. Thomas OLDRATI
  8. Benjamin HERRERA
  9. Rudy MORONI
  10. Brad FREEMAN
EnduroGP Italy podium enduro gp day
Enduro GP – Day 2 Podium

Enduro GP – Championship Points

  1. Brad FREEMAN – 164
  2. Steve HOLCOMBE – 160
  3. Daniel MCCANNEY – 144
  4. Alex SALVINI – 96
  5. Loïc LARRIEU – 93

E1 Class – DAY 1

  1. Matteo CAVALLO – Italy
  2. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
  3. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
  4. Kirian MIRABET – Spain
  5. Rudy MORONI – Italy

E1 Class – DAY 2

  1. Thomas OLDRATI – Italy
  2. Rudy MORONI – Italy
  3. Brad FREEMAN – United Kingdom
  4. Kirian MIRABET – Spain
  5. Gianluca MARTINI – Italy
EnduroGP Italy podium e day
E1 – Day 2 Podium

E1 Class – Championship Points

  1. Brad FREEMAN – 190
  2. Thomas OLDRATI – 153
  3. Matteo CAVALLO – 142

E2 Class – DAY 1

  1. Loïc LARRIEU – France
  2. Christophe CHARLIER – France
  3. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
  4. Alex SALVINI – Italy
  5. Antoine BASSET – France
  6. Antoine MEO – France

E2 Class – DAY 2

  1. Alex SALVINI – Italy
  2. Loïc LARRIEU – France
  3. Antoine BASSET – France
  4. Christophe CHARLIER – France
  5. Benjamin HERRERA – Chile
EnduroGP Italy podium e day
E2 – Day 2 Podium

E2 Class – Championship Points

  1. Alex SALVINI – 142
  2. Loïc LARRIEU – 141
  3. Christophe CHARLIER – 134

E3 Class – DAY 1

  1. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
  2. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
  3. David ABGRALL – France
  4. Anthony GESLIN – France
  5. PHILIPPAERTS – Italy

E3 Class – DAY 2

  1. Steve HOLCOMBE – United Kingdom
  2. Daniel MCCANNEY – United Kingdom
  3. Anthony GESLIN – France
  4. David ABGRALL – France
  5. Manuel MONNI – Italy
EnduroGP Italy podium e day
E3 – Day 2 Podium

E3 Class – Championship Points

  1. Steve HOLCOMBE – 191
  2. Daniel MCCANNEY -179
  3. Anthony GESLIN – 140
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Jarvis Wins Hixpania Hard Enduro

Spain’s Hixpania Hard Enduro was round four of the World Enduro Super Series and it was veteran Graham Jarvis who has claimed the overall win and his podium-topping ride also sees the Brit become the new leader in the race to become this year’s WESS champion.

Graham Jarvis

“What an event and it’s crazy to think I’m leading the WESS now. I’m not going to get too excited just yet though and my plan is to take each race as it comes. Romaniacs is going to be the game changer – hopefully I can at least finish it this year. It was a tough race today I was still tired from yesterday – it was fast but there were still some technical bits. I think everyone was really feeling it and I know I was on the limit today.”

WESS Hixpania Hard Enduro Graham Jarvis FM
Graham Jarvis – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019
Mario Roman

“It feels amazing to take the win in the final race. I had such a tough time yesterday on the Cross-Country, crashing six times and bending my handlebars. Despite that I still pushed hard and managed to finish fourth. Today, I wasn’t thinking too much about points, I just wanted to take the win. Graham was really strong and all the others were right up there at the beginning. Halfway through I was thinking it’s not possible to keep going for another hour-and-a-half, but I kept going and we did it. I don’t know how many fans came out to watch the race and cheer on the riders, but to hear them all shouting my name made it possible to keep going and finish the race, so thank you very much to them.”

WESS Hixpania Hard Enduro Mitas Lost Roads Mario Roman FM
Mario Roman – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019

Entering the final day of racing having won the previous two days, Alfredo Gomez was unable to respond to the attack by Jarvis. Admitting to struggling early on, he could only finish fifth for the runner-up result.

Alfredo Gomez

“I tried to push as hard as I could today, but just ran out of strength in the last half of the race – no power at all. All I could do was to keep on going, try not to crash and stay on the bike. It was great fun racing out there with all the home fans cheering. I’m sorry I couldn’t bring home the win for them but overall, I am happy with how the race has gone and I gave it my all. Congratulations to Graham, he did it again.”

WESS Hixpania Hard Enduro Alfredo Gomez FM
Alfredo Gomez – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019

Putting in a strong ride on Sunday for fourth, Billy Bolt ended his weekend fourth overall while charging his way to third in Sunday’s Lost Roads, Manuel Lettenbichler completed the overall top five.

The World Enduro Super Series continues with round five at Red Bull Romaniacs in Romania on July 30 – August 3.

Hixpania Hard Enduro Overall

  1. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – ESP) 44 points
  2. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 44
  3. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 43
  4. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 40
  5. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 36
  6. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 30
  7. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 29
  8. Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 25
  9. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 21
  10. Xavier Leon (Husqvarna – ESP) 19
WESS Hixpania Hard Enduro Podium FM
Top 3 1) Jarvis, 2) Gomez, 3) Roman – Hixpania Hard Enduro 2019

WESS Championship Standings (After Round 4 of 8)

  1. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 2690 points
  2. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 2570
  3. Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 2540
  4. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 2314
  5. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2155
  6. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 2125
  7. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 2090
  8. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 1900
  9. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1631
  10. Travis Teasdale (KTM – RSA) 1610
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Toni Bou Continues Win Streak in the Netherlands

Zelhem in the Netherlands hosted the fourth round of the TrialGP World Championship and once again it was Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou who stormed to victory over Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo.

TrialGP Rnd Netherlands TrialGP Toni Bou ps
Toni Bou

The Zelhem course proved to be a demanding one where it was easy to make mistakes in overly-easy sections but Bou took control from the off-set and kept the field in check right until the very end where he earned top spot on the podium with just one penalty picked up on the first lap – five points for time – and an error-free second lap.

Repsol Honda Team get no rest for now, as next weekend, 29th and 30th of June, sees the fifth round of the TrialGP campaign in Belgium.

Toni Bou

“Today we were very clear that it was a day of endurance. At the start of the race, a small mistake would have put you behind, so we knew that it would be tough. We did as well as we could for such a trial. It was a pity about the time penalty on the first lap, since I had a good second lap with zero points. I am in a good moment of riding and physical fitness, so I am very happy. Also thanks to the team for all their work.”

TrialGP Rnd Netherlands TrialGP Toni Bou ps
Toni Bou

TrialGP of Netherlands 2019 Top 10

  1. BOU Toni
  2. RAGA Adam
  3. FAJARDO Jeroni
  4. FUJINAMI Takahisa
  5. BUSTO Jaime
  6. CASALES Jorge
  7. DABILL James
  8. KADLEC Franz
  9. BINCAZ Benoit
  10. RICE Jack
TrialGP Rnd Netherlands Podium TrialGP ps
TrialGP of Netherlands 2019 Podium – 1) Toni Bou, 2) Adam Raga, 3) Jeroni Fajardo

TrialGP Rider Standings

  1. BOU Toni – 80 – Repsol Honda Team
  2. RAGA Adam – 66 – TRRS Factory Team
  3. FUJINAMI Takahisa – 53 – Repsol Honda Team
  4. FAJARDO Jeroni – 50 – Gas Gas
  5. DABILL James – 42 – Beta Factory Racing
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Cairoli and Herlings injured

Red Bull KTM rider Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings were forced to sit out last weekend’s Grand Prix of Germany which was the tenth round of eighteen in the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship.

MXGP Latvia Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli

Herlings re-injured his right leg just prior to winning the first race at Kegums in Latvia last Sunday after which the Dutchman was forced to withdraw from the Grand Prix with a hairline fracture at the base of his tibia bone and underwent minor surgery to insert a small reparatory screw this week. The 24 year old will remain in a cast and airboot for almost two weeks before he can again go through the physio, rehab and training process to be back on his KTM 450 SX-F.

Cairoli fell in the second race last weekend and dislocated his right shoulder and despite initial scans being positive the joint continues to be painful so further examinations will take place in two weeks time to know the exact extent of the damage.

MXGP Latvia Rnd Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Robert Jonas – VP of Offroad

“We had some amazing success in the last two years in the MXGP class and that has so much to do with our riders, our excellent team and all the support we have in place. Now we are experiencing the hard part of motocross but we know this is part of sport unfortunately. We don’t like it but we have to accept it and do our best to help Jeffrey and Tony get better and soon be in a position to be fighting at the front again.”


Connor Guillot wins R&D Husky TC65

Thanks to R&D Husky, 50cc 7 to under-9 racer Conner Guillot has won a brand-new Husqvarna TC65 at the 2019 The King of MX NSW State Motocross Championships.

Dave Cooke

“When you look at the 50cc seven to under nine class, it’s full of talented young racers learning their craft, with the older kids in the group usually also racing in the 65cc seven to under nine class as they progress. This means that it can be quite tough for the younger riders to win races, so we really wanted to give them something else to race for to reward their hard work, and Jeff (Mackin) from R&D Husky agreed. So, at the 2019 King of MX, any 50cc racer who qualified for the final, that didn’t have a 65cc endorsement, would be in the running to win a brand-new Husqvarna TC65, complete with custom King of MX graphics thanks to Tee N Cee.”

King of MX Husky TC winner imgMProductionsMotorcycling NSW has a relationship with the team at R&D for a long time, through their generous sponsorship of many state and club events. Not only was Connor the highest finishing racer in the 50cc seven to under nine State Championship without a 65cc endorsement, he raced to second overall in the class behind Kyle Harvey after scoring 2-1-3 results across the three championship races.


Australian Supercross kicks off in Brisbane

Troy Bayliss Events have announced that the opening round of the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship will return to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on the 12th of October.

Australian Supercross Championship Gillman Speedway Brett Metcalfe
Australian Supercross Championship

Troy Bayliss Events surveyed a number of teams, manufacturers and riders, including three-time Australian Supercross Champion, America’s Justin Brayton in the quest to find an excellent venue for the Queensland round in 2019.

All parties unanimously touting Brisbane Entertainment Centre the best venue for bar-to-bar racing action and edge-of-your-seat entertainment for fans.

Troy Bayliss

“It’s been a great move for the series with many teams congratulating Troy Bayliss Events on its decision to go to such a quality venue. History shows indoor arenas create high levels of exciting and entertaining Supercross racing. Fans are treated to an experience like no other, the tracks are tight and produce incredible racing full of passes.”

Ducati Panigale VR Troy Bayliss
Troy Bayliss

Fans will be right on top of the action on October 12 with comfy seating and zero chance of weather issues, the night of action is set to be spectacular. Freestyle Motocross will also feature as one of many additions within the night’s program.

Bayliss suggested the move to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre will draw more international riders to Australian Supercross Championship teams.

Troy Bayliss

“Some manufacturers have already indicated more international talent will be competing in the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship due to the inclusion of the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. We want to make sure the series kicks off with a bang in 2019 and this venue will allow us to do that. The Supercross Masters era and more recently in Sydney, Supercross sold out arenas year-on-year and we expect the same in Brisbane. It’s one-night-only, we won’t be announcing another night closer to the event, the stadium holds 9500 fans and we have removed allocation for corporate and hospitality requirements so we expect the night to sell out well in advance.”

Round 1 in Brisbane will run a completely unique ‘Double Header’ format this year, with SX1 & SX2 classes contesting two main event finals, with points from each determining the round champion resulting in more racing for the fans.

Glyn Griffiths – Honda Australia Motorcycles.

“The Australian Supercross Championship reaches new markets and hits a diverse range of people which is what we need, we have been fortunate to win three championships in a row on the Honda CRF450R with Justin Brayton. We are excited with where Supercross is heading in Australia and look forward to Round 1 starting at Brisbane.”

Pre-sale tickets are available from 12 pm Tuesday 25 of June, and fans are urged to sign-up now at troybaylissevents.com to secure the best seats in the house. General Ticket Sales will be available from Wednesday 3 July and begin from as little as $40.00 through Ticketek.

Australian Supercross Penrite Honda Justin BraytonExclusive VIP packages will also be available to fans that include the full VIP experience, incredible gifts plus track walk, private meet and greets and of course, the closest seats to the action money can buy.

General public arriving between 4 – 5 pm can experience the free Pit Party outside the arena, giving all fans the opportunity to meet and greet the riders and teams. Gates Open at 5 pm and the Main Event is from 6 pm – 9 pm. For all latest Australian Supercross Championship news and updates go to www.australiansupercross.com.au.

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RC V BT at New Zealand SX Open

Ricky Carmichael and Ben Townley will go head-to-head for the first time ever on New Zealand soil at this year’s Monster Energy S-X Open at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland on November 16.

This will be the first time that Carmichael and Townley have raced side-by-side since 2007 and they will be joining Chad Reed and Jason Anderson at the second NZ SX Open.

Ricky Carmichael

“I couldn’t be more excited to be racing in Auckland this November 16, it will be my first time ever racing there, and I’m excited to put on an epic show for the fans at Mt Smart Stadium. BT and I have raced together many times before, and he’s always been a tough guy to beat, and it’s been a long time since we’ve gone bar-to-bar. We raced plenty back in the day at the GOAT Farm, he was easy to beat then, and I reckon he’s gonna be easy to beat now, so I think I’m going to have to beat him in front of his home crowd in Auckland on November 16.”

Ricky Carmichael
Ricky Carmichael

Townley put in a fantastic showing at last year’s inaugural S-X Open Auckland, after taking down rival Ronnie Mac and his Internationals Team, to win the International Showdown feature race, capping off a huge win for Team ANZACs over the Internationals and plans to back it up again in 2019.

Ben Townley

“I’ve had plenty of battles with RC back in the day when I based myself out of his training facility in the US in 2006 and ’07. Ricky never let any cameras in the ‘GOAT Farm’ back then and was always so secretive about the place, truth be told he just didn’t want anyone to know how much I was beating him by in his own backyard! It’s going to be awesome to battle head-to-head against Ricky again and it’s a massive win for Kiwi sports fans that the GOAT is coming to New Zealand to put on a show for us at Mt Smart Stadium on November 16. He might be an old boy now but Ricky still has plenty of tricks in the bag so I’ll be training hard to ensure I take home the trophy for the ANZACs again!”

Ben Townley #8
Ben Townley #8

S-X Open Auckland will also form the fourth round of the Australian Supercross Championship, the first time an event in New Zealand will be a part of the Australian series, and will feature the Triple-Crown Final race format, with non-stop, high-intensity action that will have fans on the edge of their seats, for the entire duration of the event.

The S-X Open Auckland database pre-sale commences June 20 from 12pm NZST with public on-sale becoming available from June 26 12pm NZST via Ticketmaster, tickets start from $39.00*. Sign up for pre-sale at www.sxopen.com

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Max Fricke gets Norrbil Swedish SGP call up

Max Fricke will bid to put his Hallstavik home-track knowledge to good use after being called up for the Norrbil Swedish SGP on July 6. The SGP second reserve steps into the meeting in place of the absent Greg Hancock, who continues to care for wife Jennie, who is battling breast cancer in California.

Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Fricke ImageHaggisHartman
Max Fricke – Image by Haggis Hartman

The Australian joins Rospiggarna team mate Robert Lambert in the meeting, with the British champion already drafted in to cover for the injured Tai Woffinden.

The opportunity comes as a boost to Fricke after he topped the ANLAS Czech SGP scorechart in Prague on 12 points, before exiting at the semi-final stage.

Lambert has also taken his SGP chance with both hands, reaching the semis in both Warsaw and Krsko, before missing out on six points in Prague.

Both men will be keen to make the most of their local knowledge when they join their Rospiggarna colleague and SGP regular Jason Doyle in the field for one of Sweden’s biggest nights of racing.

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Source: MCNews.com.au

Gajser makes it five in a row for Honda | MXGP of Germany

MXGP 2019

Round 10 – MXGP of Germany, Teutschenthal


For Round 10 of the MXGP 2019 the paddock head to Teutschenthal, Germany, where it was Tim Gajser who once again took victory, marking five round wins in a row as his lead over Tony Cairoli stretches closer to 100-points.

MXGP Germany Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019

In MX2 a consistent Jorge Prado also took the win once again, with a 44-point lead over Thomas Kjer Olsen in the standings, while Aussie Jed Beaton finished sixth overall for the weekend on the back of a 6-5 result in the two motos. Mitch Evans crashed in Race 1, ending his weekend.

The Talkessel circuit has been on the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar since 1971 and always provides the perfect conditions and atmosphere for a ‘one to remember’ racing weekend.

MXGP Germany Rnd Mitch Evans
A crash ended Mitch Evans’ weekend – MXGP of Germany 2019

MXGP

Around the very rough Talkessel circuit Tim Gajser wasn’t slowing up as he moved a little closer to a third motocross world championship title. In the opening MXGP race Gajser took the FOX Holeshot and continued his lead from Jeremy Seewer, Julien Lieber, Arnaud Tonus and Gautier Paulin. After a lap the Slovenian was already leading with four seconds advantge.

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Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019

Gajser was clocking big lap times as he was five seconds ahead of Seewer on lap two, when the Slovenian crashed and suddenly Seewer was right on him. While going to pass the HRC rider the two collided and Gajser kept his lead. Gajser might have gone down, but he quickly made up a four seconds lead on Seewer. The two Frenchman Paulin and Febvre were in a great battle for fifth place.

MXGP Germany Rnd Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin – MXGP of Germany 2019

Febvre, who was still on the gas, moved past Paulin and set his sights on Tonus, who was looking ahead to Lieber. While Gajser though had an eight-second lead, Febvre closed in and passed Paulin for fifth and Lieber turned it up, caught and passed Seewer for second. After 11 laps the lead was more than eight seconds, with Lieber second, Seewer third, then Tonus, Febvre, Paulin, Anstie, Coldenhoff, Bogers and Van Horebeek.

MXGP Germany Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019

Later in the race Lieber, while he had one of his season’s best crashed, suffering a fracture on the left elbow, and Seewer managed to take the second position but he made a mistake on the final lap allowing Tonus to go through and finish second. Gajser won after 18-lap lead from Tonus and Seewer.

The gate dropped in race 2 and Gajser took the FOX Holeshot again in an epic MXGP race start while both Yamaha’s Febvre and Seewer crashed in the opening lap. Pauls Jonass was second, followed by Tonus, Anstie and Paulin.

MXGP Germany Rnd Tonus Febvre
Arnaud Tonus & Romain Febvre- MXGP of Germany 2019

Seewer dropped down in 14th and Febvre in 23rd. After two laps Gajser held a 2.6 second lead over Jonass, with Tonus a further three seconds back in third, and Max Anstie all over the back wheel of the Yamaha rider.

Five laps in Gajser was up front four seconds ahead of Jonass, and Seewer had moved up to 12th and then to 9th position.

In total control Gajser remained in a handy lead over Jonass and Tonus, with the charge by Anstie and Paulin, while Seewer being in 8th place would assure podium finish. The Top 5 lead would never changed during MXGP Race 2 until the very last lap when Gautier Paulin went through Anstie stealing a position and finishing 4th.

MXGP Germany Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019

With another 1-1 performance, Gajser extended his series points lead over Antonio Cairoli to 83 and is without question the fastest man at this moment. Second overall in the MXGP class was Arnaud Tonus with 2-3 scores and third was his teammate Gautier Paulin with 5-4 scores. The pair of Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP made history being for the first time on the podium together and tied on points.

