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Toni Bou claims fifth win at Bilbao X-Trial
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou has taken his fifth victory of the FIM X-Trial season in Bilbao, increasing his leadership in the series, in a dominant performance ahead of Adam Raga and Benoit Bincaz.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao
This is the second occasion that Bilbao has hosted a race of the FIM X-Trial World Championship and the crowds saw Toni Bou make a hesitant start collecting, eight penalties – four more than his arch-rival Adam Raga. Even so, he successfully qualified for the second phase.
Bou made the second round count with better precision, making 12 points in the five zones which demanded highly technical level of riding. With this result, and being the best of his group, Bou moved on to the final where he faced off with Adam Raga.
In a great final that saw very tight racing, Toni Bou won the victory with precision through the very demanding areas, with the Montesa Cota 4RT rider finishing with nine penalties against the 12 of Raga.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao
The triumph leaves the Repsol Honda Team rider as the leader of the World Championship, with a growing 35-point advantage.
The sixth race of the X-Trial World Championship will be held on March 21 at Wiener Neustadt, in Austria.
Toni Bou
“It was a really demanding X-Trial right to the end and that makes this fifth victory of the season even sweeter. In the Final I probably took too many risks in some sections so I ended up suffering more than I needed to. But this season has been really competitive; Adam is riding really well, so this victory is really important as it leaves me in a great position to fight for the title.”
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao
X-Trial Bilbao 2020 Results
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Team
Points
1
BOU, Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
20
2
RAGA, Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
15
3
BINCAZ, Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
12
4
FAJARDO, Jeroni
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
9
5
MARCELLI, Gabriel
SPA
RG Team
6
6
CASALES, Jorge
SPA
Gas Gas Factory Team
4
7
GELABERT, Miquel
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
2
8
MARTYN, Toby
GBR
TRRS Factory Team
1
Adam Raga, Toni Bou, Benoit Bincaz – 2020 X-Trial Round 5 Bilbao
2020 X-Trial Standings
Pos.
Rider
Points
1
BOU, Toni
100
2
RAGA, Adam
75
3
FAJARDO, Jeroni
34
4
BINCAZ, Benoit
28
5
BUSTO, Jaime
28
6
CASALES, Jorge
28
7
MARCELLI, Gabriel
25
8
GELABERT, Miquel
24
9
MARTYN, Toby
2
10
TOULY, Kieran
1
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Beaton leads Husqvarna results at Mastercross Lacapelle Marival
Bringing their pre-season racing schedule to a positive close, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jed Beaton, Kay de Wolf and Pauls Jonass have all successfully completed their final warm-up race ahead of the start of the 2020 MXGP Championship.
Jed Beaton – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival
Competing in the Mastercross Lacapelle Marival event in France, Beaton secured the overall runner-up position in the MX2 class, with Pauls Jonass returning to competition following illness to finish fifth overall in the MX1 class.
With the recent Hawkstone International largely an exercise in survival due to the hugely challenging weather and track conditions in England last weekend, the Mastercross Lacapelle Marival delivered near-perfect track conditions and close racing across all classes.
Pauls Jonass – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival
Securing Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s best result in the MX2 class, Jed Beaton enjoyed two positive outings to claim a deserved overall runner-up result. Placing comfortably inside the top 10 off the start in each of the two MX2 motos, Jed spent much of the opening race in fourth before moving ahead of Jago Geerts with two laps to go.
Jed Beaton – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival
Race two saw Jed start well, completing the first lap in fourth. Taking some time to find his rhythm around the French track, the Australian settled into a strong pace during the second half of the moto to finish just four seconds behind eventual overall winner Tom Vialle. In the combined 450/250 Super Finale, Jed placed 12th, the third-highest MX2 class rider.
Jed Beaton
“Yeah, I’m pretty pleased with the way today went. It’s really nice to get to race a pre-season event that’s not super wet and is in good condition and has good grip. The two motos went well enough for me. In the first race I didn’t get the best of starts, I think I was down in fifth or sixth before getting up to third. I stayed there for quite a few laps, before the top two guys got into the lappers. It got pretty intense there for a while and I was able to close up a lot. Third was a good result. I took a little while to get into a rhythm in the second race although I was in second for most of the time. I felt like I rode a lot better in the second half and to finish second overall is positive ahead of the first GP in a couple of weeks.”
Jed Beaton – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival
Returning to action following several weeks away from competition due to sickness, Pauls Jonass secured fifth overall in the MX1 class aboard his FC 450 following fifth and fourth place results, before rounding out his participation at the French event with sixth in the Super Finale.
Pauls Jonass
“It’s been good to be back racing after a few weeks off, but I feel like things could have gone a little better today, still a few too many small mistakes. I got a good start in the first race and went too hard too soon, and that cost me mid-race. There were some pretty deep lines on the track and you needed to be smooth – I pushed a bit too hard. Things were better at the end of the race but there was no time left to really improve my result then. I got a great start in the second moto and really tried to be smooth. I made a few small mistakes, but things were better than race one. Overall, the event’s been great – really good conditions and apart from some small mistakes I’m happy. Two weeks before the first GP now so I’ll keep up the work and look forward to Matterley Basin.”
Pauls Jonass – 2020 Mastercross Lacapelle Marival
Next up the team will compete in the opening round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship, the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley Basin, England.
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Podiums for KRT at Lacapelle Marival Masters
The Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team completed its preparation for the motocross MXGP season in style with podium finishes for both Romain Febvre and Clement Desalle at the Lacapelle Marival Masters, with glorious weather and a stunning track in central France greeting teams for a perfect final shakedown before the start of the World Championship in two week’s time.
Both KRT riders commanded a top five start in the first twenty-five-minute moto, the Belgian moving up the leaderboard from fifth on lap one to claim third place, just over a second from runner-up, at the chequered flag while the Frenchman recovered from a mid-race incident soon after claiming third to cross the line just a few seconds back in sixth.
Regrouping from a first turn incident which left him initially ninth in race two Desalle maintained his composure to advance to sixth at the finish while Febvre showed that he is already in perfect accord with his new mount as he pushed his KX450-SR up the leaderboard to finish second, even closing down the race-long leader mid-moto.
The two MX1 motos gave the KRT riders third and fourth overall before the final outing of the day which combined the leading riders from MX1 and MX2 in the SuperFinal. Desalle again missed a clean run through the first turn but took the opportunity to show his ability to run down the opposition as he advanced from fourteenth first time past the timekeepers to secure a stunning fourth at the close.
Febvre was even more impressive as he advanced rapidly from fourth to second, setting the fastest lap of the race as he chased down the leader and, like his teammate, confirming that he is ready both in terms of physical fitness and bike set-up prior to the opening round of the FIM World MXGP Motocross Championship at Matterley Basin in southern England on March 1st.
Romain Febvre
“It’s a great feeling to have such a strong day with good starts, good lap time and podium results. We have worked a lot with Jacky (Vimond) and I have made a lot of progress since Riola three weeks ago. I love my KX450-SR and we saw today that I got good starts even if this one here is really short to the first turn. I can say that tonight I am reassured; now we’ll go back home and practice on several different tracks to be ready for Matterley Basin.”
“It was a good experience today, even if I didn’t get such good starts. We made some changes on the bike settings – that’s also why we do some pre-season races – and the time schedule was tough with three races but overall the day was OK. I hit my ankle in the first race but it’s nothing serious and I had a good race. This year I want to do a full season so it was not necessary to take risks today; I’m happy with the bike, we are right on schedule with our preparation and we’ll continue to work before the first GP.”
American Motorcyclist Association honour Greg Hancock
AMA Charter Life Member Greg Hancock, from Costa Mesa, California, announced his retirement from professional racing on Feb. 15, having won his most recent Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme Speedway World Championship in 2016.
His other FIM Speedway titles came in 2014, 2011 and 1997. In the United States, he won eight AMA Speedway National Championships. Hancock also won FIM Team and Pairs World Championships, as well as many European domestic league titles during his career.
Greg Hancock
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone at the AMA and the FIM for providing me the many years of incredible speedway racing, which basically became my life school. Although I am stepping away from competing, I do not plan to exit the scene. I have plans that will keep me close to the sport, and we’ll see where that goes in the weeks ahead.”
Greg Hancock – 2016 Speedway GP Melbourne
The history of American Speedway competition dates to the mid-1920s. One of the sport’s early stars was America’s first world champion, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Jack Milne, who won the 1937 Individual Speedway Championship in London.
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Murray Bridge confirmed for 2020 AORC Rounds 7 & 8
South Australia’s Murray Bridge has secured Rounds 7 and 8 of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) presented by MXstore, to be held on August 1 and 2, 2020, with the support of Rural City of Murray Bridge and Velocette Motorcycle Club.
Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo, said the 2020 Yamaha AORC, presented by MXstore was shaping up to be the best year yet.
Matthew Falvo
“With World champion riders returning for action in 2020, we will have the best riders in the world competing at Murray Bridge. There has been plenty of interest from South Australian riders and we are very pleased with the enthusiasm, excitement and support not only from the riders but also round hosts – the Velocette Motorcycle Club and the Rural City of Murray Bridge. With new exciting venues in the 2020 AORC we are sure to again field upwards of 200 plus riders for each event in every state, we are sure the championship can only grow further.”
This announcement now finalises all venues for the 2020 Championship which will continue to use a double-header format when the Championships kicks off in just 8 days’ time.
2020 AORC Calendar
Revised dates announced for 2020 King of MX
Motorcycling NSW has taken the unavoidable step of rearranging the 2020 King of MX qualifier schedule, swapping the Bathurst and Lakes qualifier events after it became clear that other events in the Bathurst region would make logistics especially difficult for entrants.
Lake Macquarie will now host qualifier 3 on March 14-15, while the Panorama Motorcycle Club will shift to the qualifier 5 dates of April 18-19.
Dave Cooke – Motorcycling CEO
“We were made aware of some regional events in Bathurst that were going to have some impacts on entrants’ ability to find cost-effective accommodation, among other things, and so we began looking at our options. It became clear quite quickly, with some FIM events along with other local date restrictions, that a date change just wasn’t possible. After consulting with our partner clubs, the team at Lakes were able to come to the party, and essentially trade dates with Panorama to allow as little impact as possible to those planning on racing the events. While I agree it’s not ideal to have to change the calendar, I’m grateful to everyone involved who’s helped to find, what is a great solution. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who travelled to Bega over the weekend for the first qualifier. As all of Australia knows, the far south coast region of NSW was heavily fire affected, and I’m really proud that our sport could play a small role in bringing people back to the area and contribute to rebuilding this beautiful part of the state.”
With the King of MX firmly underway for 2020, all focus now turns to Narrabri, where, in just two weeks’ time, the second qualifier will get underway. There, another 126 Golden Tickets will be on offer, and over $1000 in prizes.
2020 King of MX Calendar
Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final **Run & Won**
Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 5 -April 18-19, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Dargle – Top 7 qualify for final
Final – June 6-8, Cessnock
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
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What happened this week
International Six Days of Enduro heads to Italy in 2020
Strong Aussie line-up for 2020 Anaheim SX
OZ Speedway goes global with streaming
Yamaha the major sponsor of 2020 AORC
2020 FIM Speedway of Nations heads to Manchester, England
2020 125cc Solo Speedway line-up announced
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sign Manuel Lettenbichler
Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to Serco Yamaha in 2020
GasGas Factory Racing sign Albert Cabestany
Australian Supercross celebrate successful 2019 season
MA announce 2020 Dirt Track and Track updates
2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar announced
2020 NSW State Motocross Championship announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
2020 Australian Track Championship
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship
2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West
2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship
International Six Days of Enduro heads to Italy in 2020
For what will be the 95th edition of the FIM’s longest-running motorcycle race, the 2020 FIM ISDE will be held in Rivanazzano Terme in northern Italy from 31 August to 5 September. A nation rich in Enduro heritage, Italy last held the FIM ISDE in 2013 on the island of Sardinia.
2019 ISDE – Image by Dario Agrati
In 2020, it will be the Apennies region of Lombardy and Piedmont that will showcase the beauty of the country to off-road motorcycling enthusiasts from around the World. For race week Rivanazzano Terme’s air strip will turn into the headquarters for this iconic race.
Its buildings will offer full facilities to organisers and the World’s attending media, while the runaway itself will provide a spacious and hard standing working environment for all competing nations. There will also be room for a separate three-hundred-pitch camping area to accommodate competitors and spectators alike.
From Rivanazzano Terme’s air strip the race will lead riders out into the surrounding Apennies mountain region each day, with three unique courses to test both the World’s best Enduro riders and courageous amateurs.
As per tradition, the competition will sign off with a Motocross race on day six at Ottobiano Motorsport. With the circuit previously hosting the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship it will ensure a fitting and spectacular ending to the 2020 FIM ISDE.
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Strong Aussie line-up for 2020 Anaheim SX
With the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship less than a month away, the Australian contingent that’ll represent the green and gold will be the strongest it’s been in a decade.
Australian legend Chad Reed will sport the deuce deuce in his final A1 appearance, as he looks to conclude an illustrious career having earnt two World Supercross Championships.
Chad Reed – Image by AM
The Lawrence brothers of Jett and Hunter are meanwhile set to make their World Supercross debuts for Geico Honda in 2020. Jett is confirmed on the West Coast, however Hunter’s future in that regard is unclear, with either A1 or the East Coast opener inside Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium the destination for his Supercross debut.
Jett Lawrence – Image by AM
Luke Clout has teamed up with Australian backed Penrite Honda Racing to take on the 250 West Coast Supercross rounds as the team expands into the United States.
Luke Clout – Image by Michael Antonovich
Joining Clout on the West is his Serco Yamaha teammate from 2013, Jay Wilson, who’s put together his own Yamaha program to compete in the mostly Californian rounds.
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
Stalwart young privateer Joel Wightman too will make the jump over in the premier 450cc Class, whilst Serco Yamaha’s Aaron Tanti joins Wilson and co. in the opening 250cc West rounds.
Joel Wightman – Image by AM
The rapid rise of the Australian Supercross Championship is a major player in domestic Supercross development, with the 2019 series accelerating the professionalism of the sport within Australia, along with providing the springboard for young talent to pursue their dream on the world stage.
Hunter Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Chad Reed has shouldered the load for Australia in Supercross for the last decade, however it’s apparent that the nation is once again on the map worldwide, with a barrage of riders lining up and prepared to take on the world’s best in 2020.
See below for the full 2020 AMA SX calendar.
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OZ Speedway goes global with streaming
Australia’s 2020 Senior Solo Speedway Championship rounds, which will be held at Albury-Wodonga Speedway in Victoria, and Gillman Speedway in South Australia, will be live streamed to the world, following Motorcycling Australia securing the deal with NRGTV.
OZ Speedway to stream in 2020
A star studded 16-man field of former World and Australian Champions is set to kickstart the championship including 2016 under 21 World Champion Max Fricke and 2012 Speedway Grand Prix World Champion Chris Holder at Albury-Wodonga on January 6, and Gillman January 11.
The live stream will be available FREE at both events (stream times TBC) via www.australianspeedwaychampionships.com.au (link) and returning to the commentary box will be Kevin Williams and three-time World Speedway Champion Jason Crump.
With no brakes, gears or fear, the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship at Albury-Wodonga and Gillman Speedways is expected to capture a significant worldwide audience particularly through Europe.
Sam Redfern – Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager
“This is one of the strongest championship fields we have produced which will guarantee spectators see some of the best racing of the new year both here in Australia and around the world.”
Yamaha the major sponsor of 2020 AORC
Motorcycling Australia have announced Yamaha Motor Australia as the major sponsor of the 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship, with 2020 marking the 15th consecutive year.
The partnership sees a significant expansion of the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) which will feature 15 classes of competition, with new junior classes, the return of the 2 Stroke Cup, and Vintage class and continuation of all senior classes.
2019 AORC – Pro Race Start – Hedley, Victoria
The expanded competition will take championship rounds to Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and for the first time in history Tasmania and include sprint, cross country and enduro formats.
This 15-year partnership has produced a credible, sustainable and dependable championship for off-road racing enthusiasts that not only caters for grass roots motorcycling but has also produced talented riders that have gone on to the greatest of heights on the world stage.
Yamaha Motorsport Manager, Ray Howard, said Yamaha was dedicated to supporting the AORC and its expansion in 2020.
Ray Howard – Yamaha Motorsport Manager
“Yamaha Motor Australia are pleased to continue our substantial and positive relationships with Motorcycling Australia and the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship in 2020. 2019 was a sensational season and we believe with improvements to the 2020 calendar with new classes and adding Tasmania to the championship there will be even greater progress and improved development of off-road racing in Australia. We look forward to continue working closely with MA and local clubs throughout Australia to further develop the championship that has proven to be a fertile ground for producing international standard riders.”
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2020 FIM Speedway of Nations heads to Manchester, England
The 2020 FIM Speedway of Nations world champions will be crowned at Great Britain’s National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, with German track Landshut and Latvian circuit Daugavpils confirmed to host the semi-finals.
Team Australia at the 2019 Speedway of Nations
The Finals of speedway’s world team championship will take place on May 8 and 9, with GB seeded through automatically as host nation.
This will be the first time Great Britain has hosted the Monster Energy SON Finals, while GB’s opponents will be decided at the two semi-finals, with Semi-Final 1 taking place at Bavarian track Landshut on April 25 and Semi-Final 2 being hosted by Daugavpils on May 2.
Three nations from each round will qualify for the Monster Energy SON Finals in Manchester, joining Great Britain.
2020 FIM Speedway of Nations Calendar
April 25: Semi-Final 1: Landshut, Germany
May 2: Semi-Final 2: Daugavpils, Latvia
May 8/9: Finals: Manchester, Great Britain
2020 Speedway of Nations Semi-Final Draw
Semi-Final 1: Landshut, Germany (April 25): Germany, Poland, Denmark, Slovenia, Czech Republic, France and Italy.
Semi-Final 2: DAUGAVPILS, LATVIA (May 2): Latvia, Russia, Australia, Sweden, Ukraine, Finland and USA.
2020 125cc Solo Speedway line-up announced
Motorcycling Australia have released the list of riders selected to compete in the 2020 Australian 125cc Solo Speedway Championship at Pinjar, Western Australia, with a 16-rider field selected, as well as the 125cc Teams Championship which will kick-off the Championship at Pinjar Park on the weekend of January 17.
Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager, Sam Redfern, said the 16-rider solo and seven teams fielded shows Australia’s speedway talent was flourishing.
Sam Redfern – Motorcycling Australia Track Events Manager
“This is a fantastic field of Australian talent for the 2020 solo championship and 125cc teams championship. Australian speedway is in a very healthy state and we have the talent to represent Australia on the world stage. I would certainly encourage speedway fans to get to Pinjar on the weekend of January 17 for what will be a fantastic championship meet.”
Due to a lack of nominations in the 250cc class, it will not proceed.
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Red Bull KTM Factory Racing sign Manuel Lettenbichler
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have announced the signing of 2019 WESS Enduro World Champion Manuel Lettenbichler. The 21-year-old German joins the factory team with immediate effect as part of a two-year deal for 2020 and 2021.
Manuel Lettenbichler
Lettenbichler recently completed his most successful season to date, with the young German clinching the 2019 WESS Enduro World Championship title following a winning ride at the final round of the series, the GetzenRodeo.
Throughout 2019 Lettenbichler established himself as one of the world’s leading enduro competitors. With victories at Red Bull Romaniacs and GetzenRodeo, plus podium results at Extreme XL Lagares, Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble and the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, he achieved a total of seven top-five results from eight championship starts, on route to securing his debut WESS world title.
Additionally, ‘Mani’ added further silverware to his 2019 trophy cabinet by winning the AMA Extreme Offroad Grand Championship when he became the first non-American rider to win the Tennessee Knockout Extreme Enduro.
Lettenbichler joins riders Jonny Walker, Josep Garcia and Nathan Watson for 2020, where he’ll aim to successfully defend his WESS Enduro World Championship crown. Additionally, the young German will also contest selected AMA U.S. Extreme Offroad events.
Manuel Lettenbichler
“I’m really excited to join Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2020 and beyond. I’ve ridden KTM motorcycles since I started in enduro but joining the factory team really feels like the next chapter of my career is really beginning now. They are a team I’ve looked up to for a long time. We’ve worked closely together during the last two years, so I know how professional they are and I’m excited to make this an even closer relationship. I’m looking forward to the season ahead and know that racing to defend my title will be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get started.”
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Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to Serco Yamaha in 2020
Yamaha’s MX2 race team Serco Yamaha have announced the signings of Aaron Tanti and Dylan Walsh to steer their YZ250F’s in 2020. Both riders are contracted to do the MX Nationals and the Australian Supercross Championships in the MX2 and SX2 (250cc) divisions and are out for nothing short of championship success.
Tanti returns to the team after laying solid foundations in 2019. Tanti finished fifth in the MX Nationals but was consistently in the lead group and unlucky not to finish higher in the championship standings.
He produced a break out season in Supercross, battling with the US stars on his way to fifth place in the championship, despite not finishing the final round. Although injured from a fall at the final round of Supercross, Tanti has taken to the US to keep racing and training as he prepares for the 2020 onslaught.
Aaron Tanti
“This is the first time in my career I have been with the one team for more than one season, so the stability is something that I like and allows me to make plans knowing that I have the support of Serco Yamaha for 2020. I have a great working relationship with Gavin and the Serco Yamaha team and we were quickly able to get something sorted for the 2020 season a little while ago so that allowed me to focus on my racing and training knowing that things are in place for next season. The YZ250F is an unbelievable bike and we already have a great platform to go ahead even further in 2020 as the team and myself have extensive knowledge and testing already done. It’s awesome to be able to continue with Serco Yamaha and look forward to another successful year with the team.”
Aaron Tanti – Image by AM
Joining Tanti for 2020 will be a new comer to Australian shores, Dylan Walsh. The New Zealand native has been competing in Europe for the past few seasons, highlighted with victory in the British MX2 Championship in 2019, but will return down under for the 2020 and make his debut in the Australian MX Nationals. Walsh will start his year racing in New Zealand before coming to Australia in March and begin the championship chase.
Dylan Walsh
“I would love to have stayed in Europe and continued racing as I felt that I would be a contender in MX2 this year but with the tight economy, my team shut down and I was left with nothing. Australia was the first place I looked when I got the news, and at the same time, Gavin has been doing some research on me, so it all worked out smoothly and here we are. Serco Yamaha have a great reputation and also a lot of success over the years in both motocross and supercross so its awesome to be part of such a strong and committed team. My plan is to stay in New Zealand and do the Nationals over here as a warm up for the MX Nationals in Australia. I will then base myself in South East Queensland to be near the team and get stuck into racing in Australia. I’m both exciting and looking forward to the new challenge and know that the level of racing in Australia is very good at the moment. I watched the racing regularly while I was in Europe and its no coincidence that many MXGP teams are looking at Australian riders. But I’m fit and ready to go and hoping for a great season both here in New Zealand and Australia.”
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GasGas Factory Racing sign Albert Cabestany
GasGas Factory Racing have announce the signing of Albert Cabestany, who will compete in the 2020 FIM Trial-E World Cup, assisting GasGas to push forward with the development of electric powered machinery, aboard the GasGas TXE.
Albert Cabestany
“I’m looking forward to this great opportunity with GasGas Motorcycles. Winning this year’s Trial-E World Cup with the TXE gave me a real insight into the true potential of this exciting motorcycle. I was very impressed with its capabilities and know that moving forward we can raise the bar again in 2020. It’s going to be a lot of fun fighting to defend my crown and hopefully delivering GasGas a fourth consecutive title.”
Albert Cabastany – GasGas Factory Racing
Cabestany is a name that needs little introduction in trials. Arguably one of the sport’s most successful riders, Albert impressively achieved nine wins and over 80 podium results during his 21-year-long FIM Trial World Championship career.
Coming together with GasGas Factory Racing for a one-off outing at the 2019 FIM Trial-E World Cup, Cabestany instantly gelled with the TXE, winning both rounds of the series to clinch the title in style. With his experience and vast trials knowledge the Spaniard is a natural fit to assist GasGas with the ongoing development of its TXE machine.
Albert Cabastany – GasGas Factory Racing
The three-round 2020 FIM Trial-E World Cup takes place in Andorra, Italy and France.
Australian Supercross celebrate successful 2019 season
Following attendance across the five rounds polling at 70,000, the 2019 Australian Supercross championship has been heralded a major success, with each round – bar Adelaide – also having a broadcast presence, giving an even wider audience.
The International interest from riders year on year too is undeniable, with more and more world-class caliber riders making the trip Down Under prior to their World Supercross Championship assault.
2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM
General rider numbers were on the increase too, especially in Wollongong where riders in both the SX1 and SX2 Classes were required to qualify for the night show – which is something that hasn’t happened in the series for a number of years. Overall, rider participation in the Australian Supercross Championship for 2019 was the strongest it’s been in at least the last decade.
Planning is now well underway for the 2020 Australian Supercross Championship and with an increasingly solid foundation in place, is expected to continue it’s steady growth in viewer eyeballs, event attendance and incredible racing competition. Stay tuned for more details on the 2020 Australian Supercross season.
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MA announce 2020 Dirt Track and Track updates
The following official Information Bulletin has been released by Motorcycle Australia, advising of a number of changes for the 2020 Dirt Track and Track seasons, regarding classes and competition.
Information Bulletin #2003 : 18/12/2019
Affected Disciplines: Dirt Track and Track
Information Pertains to: Dirt Track and Track Chapter Combination and Alterations to the 2020 MoMS
Updated: It was a directive from MA and the MA Board to combine the Dirt Track and Track Chapters. The intention with combining these chapters is for equality and fairness, safety and simplifying the rules as these disciplines are similar, but not the same.