MXGP Germany Rnd Bogers bybavo
Brian Bogers – MXGP of Germany 2019
Tim Gajser – P1

“I was enjoying riding on the track this weekend. It was a really technical circuit with deep ruts which made line selection really important. I’m also really happy to take the holeshot in both races, as well as the qualifier yesterday, because we weren’t able to do that in the early part of the season but now we are getting the perfect jump out of the gate. In the first moto I did make a little mistake but I was still able to pick up the bike and remount as the leader, so that went okay. Then in the second race, I didn’t want to push too hard. I pulled out a lead of about five seconds and then kept it smooth because the track was a little sketchy in that second moto. The shadows and the sun was quite low which caused problems on certain parts of the track. However overall I’m very happy to win another overall and to extend my lead in the MXGP championship. I’m feeling really happy with how I rode and how the whole of Team HRC is working together.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo – MXGP of Germany 2019
Arnaud Tonus – P2

“This weekend was a bit more challenging because I had a tough qualifying race yesterday, so I was pretty far out on the start and I had to dig deep going into the first corner, but I managed to be inside the top-five in both races. I had a good battle with the Yamaha riders in the first race, but I managed to pass Jeremy on the last lap when he made a mistake, and then I had another good race in Race 2 and was able to finish on the box for a fifth time. It was also amazing to have Gautier up on the podium with me. We have a great atmosphere inside the team, and this is a very special moment for us and the team. I am super happy for him.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Germany 2019
Gautier Paulin – P3

“I can’t thank the Monster Energy Wilvo Yamaha MXGP Team enough. For the past few weeks it has been tough for me, I have been off the podium. I had a big crash in Portugal and then was unlucky in France and then met the ground again in Russia. Last weekend in Latvia, I felt more like myself, but I didn’t reach the points I wanted to, but the feeling was there and it was a good training. It was tough, I had to fight hard for this one, but I know and have known my entire career that nothing comes for free, so I fought and now I am here and it feels great.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Arnaud Tonus Gautier Paulin
Arnaud Tonus & Gautier Paulin – MXGP of Germany 2019
Pauls Jonass – P4

“I’m super pleased to finish as runner-up in the second moto, but also a little disappointed for myself and the team that I missed third overall by just one point. It was two very different motos for me this weekend. The first race was tough because I got arm pump. I’m not sure if I pushed too hard after a decent start, but I lost my rhythm and went backwards for most of the race to finish 10th. My speed was good during the last 10 minutes, but it was too late then. The second moto was great, really important for me to show I have the speed to be up front for a full race. I followed Gajser for a while and managed to pull a gap over third and then just stayed consistent and stayed there all race. One point from the podium is frustrating but the result is really important ahead of the fly-away races that are coming up next.”

MXGP Germany Rnd Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Germany 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo
Jeremy Seewer – P5

“I had a really really good weekend. Now I am starting to pick up the flow right from the Time Practice. I missed the podium by 1-point even with a crash in Race 2, but I felt good all weekend. I was up there in the top-five and top-three all weekend. I fell in Race 2 and I fought really hard to come back through the pack really quick which takes a lot of energy especially on a tough track like this. I am happy with everything; I took good points which is the goal at the end of the day. I just want to keep collecting points and moving forward.”

MXGP of Germany 2019 – Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Gajser and Honda get one over KTM in Latvia

MXGP 2019

Round 9 – MXGP of Latvia, Kegums


The FIM Motocross World Championship dropped into Kegums, Latvia for Round 9, where Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado put on a repeat performance of the Russian MXGP, to claim the wins in their respective classes. The result sees both red-plate holders continue to build their standings leads, and marked Prado’s 24th GP win, with Gajser bagging his 20th.

MXGP Latvia Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Latvia 2019

In the MXGP class, Romain Febvre took runner up, with Arnaud Tonus third. MX2 saw Jago Geert as runner up with Thomas Kjer Olsen filling the final podium spot.

In MX2 Aussie Jed Beaton went 10-13 for 10th overall earning 19 championship points, while Mitch Evans had a rough weekend going 9-22 to finish 15th for the round. Evans sits seventh in the standings as a result, while Beaton is 13th.

With a mix of sunshine and overcast skies, a large crowd and the always beautiful Kegums circuit made sure there was more than enough positives to leave the circuit satisfied with the racing and results. Unpredictable racing combined with electric crowd attendance and incredible weather was the cherry on the cake of an epic MXGP of Latvia.


MXGP

Amazingly the winner of the MXGP qualification race on Saturday, Jeffrey Herlings crashed in the warm-up lap and his injured foot was run over by Arminas Jasikonis, causing the Dutchman a lot of pain prior and during the opening MXGP race. It was later learnt that Herlings had broken his ankle, that injury obviously saw him pull out of the second MXGP race.

Jeffrey Herlings took the FOX Holeshot in the opening MXGP race but got past straight away from Antonio Cairoli. The pair of Red Bull KTM riders were followed by Arnaud Tonus, Romain Febvre and Tim Gajser who got past by Febvre at lap 2.

MXGP Latvia Rnd Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings leading the MXGP Race 1 start – MXGP of Latvia 2019

Tonus moves past both Herlings and Cairoli and Herlings then also went past Cairoli for second and was looking stronger as the race moved into the second half.

Tonus had extended his lead to more than three seconds over Herlings, but then Herlings started closing ground on Tonus for the lead and it was clear the Dutchman wanted to take the win. Cairoli had also pushed harder to get away from Febvre.

MXGP Latvia Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Latvia 2019

It was a brilliant battle the one Tonus and Herlings put on a show for the Latvian crowd, then he swept up the inside of Tonus and then around the outside for the race lead. Herlings won Race 1 from Tonus and Cairoli.

As the gate dropped at the second MXGP Race Jeremy Seewer led the second MXGP race from Tonus and Gajser, but then the race lost yet another rider with Cairoli crashing out hard and injured his shoulder, he could not continue the race, luckily no major issues are reported for the moment and more details on his injury conditions will be communicated shortly.

MXGP Latvia Rnd Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Latvia 2019

Seewer continued to lead with Tonus and Gajser battling for second just behind and close enough to the leader, the three of them think about the race win. Gajser managed to move into second place and started to push Seewer and look for a way into the lead. It seemed just a matter of time before the HRC rider would take the lead and on lap 12 he did just that. Seewer though was not about to hand the race win to the red plate owner.

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Tim Gajser – MXGP of Latvia 2019

Febvre moved past Tonus and the chance for a GP victory for the time being was gone for the Swiss rider. Gajser, Seewer and Febvre were all close together in the final lap of the race, Febvre blasted past Seewer for second, but it was Gajser who won the race and the overall followed by Febvre and Tonus, all of them with 40 points

MXGP Latvia Rnd Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Latvia 2019

Local hero Pauls Jonass experienced a tough Latvian GP as did his teammate Arminas Jasikonis. Jonass fell down in race 1 dropping to 28th but managing to finish 17th while Jasikonis was forced to finish the race earlier due to a technical issue.

Tim Gajser – P1

“I’m really happy because I really didn’t expect this after yesterday’s performance. I had 18th gate pick after a horrible crash and I wasn’t feeling great in that first moto today either. I couldn’t find good lines or a good rhythm so I was only able to finish sixth. In the second race I had an even better start and although it took a few laps, I passed my way into the lead with about 10 minutes remaining. I’m really happy to win another overall and a big thanks to all of the team who work so hard, because that hard work is really paying off so a big thanks to everyone. Still there are a lot of races to go so I will continue to go into each GP trying to have fun, giving my best and hoping to come out on top and remain leading this MXGP championship.”

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Tim Gajser – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Romain Febvre – P2

“I finished on the same points as the overall winner, so I am happy but disappointed at the same time. This weekend didn’t start so well, I didn’t feel comfortable on the track yesterday, but it was much better today. I made some changes to my bike and I really want to thank my team Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP for the work they are putting in. It has not been long since my injury and I have already been on the podium twice, so I am happy with that.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Arnaud Tonus – P3

“I have to be happy with this weekend. It is a bit frustrating to come this close to the win, we fight hard for this so to be on the same points as the winner but miss it, it’s tough. We will keep working. It still feels great to be on the podium, so I need to thank my team and all of the people around me. I will enjoy this podium finish a lot and keep fighting for the win in the future.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Jeremy Seewer – P4

“I had an amazing weekend, probably the best this year even though I was on the podium last weekend but not this weekend. I still finished on the same points and I was able to lead a lot of laps which was really cool. I got passed on the last lap, ‘chapeau’ to my teammate Romain, he was riding really fast on the last and we were able to catch Gajser. It was a great battle and I really enjoyed this weekend podium or not. I am really looking forward to Germany, it is one of my favourite tracks, so it is going well at the moment and I want to keep moving in this direction and fighting for more podiums.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Gautier Paulin – P7

“I have had two big impacts at the previous two GP’s and this has affected my physical condition, so I felt this weekend was tough with my energy levels being very low. The Qualifying Race was not good for me with two crashes, but even with a bad gate-pick the team have given me a really good bike, so I managed to get decent starts, but I just didn’t feel 100% today. To take the positives away from the day today, I had two consistent races with no crashes, so I will build on this to get back to the level where I should be.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Tony Cairoli – P11

“On Saturday I had the Flu and a fever, and my arm was not as strong as I wanted after the crash in Russia. I could battle with the guys for first position in the first moto but then I got a bit tired and settled for third, which was good for the championship. In the second moto I was fourth and trying to follow [Arnaud] Tonus. I had quite a big crash and when I stood up I felt my shoulder was out. My hope is to be ready to at least start next week in Germany. I don’t want to give up at all and I want to be there as much as possible for the championship.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Latvia 2019
Dirk Gruebel – Red Bull KTM MX2 Team Manager and Technical Co-ordinator

“The MX2 boys did outstanding today but MXGP started very weirdly with Jeffrey’s crash on the Sighting Lap. We had to straighten the bike and he then rode great and won the race: this was also outstanding. Afterwards we found out he had another small fracture in his leg and he was unfit to continue, so we had to call it a day. Tony went down hard in the second race and dislocated his shoulder so it was a hard ending to the day.”

MXGP Latvia Rnd Jeffrey Herlings
Jeffrey Herlings – MXGP of Latvia 2019

MXGP of Latvia 2019 – MXGP Results

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto News | MXGP | EMX | Finke | TrialGP | Classic Dirt Track

Moto News Wrap for June 11, 2019 by Darren Smart

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The LATEST News

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Gajser and Prado Win MXGP of Russia

The seaside venue of Orlyonok, Russia hosted round eight of the FIM World Motocross Championship last weekend and the drama filled weekend saw not only a heap of sensational racing but we now have a new MXGP championship leader after Tim Gajser dominating the class while Jorge Prado extended his MX2 championship points lead.

MXGP Rnd Russia Gajser bybavo
MXGP of Russia 2019

MXGP Report

The drama actually started on Saturday when championship leader Antonio Cairoli crashed during the qualifying race and landed hard on a crusty rut only to get up holding his back before retiring from the race but the plucky nine-time World Champion was on the gate for moto one on Sunday morning.

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeffrey Herlings RA
MXGP Start – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer

On a fast and slick circuit Gajser not only earned his third MXGP overall in three rounds via double race wins but he now owns the MXGP Championship leader’s red plate while Arnaud Tonus took second overall with his 2-2 finishes ahead of fellow Yamaha rider Jeremy Seewer who scored his career first MXGP podium overall.

Tim Gajser

“I am feeling really good but both races were really tough because Arnaud was really fast and pushing. Overall, I am happy winning again and thanks to everybody at Honda, the bike is just amazing. Three races ago I was more than 40 points behind Tony and now I have the red plate.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser celebrates the win – MXGP of Russia 2019
Arnaud Tonus

“It wasn’t easy to fight for the lead, but I was super happy that I had quite starts so I could fight from the beginning and come quite close to Tim. I went for it and really wanted to pass him but made a small a mistake, it happens. I am happy I went for it anyway and could recover to finish second which is great, I am super thankful and super happy because 3 podiums in a row is amazing.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Russia 2019
Jeremy Seewer

“It is amazing to make it on the MXGP podium, it just feels a lot harder than even any of MX2 wins. It is a lot of work and a lot of fast guys so it feels really good. It is amazing to have two Swiss guys on the podium it hasn’t happened in the history of motocross in Switzerland and to do it on two Yamahas is even better.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer

Cairoli battled hard all day to go 13-4 for eighth outright to now be 13 points shy of Gajser as far as the championship goes while Jefferey Herlings was on hand in his first race of the year to end the day with very respectable 4-7 moto results for fourth overall.

Jeffrey Herlings

“I had a serious injury and it has been tough to get back here, mentally and physically, and with a lot of pain for a long time. I did not expect this result here today especially on this track. So to be close to the podium again feels pretty beautiful. I like the track in Latvia but I don’t have any firm expectations and I will not forget where I have come from to get to this point. Having said that we’ll always try to fight for a podium spot when we can!”

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeffrey Herlings RA
Jeffrey Herlings – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Tony Cairoli

“A very difficult weekend and of course the crash from yesterday did not help as it meant I was totally on the outside for the gate pick. I was riding very stiff and by missing the start it is almost impossible to make a good result on this track; everybody is riding at a similar speed. We lost the red plate but the positive is that I’m not badly injured, and we saw some big crashes today. We walk away a bit banged-up but we will re-group and look to Latvia, which is a nice track, and to regain some points.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Tony Cairoli RA
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer

MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
  2. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 44
  3. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 36
  4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 32
  5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 32
  6. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 31
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 29
  8. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 27
  9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 24
  10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 22

MXGP Championship Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 351 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 338
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 231
  4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 220
  5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 212
  6. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 208
  7. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 206
  8. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 172
  9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 170
  10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 168
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MX2 Report

Despite a poor start Prado won the opening moto narrowly from Thomas Kjer Olsen, Jago Geerts, Tom Vialle and Mitchell Evans while Jed Beaton cake home in 12th after a poor start but in the second moto Prado earned the holeshot and took off like a cut cat to take an easy win over Kjer Olsen, Geerts. Michele Cervellin, Vialle, Ben Watson, Beaton, Henry Jacobi, Maxime Renaux and Evans.

MXGP Rnd Russia Jorge Prado RA
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Russia 2019

Prado now leads the championship over Kjer Olsen by a clean 20 points while Evans is 6th in the points, just two behind Vialle while Beaton sits 14th in the points despite missing two of the eight rounds due to injury.

Jorge Prado

“I felt pretty good this weekend, the track was hard but I felt good getting the Saturday Qualifying Race win and today I was in the back of the pack so I had to make my way up to the front, but I had good speed and fought all the way to the end to get the win. I am happy and looking forward to the next round.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Jorge Prado RA
MX2 Podium – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“I felt good all weekend. Yesterday in the Qualifying I felt really good then we made some changes on the bike to make it feel really comfortable on the hard pack. Overall, I am happy I got to lead some laps, felt great on the bike, and everything so I am looking forward to Latvia for sure.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Russia 2019
Jago Geerts

“It was a really solid weekend for me, I was really happy with the starts, I had three good starts this weekend which is positive for the rest of the season. Next weekend is Latvia, one of my favourite tracks but the goal is the same, to be on the podium, so we’ll see.”

Mitchell Evans

“In the first moto I got off to a good start and just kind of rode my own race, so stayed in fifth the whole race. I tried to follow the leaders, but they just had a little bit more pace. I was struggling with the speeds on the track and just how slippery it was. In moto two I had a really bad start, around twentieth or something, and on a track that was really hard to pass on I made my way to tenth. I was really happy with my riding this weekend. My pace was a little bit off, but we know where we can improve. I have just got to focus on making my starts better. I am looking forward to Latvia.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Mitch Evans byBavo
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Russia 2019
Jed Beaton

“I’m really happy with the way the GPs gone. Obviously, I needed a little bit of time off following my crash in Portugal and to come back after being unable to race in France and get two solid results is great. I did three good days of riding before coming to Russia, so I was confident things would go well because I felt good and importantly was pain free. The opening moto didn’t start too well, I got a bad start so had to work really hard. I went from outside the top 20 to 12th and put in a lot of effort. I was feeling the hard work in the second moto but made some good passes. I’m really pleased with seventh. I feel like I’m where I should be and now that the Portugal crash is behind me I want to build on these results starting with the Latvian GP next weekend.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Russia 2019

MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 44
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 40
  4. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 34
  5. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 30
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 27
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 26
  8. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 26
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 26
  10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 23

MX2 Championship Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 347 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 327
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 257
  4. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 236
  5. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 216
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 214
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 210
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 169
  9. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 157
  10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 132
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Moosdijk and Kellett win EMX in Russia

Roan Van de Moosdijk and Todd Kellett have won the EMX250 and EMX2T classes respectively at the Russian round of the FIM Europe Championship at Orlyonok last weekend.

EMX250 Report

Despite Van De Mooslik taking the overall with 2-1 moto results it was Stephan Rubini who rode to 3-1 finishes and subsequently took the red plate from former championship leader Alberto Forato who struggled to 14-4 moto results but it was a solid round for Aussie Caleb Grothues who went 9-9 for ninth overall.

MXGP Rnd Russia EMX
EMX250 Start – MXGP of Russia 2019

Rubini now holds a two-point lead over Forato with four rounds remaining while Grothues sits 14th in the points despite missing the Italian round due to injury.

EMX250 Overall Top Ten

  1. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 47 points
  2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 45
  3. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 42
  4. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 29
  5. Jeremy Sydow (GER, HUS), 29
  6. Rick Elzinga (NED, YAM), 28
  7. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 28
  8. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 25
  9. Caleb Grothues (AUS, YAM), 24
  10. Raivo Dankers (NED, YAM), 22

EMX250 Championship Top Ten

  1. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 165 points
  2. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 163
  3. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 144
  4. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 110
  5. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 96
  6. Jimmy Clochet (FRA, KAW), 88
  7. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 88
  8. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), 74
  9. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 73
  10. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 70

EMX2T Report

The EMX2T overall win was the first for Kellett with 1-2 moto results while Brad Anderson’s second overall gives him the championship leader’s red plate by eight points over Mike Kras while Kellett sits third some 21 points back from Anderson.

MXGP Rnd Russia EMXT podium
EMX2T Podium – MXGP of Russia 2019

EMX2T Overall Top Ten

  1. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 47 points
  2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 45
  3. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 42
  4. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 36
  5. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, YAM), 31
  6. Charlie Putnam (GBR, KTM), 29
  7. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 26
  8. Max Buelow (GER, KTM), 26
  9. Robert Holyoake (GBR, HUS), 26
  10. Lurii Lukash (RUS, HON), 23

EMX2T Championship Top Ten

  1. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 163 points
  2. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 155
  3. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 142
  4. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 127
  5. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 124
  6. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 88
  7. Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 86
  8. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, YAM), 70
  9. Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 60
  10. Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 59
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Walsh Blitzes Finke

KTM’s David Walsh has put on a riding clinic at the 2019 Tatt’s Finke Desert Race winning the three-leg event by just under five minutes from Honda’s Jacob Smith who in turn had the best part of a three-minute gap back to third placed Husqvarna rider in Beau Ralston.

Finke Desert Race podium fm
KTM celebrated the Finke win with David Walsh

Almost 600 bike and quad competitors slogged their way through the prologue plus the 500km run from Alice Springs to Finke and back but it was Walsh who dominated all three days to claim his maiden win in convincing fashion with an overall time of 3 hours and 56 minutes.

2019 was Walsh’s 12th Finke race recording a best finish of second three-times previously (2018, 2014 and 2012) so the Alice Springs local was visibly emotional when he took the chequered flag, with the crowd erupting in cheer as he crossed the Start/Finish line in first position.

David Walsh

“I’m just completely blown away and I’m over the moon with getting my first win here at Finke. It’s truly a credit to the North Star Pastoral KTM Desert Racing Team, because without those guys, I wouldn’t be here. They work around the clock and it’s like a big family – I can’t thank them enough for their efforts. Getting down to Finke with a five-minute lead made it easier for me, I knew I could probably get through the rough stuff a bit easier coming home, and that’s what I did. I’m so happy to finally get it after the 12 years that I’ve been trying and it’s an amazing feeling.”

Finke Desert Race fm Dylan Walsh
David Walsh – 2019 Finke Desert Race
Callum Norton

“A silly crash just two or three minutes out of Finke cost me this weekend and bit me hard, everything was hurting pretty bad, so I just had a breather there before getting going again. Straight away I thought it was over, but once I got to the next stop the boys told me I wasn’t too far behind, so that gave me a boost. I just kept pushing on, started seeing dust and every time I saw dust, I got excited again. I was sore as hell, but I just kept pushing to get it home so I could rest up. I crossed the line fifth, which was good. I’m pretty happy with it, considering what happened.”

Finke Desert Race fm
Callum Norton – 2019 Finke Desert Race
Jacob Smith

“Six weeks ago, laying in a hospital bed here in Alice Springs with a few injuries, I’m just so happy to be here on the podium. I knew David had a fair gap and five minutes is a long way, so I was trying to just keep my position today and go as hard as I could so the guys behind didn’t catch me. I made some time at the second fuel stop, so I just coasted into town and didn’t do anything silly.”

Finke Desert Race hqva fm
Jacob Smith – 2019 Finke Desert Race
Beau Ralston

“I’m stoked to finish, let alone get on the podium after my last couple of years being injured. The Schwarz Husqvarna Desert Team has put in a huge effort to get us out here this year and I really appreciate it. I was over two minutes behind Jake and I was fresh, so I thought I was going to have a good crack at reeling him in, but I didn’t anticipate what the cars were going to do to the track. I had some really hairy moments, so I just backed off to get home in one piece for a podium finish.”

Finke Desert Race hqva fm
Beau Ralston – 2019 Finke Desert Race

2019 Finke Top Ten Outright

  1. Walsh, David – 03:56:01.0
  2. Smith, Jacob – 04:01:00.4 +00:04:59.4
  3. Ralston, Beau – 04:03:57.7 + 00:07:56.7
  4. Simpson, Jack – 04:09:38.7 + 00:13:37.7
  5. Norton, Callum – 04:14:19.5 + 00:18:18.5
  6. Davie, Sam – 04:15:25.4 + 00:19:24.4
  7. Terry, Lachlan – 04:20:52.3 + 00:24:51.3
  8. Grove, Mark – 04:23:23.4 + 00:27:22.4
  9. Jones, Thomas – 04:28:43.2 + 00:32:42.2
  10. Waters, Nicholas – 04:28:45.5 + 00:32:44.5
Finke Desert Race podium fm
Husqvarna also put in a strong showing at the 2019 Finke Desert Race

Top 3 – Each Class
Class 01 : 251cc and above Two Stroke

  1. Pfitzner, Kyle
  2. Russell, Benjamin
  3. Handley, Samuel

Class 02 : 451cc and above Four Stroke

  1. Walsh, David
  2. Smith, Jacob
  3. Ralston, Beau

Class 03 : Up to 250cc Two Stroke

  1. Simpson, Kyle
  2. Brierley, Mitchell
  3. Foot, Danielle

Class 04 : Up to 250cc Four Stroke

  1. Geale, Thomas
  2. Elliott, Zoran
  3. Wilson, Jarrod

Class 05 : 251cc to 450cc Four Stroke

  1. Simpson, Jack
  2. Norton, Callum
  3. Grove, Mark

Class 06 : Masters 35 to 39 Years  (Total 3)

  1. Jones, Thomas
  2. Stephens, Lee
  3. White, Matthew

Class 07 : Seniors 40 to 44 Years

  1. Faggotter, Rodney
  2. Wilkinson, Brad
  3. Stewart, Jason

Class 08 : Veterans 45 Years and Over

  1. Bell, Matthew
  2. Doyle, Neil
  3. Hicks, Darby

Class 09 : Quads up to 40 Years

  1. Van Vliet, Cooper
  2. Bailey, Lachlan
  3. Jackson, Andrew

Class 10 : Quads 40 Years and Over

  1. Spiers, Craig
  2. Beer, Richard
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Bou Wins GP of Japan

The Twin Ring Motego circuit hosted round two of the FIM Trial World Championship last weekend and predictably it was the defending champion in Toni Bou who won both days of competition to extend his early championship lead.

TrialGP R Podium TrialGP ps
Toni Bou claimed the TrialGP of Japan win from Adam Raga and Takahisa Fujinami

Bou won both days over Adam Raga and teammate Takahisa Fujinami, so heading to the third round Bou has an 11-point lead over Raga who in turn has a nine-point lead over Fujinami.

Toni Bou

“Today we had a perfect trial in a perfect place. I’m very happy with my riding today. Having done this perfect trial here in Japan was really special. Thank all the team who have done a great job. We have prepared a lot for these first events and the results have been incredible, so I can’t be happier this weekend.”

Rider Standings after Round 2

  1. BOU Toni – 60
  2. RAGA Adam – 49
  3. FUJINAMI Takahisa – 40
  4. FAJARDO Jeroni – 35
  5. DABILL James – 33

Brayton set to Defend SX Title

Three-time Australian Supercross Champion Justin Brayton has confirmed that he will be back to defend his 2018 title and once again he will be on the CRF450R with Penrite Honda Racing with the intension of making it four straight victories.

Justin Brayton

“I will be doing my best to bring home a 4th title. Riders learn from one another and we push to improve ourselves in an effort to get to or be at the top. I imagine some younger riders will be faster this year and some older ones will be hungrier as their careers are nearing the end. The championship in Australia goes from strength to strength, the venues continue to improve, as do the riders and teams and I am proud to have been a small part of it all.”

AMA Supercross FInal Brayton JK SX Vegas
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld

The 3-time Champion has grown fond of Australia and has toyed with the idea of relocating here to live.

“It really is like a second home and this year will mark my 5th year in Australia. The country, the people and the racing are amazing and I appreciate how welcome my family and I feel when we come.”

Travelling the globe racing for more than 10 years, Brayton affirms retirement isn’t on the horizon just yet confirming there is still plenty left in the tank and his dedication and passion for racing remains.

AMA SX Rnd Brayton JK SX NJ
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld

“I love racing and riding dirtbikes! Racing at home and around the world is still exciting for me and I get the same butterflies when I line up now as I did when I was younger. So long as it’s fun and I am competitive I aim to keep racing.”

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Epstein-Barr virus slows Covington

Multiple GP winner Thomas Covington has had a horror start to the 2019 AMA Motocross Championship with the Husqvarna rider logging overall finishes of 26th, 17th and 26th respectively over the first three rounds to sit 22nd in the 250 Class points standings.

In the way of explanation Covington posted this statement on social media:

“Sorry I’ve been silent to everyone as to what’s been going on the last few weeks. After seeing the doctor and having tests done this week, I’ve been diagnosed with Epstein-Barr Virus. I’ve been super tired and lacking strength for around a month now and really hit a wall last weekend in Colorado. That’s when I knew something had to be wrong. Doing everything I can now to be back to myself as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone’s continued support and a huge thank you to @rockstarhusky for helping me through this.”

AMA Pro MX Rnd FoxRaceway Covington JK MX Pala
Thomas Covington – AMA MX 2019 Round 2 – Fox Raceway

Musquin stays with KTM till 2021

KTM North America has extended Marvin Musquin’s contract with the French star remaining with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team for the 2020 and 2021 race seasons.

Marvin Musquin has spent the last 10 years of his professional career with the KTM brand and is continually a championship contender in the sport’s premier racing circuits. A true “Ready to Race” athlete and KTM brand ambassador, Musquin’s performance in North America has gained recognition amongst fans as a fierce competitor.

Marvin Musquin

“I am pleased with the extension of my contract with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team for the next two years. KTM and Red Bull have supported me immensely and I believe the product, team and the overall program will contribute to my future success.”

KTM Musquin Contract Extension
Marvin Musquin extends contract with KTM to 2020
Ian Harrison – Team Manager

“I have had the privilege of working with Marvin for nine years and he is a first-class guy that always gives his best, both on and off the track. The 2019 SX Championship proved what a tough contender Marvin is and I’m sure we will get to witness more of his talent in the years to come. I am so happy he has made the decision to stay with Red Bull KTM for the ’20 and ‘21 race seasons. On behalf of all of us at KTM, thank you Marvin, for continuing your journey with us.”

Roger De Coster – Director of Motorsports, KTM Group

“Marvin came over to the U.S. from the MXGP circuit for the 2011 season, which was the same time Ian Harrison and I joined the team and it is hard to believe that this is our ninth year working with him. During this time, Marvin won a 250SX East title, but more importantly, he has not finished off the podium in either the 450 SX or MX Championships and he is still improving every season. I am truly happy Marvin chose to extend his relationship with Red Bull KTM for two more years.”

The 29-year-old French rider has been with the KTM brand since 2009, where the rising star at the time captured back-to-back MX2 World Championships in ’09 and ‘10. In 2011, Musquin signed with Roger De Coster and the U.S. based Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team and by 2015 he captured the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship.

Since moving to the premier 450cc division in 2016, Musquin has accumulated eight AMA 450SX victories and seven AMA 450MX victories, while consistently maintaining a top-three position in the overall championships.

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Woffendin Injured

Defending World Champion Tai Woffinden has confirmed that he faces a month on the sidelines after an MRI scan revealed he suffered a broken TH4 vertebra and shoulder blade after crashing with Russian star Grigorii Laguta in heat one of Wroclaw’s PGE Ekstraliga trip to Lublin on Friday night,

Woffinden immediately withdrew from the meeting and was taken to Wroclaw to undergo further checks to ascertain the full extent of the damage to the neck vertebra and shoulder.

Tai Woffinden tweeted

“After leaving hospital last night and making a 500km trip to Wroclaw to see the spinal specialists and a MRI scan, it’s actually TH4 that is broken along with my shoulder blade. At this point I’m out for one month and we will see how much my neck has healed in that period.”

Tai Woffinden in action ImgWarwickHemy
Tai Woffinden – Image by Warwick Hemy

It has been officially confirmed he will miss the ANLAS Czech SGP in Prague next Saturday and the Norrbil Swedish SGP in Hallstavik on July 6.

The news comes as a blow to his hopes of retaining the world title with Woffinden currently eighth in the standings on 15 points – 13 behind top two Bartosz Zmarzlik and Patryk Dudek.

SGP second reserve Max Fricke replaces Woffinden in Prague, while the news guarantees that first reserve Robert Lambert will also appear in both Prague and Hallstavik.


Webb injured

Extreme endure star Cody Webb tweaked his knee while dropping off a ledge in a technical rock section just days before heading to the world-famous Erzbergrodeo in Austria. Webb was determined to line up at the infamous event this year only to call it quits early into the race and spent the remaining time helping his KTM teammates through a challenging section of the course.

AMA MX Rnd Thunder Valley Webb JK MX Lakewood
Cody Webb – 2019 Thunder Valley National MX

Webb has claimed two extreme enduro victories already this season, in addition to a heartbreakingly close runner-up finish in the 2019 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.

Cody Webb

“Being injured is always unfortunate, but I’m taking it as a positive. I intend to take rehab very seriously post-operation and will come back better and stronger than before. It’s a long road ahead, but I will make the best of it and am already excited about the thought of being back at the races.”

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KTM take full ownership of KTM Australia and New Zealand

After 25 years of stable and successful business, Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) has sold the remaining 74 per cent share of its motorcycle importation business to the brands’ parent company KTM.

AHG has been the exclusive importer and distributor of the KTM brand for the Australian and New Zealand market since 1994, with the Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension brands joining the stable in recent years.

In 2017 KTM, which is Europe’s leading motorcycle manufacturer purchased a 26 per cent share of the AHG motorcycle importation business. It now moves to full ownership of both KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand.

The move to full ownership will see KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand become full subsidiaries of the Austrian company. Now selling more than 11,000 KTM and Husqvarna Motorcycle units combined, the Australian and New Zealand business has become the third largest market in the world for KTM and will now become the third largest subsidiary for the company.

Jeff Leisk – General Manager, KTM Group Australia and New Zealand

“What a journey it has been since our first AHG Dealer Conference in 1994 and there have been so many significant milestones along the way. I am extremely proud to have seen the KTM and Husqvarna Motorcycle brands go from strength to strength in both the Australian and New Zealand markets. We have built strong relationships with our dealers and our customers and this has been the key to our success. Becoming a factory owned subsidiary will increase the level of support that we can offer our dealer network, our staff and our customers, so I am excited about the next chapter.”

Jeff Leisk KTM Husqvarna Australia New Zealand
Jeff Leisk
Hubert Trunkenpolz – Chief Marketing Officer

“We are absolutely delighted with the outcome and our full ownership of KTM Group Australia and KTM Group New Zealand. This transaction once again reinforces our commitment to the Australian and New Zealand markets. This is a very positive development for the KTM dealer network and the KTM customer in both countries.”

The change will take effect from the 1st July 2019. While the change of ownership is a significant development for both the company and the market, there will be no impact on KTM Group staff or the established dealer networks for KTM, Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension.

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Yamaha bLU cRU YZ65 Cup hits Wollongong

November 9 will be a memorable night for 20 young hopefuls as the compete in the Yamaha bLU cRU YZ65 Cup during round three of the Australian Supercross Championship at WIN Stadium, Wollongong.

The 20 lucky juniors will be selected for this incredible experience from a mix of current YZ65 owners along with wildcard juniors who don’t currently own the model.

Yamaha bLU cRU Cup YZ Wollongong
Yamaha bLU cRU YZ65 Cup

The junior riders get to experience what it’s like to be a professional rider and become guests of Yamaha’s factory race teams, which event promoter Troy Bayliss says will provide valuable insights into professional racing, including mentoring from CDR Yamaha Monster Energy factory riders and owner Craig Dack.

Troy Bayliss

“We are pleased to be able to provide the opportunity for junior girls and boys to experience Supercross within an incredible venue like WIN Stadium, and for them to do laps in front of thousands of fans will be something they will remember for a lifetime.”

Since releasing the YZ65 in 2018, Yamaha Motor Australia has given many junior riders the opportunity to compete side-by-side within select Australian Supercross Championship events and MX National rounds, including the first-ever YZ65 Cup at Geelong’s GMHBA Stadium during last year’s third round of the Australian Supercross Championship.

Matthew Ferry – YMA National Sales & Marketing Manager

“Our first YZ65 Cup experience at Supercross was in Geelong last year and the parents and kids enjoyed the full bLU cRU treatment, and to see so many happy faces and positive feedback we knew we wanted to offer this experience again this year within the Yamaha presented Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship at WIN Stadium. Spots are limited to 20 lucky riders available to YZ65 owners, plus Yamaha will also offer a few wildcard entries for non YZ65 owners to experience what it’s like to be part of the bLU cRU, it’s a money-can’t-buy experience.”

Troy Bayliss Events are committed to ensuring the future looks bright for Supercross in Australia, with further Championship junior classes to be announced in the coming weeks for the 2019 Australian Supercross Series.

Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship takes place at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Saturday November 9, with tickets available now via Ticketmaster.com.au

YZ65 owners can register via the following link:  https://yma.bike/YZ65CupSX1. Wildcard (non YZ65 owners) can register via the following link:  https://yma.bike/YZ65CupSXWC

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Action aplenty at Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship

The Broadford circuit in Victoria last weekend hosted the Shannons 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship and by all accounts the racing was close and hard fought all weekend – see results below:

Australian Championship classes

Pre 75 Slider 263+
1st 26 Jody Mason
2nd 30 Brett Glover
3rd 101 Mark Herfoss
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Jody Mason ACDTD
Jody Mason – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Evolution Super Seniors 70+ All Powers
1st 13 Greg McLean
2nd 118 Bill Mitchell
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Greg McLean ACDTD
Greg McLean – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Evolution 16-29 years All Powers
1st 121 Aaron Stevens
2nd 257 Billy Ricardo
3rd 44 Doug Hayden
Pre 75 up to 125cc
1st 123 Ray Stevens
2nd 18 Jake Mitchell
3rd 2 Grant Dodd
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Ray Stevens ACDTC
Ray Stevens – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 70 263+
1st 6 David Gras
2nd 71 Adam Constable
3rd 17 Steve Constable
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship David Gras ACDTC
David Gras – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 75 Solo 263+
1st 101 Mark Herfoss
2nd 16 Damien Bombardiere
3rd 26 Jody Mason
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship David Herfoss ACDTC
David Herfoss – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Evolution Womens All Powers
1st 89 Tayla Street
2nd 58 Brook Lonie
3rd 38 Janet Kelly
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Brooke Lonie battling Tayla Street
Taylor Street and Brooke Lonie – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 75 50-59 yearrs All Powers
1st 101 Mark Herfoss
2nd 216 Graeme Judd
3rd 123 Ray Stevens
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship David Herfoss ACDTC
Mark Herfoss – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Evolution 50-59 years All Powers
1st 123 Ray Stevens
2nd 216 Graeme Judd
3rd 90 Simon Hampton
Pre 75 Solo 250cc
1st 382 Brad Burns
2nd 667 Luke Wilesmith
3rd 33 Rob Hayden
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Unbeatable Brad Burns ACDTC
Brad Burns – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Evolution Solo 263+
1st 382 Brad Burns
2nd 121 Aaron Stevens
3rd 24 Chas Hern
Evolution Solo 250cc
1st 382 Brad Burns
2nd 44 Doug Hayden
3rd 2 Grant Dodd
Pre 75 263+
1st 257 Billy Ricardo
2nd 123 Ray Stevens
3rd 216 Graeme Judd
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Billy Ricardo ACDTC
Billy Ricardo – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 78 250 Solo
1st 22 Brendan McCowat
2nd 667 Luke Wilesmith
3rd 90 Simon Hampton

Support Classes

Pre 75 60years + All Powers
1st 33 Rob Hayden
2nd 6 Peter Lee
3rd 9 John Selva
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Rob Hayden ACDTC
Rob Hayden – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 75 Slider up to 250cc
1st 7 Reece Crimeen
2nd 30 Brett Glover
3rd 68 Rick Wason
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Reece Crimeen ACDTC
Reece Crimeen – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 60 Solo All Powers
1st 118 Bill Mitchell
2nd 51 Graham Anderson
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Bill Mitchell and Graham Anderson duked it out all weekend ACDTC
Bill Mitchell Graham Anderson – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 78 Super Seniors & Evolution 60years + All Powers
1st 33 Rob Hayden
2nd 52 Peter Lee
3rd 171 Kevin Brown
Pre 75 16-39 Years All Powers
1st 382 Brad Burns
2nd 18 Jake Mitchell
3rd 2 Grant Dodd
Pre 65 Solo 250cc & 263cc+ & Pre 70 Solo 250cc
1st 9 John Selva
2nd 116 Kevin Dunque
3rd 76 Mark Birkett
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship John Selva ACDTC
John Silva – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 75 40-49 years All Powers
1st 16 Damien Bombardiere
2nd 181 Ross Watson
3rd 36 Paul Neighbour
Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Damien Bombardiere beautiful and quick Norton ACDTC
Damien Bomardiere – 2019 Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
Pre 78 & Evolution Solo up to 125cc
1st 2 Grant Dodd
2nd 258 Nick Smith
3rd 38 James Hayden
Battle of the Twins
1st 6 David Gras
2nd 650 Chas Hern
3rd 66 Dean Ross

Tayla Street creates Classic Dirt Track history

History was made in motorcycle racing at Broadford last weekend with the inaugural Women’s Classic Dirt Track Championship and there were eight hard charging females on hand on a myriad of different machinery.

Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Womens Line up
2019 Australian Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne

When the dust settled it was the talented Tayla Street on a fire breathing 1980 Suzuki RM250 who earned the title ahead of Brooke Lonie (DT400) and Janet Kelly (TT500) – see full results below:

Australian Classic Dirt Track Championship Tayla Street Championship Winner
Tayla Street – 2019 Australian Dirt Track Championship – Image by Colin Rosewarne
  1. Tayla Street – RM250 – 122p
  2. Brooke Lonie – DT400 – 113p
  3. Janet Kelly – TT500 – 96p
  4. Laura Saxon – IT250 – 94p
  5. Abbey Wason – Bultaco Astro – 70p
  6. Nicole Thompson – DT250 – 62p
  7. Carina Peschel – DT400 – 60p
  8. Denise Widjaja – DT250 – 58p
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Source: MCNews.com.au

Tim Gajser & Jorge Prado dominate MXGP of Russia

MXGP 2019

Round 8 – MXGP of Russia, Orlyonok


The 2019 MXGP of Russia saw warm Orlyonok weather on a tricky track that demanded the most out of even the world’s best with Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado solidifying their MXGP and MX2 standings, as both now hold the Championship leader’s red plates after another weekend at the top step of the podium.

MXGP Rnd Russia Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Russia 2019

In MX2 in Race 1 Mitch Evans led the Aussies with a fifth place result, while Jed Beaton came home 12th, with Dylan Walsh 17th. Race 2 saw a turn-around with Jed Beaton seventh, while Mitch Evans was 10th and Dylan Walsh 13th. This left Mitch Evans fifth overall for the round and Jed Beaton tenth. In the overall standings Evans holds sixth, while Beaton is 14th. Walsh is 17th.

The weekend’s warm weather and blue skies was matched by the blue water of the Black Sea and warm welcome of Russia’s motocross fans. The picturesque location of the venue and the beautiful Russian community of spectators combined with the unexpected results made for an unforgettable weekend of racing.


MXGP

Following yesterday’s qualifying results Romain Febvre lined up to the gate in pole position and when the gate dropped for today’s Race 1 the Frenchman scored his second Fox Holeshot of the year. Team HRC’s Tim Gajser shot past the #461 almost immediately after they crossed the chalk and was into the lead as the opening lap kicked off.