Major changes implemented for 2020
15.2 Junior class age brackets
Slider and MX bikes and classes are separated. (As per new rule 15.5.0.6)
Standard Wheel and Big Wheel bikes in classes will compete together.
15.5.0.6 Rule deletion
The Commission and the Rules and Technical Committee have approved this Chapter and these updates as they are presented. We understand that in doing this there will be teething problems and not everyone will be satisfied with all rules. If you wish to propose a change to these rules they can do so by following the Rule Change Process as outlined on Pages 6 & 7 of the MoMS.
Current Classes
Categories for Australian Dirt Track & Track Championship Classes; (as will appear in the printed 2020 MoMS)
15.1 SENIORS
Pro 250 100cc to 150cc 2stroke / 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
Pro 450 250cc 2stroke/450cc 4stroke
MX Open 500cc 2stroke/Over 460cc 4stroke
250 Slider 150cc 2stroke & 250cc 4stroke
500cc Slider Up to 500cc
Slider Open Unlimited 460cc and over
Pro Open Women Unlimited
Sidecar Up to 1100cc
ATV Open Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
ATV Open Women Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
15.2 JUNIORS
7-u9 – 50cc Auto Div 2 Non Championship
7-u9 – 65cc
9-u13 – 65cc
7-u10 – 85cc 4stroke Modified
10-u14 – 85cc 4stroke Modified
9-u1211 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Standard Wheel
11-u1613 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Standard Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4strokeStandard Wheel
11-u13 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Big Wheel
11-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Girls Standard & Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Slider Only
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke &
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke Slider Only
13-u16 – 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
New/Updated Classes
Categories for Australian Dirt Track & Track Championship & Competition Classes; (as will appear in the online 2020 MoMS)
15.1 SENIORS
Pro 250 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke / 200cc to 250cc 4stroke (MX)
Pro 450 – 250cc 2stroke/450cc 4stroke (MX)
MX Open – 500cc 2stroke/Over 460cc 4stroke (MX)
Pro Open Women – Unlimited (MX)
250 Slider – 150cc 2stroke & 250cc 4stroke * removed due to lack of competitors
500cc Slider – Up to 500cc
Slider Open – Unlimited 460cc and over
Sidecar – Up to 1100cc
ATV Open – Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
ATV Open Women – Up to 550cc 2stroke/700cc 4stroke
15.2 JUNIORS
4-u9 – 50cc Demo Division 1 Non Competitive
7-u9 – 50cc Auto Div 2 Non Championship * rationale for change below
9-u1311 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke * 2 class options for 12 year olds
1211-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke
11-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Girls Standard & Big Wheel
13-u16 – 85cc 2stroke/150cc 4stroke Slider Only * removed due to insufficient entries
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke * removed due to duplication
13-u16 – 100cc to 150cc 2stroke & * removed as several other class options
– 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
13-u16 – 200cc to 250cc 4stroke
Rationale for the 7-u9 50cc Divi 2 class being changed to a Non Championship class is to ensure the children are here for development and fun with as little pressure and stress on them to win as possible. We do not want children to be pushed prematurely. These are young children and should not be stressed to race and win an Australian Championship, they will have the rest of their riding lives to chase titles if they choose to do so. It is also the hope this will bring bike costs and affordability down.
New Rule
15.5.0.6 Slider and MX machines are to compete separately, in their specified classes. Rationale being the Commission and the Rules & Technical Committee advise this is because they are different machines, with different styles, performance, machine requirements etc.
Rule removal
The below rule is to be removed;
15.4.1.2 Riders are eligible to enter one class above capacity of the machine entered (senior riders only).
Rationale for this rule being removed, is that capacity machines should be racing with comparable machines as they were designed. This will reduce over subscribed combined classes and in turn will come back to competitors as more of their class events on track.
Number Board Colours for Juniors
Tips to understanding and using the correct number board colours for your child. Understand child’s age as at 1st of January of that race year (2020). For Example, my child turned 12 on the 20th of June 2019, so as at the 1st of January 2020 my child is 12 years old, and can compete in this class all year. If my child decides to move up to a 13 year old class throughout the year, they can no longer go back down and compete in 12 year old classes.
Chose a racing class (for example 9-u13 85cc 2stroke or 9-u13 65cc etc)
Identify the age bracket on the number board colour table (15.9.3.2) which is most suitable and colour will be Canary Yellow boards with black numbers)
You can only compete in one age group class.
Wheel Sizes;
Several corrections and duplications have been identified and updated.
Current Rule; 15.20.9 Wheel Sizes
CLASS FRONT REAR
Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] [Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] 50cc Auto/Demo Class 10” or 12” [254 or 305] 10” [254] 65cc 14” to 15” [356 to 381] 12” [305] 80cc 4-stroke Standard & Modified 16” to 17” [407 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 15” to 17” [381 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17”19” to 19”21” [432482 to 482534] 16” to 17”19” [407 to 432482] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17” to 19” [432 to 482] 16” to 17” [407 to 457] (Dirt Track & Track) 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 17” [457] 14” [356] Standard Wheel (Dirt Track & Track) 100cc 18” to 21” [457 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 125cc & over 17” to 21” [432 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 250cc 4-stroke 17” to 23” [432 to 586] 16” to 19” [407 to 482]
New/Updated Rule; 15.20.9 Wheel Sizes
CLASS FRONT REAR
Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] [Approx. Metric Equiv. in mm] 50cc Auto/Demo Class 10” or 12” [254 or 305] 10” [254] 65cc 14” to 15” [356 to 381] 12” [305] 85cc80cc 4-stroke Standard & Modified 16” to 17” [407 to 432] 14” [356] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 15” to 19”17” [381 to 482432] 14” to 17” [356 to 432] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17”19” to 19”21” [432482 to 482534] 16” to 17”19” [407 to 432482] 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke Big Wheel 17” to 19” [432 to 482] 16” to 17” [407 to 457] (Dirt Track & Track) 85cc 2-stroke & 150cc 4-stroke 17” [457] 14” [356] Standard Wheel (Dirt Track & Track) 100cc 18” to 21” [457 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 125cc & over 17” to 21” [432 to 534] 16” to 19” [407 to 482] 250cc 4-stroke 17” to 23” [432 to 586] 16” to 19” [407 to 482]
Effective from: 1/1/2020
Note: As rules can be changed throughout the year, please view the most up to date MoMS at www.ma.org.au. Please see the MA website for Rule Change Request processes and documents.
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2020 Australian Motocross Championship calendar announced
Motorcycling Australia and Williams Event Management have announced the 2020 Australian Motocross National Championship calendar. The series will be conducted over six weekends with nine rounds and three double header events.
Australian Motocross Championship – Image by
A number of factors have required changes to the 2020 calendar particularly around community, rider and spectator safety.
Original plans had the MX Nationals Pro Am at Traralgon in February for the Australian Women’s Vets and Under 19’s. But due to the extreme dry weather conditions and high fire danger risk the Traralgon event was cancelled, with a hope to reschedule it in the coming months.
There have been some major changes to the championship over the last five years, and riders and spectators will see changes again next year to fit within the current climate.
2020 Australian Motocross National Championship dates
Round 1 & 2 Horsham, Victoiria April 4/5
Round 3 Newry, Victoria May 3
Round 4 Gympie, Qld May 24
Round 5 Conondale, QLD June 28
Round 6 & 7 Maitland, NSW July 25/26
Round 8 & 9 Coolum, QLD August 22/23
The series will see several changes in order to ensure the future development and progress of the sport. All rounds will have two moto format only, and other changes are being considered. The supplementary regulation will be release in the first week of February.
2020 NSW State Motocross Championship announced
Motorcycling NSW have announced the 2020 King of MX calendar, with the series heading into its third year and continuing to encourage local racers in each of the six state regions to enter their local qualifier.
The King of MX was designed to revitalise the NSW State Motocross Championship, supporting regional clubs and their members by bringing a larger scale open event to them, where local club racers can throw down against those choosing to travel.
King of MX
2020 will see new partners combined with some long-term supporters to not only maintain the overall prize pool, but also tailor more prizes to those who do well at a qualifier, not just the final.
As with previous years, the King of MX will consist of six qualifying events, where the first six or seven (depending on the gates available at each qualifier) riders in each class will earn a ‘golden ticket’ to the final. Once a golden ticket is earned, riders don’t have to race any other qualifiers unless they want to, however each rider is only eligible to earn one golden ticket per class.
At the final, in a location that will be announced in due course, State Title Champions will be decided on the June long weekend, over three motos for each class, with the Prince and Princess of MX crowned from the 13 to under-16 years 250F (128cc-150cc 2st & 200cc-250cc 4st, 13 to u/16 years) and 13 to under-16 years girls’ class (100cc-150cc 2st & 200cc- 250cc 4st, 13 to u/16 years, all female) winners.
2019 King of MX Final winners
The 2020 King and Queen of MX will once again battle it out across their respective feature races, with racers selected based on the results of the senior class races. For more information on the 2020 King of MX, head to the brand-new website www.kingofmx.com.au
2020 King of MX Calendar
Qualifier 1 – February 15-16, Bega – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 2 – February 29-1 March, Narrabri – Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 3 – March 14-15, Bathurst – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 4 – March 28-29, Wagga Wagga – Top 6 qualify for final
Qualifier 5 – April 18-19, Lake Macquarie -Top 7 qualify for final
Qualifier 6 – May 9-10, Sydney – Top 7 qualify for final
Final – June 6-8, Undisclosed Location
NSW State Motocross Championship Classes
Nippers 4-u/7 years – Demonstration Only
50cc Division 2 – 7-u/9 years
65cc 7-u/10 years
65cc 10-u/12 years
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 9-u/12 years {standard wheel}
85cc 2st /150cc 4st 12-u/14 years {standard & big wheel}
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 14-u/16 years {standard & big wheel}
85cc 2st/150cc 4st 12-u/16 years All Female {standard & big wheel}
100cc-150cc 2st & 200cc- 250cc 4st 13-u/16 years All Female
100cc-125cc 2st 13-u/16 years
128cc-150cc 2st & 200cc-250cc 4st 13-u/16 years
MXW All Powers
MX1 A-Grade 255cc-450cc 2st/4st
MX1 B-Grade 255cc-450cc 2st/4st
C Grade Open
MX2 A-Grade up to 250cc 2st/4st
MX2 B-Grade up to 250cc 2st/4st
C Grade Lites
+35 Vets All Powers
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2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
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What happened this week
Tai Woffinden to race in Perth this weekend
Rossi and Marini win 100km dei Campioni
Anderson, Brayton, Blose crowned at Aus-X Open in Melbourne
CDR Yamaha’s Clout & Reardon go 2-3 in SX1
Josh Osby claims SX2 runner-up for Raceline KTM Thor
Jay Wilson closes out SX2 season in fourth at Marvel Stadium
Dunlop the tyre of choice for Supercross winners
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450 sold for $18,000
FIM versus WESS stalemate continues
FIM and FIA fail to reach agreements over SSV racing
Discovery/Eurosport named FIM Speedway GP promoters
Full 2020 AORC calendar announced
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP
2020 Australian Dirt Track
2020 Australian Track
Tai Woffinden racing in Perth
Graeme Sinden has informed us that two-times British Champion, three-times World Champion, twice winner of The Rob Woffinden Classic and current Western Australian Speedway Solo Champion Tai Woffinden is in town and booked to race at the fabulous Perth Motorplex on Saturday 7th December.
Tai Woffinden – Image by Warwick Hemy
Tai Woffinden will also race the following week at the Pinjar Park Motorcycle Speedway in Neerubup the following Saturday night for the running of the Rob Woffinden Classic. He has previously won the title twice and is the defending RWC Champion.
Joining Tai Woffinden at Perth Motorplex will be three other British riders who together form a British Team who will contest a series of events against a strong West Australian side.
Team GB
Jack Smith, son of former British Champ, Andy Smith.
Leon Flint, the 16 year old Berwick Bandits flyer
Drew Kemp 2019 British under 19 CHAMPION.
Headlining the Team WA will be former International rider, Frank Smart, the in form Dan Winchester and Matt Marson.
Tai is down under in the Southern hemisphere for some R & R to recover from a bruising European season and his World Grand Prix commitments. He will head back to the UK in the new year, however while in Perth he gives of his time to perform in a couple of shows for his WA fans.
Tai Woffinden – Image Colin Rosewarne
Tai set the Pinjar Park track on fire last January winning the RWC and the WA State Championship and was responsible for some of the largest crowds the new track has seen in its relatively short existence.
This is a great opportunity to see Tai Woffinden and his fellow British team mates perform, an opportunity we don’t get to see often in Perth, and I urge you not to miss either of these two huge speedway meetings.
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Valentino Rossi and Luca Marini win 100km dei Campioni
Brothers claim victory ahead of Franco Morbidelli and Andrea Migno in the sixth edition of the event held at Rossi’s VR46 Ranch while despite suffering falls on the unfamiliar surface American duo JD Beach and Sammy Halbert rounded out the podium.
The race started in ‘endurance’ style with riders running towards their bikes. Elia Bartolini entered the first corner ahead of the group followed by Rossi, Migno and Stefano Manzi.
The first laps of the race stages some thrilling moments, Manzi crashed and Rossi managed to overtake Bartolini. During the first bike swap Marini, teaming up with his brother Valentino, gained the head of the group chased by Morbidelli and Lorenzo Baldassarri.
During the fifty laps of the race with riders swapping bikes every five laps, exciting head to head battles are staged.
Marini’s bike stopped and Morbidelli took advantage of Luca’s mistake to gain the lead of the race. On the other hand, some grip issues for Bartolini allow American pairing JD Beach and Sammy Halbert to comeback to fight for third position.
In the last few laps of the race, Rossi succeeded in his attempt to reduce the gap with Migno, getting very close to the Academy rider and setting the last laps of the most exciting edition of the 100km dei Campioni on fire.
The last bike swap marks the beginning of the last five laps which decide the podium positions. Marini took the chequered flag first followed by Morbidelli a few tenths behind and JD Beach fighting with Baldassari until the last corners.
Morbidelli made a mistake and a cone got stuck into his bike. This allowed Marini to overtake Franco and gain the lead of the race which he manages to keep util the finish line winning the 100km dei Campioni together with his brother Rossi. Second place went to Morbidelli and Migno following six seconds behind. The American pair of Beach and Halbert gained the third step of the podium ahead of Bartolini and Baldassarri with a gap of just over a second.
Fifth position went the way of Mattia Pasini and Stefano Manzi, sixth was claimed by Celestino Vietti and Marco Bezzecchi.
The Monster Energy AUS-X Open rocked Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium over the weekend as American Jason Anderson claimed the prestigious S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, while Justin Brayton and Chris Blose claimed the Australian Supercross SX1 and SX2 Championships respectively.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
An on-form Luke Clout started off the night in perfect fashion, as he laid down the fastest lap in Superpole, clocking faster than Anderson, Brayton and Chad Reed to name a few.
When the SX1 Finals kicked off Justin Brayton made a positive start to claim the first win of the night, as his title rival Clout ran into dramas, going down multiple times and finishing well down the order.
Justin Brayton – Image by AM
Anderson claimed the race two victory over Brayton, and put in a repeat performance in the third final, earning the S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship title, while Brayton claimed the Australian Supercross SX1 Championship.
Justin Brayton – SX1 Champion
“I’m stoked I got the win – the last few weeks have been so tough, so to get this championship means a lot. I love this country, thank you so much for welcoming me, and I hope that I’ve done your country proud coming over here and winning four straight.”
Justin Brayton – Image by AM
For Anderson, claiming the FIM Oceania Championship is a big tick off the list.
Jason Anderson – FIM Oceania Champion
“This title is sweet, it’s rad I was able to get it done. The track was slick, racing was tight, but my Rockstar Husky was locked in. Thanks to all the AME boys for putting this on. I love coming Down Under, and really plan on doing it for sometime to come.”
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
2019 Australian Supercross SX1 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
PTS
1
Justin BRAYTON
25
25
20
18
25
113
2
Luke CLOUT
20
22
25
22
14
103
3
Daniel REARDON
22
20
22
16
15
95
4
Brett METCALFE
18
18
16
20
18
90
5
Dylan LONG
16
11
15
13
12
67
6
Richie EVANS
13
16
10
8
13
60
7
Joel WIGHTMAN
10
15
9
9
11
54
8
Josh HILL
18
15
20
53
9
Todd WATERS
15
13
12
7
4
51
10
Jason ANDERSON
25
22
47
11
Jayden RYKERS
12
10
8
5
7
42
12
Lawson BOPPING
14
13
11
3
41
13
Jackson RICHARDSON
12
1
14
9
36
14
Cody DYCE
5
5
14
4
5
33
15
Dylan WOOD
8
6
6
3
6
29
16
Jesse DOBSON
7
14
7
28
17
Henry MILLER
11
12
23
18
Gradie FEATHERSTONE
11
7
2
2
22
19
Justin CARAFA
9
4
8
21
20
Caleb WARD
9
8
17
21
Chad REED
16
16
22
Jesse MADDEN
5
10
15
23
Joey SAVATGY
10
10
24
Lochie LATIMER
6
4
10
25
Cody COOPER
6
6
26
Blake COBBIN
4
4
27
Jamie HARVEY
3
3
28
Joel CIGLIANO
3
3
29
Jono KRUSIC
1
1
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SX2
The SX2 Class was once again full of insane racing, with the Triple Crown offering up some incredible action that resulted in Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg taking the overall victory. In P4 was Australian prodigy Jett Lawrence, who claimed two Knobby Holeshots, as he demonstrated why he has secured a long-term contract with Geico Honda.
2019 Aus-X Open – Image by AM
The star of the show however in SX2 was American Chris Blose; as he brought home the 2019 Australian Supercross SX2 Championship.
Chris Blose – SX2 Champion
“Oh man; I can’t explain this. I’m so pumped, the Penrite Honda team worked so hard for this, I did too, and we walk out of here with a number one plate. Thanks to everyone involved, it’s a dream come true to be crowned champion.”
Chris Blose – Image by AM
Collingwood F.C superstar Jordan De Goey took out the Yamaha Celebrity Challenge, as he put his previous motocross skills to the test and eventually stretched his lead to five seconds in the two-lap affair. His AFL rival, Jack Riewoldt, finished in second to last, with 2019 Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin claiming the wooden spoon.
The Polyflor International showdown was taken out by the Australian Team, with Dan Reardon, Luke Clout and Chad Reed taking out the USA trio of Jason Anderson, Josh Hill and Ricky Carmichael.
Chad Reed – Image by AM
The Monster Energy Best Trick contest saw Melbourne young gun Jayo Archer stomp his first ever Double Backflip in competition, and subsequently, the crowd decided he deserved the gold by popular demand. For Boost Mobile Best Whip, Tyler Wakeford beat some heavy hitters to take gold.
That’s a wrap for supercross action in the Southern Hemisphere for 2019, with 2020 already in the works to become bigger and better than ever, as riders continue to strive for supercross stardom.
2019 Australian Supercross SX2 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
PTS
1
Chris BLOSE
20
16
25
22
22
105
2
Joshua OSBY
18
22
22
25
14
101
3
Mitchell OLDENBURG
13
25
20
16
25
99
4
Jay WILSON
16
18
15
18
20
87
5
Aaron TANTI
22
20
18
20
4
84
6
Connor TIERNEY
14
14
15
15
58
7
Regan DUFFY
15
12
14
16
57
8
Bradley TAFT
15
12
13
5
12
57
9
Dylan WILLS
12
10
16
12
50
10
Rhys BUDD
11
8
8
13
40
11
Geran STAPLETON
9
7
11
11
38
12
Ricky LATIMER
8
8
9
10
1
36
13
Tomas RAVENHORST
13
10
9
32
14
Morgan FOGARTY
9
3
9
8
29
15
Kyle WEBSTER
11
11
6
28
16
Jayce COSFORD
10
6
4
6
26
17
Jacob HAYES
25
25
18
Darian SANAYEI
13
10
23
19
Kaleb BARHAM
7
7
5
2
21
20
Jett LAWRENCE
18
18
21
Hugh McKAY
6
7
5
18
22
Wilson TODD
14
14
23
Jaxon HADLOW
6
7
13
24
Jack KUKAS
5
4
9
25
Chandler BURNS
5
5
26
Madison LATTA
4
4
27
Alex LARWOOD
3
3
28
McKenzie O’BREE
2
2
29
Caleb GOULLET
1
1
CDR Yamaha’s Clout & Reardon go 2-3 in SX1
US guest Josh Hill made his first trip to the podium in 2019 taking a third place over the weekend at the Aus-X Open, while Luke Clout and Dan Reardon claimed the two – three finish in the premier SX1 championship despite a challenging final round.
Luke Clout carried the championship leader’s red plate into the final round with a slender one point lead over Justin Brayton. Clout looked on point all day posting the fastest laps in qualifying and in Superpole, but when the three back to back main events rolled on, his luck deserted him. He took a 10-3-7 result, crashing in the first and last race.
Luke Clout
“Look, it’s a bit of a disappointing way to finish the championship but overall, I still see it as a very positive series for me and one that I made gains on as a rider. Myself and the team put in a lot of work both in the lead up and during the championship and it was rewarded with good results all the way through and a second championship behind Justin is still something both the team and myself can be very proud of. Thank you to Craig and everyone on the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team as well as my brother Aaron for the amazing job they do. And to race in this venue tonight, in front of so many people is such a huge moment for our sport. Walking out for race one and seeing the crowd and venue gave me chills.”
Luke Clout – Image by AM
Dan Reardon finished up third in the SX1 championship after another solid season, matching his 2018 result, and was sixth overall for Round 5 with a consistent 5-5-7 result. A crash in his heat race, left him a little battered and bruised, while he had to transfer through to the main event via the LCQ but once on the start line it was business as usual for the Queenslander.
Dan Reardon
“I made things difficult for myself when I crashed in the heat race. Instead of having an early pick of the start gate with a direct transfer spot, I had 17th pick of the gate and as a result wasn’t in a good position in the first turn on every start. I would love to have done better here tonight as it was a big stage for our sport in a venue like this and with the biggest crowd we have had for supercross, but still happy to finish third in the championship and be racing at this level. Last year I finished the season with an injury in Auckland that took months to rehab. It took a lot of work to come back and get full strength back in my foot and ankle, but I am glad I did it as I still love racing supercross. It was also great to hook up with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team again and re-ignite a successful working relationship. We won in 2015 and here we are four years later still going for championships.”
Dan Reardon – Image by AM
With his three race stint here in Australia as a guest of Monster Energy and CDR Yamaha, Josh Hill broke through for his first podium in 2019, charging to a 3-4-2 result in a hectic night of racing. He was up the front in all thee races and challenging the likes of Justin Brayton and Jason Anderson. In only three round appearances, Hill made his way to eighth overall in the championship.
Josh Hill
“I had such a great time here in Australia and can’t thank everyone from Monster and Yamaha for their support and enthusiasm in having my race down here. Everything about this trip has been so much fun and if the opportunity comes up again I would love to do it as my time here as been amazing. “It was also good to get on the podium at the biggest race of the season and reward the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team. We have been close at the other two rounds and I was desperate to give them some decent results for everything they have done. I hope to come back next year and do a full supercross season as I can see the sport is growing here. I can see why Justin does it every year, you Aussie people are cool, so hopefully we can work out a deal that will enable me to do it again as I think I have more to give in racing and enjoy my time here so much.”
Josh Hill and Justin Brayton – Image by AMWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Josh Osby claims SX2 runner-up for Raceline KTM Thor
The Aus-X Open started well for Osby, who qualified as the fastest rider of the day’s timed qualifying sessions and went into the nights heat race feeling confident. The night took a turn for the worse in the very first lap of the heat race however, as Osby was landed on by another rider at the conclusion of lap one, hitting the ground hard.
Making the direct transfer to the main, he went on to claim a 5-7-12, despite a penalty in race two and a ruptured oil filler cap in race three. The result left him seventh overall for the round, and relegated Osby to runner-up in the SX2 championship.
Josh Osby
“Tonight was one of the hardest nights of my career. I put myself in good positions like I have all season, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out. It seemed like nothing went my way from the beginning of the heat race on and although we tried, it wasn’t meant to be this time around. I want to thank the entire team, we came so close and they gave me everything I needed to get the job done. But that’s racing and hopefully I’ll be back for redemption next year.”
Josh Osby smoking due to damage to an oil filler cap – Image by AM
In a fantastic showing rookie Regan Duffy finished a very impressive fifth overall with 9-5-6 results respectively in the three SX2 main events. A fifth overall culminates a fantastic rookie Supercross season, leading to seventh overall in the SX2 Championship standings.
Regan Duffy
“Tonight was intense for me, the track here at Marvel Stadium was unreal. I had to figure out a few rhythm sections after the days timed sessions, but we worked it out for the main events and it made a big difference come race time. I had some close calls out there tonight, the racing was incredible to be a part of and I had a great time. I can’t thank the team and everyone in my corner enough, 2019 has been a solid start to my Professional career.”
Regan Duffy – Image by AM
In an unfortunate incident, SX1 rider Henry Miller would crash in the timed qualifying session during the day and be forced to retire from the event with minor injuries, following a collision with another rider.
Jay Wilson closes out SX2 season in fourth at Marvel Stadium
Jay Wilson, defending SX2 champion, has had a frustrating 2019 season just missing the podium at the opening four rounds, despite winning races and being in contention throughout. But he put all that behind him over the weekend, where the Triple Crown format was again is use, with Wilson carding a 3-2-3 result to take third on the night and move to fourth in the final championship standings.