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeffrey Herlings RA
MXGP Start – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer

Clement Desalle got into second with a pass on Febvre along with Arnaud Tonus. The #84 KTM Factory Racing machine of Jeffrey Herlings was in fifth while Antonio Cairoli was way back outside the top 15.

Evgeny Bobryshev lost control of his Kawasaki on the main downhill section on the opening lap and crashed hard ending not only the race but his home GP. Tonus gained a spot as Desalle fell in a corner while Tonus’ teammate, Gautier Paulin, crashed out of the top ten damaging his front causing him to fall again before making his way into Pit Lane and eventually the paddock.

MXGP Rnd Russia Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Russia 2019

Herlings then found himself in fourth after the fall of Desalle with Pauls Jonass and Jeremy Seewer applying pressure. Seewer first passed Jonass but then Desalle surged past both Jonass and Seewer to take over fifth.

Alessandro Lupino had a big crash and was unable to continue while fellow Italian and his friend Antonio Cairoli was stuck in 15th for 12 laps before finally making a pass on Jordi Tixier. Desalle was ejected from his bike at the end of pitlane straight with only four laps to go and was unable to rejoin the racing. Seewer took over the fourth spot while Gajser took the race win ahead of Tonus, Febvre, and Herlings. Cairoli gained two more spots in the closing laps to finish 12th.

MXGP Rnd Russia Tony Cairoli RA
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer

The second and final race of the MXGP weekend started with a season first holeshot for Glenn Coldenhoff with Gajser and Tixier just behind. Tonus was quick to move past Tixier along with Seewer. Seewer’s teammate Febvre fell in the early portion of the race from 7th costing him 6 positions with his former 7th place spot going to Cairoli.

Jonass passed Julien Lieber to get into the top 5 behind his former MX2 rival Seewer. On lap 7 Jonass lost his top five spot to Lieber as Cairoli also went by into 6th before making it past Lieber the next lap, at the same Gajser finally made his way around Coldenhoff for the lead.

MXGP Rnd France Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Russia 2019

Coldenhoff lost the 2nd spot to Tonus immediately before losing a handful of other spots in the following laps to Seewer, Cairoli, Lieber, Jonass, Herlings, Paulin, and Febvre. Tonus then closed in right to the back wheel of Gajser and made an attempt to take the lead but clipped a trackside haybale and fell instead.

The fall of Tonus didn’t lose him any positions, only time to Gajser that he could not recover. At the finish Gajser took his 3rd MXGP Overall in 3 rounds via double race wins, the MXGP Championship leader’s red plate, and the first ever Russian Overall GP victory for Honda.

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Russia 2019

Tonus took second overall with his 2-2 finishes and Seewer scored his career first MXGP podium overall, best MXGP race finish, and put not only the second Yamaha on the podium but also joined his Swiss compatriot Tonus to make history as the first time two Swiss riders have stood on the podium in the premier category of the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Tim Gajser

“I’m feeling really good about this weekend. It wasn’t easy out there, as both motos were tough because Arnaud (Tonus) was really fast and he was always behind me pushing hard. The first race I held him off all race, and then in the second race it was the same again but with 10 minutes to go he made a mistake and that gave me the gap I needed to control the race and take the victory. The track wasn’t so bumpy but it was still tough because it was so hard and it was easy to make a mistake. Overall I’m happy, and a huge thanks to everyone at Honda, as the CRF450RW is amazing and let’s hope we can continue this run of form. Three races ago I was 40 points behind in the championship and now I have the red plate so I’m really happy about these past few weeks have gone and although it’s still early in the season and there is plenty of races ahead of us, it’s still a great feeling and I can’t wait to see the red plate on my bike in Latvia.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Tim Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Russia 2019
Arnaud Tonus

“It wasn’t easy to fight for the lead. I was happy I had some good starts so at the beginning I was already close to Tim. There were not too many opportunities to pass on this track, so I came close, and I went for it, but I ended up making a small mistake. I am happy I tried and was able to recover and still finished second. I am still super thankful to be up here on the podium three times in a row.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Russia 2019
Jeremy Seewer

“It’s amazing to make it onto the MXGP podium. It feels like it is much harder to get here, much harder that even some of my MX2 wins. It is a lot of work to get here, there are a lot of fast guys and especially on a track like we had today where there are a lot of guys riding a similar speed. I feel like it takes time to move from the 250cc to the 450cc and to get comfortable on the bike, but in the past few weeks I have been feeling good. My crew on the Yamaha Factory team have done an amazing job, and I owe a big thanks to them for making it happen. It feels like we are moving in a really good direction.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Russia 2019
Jeffrey Herlings

“I had a serious injury and it has been tough to get back here, mentally and physically, and with a lot of pain for a long time. I did not expect this result here today especially on this track. So to be close to the podium again feels pretty beautiful. I like the track in Latvia but I don’t have any firm expectations and I will not forget where I have come from to get to this point. Having said that we’ll always try to fight for a podium spot when we can!”

MXGP Rnd Russia Jeffrey Herlings RA
Jeffrey Herlings – MXGP of Russia 2019
Romain Febvre

“The weekend was good. Yesterday was really good to win the Qualifying Race. Last week I could not ride because I was really sick. I was lucky to feel better when I got here. In the first race I got the holeshot but I made some mistakes. I got back to third, but I hit my ankle and felt some pain, so I just secured third. In the second race I crashed and then stalled the bike and lost a lot of positions. I came back to nine, so the speed was good, but two mistakes on this type of track, I could not do better.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Russia 2019
Pauls Jonass

“I was looking forward to coming here to Russia because I won a couple times in MX2, so I have good memories. I felt good on the track all weekend, my speed was where I wanted it to be. The track is super-fast and slick and hard to make a lot of time up, so when everyone is pushing hard it’s easy for mistakes to happen. I guess I tried to be aggressive but sensible at the start of both races. I didn’t get the best of starts, but they weren’t bad either. I made some good, quick passes and was pleased to be running in fifth for several laps in the opening moto. But I felt like the second moto was better – I kept fighting to finish sixth, which was a great way to end the GP.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Russia 2019
Tony Cairoli

“A very difficult weekend and of course the crash from yesterday did not help as it meant I was totally on the outside for the gate pick. I was riding very stiff and by missing the start it is almost impossible to make a good result on this track; everybody is riding at a similar speed. We lost the red plate but the positive is that I’m not badly injured, and we saw some big crashes today. We walk away a bit banged-up but we will re-group and look to Latvia, which is a nice track, and to regain some points.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Tony Cairoli RA
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Russia 2019 – Image by Ray Archer
Arminas Jasikonis

“Not the GP I was hoping for at all and I wasn’t riding like I can or should have been. I don’t know why but I couldn’t find a good rhythm with the track, which meant that I was riding too hard, being too physical, in both races. Because I was riding too physically, I really felt the heat in the second moto. I gave my all but not at all what I wanted, but racing can be like this sometimes. We move on to the next GP and look to do better.”

MXGP Rnd Russia Arminas Jasikonis
Arminas Jasikonis – MXGP of Russia 2019

MXGP of Russia – MXGP Results

MXGP Rnd Russia HRC Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser celebrates the win – MXGP of Russia 2019

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto Wrap | AMA MX | MXGP | WESS | GNCC | SGP

Moto News Wrap for May 21, 2019 by Darren Smart

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The LATEST News

  • Roczen & Cianciarulo win AMA Motocross at Hangtown
  • Villopoto wins at Hangtown
  • Gajser and Prado win MXGP of Portugal
  • Kras wins Portuguese EMX
  • FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019
  • Duvall wins Ohio GNCC
  • Madsen wins SGP of Poland
  • Garcia wins WESS in France
  • Brayton set for 2019 Aussie SX Championships
  • Chad Reed returns for 2019 AUS-X Open
  • Wollongong SX to feature ‘Speed & Style’ Championship
  • James Stewart finally announces retirement

Roczen & Cianciarulo Win AMA Motocross at Hangtown

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicked off last weekend with the Bell Helmets Hangtown Motocross Classic and it was Ken Roczen who got the overall in the 450 class while Adam Cianciarulo bounced back from a tough loss in supercross to win the 250 class overall.

AMA MX Rnd Roczen JK MX Hangtown
Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld

450 Report

The opening moto saw riders taking on a track that was breaking down faster than usual thanks to rain in the lead up to the weekend and there were battles right from the get-go but the real head-turner was Roczen blowing by Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson and early leader Cooper Webb to take the lead before the completion of the opening lap.

AMA MX Rnd Tomac JK MX Hangtown
Eli Tomac – Image by Hoppenworld

Once he had a clear track Roczen quickly put multiple seconds between he and Webb, while Anderson, Zach Osborne and Tomac rounded out the top five but Tomac made his way by Osborne before actually passing Anderson for third but Anderson quickly got back around the defending champ then started his way to the rear wheel of Webb.

With ten minutes to go the rain began to fall and Anderson’s pace increased, while Tomac’s dropped which carried the two riders into different directions with Anderson moving by Webb for second as Tomac lost a spot to Osborne to be in fifth.

AMA MX Rnd Anderson JK MX Hangtown
Jason Anderson – Image by Hoppenworld

Despite the rain, Roczen continued his flawless ride all the way to the finish where he took the opening moto win by 15 seconds over Anderson, Webb and Tomac who was gifted fourth when Osborne crashed in the slippery conditions.

In muddy conditions Marvin Musquin emerged with the second moto holeshot over Webb, Tomac and Roczen but it wasn’t long before Tomac was in the lead ahead of Roczen and the two soon opened up a gap over Anderson who got by his training partners in Osborne, Webb and Musquin.

AMA MX Rnd Webb JK MX Hangtown
Cooper Webb – Image by Hoppenworld

Roczen’s impressive early pace allowed him to jump by Tomac into the lead but the Honda rider couldn’t shake Tomac and as they approached lapped riders just before the halfway point it worked to the benefit of Tomac who seized the moment to dive to the inside the reclaim the lead.

From that point on, he left Roczen and the rest of the field behind taking the chequered flag by 43 seconds over Roczen while a resilient Musquin never backed down in his pursuit of Anderson for third, and successfully got back around, but in the closing laps a hard charge from Osborne ultimately put the rookie onto the moto podium.

AMA MX Rnd Musquin JK MX Hangtown
Marvin Musquin – Image by Hoppenworld

Roczen’s 1-2 outing provided him with his first win since the final round of his championship-winning 2016 season. Since then he has endured through a pair of career-threatening injuries to each of his arms, in which he was forced to fight his way back from more than 10 total surgeries. It’s been a long and difficult road, but Roczen was able to prevail for the 16th win of his career.

 Ken Roczen

“It’s been a very, very long time [since I won a race]. Overall the whole day was good,” said Roczen. “It’s difficult at the first race to know what to expect [from yourself] and to know where everyone else is. I just did my best every time I was on the track and it got us a win. It was really sloppy out there and [when conditions are like that] it can easily go in either direction [bad or good], so it feels good that we ended up on the positive side of it.”

AMA MX Rnd Roczen JK MX Hangtown
Ken Roczen – Image by Hoppenworld

Tomac’s second-moto win vaulted him to second overall (4-1), while Anderson rounded out the overall podium in third (2-5) so Roczen holds a slim four-point lead over Tomac in the 450 Class standings heading into the second round. Anderson sits nine points back in third.

As for the Aussies and Kiwis, factory Yamaha fill-in rider Dean Ferris came back from two bad starts to end the day with 11-8 moto finishes for ninth overall while Todd Waters took his privateer Husqvarna to 12-13 finishes for a credible 12th outright, but there was a disappointing result for Cody cooper who earned 15th in the opening moto before not finished the second mud moto.

AMA MX Rnd Roczen Tomac Anderson Podium JK MX Hangtown
450 Class Overall Results
Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda (1-2)
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (4-1)
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (2-5)  – Image by Hoppenworld

450 Moto Results and Overall

  1. Ken Roczen 1-2
  2. Eli Tomac 4-1
  3. Jason Anderson 2-5
  4. Zachary Osborne 5-3
  5. Cooper Webb 3-6
  6. Marvin Musquin 7-4
  7. Justin Barcia 8-7
  8. Blake Baggett 6-10
  9. Dean Ferris 11-8
  10. Justin Bogle 10-9
  11. Jake Masterpool 13-11
  12. Todd Waters 12-13
  13. Ben Lamay 14-12
  14. Cole Seely 9-18
  15. Fredrik Noren 17-17
  16. Toshiki Tomita 36-14
  17. Taiki Koga 23-15
  18. Dylan Merriam 20-16
  19. Cody Cooper 15-40

450 Class Championship Standings

  1. Ken Roczen, Germany, Honda – 47
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 43
  3. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 38
  4. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 36
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM – 35
  6. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 32
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 27
  8. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 26
  9. Dean Ferris, Australia, Yamaha – 23
  10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., KTM – 23
    …12. Todd Waters, Australia, Husqvarna – 17
    …19. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Honda – 6
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250 Report

Justin Cooper narrowly grab the holeshot over Chase Sexton and Cianciarulo while Hunter Lawrence started well outside the top ten but that wouldn’t last for long with the Aussie flying his way into the top ten.

AMA MX Rnd CooperJ JK MX Hangtown
Justin Cooper – Image by Hoppenworld

Up front Cooper successfully held on to that advantage and established himself as the early leader, with Cianciarulo slotting into second and Sexton into third but with about eight minutes left the Kawasaki rider was all over Cooper’s rear fender, but the Yamaha rider withstood the charge and used lapped riders to his advantage to extend the lead once more.

Hunter Lawrence had forced his way up to sixth place after passing teammate RJ Hampshire and just as they were closing in on fifth placed Colt Nichols, Hunter high sided over an inside rut and was clipped by Hampshire’s footpeg gouging a wound across Lawrence’s arse.

AMA MX Rnd Lawrence JK MX Hangtown
Hunter Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld

Cooper went wire-to-wire on to take the second moto win of his career by 1.8 seconds over Cianciarulo, who rode to an uneventful second-place finish but the battle for third came down to the final corner, where a moto-long charge by Dylan Ferrandis, who started sixth, culminated with a stellar last lap in which he stole third from Sexton as they came to the line.

Lawrence dropped all of the way back to 18th but managed to climb back to 11th place, four places ahead of fellow Aussie Wilson Todd who was up to 12th at one point in the moto.

With rain falling, the deciding moto got underway with Nichols earning then holeshot from Cianciarulo who quickly moved to the lead while Cooper and Ferrandis were at the tail end of the top ten as Lawrence and Todd sat just outside the top ten.

AMA MX Rnd Ferrandis JK MX Hangtown
Dylan Ferrandis – Image by Hoppenworld

With the track deteriorating to a slippery mess, Cianciarulo easily opened up a considerable margin over the rest of the field but as the moto wore on, Ferrandis and Nichols began to inch closer to second placed Alex Martin but the Suzuki rider was able to hang on to the runner up spot while Nichols and Cooper got around Ferrandis in the dying laps

In the end Cianciarulo took the moto win by 16.3 seconds over Martin, Nichols, Cooper and Ferrandis while Todd finished in a sensational ninth place, three places ahead of a struggling Larence.

AMA MX Rnd Nichols JK MX Hangtown
Colt Nichols – Image by Hoppenworld

Cianciarulo’s 2-1 effort gave him the second overall win of his career in his first start since the 2017 season, following knee surgery last summer. He becomes the 32nd different rider to earn a 250 Class victory at      Hangtown.

 Adam Cianciarulo

“It means a lot [to get this win], for all the kids out there that watch us, we go through such peaks and valleys. [This win] is a testament to understanding that the most important shot is your next one. You’ve got to keep fighting. It feels great to get a win at the opening round of the [Pro Motocross] season and start this summer off on a high note.”

AMA MX Rnd Cianciarulo JK SX Vegas
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld

Cooper’s resilient second moto landed him in the runner-up spot (1-4) for the second time in his career. Nichols (5-3) and Ferrandis (3-5) ended up in a tie for third, but by virtue of his better result in the final moto Nichols earned the tiebreaker.

Cianciarulo establishes a four-point lead over Cooper in the 250 Class standings entering the second round, while Nichols and Ferrandis sit 11 points back.

AMA MX Rnd Cianciarulo Coopr Nichols Podium JK MX Hangtown
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (2-1)
Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (1-4)
Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (5-3) – Image by Hoppenworld

250 Moto Results and Overall

  1. Adam Cianciarulo 2 -1
  2. Justin Cooper 1-4
  3. Colt Nichols 5-3
  4. Dylan Ferrandis 3-5
  5. Chase Sexton 4-6
  6. RJ Hampshire 6-7
  7. Michael Mosiman 7 -11
  8. Alex Martin 23-2
  9. Shane McElrath 14-8
  10. Christian Craig 13-10
  11. Hunter Lawrence 11-12
  12. Wilson Todd 15-9

250 Class Championship Standings

  1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 47
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 43
  3. Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 36
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, France, Yamaha – 36
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda – 33
  6. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Honda – 29
  7. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Husqvarna – 24
  8. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Suzuki – 22
  9. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 20
  10. Christian Craig, El Cajon, Calif., Honda – 19
  11. Hunter Lawrence, Australia, Honda – 19
  12. Wilson Todd, Australia, Husqvarna – 18
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Villopoto wins at Hangtown

The Hangtown Motocross Classic fans at Prairie City OHV Park were treated with seeing multi AMA motocross and supercross champion Ryan Villopoto taking on a field of 32 riders and win the first round of the 125cc All-Stars race.

AMA MX Rnd AS Villopoto JK MX Hangtown
Ryan Villopoto – Image by Hoppenworld

RV piloted his No. 2 Yamaha to victory ahead of fellow YZ rider Robbie Wageman while 16-year-old Brandon Ray rounded out the podium in third aboard a KTM.

125cc All Star Results

  1. Ryan Villopoto, Yamaha
  2. Robbie Wageman, Yamaha
  3. Brandon Ray, KTM
  4. Wyatt Mattson, Husqvarna
  5. Carter Dubach, Yamaha
  6. Tyler DuCray, KTM
  7. Angus Riordan, KTM
  8. Cole Barbieri, Suzuki
  9. Dennis Stapleton, Husqvarna
  10. Ty Freehill, Yamaha
  11. Derik Denzin, Yamaha
  12. John Ayers, Husqvarna
  13. Antonio Calavano, KTM
  14. Bryson Olson, Honda
  15. Conner Degraaf, KTM
  16. Toline Tyler, KTM
  17. Hunter Cross, KTM
  18. Talon Gorman, Honda
  19. Steven Stultz, Yamaha
  20. Jared Lang, Honda
  21. Dylan Simao, Yamaha
  22. Geoff Wills, KTM
  23. Tyler Edmondson, Honda
  24. Aron Martin
  25. Wyatt Bullen, Kawasaki
  26. Brooks, KTM
  27. Blaine Holdsclaw, Yamaha
  28. Derek Cappiello, Yamaha
  29. Chase Forsberg, KTM
  30. Nick Roby, Kawasaki
  31. Jeremy Ryan, KTM
  32. Ryan Eager, Suzuki

Gajser and Prado Win MXGP of Portugal

The Portuguese circuit of Agueda has hosted the sixth round of the 2019 World Motocross Championship and it was Tim Gajser and Jorge Prado who went 1-1 in the MXGP and MX2 classes respectively.

MXGP Portugal Rnd MX GP PH
MXGP of Portugal 2019

MXGP Report

Antonio Cairoli was in a winning position in both of the MXGP motos but the KTM rider stalled briefly in the opening moto while leading and tipped over in the second moto while in the same position and both times Gajser was right there to take advantage of the situation to claim both moto wins, the overall and to reduce Cairoli’s championship points lead to 34 points

MXGP Portugal Rnd Antonio Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Cairoli took 2-2 for 2nd overall ahead of Arnaud Tonus who reached the podium with hard fought 3-3 finishes while Clement Desalle, Jeremy Seewer, Pauls Jonass, Julien Lieber, Romain Febvre, Glenn Coldenhoff and Gautier Paulin rounded out the top ten.

Tim Gajser

“Last weekend was tough, so I tried to forget it and just focus on this weekend. I was feeling good yesterday and also today, the riding was good, and I had two good starts. It was great racing and I am really happy to win both races, hopefully we can carry that moment to the next round.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser
Antonio Cairoli

“On one side I’m happy because this is the goal to be on the podium and always consistent but on the other side I’m disappointed of course. I am happy like I said but focused on the next one where I will try to be consistent and not make these mistakes.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Arnaud Tonus

”It feels amazing, it is hard to find the right words at the moment, I have been through a lot so it is good to be up here. I really had to fight today, in the first race I was battling with Jeremy (Seewer) and he passed me in the beginning of the race so I had to come pass him back, it feels even better knowing that I fought to make it happen. I am super happy and I hope that I can keep it going.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus

MXGP Results

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:00.609
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.197
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:17.885
  4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.240
  5. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:28.880
  6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:29.847
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:35.562
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:51.205
  9. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:52.970
  10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:53.969

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:47.988
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:10.604
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:12.909
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:15.819
  5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.856
  6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.225
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:22.115
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:24.630
  9. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:27.080
  10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:30.999

MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 40
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33
  5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29
  6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 28
  7. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 28
  8. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 27
  9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 26
  10. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 22

MXGP ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 285 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 251
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 197
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 175
  5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 166
  6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 153
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 137
  8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 136
  9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 122
  10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 120

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MX2 Race Report

Prado took the opening moto holeshot and eased away for an easy win over Thomas Kjer Olsen, Jago Geerts and Mitchell Evans but in the second moto Prado was forced to pass the fast starting Roan Van de Moosdijk for the lead and usually that is where the action stops for the lead but this time Mitch Evans decided he wanted to have a run at the front and soon passed Van de Moosdijk and Prado for the lead.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Evans held the lead for four laps before Prado found his way through to take the lead and the eventual win ahead of Henry Jacobi, Evans and Kjer Olsen.

This was Prado’s 5th 1-1 result of 2019 and despite Kjer Olsen finishing second overall but it was a bitter sweet moment as he also lost the championship lead to Prado while for the second time in his rookie MX2 season Evans reached the podium in 3rd position.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Portugal 2019

As for Jed Beaton, the Husqvarna pilot was a solid 12th in the opening moto despite a crash and a stall but the second moto went pear shaped with his bike being landed on after an early crash forcing the Aussie to DNF the race. Beaton sits 13th in the championship.

Jorge Prado

“This is the closest race to a home GP for me, we are very close to Spain and there are so many fans that came out and many were cheering for me, I really enjoy it. When I went onto the podium they went crazy so it is great to have a race like this and it was a great weekend. For me it was important to get the red plate because I feel more comfortable with it but it is tough to keep so I try to not make any mistake but in motocross you never know.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen

“I felt like my riding all weekend was really good so that was a huge positive. I felt pretty calm all weekend and I had a lot of confidence in my riding along with my technique on the bike. I am kind of bummed out about the mistake I made on the start of race 2 but it could have been much worse and I got up to 4thwhich was pretty good. I am just going keep working and focus on myself to be the best that I can, not worrying about much else.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Mitch Evans

“It feels great to be back on the podium, we had a few tough weekends with some little injuries and my fitness dropped off because of it. We are finally back to the normal program and I am feeling a lot better which also gives a lot confidence coming into the weekend.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jed Beaton

“It’s been a tough GP for me. I’m pretty beaten up and, yeah, things just didn’t go well despite two good starts. I went down in the second turn in the first moto so I just pushed as hard as I could. I stalled my bike at the end of the wave sections after passing about 10 riders, so I went back to last again. I gave everything to get to 12th, which I think was a good result considering what happened. I was about sixth off the start in the second heat but clashed with another rider over one of the jumps. I got landed on, my bike got landed on and it was pretty messed up and bent. There was no point in continuing so unfortunately I had to retire.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton – MXGP of Portugal 2019

MX2 Results – Portugal MXGP

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:07.339
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.304
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:27.504
  4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.329
  5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +0:34.618
  6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:35.418
  7. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:44.519
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:45.789
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:51.829
  10. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +0:53.710
    …12. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36:03.407

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:47.966
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:03.912
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:05.411
  4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:12.005
  5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:23.210
  6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Honda), +0:36.473
  7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:41.227
  8. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:43.706
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:45.287
  10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:46.503

MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 38
  4. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 36
  5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 24
  6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 23
  7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 23
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 22
  9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20
  10. Mitchell Harrison (USA, KAW), 18
    …21. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 9

MX2 ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 250 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 247
  3. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 193
  4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 170
  5. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 164
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 155
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 155
  8. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 128
  9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 127
  10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 122
    …13. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 87

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Duncan Dominates Portugal WMX

Portugal hosted the second round of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship and it was Kiwi flyer Courtney Duncan who not only won both motos but also took over the championship lead.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Duncan won the opening moto by 12 seconds ahead of Larissa Papenmeier and Nancy Van De Ven before dishing out a similar performance in moto two to take the win over Van De Ven and Papenmeier so the championship leaders red plate now belongs to Duncan with 89 points while former championship leader Van de Ven is four points back in second.

Aussie Tahlia TJ O’Hare struggled in the tough conditions to score just 7 points over the two motos for 19th outright to now sit 13th in the championship.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Duncan will now return to New Zealand to continue her training before taking the red plate into round 3 in Loket, Czech Republic, July 27-28.

Courtney Duncan

“I was really happy with the weekend; the goal was to put two solid races together and I did that.  I got blocked in at the first turn in that second race, but I didn’t panic, sorted out a good place to make a clean pass and could race away. I’m just taking it race by race at the moment and not really thinking about the championship, but I’m stoked to get the double win and take the red plate to the next round. We’ve got a nine week break now, so I’ll be going back to New Zealand to keep doing the work and come out swinging at Loket.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

WMX Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 25:37.493
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:12.938
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:20.911
  4. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:49.788
  5. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +0:59.251
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:07.227
  7. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:13.030
  8. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:34.821
  9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:39.651
  10. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:42.185

WMX Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 24:51.296
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:30.514
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:45.003
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:08.450
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +1:13.670
  6. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:14.835
  7. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:24.616
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:25.103
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:28.714
  10. Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Husqvarna), +1:39.760

WMX Overall Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 42
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 42
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 34
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 29
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 28
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 27
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 23
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 20

WMX ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 89 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 85
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 82
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 67
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 63
  6. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 61
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 54
  8. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 54
  9. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 49
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 37

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Kras Wins Portuguese EMX

Portugal hosted the third round of the EMX2t championship and it was Mike Kras who grabbed his second overall in as many rounds to take over the championship points lead by one over Brad Anderson.

Kras won the opening moto from Todd Kellett and Youri van t Ende while Anderson was back in eighth before the second moto also went to Kras with Anderson in second ahead of Andero Lusbo.

Now leading the championship by 1 point over Anderson, Kras, and the rest of the field will head to Russia’s south in 3 weeks’ time for round four at Orlyonok.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Result

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:58.291;
  2. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:06.600;
  3. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:14.879;
  4. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:16.610;
  5. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:17.066;
  6. Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:23.102;
  7. Emanuele Alberio (ITA, Husqvarna), +0:25.081;
  8. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:27.130;
  9. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:27.656;
  10. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:28.476.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:52.732;
  2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:05.300;
  3. Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:07.202;
  4. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:09.878;
  5. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:11.292;
  6. Todd Kellett (GBR, Yamaha), +0:27.263;
  7. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:28.560;
  8. Brad Todd (GBR, Yamaha), +0:34.053;
  9. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, Yamaha), +0:43.325;
  10. Ben Putnam (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:44.770.

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 50 points;
  2. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 38
  3. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 37
  4. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 36
  5. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 35
  6. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 34
  7. Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 28
  8. Pier Filippo Bertuzzo (ITA, YAM), 25
  9. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 24
  10. Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 21 p

EMX2T Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top Ten

  1. Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 119 points
  2. Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 118
  3. Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 101
  4. Todd Kellett (GBR, YAM), 95
  5. Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 88
  6. Brad Todd (GBR, YAM), 86
  7. Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 82
  8. Ben Putnam (GBR, HUS), 60
  9. Andrea Gorini (SMR, YAM), 59
  10. Andrea Vendruscolo (ITA, YAM), 59


FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019

Youthstream have announced the venue and timing of the 2019 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and FIM Junior Motocross World Cup! On the 13-14th of July 2019 Junior Motocross riders from around the world will head to the famous circuit of Trentino in Italy’s North.

The event will return to Italy eight years after its last visit in 2011. The 2019 edition will take place at the same venue as the MXGP and MX2 World Championship of Pietramurata. The two-day event will host practice and qualifying sessions Saturday followed by racing of the three classes, 125cc, 85cc, and 65cc, on Sunday. Riding for themselves and also their country with the results of nations makes the event one of a kind and always creates a great atmosphere of both comradery and competition.

FIM Junior Motocross World Cup
FIM Junior Motocross World Cup heads to Trentino in 2019

The world class facility has been a long time favorite of riders and fans with its stunning backdrop and amazing surroundings. The venue, aside from being in one of the most passionate motocross countries in the world, is easily accessible from the nearby cities of Milan, Venice, and Verona.

The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship includes the 125cc and 85cc two stroke categories plus the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup. Along with returning competitors and even previous champions the junior rising talents of motocross will all be going to Trentino from different countries racing at the unique race for the chance to become an FIM Junior Motocross World Champion!


Duvall Wins Ohio GNCC

Thad Duvall has won the sixth round of the 2019 GNCC which was held in Ohio last weekend and in doing so has reduced his points deficit to championship leader Kailub Russell to just 13 points.

GNCC John Penton Kailub Russell KH
Kailub Russell – Image by Ken Hill

Duvall scored his second win of the year at Ohio ahead of Russell and Trevor Bollinger while Steward Baylor Jr and Josh Strang rounded out the top five.

XC1 Open

  1. Kailub K Russell – 165
  2. Thaddeus Duvall – 152
  3. Steward Baylor Jr – 123
  4. Trevor Bollinger – 111
  5. Josh V Strang – 83

Ben Kelly is undefeated the XC2 class and took the Ohio win over Craig Delong and Evan Smith while Austin Lee and Michael Witkowski rounded out the top five.

XC2 250 Pro Result

  1. Benjamin M Kelley – 180
  2. Michael Witkowski – 119
  3. Evan Smith – 107
  4. Austin Lee – 91
  5. Liam Draper – 78

Becca Sheets got her second win of the season in the WXC class over Aussie Mackenzie Tricker and Rachael Archer while defending champion Tayla Jones had a shocker with a rare ninth place finish.

WCX Result

  1. Becca N Sheets – 160
  2. Tayla Jones – 153
  3. Mackenzie Tricker – 125
  4. Rachael Archer – 107
  5. Shyann Phelps – 85
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Madsen Wins SGP of Poland

The much-awaited opening round of the 2019 FIM Speedway World Championship got underway with the Boll Warsaw FIM Speedway Grand Prix of Poland last weekend and the surprise winner was Danish star Leon Madsen who pounced on a Fredrik Lindgren error to hit the front and win the final.

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland

Madsen didn’t win any of his regular heats, but made it into the semis on eight points, before finishing second to Niels-Kristian Iversen in semi-final two to reach his maiden SGP final where he got his first win of the night when it mattered most and the European champion celebrated wildly with a 50,000-plus crowd.

Madsen made no secret of his bold SGP ambitions ahead of the meeting as he targets World Championship gold. But he insists he’s not piling the pressure on himself to land the world title at the first attempt.

Leon Madsen

“I don’t need to be No.1 this year. I am here to gain a lot of experience, especially on tracks like Warsaw. I am not here just to take part. I am here to fight for the championship. It was a good round tonight and I clocked a lot of points. If I can be consistent all season, things could be quite good. But I’m not setting the bar higher. I’m just in this game to fight for the championship. I don’t put it as a goal that I must be No.1 or in the top three. You are obviously here to fight for the championship and I feel I have the quality to do that.”

Despite recovering from a crash and coming third in the final it is Patryk Dudek who topped the World Championship standings with his 16-point haul.

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland
Patryk Dudek

“Before the last heat, I heard my name and I was thinking ‘oh, but let’s see what happens after the heat!’ I was third, so that’s not bad. I would like to say a big, big thank you to the fans. This night was tough for me and the season has been tough for me. Today was great. I want to say a big thanks to my team, my family and my sponsors. I hope to stay in the same position at the next round. But we will see.”

It was his third straight Warsaw final and Fredrik Lindgren was delighted to leave the PGE Narodowy cauldron of noise with another podium finish.

Fredrik Lindgren

“Overall I am very happy, I really enjoy racing here in front of this crowd. It is intense and you have to give 100 percent for all four laps. I am disappointed not to win after the start I made in the final. I made a huge mistake on lap two to lose the winning position. But I am also very happy with the way I was racing, the points I scored and the way our team worked together.”

It was far from the prefect start to the championship for the Aussie duo of Jason Doyle and Max Fricke who scored 6 and 5 points respectively after a full night of racing.

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Doyle kicked off in fine form, marking a strong return from injury not even two weeks prior. As the evening progressed, Doyle’s injuries weighed heavy, but the Australian star remained steadfast as he focussed on racking up as many points as possible. Doyle finished Round 1 of the 2019 SGP with five points, landing in 13th place in the World Championship standings.

Jason Doyle

“The bike is good and the crowd is awesome! We’re just trying to get the right set up at the moment because the conditions are different from practice, as we expected. Tonight we’re just trying to get points and stay consistent.”

Newcomer to the SGP line-up, Fricke tackled what was undeniably an intense environment, finishing Saturday night with three points. Now sitting on 16th place in the World Championship standings, Fricke suffered a blow when he crashed out during one of his heats, however the young Australian remained the image of positivity as he reflected on the turn of events.

Max Fricke

“I’m really grateful for this call up! It’s not something I ever expected to happen this year so I’m really grateful for this experience and to be able and come out in front of a huge stadium. I picked up a few points, learnt a lot, and lead a few laps in the end, but I threw it away, which is on me. Hopefully we can come back sometime during the year and do some more rounds of the SGP.”

FIM Speedway World Championship Boll Warsaw Poland
2019 SGP of Poland Podium

Boll Warsaw SGP Result

  1. Leon Madsen 13
  2. Fredrik Lindgren 15
  3. Patryk Dudek 16
  4. Niels-Kristian Iversen 14
  5. Bartosz Smektala 10
  6. Bartosz Zmarzlik 10
  7. Antonio Lindback 10
  8. Robert Lambert 8
  9. Martin Vaculik 7
  10. Matej Zagar 7
  11. Emil Sayfutdinov 6
  12. Tai Woffinden 6
  13. Jason Doyle 5
  14. Janusz Kolodziej 4
  15. Artem Laguta 4
  16. Max Fricke 3
  17. Dominik Kubera DNR
  18. Rafal Karczmarz DNR

World Championship Standings

  1. Patryk Dudek 16
  2. Fredrik Lindgren 15
  3. Niels-Kristian Iversen 14
  4. Leon Madsen 13
  5. Bartosz Zmarzlik 10
  6. Antonio Lindback 10
  7. Bartosz Smektala 10
  8. Robert Lambert 8
  9. Matej Zagar 7
  10. Martin Vaculik 7
  11. Tai Woffinden 6
  12. Emil Sayfutdinov 6
  13. Jason Doyle 5
  14. Artem Laguta 4
  15. Janusz Kolodziej 4
  16. Max Fricke 3

Garcia Win WESS in France

Spain’s Josep Garcia has won round two of the World Enduro Super Series, storming to victory at France’s Trèfle Lozérien AMV ahead of Jamie McCanney and Nathan Watson.

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Josep Garcia FM
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

For 2019, the second round of the WESS championship proved a challenge for the 600-plus riders competing with continuous rain throughout the three days of racing at France’s most-prestigious Enduro – Trèfle Lozérien AMV – ensured the 719 kilometres of riding were both physically and mentally demanding for all.

Josep Garcia

“To get my first WESS victory of 2019, and also to create a little piece of history by being the first non-French winner here at Trèfle Lozérien, is amazing. The conditions really didn’t suit me – I’m not really a big fan of wet, slippery mud. But I pushed hard on all special tests and, well, everything went perfectly. Coming here straight from Extreme Lagares wasn’t easy but I knew this race was going to be important to my WESS championship.”

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Josep Garcia FM
Josep Garcia – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

Behind Garcia the battle for the remainder of the podium places was fierce but McCanney held his ground over his rivals to take the runner-up result.

Jaime McCanney

“Right from when I started walking the special tests here in France I knew Josep Garcia would be the rider to watch. When conditions weren’t too wet, or when they suited the 450 more, I managed to win some tests. And I’m really pleased about that. But Garcia was really strong throughout the event. I’ve been away from enduro racing for some time now, firstly getting over a shoulder injury and surgery and then focusing on rally. To come here and get the result I’ve got is really great. Despite the weather it’s been a great event. I can’t say if I’ll be back for more WESS racing, but I’d love to compete at Hawkstone if my schedule allows it.”

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Jamie McCanney FM
Jamie McCanney – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

Entering the final special test it was all to play for between Watson and Julien Gauthier for third with Gauthier holding just one tenth of a second in hand over the KTM rider and with both riders putting it all on the line, Watson edged out Gauthier by just over one second to snatch the final step of the podium in the last few moments of the race.

Nathan Watson

“I’m really happy with third overall, this is the first Classic Enduro I’ve raced since this event 12 months ago, so I came into it a little unsure what to expect but also confident that it would suit me. I had a consistent three days and kept things upright over the 15 special tests, which was really important. I’ve really enjoyed racing the 450 – being able to keep things smooth in these conditions has really helped me. Things were really close coming into the final test, just half a second between third and fourth overall. Thankfully, I managed to jump up one position to third, which was a great way to end the race.”

WESS Rnd Trefle Lozerien AMV Nathan Watson FM
Nathan Watson – 2019 Trefle Lozerien

For Gauthier it was not to be and with his fourth place result it also marked the first time in the event’s history that a French rider wasn’t present in the top three positions. After a strong ride on day two, Tarroux slipped down to fifth, with teammate Theo Espinasse (FRA) completing the top six.

The eight-round World Enduro Super Series continues with round three at Austria’s Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble on May 30 – June 2.

Results – Round 2: Trèfle Lozérien AMV 2019

  1. Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 01:03:07.557
  2. Jaime McCanney (Yamaha – GB) 1:03:49.586 +42.029
  3. Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1:03:55.612 +48.055
  4. Julien Gauthier (Yamaha – FR) 1:03:57.013 +49.456
  5. Jeremy Tarroux (Sherco – FR) 1:04:10.136 +1:02.579
  6. Theo Espinasse (Sherco – FR) 1:05:04.311 +1:56.754
  7. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas – FR) 1:05:10.817 +2:03.260
  8. Emmanuel Albepart (Yamaha – FR) 1:05:21.908 +2:14.351
  9. Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 1:05:31.888 +2:24.331
  10. Joe Wootton (Husqvarna – GB) 1:05:52.828 +2:45.271
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Brayton Set for 2019 Aussie SX Championships

Justin Brayton is the first of the international riders to confirm that he will compete in this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne on November 30 at Marvel Stadium as part of his attempt to win a fourth straight Australian Supercross Championship.

Justin Brayton

“The AUS-X Open is one of the greatest events outside of the US, and having been so close to winning it before, I’m determined to come back faster and ready to win in November. The racing at Sydney was always incredible but I think moving to Melbourne, into such an awesome stadium, is going to take Supercross racing in Australia to the next level and I can’t wait to put on a show for all the fans in Australia. Marvel Stadium will be the closest thing Australia gets to the World Championship. The track will be full-sized and I have no doubt both the racing and the atmosphere will be electric on November 30.”

AMA Supercross FInal Brayton JK SX Vegas
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld

The AUS-X Open Melbourne is the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA).

“I’m so pumped to be returning to Australia in 2019 and fighting for the Australian Supercross title for a fourth straight year with Penrite Honda Racing,” Brayton said. “I have the most amazing team when I head down under to race, and it would be awesome to bring home the trophy again, especially in front of the huge Melbourne crowd.”


Chad Reed returns for 2019 AUS-X Open

Two-time World Champion Chad Reed has announced he’ll be back to race on home soil this November 30 at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, as tickets go on sale from for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open.

Chad Reed flying high at the Monster Energy AUS X Open Sydney
Chad Reed at the AUS-X Open in Sydney in 2018

The 37-year-old will head to Victoria to race for the first time since 2012 and his first time racing in Melbourne since 2000, where he says he’ll be looking for redemption. The legend sat out the 2017 event due to injury and was unable to complete a fairytale comeback last year, with the 2018 World Champion Jason Anderson (USA), taking the win.