Jay Wilson
“Tonight my mentality was that I had nothing to lose. I was fifth coming into the final round and even if I had a shocker, it wouldn’t have done much for the overall result, so I just laid it all on the line and see what happened. I didn’t get great starts all night and that was my fault, my reaction time at the gate was terrible but I managed to make some passes only to get near the front but run out of time. But, I feel pretty good with how I raced tonight and just wished I had of taken that mentality in from round one. The team did a great job as always and the bike was perfect. The Yamalube Yamaha Racing team put in a big effort and it was frustrating not to be able to get them on the podium until now in this series. Thanks to my mechanic, Mike Ward, his dedication and passion is unrivalled and while we didn’t get the championship back, we gave it a good shake.”
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
The Aus-X Open also saw Richie Evans complete his first series in supercross, claiming sixth overall in the SX1 championship. The north Queenslander had only competed in a few supercross events prior to the 2019 season and never on a 450, making sixth place a worthy achievement, alongside taking eighth overall for the round with a 6-9-8 result.
Richie Evans
“Sometimes I look at who is alongside me on the start line and think its pretty amazing that I am on the same track as them. I started next to Jason Anderson in all six main events in Auckland and Melbourne- the guy was the 2018 world champion, and I’m just a dude riding a dirt bike from Cairns. I think he must be over me as I got a few starts on him as well. But its been a good supercross series for me. I came in injured at round one, got a top five in Adelaide, had a couple of tough races in Wollongong and Auckland before finishing strongly here in Melbourne. The team have been great and having Michael work with me has been good as he has so much experience. Thank you to everyone on the team and I have had a great time racing supercross.”
Richie Evans – Image by AM
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Dunlop the tyre of choice for Supercross winners
In front of 35,000 race fans, Dunlop racers took a clean sweep of not only the final-round podium, but also the championship. The Dunlop Geomax MX33 pattern once again proved to be the tyre of choice inside Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, taking the win in every SX1 track outing.
Justin Brayton – Image by AM
Justin Brayton opened the night with the win in heat one, while Jason Anderson took the top spot in heat two. Superpole saw Clout set the fastest lap, before the triple-crown race format saw the SX1 class line up for three eight-lap races.
It was Brayton’s consistent 1-2-3 results that earned the overall win, ahead of Anderson’s 7-1-1 and Josh Hill’s 3-4-2 to round out the podium, and it was a 2019 Australian Supercross Championship podium lockout with all riders choosing to race with Dunlop.
Jason Anderson – Image by AM
In the SX2 class Yamalube Yamaha’s Jay Wilson took third for the night, securing fourth in the championship. Title contender Aaron Tanti, went down hard, earning just four points for the round and settling for fifth overall in the championship. All eyes were on 16-year-old Jett Lawrence as he made his supercross debut, taking a 4-3-2 race results for fourth in the round, and showing many why he is not just a future star of the sport, but a star already.
Jay Wilson – Image by AM
Robbie Bugden – Dunlop Motorsport Manager
“Just like that, the Australian Supercross Championship is over. What an amazing atmosphere, with 35,000 people watching a world-class field on a world-class track. I’m obviously ecstatic about not only securing the round and championship win in SX1, but to lock out the podium is just amazing, and a credit to both the riders and the Geomax product range. Congratulations to Justin Brayton on his fourth SX1 championship, but also to CDR Yamaha Monster Energy for securing second and third overall with Luke (Clout) and Dan (Reardon), along with Josh Hill taking eighth after missing the first two rounds! It was great to watch Jay Wilson take it to the Americans all night in SX2. He’s a class rider and it’s great to see him up front, once more showing that consistency gets you everywhere. 2019 has been a year of change, but also a great year. We’re proud to work with some incredible teams and riders, and supporting the sport in so many ways, and I’m really looking forward to what 2020 has in store.”
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450 sold for $18,000!
Suzuki Australia recently announced the opportunity to own the RM-Z450 ridden by Ricky Carmichael at the 2019 SX-Open Supercross event just run in Melbourne, with the bike passing reserve and selling for $18,000, with all proceeds past the reserve going to the Starlight Foundation.
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450
Ricky Carmichael’s one-off 2019 Suzuki RM-Z450 featured the following modifications from standard.
Yoshimura RS-4 full titanium exhaust system
Hinson complete clutch assembly and factory Suzuki clutch cover
Unique to SX-Open event custom RC graphics kit
ODI Ricky Carmichael signature handlebars and lock-on grips
DID gold race chain
Personally signed by the G.O.A.T himself
A set of FOX riding gear as worn by Ricky Carmichael at the SX-Open event=
Ricky Carmichael’s SX-Open RM-Z450
Carmichael, the most successful AMA motocross racer of all-time is a seven time AMA Motocross premier class champion and five time AMA Supercross Champion. His unrivalled successes in the sport of motocross have given him the nickname ‘The G.O.A.T’ by his peers; standing for the Greatest of All Time.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
FIM versus WESS stalemate continues
Talks have been taking place since the beginning of the year as the FIM have sought to bring WESS under their umbrella.
The FIM have made statements such as, “The FIM will not be flexible in environmental rules, safety conditions, protection of our riders and controlling the sport.” Using such statements to indicate that competitors are at more risk in non FIM events due to riders not being covered under the FIM insurance scheme while competing in WESS events.
2019 GetzenRodeo – Image by Future7Media
For their part WESS organisers seem determined to go their own way. The WESS was set-up largely by Red Bull and KTM/Husqarna immediately joined the competition and had their star contracted riders concentrate on the WESS series.
From the outside looking in, WESS certainly seems to be much more professional than World Enduro/Enduro GP. The media and promotion efforts surrounding WESS make EnduroGP look very amateur indeed.
This week the FIM stated that; “The FIM stays firm with regards to environmental rules, safety conditions, protection of riders and controlling the sport. A new meeting will take place in February 2020, where all parties hope to reach an agreement.”
“Two different tenders were launched: one for the promotion of the FIM Enduro World Championship 2021-2030 and another for a new FIM Enduro Extreme World Cup 2020-2029, with the objective of bringing together the Enduro family. The FIM hopes to receive interesting offers.
FIM and FIA fail to reach agreements over SSV racing
SSV (Side by Side Vehicles): Despite their best efforts, an agreement was not possible between the FIM and the FIA on the matter of SSV Classes. The FIM will proceed with its own production category of light vehicles.
Discovery/Eurosport named FIM Speedway GP promoters
Speedway: A tender was launched during the third trimester of 2019 for the promotion of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix World Championship for 2022-2031.
2019 SGP of Poland
Various offers were submitted to the FIM Board of Directors, who chose after much consideration to sign with Discovery / Eurosport Events as their proposal was the most interesting and innovative from a sports, development and TV coverage point of view. The FIM would like to thank BSI for its dedication and hard work and hopes to collaborate with them again in the future.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Kiwi world champs receive medals at FIM Awards in Monaco
In an historic first for Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ), two Kiwi world champion riders Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald were officially presented with their 2019 FIM World Championship medals at a glittering ceremony in Monaco, on Sunday night.
Since MNZ became affiliated with the FIM in 1986, New Zealand has never had two riders win world championship events in a single season.
Dunedin-based 23-year-old Duncan (Kawasaki) dominantly won the FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship in 2019, after three years of near misses, since bursting onto the scene as a race-winning rookie in 2016.
While 20-year-old MacDonald (Sherco), of Christchurch, claimed the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Championship – New Zealand’s first title in the discipline, thanks to an impressive second season at this level.
Duncan says it was “definately a proud moment receiving my world championship medal among all the other winners.”
Courtney Duncan
Her victorious season started with a win in the opening moto of the season at Valkenswaard, The Netherlands. Although she slipped to fourth in the second moto and allowed Dutch rider Nancy van der Ven (Yamaha) to claim the top spot, that would prove to be the only moment she would let her guard down all season.
Consecutive doubles in Portugal, the Czech Republic and Italy, set up a title shot at the final round in Turkey, where she wasted no time in wrapping things up with a dominant 12-second victory in the first moto. Duncan signed-off her 2019 assault with a second race win, making it nine from ten for the season, as she followed in the footsteps of fellow Kiwi Katherine Oberlin-Brown (nee Prumm), who won the Women’s World Cup in 2006 and 2007, before the class was elevated to FIM World Motocross Championship status.
MacDonald showed the world how it was done this year too, by scoring a podium in every single race that he finished in the seven-round season. The first Kiwi rider to compete at world level in over fifteen years, he also showed no shortage of grit and determination to come back after breaking his shoulder at the third round in Spain, where he missed out on the points completely after back-to-back double victories in Germany and Portugal.
His only other no-score after that was on the second day in Italy and despite having conceded the championship lead to Italy’s Claudio Spanu (Husqvarna), MacDonald gradually fought back to make sure of the title with a pair of third places at the final round in Ambert, France.
He and Duncan were treated to all the super-star treatment in Monaco – complete with a helicopter transfer into Monte Carlo and Duncan was dressed for the awards night by Kiwi fashion label Company of Strangers, from her hometown of Dunedin.
“It was a huge honour to be representing New Zealand at these awards and to have Hamish alongside – another Kiwi – is pretty special for our country. I will enjoy this moment before I get back to work towards next season,” Duncan says.
MacDonald was blown away by the hillside district of Monte Carlo, describing it as “amazing and so beautiful.”
“It was great to represent New Zealand on a world stage – not just myself too which is pretty crazy because New Zealand has never had two world champion riders in one year!” Hamish says.
Canterbury’s Hamish MacDonald celebrates wining the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Championship and becoming the first New Zealander to become victorious in this discipline – Image by MAastorgne Photography and Dario Agrati
Like Duncan, he will start increasing his hours on the bike and cross-training, as he prepares for the up-coming season, where he moves up to the junior enduro category.
“It will be tough, but I like a challenge and I’m excited to see what it brings, and hopefully I can come back to Monaco next year! Summer will be hard training for me. I don’t know if I’ll race any events in New Zealand yet. I’ll also be doing lots of riding, running and cycling preparing for my return back to Europe in January 2020.” MacDonald says.
Duncan also heads back to Europe around the same time, as her first round is in Britain at the end of February, where she will begin her title defence.
“I’ll start to build for the season when I’m return to New Zealand at the end of the week. It’ll be another big year, which I’m looking forward to.” Duncan says.
Kiwi riders Courtney Duncan and Hamish MacDonald with their world championship medals at the glittering Monte-Carlo-hosted FIM Awards ceremony on Sunday
2020 AORC round 1-3 locations announced
The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have released race weekend locations for the first six of 12 rounds of the 2020 national championship series.
The AORC kick starts the 2020 season off returning to Toowoomba featuring a new Cooby Dam venue for rounds 1 and 2 on February 22 and 23.
2019 AORC Rounds 1 & 2, Toowoomba – Image by John Pearson Media
The championship then heads south to Dungog, NSW on March 14 and 15 for rounds 3 and 4 and a new venue at Nowra for rounds 5 and 6 on April 18 and 19.
The 2020 Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up twelve rounds of the AORC for 2020.
Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager
“With the recently crowned World Champion Junior Team and overall second placed Australian ISDE team returning for action in 2020, we will have the best riders in the world competing in the Yamaha AORC. We are very excited for the 2020 Yamaha AORC to be returning to Toowoomba, Dungog and Nowra, where we have held successful events in the past. With new exciting venues in the 2020 AORC we are sure to again field upwards of 200 plus riders for each event in every state.”
Daniel Milner – 2019 AORC
AORC reveal the second half of the year’s locations for the twelve round 2020 championship once relevant planning approvals have been met.
2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD – 22–23 February 2020
Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW – 14–15 March 2020
Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW – 18–19 April 2020
Round 7 & 8: SA – 1–2 August 2020
Round 9 & 10: VIC – 19–20 September 2020
Round 11 & 12: TBC – 17–18 October 2020
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
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What happened this week
Jett Lawrence set for his professional SX debut
Toni Bou claims French X-Trial Round 2 victory
Jack Holder crowned 2019 Oceania Speedway Champion at Gillman
Wade Young wins 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro in South Borneo
Harley announce massive 2020 AFT contingency program
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 American Flat Track
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
2020 FIM Speedway GP
2020 Australian Dirt Track
2020 Australian Track
Jett Lawrence set for his professional SX debut
Australian sensation Jett Lawrence will make his professional supercross debut with Honda Racing Australia at the Monster Energy AUS-X Open event this coming weekend at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Jett Lawrence – Monster Energy Cup 2019 – Image by Hoppenworld
The Queensland native currently lives in the USA, but is heading back to Melbourne to race his first-ever professional career and international Supercross race onboard a Honda CRF250R.
Since landing in the United States in early 2018, Lawrence has been unstoppable, racking up a multitude of prestigious amateur championships, which have subsequently made him the hottest property on the market. The 16-year-old recently signed a long-term contract to ride under the powerhouse Geico Honda squad in the 2020 World 250cc SX2 Supercross (West Coast AMA) Championship.
Jett Lawrence
“I’m really excited to be making my pro debut in Melbourne. I’ve had my eye on these events for a while now and they’ve progressively grown into something that’s world-class. Being a proud Australian makes it pretty cool that I’ll debut there, in front of friends, family and a lot of riders I grew up with too. Winning Monster Cup was a real confidence booster for me, especially on a Supercross track. I definitely think more gate drops and just being in that race environment will help me heaps as I get ready for 2020.”
Jett Lawrence – Image by Hoppenworld
Lawrence will ride under the awning of the ‘Ride Red’ Honda Racing program, backed by Honda Genuine. General Manager of Honda Motorcycles, Tony Hinton is looking forward to seeing Lawrence in action sharing, “We are really pleased to have Jett under our wing for this final round. He has certainly made a name for himself overseas, so it will be fantastic for local fans to see him race on home soil. We hope for strong results and know he will do the CRF250R proud!”
The addition of Lawrence will add to an already stacked international SX2 division, with existing riders involved in a ferocious title fight that’ll come down to the wire at the Australian Supercross Championship finale.
Jett Lawerence – Image by Hoppenworld
During New Zealand’s press conference, two-time World Champion Chad Reed indicated that this could very likely be his final race as a professional athlete in Australia, which makes Melbourne a landmark event for Australian Supercross fans, with one legend potentially retiring and a future star being born.
Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will also feature the Monster Energy Best-Trick Freestyle Motocross contest set to feature some of the world’s most insane stunts, with the legendary Josh Sheehan as the headliner. Best Whip will be back again, along with the Yamaha Celebrity challenge as some of Australia’s highest profiled stars do battle on track, including Jack Riewoldt, Jordan De Goey, Scott McLaughlin and many more celebrities.
Aus-X Open
Tickets can be secured from www.ticketmaster.com.au (link) with new tickets released from just $39.95! The Monster Energy AUS-X Open doubles as the fifth and final round of the Australian Supercross Championship, and Grand Final of the FIM Oceania Supercross Championship.
SX1 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R3
R3
R4
PTS
1
Luke CLOUT
20
22
25
22
89
2
Justin BRAYTON
25
25
20
18
88
3
Daniel REARDON
22
20
22
16
80
4
Brett METCALFE
18
18
16
20
72
5
Dylan LONG
16
11
15
13
55
6
Richie EVANS
13
16
10
8
47
7
Todd WATERS
15
13
12
7
47
8
Joel WIGHTMAN
10
15
9
9
43
9
Lawson BOPPING
14
13
11
38
10
Jayden RYKERS
12
10
8
5
35
11
Josh HILL
18
15
33
12
Cody DYCE
5
5
14
4
28
13
Jesse DOBSON
7
14
7
28
14
Jackson RICHARDSON
12
1
14
27
15
Jason ANDERSON
25
25
16
Henry MILLER
11
12
23
17
Dylan WOOD
8
6
6
3
23
18
Gradie FEATHERSTONE
11
7
2
20
19
Caleb WARD
9
8
17
20
Justin CARAFA
9
4
13
21
Joey SAVATGY
10
10
22
Lochie LATIMER
6
4
10
23
Cody COOPER
6
6
24
Jesse MADDEN
5
5
25
Blake COBBIN
4
4
26
Jamie HARVEY
3
3
27
Joel CIGLIANO
3
3
28
Chad REED
2
2
SX2 Standings
Pos
Name
R1
R2
R3
R4
PTS
1
Joshua OSBY
18
22
22
25
87
2
Chris BLOSE
20
16
25
22
83
3
Aaron TANTI
22
20
18
20
80
4
Mitchell OLDENBURG
13
25
20
16
74
5
Jay WILSON
16
18
15
18
67
6
Dylan WILLS
12
10
16
12
50
7
Bradley TAFT
15
12
13
5
45
8
Connor TIERNEY
14
14
15
43
9
Regan DUFFY
15
12
14
41
10
Ricky LATIMER
8
8
9
10
35
11
Geran STAPLETON
9
7
11
27
12
Rhys BUDD
11
8
8
27
13
Jayce COSFORD
10
6
4
6
26
14
Kyle WEBSTER
11
11
3
25
15
Jacob HAYES
25
25
16
Tomas RAVENHORST
13
10
23
17
Morgan FOGARTY
9
3
9
21
18
Kaleb BARHAM
7
7
5
19
19
Wilson TODD
14
14
20
Darian SANAYEI
13
13
21
Hugh McKAY
6
7
13
22
Jack KUKAS
5
4
9
23
Jaxson HADLOW
6
6
24
Chandler BURNS
5
5
25
Madison LATTA
4
4
26
McKenzie O’BREE
2
2
27
Caleb GOULLET
1
1
Toni Bou claims French X-Trial Round 2 victory
The second round of the X-Trial World Championship got underway at the brand new Glaz Arena in Rennes, France, with Repsol Honda Team ace Toni Bou dominating throughout to claim a second 2020 indoor season victory.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
Toni Bou did not disappoint the French crowd, turning out a fine display of riding prowess in front of the Rennes spectators in Brittany. The Repsol Honda Team rider made it through the first five sections of the heats as the superior rider, picking up just four marks.
In the second round, with the top rider from each group qualifying directly for the final, Bou has once again gave a masterful showing, collecting 7 marks in the process.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
The grand finale saw Toni Bou overcome the six sections with a total of 15 points ahead of the 27 accrued by arch-rival Adam Raga, to seal a second season victory.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
Repsol Honda Team will now enjoy a almost two-month break ahead of the third X-Trial World Championship season date which will not be held until January 19, 2020 in Budapest. Bou will arrive as clear leader in the contest on 40 points, 10 more than the nearest second-place rival.
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
Toni Bou
“Today I did not start the first round very well; the points were fine, but I didn’t feel right with the riding sensations. I didn’t feel comfortable and it took me a while to get into the sections. We will have to work so that in the coming trials we won’t experience these feelings, since it is very easy to get knocked out in the eliminations. In the end, I was able to enjoy myself more in the second round and the final to take the victory. I want to congratulate the organizer of the event, who set up a very tough trial, where I think the spectators really enjoyed it. Now there will be a break before the third trial in Budapest so it is very important to take the leadership here.”
Toni Bou – 2020 X-Trial, Round 2, France
X-Trial Rennes Round 2 Results
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Team
Con.
P.
1
BOU Toni
SPA
Repsol Honda Team
Montesa
20
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
TRRS Factory Team
TRRS
15
3
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
Sherco Factory Team
Sherco
12
4
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
9
5
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
Vertigo Factory Team
Vertigo
6
6
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
4
7
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
RG Team
Montesa
2
8
MARTIN Toby
GBR
Beta Factory Racing
Beta
1
2020 X-Trial Rider Standings
Pos.
Rider
Nat.
Points
1
BOU Toni
SPA
40
2
RAGA Adam
SPA
30
3
GELABERT Miquel
SPA
18
4
BUSTO Jaime
SPA
18
5
FAJARDO Jeroni
SPA
12
6
CASALES Jorge
SPA
6
7
BINCAZ Benoit
FRA
6
8
MARCELLI Gabriel
SPA
6
9
MARTIN Toby
GBR
1
10
TOULY Kieran
FRA
1
Holder crowned 2019 Oceania Speedway Champion at Gillman
New South Welshman Jack Holder has taken out the inaugural FIM Oceania Speedway Championship at Gillman in South Australia, dominating the seven-race event, only dropping one point finishing ahead of under-21 champion Jaimon Lidsey, British rider Dan Bewley and Australian junior international Jordan Stewart.
Holder scored 14 points, and recorded the fastest time of the night, in the heats, passed his biggest challenger, Jaimon Lidsey, to win his semi-final, and then won the final relatively comfortably in a dominating performance.
Holder’s only loss on the night was to Lidsey in their fourth heat, but by that time Holder had already qualified for the semi-finals, and therefore did not need to take any risks to try to pass Lidsey, highlighting one of the obvious flaws with the FIM format used for the meeting, where there is no reward, apart from choice of gate positions, for finishing on, or near, the top of the scorecard.
Second and third, in both the heat points and the final were Lidsey and English rider Dan Bewley, with the other finalist, Jordan Stewart, a non-finisher after he fell on the first lap.
Holder was ecstatic finishing on the top step and believes the new event formula has the support of riders. Holder said he believed European riders currently going through their winter break could see the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship as an opportunity to race.
Jack Holder
“The format and event was great, and similar to events in Europe. Hopefully it (FIM Oceania Speedway Championship) will help us push to gain GP qualifiers. It’s cold over there at the moment with no racing so they may want to come and enjoy the Australian summer and sunshine but to also remain competitive before returning to the European season.”
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FIM Oceania Vice President, Peter Doyle, said the FIM Oceania Speedway Championship showcased the international talent that Australia produces each year.
Peter Doyle – FIM Oceania Vice President
“We have a wealth of speedway talent and this inaugural FIM Oceania Speedway Championship will hopefully open up other avenues for upcoming Australian speedway stars to make their mark on the international stage. With the establishment of this championship we are continuing to support the growth of speedway here in Australia and promoting our international riders.”
Final – Holder (R), Lidsey (W), Bewley (B), Stewart (Y-fell), 56.254 (1st and 2nd from the two semi-finals)
Wade Young wins 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro in South Borneo
The 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro held in South Borneo, Indonesia has presented an incredibly tough challenge that ultimately saw just two riders complete the race over the weekend, with Sherco’s Wade Young on blistering form to take the win in front of Graham Jarvis.
Wade Young
“It was a tough day out at the Uncle Hard Enduro. There was only two finishers as there was a big downpour of rain just before the start which made things interesting.”
Wade Young – 2019 Uncle Hard Enduro
Young’s victory at the Uncle Hard Enduro follows his dominant performance at Wildwood Rock Extreme in Australia just a few weeks ago. Young will now head home to South Africa where he will finalise his preparations for the 2019 Roof of Africa.
Young is the defending Roof of Africa champion and is gunning for his fifth Roof of Africa win. Held in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Roof as it is commonly called, is an event steeped in history dating back to 1967 with legendary winners such as Graham Jarvis, Alfie Cox, Chris Birch and of, course, Wade Young. Labelled, the Mother of Hard Enduro, the 2019 Motul Roof of Africa begins on December 4, 2019.
2019 Uncle Hard Enduro results
Wade Young – ZAF – 1:58.04
Graham Jarvis – GBR – 2:13:25
Harley announce massive 2020 AFT contingency program
Harley-Davidson have announced a major increase in their support of American Flat Track’s AFT Production Twins class. For the first time ever, authorised Harley-Davidson dealerships will now have the race-proven XG750R available for purchase, ensuring that more competitors will field these race-winning machines during the 2020 American Flat Track season.
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
To support the racing efforts of Harley-Davidson-mounted riders in the class, the Milwaukee-based marque has also posted a $250,000 contingency package.
Jon Bekefy – GM of Brand Marketing for Harley-Davidson
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Harley-Davidson XR750 next season, this expanded pledge of support shows our lasting commitment to the sport of flat track. Harley-Davidson dealerships fielding the XG750R will provide an opportunity for our community to rally behind this great American sport.”
Harley-Davidson has been synonymous with flat track racing since the inception of the sport. Throughout the golden era of pro flat track, powerhouse Harley-Davidson dealerships from around the country scored hundreds of wins aboard the legendary XR750.
James Rispoli – Lima Half Mile 2019 – Image by Scott Hunter
Moments of brilliance during the 2019 AFT Production Twins season hearkened back to that golden era, as Dalton Gauthier and James Rispoli made consistent podium appearances and scored two wins aboard a privateer XG750R backed by Black Hills Harley-Davidson.
With $7,500 awarded to XG750R riders for each AFT Production Twins race win plus a $25,000 championship bonus on the line, the contingency package offered by Harley-Davidson is sure to heat up the on-track action next season.
A total of $15,000 will be up for grabs to XG750R riders at each AFT Production Twins round in 2020, broken down as follows, by place:
James Rispoli & Ryan Varnes – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
The XG750R is available for purchase for $35,999 and deliveries will begin immediately. Supply is limited and priority will be given to dealerships, with the availability of the XG750R and Harley-Davidson’s contingency setting the stage for a renaissance movement of dealer-backed privateers contesting for AFT championships in 2020.
American Flat Track will kick off its highly-anticipated 2020 season with the first-ever Saturday of Speed featuring the DAYTONA 200 and DAYTONA TT Doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. It all kicks off at the peak of Daytona Bike Week on Saturday, March 14, 2020. You can check out the full calendar below:
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross race schedule
May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar
Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah
2020 MXGP Calendar
March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Watson wins French Beach Race Loon-Plage Round 2
2019 Grand National Cross Country season wraps up at Ironman
RecoveR8 Australian ISDE team line-up updated
What to expect for 2020 AMA SX season after Monster Cup
2020 Championship Calendars
2020 AMA Motocross
2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
2020 MXGP
2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
Watson wins French Beach Race Loon-Plage Round 2
Nathan Watson secured victory at round two of the Championnat de France des Sables at Loon-Plage with the win moving the defending French Beach Race Champion to the top of the provisional series standings. Teammate Camille Chapeliere delivered a much-improved performance over his round one result, taking a strong fourth, while Jeffrey Dewulf and Milko Potisek completed the top three, mirroring their positions in the standings.
Nathan Watson
The Championnat de France des Sables moved north to Loon-Place, near Dunkirk, for round two, returning to a traditional beach race format, and the fight for victory was played out over a gruelling two-and-a-half-hour race.
Placing as runner-up at round one following a couple of mistakes, Nathan Watson was looking forward to the longer race distance and the chance to show both his pace and endurance. Starting 11th, during the opening six laps he calmly worked his way into the top five while maintaining sight of the leaders.
Taking the race lead on lap 17 of 25, Nathan then dropped to third following his final pit stop. Battling back to second and feeling strong while doing so, he again regained control of the race lead with two laps remaining. Upping his pace, with conditions at their worst he pulled clear of his rivals to secure a 26-second margin of victory.
Camille Chapeliere
Nathan Watson
“Taking the win and with it the championship leader’s red plate has made for a great day at Loon-Plage. I was looking forward to returning to the longer, more traditional style beach race after the shorter, multi-race format at round one. I feel that’s where I’m best and can keep pushing throughout the race. Unfortunately, my start wasn’t the best, but I knew if I kept the leaders in sight then the race would come to me. The sunshine actually made things tricky with shadows on the bumps and holes, so I tried to settle into the first hour and then work my way forward. With two laps to go I felt strong and attacked hard to put myself into the lead and pull clear for the win. Overall, I’m chuffed with that ride because my shoulder still isn’t 100 per cent and there’s a few more things we’d like to improve on the bike. I’ve got the final round of the World Enduro Super Series next weekend and after that I’ll fully concentrate on improving more.”
Nathan Watson
The Championnat de France des Sables continues with round three at Magesq on November 16-17.
Championnat de France des Sables Round 2 – Loon-Plage
Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 25 laps 2:31:54.730
Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA), KTM, 25 laps 2:32:21.320 +26.590
Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 25 laps 2:32:39.880 +45.150
Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 25 laps 2:37:25.260 +5:30.530
Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 25 laps 2:37:57.710 +6:02.980
Championship Standings (After round 2)
Nathan Watson (GBR), KTM, 285pts
Jeffrey Dewulf (FRA), KTM, 260pts
Milko Potisek (FRA), Yamaha, 235pts
Todd Kellett (GBR), Yamaha, 225pts
Camille Chapeliere (FRA), KTM, 201pts
2019 Grand National Cross Country season wraps up at Ironman
The 2019 Grand National Cross Country Series officially came to an end after Sunday’s motorcycle racing at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, where tricky, muddy conditions proved a challenge, adding slick sections in spots throughout the day.
XC1 Holeshot – Image by Ken Hill
The conditions wouldn’t stop Ben Kelley from making his way through the pack after an almost dead last start off the line. Kelley would come through on the first lap already sitting third overall. Kelley would consistently get faster each lap, and by the time he came through on lap number two he would be sitting first overall.
Kelley was not looking back as he maintained those fast lap times until the chequered flag flew. Kelley has now earned two overall and XC1 Open Pro class wins in a row, and moved into the third place position in the National Championship points standings for the year.
Ben Kelly – Image by Ken Hill
Trevor Bollinger maneuvered his way through the pack after a fifth place start to the day to come through second overall and land his fifth podium finish of the season. Coming back from a mid-pack start to round out the overall podium at the season finale was Steward Baylor Jr. After running sixth and fifth for majority of the day, Baylor Jr. was able to capitalise on the last lap and take third overall to end his season.
Trevor Bollinger – Image by Ken Hill
Grant Baylor steadily worked his way up through the pack, moving his way up to fourth overall as the checkered flag flew. Josh Strang would derail his chain on the first lap, and have to battle back for his seventh overall on the day.
Trevor Bollinger, Ben Kelley, Steward Baylor Jr. – Image by Ken Hill
XC2 250 Pro
In the XC2 250 Pro class it was Craig Delong coming away with second-straight win the class, while also coming through eighth overall in Indiana. Delong would battle throughout the day swapping positions multiple times, but ultimately coming away with another win. Delong holds onto second in the XC2 class points standings for the year.
Craig Delong – Image by Ken Hill
Liam Draper earned another podium finish at the season finale, and holds onto fifth in the year end points standings. Draper put up a fight for the lead position and for his podium position throughout the duration of the race. Draper would hold off his fellow competitors though and take the second place finish by a couple minutes.
Jonathan Johnson landed himself the final podium position to end the year, with only a couple hours on a brand-new bike. This was Johnson’s first-ever XC2 podium finish, which helped him secure his eighth place finish in the class standings.
FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am
Chase Colville earned his first FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win of the season after a handful of podium finishes throughout the year. Colville sits third in the points standings. Nathan Ferderer and Logan Kittock rounded out the class podium with a second and third.
Simon Johnson – Image by Ken Hill
Taking home the top amateur honors at the season finale was Simon Johnson. Johnson clinched his class championship, while also announcing he would move to the XC2 class for the 2020 season. Ryder LeBlond came through to earn second overall and second in the 250 A class. After earning the youth overall championship earlier in the season Joseph Cunningham made his way to the top amateur podium to end the 2019 season.
WXC
MacKenzie Tricker came through to earn the WXC class win at the conclusion of Sunday’s morning race at the Ironman GNCC. Rachael Archer would come through to finish second with Becca Sheets rounding out the final WXC podium of the season.
Tayla Jones
“If anyone told me as I was packing my bags three-years ago to move to the other side of the world, and that in three years time I’d have three GNCC championships I would’ve laughed. It was the dream for sure but for it to now be a reality is incredible. This year was definitely the toughest, and I am beyond grateful for all of the support of my team, family and friends who stuck behind me the whole way.”
MacKenzie Tricker – Image by Ken Hill
However, attention would be turned towards Tayla Jones as she clinched her third WXC National Championship after a hard-fought battle all year long.
Gow-Smith wins 2019 Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award
Jason Doyle claims 2019 Golden Helmet title in Pardubice
2020 SpeedwayGP permanent wild cards announced
Smolinski leads 2020 SGP substitute rider line-up
2019 Australian SX Championship shaping up to be a belter
Justin Rodbell out for Australian Supercross
Team HRC & Gajser lead the way at MXGP Awards Ceremony
Meghan Rutledge to become Kawasaki ambassador in 2020
bLU cRU Masterclass riders announced
Romain Febvre joins Monster Energy KRT for 2020
Monster and KRT renew MXGP partnership
Mikkel Haarup joins F&H Kawasaki for 2020
Garcia leads KTM BR2 Enduro Solsona 1-2-3
Following Friday night’s action-packed Super Test in Solsona, Saturday saw the 350-strong entry set out on what would prove to be a long and physical day of racing to kick off the 2019 BR2 Enduro Solsona, in the first of two full days of racing.
Josep Garcia took an early lead at Round 7 of the World Enduro Super Series with victory on Day 1 of the BR2 Enduro Solsona in Spain. Delivering a masterclass in Classic Enduro racing, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider ended the opening day of competition with a healthy 40-second advantage over teammates Nathan Watson and Jonny Walker. In what proved to be a top-five clean sweep for KTM, Manuel Lettenbichler and Taddy Blazusiak placed fourth and fifth respectively.
Garcia followed up on Sunday, delivering a home win for Round 7 of the World Enduro Super Series. The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider proved uncatchable as he led home Britain’s Nathan Watson and Jonny Walker in second and third respectively.
Friday’s Super Test – 2019 WESS Round 7, BR2 Enduro Solsona – Image by Future7Media
Championship leader Manuel Lettenbichler kept his advantage in the standings with fourth, moving a step closer to becoming the 2019 Ultimate Enduro World Champion. Yamaha’s Cristobal Guerrero also rode an incredible final lap to snatch fifth from Taddy Blazusiak and deny KTM a clean sweep of the top-five.
Day 1 – BR2 Enduro Solsona
A lengthy liaison on Day 1 took competitors from Solsona to nearby Bassella, where they faced the Cross Test, Extreme Test and Enduro Test at the Bassella Experience centre. They then returned to Solsona to complete the loop. A second lap of the course – ending with an additional Super Test – ensured many tired and weary bodies on Saturday evening.
The Start saw 350 riders lining up – 2019 WESS Round 7, BR2 Enduro Solsona – Image by Future7Media
Determined to maximise his Classic Enduro skills, Garcia quickly got down to business on Saturday after a mixed-outing in Friday’s Super Test. Quickest on the opening Enduro Test and then again on the Cross Test, he ended lap one leading. Building on his advantage during the final lap, he returned to Solsona as the provisional overnight leader.
Behind him, Watson gave chase. Pushing hard, but not quite able to consistently match the Spaniard’s pace in the Enduro or Cross Test, he had to be content with ending Day 1 in second position.
Winning Friday’s Super Test, Walker showed he’s up to speed in the Classic Enduro discipline. Boosted by some of the fastest times in the technical Extreme Test, he sat in third after Saturday.
For championship leader Lettenbichler the opening day of racing went better than expected. Enjoying an exciting battle with Blazusiak and Walker, while setting some impressive test times, the German will look to hold off Blazusiak in the battle for fourth and maintain the pressure on Walker.
2019 WESS Round 7, BR2 Enduro Solsona
Ending just four seconds behind Blazusiak, Honda’s Kirian Mirabet was just outside the top five, in sixth, after showing more speed on the Cross Test.
Yamaha’s Cristobal Guerrero had a difficult start to his day when a crash cost him valuable time on lap one. Regrouping, he worked his way back up the leader board to place seventh, but is less than 10 seconds behind Blazusiak.
Round 7 – Enduro Solsona, Day 1 Results
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 45:49.650
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 46:29.920
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 46:45.240
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 47:02.870
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 47:45.830
Kirian Mirabet (Honda – ESP) 47:49.840
Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha – ESP) 47:54.760
Jaume Betriu (KTM – ESP) 48:01.460
Bernat Cortes (KTM – ESP) 48:15.280
Tosha Schareina (Husqvarna – ESP) 48:24.220…
Day 2 – BR2 Enduro Solsona
Building on his winning momentum from Saturday, local Garcia locked his sights on victory at Round 7. Starting out with a 45-second advantage over teammate Watson, he pushed hard from the off. Maximising his time on the Cross Test and Enduro Test, while limiting the damage on the technical Extreme Test, he controlled his lead to secure the top step of the podium.
With a sizeable deficit to Garcia, Watson always knew overhauling his teammate in Spain was going to be a tall ask. Keeping the Spaniard honest throughout, he cemented himself as the runner-up to ensure his second podium result in as many races.
Clearly demonstrating his Classic Enduro speed matches his Hard Enduro talents, Walker looked both fast and comfortable in the dry and dusty Solsona conditions as he battled for third. With time in hand over Lettenbichler in fourth, he maintained his third position.
Entering BR2 Enduro Solsona, championship leader Lettenbichler initially hoped for a top-10 result among the many Spanish Classic Enduro specialists. But also proving that he’s adept in the special tests, the German held on to a strong fourth position.
The battle for fifth was a close affair between Guerrero and Blazusiak. The Polish rider held fifth overnight and was determined to sign out with a top-five result. A crash on lap one of Saturday saw Guerrero fight his way back into contention.
Starting Sunday in sixth, he gained time on Blazusiak in the Enduro and Cross test, but lost time on the Extreme test. Putting everything into the final Super Test he managed to overthrow the KTM rider, beating him by eight seconds.
Honda’s Kirian Mirabet edged out Jaume Betriu by just one second to take seventh, while Marzal Schareina and Ramon Quer rounded out the top-10.
“It felt really good to take the win here at home in front of all my friends and family. I couldn’t have asked for more really. Yesterday I had a couple of crashes but today went perfectly. I had to take a lot of care in the final Supertest, I knew I had some seconds to spare, but Nathan has been so close all weekend and also the extreme guys have been really quick here too. I felt a little extra pressure coming here for my home event, but that only motivated me even more to win. Overall it’s been the perfect weekend.”
“I’m happy with second – Josep was on fire here in Spain and really pushed hard, especially on that first lap yesterday. It’s been a really hectic few weeks for me and I didn’t really come into this race at 100 percent, so to pick up second and more WESS points is a good weekend. With all the travel and non-stop races, things have been tough. The Motocross of Nations was really tiring both mentally and physically, I also hurt my shoulder there a little. Overall, it’s been an amazing couple of weeks, and I couldn’t have hoped for better results to be honest. I definitely need a week’s rest now, that’s for certain.”
“It’s been a good race here in Spain, I’m really happy to get on the podium again. I had quite a steady start to the year, partly from coming back after my fall and not being quite at 100 percent. I’m starting to feel like I am getting back into a groove again but I’m still nowhere near where I want to be. The race started well with a win in the Supertest and then I’m really pleased with how I rode on both Saturday and Sunday – I was on top of the extreme test and not too far away on the others considering the opposition. The plan now is to get a good result at GetzenRodeo and hopefully come away with second in the championship.”
“I feel so pleased right now. I came here with no expectations at all, even though I was feeling quite confident after Hawkstone. I thought top-10 would be a good result, so to finish fourth feels amazing.”
Manuel Lettenbichler – 2019 WESS Round 7, BR2 Enduro Solsona – Image by Future7Media
Cristobal Guerrero – P5
“Today I found my rhythm and was able to get fifth position. Luckily, I had a good final Super Test – I got a good start and was able to get in behind Josep. Thankfully that was enough to overtake Taddy for fifth place overall. I think having WESS here in Spain has been good for both the Spanish championship and WESS. It’s good to see a lot of different riders racing and it’s a very different race for the WESS championship too with a lot of variety between all the test. It’s been a great weekend and I’ve really enjoyed it.”
“It’s been a tough weekend, and a shame not to get fifth, but considering the preparation I’ve been able to do for this race I should be happy. You can’t prepare for everything, there just isn’t enough time and here I was getting faster each lap as I settled into the type of riding, which shouldn’t be the case. The good thing is, things started to click towards the end, but it was just too little, too late to challenge for the podium. I’m feeling good which is the main thing, so it’s off to America for the next two Endurocross rounds soon, then back to Europe for GetzenRodeo.”
“Overall I’m really happy with how the weekend has gone. Yesterday wasn’t so good but I was able to find a good rhythm to finish 10th today and secure 12th overall for the event, which I’m really pleased about. I made a mistake yesterday and had a small crash and then today I missed my line in a test which cost me some more time. Coming from a Hard Enduro background I found myself losing out to some of the other riders on the faster tests, so I need to work on that. However, I was very strong on the extreme test. I’m looking forward to GetzenRodeo now. I had a really good battle there last year, so I want to finish the season with a win.”
The 2019 World Enduro Super Series concludes with the eighth and final round at Germany’s GetzenRodeo on Saturday November 2.
Round 7 – Enduro Solsona, Day 2 Results
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 1:26:16.000
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 1:27:06.700
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 1:28:42.870
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 1:29:11.100
Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha – ESP) 1:30:08.760
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 1:30:17.120
Kirian Mirabet (Honda – ESP) 1:30:51.560
Jaume Betriu (KTM – ESP) 1:30:52.040
Marzal Schareina (Husqvarna – ESP) 1:31:05.790
Ramon Quer (Husqvarna – ESP) 1:31:35.700…
WESS Championship Standings (after Round 7 of 8)
Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM – GER) 5110 points
Jonny Walker (KTM – GB) 4240
Josep Garcia (KTM – ESP) 4165
Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna – ESP) 4034
Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna – GB) 3920
Nathan Watson (KTM – GB) 3881
Taddy Blazusiak (KTM – POL) 3850
Mario Roman (Sherco – ESP) 3070
Billy Bolt (Husqvarna – GB) 2725
Pol Tarres (Husqvarna – ESP) 2520
2019 World Enduro Super Series Calendar
Round 1: Toyota Porto Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 10-12
Round 2: Trèfle Lozérien AMV (France) May 17-19
Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) May 30-June 2
Round 4: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) June 21-23
Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 30-August 3
Round 6: Hawkstone Park Cross Country (United Kingdom) September 21-22
Round 7: BR2 Enduro Solsona (Spain) October 4-6
Round 8: GetzenRodeo (Germany) November 2
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Roczen wins 2019 Straight Rhythm on McGrath’s 2006 CR250R
The sixth running of the Red Bull Straight Rhythm saw a commemoration of two-stroke racers, with participants donning vintage-inspired gear to truly get into the spirit on an ‘un-wound’ track across three classes.
Enzo Lopes & Josh Hansen – Image by Christian Pondella/RedBullContentPool
Split into 250cc, 125cc and a special 500cc exhibition race, the main two classes saw a best-of-three format with a single elimination bracket.
Michael Leib & Joey Crown – Image by Chris Tedesco/RedBullContentPool
In his first appearance at the event since 2015, Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen had an exciting day at the 2019 Red Bull Straight Rhythm in Pomona, California, taking home the 250cc title after winning every matchup and going undefeated on the day. The unique two-stroke only-format saw Roczen pay homage to Jeremy McGrath, as he rode “The King’s” factory 2006 CR250R while wearing a retro kit inspired by McGrath’s 1996 gear.
Ken Roczen
After qualifying second-fastest in practice, Roczen’s first matchup of the evening was against Tevin Tapia, which he won with ease. Advancing in the bracket, he then went head-to-head with Ryan Sipes, who once again was no match for the German. Roczen finally faced his first real challenge in Josh Hanson, in the semifinals, and despite an incredibly close race, Roczen continued his undefeated run, moving into the finals. In the final matchup, Roczen took on Brandon Hartranft, who fought hard but ultimately couldn’t overtake the Honda rider.
Ken Roczen
Ken Roczen
“I’m so stoked! I had such a blast and am so excited to come away with the win tonight. I’ve never raced a two-stroke before so to be able to ride Jeremy McGrath’s actual bike from 2006 and get the win is awesome. Nothing but good vibes and hopefully this translates into many more for the season to come. I have to give it up to the entire team, who put so much work into this whole event. It was always supposed to be super-fun but I know it was also a lot of work, so I have to thank the guys.”
Ken Roczen topped the 250 class from Brandon Hartranft and Josh Hansen – Image by Garth Milan/RedBullContentPool
Jeremy McGrath (Instagram)
“Congrats Ken Roczen on the win at Straight Rhythm. I think I recognize that sick gear you were wearing tonight. Thanks for the tribute! I am guessing my old bike ran pretty good to huh?”
In the 125cc class, Joey Crown lived up to his name, racing his way to the top step of the podium. In the most anticipated and exciting match of the night, Tyler Bowers edged out Travis Pastrana in the Maxxis 500cc Showdown.
Ryan Sipes & Ryan Morais – Image by Chris Tedesco/RedBullContentPool
500cc Showdown
Tyler Bowers
Travis Pastrana
250 Class Results
Ken Roczen
Brandon Hartranft
Josh Hansen
125 Class Results
Joey Crown
Michael Leib
AJ Catanzaro
Travis Pastrana & Tyler Bowers – Image by Christian Pondella/RedBullContentPoolWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Toby Price leads Rally du Maroc at half-way point
Marking the second half of the rally’s marathon stage, Day 3 of the Rally du Maroc was set to be the longest of the event. However, organisers cancelled the third part of the timed special for safety reasons, taking the day’s results from the end of the second special.
Toby Price – 2019 Rally du Maroc
With riders only receiving their road books 15 minutes prior to entering the stage – a first for the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – ultimate navigation skills would prove critical to success on the demanding desert stage.
Following his tough Day 2, where issues with the road book ended up costing him valuable minutes, Toby Price knew he had to attack stage three to stay competitive in the overall standings. As the ninth rider to take to the special, the reigning Dakar Champion immediately set about chasing down the riders ahead. Unfortunately, with the stage cut short, the Australian was unable to maximise his advantage, but was still able to win the stage and move himself up to the top of the provisional overall standings.
Toby Price
“The stage went well for me today. There were a couple of sections that were quite tricky and I didn’t quite catch them at the right point to make up time on the guys in front. Even so, we were able to close the gap a little and I felt good all day. The roles will be reversed again for tomorrow so the other guys will be chasing us down again but that’s just rallying. It’s a shame they cancelled the last part of the stage because I think we could have made up even more time but that’s the way it is sometimes. A disadvantage for you might be an advantage for someone else. But we completed the marathon stage safely, so let’s see what tomorrow brings.”
Toby Price – 2019 Rally du Maroc
Also losing time on the previous stage, Matthias Walkner also put in a superb performance on Day 3 to claim runner-up for the stage and elevate himself to second in the rally standings. Happy with how he rode on the sandy, two-part timed special, Matthias managed his tyres perfectly, bringing his KTM 450 RALLY home just one minute and 55 seconds behind his teammate.
Matthias Walker
“I think today was the first day that I really enjoyed the riding. It was tough because the tyres had already ridden a lot of kilometres yesterday and toward the very end of the stage today, I could really feel that they were worn. I know I made some mistakes with my navigation and I thought it would have cost me a lot of time, so I was quite surprised to find out I had finished second. Hopefully I can continue like this and finish the year with a good result here in Morocco.”
Matthias Walkner – 2019 Rally du Maroc
Stage 3 Rally du Maroc 2019
Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 3:00:33
Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 3:02:28 +1:55
Franco Caimi (FRA), Yamaha, 3:02:54 +2:21
Johnny Aubert (FRA), Sherco, 3:04:34 +4:01
Ignacio Cornejo (CHI), Honda, 3:04:49 +4:16
Rally du Maroc 2019 after 3 of 5 stages
Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 11:57:39
Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 12:01:45 +4:06
Franco Caimi (ARG), Yamaha, 12:04:19 +6:40
Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Husqvarna, 12:04:20 +6:41
Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 12:05:31 +7:52
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Jarred Brook stamped his dominance on the Barleigh Ranch round of the 2019 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championship over the weekend, winning the MX Open, Pro 450 and Pro Open classes, winning ten of his 12 heats in the running.
Jarred Brook
“Amazing weekend down at Barleigh Ranch Raceway for the 2019 Australian Dirt Track Championships. Absolutely stoked to come away with winning the Pro Open, Mx Open and Pro 450. I am also extremely honoured to win the Duke of Edinburgh award and to be presented with the Rod Allen and The Begley Family memorial Trophy’s. I cannot thank my little team enough for all of their help and a support over the weekend. Dad and Tom Laycock worked their butts off all weekend. Thank you to the Reay family for all of their support and help through out the weekend as well.”
In the 250 Pro class it was James Chapman who took top honours, while Briony Henrickson topped the Women’s class. Harrison Ryan was the top Under 19s performer, while the Support classes were won by Jason Griffin, Lachlan Russell, Cameron Dunker and Max Berry.
Pro 450
Jarred Brook
Kayden Downing
Daniel Wicks
Pro 250
James Chapman
Angus Hutchinson
Harrison Ryan
MX Open
Jarred Brook
Damien Koppe
Kayden Downing
Pro Open
Jarred Brook
Kayden Downing
Daniel Wicks
Under 19s
Harrison Ryan
Angus Hutchinson
Jake Farnsworth
Womens
Briony Hendrickson
Brooke Goulding
Tayla Street
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2019 KTM AJMX Champions crowned
The Championship decider of the KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championship (AJMX) was held at the Motocross Riders Association in South Australia and saw plenty of thrills, battles and celebrations as 12 national titles were decided in an incredible day of racing.
2019 KTM AJMX – Image by Aaryn Minerds
The Motocross Riders Association club in Gillman was blessed with exceptional weather conditions all week and the track produced top notch racing, while the Motocross Riders Association, officials and volunteers were commended on the professionalism and efficiency in which the week-long event was conducted, and the daily track preparation and maintenance ensured the safety of all competitors.
128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st – 13-U15
The first 2019 AJMX Champion of the day crowned was Queenslander, Brad West who sealed the title when he took the chequered flag in the first race of the day and the sixth final of the 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st – 13-U15 class.
With what was once again the Banana Bender Show, West charged to victory beating rival and fellow Queenslanders Deegan Mancinelle coming through with a close second and Jackson Camilleri rounding off the top three for the last final for this class.
128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st – 13-U15 Top 3
Brad West – 185
Jackson Camilleri – 169
Ryan Alexansderson – 166
65cc 7-U10
The third and final race for the 65cc 7-U10 class was won by Queensland’s “Mr Consistency” Cooper Downing with an impressive fast lap time of 2:14.508. Fellow Queenslander Peter Wolfe came second and local rider Cooper Ford (TAS) crossed the line with a strong third, to seal the championship win.
65cc 7-U10 Top 3
Cooper Ford – 97
Cooper Downing – 91
Lachlan Allen – 82
100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st– 13-U16 Girls
Queenslander, Charli Cannon has dominated this class and the final moto to take the Junior Lites – 13-U16 Girls Championship in fine style. The massive 210-points Cannon clocked up was more than enough to seal the deal and she won the final race by over five-seconds. Cannon was followed by Victorian Madison Healey for second and Taylah McCutcheson rounded up the top three for their final race.
100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st– 13-U16 Girls Top 3
Charli Cannon – 210
Taylor Thompson – 184
Madison Healey – 180
85cc 2st/150cc 4st – 9-U12
The third final and probably the most hotly contested class of the KTM AJMX saw New South Welshman Hixson McInnes prove to be the surprise package in the third final of the 85cc 2st/1500 4st 9-U12 class.