Chad Reed

“I’m definitely looking for redemption, to come out and work hard and just be better prepared on all levels myself, the bike, the team, so I can hopefully take out that AUS-X crown. Getting back to Melbourne to race will be awesome, it’s been a long time since I’ve raced there, I love the city, and I’ve never been to Marvel Stadium before so I’m really looking forward to it.”

AMA SX Rnd Chad Reed Pits JK SX Seattle
Chad Reed – Image by Hoppenworld

Tickets for the event will be available exclusively through Ticketmaster.com.au, starting from $39.95, and are expected to sell out fast.

Australia’s largest Supercross event, the AUS-X Open, has proven successful for the Aussie hero since its inception, including back-to-back wins during the first two years in 2015 and 2016, and Reed says he’s proud to have watched the event grow over the past four years and how it has significantly changed the Australian Supercross industry.

Chad Reed

“My favourite thing about AUS-X Open as a rider and an athlete is it’s such a reflection for me, remembering back to when I was eight years old watching all the Australian greats in a Newcastle motordrome, and now seeing it, [AUS-X Open] being held at Marvel Stadium at the highest level makes me real proud to be apart of the sport. I was around for the first ever AUS-X Open in Sydney and I’m really proud to see how it’s grown into Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. It’s so hard to put into words the energy that you get at a stadium like Marvel, a stadium filled with 35-45,000 people, there’s just nothing like it. And really why I still, at 37-years-old, choose to do this as my day-to-day job. I love it, and I can’t replace that feeling and I’m always excited to come back for more.”

Reed does a shooey after winning the AUS X Open Sydney
Chad Reed after winning the 2016 AUS-X Open

Reed will not have it all his own way in Melbourne, with what will arguably be the most competitive field of international supercross racers, to ever line up on Australian soil. More of the world’s biggest names in Supercross and Freestyle Motocross, including recent World Championship winners, will be announced in the coming days.

Already confirmed to compete on November 30, are current World Number 10 and defending Australian Supercross Champion – Justin Brayton, as well as 2019 World Supercross Championship Rookie of the Year and current World Number 8 – Joey Savatgy.

The 25-year-old American rider had an incredible rookie season in the premier 450SX1 class of the 2019 World Championship and is expected to be hard to beat at the AUS-X Open.

Joey Savatgy

“I can’t wait to head Down Under for the Monster Energy AUS-X Open. The calibre of riders that the event brings each year makes me so pumped to get out there and take it to the world’s best on Aussie soil. Racing Chad Reed at home, is certainly not going to be easy, but a challenge I’m ready for.”

Rookie of the year Joey Savatgy World Supercross Championship
Joey Savatgy competing in the World Supercross Championship

The largest international Supercross and action sports event in the world outside of the USA, the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne, will feature the world’s best riders going head-to-head on a full-sized World Championship style Supercross track for the first time ever inside Marvel Stadium.

It will also be an engineering feat, arguably unmatched by any Supercross event in the world, as supports imported and constructed in the lower level carpark, prepare to handle the immense pressure of up to 6,000 tonnes of dirt, machinery and infrastructure, all positioned within Australia’s largest indoor stadium.

Featuring live music and entertainment, stunning pyrotechnics and the world’s best freestyle motocross riders battling to win the best-trick and best-whip competitions; the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne is an incredible entertainment spectacle for all ages.

The AUS-X Open Melbourne is the final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA). *$39.95 Silver Tickets will incur additional transaction and booking charges.


Wollongong SX to Feature ‘Speed & Style’ Championship

Troy Bayliss Events have announced that the Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championship will be held on Saturday the 9th of November at Wollongong WIN Stadium – coinciding with Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championships.

Recover Australian Speed and Style Championship will feature at Wollongong
The Australian Speed & Style Championship will also be featured at Wollongong

The exclusive feature for fans attending the Wollongong Supercross, Recover8 Australian Speed & Style Championship will be run and won on the night, in a thrilling elimination style winner takes all format.

Australian and International riders are invited to compete, with the winner crowned the Official Australian Speed & Style Champion by sanctioning body Motorcycling Australia.

Speed and Style is a unique sport that originated at the American X-Games and combines the technical racing skills of Supercross with the incredible talents of Freestyle Motocross, giving fans an unbeatable mix of speed and wow.

Riders will race head-to-head, across whoops, over jumps and around berms with the added obstacle of a steel up-ramp and 75-foot gap for a finish line, allowing riders to perform backflip variations, huge whips and much more. Riders are judged based on a combination of time and the difficulty of tricks performed within the short action-packed race.

ASBK Test Wakefield TDJimagesDay Wayne Maxwell Troy Bayliss
Troy Bayliss right – TDJ Images
Troy Bayliss

“If you haven’t planned your trip to Wollongong Supercross yet, I suggest you do. Not only will fans be treated to an incredible night of Bar to Bar Supercross Action they will now be on the edge of their seats watching the best in the business compete for the Recover8 Speed & Style title. Troy Bayliss Events welcomes Recover8 as the official partner to the Australian Speed & Style Championship. Recover8 is a brand new supplement product that is being widely promoted as a go-to product by many elite athletes here in Australia and around the world, and makes for a perfect fit for this exciting feature.”

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James Stewart finally announces retirement

James Stewart, the seven-time AMA Motocross and Supercross Champion, who has not raced since July 23, 2016, has finally announced that he is retiring from the sport.

James Stewart

“Where I’m at in my life, I think it’s time to say I’m retiring. I’ve retired, it’s hard for sure, because I love racing and I love the fans, I love the opening ceremonies, I love the autograph lines, but I don’t miss the sweat and tears and training and having to feel like you have to win every race and having to be James Stewart. I don’t love doing that anymore.”

James Stewart has FINALLY announced his retirement
James Stewart retires

Stewart had a controversial career where he at times put other riders at risk with his brash riding style and while he was once known as the “fastest man on the planet,” he was also known as the “fastest soil sampler on the planet” with multiple crashes tainting what was supposed to be a dominating and long career – of which neither materialised.

Stewart retires with 20 career 250/450 Class wins in AMA Pro Motocross (fifth all-time) and 28 career 125/250 Class wins (first all-time) and 50 supercross wins.

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Honda’s Tim Gajser wins in Portugal | Prado tops MX2

MXGP 2019

Round 6 – Agueda, Portugal


MXGP arrived in Agueda, Portugal where it was Team HRC’s Tim Gajser claiming the round win after two dominant performances, that left Tony Cairoli settling for second, helping Gajser close in on the championship lead.

MXGP Portugal Rnd MX GP PH
MXGP of Portugal 2019

In MX2 it was a great weekend for Mitch Evans claiming third overall with a 4-3 result, while Jed Beaton had to settle for nine-points with a 12th place in Race 1. Jorge Prado claimed the round win from Thomas Kjer Olsen and the championship lead in the same swoop, with just three-points separating the two.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Agueda’s clay soil is rich with color but the racing was even more vibrant as thousands of fans filled the trackside hills to take in the action. Graced with blue skies and sunshine the track was prepped to perfection but the riders of MXGP and MX2 still had their hands full as it developed into a challenging circuit as racing progressed.


MXGP

MXGP Racing started with a Fox Holeshot from Antonio Cairoli – his eighth this season – while Cairoli’s main competitor so far this year, Tim Gajser, was in second through the first corner and immediately gave chase to the Sicilian.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019

The front runners were first followed by Arnaud Tonus, Jeremy Seewer, and Gautier Paulin. Paulin however fell out of the top five on the opening lap which left him to resume the race nearly dead last. His teammate Tonus went from fourth to third with a pass on fellow countryman Jeremy Seewer.

The two Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team riders Clement Desalle and Julien Lieber held down fifth and sixth from the start with Lieber taking the lead role.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Desalle GP PH
Clement Desalle – MXGP of Portugal 2019

About three quarters of the way through the race Gajser’s continual pressure paid off when Cairoli stalled the engine out of corner and although he was able to get back going it was all the #243 needed to take over the lead. Cairoli latched right onto the Slovenian and during the final two laps made a push to pass but the sprinting speed of Gajser got the better of the Italian.

Behind Gajser and Cairoli at the finish was Tonus, Seewer, Lieber, Desalle, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass. Paulin rode at an incredible pace through the field moving in and out of the race line to come from last to 15th.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tim Gajser
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Race 2 started with a Fox Holeshot from Tonus for his first time this year but Desalle took the lead and Cairoli slid into second position by the first downhill. Gajser was in fifth behind Seewer but made it into fourth by the end of the first lap. Paulin was off to a much better start in sixth meanwhile, with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre adding to the YZ frenzy in seventh.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Romain Febvre
Romain Febvre – MXGP of Portugal 2019

As Desalle led Cairoli it was Gajser making passes first on Tonus for third and then both Cairoli and Gajser got by Desalle in the same section. Cairoli was into the lead but within one lap a mistake saw him fall and drop to fifth. With Gajser in the lead Cairoli immediately retook fourth position then after four laps both Tonus and the #222 passed Desalle.

With four laps to go Cairoli passed Tonus to get into second but Gajser was already long gone taking an emphatic overall victory via double race wins for the second time this season. Cairoli took 2-2 for second overall while Tonus reached the podium in his stunning ride and hard fought 3-3 finishes.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Tim Gajser – P1

“It was really great to come away with two wins and the overall here in Portugal. I put last weekend behind me and I knew that if I focused and rode like I know how to ride, I could do well at this Agueda track. Still, to get both moto victories is a great confidence booster and backs up my win in Trentino very nicely. I now have the fastest laps in the last four motos so my speed is good and I know I am feeling strong too. These back to back races are tough but I head to France really happy with my riding and confident that the bike and I are working well together. A big thanks to the team for working so hard to help make this happen, and let’s keep up the effort!”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Antonio Cairoli – P2

“On one side I’m happy because the goal is to always be on the podium but in another way I’m disappointed. In the first moto I made a silly mistake and I stalled the bike but I could get back to Tim. In the second I was swapping lines. Where I crashed was a lottery, there was a lot of mud and I chose another line at the last moment and there was a rock that twisted my front end. I’m happy I didn’t hurt myself.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Tony Cairoli
Tony Cairoli – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Arnaud Tonus – P3

“It feels amazing to be back on the podium. It’s hard to put the feeling into words actually. I just feel thankful. Really thankful. Thankful to my team, and to Yamaha, and all of the people who support me for sticking behind me through what was the toughest time in my career. To be back up here after all of that is so cool. I am so happy and especially because I had to fight really hard for this result. I was passed and I had to pass people back and fight really hard, and that just makes a result like this so much sweeter, to know that I fought for it.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Arnaud Tonus
Arnaud Tonus – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Clément Desalle – P4

“It was a decent day if we consider that I couldn’t ride so much during the past weeks and there some positive points. It was great to lead the second moto with a very good rhythm for so many laps and that’s encouraging for the next rounds. I continue to recover from my knee injury and I feel that it’s coming better each week. The other positive point are my starts, and then to score a sixth and a fourth give me good points for the championship. Physically it’s still tough to maintain such a high intensity for the entire race but I know that I will be able to continue to improve my condition in the coming weeks.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Desalle GP PH
Clement Desalle – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jeremy Seewer – P5

“I had a positive weekend. I had two good starts from a bad gate pick, especially on this kind of start. I had good speed this weekend. I finished fourth in the first race which was really good because I struggled yesterday, but I felt good today. Second race was really good again, I settled in fifth, but the entry into the wave section here is really tricky. There are rocks, ruts, kickers, no kickers, lots to consider and every lap you get there, the bike handles differently. I got kicked sideways on the last lap and slid it out. I lost five spots. I still reached my goal, so this is positive for the next races.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jeremy Seewer
Jeremy Seewer – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Pauls Jonass – P6

“I’ve really enjoyed the GP of Portugal. It’s a track I’ve always liked and the conditions were pretty much perfect here. I guess I was feeling good after my podium result in Italy last weekend, but it also feels good to get a strong result in more normal conditions. My physical fitness is improving all the time and as it does I’m able to enjoy racing a 450 more and more. I didn’t get the best of starts here, but I made some important passes in the first laps of both races, which really helped me. The track was fast and a lot of riders were really pushing hard, so it wasn’t easy to make passes. I rode consistently during both motos, which was also important. I feel like I’m making some good progress, which gives me extra motivation to keep working hard with the team.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Pauls Jonass
Pauls Jonass – MXGP of Portugal 2019 – Image by Juan Pablo Acevedo

MXGP Results – Portugal MXGP

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:00.609
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.197
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:17.885
  4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:27.240
  5. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:28.880
  6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:29.847
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:35.562
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:51.205
  9. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:52.970
  10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +0:53.969

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:47.988
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:10.604
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:12.909
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:15.819
  5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:18.856
  6. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:20.225
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, Husqvarna), +0:22.115
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:24.630
  9. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:27.080
  10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:30.999

MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44
  3. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 40
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 33
  5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 29
  6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 28
  7. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 28
  8. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 27
  9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 26
  10. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 22

MXGP ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 285 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 251
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 197
  4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 175
  5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 166
  6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 153
  7. Pauls Jonass (LAT, HUS), 137
  8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 136
  9. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 122
  10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 120


MX2

MX2 racing was also full of action starting with Jorge Prado taking again scoring the Fox Holeshot while behind him a second turn pile up held back several riders. Michele Cervellin was in second on the opening lap, but Henry Jacobi surged past along with Thomas Kjer Olsen a short time later.

MXGP Portugal Rnd MX GP PH
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019

The race then ended abruptly for Cervellin when he crashed in spectacular fashion during lap 7. Honda 114 Motorsport’s Mitch Evans took over the fourth position Cervellin crashed out of with the Mathys Boisrame getting into the top five as well. Evans then lost fourth to both Boisrame and Jago Geerts. Boisrame was shifted back seven laps later when Geerts and Evans took fourth then fifth away.

Back at the front Olsen made a pass on Jacobi with two laps to go and as Jacobi pushed to reclaim the spot he instead fell and lost four positions on the last lap. Prado took the race win with Olsen 2nd ahead of Geerts, Evans, and Boisrame.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019

MX2 Race 2’s Fox Holeshot was taken by the wildcard EMX250 entry of Roan Van de Moosdijk, however Prado got the better of Van de Moosdijk into the second corner and took the lead. Van de Moosdijk dropped back to fourth while his teammate Jacobi moved to third.

Prado lost his lead to the Australian Mitch Evans before the end of the first official lap and held it for another four while Prado looked for an opportunity to pass. Cervellin returned to race after his crash earlier in the day and though banged up was in the top five as the race progressed.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Olsen made a mistake and had a back of the pack start but surprisingly didn’t crash after clipping another rider. By the sixth lap Olsen had worked up to fifth from tenth passing Cervellin and a handful of others in the process. With five laps remaining Jacobi made a pass on Evans to take over second and a lap later Olsen made one more pass to get into fourth past Van de Moosdijk.

All the while Prado continued to lead before taking the checkered flag for his 5th 1-1 result of 2019. Olsen finished 2nd overall but it was a bitter sweet moment as he also lost the championship lead to Prado. For the second time in his rookie MX2 season Evans reached the podium in 3rd position.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado on the MX2 podium – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Jorge Prado – P1

“This is the closest race to a home GP for me, we are very close to Spain and there are so many fans that came out and many were cheering for me, I really enjoy it. When I went onto the podium they went crazy so it is great to have a race like this and it was a great weekend. For me it was important to get the red plate because I feel more comfortable with it but it is tough to keep so I try to not make any mistake but in motocross you never know.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Thomas Kjer Olsen – P2

“Generally, I’m very pleased with how I’ve ridden here in Portugal. Losing the red plate isn’t great, I never wanted that, but again my speed has been good and to get second overall after a tough second moto is great. I felt good all weekend, and I’d been looking forward to the GP. Things are heading in a good direction so plenty of positives from the both races in Portugal. I got a good start in the opening race and worked my way from fifth to third. The pace was really strong and we were all pushing really hard and using a lot of energy. Second in that first race was really good. I was pretty lucky in the second race that I didn’t go down entering the first corner – I ended up going right when the corner went left. I had a lot of work to do after that and just rode as hard as I could. Working my way back to fourth was good. Carrying the red plate into more GPs would have been nice, but nothing changes now that I don’t have it. I want it back. I want to be winning races. I just need to keep focused and work on consistent starts.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Mitch Evans – P3

“It feels great to be back on the podium, we had a few tough weekends with some little injuries and my fitness dropped off because of it. We are finally back to the normal program and I am feeling a lot better which also gives a lot confidence coming into the weekend.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Mitch Evans
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Portugal 2019
Henry Jacobi – P4

“Normally with a fourth overall I would be happy, but it’s a little bit disappointing because I was third or second during the first race until I had a big crash in the waves on the last lap. I tried to pass back Olsen but he changed his line and took mine so I had to use a different one too but there was a stone and I saw it too late. It was a big crash; I was even wondering if I would be able to race the second moto as my hand was painful but I decided to have a go, made a good start and didn’t feel any pain! I eventually passed Evans for second and it remains very good for the championship so we can’t be unhappy tonight.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Jacobi GP PH
Henry Jacobi – MXGP of Portugal 2019

MX2 Results – Portugal MXGP

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:07.339
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.304
  3. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:27.504
  4. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:28.329
  5. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, Honda), +0:34.618
  6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:35.418
  7. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:44.519
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:45.789
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:51.829
  10. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +0:53.710
    …12. Jed Beaton (Husqvarna) 36:03.407

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:47.966
  2. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:03.912
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:05.411
  4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:12.005
  5. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Kawasaki), +0:23.210
  6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Honda), +0:36.473
  7. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:41.227
  8. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:43.706
  9. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:45.287
  10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:46.503

MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 40
  3. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 38
  4. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 36
  5. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 24
  6. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 23
  7. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 23
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 22
  9. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 20
  10. Mitchell Harrison (USA, KAW), 18
    …21. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 9

MX2 ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 250 points
  2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 247
  3. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 193
  4. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 170
  5. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 164
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 155
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 155
  8. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 128
  9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 127
  10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 122
    …13. Jed Beaton (AUS, Hus) 87


WMX

MXGP and MX2 weren’t the only world championship classes racing this weekend in Portugal as the fastest riders of the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship returned for the WMX round of Portugal.

MXGP Portugal Rnd WMX Start
WMX Start – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Following the opening round in the Netherlands at Valkenswaard it was Belgium’s Amandine Verstappen carrying the red plate into Agueda this weekend. Saturday hosted the first race of the two-day, two race, event and unfortunately for Verstappen her winning ways would not be repeated. Instead it was Bike IT DRT Kawasaki’s Courtney Duncan who dominated the field for his win of the year.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

At the start of race 1 Verstappen crashed and by the time she was back up she was buried at the back of the field. Larissa Papenmeier led Duncan down the first downhill with Nancy Van De Ven in third. Before the opening lap was complete Duncan took the lead from Papenmeier on the inside of one of the turns.

JK Racing Yamaha’s Lynn Valk pressured Van de Ven for third but was unable to pass her Dutch compatriot. Meanwhile Verstappen fell again dropping from 16th to 20th forcing her to go back to work all over again. Digging deep Verstappen made her way up to 10th but in the lead it was Duncan, all race, taking the win ahead of Papenmeier, Van de Ven, Valk, and Sara Andersen.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

WMX Race two took place this afternoon and Van de Ven rocketed into the first turn taking the holeshot and lead over Duncan and Papenmeier with Line Dam also in the mix. Verstappen’s weekend went from bad to worse getting caught in a pile up with 2 other riders.

Duncan didn’t take long to get past Van de Ven making a pass stick during the second lap and never looking back. Sara Andersen and Line Dam then had a battle but Andersen came out as the faster of the two Danes. Valk also passed Dam for her best ever WMX result while Verstappen never gave up charging through the field for a second day in a row.

MXGP Portugal Rnd Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

At the finish Duncan took the race win making it her second year in a row going 1-1 in Portugal but her first overall victory of 2019. 2ndand 3rdin the race, Van de Ven and Papenmeier were also second and third overall. The top five overall was filled out by Andersen and Valk as Verstappen’s resilience salvaged 9thoverall. The championship leaders red plate now belongs to Duncan with 89 points total which is four ahead of Van de Ven now in second.

Courtney Duncan

“I was really happy with the weekend; the goal was to put two solid races together and I did that.  I got blocked in at the first turn in that second race, but I didn’t panic, sorted out a good place to make a clean pass and could race away. I’m just taking it race by race at the moment and not really thinking about the championship, but I’m stoked to get the double win and take the red plate to the next round. We’ve got a nine week break now, so I’ll be going back to New Zealand to keep doing the work and come out swinging at Loket.”