Not only did Hixon have the fastest lap time of 1:56.285 but he also took the win over Queenslander Jet Alsop in second and West Australian Kayden Minear who took third place for the final and the overall win of the championship.
85cc 2st/150cc 4st – 9-U12 Top 3
Kayden Minear – 95
Liam Owens – 95
Jet Alsop – 88
85cc 2st– 150cc 4st 12-U16 Girls
Charli Cannon from Queensland made it a clean sweep once again in the Mini Lites BW 12-U16 Girls final to grasp the title, completing the week with a dominant 18-second victory. Taylor Thomson from New South Wales pulled through for another consistent runner-up placing ahead of Queenslander Taylah McCutcheon.
85cc 2st– 150cc 4st 12-U16 Girls Top 3
Charli Cannon – 210
Taylor Thomson – 186
Taylah McCrutcheon – 186
100-125cc – 2st 15yo
New South Welshman Blake Fox has sealed the 125cc – 15yo championship, despite coming third in the final moto and winning one final. It was Queenslander Levi Rogers who took victory in the sixth final, followed by local champion Alex Larwood who had the fastest lap time of 1:45.589 and Blake Fox (NSW) followed him eight-seconds later to take third.
100-125cc – 2st 15yo Top 3
Blake Fox – 191
Levi Rogers – 187
Alex Larwood – 177
2019 KTM AJMX – Image by Aaryn Minerds
85cc 2st/150cc 4st– 12-U14
The championship battle for the Mini Lites BW – 12-U14 could not have been any closer, with the only 3 points between the top three! Ryder Kingsford was awarded the championship on countback, after finishing fourth in the final race.
It was New South Welshman Byron Dennis stormed home to take the chequered flag in the final race for this class, with a fastest lap time of 1:53.500, Queenslander Branden Plath crossed the line under 2 seconds later to take second and Cody Kilpatrick from New South Wales rounded up the top three.
85cc 2st/150cc 4st– 12-U14 Top 3
Ryder Kingsford – 90
Connor Towill – 90
Byron Dennis – 87
85cc 2st/150cc 4st – 14-U16
New South Welshman, Benny Novak has once again sealed the Mini Lites BW – 14-U16 championship with his first-place finish in the final moto securing 201 points overall to retain the title for 2019.
Fellow state counterpart Hunter Collins secured runner up in the championship by coming second in the final moto with the fastest lap time of 1:51.684 and Queenslander Jake Kowal crossed the line in third.
85cc 2st/150cc 4st – 14-U16 Top 3
Ben Novak – 201
Hunter Collins – 199
Zachary Watson – 176
2019 KTM AJMX – Image by Aaryn Minerds
65cc – 10-U12
West Australian Kayden Minear made it two championship wins at Gillman with victory in the 65cc – 10-U12 category. His first place and fastest lap time of 2:02.221 in the final moto was enough to guarantee the title.
New South Welshman Jack Deveson crossed the line closely behind for second and fellow state counterpart Ky Woods rounded up the top three in their final race of the day, placing him second on the championship podium.
65cc – 10-U12 Top 3
Kayden Minear – 202
Ky Woods – 189
Jake Cannon – 168
100-125cc 2st – 13-U15
West Australian Liam Atkinson sealed the title with a solid second-place finish in the final moto. Queenslander Ryan Alexanderson took a three-second margin win over Atkinson and New South Welshman Hunter Collins came in third with the fastest lap time of 1:51.977 in their last race of the championship.
100-125cc 2st – 13-U15 Top 3
Liam Atkinson – 92
Brock Flynn – 84
Jack Mather – 83
50cc Division 2 – 7-U9
It was all the sandgroper’s way as Mason Brown (WA) took a sensational victory in the final moto of the 50cc class to earn himself a championship win, while Deegan Fort (WA) crossed the line three-seconds later second making him runner up for the championship in his first national event.
West Australian Brian Gyles had the fastest lap time of 2:24.483 which saw him third over the line for their last race of a very long week for this group of little Aussie troopers!
50cc Division 2 – 7-U9 Top 3
Mason Brown – 210
Deegan Fort – 176
Kyle Harvey – 171
128-150cc 2st/200-250 4st 15yo
Taking his second podium of the day, local hero Alex Larwood took the championship in style with the final chequered flag and the fastest lap time of 1:46.880 in the last moto of both the day and the 2019 KTM AJMX Championships.
New South Welshman, Blake Fox pulled through for second in the race making him runner up for the championship ahead of fellow state counterpart Cameron Torpy rounding of the top three for the final race of the 2019 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championships!
128-150cc 2st/200-250 4st 15yo Top 3
Alex Larwood – 210
Blake Fox – 190
Cameron Torpy – 157
2019 KTM 2019 Interstate Challenge Cup
Earlier this week each state chose a team of eight riders from four different classes to compete for the Interstate Challenge Cup and each of those competitors was scored within their own class.
At the end of the event, the state with the highest point scoring six team members had their final placings re-scored for an overall score. The state with the highest overall team score is the winner.
Queensland were the winners this year on 199 points, the runner up state for 2019 is New South Wales on 196 points, third place was Western Australia on 193 points, followed by Tasmania 189 points, Victoria 182, South Australia 174 and Northern Territory on 132 points.
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Gow-Smith wins 2019 Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award
On Saturday the 5th of October the Motocross Riders Association Club proudly hosted the presentation night of the 2019 KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championships at the Port Adelaide Football Club.
During the proceedings the prestigious Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award winner was announced and presented in front of a packed house of over 300 guests by Holden On Tight Organisations founder, Rosco Holden.
Taj Gow-Smith wins 2019 Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award
In 2017 the Holden On Tight Organisation created the “Holden On Tight Spirit Award” as part of the KTM Australian Junior Motocross Championships. The “Spirit Award” is exactly that, it can be a selfless act to help a fellow competitor, one of true grit or continuing to compete through adversity of injury or so much more that can make someone a contender.
Rosco, who attended the week-long event, opened his speech congratulating the South Australian Motocross Riders Association President Anthony Slade and his tireless hardworking team of officials, medical staff, corner stewards and volunteers.
Rosco Holden
“I’m proud to say my Holden On Tight Organisation is in its 4th year unofficially, and 3rd year officially, for contributing prize money sponsorship for every class for the KTM AJMX championships. The thing that impresses me each year is the commitment that all have shown in preparing all year and attend this event. The top three place getters will get their rewards, but the winners are all of you that have taken on this annual September School Holiday Dirt Challenge. But it’s not all about winning far from it, hence why in 2017 I created the Holden On Tight Spirit Award. This year’s remarkable standouts were #6 Patrick Butler in the 65cc 10-12 class who stopped and helped get #213 Cohen Guatt get his leg out from his wheel and the start line dummy grid dynamic duo of Josh and Billy who did an awesome, yet thankless job all week. There was also the fearless young Jack Ellingham who rides for Josh Coppins in New Zealand, Jack who rode in the 65cc 7-9 yr. class, got 3rd degree tyre burns to the side of his wrist and bravely continued on and still racing all week…”
2019 KTM AJMX Trophies
There were many contenders, including Tasmania’s #77 Jordan Hingston who also helped Northern Territory rider #174 Clayton Bogucki get out from under his bike during a race.
During the very first practice session for the 2019 KTM AJMX, newly crowned champion, Brad West was badly trapped under his bike at the first corner with no-one around to help.
Taj Gow-Smith was about to leave the start line for his practice when he saw Brad. Taj instantly raced down to turn one and threw his bike down on the ground and helped him. Brad fortunately wasn’t hurt and by Taj lifting his bike off him he was able to get back on his way and finish his all-important practice session. Gow-Smith earnt the 2019 Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award for his selfless act.
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Jason Doyle claims 2019 Golden Helmet title in Pardubice
Aussie ace Jason Doyle celebrated retaining his FIM Speedway Grand Prix status by winning the iconic Golden Helmet in Pardubice for the second straight season on Sunday.
Doyle triumphed over former European champion Andzejs Lebedevs, Patryk Dudek, Max Fricke, Antonio Lindback and Jack Holder in the final on the giant Czech track, which features six-rider races.
Jason Doyle
“What a way to celebrate my birthday weekend!! Qualified for 2020 SGP series with seventh in the world and then on my birthday won the Golden Helmet! The biggest individual meeting of the season! So happy! Thank you for all the nice messages over the weekend! Bring on 2020!”
Only SGP wild card Antonio Lindback defeated Doyle at the quarter final stages, before he stormed through his semi group and triumphed in the decider.
It capped a strong weekend for the Newcastle-born racer who secured seventh spot in the World Championship on Saturday night to retain his record of qualifying for the SGP series without the aid of a wild card every year since his debut in 2015.
Slovak star Martin Vaculik won the consolation final ahead of Matej Zagar, Chris Holder, Viktor Kulakov, Vaclav Milik and Tero Aarnio.
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2020 SpeedwayGP permanent wild cards announced
Former FIM Speedway Grand Prix world champions Greg Hancock and Tai Woffinden are back for 2020 after the SGP Commission confirmed next year’s four permanent wild cards.
Two men with seven world titles between them are joined by Russian racer Artem Laguta and Swedish star Antonio Lindback in receiving invites to compete in the SGP World Championship.
2020 Speedway Grand Prix wildcards have been announced!
Hancock is set for an historic return to speedway in a year, which will see him become the first 50-year-old to compete in the SGP series, when he celebrates his half-century on June 3, 2020.
The four-time world champion is taking a break from the sport this year to support wife Jennie as she undergoes breast cancer treatment, but he has made no secret of his desire to continue battling it out with the world’s best.
Great Britain hero Woffinden, who became the nation’s first triple world champion last year, is back after a tough season, which saw him sidelined for two months with a broken TH4 vertebra sustained in a PGE Ekstraliga crash in Lublin on June 7.
Woffinden was 13th in this season’s standings – the first time he has finished outside the world’s top four since he rejoined the series in 2013.
2020 Speedway Grand Prix wildcards
Laguta claimed 11th place in the SGP series, but still ended 2019 a world champion after racing to Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations glory with Emil Sayfutdinov at Russian track Togliatti in July.
And Lindback returns to the SGP stage after finishing 12th this season. The Swedish international is a two-time FIM Speedway World Cup winner and has three SGP victories and two Swedish Championships to his name.
The top eight riders in this year’s SGP World Championship – Bartosz Zmarzlik, Leon Madsen, Emil Sayfutdinov, Fredrik Lindgren, Martin Vaculik, Maciej Janowski, Jason Doyle and Patryk Dudek – qualify automatically for SGP 2020.
The line-up is completed by the top three riders from the GP Challenge in Gorican, Croatia on August 24 – winner Matej Zagar, runner-up Niels-Kristian Iversen and third-placed Max Fricke. The substitute riders for the 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix series will be confirmed soon.
2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix Ride Line-Up (in FIM ranking order with rider numbers to be confirmed in due course)
Bartosz Zmarzlik (Poland)
Leon Madsen (Denmark)
Emil Sayfutdinov (Russia)
Fredrik Lindgren (Sweden)
Martin Vaculik (Slovakia)
Maciej Janowski (Poland)
Jason Doyle (Australia)
Patryk Dudek (Poland)
Matej Zagar (Slovenia)
Niels-Kristian Iversen (Denmark)
Artem Laguta (Russia)
Antonio Lindback (Sweden)
Tai Woffinden (Great Britain)
Max Fricke (Australia)
Greg Hancock (USA)
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Smolinski leads 2020 SGP substitute rider line-up
German ace Martin Smolinski will serve as the 2020 FIM Speedway Grand Prix first substitute rider as the full SGP 2020 line-up is confirmed.
The 2018 FIM World Longtrack champion heads the list of substitute stars and will be called into SGP 2020 events if any of the 15 permanent riders are forced out of action for any reason such as injury or illness.
Smolinski famously won the 2014 New Zealand SGP on his full World Championship debut at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium.
Smolinski will lead the 2020 SGP substitute rider line-up
The charismatic Munich-born man has also played a pivotal role in helping Germany reach two straight Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations Finals – the country’s first world team finals of the 21st century.
He’s joined on the substitutes list by second stand-in Mikkel Michelsen of Denmark – the new European champion having won a run-off with Russia’s Grigory Laguta at the final round in Chorzow last month.
Last year’s FIM Speedway Under-21 World Championship winner Bartosz Smektala of Poland is the third reserve, with Denmark’s Anders Thomsen – who finished fifth in his first-ever GP Challenge in August – the fourth substitute.
Swedish racer Pontus Aspgren suffered cruel luck in his quest for SGP qualification at the GP Challenge with an engine failure in his final ride. He will be the fifth reserve for SGP 2020.
The list is completed by French star Dimitri Berge – the new FIM World Longtrack champion and a Speedway of Nations star for his country in 2018 and 2019.
2020 SGP Substitute Riders
Martin Smolinski (Germany)
Mikkel Michelsen (Denmark)
Bartosz Smektala (Poland)
Anders Thomsen (Denmark)
Pontus Aspgren (Sweden)
Dimitri Berge (France)
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2019 Australian SX Championship shaping up to be a belter
The 2019 Australian Supercross Championship is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in history, with a host of decorated international talent preparing to face off against the best Australia has to offer, and take the coveted SX1 and SX2 Championships to foreign lands.
Australian Supercross 2018 – Image by TBG
Leading the charge and looking to secure his fourth consecutive Australian championship will be Penrite Honda’s Justin Brayton, who has recently signed a deal with the HRC corporation for his World Championship campaign in 2020, and will come with additional parts for his Honda machine which is an ominous sign for the competition. The American is known as one of the world’s best supercross riders, having made his debut in 2004 and progressively making his way into the top echelon of the sport, and has his sights locked on another title.
Justin Brayton
“The aim is to defend (my championship), and add a fourth to the belt. I’m under no illusion that it’ll be an easy defence though, with a lot of good guys putting that target on my back and wanting the SX1 Championship. I’m expecting a few guys to step up and make it difficult, however, I’m confident in my preparation and believe that I can get the job done.”
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld
Team USA will have a presence in the SX2 ranks too, with Mitchell Oldenburg and Chris Blose as the sister Penrite Honda’s of Brayton, albeit both in the small-bore division. Bradley Taft (Empire Motorsports Kawasaki), Jacob Hayes (Serco Yamaha) and Josh Osby (Raceline KTM Thor) will all return for their second season in Australia and will no doubt be after the championship.
Mitchell Oldenburg
“I’ve watched the Australian Supercross Championship expand over the last couple seasons, and was pretty eager to be involved. I’m super thankful for the opportunity to come and race with Penrite Honda – it’s going to be awesome to spend the summer in Australia and go after an international championship.”
Mitch Oldenburg – Image by Hoppenworld
The Australian Supercross Championship will span five rounds in 2019, with Brisbane Entertainment Centre playing host for the opener on October 12. The series then heads to South Australia the next weekend, followed by Wollongong on the 9th of November. The series will then cross the pond to New Zealand on the 16th, before concluding in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on November 30.
Tickets for Round 1 (Brisbane Entertainment Centre) are available from just $45 at www.ticketek.com.au.
2019 Australian Supercross Calendar
Round 1 – Queesland, October 12, 2019
Round 2 – South Australia, October 19, 2019
Round 3 – Wollongong, NSW, November 9, 2019
Round 4 – Auckland, NZ, November 16, 2019
Round 5 – Melbourne, VIC, November 30, 2019
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Justin Rodbell out for Australian Supercross
Justin Rodbell has apologised to the Raceline KTM Thor Team, after being unable to compete in the up-coming Australian Supercross Championship due to being in Australia on a vacation visa, which does not allow him to work as a professional racer. Here’s what he had to say:
Justin Rodbell
“I would like to apologise to the whole Raceline KTM Thor Team for not being able to compete in the Australian Supercross championship. This is completely my fault, I take full responsibility for not being over there on the correct visa. Sucks my trip to Australia has ended this way, I met so many rad people during my stay in AUS. I’d also like to thank @dvlanwood @markwood25 @ksf_racing for taking me in and giving me a place to live. As for what’s next for me I honestly couldn’t tell you. Sorry @cwktm250 for causing you all this stress, thanks for the opportunity. Basically what happened was I got paid on a vacation visa and I needed to be on a professional sporting visa.”
Justin Rodbell – Image by iKapture
Team HRC & Gajser lead the way at MXGP Awards Ceremony
Taking place on Saturday night at the 2019 Motocross of Nations, Team HRC, Honda and Tim Gajser wrapped up four different awards as they were recognised for what was an excellent MXGP campaign.
Tim Gajser cleaned up at the MXGP awards – Image by Bavo
Winning nine overalls during the course of the season in Trentino, Portugal, France, Russia, Latvia, Germany, Indonesia (twice) and Belgium, Gajser proved that it didn’t matter what the conditions were as he took victories in a whole host of terrain and surfaces. This not only helped him win the MXGP title by 202-points but it also meant that Honda took the manufacturers classification by 22-points.
In addition to race wins and overalls, Gajser also posted the most fastest laps during the season, to further prove just how dominant he was in the competitive MXGP class. While this ceremony celebrated the 2019 season as a whole, the Slovenian rider wasn’t done collecting awards as he took a moto victory and MXGP class overall at the Motocross of Nations, the first for his country.
Tim Gajser – Image by Bavo
He also collected two holeshot awards from his two races, showing the power of the Honda CRF450RW once again in the wet, sandy conditions of Assen. Team HRC MX2 rider Calvin Vlaanderen also put in a fine performance on Sunday as he helped the Netherlands win their first ever Chamberlain Trophy, in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Tim Gajser will now prepare himself for a completely new challenge as he goes to Las Vegas in order to compete in the Monster Energy Cup on October 19th.
2019 MXGP Awards
MXGP Manufacturer World Champion: Honda
MXGP Winning Team: Team HRC
Tag Heuer Best Lap Challenge MXGP: Tim Gajser
MXGP World Champion: Tim Gajser
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Meghan Rutledge to become Kawasaki ambassador in 2020
Kawasaki Motors Australia has announced Meghan Rutledge will continue working with them heading into 2020 as an Ambassador and in a coaching role. Rutledge has been supported by Kawasaki for over 10 years and in 2020 has announced she will be stepping away from motocross racing to focus on career and personal growth.
Meghan Rutledge
“After an incredible 2019 season, that included taking out back-to-back National Women’s Motocross and Queen of MX Titles, 2020 holds new opportunities to grow outside of motocross competition. I will be stepping away from competitive racing and focusing on my career with coaching and personal training. Motocross is in my blood, I will continue to ride for fun, be a coach and mentor the next generation. I am excited for what 2020 has in store for me and thrilled to still be working closely with all my current sponsors as an ambassador. I would like to take the opportunity to thank my sponsors for the support over many years. Sponsorship support has enabled me to win eight Championship Titles in the past two years.”
Meghan Rutledge – Image courtesy of Kawasaki
Meg Rutledge has won a trophy room full of Championships in her racing career and Kawasaki will continue to support Meg in an Ambassador and Coaching role.
“I’m eager to focus on my future with my amazing supportive partner Aaron. My job as a personal trainer will work in with motocross coaching and we will take some time to enjoy life. I have put my life into racing and training nearly every weekend for the past 10 years and I never really had any down time, as much as I love racing it’s time to expand my focus. I really appreciate the support from all my fans and sponsors and I look forward what lays ahead.”
Following an enthralling weekend of racing in the YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations in Assen, the line-up of young Yamaha riders picked to take part in the bLU cRU Masterclass in November has been announced.
Featuring the top three finishers in the YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 SuperFinale classes respectively, the Masterclass will also include two carefully selected wildcard riders from each class, chosen on the basis of their talent, attitude and potential demonstrated at the SuperFinale.
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale
The YZ65 Masterclass category for the youngest riders consists of podium finishers #724 Jëkabs Kubulins from Latvia, #292 Freddie Bartlett from Sweden, and #80 Frederik Stampe from Denmark in first, second and third respectively. The three will be joined by wildcards #484 Dex Kooiker from the Netherlands, and #517 Niccolo Mannini from Italy.
The YZ85 top three of #910 Olle Mårtensson from Sweden, #567 Levi Schrik of the Netherlands and #78 Adrian Bølviken from Norway will be joined by #15 Sven Borger of the Netherlands and #11 Zoltan Ordog from Romania.
Featuring the oldest YZ bLU cRU riders, the YZ125 Masterclass line-up includes top three #601 Mairis Pumpurs from Latvia, #252 Raul Sanchez of Spain and #579 Bobby Bruce from Great Britain, who will be joined by #96 Victor Alonso Rodilla from Spain and #397 Simon Depoers from France.
Representing ten European nations, the YZ bLU cRU riders will meet again in Spain on 18-20 November where, together with their road-racing bLU cRU counterparts, they will receive expert motocross tutelage from bLU cRU ambassadors and Yamaha MXGP riders Jeremy Seewer and Gautier Paulin. From the Masterclass, one lucky YZ rider will receive the top prize of direct Yamaha support in their 2020 European Championship.
The Masterclass also serves as the deciding round of the 2019 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, with one overall winner from each class chosen. The top YZ125 bLU cRU rider will win a place on the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team, while the top YZ65 and YZ85 riders will receive support from Yamaha Motor Europe N.V. for the 2020 season.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Romain Febvre joins Monster Energy KRT for 2020
The Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team has announce that Romain Febvre has joined the squad on a multiple year deal for the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship. Next season KRT will line up two of the most successful and experienced riders in the series as the Frenchman joins Clément Desalle to compete on the KX450 Kawasaki.
Romain Febvre joins Monster Energy KRT for 2020
Crowned world champion in 2015 during his rookie season Febvre, who will turn 28 in December, has raced to podium results every year since he joined the MXGP category; despite missing a third of the 2018 season due to injuries he claimed five GP podiums with a double-victory in the Czech Republic, won four motos, took four pole-positions, led ninety laps of racing and posted the fastest lap five times.
With his long racing experience he will form a perfect twin-spearhead alongside Desalle; the Belgian will enter his fifth season with the team and has formed a perfect relationship with both the bike and the team staff who are more excited than ever to start working with both riders.
Clement has now recovered from his injury and will start testing soon, while Romain still needs to wait a few more weeks to recover from the broken leg he sustained during the Swedish round of the World Championship when he was racing for another podium result.
Romain Febvre
“We turn to a new page but the book is still open and there is a new adventure on the horizon! I’m very happy with this choice; it’s never easy to change after five years on the same team but I’m sure this is the best moment to do it. My injury late this season will delay my first days with the team, but I will be even more motivated later this winter when I can get back on a bike again! Everyone in the team is highly motivated and I’m impatient to be with them and on the bike. As far as my injury is concerned it’s taking a long time of course but everything is going as planned by the medical staff; I will soon have the first examination six weeks after surgery; we’ll see how it is with the femur and we’ll be able to make our plans for the rehabilitation. I will take a longer winter break than usual but patience is the only option and I don’t want to endanger any stage so I will be able to start testing in good conditions and to open this new chapter of my career on a good basis. The team is 100% behind me; they have a strong experience of racing and I’m sure we’ll achieve great things together.”
Romain Febvre
Thierry Chizat Suzzoni – KRT Team Owner
“We are very happy to welcome Romain to the team alongside Clément; both have a lot of experience and I’m convinced that they will join forces to cooperate and get the best from our Kawasaki; it’s a great bike which both of them will want to put on the podium. We know that Romain always gives 100% and we confidently expect that both he and Clément will put the bike in the leading pack. It gives us great satisfaction to see one of this season’s GP winners so enthusiastic to join us. We are confident that the new KX450, which we have developed so meticulously since the end of last year, has a huge potential. It’s a winning bike and we now have two GP winners on the team to show that to the world.”
Monster and KRT renew MXGP partnership
Long time partners in the FIM MXGP Motocross World Championship, Monster Energy and the Kawasaki Racing Team have renewed their partnership and will continue their successful association.
Joining the Kawasaki Racing Team in 2014 as title sponsor of the factory squad, Monster Energy has always been the main partner of the team and even as the 2019 season was not the best due to rider injuries the American company renewed the contract for the future. Both Romain Febvre and Clément Desalle are long time Monster athletes, and they achieved great results during the past seasons with fifteen Grand Prix wins and thirty heat wins. They will be team mates for the first time in their career next season, joining their experience and efforts to offer the best results to the team in the premier class.
Mitch Covington – Monster Energy Vice President of Sport Marketing
“We’re excited to go again with our long-term partner KRT. It’s been a difficult year with injuries, but it happens. Unfortunately it’s part of the sport when you have riders who are passionate about the sport and really do what it takes to win so sometimes you’re going to have injuries and accidents; we’ve been in the sport a long time and we understand that. We hope for an injury-free season next year. We’re really excited for Romain to stay in the Monster family; moving over from one Monster team to another should be a really smooth transition. Romain has been a champion for our brand for a long time now and we’re wishing him the best in his new team. It’s a very strong team with Romain and Clement. We have two of the most-experienced riders in the series; they are both very fast and we have high expectations from both.”
Monster and KRT renew MXGP partnership for 2020
Thierry Chizat Suzzoni – KRT team Owner
“Since 2014 we’re working in collaboration with Monster Energy and we are very pleased to continue with such a renowned partner who has a very strong image in motorsports. It’s a very long time partner who follow us with great loyalty even in difficult period such as like we had this season. We are currently working to prepare next season with both Clément and Romain who are Monster athletes since many years; every day we work to be ready for 2020, and we expect a great season.”
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Mikkel Haarup joins F&H Kawasaki for 2020
Team F&H Kawasaki will line up an ambitious young trio next year in the FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship as Mikkel Haarup joins Roan van de Moosdijk and Mathys Boisrame in the Dutch team.
Mikkel Haarup joins Team F&H Kawasaki in 2020
Mikkel, just eighteen years old, will contest the MX2 World Championship alongside nineteen-year-old Roan van de Moosdijk from the Netherlands and twenty-one-year-old Mathys Boisrame from France.
The multi-national squad will be one of the youngest team line-ups in the World Championship; the F&H Kawasaki team will focus exclusively on the MX2 class next season after their successful 2019 campaign.
All three riders will be trained by Marc de Reuver and they will also contest the Dutch Masters in which they will defend the MX2 title which the F&H team secured this year with Henry Jacobi.
Mikkel Haarup
“I believe joining F&H is going to be a really good move for me; it’s a step forward after four years with my previous team. I feel Kawasaki is very supportive and they will do a good job to help me develop in the future. The team has already done really well the past few years and they work really hard to be even better. Their goal is just like mine … to win the championship; it’s nice to have a team whose main focus is the same. It will be very good for both of us, developing our relationship and achieving results together. Of course it’s a step higher to race the MX2 GPs and the intensity is even higher, but I think everyone can see by the results Roan put in at the end of the season that the speed in the European is also really quick. I already rode a few GPs this year so I think I’m well-prepared to be ready for next year. It’s going to be interested to work with Marc de Reuver; he’s clearly a good trainer and I’m looking forward to working with him. It’s going to be interesting for sure and you see that every rider he has worked with has progressed.”
Mikkel HaarupWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Netherlands claims MXoN win from Belgium and Great Britain
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale wraps up
Cross-Countries Rally head to Rallye du Maroc
Road Racer Jessopp tries WESS at Hawkstone Park XC
2019 KTM AJMX Interstate Challenge Teams Announced
2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule
Rene Hofer join Red Bull KTM MX2 effort full-time in 2020
Mathys Boisrame joins F&H Kawasaki
KTM takes over Gas Gas
Brad Freeman ties up EnduroGP title in France Saturday Report
Saturday of the last weekend of EnduroGP competition in 2019 saw the tests of the GP of France challenge many of the riders, however quadruple World Champion Steve Holcombe got the job done and won the E3 category and with this new success, now boasts an impressive five titles in his young career.
Brad Freeman – Image by EnduroGP
Brad Freeman continued his momentum, the 2019 E1 World Champion offered up a repeat performance of the incredible pace he had in the Czech Republic. Highly focused and dominating the day, the Beta Boano rider finished as the best performer of the day by winning five tests.
Danny McCanney once again makes it an all British podium by accompanying the Beta pair on the podium. The TM rider won four tests today, a impressive feat against the likes of Freeman and Holcombe, as well as a charged up French contingent.
The first non-Brit is France’s Loïc Larrieu who, in front of his supporters, had a great day during which he won two tests. Alex Salvini put in a lot of effort and finished in the Top 5. The Italian suffered in the extremely demanding transfers of the Livradois lap.
Loïc Larrieu
In E1, there was no change as McCanney signed off on a new success in the class. He was ahead of a surprising Andrea Verona and another Italian joins them on the podium, Thomas Oldrati.
The fight in the E2 category was superb all day. It was Loïc Larrieu who snatched the victory at the expense of Alex Salvini. The two men fought blow for blow. But Larrieu, probably boosted by the many French fans, found the strength to win and separate himself and Salvini by just one point.
Alex Salvini
Steve Holcombe did it, taking a new world title in the E3 category! His fifth in four years of Senior competitions. The Brit knew he could ‘save’ his very tough season with this success and have a reason to smile. Very emotional when he arrived back into the paddock, Holcombe dedicated his latest title to his team and all his relatives. Joining Holcombe on the podium were his season long rival, Danny McCanney and France’s ever-improving David Abgrall.
Steve Holcombe
“It’s amazing to win another world title. This is certainly a memorable one. It’s been a challenging season for me, so to finally collect the Enduro 3 World Championship is a huge relief. From dominating the opening round to coming extremely close to having the Epstein Bar Virus put an end to my season mid-way through the series, honestly, it’s been such a strange year. My goal was to defend my EnduroGP title, which I still have a mathematical chance of doing, but winning another Enduro 3 title after everything that’s happened is something I’m incredibly proud of. I have to say a huge thanks to my team, all my sponsors, my family and everyone who’s worked with me this season, helping me battle through some difficult moments. World title number five certainly wasn’t an easy one to win but it’s a special one.”
Steve Holcombe – Image by Future7Media
In the Junior category, Wil Ruprecht won despite the Epstein Barr virus that continues to wreak havoc with his health. The Australian has drawn on all his resources to get this second win in 2019.
It’s a great reward for him and Joakim Johansson’s team. Theo Espinasse was just over a second and a half behind the Australian, having provided a spectacular race as usual. The young Brit Dan Mundell accompanied these two on the podium, bringing more silverware to Sherco Factory.
The Junior 1 podium was identical to that of Junior Overall, with Ruprecht leading Espinasse and Mundell. In J2, Ruy Barbosa won ahead of Till De Clerco and Emanuele Facchetti. But a nod goes to Enric Francisco who, despite a big crash which left him battered and bruised, won the World J2 title, triggering euphoric celebrations for his team and manager, Ivan Cervantes.
Hamish Macdonald made a whole nation proud by becoming the first World Enduro Champion from New Zealand. The Sherco rider won the title after a very complicated season after Macdonald broke his collarbone in Spain. He pushed hard to recover and return to the top of the category. This title augurs really well for the Kiwi, who hasn’t yet realised the full extent of his success.
Hamish Macdonald
“I can not find the words, this title is just incredible! The season was very tricky when I broke my collarbone, and my rivals have pushed. All I can say is thank you to my team and my family, but also to the Edmondson family for welcoming me and taking care of me away from home all year. I still haven’t taken in what’s happening, but I can promise you that we’re going to celebrate tonight!”
On the first day of action, home favourite Nathan Bererd won in front of Sergio Navarro by less than a second! Macdonald climbed onto the final step of the podium in the Youth category.
The Enduro Woman Cup is back! For the second consecutive year, the best girls on the planet come to battle to win the Women’s World Cup at the final round of the season. And defending champion Sanna Karkkainen has a lot of work to do if she wants to retain her crown.
Jane Daniels surged to success by winning on Saturday. The Brit is ahead of Karkkainen and the Spanish rider Mireia Badia. Daniels is extremely motivated after the big disappointment she suffered in 2018, when she had to give up her title hopes after breaking her collarbone early in the weekend. Jane left no chances to her rivals, winning five out of the six tests.
The riders in the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup also fought it out on the tough terrain, chasing the best riders in the world. In Open 2-Stroke, after his absence in the Czech Republic, Gonçalo Reis has come back with a win. He won in front of Benet Gomez and a quick Jack Cadwallader.
In Open 4-Stroke, Belgium’s Mathias Van Hoof had announced he was hoping to take the top step on French soil – and he managed it! He took victory over Robert Riedel and Dylan Levesque. In the absence of the giant from the Isle of Man, David Knight, it was Andrea Belotti turn to win. The Italian had this first win of the year in Open Senior ahead of Enrique Gonzalez Vega and Patrik Andersson.
2019 EnduroGP of France – E3 Podium Saturday
2019 EnduroGP of France – Saturday Overall
Brad FREEMAN United Kingdom 1:08:22.13
Steve HOLCOMBE United Kingdom +19.86
Daniel MCCANNEY United Kingdom +23.01
Loïc LARRIEU France +36.69
Alex SALVINI Italy +1:06.89
Thomas OLDRATI Italy +1:18.78
Giacomo REDONDI Italy +1:34.81
Matteo CAVALLO Italy +1:37.44
Joseph WOOTTON United Kingdom +1:39.40
Antoine BASSET France +1:48.12
Benjamin HERRERA Chile +2:05.48
David ABGRALL France +2:11.83
Antoine MEO France +2:17.26
Christophe CHARLIER France +2:24.00
Kirian MIRABET Spain +2:49.10
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Sunday Report
In an incredible end to the 2019 EnduroGP season, Sunday saw the supreme title of EnduroGP – overall Champion – still to be decided, with Brad Freeman giving it his all. And at the tender age of 23 he has taken the first EnduroGP title of his career. This incredible day in the sport also saw the world E2 crown awarded, as well as the Women’s World Cup.
Thomas Oldrati
Brad Freeman continued to fly the Union Jack high. He is also the first rider to end Steve Holcombe’s reign. The Beta Boano rider broke his collarbone at the GP of Greece and had to ride in searing in pain to conquer the title. In addition to his E1 crowns in 2018 and 2019, and his Junior crown in 2017, Freeman now adds a fourth star to his list. All this bodes well for the future of the incredibly talented young rider.
Brad Freeman
“That’s it! We did it! I do not have a lot of words to describe what I’m feeling. This season was so complicated and tough, I can tell you that it took a lot of will to fulfil this dream. I am EnduroGP World Champion and it feels great!”
Brad Freeman
And what a performance from Loïc Larrieu today! Encouraged and boosted by the French fans, he attacked all day on Sunday, winning no fewer than six tests. The TM rider intelligently built up his lead and kept an eye on his opponent’s pace, upping his pace only when needed. Larrieu took his first world title, in E2, on home soil – what better way to do it?
Larrieu also owes his performance to an exceptional Alex Salvini, who pushed him to his absolute limits. The Italian made very few mistakes, and finished second overall in a Grand Prix that could easily have turned in his favour.
Loic Larrieu
“To win this title in front of the French public is something really special. This title represents a lot for me. I want to thank the entire TM Racing team, my entourage and my partners. It’s a great reward after a year that was difficult with a new constructor and little preparation. It’s just perfect, it’s my year.”
Loïc Larrieu
Steve Holcombe also fought gallantly all day. Freshly crowned in the E3 class, Steve promised to throw everything into the ring to try and beat Freeman, but this year it simply wasn’t enough. He finished third in this last GP of a difficult season.
Brad Freeman was fourth overall, doing ‘just enough’. Meanwhile, 2018 Junior World Champion Matteo Cavallo impressed everyone in his first Senior season, taking another Top 5 spot overall.
Loïc Larrieu
The E2 class was extremely exciting on this second day of racing in France. Loïc Larrieu became World Champion for the first time in his career, and in impressive fashion. Mastering the French terrain, he admitted he had to push all day. Alex Salvini was a fantastic rival for Larrieu , he always gives his all and fights with aggression and finesse. But the Italian once again had to swallow the heartbreak of losing out on the last day of the year. Behind this pair on the E2 podium was an ever-improving Joe Wootton.
Alex Salvini
“I got beaten again at the last race of the year, but this time it was nothing like what happened in 2018. This year the fight was really beautiful with Loic, and even though I am very disappointed not to be champion, I realised what I am capable of. This year was tough but I am happy to have managed to run my own team – we will come back even stronger.”
Alex Salvini
In E1, Freeman won at the expense of Cavallo and Davide Guarneri. Meanwhile, Steve Holcombe won the last E3 race of the year in front of his super-consistent compatriot, Danny McCanney and the legendary champion Christophe Nambotin, who has just taken part in his last GP.
Theo Espinasse ended his 2019 season like a cannonball. The Sherco rider pocketed another win following his success in Uhlirske Janovice two weeks ago. He took Sunday’s victory ahead of Ruy Barbosa and a quick Dan Mundell. Espinasse also won the J1 class in front of Mundell and Antoine Magain. While J2 went to Barbosa, in front of wildcard Jed Etchells and Léo Le Quere.
In Youth 125, Sergio Navarro won in the last round against Nathan Bererd by a second and a half. 2019 EY Champion Hamish Macdonald closed out the podium positions.
Shy and quiet off the bike, Britain’s Jane Daniels is absolutely ferocious on the tests. After a flawless weekend, she wins the Enduro Women’s World Cup. As modest as talented, Daniels was finally able to claim a title that has eluded her in the past due to misfortune or bad luck. In 2019, she proved she is the fastest woman in the world on an enduro machine. 2018 champion Sanna Karkkainen didn’t have an answer for Daniels this weekend. Third on this world podium was Spain’s Mireia Badia.
Jane Daniels
“At last I have won this title that I have been waiting for so long! I am really happy and I am very proud to bring this trophy home with me!”
In the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup, the 2019 season has been a great success. The category gave a chance for a large number of riders who dreamed of rubbing shoulders with the best in the world, on the same course! It is mission accomplished for the first year of the Open Cup!
For this last round of the season in Open 4-Stroke we saw the same winner as Saturday – Belgium’s Mathias Van Hoof on his Beta. He took victory ahead of Robert Riedel and Dylan Levesque. In the Open 2-Stroke Gonçalo Reis concluded a brilliant season with another win. He was accompanied on the final podium of the year by Gomez Benet and Jorge Paradelo Rodriguez. In the Senior category, Andrea Belotti doubled up and won for the second time this weekend. The same duo as Saturday; Enrique Gonzalez Vega and Patrik Andersson accompanied him on the podium.
2019 EnduroGP of France – E3 Podium Sunday
The Grand Prix of France brilliantly concluded an EnduroGP season that was in every respect remarkable. Given the level of competition, excitement, and unpredictability shown this year, all eyes are already on 2020!
2019 EnduroGP of France – Sunday Overall
Loïc LARRIEU France 1:05:47.21
Alex SALVINI Italy +8.07
Steve HOLCOMBE United Kingdom +22.33
Brad FREEMAN United Kingdom +28.58
Matteo CAVALLO Italy +42.42
Daniel MCCANNEY United Kingdom +49.69
Joseph WOOTTON United Kingdom +57.36
Antoine BASSET France +1:48.98
Davide GUARNERI Italy +1:57.15
Benjamin HERRERA Chile +2:04.72
Christophe NAMBOTIN France +2:13.23
Christophe CHARLIER France +2:21.31
Hugo BLANJOUE France +2:21.43
Thomas OLDRATI Italy +2:23.34
David ABGRALL France +2:30.89
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Hamish Macdonald claims first Kiwi Endurance World Title
Canterbury’s Hamish MacDonald has become the first New Zealand rider to win a World Enduro Championship. Originally from West Melton, MacDonald (20) was crowned the FIM 125cc Youth Enduro World Champion at the final round in Ambert, France over the weekend.
The victory was made even sweeter, after a tough season where the Sherco rider broke both the scapula bone in his shoulder and his clavicle, at May’s third round in Spain. He fought back hard to recover and return to the top of the category.
Hamish Macdonald
“I cannot find the words, this title is just incredible! The season was very tricky when I broke my collarbone, and my rivals have pushed. All I can say is thank you to my team and my family, but also to the Edmondson family for welcoming me and taking care of me away from home all year. I still haven’t taken in what’s happening, but I can promise you that we’re going to celebrate tonight!”
Hamish Macdonald – Image by Mastorgne Photography and Dario Agrati
He joined the Enduro GP last year after what had been a long time since a New Zealander took on the sport’s special tests. The last Kiwi to race in this series was Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley back in 2003. The tough enduro discipline is run on extended cross-country and off-road courses, featuring many different obstacles and challenges.
Already a multi-New Zealand Enduro Champion, MacDonald rides a Sherco with the support of Fabrizio Azzalin and his team Sherco CH Racing.
Motorcycling New Zealand’s General Manager Virginia Henderson says its been a golden few weeks for the country’s riders, with the sport producing two world champions within a month. Otago’s Courtney Duncan won the Women’s World Motocross Championship in September.
Australia goes one better at 2019 TdN in Ibiza
Team Australia arrived in Spain a week early this year ahead of the TdN assisting in their preparation for this year’s event. All riders (apart from Kristie McKinnon) riding in the final round of the FIM Trial GP before a week of training helping Australia to go into Ibiza strong with the added benefit of the terrain suiting our riders. The backdrop of this year’s TdN was spectacular, with sections right on the ocean across some concrete blocks along with a few other man-made sections.
Team Australia – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM
2019 marks the 26th year that Team Australia have competed in the TdN men’s category and the 26th consecutive year, with Kyle Middleton having represented Australia 11-times, and joining Chris Bayles and Connor Hogan as a team for the fourth time.
Kristie McKinnon has also represented Australia 11-times, holding the record for Australian female trials riders, with Australia competing in the Women’s category for the 13th time in 2019, with McKinnon joined by Jenna Lupo and Lillie Yiatrou, who team up for the first time.
Kyle Middleton and Connor Hogan rode the qualification round for the men, finishing in an impressive fourth place, while Kristie McKinnon and Lillie Yiatrou rode for the Women qualifying in seventh.
Team Australia – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM
After a hard day of riding, the men’s team of Kyle Middleton, Chris Bayles and Connor Hogan finished an impressive fifth place with a total of 18-points in the hotly-contested International Trophy after Germany took the win with a commanding victory over Sweden.
The women’s team of Kristie McKinnon, Lillie Yiatrou and Jenna Lupo scored 101-points to finish a place higher than 2018 in 7th with Spain taking the win ahead of Britain.
Kyle Middleton
“Our team was awesome, aside from probably two sections we were right there which leaves me wishing we could have had another shot at it. Also a special thanks for all the supporters and sponsors who helped get us here, including S3 Parts, GRO, Hebo and The Hell Team.”
With both teams happy with the improvements the focus is now on for the 2020 FIM Trial des Nation.
Team Australia – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM
Repsol Honda Team rider Toni Bou once again led the Spanish team alongside compatriots Adam Raga and Jeroni Fajardo. Accruing a mere four penalty marks, the Spanish team dominated throughout the fifteen sections in Ibiza to clinch the 2019 Trial des Nations championship title. The victory represents a 26th national win, the 16th on the spin.
Toni Bou
“Today was an easy trial, where there was a lot of adherence in the sections, and we knew that we would have a tough job to make a difference. Finally, we rode a very intelligent trial – very good technically. We picked up two marks, both in section nine on each lap, where it was very easy to five. We cleaned the rest of the sections, so between the three of us we form a great team. Riding with them is always an honour. Congratulations to the organization for the trial.”
Toni Bou – 2019 Trials des Nations – Image by Pep Segales/FIM
2019 International Trophy Results
Germany – 1
Sweden – 7
United States – 8
Austria – 11
Australia – 18
Czech Republic – 19
Belgium – 30
Switzerland – 48
Ireland – 55
Andorra – 119
2019 Trial des Nations Championship
Spain – 4
Japan – 19
France – 24
Great Britain – 27
Italy – 45
Norway – 95
2019 Trial des Nations championship podium
2019 Women’s Trials Des Nations Result
Spain – 3
Great Britain – 10
Norway – 18
Germany – 22
United States – 26
France – 33
Australia – 101
Portugal – 147
Switzerland – 287
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track run at Somersby over weekend
Only two riders were able to win more than one championship class over two days of exciting racing at the 2019 Honda Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships at the Allen Park track at Somersby on the weekend. Thirteen classes produced 11 different winners, and a string of other place-getters who all helped confirm that the future of the sport is in good hands.
Albury Wodonga rider Archie McDonald won both of the classes for the 11 to Under 13 years classes which is currently the most ‘red-hot’ of all the age brackets.
The always highly competitive 13 to Under 16 years classes produced the other dual winner in Forbes rider Tom Drane who was denied a third win in the last of the weekend’s final. After finishing runner-up in three other classes Gold Coast rider Seth Qualischefski finally got the better of Drane to add a win to his medal haul.
Qualischefski was a tireless performer on the weekend being one of a few riders to contest four classes, which in total meant he rode 84 laps of racing. There were also three other Gold Coast riders who claimed a championship class win.
Ashleigh Adamson took out the Girls class beating Ava Faulkhead from Mildura and Molly Fairey from Cobar to produce a very geographically diverse rostrum. Sympathy goes to Anika Loftus though from Brisbane won the first three rounds before she was injured.
The other Gold Coast successes went to Rory McQualter who added two third placings to his win, and Viv Muddle who placed third as he strived to make it a double.
Two other class winners also added to their medal haul with Cowra rider Noah Grabham adding two seconds to his win, while Kempsey’s Jayden Holder scored one third place.
Tom Drane will have to start making room for his brother Sam to build his trophy collection as Sam won his first ever Australian Championship.
The host club boasted one championship class winner in Lachlan Russell, a feat matched by the Kurri Kurri Junior Club thanks to a win by Thomas Bullen.
With such a classy line-up of talent assembled even qualifying for the finals in some classes was no easy feat, with some of the minor place-getters still left pleased with their efforts, including a number who gained their best ever results.
Special mention must be made of Kurri Kurri rider Cameron Dunker and Albury Wodonga rider Remmie Fyffe who were both dual place getters.
Riders travelled from as far afield as Townsville in the north, Cobar and Mildura in the west and Melbourne in the south with the much-travelled families praising the host club for its staging of the meeting.
2019 Australian Junior Dirt TrackWeekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
The second Annual Mason-Dixon GNCC concluded round 11 of the 2019 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series on Sunday, where dry, dusty and higher temperatures greeted the afternoon race, making it a rough course for many of the competitors.
Thad Duvall would manage to make it through the gruelling three-hour race, crossing the finish line 39 seconds ahead of the competition. With track conditions proving difficult for many other riders, Duvall and his team put in their best effort to keep pushing until the checkered flag came out. Duvall earned his fourth overall win of the season, and his second straight win at the Mason-Dixon GNCC in Pennsylvania.
Thad Duvall – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill
Coming through second for the second race in a row was Ricky Russell. Throughout the day Russell would find himself battling it out with several different XC1 Open Pro riders, but he would manage to hold onto the second place position as the white flag came out indicating one more lap to go. Russell currently sits sixth in the points standings with two rounds remaining in the season.
With Kelley moving out of the XC2 250 Pro class, it was Liam Draper coming away with his first-ever XC2 class win. Drapers’ consistency paid off after starting out second in the class and making the move to first once when the two-lap card came out and then again on the last lap. Craig Delong came through second after battling his way to the front of the class ahead of Evan Smith.
Liam Draper – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill
The FMF XC3 125cc Pro-Am class had a lot of changes of lead throughout the duration of the race. However, it would be Jake Froman coming out to earn his first-ever win. Jesse Ansley, who currently leads the class points, held the lead after grabbing the holeshot. Ansley would fight back for a second place finish with Chase Colville also battling back to round out the podium. Colville would hold the lead at one point in the race, but would suffer bike issues causing a long pit stop, to still fight back to third in the class.
Simon Johnson took home the top amateur honors with his 250 A class win and a 14th overall. Brody Johnson came through 15th overall and earned second in the 250 A class along with the amateur podium. Tristan Landrum came through third in the 250 A class, and 17th overall claiming the final spot on the amateur podium.
When the 10 a.m. race kicked off Tayla Jones grabbied the early lead. However, Becca Sheets made her way to the front of the pack, to make the pass for the first place position. Sheets and Jones would battle back and forth and after trouble on an uphill during the last lap, Jones made the pass on Sheets and came through to take the win.
Tayla Jones – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill
Sheets finished second and Korie Steede battled forward to earn her place on the WXC podium for the first-time ever. Jones and Sheets made up the first two in the overall positions, but it would be Blayke Coler of the 125 B/C class working his way on adjusted time to the third overall position.
Tayla Jones
“Pumped to pull the holeshot on the weekend and brought home another GNCC Racing win. It was a tight race all day and with track conditions on the extremely dry side it made it really tough. Only two rounds to go for the season, ready to fight for it! Thank you to the @bauer651, the whole @rockstarhusky team and the Barnes’ for their help over the weekend and of course a huge shoutout to all of my awesome sponsors.”
As the 8 a.m. youth race took off it was Joseph Cunningham came through in the first place position, working towards earning the youth overall national championship. Nolette and Kuneff tried to apply the pressure up front, but would ultimately fall just short as Cunningham came through to the checkered flag first. Cunningham earned the Youth Overall National Championship, as Nolette took home second in the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class and overall with Kuneff behind him in third.
Joseph Cunningham – 2019 Mason-Dixon GNCC – Image by Ken Hill
In the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class it was Grant Davis coming through the pack to earn his ninth win of the season. Davis currently sits first in the points standings as the series heads into the last two rounds. Jack Joy came through to take second in the YXC2 class followed by Garyson Smith clinching third and the last spot on the class podium.
XC1 Pro Event Results
Thad Duvall (HQV)
Ricky Russell (YAM)
Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
Andrew Delong (HON)
Layne Michael (HQV)
Kailub Russell (KTM)
Josh Toth (KTM)
Benjamin Kelley (KTM)
Chris Venditti (KAW)
Takanori Nakajima (YAM)
Overall National Championship Standings
Kailub Russell (295)
Thad Duvall (258)
Steward Baylor Jr. (198)
Ben Kelley (166)
Trevor Bollinger (162)
Ricky Russell (123)
Andrew Delong (121)
Josh Strang (103)
Jordan Ashburn (113)
Josh Toth (107)
XC2 250 Pro Event Results
Liam Draper (KTM)
Craig Delong (HQV)
Evan Smith (HQV)
Austin Lee (HON)
Zach Hayes (KTM)
Ben Parsons (HQV)
Jesse Groemm (KTM)
Dylan Yearbury (YAM)
Samuel Evans (KTM)
XC2 250 Pro Series Standings
Benjamin Kelley (300)
Michael Witkowski (189)
Craig Delong (188)
Evan Smith (183)
Liam Draper (172)
Austin Lee (164)
Ryder Lafferty (145)
Jonathan Johnson (137)
Alex Teagarden (123)
Ben Parsons (113)
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Jared Mees tops AFT season finale
Jared Mees has topped AFT season finale in the Twins Main Event at the Meadowlands Mile, with Briar Bauman having already closed out the title in advance.