MXGP Portugal Rnd Courtney Duncan GP PH
Courtney Duncan – MXGP of Portugal 2019

Duncan will now return to New Zealand to continue her training before taking the red plate into round 3 in Loket, Czech Republic the 27th and 28th of July.

MXGP Portugal Rnd WMX Podium
WMX Podium – MXGP of Portugal 2019

WMX Results – MXGP of Portugal

WMX Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 25:37.493
  2. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:12.938
  3. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:20.911
  4. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +0:49.788
  5. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +0:59.251
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:07.227
  7. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:13.030
  8. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:34.821
  9. Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +1:39.651
  10. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:42.185

WMX Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, Kawasaki), 24:51.296
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), +0:30.514
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Yamaha), +0:45.003
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), +1:08.450
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, Yamaha), +1:13.670
  6. Line Dam (DEN, Honda), +1:14.835
  7. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, Yamaha), +1:24.616
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), +1:25.103
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, Yamaha), +1:28.714
  10. Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Husqvarna), +1:39.760

WMX Overall Top Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 50 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 42
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 42
  4. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 34
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 34
  6. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 29
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 28
  8. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 27
  9. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 23
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 20

WMX ChampionshipTop Ten

  1. Courtney Duncan (NZL, KAW), 89 points
  2. Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 85
  3. Larissa Papenmeier (GER, YAM), 82
  4. Amandine Verstappen (BEL, YAM), 67
  5. Lynn Valk (NED, YAM), 63
  6. Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 61
  7. Line Dam (DEN, HON), 54
  8. Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 54
  9. Sara Andersen (DEN, KTM), 49
  10. Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 37

Source: MCNews.com.au

Moto Wrap | AMA SX | MXGP | EMX | AORC | Enduro

Moto News Wrap for April 9, 2019 by Darren Smart

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
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The LATEST News

  • Tomac and Davalos win Nashville AMA SX
  • Gasjer and Prado double up at Trentino GP
  • Locals win EMX rounds at Trentino
  • Milner sweeps Dungog AORC – Full Results TBA
  • Smith wins fifth Condo 750
  • Haaker wins SuperEnduro Championship
  • Sam Sunderland wins Abu Dahbi Desert Challenge
  • Adrien Van Beveren wins Merzouga Rally 2019
  • MXGP Calendar Updates
  • AUS-X moves to Melbourne
  • MX Nationals return to Broadford this weekend
  • Metcalfe in doubt for Broadford
  • Monson/Summerhayes earn sidecar double at Gillman

Tomac and Davalos win Nashville AMA SX

Nashville hosted the 14th round of the AMA Supercross Championships last weekend and on a night that saw a series of ups and downs for the green team, it was Kawasaki riders Eli Tomac and Martin Davalos who won the 450SX and 250SX East main events respectively.

AMA Supercross Rnd Tomac Starts JK SX Nashville Cover
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld

The first blow for Kawasaki was when 250 East Coast championship leader Austin Faulkner took his traditional practice crash but this time the Pro-Circuit Kawasaki pilot was forced to sit out the night with a knee injury while Eli Tomac was forced to the LCQ after his KX450 ground to a halt while leading his heat race.

Find the full report here: Triumphs and tragedies for Kawasaki men at Nashville SX

450SX Report

Heat race winner Ken Roczen was in a class of his own leading into the main event while championship leader Cooper Webb looked far from convincing during qualifying and his heat.

AMA Supercross Rnd Roczen JK SX Nashville
Ken Roczen – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld

Eli Tomac found his mojo and raced by Wilson, Baggett and Webb to take the lead and just a few laps later Baggett move to second ahead of Webb. Savatgy was carted off the track with what looked like a broken collar bone, while Musquin worked his way through to field in a desperate attempt to salvage points.

It ended up being another 26-lap main event and Tomac took the chequered flag well ahead of Baggett, who had Webb right on his back wheel all of the way to the line.

AMA Supercross Rnd Webb JK SX Nashville
Cooper Webb – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld

Webb now has a 21-point lead over Tomac and Musquin with three rounds remaining so no matter the winners, three top four finishes would hand Webb the championship but there is plenty of mouth-watering racing to come.

Eli Tomac

“It was tough, you can use it (going to the LCQ) to your advantage or not, I actually felt that I kept warm and found some rhythm but it was pretty wild, the truck was a mile away so when we had the mechanical I had to push it all the way back which made it a time crunch (to get back in time for the LCQ) so I just poured it on in the main, got back to our old self and it felt good to do that.”

AMA Supercross Rnd Tomac JK SX Nashville
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld

450SX Main Event Results

  1. Eli Tomac
  2. Blake Baggett
  3. Cooper Webb
  4. Dean Wilson
  5. Zach Osborne
  6. Marvin Musquin
  7. Cole Seely
  8. Ken Roczen
  9. Justin Bogle
  10. Tyler Bowers
    …19. Justin Barcia
    …20. Justin Hill
    …21. Joshua Grant
    …22. Joey Savatgy

450SX Points after 14 of 17 Rounds

  1. Cooper Webb – 309
  2. Eli Tomac – 288
  3. Marvin Musquin – 288
  4. Ken Roczen – 267
  5. Blake Baggett – 238
  6. Dean Wilson – 220
  7. Cole Seely – 176
  8. Joey Savatgy – 174
  9. Justin Barcia – 154
  10. Chad Reed – 151
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250 East Coast Report

Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper came into Nashville 26 and 28 points behind Faulkner respectively so this was as good a chance to make up serious ground on the championship leader.

AMA Supercross Rnd Sexton JK SX Nashville
Chase Sexton – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld

Unfortunately for both riders Cooper had a complete brain fade in the second corner to not only dive bomb Sexton but then run the Honda rider so high they locked bikes and fell into each other. While Cooper and Sexton went through the traditional frantic bike pick up scenario Davalos inherited the lead and the eventual win, to do his teammate in Austin Forkner a massive favour.

AMA Supercross Rnd Webb Bogle Tomac Multiple JK SX Nashville
Cooper Webb – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld
Martin Davalos

“I was forced to recover from a myriad of injuries during the off-season and my neck was one of them that I didn’t think would be an issue but I had problems with my arms and hands locking up so I spoke to Mitch and we got a heap of doctors in California to check me out and find solutions, as far as tonight goes the guys made a mistake and I took advantage of it, put myself in the right position and what we did with my neck a week ago definitely calmed my neck a little bit but all up, I am pumped to be here and this is awesome. I am looking for a 450 ride next year, I feel that would suit me better.”

AMA Supercross Rnd Davalos JK SX Nashville
Martin Davalos – 2019 AMA Supercross – Nashville Round 14 – Image by Hoppenworld

250 East Coat Main Event Results

1. Martin Davalos
2. Chase Sexton
3. Justin Cooper
4. Kyle Peters
5. Brandon Hartranft
6. Mitchell Oldenburg
7. Kyle Cunningham
8. Ryan Sipes
9. Mitchell Falk
10. Alex Martin

250 East Coast Points after 7 of 9 Rounds

  1. Austin Forkner – 151
  2. Chase Sexton – 148
  3. Justin Cooper – 144
  4. Martin Davalos – 115
  5. Mitchell Oldenburg – 105
  6. Alex Martin – 105
  7. Brandon Hartranft – 100
  8. Kyle Peters – 98
  9. Kyle Cunningham – 97
  10. Jordon Bailey – 76

250 West Coast Points after 8 of 10 Rounds

  1. Adam Cianciarulo – 182
  2. Dylan Ferrandis – 177
  3. Colt Nichols – 142
  4. RJ Hampshire – 126
  5. Shane Mcelrath – 123
  6. James Decotis – 112
  7. Chris Blose – 111
  8. Cameron Mcadoo – 111
  9. Michael Mosiman – 110
  10. Garrett Marchbanks – 99
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Gasjer and Prado double up at Trentino GP

On one of the most picturesque motocross circuits in the world, Tim Gajser has won a huge battle with championship leader and local Italian hero Antonio Cairoli to win the MXGP of Trentino. Jorge Prado completely dominated the MX2 class to move closer to the championship leader Thomas Kjer Olsen.

MXGP Rnd Trentino SANAYEI
MX2 Start – Trentino MXGP

MXGP Report

Cairoli holeshot the first race with Gajser a few spots back but the Honda rider has definitely found some serious mojo. He moved to the lead a few laps later and over the next 30 minutes he and Cairoli went toe-to-toe with Gajser getting the win by just 1.08 seconds from Cairoli, while third placed Gautier Paulin was almost a minute further back.

MXGP Rnd Trentino Tony Cairoli
Antonio Cairoli

Moto two saw Gajser earn the holeshot but once again it was a war between Cairoli and Gajser with some of the most hard-core racing one will ever see. Finally Cairoli over-committed going into a left hand corner and threw his KTM into the ground allowing Gajser to go through for a well-earned win and GP overall ahead of Cairoli.

Paulin earned another third for third overall and has moved to third in the points while Gajser has narrowed the championship point deficit to Cairoli by six points, to now sit just 16 points with 14 rounds remaining.

Tim Gajser

“It is just unbelievable and it is my first win in more than a year. To be here in Arco is always special, to race in front of so many people, so many fans. Today we had two great races with Tony battling, we were both pushing. I’m just so happy and thankful that we won that overall. The fans, they just push you on because every lap you can hear them cheering for you, it’s just an unbelievable feeling here.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Gajser bybavo
Tim Gajser
Antonio Cairoli

“The level was very, very high, we were on the limit every lap, pushing and pushing. I did my best lap time in the race faster than the time practice even with the track rougher, so it’s not often that you have this. I was trying to win the GP but Tim was better this time and he won so congratulations to him.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Antonio Cairoli
Antonio Cairoli
Gautier Paulin

“It’s always great to be on the podium, I’m actually happy about the riding and being on the box at the end of the day, but definitely, Tim and Antonio were faster today. So, we need to improve, we need to step up to the challenge and ride with them, be in that fight because as a racer when you fight for a win like that is unbelievable, it’s nice, it’s fun. The crowd was awesome here in Italy, the fans were crazy and I wasn’t in the battle but I was hearing the crowd from everywhere, actually every corner, so it was kind of special but congrats to these guys today!”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Gautier Paulin
Gautier Paulin

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:13.822
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.081
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:53.919
  4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +1:00.314
  5. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:03.786
  6. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +1:05.635
  7. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), +1:06.887
  8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +1:07.631
  9. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +1:13.322
  10. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +1:20.698.

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 34:11.454
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:24.305
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +0:53.333
  4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:57.384
  5. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Husqvarna), +0:58.712
  6. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), +1:18.314
  7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:18.657
  8. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:25.075
  9. Brian Bogers (NED, Honda), +1:31.843
  10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +1:36.522.
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MXGP Overall Top Ten

  1. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 50 points
  2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 44
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 40
  4. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 36
  5. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, KTM), 31
  6. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 28
  7. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KAW), 26
  8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 24
  9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 21
  10. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 20

MXGP Championship Top Ten

  1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 191 points
  2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 175
  3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 142
  4. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, HUS), 120
  5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, HON), 113
  6. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 112
  7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 98
  8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, KTM), 88
  9. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 79
  10. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 71

MX2 Report

Prado’s domination was impressive with the defending champion scoring three holeshots, the Qualifying race win and the two GP race wins all by substantial margins. The hard charging Jago Geerts put together 2-2 moto results to put him on the podium for the second round in a row while young Tom Vialle’s 3-6 took the French rider to the final podium position, his second this season as well.

MXGP Rnd Trentino Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado

Red Plate holder Thomas Kjer Olsen seemed to be a little wild on his way to 5-4 moto results for fifth overall and now holds a 20-point lead over Prado and 23 points over Henri Jacobi, who went 4-5 for sixth overall on the day.

MXGP Rnd Trentino Thomas Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen

Mitch Evans battled through the pain of a qualifying race knee injury to finish 7th overall in his first visit to the iconic Italian venue to now sit eighth in the championship and has over a month to heal up before the next round on May the 12th in Mantova for the MXGP of Lombardia.

Jed Beaton is still struggling with the lack of bike time, but battled on to earn 12th and 13th for 12th outright and now sits 13th in the championship.

Jorge Prado

“I love racing here, the fans are just crazy. When you’re on the bike riding just the atmosphere makes you feel comfortable, this is what we like to see. We love to see this atmosphere at the track and when people are cheering during a Grand Prix like this, it is always very nice.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Jorge Prado
Jorge Prado
Jago Geerts

“It was a really good weekend for me, I had top five starts so that was a really positive and the riding was good, I felt good on track all weekend and ended up second overall. I’m really up with the results…I’ve been working hard at getting better on hard pack tracks.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Jago Geerts
Jago Geerts
Tom Vialle

“It was a really great weekend, the season so far is going very well. Im having fun, everything is going well in both training and the races so far. It’s not easy as a rookie to deal with the pressure but I’ve had good starts so this gives me the opportunity to stay in front. This weekend again I had two good starts and the opportunity to race at the front for a solid result.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino om Vialle
Tom Vialle
Thomas Kjer-Olsen

“It’s not been the perfect weekend here, but I’m still leading the MX2 championship and I think I showed some good speed. Everyone knows this track is really difficult to pass on and I experienced that in the first moto. The second race was better, but after running third for so many laps it’s tough not getting a top three result. But finishing 5-4 gives me good championship points. I’ll keep working hard during the weeks off to be 100% ready for the next GP.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Thomas Kjer Olsen
Thomas Kjer Olsen
Mitchell Evans

“I’ve not raced at Trentino before but it’s a cool track. It just took me a while to learn it. I tweeked my knee in the qualifying race and that made it a struggle to come through the pack as it was a little one-line out there. But no excuses, I know what I need to do to improve. For the races, I strapped up my knee and pushed through the pain and got good starts. From 24th in the qualifying race to seventh overall today, I couldn’t be any happier and really pleased with how Sunday went.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Mitch Evans
Mitchell Evans
Jed Beaton

“I feel like it’s been an ok weekend for me. Things started off a little slow on Saturday and certainly not how I wanted it to go. But Sunday was much better. Two poor starts held me back in both motos though. I felt like my riding was good, but I have to get out the gate better. We have a good break now in the championship, so it gives me plenty of time to keep working and to focus on improving ahead of the re-start of the series.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Jed Beaton
Jed Beaton

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 35:17.013;
  2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:12.125;
  3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:14.130;
  4. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:31.658;
  5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:33.302;
  6. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:38.284;
  7. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:39.054;
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:44.903;
  9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:47.005;
  10. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), +0:50.563.
    …12. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS).

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34:49.733;
  2. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:02.862;
  3. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:06.293;
  4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:09.387;
  5. Henry Jacobi (GER, Kawasaki), +0:19.496;
  6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:21.773;
  7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, Honda), +0:33.318;
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:37.485;
  9. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Honda), +0:38.333;
  10. Davy Pootjes (NED, Husqvarna), +0:47.400.
    …13. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS).
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MX2 Overall Top Ten

  1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 50 points
  2. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 44
  3. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 35
  4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 34
  5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 34
  6. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 34
  7. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 29
  8. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 26
  9. Bas Vaessen (NED, KTM), 21
  10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 21 p.
    …12. Jed Beaton 17 p

MX2 Championship Top Ten

  1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 170 points
  2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 150
  3. Henry Jacobi (GER, KAW), 147
  4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 129
  5. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 125
  6. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 121
  7. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 107
  8. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 89
  9. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 89
  10. Davy Pootjes (NED, HUS), 76
    …13. Jed Beaton 54

Locals win EMX rounds at Trentino

The second rounds of the EMX250 and EMX125 Championship took place at the Trentino circuit where Italy’s own Alberto Forato and Mattia Guadagnini took the respective wins in front of a very vocal crowd.

MXGP Rnd Trentino EMX Start
EMX125 Start – Trentino

Incredibly, last weekend’s two EMX Championships had a combined list of 193 entries so Saturday’s qualifying sessions were split into two groups where only the top 20 of each qualified to line up in the Championship points paying races.

 EMX250 Report

After winning both races at the opening round, Forato carried on his dominant and perfect season to Trentino while Stephen Rubini was next best with two distant second place with Giuseppe  Tropepe taking the final podium spot.

Alberto Forato

“For sure I feel very good because the home GP is always fun. Here there is a lot of fans and a lot of friends came too. I got 1st and 1st so it couldn’t be any better.”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Alberto Forato
Alberto Forato

EMX250 Overall Top Ten

  1. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 50 points
  2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 44
  3. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 36
  4. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, HON), 33
  5. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 31
  6. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 31
  7. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), 28
  8. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 28
  9. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 28
  10. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 18
MXGP Rnd Trentino EMX Podium
Alberto Forato topped the EMX250 Overall Podium from Stephen Rubini and Pierre Goupillion

EMX250 Championship Top Ten

  1. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 100 points
  2. Stephen Rubini (FRA, HON), 80
  3. Pierre Goupillon (FRA, HON), 67
  4. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 63
  5. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 59
  6. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, YAM), 57
  7. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 53
  8. Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 51
  9. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, KTM), 50
  10. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 33

EMX125 Report

Guadagnini basically led every lap on the way to the overall with 1-1 finishes and he extended his points lead in front of the home fans while Tom Guyon and Kay De Wolf rounded out the podium going 2-2 and 3-3 respectively.

Mattia Guadagnini

“It was a perfect weekend, I had two good starts and then took the lead in the first lap. I had a good feeling on the bike and the track plus there are a lot of friends here and to win in Italy is something special, it was so good!”

MXGP Rnd Trentino Mattia Guadagnini
Mattia Guadagnini

EMX125 Overall Top Ten

  1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 50 points
  2. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 44
  3. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 36
  4. Guillem Farres Plaza (ESP, KTM), 33
  5. Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 31
  6. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 27
  7. Alberto Barcella (ITA, KTM), 27
  8. Matias Vesterinen (FIN, KTM), 26
  9. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 24
  10. Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 22
MXGP Rnd Trentino EMX Podium
Mattia Guadagnini claimed top EMX125 honours in Trentino, from Tom Guyon and Kay de Wolf

EMX125 Championship Top Ten

  1. Mattia Guadagnini (ITA, HUS), 93 points
  2. Tom Guyon (FRA, KTM), 83
  3. Kay de Wolf (NED, HUS), 74
  4. Jorgen-Matthias Talviku (EST, HUS), 73
  5. Oriol Oliver (ESP, KTM), 61
  6. Mike Gwerder (SUI, KTM), 48
  7. Guillem Farres Plaza (ESP, KTM), 43
  8. Simon Laengenfelder (GER, KTM), 40
  9. Liam Everts (BEL, KTM), 37
  10. Alessandro Facca (ITA, KTM), 30
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Milner and Sanders shine at Dungog AORC

The NSW country town of Dungog hosted rounds 3 and 4 of the AORC and despite the Sunday results not being official yet nothing is surer that Daniel Milner and Daniel Sanders were the fastest riders over both days with Milner posting the fastest overall time on Saturday before getting pipped my Sanders on Sunday.

AORC Dungog Daniel Milner Spray
Daniel Milner

Milner dominated the E2 class while Luke Styke got the nod in the E1 class and predictably Daniel Sander won the E3 class.

Motorcycling Australia has announced that Sunday’s results are being tallied manually and will be available as soon as possible.