Jared Mees topped the AFT Twins podium – 2019 AFT – Meadowlands Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
In the AFT Singles Dalton Gauthier claimed the championship win with a very safe 14th place finish, while Mikey Rush topped proceedings, with Australian Max Whale in eighth and ninth in the overall standings.
The AFT Production Twins Corey Texter took the title, despite a mechanical issue regulating him to 14th, with chief rival Kolby Carlile a DNF.
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Netherlands claims MXoN win from Belgium and Great Britain
Team Netherands has taken the 2019 MXoN win, with Glenn Coldenhoff, Jeffrey Herlings and Calvin Vlaanderen proving unbeatable at Assen, with Team Belgium a distant second represented by Jeremy Van Horebeek, Kevin Strijbos and Jago Geerts, and Team Great Britain third with riders Shaun Simpson, Nathan Watson and Adam Sterry.
Jeffrey Herlings – Team Netherlands – 2019 MXoN – Image by Hoppenworld
After two thrilling days riding on the international stage for the first time at the Motocross of Nations, the 2019 YZ bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup came to an end on Sunday with the YZ125 race. YZ125 riders faced heavy rain and difficult conditions on Sunday at the TT Circuit Assen, contesting the last 2019 SuperFinale race after the YZ65 and YZ85 riders competed on Saturday.
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale
As the gate dropped practice leader Mairis Pumpurs took the holeshot to establish a very strong lead. Behind him Bobby Bruce also built on his practice pace to take second, battling with Spanish rider #252 Raul Sanchez behind. As the track got more challenging every rider put their head down over the 20-minute race.
With Pumpurs sitting unchallenged in first place he took the victory nearly a minute clear, followed home by Sanchez, who battled past Bruce, in second and third respectively to complete the podium at the weekend’s most difficult and entertaining bLUcRU SuperFinale race.
For Pumpurs, Sanchez and Bruce, the bLU cRU Masterclass awaits in November in Spain, where they will be joined by two YZ125 wildcards as they further develop their riding skills under expert tutorials and guidance. From the Masterclass, one of the five YZ125 riders will then win a place with the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 team for the 2020 EMX125 Championship.
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale podium
2019 YZ125 bLU cRU SuperFinale Top 10
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Bike
Gap
1
Pumpurs, Mairis
LAT
Yamaha
00:00.0
2
Sanchez, Raul
ESP
Yamaha
00:57.9
3
Bruce, Bobby
GBR
Yamaha
01:10.3
4
Razzini, Pietro
ITA
Yamaha
01:22.1
5
de Beer, Ryan
NED
Yamaha
01:29.4
6
Modin, Arvid
SWE
Yamaha
01:41.9
7
de Lange, Sem
NED
Yamaha
01:48.6
8
Gimm, Daniel
ITA
Yamaha
02:12.3
9
Sagmalis, Antonis
GRE
Yamaha
02:33.6
10
Depoers, Simon
FRA
Yamaha
1 lap
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Cross-Countries Rally head to Rallye du Maroc
This Friday the 20th edition of the Rallye du Maroc is due to get underway, representing the fourth and final test of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship and the final competition ahead of the Dakar Rally.
Fez, one of Morocco’s imperial cities and the country’s cultural and religious centre, will host the forthcoming Rallye du Maroc, the fourth points-paying round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.
Toby Price won the Rallye du Maroc in 2018
Morocco has always been a land of rally raid. The story began in 1982 with the arrival of Paris-Agadir, the first rally raid to run in Morocco. The following year, the rally took the name of ‘Atlas Rally’ and became the flagship rally to the Rally Raids calendar. The Atlas Rally saw the best drivers and teams in the discipline run.
The Atlas Rally, after having changed hands from the company Larivièr et to ASO, disappeared at the end of the 90’s. It was then reborn in 2000 as ‘Rallye du Maroc’, under the leadership of Cyril Neveu and Jean Christophe Pelletier. The rally immediately became the major Moroccan rally and welcomed again the elite of rally raid.
In 2007, the company NPO, organiser of the Rallye du Maroc, was sold to Emma and Stéphane Clair and became an event in the FIM World Championship and the FIA World Cup. After 10 years at the head of the event, NPO sold the Rallye du Maroc to the company ODC, led by David Castera.
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Road racer Jessopp tries WESS at Hawkstone Park XC
As well as bringing together many of the world’s best Enduro racers, all looking to be crowned Ultimate Enduro World Champion, the World Enduro Super Series also attracts athletes at the pinnacle of other two-wheeled sports – competitors looking to dip a toe in the WESS waters. Round six of the series, the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country, saw stars of mountain biking and road racing out in force all keen to wrestle the gruelling Shropshire sands.
Martin Jessopp – Image by Future7Media
During the two days of racing, mountain bike star Josh Bryceland, former mountain bike racer Rob Warner and Isle of Man TT racer Martin Jessopp lined up against some of the world’s best Enduro riders.
Better known for his accomplishments in road racing, Martin Jessopp is a two-time TT podium finisher having lapped the infamous circuit at over 131mph, along with winning the North West 200 three times.
At the Hawkstone Park Cross-Country he showed his talents carry across to dirt too, finishing Saturday’s Sprint Enduro third in Clubman 2T, before securing sixth in Sunday’s Original Fast Eddy Cross-Country.
Martin Jessopp
“I’ve been trying to spend more time riding Enduro, but I didn’t expect to do so well. I didn’t make too many mistakes and tried to save energy where I could. It’s been awesome to race alongside the Pro riders – in a way it’s kind of role reversal for me, which I enjoyed. It’s incredible to see how fast they can ride these conditions and hold their corner speed between the trees. A highlight was when Graham Jarvis came past and I tried to stick with him for a couple of corners before he disappeared!”
Martin Jessopp – Image by Future7Media
World Enduro Super Series – 2019 Calendar
Round 7: BR2 Enduro Solsona (Spain) October 4-6
Round 8: GetzenRodeo (Germany) November 2
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2019 KTM AJMX Interstate Challenge Teams announced
Motorcycling Australia have announced the riders who have been chosen to represent each of their states at the KTM AJMX Nationals in Gillman, South Australia this week.
These riders form part of the selection that is required for the Interstate Challenge Cup. That format is each state is to choose a team of eight riders from four different classes to compete for this cup. Eight out of the 13 team members must be named to the Race Secretary of the event by the end of practice.
AJMX 2018
Each of those competitors is then scored within their own class. At the end of the event, the team with the highest point scoring six team members from each state will have their final placings re-scored for an overall score. The state with the highest overall team score is the winner.
New South Wales
2 Ky WOODS 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
22 Connor TOWILL 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
20 Ben NOVAK 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 14 – Under 16 Years
264 Hunter COLLINS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 14 – Under 16 Years
254 Jack DEVESON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
294 Koby HANTIS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
2 Taylor THOMPSON 100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 16 Years Girls
25 Blake FOX 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
Tasmania
756 Brodie FAULKNER 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
7 Jay JENNINGS 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
75 Cooper FORD 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
759 Brydie HINGSTON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
751 Angus PEARCE 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
757 Jett BURGESS-STEVENS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
757 Jett BURGESS-STEVENS 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
76 Evan LOCKWOOD 100-125cc 2st 15 Years
Northern Territory
198 Rhys Gwynne 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
106 Mitchell Thorneycroft 85cc 9-U12 Years
174 Clayton Bogucki 85cc 9-U12 Years
100 Ryan Van Deventer 85cc 12-U14 Years
100 Ryan Van Deventer 125cc 13-U15 Years
141 Jayden O’Connor 125cc 13-U15 Years
138 Thomas Bennett 125cc 15 Years
521 Declan SMART 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
Western Australia
68 Liam ATKINSON 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
658 Mason BROWN 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
60 Brock FLYNN 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
602 Deegan FORT 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
66 Kayden MINEAR 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
66 Kayden MINEAR 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
66 Jaylee RIMBAS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
65 Seth SHACKLETON 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
South Australia
5 Alex LARWOOD 100-125cc 2st 15 Years
5 Wil CARPENTER 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
51 Dakota COLLINS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
52 Taj GOW-SMITH 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
53 Jai HAY 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
5 Emma HAYLOCK 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
5 Alex LARWOOD 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
5 Levi ROSSI 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
Queensland
46 Taylah MCCUTCHEON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st All Wheels 12 – U 16 Years Girls
47 Ryan ALEXANDERSON 100-125cc 2st 13 – Under 15 Years
42 Jet ALSOP 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
494 Charli CANNON 100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 16 Years Girls
4 Cooper DOWNING 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
46 Kobe DREW 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 12 – Under 14 Years
401 Levi ROGERS 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
45 Brad WEST 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 15 Years
Victoria
37 Kipp ADAMS 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 15 Years
32 Jobe DUNNE 65cc 7 – Under 10 Years
352 Oscar FOX 65cc 10 – Under 12 Years
370 Connor GUILLOT 50cc Division 2 – 7 – Under 9 Years
32 Madison HEALEY 100-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 16 Years Girls
38 Thynan KEAN 128-150cc 2st/200-250cc 4st 13 – Under 15 Years
34 Jake SANDERSON 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std Wheel 9 – Under 12 Years
39 Connar ADAMS 85cc 2st/150cc 4st Std or BW 14 – Under 16 Years
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2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule
The 12-round schedule for the 2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing has been announced. The 49th season will once again visit 11 different states over the course of the summer, beginning with the legendary Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 16, and concluding with the Ironman National on August 29.
The most talented collection of riders on the planet will battle it out over the course of 24 motos across the 450 Class and 250 Class, pushing both their physical and mental limits in the most grueling conditions found in any motorsports championship. Their quest to capture the most coveted titles in motocross, the Edison Dye Cup (450 Class) and the Gary Jones Cup (250 Class), will bring these exceptional athletes to the most storied racetracks in the world, many of which boast legacies that span more than four decades.
2019 Ironman National – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round 12 – Image by Hoppenworld
With three consecutive 450 Class titles to his credit, reigning champion Eli Tomac will look to make even more history next summer, seeking to become one of just two riders to hoist the Edison Dye Cup for four straight seasons.
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National – Image by Hoppenworld
He’ll welcome a new challenger to that title defense under the Monster Energy Kawasaki tent, where newly crowned 250 Class Champion Adam Cianciarulo will step up onto the big bikes as a teammate to Tomac, joining the likes of a deep list of fellow contenders that includes Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Jason Anderson, Zach Osborne, Cooper Webb and more.
Adam Cianciarulo – Image by Hoppenworld
With Cianciarulo’s departure from the 250 Class, the title vacancy opens the door for a wide-open battle to claim the Gary Jones Cup, where Jeremy Martin, the lone former champion in the division, will battle it out alongside a promising group of up and coming talent, led by teammates Dylan Ferrandis and Justin Cooper.
2020 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Schedule
May 16 – Hangtown Classic Prairie City SVRA Rancho Cordova, Calif.
May 23 – Fox Raceway National Fox Raceway Pala, Calif.
May 30 – Thunder Valley National Thunder Valley Motocross Park Lakewood, Colo.
Jun 06 – Florida National WW Ranch Motocross Park Jacksonville, Fla.
Jun 20 – High Point National High Point Raceway Mt. Morris, Pa.
Jun 27 – Southwick National The Wick 338 Southwick, Mass.
Jul 04 – RedBud National RedBud MX Buchanan, Mich.
Jul 18 – Spring Creek National Spring Creek MX Park Millville, Minn.
Jul 25 – Washougal National Washougal MX Park Washougal, Wash.
Aug 15 – Unadilla National Unadilla MX New Berlin, N.Y.
Aug 22 – Budds Creek National Budds Creek Motocross Park Mechanicsville, Md.
Aug 29 – Ironman National Ironman Raceway Crawfordsville, Ind.
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Rene Hofer join Red Bull KTM MX2 effort full-time in 2020
Rene Hofer will join Red Bull KTM as a full-time Grand Prix rider in 2020. The 17 year old impressed with three wild-card MX2 appearances in 2019 in what was his first full year of competition with the KTM 250 SX-F. The Austrian will give KTM factory presence in the MX2 class alongside Tom Vialle next season with double world champion Jorge Prado joining the MXGP category with Tony Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings.
Rene Hofer joins Red Bull KTM MX2 full time in 2020
The teenager (who will turn 18 in the first days of 2020) is a former FIM Junior and European Champion and has risen through the ranks. He won EMX125 European Championship races in 2018 and was a contender for the title until a mid-season injury. Hofer claimed a podium finish and classified fourth in the EMX250 standings at his first attempt in 2019.
The rider from Linz joined the Grand Prix team for three appearances this summer; taking his first FIM world championship points in the Czech Republic and then scoring seventh place overall at the Grand Prix of Italy at Imola. He also represented Team Austria as one of the three best racers from his country for the 73rd Motocross of Nations at the TT Circuit Assen.
Hofer will be the first Austrian to represent the modern incarnation of Red Bull KTM, the first in MX2 and the third native in the factory team after Heinz Kinigadner and current VP of Offroad Robert Jonas.
Rene Hofer
“I’m super-excited. We’ve really worked for this over the last couple of years and my dreams are coming true right now. We were not sure if it would happen for 2020 but I showed some good speed in the second half of the season and also that I could compete in good positions in MX2. I felt confident in the class from the very first time, even if the weekend routine is pretty different from EMX. I’m so grateful to be able to have the chance to ride for the most successful team in the GP paddock and to have the best racing people around me as well as being able to learn from Tom. I’ve trained with him a few times now and he’s a really nice guy. He had an unbelievable rookie season and I think we can put in some solid preparation work over the winter to be ready for 2020. I turn 18 next year and I know I am ready for this step. For sure the result in Imola was very good but I will be hungry for more and I will bring in the very best effort from my side. I cannot forget to thank all the people who have helped me reach this stage of my career and who have helped shape me as a rider and as a human. I cannot wait to start work for 2020 but first I need to focus on this weekend!”
Rene Hofer joins Red Bull KTM MX2 full time in 2020
Mathys Boisrame joins F&H Kawasaki
Team F&H Kawasaki will line up the last two European champions in the 2020 FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship as 2018 champion Mathys Boisrame joins Roan van de Moosdijk in the Dutch team.
One of the youngest teams in the GP paddock, Team F&H Kawasaki has a short but already successful story as they have clinched MX2 GP podium results during each of the past two seasons as well as the 2019 European title.
Just a few years after its creation by Harry Fase, F&H has been involved in both the EMX250 and MX2 championships this season and it was the logical progression for the team’s European champion Roan van de Moosdijk to transfer to the MX2 World Championship. He will be joined in 2020 by Mathys Boisrame, the French youngster who recorded a top ten world ranking during his rookie MX2 GP campaign this season; the 2018 European champion, who turned twenty-one this summer, has shown great potential with numerous top ten results throughout the season and an overall podium in Germany. The team will line up three riders in the MX2 World Championship next year; the identity of the third exciting signing will be revealed soon.
Mathys Boisrame
“I’m really happy to finally join the F&H Kawasaki team as we already talked together last year after my European title. This year was a learning curve for me in the World Championship; I did my best with the material I had but for sure there’s a big step between the European and World Championship and I was so impressed when I did a test with the KX250 Kawasaki. The bike handles so well, is really powerful and the team is so professional that it didn’t take me long to know I wanted to sign with them. It will be a huge change for me as I will move to the team base in the Netherlands on November 1st; for sure it’s not easy to leave home but I know what I want. Being close to the team, working with Marc de Reuver and riding in the sand will bring me all the tools for us to succeed together.”
Mathys Boisrame joins F&H Kawasaki
Nathalie Fase – F&H Kawasaki Team Manager
“We had a great season winning the Dutch and European titles, finishing fifth and sixth in the World Championship and we are very happy to add Mathys Boisrame, the 2018 European Champion, to our team for the upcoming years! We look forward to the new season and hope to be able to push again for great podiums! All ingredients are in the house, so bring it on!”
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KTM takes over Gas Gas
As part of the deal with Gas Gas, KTM also secures a controlling stake in the Torrot electric motorcycles and bicycles business as part of the deal struck ith Black Toro Capital, the owners of both Gas Gas and Torrot.
This move further expands the KTM portfolio (Husqvarna, WP etc), which will in future, presumably due to its now much broader stake in even more brands, will be renamed to Pierer Mobility AG.
2019 Gas Gas XC 300
In this instance though it seems KTM have agreed to keep the Spanish Gas Gas plant in Girona for at least the next three years. Gas Gas was originally formed from the ashes of Bultaco when that brand went tits-up in the mid 1980s. Gas Gas merged with Ossa in 2014.
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What happened this week
Brad Freeman dominates EnduroGP of the Czech Republic
Sanders claims outright victory at Hedley AORC final
Daniel Milner crowned 2019 E2 AORC Champion at Hedley
Luke Styke claims back-to-back E1 AORC titles
2019 NZ Vets & WMX Nationals decided at Central Hawkes Bay
Brian Anthony races to 21st in World Sidecar Motocross championship
Herlings tops MXGP final in Shanghai, China
Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy new team award announced
2020 Team Honda HRC rider line-up announced
Regan Duffy replaces injured Evans for Aussie MXoN Team
Shaun Simpson announces 2020 MXGP team
Brad Freeman dominates EnduroGP of the Czech Republic
Ideal conditions welcomed competitors to the sixth round of the FIM Enduro World Championship. Glorious late summer sunshine, spectacular special tests, and big battles all came together to offer a high-level show to the many spectators.
Brad Freeman – Image courtesy of EnduroGP.org
For the second day was no difference as the Grand Prix of the Czech Republic continued to play out in Uhlirske Janovice, where the riding conditions were different thanks to the large number of entrants churning up the track on Day 1. Different pitfalls had appeared, ruts became deeper, and new stones were unearthed.
Danny McCanney
It was a strong weekend for Brad Freeman taking the wins across both days from Steve Holcombe, and claiming the 2019 E1 Championship title in the process.
Brad Freeman
“This season has not been easy, and winning this second senior title in my career really means a lot to me. It’s a reward for all the hard work with my great team. Now all we have to do is finish the job in two weeks’ time in France…”
Brad Freeman – Image courtesy of EnduroGP.org
In E2 meanwhile a new winner emerged on Day 1 – Joe Wootton, with Alex Salvini cleaning up on Day 2, with an eye on that E2 title.
Alex Salvini
“What a race! I’m really happy to have won E2 today. I have retained my championship lead this weekend, despite losing it briefly yesterday. As everyone saw last year, the title can be won or lost until the last second, so I will go to the final round with the will to do my best.”
Alex Salvini
Steve Holcombe couldn’t overcome Freeman on the overall, but he still took the E3 victories, and is obviously aiming to claim the title, with Danny McCanney in the running as well.
Steve Holcombe
“It’s been good to get back to racing again after the summer break. I’ve worked hard to return to fitness but coming to Czech I was still unsure of how fast I could be across the whole weekend. Despite wanting to win, it unfortunately didn’t work out that way. My fitness is not yet in a position to properly challenge for that top step and on Friday I also hurt my ankle in the super test, which didn’t help matters. I struggled to get going on Saturday morning, but came good towards the end of the day and felt like I kept that going during Sunday. I’ve a bit more to find in the enduro test but know that with the more races I get under my belt, the more I can build that fitness and strength back. As things stand, I’ve got an 18-point lead in Enduro 3, so the focus heading to the final round in France is to lock that title up. Although I’m 10 points behind in EnduroGP, all is not lost. There are still 40 points up for grabs, so I’ll keep pushing as best I can.”
Steve Holcombe
Aussie Wil Ruprecht took the Junior overall win on Day 1 too, along with the J1 victory, with New Zealand’s Hamish Macdonald close to clinching the Youth 125cc class, but not quite making it.
Hamish Macdonald
“It was so good to get back on top of the podium, It’s been a long road back from breaking my shoulder and to take the double win was excellent. It just would not have been possible without my family backing me and the Edmondson’s help. Of course, the Sherco Team supporting me as well. I just love riding and it’s fun to be back racing. I’m ready to fight for the Championship in France.”
The final two days of racing in the 2019 Enduro World Championship GP season will take place in Ambert, France on September 28 and 29, here’s a run down of the EnduroGP of the Czech Republic first however:
Day 1 – EnduroGP of the Czech Republic
Brad Freeman put in a performance worthy of his EnduroGP leader status; he set the best time on seven of the day’s tests on Day 1. The young Brit did not make any mistakes, always featuring at the top of the timesheets. In addition to taking the day victory, his greatest satisfaction was to have been able to hold off his closest title rival, compatriot Steve Holcombe.
Holcombe has shown that he has returned in better shape and as determined as ever, but a catastrophic start to the first day in the Czech Republic ruined his hopes of catching up with Freeman. A broken brake cable and crooked handlebars cost Holcombe a lot of time.
Steve Holcombe
Another Brit completed the overall podium! Danny McCanney took third in Uhlriske Janovice, 53 seconds behind Freeman. And if three Brits weren’t enough, this English trio were joined by Joe Wootton! The young rider took his best result so far in Senior with fourth overall and a class victory.
Brad Freeman took E1 victory on Day 1 ahead of Matteo Cavallo and Davide Guarneri. The E2 class had a brand new winner in the form of Joe Wootton, from Larrieu and Salvini. Steve Holcombe won in E3 ahead of McCanney and David Abgrall.
Alex Salvini
The Czech GP also saw the return to competition of the Wil Ruprecht. In the absence of Verona, and now fully fit, he dominated the overall class. Leading from start to finish, he left no chance to any of his rivals to challenge him.
The Australian won in front of an impressive Antoine Magain, who snatched second place from Theo Espinasse at the end of the day by just one and a half seconds!
Joe Wootton
In J1 the podium was the same as that of Junior Overall: Ruprecht, Magain and Espinasse. The J2 class went to Enric Fransisco, ahead of Ruy Barbosa and Léo Le Quere.
New Zealand’s Hamish Macdonald made it his mission to come back from his broken shoulder with a vengeance. He won the Youth 125 class ahead of Matteo Pavoni and Nathan Bererd.
In the Champion Lubricants Enduro Open World Cup, Tom Elwood took another victory in the Open 4-Stroke category. In Open 2-Stroke, Patrick Halgas manage the win. David Knight gave more reason for British fans to cheer today, winning the Open Senior category.
EnduroGP of the Czech Republic – Day 1 Top 15
Rider
Nat
Bike
Time
1. FREEMAN, Bradley
GBR
Beta
1:01:18.48
2. HOLCOMBE, Steve
GBR
Beta
1:01:50.75
3. McCANNEY, Daniel
GBR
TM
1:02:11.74
4. WOOTTON, Joe
GBR
Husq
1:02:25.16
5. CAVALLO, Matteo
ITA
Sherco
1:02:29.34
6. LARRIEU, Loic
FRA
TM
1:02:37.12
7. SALVINI, Alex
ITA
Honda
1:02:55.17
8. CHARLIER, Christophe
FRA
Honda
1:03:17.07
9. HERRERA, Benjamin
CHL
Beta
1:03:17.30
10. GUARNERI, Davide
ITA
Honda
1:03:25.54
11. OLDRATI, Thomas
ITA
Honda
1:03:33.70
12. BASSET, Antoine
FRA
Husq
1:03:50.69
13. MIRABET, Kirian
ESP
Honda
1:04:03.76
14. ABGRALL, David
FRA
Beta
1:04:10.65
15. GESLIN, Anthony
FRA
Beta
1:04:17.71
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Day 2 – EnduroGP of the Czech Republic
Brad Freeman delivered another perfect performance in the EnduroGP class on Day 2. The Brit barely had to look over his shoulder all day, despite exchanging special tests with his major rival Steve Holcombe. He goes into the final round of the season in Ambert (France) with a 10-point lead over Holcombe. Danny McCanney, consistent and quick, took another EnduroGP podium on Sunday.
Steve Holcombe
The weekend was filled with emotion for Brad Freeman – in addition to his two EnduroGP wins, he also took two victories in the E1 class and simultaneously won the world title for the second time in his career! Cavallo and Oldrati completed the E1 podium on Day 2, and France will see which of these two Italians will be runner up in the championship.
In E2, Salvini can consider himself back in business after Day 2. The Italian had to bring all his talent, power, and determination to win. He took the class victory in front of main title rival, Larrieu, while Redondi completed the top three today.
Alex Salvini
For Steve Holcombe the goal is clear: the E3 title. However, he needs be wary because Danny McCanney, second placed in the standings, has all the skill and speed to snatch the crown from him in France. David Abgrall completed the E3 podium on Sunday.
In Juniors, it was Theo Espinasse who took his first overall class success in 2019. The Frenchman had to go all out to claim this feat, and there was an intense fight between Espinasse and the ever-impressive Antoine Magain, as well as with Enric Francisco.
Andrea Verona
In J1, Espinasse won ahead of Magain, and the likeable Dan Mundell took a great third place after graduating from EY to EJ this weekend. Enric Francisco did the double in J2. In fact the podium was the same of that on Day 1 with Ruy Barbosa second, and Leo Le Quere third.
Coming into the weekend there was a good chance that New Zealand’s Hamish Macdonald would be crowned Youth 125cc Champion. But after meticulous points calculations, it turns out that the ever cheerful Kiwi will have to wait a bit longer yet!
Tom Elwood continued the British success in 2019. By winning again he became the first Open 4-Stroke winner in the Enduro Open World Cup. In Senior David Knight took his 12th victory in as many race days. The giant from the Isle of Man could do a ‘clean sweep’ if he gets the double win in France.
EnduroGP returns in two-weeks for the grand finale of the 2019 EnduroGP season in Ambert (France).