2019 AORC Round 3 E1 Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Luke STYKE 42:04.943
  2. Michael DRISCOLL 42:35.031
  3. Fraser HIGLETT 42:39.572
  4. Lyndon SNODGRASS 42:52.364
  5. Jonte REYNDERS 44:05.529

2019 AORC Round 3 E2 Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel MILNER 40:57.420
  2. Joshua GREEN 41:48.814
  3. Scott KEEGAN 43:20.579
  4. Jeremy CARPENTIER 43:30.164
  5. Broc GRABHAM 43:32.914

2019 AORC Round 3 E3 Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Daniel SANDERS 41:09.640
  2. Beau RALSTON 44:02.716
  3. Jesse LAWTON 45:33.445
  4. Matt MURRY 46:02.060
  5. Timothy LONSDALE 48:46.117
AORC Dungog Daniel Sanders
Daniel Sanders

2019 AORC Round 3 EJ Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Kyron BACON 1:03:32.667
  2. Joshua BRIERLEY 1:03:47.912
  3. Korey MCMAHON 1:07:10.894
  4. Riley NANCARROW 1:08:08.863
  5. Nathan HOWE 1:08:18.808

2019 AORC Round 3 J4 Provisional Results

  1. Blake HOLLIS 36:29.379
  2. Mackenzie JOHNSON 38:12.209
  3. Oscar COLLINS 39:27.318
  4. Cody CHITTICK 39:33.392
  5. Kobe CONLEY 39:48.993

2019 AORC Round 3 J3 Provisional Results

  1. Riley MCGILLIVRAY 38:14.406
  2. Kodi STEPHENS 38:52.922
  3. Will DENNETT 40:01.809
  4. Jethro CARRIAGE 42:01.306
  5. Maxwell LIEBEKNECHT 42:20.174
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2019 AORC Round 3 J2 Provisional Results

  1. Billy HARGY 39:33.675
  2. Max PHILLIPS 39:51.370
  3. Jett YARNOLD 40:03.587
  4. Cody KILPATRICK 41:15.609
  5. Campbell HALL 41:26.716
AORC Dungog Jess Gardiner
Jess Gardiner

2019 AORC Round 3 Women’s Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Jessica GARDINER 49:08.717
  2. Emelie KARLSSON 50:23.125
  3. Emma MILESEVIC 53:09.863
  4. Ebony NIELSEN 54:23.041
  5. Danielle FOOT 54:45.531

2019 AORC Round 3 Masters Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Kirk HUTTON 46:38.371
  2. Brad WILLISCROFT 46:40.374
  3. Timothy MARTIN 47:55.218
  4. Peter RUDD 50:16.811
  5. Michael WIDDISON 51:46.765

2019 AORC Round 3 Veterans Top 10 Provisional Results

  1. Lee STEPHENS 47:46.798
  2. Scott DUNN 48:17.805
  3. Chris THOMAS 49:19.009
  4. Ben LINDSAY 50:31.995
  5. Paul CHADWICK 51:01.346

Smith wins fifth Condo 750

53 riders hit the small country town of Condoblin, NSW for the 31st running of 750km navigational event known as the Condo 750, and for the fifth time in his career Jacob Smith managed to win the event with an overall time of just under nine hours.

Smith didn’t have it his own way and was sitting third after the opening day behind Lachlan Manwarring, and Sam Davie while Rod Faggotter was not far off the pace in fourth. On the second day Smith and his Husqvarna found form to run away with the fastest time to overtake Manwarring and Davie for the win,with Faggotter maintaining fourth.

Smith wrote this on his FB page

“Stoked to come away with my 5th @condo750 win. Had to work for it but got it by a little over 4 minutes. Huge thanks to everyone that supports me and the team, but a special thanks to the best mechanic in the business @youngcobba wouldn’t be doing without him!!”

Jacob Smith Condo FB page
Jacob Smith – Image from his Facebook page

From all accounts the 31st Condo 750 was once again a huge success with the whole town and local land owners getting behind the event. However one has to ask how it came about that two NSW country towns, Condoblin and Dungog, just six hours from each other, both host national off-road events on the same weekend?!?!


Haaker wins SuperEnduro Championship

Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao, Spain hosted a controversial final round of the Maxxis FIM World SuperEnduro Championship. The round saw Cody Webb celebrating the final moto win and what he thought was the championship win before blowing up when Colton Haaker crossed the finish line in a championship winning third place thanks to his teammate Alfredo Gomez’s disqualifiable actions.

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain colton haaker
Colton Haaker – Image by Future7Media

There were three finals on the night and here is a recap:

SuperEnduro Final 1

While Webb stormed his way to the front in the opening final, Haaker appeared to have crumbled under the pressure and was dropping valuable positions.

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain Cody Webb
Cody Webb

He was handed a life line when this first race was red-flagged due to track conditions, but in the restart it was Webb who was a fastest to take the win ahead of Taddy Blazusiak and a thankful Haaker so just 6 points separated Haaker from Webb going into race two.

Heat 1

  1. Cody WEBB
  2. Taddy BLAZUSIAK
  3. Colton HAAKER
  4. Alfredo GOMEZ
  5. Pol TARRES

SuperEnduro Final 2

The second ‘reverse grid’ race saw Haaker ruthlessly slice his way to the lead after just three laps then go on to take the win over Webb and Blazusiak. Heading to the final race of the season Haaker had to finish fourth or better to wrap up the title.

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain colton haaker
Colton Haaker – Image by Future7Media

Heat 2

  1. Colton HAAKER
  2. Cody WEBB
  3. Taddy BLAZUSIAK
  4. Alfredo GOMEZ
  5. Pol TARRES
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SuperEnduro Final 3

Webb was fastest out of the gate, snatching the holeshot from Blazusiak while Haaker momentarily lost his concentration and made a small mistake in the rock garden. The Husqvarna rider nevertheless managed to maintain good pace and he focused on the title to stay in third. Blazusiak dropped out of the early running after quite obviously trying to hinder Haakers progress on one of the log jumps.

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak – Image by Future7Media

It all turned to poo for Haaker on the last lap with several crashes seeing the Husky rider drop to fifth place and as Webb crossed the line for the win he could actually see Haaker struggling on the previous straight so it seemed that KTM rider would therefore have enough points to win the 2019 title.

But that is when Alfredo Gomez, the teammate of Haaker, stepped in to not only block pass third placed Pol Terres in the final corner, he basically stopped them both long enough to hand Haaker the two positions for third and the Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship title.

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain alfredo gomez
Alfredo Gomez – Image by Future7Media

Webb was obviously infuriated with the outcome and it was little consolation that Gomez was later disqualified for this action. In a final shocking twist, Haaker suffered a huge crash over the finish line and knocked himself out.

Heat 3

  1. Cody WEBB
  2. Taddy BLAZUSIAK
  3. Colton HAAKER
  4. Kevin GALLAS
  5. Pol TARRES

Colton Haaker was therefore crowned 2019 Champion by just 4 points in front of Webb and Blazusiak.

Colton Haaker

“I’m a little bit lost for words right now, it’s been an eventful night but to end it as the world champion is an incredible feeling. I can’t thank the guys at Husqvarna enough for the support they’ve given me, not just tonight but throughout the entire series. This title is very much a team effort as it is mine. Tonight was tough. I’m not quite sure yet what it was but it certainly wasn’t my best night on a bike. The track wasn’t good and I had some serious arm pump issues, which is something I never really get. I made so many mistakes in race one and was riding too tight. Then I got it together in race two and felt more like I should.  It was all on the line for the final and I did what I needed to do on the first few laps. But then the arm pump kicked in again and I stalled my bike so many times. With about a lap to go I got things together again and put everything I had left into that lap and won the title. It wasn’t pretty, but it doesn’t matter, we’re world champions and it feels awesome.”

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain colton haaker
Colton Haaker claims the 2019 SuperEnduro championship title! Image by Future7Media

Webb was obviously disappointed not to retain his title and felt the championship should have been his after the controversial night.

Cody Webb

“Obviously I’m disappointed with the final championship result tonight, I felt I rode really good out there today and deserved the title. The night started off well with a good time in superpole and then in the restarted first final I took my time, rode smooth and took the win by a good margin. I am kicking myself now for the mistakes I made in the second final, I got caught up in traffic a few times, but still got second – I knew then I would have to really go for it in the last one. I got off the line well in the third final and set about catching Colton. After I got past him, I just stayed smooth and could see he was struggling. I’m happy because I did my best, won that third final and believe the championship should have been mine. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but I’ll learn from it, and come back even stronger next time.”

SuperEndur Rnd Bilbao Spain Cody Webb Taddy Blazusiak
Cody Webb – Image by Future7Media

Taddy Blazusiak finished the night in third and also concluded the championship in the same position.

Taddy Blazusiak

“This was always going to be a tough one. I am happy with how I rode today and feel I did a good job. My pace over the whole season has been good, there have just been a few instances where luck simply hasn’t been on our side. I have had some amazing events this year, I obviously still have the speed – overall race wins in Hungary and Poland show that. The track here was tight and I feel the championship should be decided on more of a flowing track that lets us really race. But this is SuperEnduro, I know I can still improve in a couple of areas – Superpole for one is something I need to work on. I’ll come back swinging next year for the title, I would love to get a seventh!”

SuperEnduro Round Hungary Taddy Blazusiak
Taddy Blazusiak – SuperEnduro Round 4 – Hungary 2019

Provisional Standing

  1. Colton HAAKER 263pts
  2. Cody WEBB 259pts
  3. Taddy BLAZUSIAK 234pts
  4. Pol TARRES 155pts
  5. Alfredo GOMEZ 145pts.
  6. Diogo VIEIRA 124pts
  7. Blake GUTZEIT 121pts
  8. Kevin GALLAS 119pts
  9. Xavi LEON SOLE 100pts
  10. David LEONOV 74pts
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Sam Sunderland wins Abu Dahbi Desert Challenge

Sam Sunderland has won the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge which was also round one of the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship while Luciano Benavides and Jose Ignacio Cornejo rounded out the podium.

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Sam Sunderland Luciano Benavides
Sam Sunderland and Luciano Benavides with the KTM Factory Rally Team

Sunderland bookended the event with wins in the first and fifth day to end up with an 8 plus minute gap back to Benavides.

Sam Sunderland

“Things went perfectly today, we knew coming into today’s final stage that we would have to stick to our planned strategy. The stage brought us closer to Abu Dhabi and as such, the tracks towards the end were a lot faster away from the dunes. I knew I would have to push really hard right from the start of the special. I arrived at the refuelling and the team let me know everything was good, so from there it was just a case of bringing it home safely to the finish. I’m really happy with the job done by the team all week and myself in the way I rode. It’s great to get my 2019 championship off to the perfect start with a win.”

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Sam Sunderland
Sam Sunderland

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge marks Benavides’ maiden podium in an FIM Cross-Country Rallies event.

Luciano Benavides

“It’s been an incredible day for me, I knew I had to push a lot to make up the difference to the guys in front, gain some minutes and take second place. I tried my best to go fast, but stay on the bike and not go too crazy. The bike was feeling super-good so I decided to attack and it worked out, I got second place and the team got the first two places. I am really happy and now it’s time to celebrate.”

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Luciano Benavides
Luciano Benavides

Andrew Short placed fifth overall showing impressive speed in the dunes of the Liwa Desert the American overcame several challenges to secure a well-deserved top-five result.

Andrew Short

“This last day has been good for me, I felt really good all day and had a good pace. Just near the end I had a small issue but I was able to quickly get going again and complete the stage. Overall, I have really enjoyed the race here in Abu Dhabi, it’s been a great experience and fun to be here with the crew. I feel my riding has improved here, each rally I do it feels like I move up another level and it’s very important to keep that momentum going. Real race experience is so valuable and it’s good to leave here healthy and even faster. Admittedly, it’s not quite the result I was hoping for but we had to play the cards we were dealt and I think we handled it perfectly. I’m now really looking forward to the next race.”

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Andrew Short
Andrew Short

The second round of the 2019 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – the Silk Way Rally commences on July 6 in Russia.

Provisional Results Stage Five

  1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 2:39:59
  2. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 2:43:25 +3:26
  3. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 2:46:42 +6:43
  4. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHL), Honda, 2:49:40 +9:41
  5. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 2:53:34 +13:35

Provisional Overall Results – 2019 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

  1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 17:46:42
  2. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 17:55:02 +8:20
  3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHL), Honda, 17:56:41 +9:59
  4. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 18:21:33 +34:51
  5. Andrew Short (USA), Husqvarna, 18:48:22 +1:01:40
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Adrien Van Beveren wins Merzouga Rally 2019

Yamalube Yamaha Rally Team rider Adrien Van Beveren has won the motorcycle class at the five-day Merzouga Rally 2019 ahead of Ross Branch and Oriol Mena.

Merzouga Rally Adrien Van Beveren
Adrien Van Beveren

Focused on using the 10th running of the Merzouga Rally as the start of his preparation towards the 2020 Dakar Rally, Van Beveren’s winning result was valuable navigational experience thanks to several long and challenging stages.

Adrien Van Beveren

“I’ve had a great feeling with my bike throughout the week and I have to say a huge thanks to all the team, who have worked so hard to support me. The Merzouga Rally was all about improving. Improving my navigational skills, and generally starting our preparations ahead of Dakar 2020. We came here focused on improving and I absolutely feel that we did that. The navigation here is very tricky, so to be opening the tracks as much as I did, that gives me a lot of confidence. This is a great team result. Next, we have the Silk Way Rally, but before then there’s more testing and training to do. We keep working…”

Merzouga Rally Adrien Van Beveren
Adrien Van Beveren

Stage 5 Provisional Classification

  1. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 55:01
  2. Jamie McCanney (GBR), Yamaha, 55:02 +0:01
  3. Joaquim Rodrigues (PRT), Hero, 55:04 +0:03
  4. Jaume Betriu (ESP), KTM, 55:18 +0:17
  5. Ross Branch (BWA), KTM, 56:40 +1:39
  6. Maurizio Gerini (ITA), Husqvarna, 57:36 +2:35

Provisional Overall Final Classification

  1. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 15:28:02
  2. Ross Branch (BWA), KTM, 15:52:39 +24:37
  3. Oriol Mena (ESP), Hero, 16:01:03 +33:01
  4. Joaquim Rodrigues (PRT), Hero, 16:02:23 +34:21
  5. Alessandro Botturi (ITA), Yamaha, 16:15:43 +46:41
  6. Maurizio Gerini (ITA), Husqvarna, 16:23:53 +55:51

MXGP calendar updates

With the 2019 MXGP season well underway Youthstream regretfully announces that the previously anticipated 2019 MXGP of Hong Kong scheduled to take place on the 22nd of September has been cancelled so the revised calendar will now see the MXGP of China in Shanghai as the final stop of the now 18-round FIM Motocross World Championship season.

The cancellation comes as a request by the organizer who is eager to refocus on holding an MXGP in March 2020. Due to the timing of the cancellation no replacement will be made giving riders and teams an additional week prior to racing the final event of 2019, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

The updated 2019 Calendar can be viewed below:

MXGP Calendar Update
Updated 2019 MXGP Calendar
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AUS-X moves to Melbourne

November 30 will see the AUS-X Open and all that it encapsulates run under the roof of Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium in what is set to be the largest international Supercross and action sports event ever seen in Australia, with Supercross, Freestyle Motocross, live music, pyrotechnics and non-stop entertainment.

Melbournes Marvel Stadium will host AUS X
AUS-X moves to Melbourne in 2019

AUS-X Open Chairman – Tony Cochrane (Founder of V8 Supercars), states a move to Melbourne will open up a world of opportunity as this exciting event looks to expand and build on its already popular foundations.

Tony Cochrane

“Since its inception, the AUS-X Open has grown from strength-to-strength to a point where we’ve found ourselves in the fortunate situation of needing to expand to cater for the growing appetite of Supercross racing and more broader sports fans across the country. The AUS-X Open Melbourne will be bigger, faster, louder, featuring more entertainment and greater accessibility to these international megastars than ever before, and I can’t wait for November 30 to showcase this amazing spectacle to the people of Melbourne. It really has to be seen to be believed.”

The AUS-X Open is now part of a partnership with the Victorian Government via its tourism and major events agency, ‘Visit Victoria’ and it has the full support of the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula.

Martin Pakula

“Victoria is unmatched as the sporting and event capital of Australia and we’re so excited to bring the AUS-X Open to a world-class venue like Marvel Stadium,” said Mr Pakula. “Melbourne’s sporting calendar continues to be the envy of cities across Australia and around the world. We’re thrilled to add AUS-X Open to the list, this November.”

As we have come to expect, the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Melbourne will double as the Grand Final round to the 2019 Australian Supercross Championship and Peter Doyle, the CEO for the sanctioning body for Supercross racing, Motorcycling Australia (MA) had this to say of the move.

Peter Doyle

“The Australian Supercross Championship is Australia’s premiere off-road motorcycle racing Championship. To have the grand finale here in Melbourne, at an incredible event like the AUS-X Open, is a huge positive for the sport and fans alike.”

Marvel Stadium will host AUS X on November

Tickets start from $39.99*. For more information and the exclusive opportunity to sign-up to access tickets during the pre-sale before they’re on sale to the public, you must ensure you sign up to an exclusive Pre-Sale ticketing opportunity at www.ausxopen.com.

Pre-Sale tickets will be available from May 15 via Ticketmaster.com.au and stay tuned to @SXOpenSupercross on social media for further announcements.


MX Nationals return to Broadford this weekend

With the Victorian State Motorcycle Complex in Broadford hosting the third round of the Pirelli MX Nationals this weekend the local communities will benefit from an estimated $350,000 coming into the region. A myriad of businesses are set to host and serve not only the hundreds of racers converging on the region but also the thousands of spectators.

mx nationals coolum rnd saturday amateur cup line up ImageScottya
MX Nationals head to Broadford – Image by ScottYa

On top of the MX1, MX2 and MXD championship classes and the Rising Star Rookies, there will also be a demonstration in between races to highlight the new Enduro-X track. This will feature world class riders in Chucky Sanders and Daniel Milner on hand doing double duties as they also race the MX Nationals.

MX Nationals Series Promoter Kevin Williams today explained that the venue is well equipped to welcome thousands of motocross fans and the track will be prepared to a world class standard.

Kevin Williams

“With Broadford again hosting a national event of this size it is sure to keep venue on the radar, and provides the sport in the area with fantastic national exposure, riders and teams alike are excited to see the new revamped track after Josh Proctor from Pro Traxx has rebuilt the track to GP spec,” shared Williams

The Broadford layout is very spectator friendly with a plethora of great viewing areas but if you are unable to make it to the track itself you can watch all the action live for free at http://www.nrgtv.com.au

To stay up to date with all this MX Nationals simply go https://www.mxnationals.com.au or follow the series and the riders on instagram @mxnationals

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Metcalfe in doubt for Broadford

After a tough weekend at the Wonthaggi round of the MX Nationals, Penrite Honda Racing’s Brett Metcalfe has sustained several injuries which has left the veteran battling the clock to be ready to line up at Broadford, Victoria on April 14, which is the third round of the 10-round series.

Brett Metcalfe

“My sole goal is to line up at Broadford, brave the pain and get as many points as we can to stay in the Championship. The biggest concern right now is the spiral fracture I have in my finger. I will head back to the clinic next Monday and we will make a decision following the second round of results.”

MX Nationals Rnd Wonthaggi MX Brett Metcalfe
Brett Metcalfe

Metcalfe felt he was on track for a top three finish at Wonthaggi.

“Qualifying was good, I made a few changes in practice and I knew I could run a strong pace during the races. I felt fast but it was hard to pass, I lost a lot of time throughout the race being stuck behind riders as the track was very one lined. In the end, I settled for 5th and I was able to make up 18 seconds on the winner so we certainly had great pace. I felt the changes we made were perfect for the conditions. The bike felt amazing during the siting lap and I believed we could race for the win, so I am really bummed but that is motocross, anything can and usually does happen. No matter what, we will come back and win races.”

MX Nationals Rnd Wonthaggi MX Brett Metcalfe
Brett Metcalfe

Monson/Summerhayes earn sidecar double at Gillman

After winning all but one race on their local track, Warren Monson and Andrew Summerhayes have spectacularly won the 2019 FIM Speedway Sidecar 1000cc World Cup and 2019 FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship over two nights of action at Gillman Speedway.

The FIM Speedway Sidecar 1000cc World Cup final saw the Mark Plaisted/Ben Pitt fly to the fastest lap, but that wasn’t good enough to best Monson/Summerhayes while defending champion Darrin Treloar and Blake Cox earned third ahead of Shane Rudloff and Scott Morris.

On the very next night the final of FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship required six restarts and two exclusions to finally leave Monson/Summerhayes and Cohen/Egan to battle it out, with Monson/Summerhayes on top once again to leave them FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar champions as well as World Cup winners.

Monson was thrilled to add the FIM Oceania Speedway Sidecar Championship to his trophy collection from the weekend.

Warren Monson

“Just as happy as last night! It was very hard for us tonight, the track was very hard to read, and we just had to push through it. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a final that had that many restarts! But we came through on top, so we’ve got to be happy with that.”

A double FIM World Cup and FIM Oceania Championship winner (2017 and 2019), Monson remarked after the event that he’d only ever won four events at Gillman Speedway – his two World Cups and two Oceania Championships. “I can’t even win a club night at Gillman!” he laughed.

Defending champion Darrin Treloar had a day to forget, after finishing third, second and first in his first three heats he was struck with mechanical issues and took no further part in the event.

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Source: MCNews.com.au