EnduroGP of the Czech Republic – Day 2 Top 15
Rider
Nat
Bike
Time
1. FREEMAN, Bradley
GBR
Beta
59:59.13
2. HOLCOMBE, Steve
GBR
Beta
1:00:35.25
3. McCANNEY, Daniel
GBR
TM
1:00:55.08
4. SALVINI, Alex
ITA
Honda
1:01:20.99
5. LARRIEU, Loic
FRA
TM
1:01:34.15
6. CAVALLO, Matteo
ITA
Sherco
1:01:46.97
7. OLDRATI, Thomas
ITA
Honda
1:01:49.31
8. REDONDI, Giacomo
ITA
Husq
1:01:51.91
9. HERRERA, Benjamin
CHL
Beta
1:02:00.37
10. CHARLIER, Christophe
FRA
Honda
1:02:02.38
11. WOOTTON, Joe
GBR
Husq
1:02:10.30
12. BASSET, Antoine
FRA
Husq
1:02:23.90
13. VERONA, Andrea
ITA
TM
1:02:48.26
14. GUARNERI, Davide
ITA
Honda
1:03:19.25
15. MIRABET, Kirian
ESP
Honda
1:03:33.33
2019 EnduroGP Standings
1
Brad FREEMAN
204
2
Steve HOLCOMBE
194
3
Daniel MCCANNEY
171
4
Alex SALVINI
118
5
Loïc LARRIEU
114
6
Matteo CAVALLO
112
7
Thomas OLDRATI
105
8
Christophe CHARLIER
93
9
Benjamin HERRERA
73
10
Davide GUARNERI
67
2019 E1 Standings
1
Brad FREEMAN
210
2
Thomas OLDRATI
181
3
Matteo CAVALLO
176
4
Davide GUARNERI
148
5
Patrik MARKVART
110
2019 E2 Standings
1
Alex SALVINI
177
2
Loïc LARRIEU
175
3
Christophe CHARLIER
158
4
Benjamin HERRERA
146
5
Eero REMES
121
2019 E3 Standings
1
Steve HOLCOMBE
231
2
Daniel MCCANNEY
213
3
David ABGRALL
166
4
Anthony GESLIN
166
5
Jiri HADEK
35
Sanders claims outright victory at Hedley AORC final
Daniel Sanders earned top outright honours as the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) concluded at Hedley, Victoria over the weekend of 14-15 September. Sanders also earned the double victory in E3 at Hedley’s final rounds of the AORC series, just two weeks after clinching his class championship aboard the factory Husqvarna FE 501.
Daniel Sanders took overall honours and the E2 Championship
It was Sanders who stormed to victory in class during Saturday’s penultimate round of the championship, finishing second in the outright classification following a hard-fought battle in the three-hour Cross Country format with Daniel Milner.
Newly-crowned champion Sanders maintained his perfect winning record in Sunday’s E3 finale, going undefeated in the series by securing the win while also topping the outright times to round off the year on a particularly high note.
Daniel Sanders
“It was an awesome season, not only for me, but everyone in the Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team as well. We pushed really hard and got the FE 501 working really well this season, so it’s good to get it done here in Victoria and to deliver for everybody at Husqvarna Motorcycles. My family and friends were here this weekend as well, so it’s a great reward to get it all wrapped up.”
Daniel Sanders overall AORC winnner 2019
2019 AORC Round 10 Saturday- Overall Result
Pos
Rider
Time
1
Daniel MILNER
2:53:09.502
2
Daniel SANDERS
2:53:24.753
3
Lyndon SNODGRASS
3:00:02.306
4
Joshua GREEN
3:02:30.827
5
Luke STYKE
3:04:23.821
6
Fraser HIGLETT
3:05:17.731
7
Michael DRISCOLL
3:06:16.043
8
Jeremy CARPENTIER
3:07:49.770
9
Stefan GRANQUIST
3:08:45.811
10
Mason SEMMENS
3:08:57.934
2019 AORC Round 11 Sunday – Overall Result
Rider
Rider
R1-R5 Total Time
1
Daniel SANDERS
44:51.820
2
Daniel MILNER
45:13.653
3
Joshua GREEN
46:16.689
4
Luke STYKE
46:35.735
5
Michael DRISCOLL
46:52.326
6
Lyndon SNODGRASS
46:54.350
7
Mason SEMMENS
47:14.738
8
Stefan GRANQUIST
47:53.683
9
Jeremy CARPENTIER
47:55.038
10
Andrew WILKSCH
47:56.764
2019 AORC – E3 Final Standings
Pos
Name
Total
1
Daniel SANDERS
275
2
Andrew WILKSCH
212
3
Jesse LAWTON
198
4
Matt MURRY
177
5
Beau RALSTON
148
6
Luke BUNNIK
104
7
Daniel WELSH
84
8
Nathan DELAWARE
62
9
Alexander BOLTON
58
10
Timothy LONSDALE
56
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Daniel Milner crowned 2019 E2 AORC Champion at Hedley
Daniel Milner claimed the E2 Crown in the 2019 Australian Off-Road Championship, following the final rounds over the weekend at Hedley, Victoria. Saturday’s 10th round saw Milner emerge victorious in his class, while also topping the outright times. In the process, he was crowned the 2019 AORC E2 champion aboard the KTM 450 EXC-F.
Daniel Milner
Multiple national champion Milner was able to make it a clean-sweep in the E2 division after taking out another class victory in round 11. This time around, he was runner-up in the outright classification.
Daniel Milner
“And just like that it’s all over for another year. Unfortunately I pulled up short of the outright title but was fortunate enough to still come away with the E2 title. It has been a roller coaster of a season with plenty of ups and downs, but all I can do it take the positives out of the year and build on them for next season. The weekend was really good at Hedley for me. Halfway through the year, having the problems that I had, it’s been a struggle to get back on top. I’m starting to ride back to where I felt I could, so in Saturday’s Cross Country I was fired up and pushed hard! This is my third year in a row that I’ve actually had a clean-sweep in class, so I’m stoked to have done that and am really happy to bring home the E2 title with KTM.”
Daniel Milner
The ever consistent Josh Green with Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing did what he does and rode his way to more podium finishes over the weekend in the E2 division. Green finished second both days in class and inside the top four Outright to finish off another good season for the experienced campaigner.
Josh Green
“I gave it my best all season, Sanders and Milner are riding at such a high level at the moment and are just a bit above the rest of the pack. They are two world class riders and deserve their success, so congratulations to them. I’m satisfied with my year and think we did a great job as a team to stay in the hunt all year and remain consistent at every round. Racing the WR450F has been awesome fun and the bike has handled all the conditions well with no dramas at any stage. Thank you to everyone at Yamaha and our team sponsors for making 2019 enjoyable and look forward doing it again next year,” Green ends.
Josh Green
2019 AORC – E2 Final Standings
Pos
Name
Total
1
Daniel MILNER
275
2
Joshua GREEN
242
3
Jeremy CARPENTIER
205
4
Brad HARDAKER
148
5
William PRICE
117
6
Stefan GRANQUIST
102
7
Harrison TEED
91
8
Brent DEAN
88
9
Nathan DALBOSCO
73
10
Broc GRABHAM
70
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Luke Styke claims back-to-back E1 AORC titles
Yamaha Active8 Yamalube Racing’s Luke Styke has surged to back to back E1 class championships after securing victory at the final round of the Australian Off Road Championship, at Hedley in Victoria, over the weekend.
Luke Styke
Styke came into the final weekend of racing carrying a 16-point lead in the E1 (250cc) category but couldn’t afford to take it easy as a gruelling weekend was ahead and plenty of hours of racing still to be completed.
In Saturday’s Cross-Country event, Styke started strongly and was leading the E1 class but made mistakes in the later stages of the three-hour race to allow his championship rival, Lyndon Snodgrass, to steal the round victory and move three points closer.
With the gap now at 13-points, Styke needed to finish inside the top five on Sunday to win the class if Snodgrass snatched the final round victory. But in typical Styke style, he won the final round in another strong performance and rolled across the finish line with his fist in the air celebrating another successful AORC campaign.
Luke Styke
“Its good to get the championship win and go back to back in the E1 class. I struggled a bit on Saturday as my energy dropped dramatically in the final stages and I wasn’t at my best, but I was able to regroup overnight, get some food and hydration in and felt much better on Sunday morning. The team did a great job again and the bike was prefect all weekend. Three hours on a 250 on a fast and sandy course is hard work and then the boys put some hours in on Saturday night and it ran strongly and was perfect all weekend. Thanks to the event organisers and sponsors on another great series and I also would like to congratulate Lyndon, Fraser and Michael on making the E1 class a great race and exciting challenge this year.”
Luke Styke
Riding the KTM 250 EXC-F, Snodgrass experienced great success during round 10, overcoming a pair of early falls to emerge victorious in the E1 division, while also finishing third outright. Sunday proved to be a more difficult outing, as a heavy fall saw him forced to climb the order to salvage a podium in E1. He managed to round out the day third in class and sixth outright.
Lyndon Snodgrass
“Saturday was really good being a Cross Country. I was feeling comfortable and, despite crashing twice after a bad start, I had to come through the pack and worked my up to third Outright and first in class. Today started off good with the two sprints, but then I had a crash and it sort of went downhill from there. I ended up second overall in the E1 championship, so I’ll take it and hopefully we go one better next year.”
Lyndon Snodgrass
2019 AORC – E1 Final Standings
Pos
Name
Total
1
Luke STYKE
259
2
Lyndon SNODGRASS
241
3
Fraser HIGLETT
219
4
Michael DRISCOLL
216
5
Lachlan ALLAN
169
6
Alexander RUDLOFF
140
7
Jonte REYNDERS
63
8
Joseph COLE
51
9
Kye MALONE
48
10
Jeremy FRANKLIN
46
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2019 NZ Vets & WMX Nationals decided at Central Hawkes Bay
Report by Catherine Pattison
The overwhelming feedback from the popular 2019 New Zealand Veterans’ and Women’s Motocross Nationals revolved around a well-run weekend – where the champions of the future and the past converged to enjoy the natural Otane track.
It was a case of the who’s who and who-used-to-be-who turning up for some intense racing between the country’s elite females, in both the junior and senior grades, and also the top male riders aged over 30 years.
Hosted on the Twist’s property, by the Central Hawkes Bay Motorcycle Club, the fast-flowing circuit earned a favourable review from two-time, former motocross world No.2 Josh Coppins. The Motueka-based, ex-international star comfortably cleaned up the Vets 40-44 years category, winning all five races and heading home runner-up Cambridge’s Damien King, a former multiple national champion and Barry Morris, in third.
Josh Coppins – Image by Chris Ritchie
While he won The Gathering of the Gods feature race for the top four riders from each Vet class, on outright speed, the final result was determined by adding the riders’ ages together with their points earned. The 70-79-year-old competitors were at an advantage here and consequently claimed some well-justified glory ending up on the podium. Peter Palmer topped the score sheet, followed by Reg Davey – the pair also finishing second and third respectively in the Vets 70-79 years class.
The Vets’ 40 to 54 years categories were headed by some seriously big names. British-born former Grand Prix star Kurt Nicoll, a four-time 500cc motocross world No.2, was one of them and only dropped to second once, winning the other four races to lift the Vets 50-54 years trophy.
Hamilton’s Amie Roberts was utterly dominant on her YZ250F in the Senior Women’s class, winning all five races to claim her first national title. The 20-year-old credited riding and training with her partner, top Kiwi MX1 rider Kayne Lamont, for helping her to reach the top of the podium.
The 1996 500cc motocross world champion Shayne King, from New Plymouth was expected to feature strongly in the 45-49 years class but it was ex-GP racer Cameron Negus, of Rotorua who claimed the honours. Former veterans’ world champion Pukekohe’s Tony Cooksley, demonstrated he still had the goods, claiming the Vets 60-69 years title amongst a field of seven other riders.
Taupo’s Nick Saunders enjoyed a successful return to racing after taking the past four years off to start a family. He clean-swept the Vets 30 to 34 years category on his Kawasaki KX450 and is now considering re-entering the competitive motocross scene.
Next year’s New Zealand Veterans’ and Women’s Motocross Championships will be hosted by the Gore and Districts Motorcycle Club.
Women’s Results – Class Winners
Junior 8-12 years 85cc – Ticayla Manson
13-16 years 85cc – Avalon Smith
Junior 12-16 years 125cc/250F – Zara Gray
Senior – Amie Roberts
Vets 30-39 years – Kylie Foreman
Vets 40 years + -Shelley Hickman
Men’s Results – Class Winners
Vets 30-34 years – Nick Saunders
Vets 35-39 years – James Robinson
Vets 40-44 years – Josh Coppins
Vets 45-49 years – Cameron Negus
Vets 50-54 years – Kurt Nicoll
Vets 55-59 years – David Wallace
Vets 60-69 years – Tony Cooksley
Vets 70-79 years – Neil Boniface
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Brian Anthony races to 21st in World Sidecar Motocross championship
Brian Anthony and Gary Moulds have completed the World Sidecar Motocross championship in 21st place, despite running only four of the 14 GPs. The title was claimed by Etienne Bax and Kaspars Stupelis.
Brian Anthony
“Eventful, good start in qualy but unfortunately a crash on the first lap left us a bit banged up. We got back on and a long way back, and started fighting for a direct qualification position. We made some awesome passes and got up to P10 so was happy with the end result. Unfortunately second row start and another broken knee brace but better that than me. 21st in the world championship and only riding four of the 14 GP’s together, well proud, thanks to the whole team and everyone who supported us.”
2019 World Sidecar Motocross Championship Standings
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The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship concluded over the weekend in China, with Red Bull Jeffrey Herlings winning his second MXGP Overall of the season while Jorge Prado made a statement winning the last round of the season.
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of China
Being the last round of the season, the Shanghai Off Road International Circuit also witnessed the conclusion of one of the most spectacular seasons ever. Taking the top three spots in the final MXGP Championship standings were Tim Gajser, Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff while in MX2 classJorge Prado, Thomas Kjer Olsen and Jago Geerts finalized the MX2 Championship standings.
Tim Gajser
“I am very happy to win my third World championship title. We had a great off-season, the beginning was just amazing and then I won seven rounds in a row which was so special. Now at the end of the season I am struggling and not finding the flow unfortunately. Coming to this weekend I felt good, yesterday I was fast on the track and enjoyed it. In the qualifying race I had the holeshot and then made a mistake and hit my neck and I was sore. From 11th gate pick today I took two solid starts and we were close to Jeffrey and Glenn. Second race I was feeling good but jumped off the track and unfortunately I just missed the podium.”
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of China
Jeremy Seewer
“I felt really good all weekend on the track, and it was a really nice dirt today. I wasn’t going for the championship but I was pushing in the first race because I felt amazing, but things happen. I got a rock in my eye and then cut my chin when I crashed and I was fighting hard to get third position. I didn’t want to risk too much anymore. That’s amazing to get second in the championship. A big thank to my team for this season.”
Jeremy Seewer – 2019 MXGP of China
Glenn Coldenhoff
“I feel like we did a great job this weekend. It was a solid start in the second race and I was second and led all the races, I started making mistakes and I was looking at the bigger picture that is the bronze medal and I got a podium, which was good. First race was great. I am so pumped, I knew I needed a great gate pick and I was able to hold of Jeffrey (Herlings) and Tim (Gajser).
Glenn Coldenhoff
Round Overall Winner – Jeffrey Herlings
“The first race I just couldn’t make to win but I am very thankful to win the last two races of the season and I am looking forward to next year. I wanted to save some energy in the first race, but the second race I missed the start a bit and it was a bit tricky. I managed to win it at the end, and I am pretty happy. I want to thank the team and my personal sponsors.”
Jeffrey Herlings topped the MXGP of China podium
2019 MXGP of China Round Overall
#
Rider
Nat.
Bike
R1
R2
Total
1
Herlings, Jeffrey
NED
KTM
22
25
47
2
Coldenhoff, Glenn
NED
KTM
25
22
47
3
Seewer, Jeremy
SUI
YAM
18
20
38
4
Gajser, Tim
SLO
HON
20
18
38
5
Van Horebeek, Jeremy
BEL
HON
14
16
30
6
Jonass, Pauls
LAT
HUS
16
14
30
7
Paulin, Gautier
FRA
YAM
13
15
28
8
Jasikonis, Arminas
LTU
HUS
15
11
26
9
Monticelli, Ivo
ITA
KTM
11
13
24
10
Tixier, Jordi
FRA
KTM
12
12
24
2019 MXGP Final Standings
Pos
Rider
Bike
Total
1
Gajser, Tim
HON
782
2
Seewer, Jeremy
YAM
580
3
Coldenhoff, G.
KTM
535
4
Paulin, G.
YAM
527
5
Tonus, Arnaud
YAM
462
6
Jonass, Pauls
HUS
458
7
Jasikonis, A.
HUS
442
8
Van Horebeek, J.
HON
433
9
Febvre, Romain
YAM
384
10
Cairoli, A.
KTM
358
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MX2
In the MX2 class Jorge Prado’s winning streak continued in China, to top off an exceptional season.
Jorge Prado
“I’m happy to finish my MX2 career this way. I want to thank everybody from my team and everyone who helps me. It was an incredible season, many race wins and Grand Prix wins, and it is exciting to move to the MXGP class, we will work hard for that.”
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of China
Thomas Kjer Olsen
“It was a consistent season, the first part of the year was just amazing, the second part of the season was not as I wanted but overall I’m happy with my second position. I’m already thinking of how to improve next season.“
Thomas Kjer Olsen – 2019 MXGP of China
Jago Geerts
“I arrived in China with a few points and I managed to win, my season had some ups and down but I’m very happy about my third position. I’m looking forward to the Monster Energy FIM MXoN now and I hope Team Belgium can be again on the podium.”
Jago Geerts – 2019 MXGP of China
2019 MX2 of China – Round Overall
#
Rider
Nat.
Bike
R1
R2
Total
1
Prado, Jorge
ESP
KTM
25
25
50
2
Vialle, Tom
FRA
KTM
20
22
42
3
Vlaanderen, Calvin
NED
HON
22
18
40
4
Geerts, Jago
BEL
YAM
18
20
38
5
Olsen, Thomas Kjer
DEN
HUS
16
16
32
6
Renaux, Maxime
FRA
YAM
15
14
29
7
Sterry, Adam
GBR
KAW
13
13
26
8
Larranaga Olano, Iker
ESP
KTM
14
12
26
9
Forato, Alberto
ITA
HUS
9
11
20
10
Harrison, Mitchell
USA
KAW
10
10
20
18
Evans, Mitchell
AUS
HON
0
8
8
2019 MX2 Final Standings
Pos
Rider
Bike
Total
1
Prado, Jorge
KTM
837
2
Olsen, T.
HUS
624
3
Geerts, Jago
YAM
543
4
Vialle, Tom
KTM
537
5
Jacobi, Henry
KAW
442
6
Sterry, Adam
KAW
410
7
Renaux, Maxime
YAM
405
8
Vlaanderen, C.
HON
399
9
Boisrame, M.
HON
303
10
Watson, Ben
YAM
282
11
Evans, M.
HON
279
12
Beaton, Jed
HUS
250
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Australian Junior Dirt Track heads to Somersby this weekend
This weekend the Nation’s best junior motor cycle riders from across the country will head to the Central Coast to contest the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship for a two-day event over September 28-29, at Allen Park MVR Speedway, Debenham Road North, in Somersby.
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships – Image by Dave Lamont
Although some riders may be young in age they are much older in experience, skills and talent if the results shown at the recent Central Coast Cup event were any indication. Many of these young riders seem to have raised the standard for all riders if they are to have any chance of taking the championship.
With strong competition likely from Queenslanders – Riley Nauta, Nate Hicks, Lenny & Henry Snell and Steph Connors; Victorians – Cooper Antone, Jed Fyffe and Oli Bergic; and Central West NSW riders – Sam and Tom Drane, Noah Grabham and Beau Bailey being just a few riders to beat if they want to be crowned champion.
Forbes brothers Tom and Sam Drane along with Queenslander Riley Nauta have just returned from six-weeks of competition racing long track in America.
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships – Image by Dave Lamont
Riders from age-seven through to 16 will compete in their individual classes to hold the title of 2019 National champion. Several previous winners of this event have continued on to hold world championships.
The weekend entertainment will not only be provided by the high quality of the competitors but on the Sunday the crowd will be treated by a special appearance and demonstration ride by clinically blind Australian Ben Felten who is the current Guinness World Record and FIM record holder for the fastest land speed by a blind motor cycle rider.
2019 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
Practice will commence at 9.30am followed by racing on the Saturday and racing opening from 9.30 am on the Sunday. Entry fee of $10.00 per car will cover you for the two-days of competition. So fill your car and be treated by the champions of tomorrow.
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FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy new team award announced
It is now less than sixty days to go until the 2019 FIM International Six Days of Enduro takes place in Portimao, Portugal from November 11-16. As well as remaining the ultimate test of man and machine, the event in November will also incorporate the fourth edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy. This will be contested over the final four days of the main event, starting with an initial acceleration test before three days of intense racing.
FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy – Image by Nuno Laranjeira
This edition of the FIM Enduro Vintage Trophy will welcome the introduction of a new category – The Vintage Veterans Trophy Team. This will comprise of one team per country, nominated by the respective national federation.
Each team must include three riders, each aged at least fifty-years-old. These three riders must represent two of the classic categories (excluding EVO 86) of the Vintage Trophy. All three riders’ times will count in the overall results. The best three teams will be awarded according to their accumulative rankings.
2020 Team Honda HRC rider line-up announced
Team Honda HRC have announced their roster of racers for the 2020 race season, with a unique arrangement that will see two different riders competing in separate series alongside Ken Roczen, who earlier this year signed an extension to his agreement.
Ken Roczen
Joining the factory squad during the AMA Supercross series will be Justin Brayton, who has ridden for the Smartop/MotoConcepts/Bullfrog Spas Honda team for the past three years and had planned to continue in that partnership until this opportunity arose.
For the AMA Pro Motocross series, Brayton will pass the baton to current GEICO Honda rider and reigning 250SX East Champion Chase Sexton, who will join the factory 450 effort fulltime at that point.
A veteran rider with a solid résumé, Brayton brings experience and consistency to the table for the 17-race Supercross series. This isn’t his first stint with the team, as he raced with the factory Honda squad in 2012, when he scored his career-best series-overall placing of fourth, achieved with the help of five podium finishes and six additional top-five results. Since Brayton’s return to the Honda brand in 2017, he and the MotoConcepts team have opted to race Supercross only. The Iowa native is also a two-time Australian Supercross Champion and will in fact return Down Under this fall to defend that title with the Penrite Honda squad before turning his attention to preparing for 2020 aboard a Team Honda HRC CRF450R.
Justin Brayton
“I’m beyond excited to be riding for factory Honda in the 2020 Supercross season. Riding with the team in 2012 was the achievement of a dream for me, and I had my best season so far that year. Now I feel like I’m living my dream all over again, just a little older and more experienced to be able to take full advantage of this opportunity.”
Justin Brayton – Image by Hoppenworld
Meanwhile, Sexton will have the opportunity to once again campaign the 2020 250SX series with GEICO Honda before moving up to the CRF450R for AMA Pro Motocross. The Illinois native will not defend his East crown in Supercross, but will instead ride a CRF250R in the West region before beginning his Team Honda HRC agreement, which currently runs through the 2023 season. There’s also a possibility of him periodically competing in the 450SX class at East rounds, as a wildcard rider.
Chase Sexton
“I’m super excited to be joining Team Honda HRC. Factory Honda is a team that I’ve wanted to ride for since I was a kid, so to have this opportunity is honestly a dream come true. I’m looking forward to starting this journey with them, and I think it will be a successful one. I think the CRF450R suits me because I’m a bigger guy and I ride it well. Still, 2020 is going to be a learning year for sure. I’m just getting my feet wet in the 450 class, and it will be good to have an outdoor series under my belt to get me ready for a full 17-round 2021 Supercross series. I’m also looking forward to being teammates with Ken. We’re pretty close friends and train together every day, so I think this will push us both and take us to the next level. You couldn’t ask for a better guy to have under the tent, with his speed and knowledge.”
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Regan Duffy replaces injured Evans for Aussie MXoN Team
Western Australian youngster, Regan Duffy (Raceline Motorsports), has been confirmed as part of the 2019 MXStore MXoN Australian team to compete at the 2019 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN). Duffy will represent Australia at Assen, the Netherlands on September 28-29.
Duffy, who took out the 2019 MX Nationals MXD Championship will get his chance to impress on the world stage, and was understandably excited about the opportunity.
Regan Duffy
“I’m super excited to be able to partner both Dean [Ferris] and Kyle [Webster] on the 2019 Motocross Des Nations at Assen. I’m really looking forward to tackling the deep sand at Assen on a KTM 450 and hoping to do Australia proud.”
Regan Duffy
Duffy will replace Mitch Evans, World MX2 rider due to ongoing medical concerns. The line up will now consist of Dean Ferris, Kyle Webster and Duffy.
Shaun Simpson announces 2020 MXGP team
Shaun Simpson has announced that for the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season he is planning to establish his own Grand Prix and British Championship race team using KTM and WP Suspension equipment. The 31-year-old will leave the RFX KTM team to race under his own ‘SS24’ banner next year.
Shaun Simpson
The veteran struggled with the set-up of his race machine as well as basic technical issues in the last rounds of the current campaign and after recovering from a broken hand that forced to Scot to miss five Grands Prix in the mid-part of the season. Simpson has decided to tailor a racing operation around his needs and return to the modus operandi that served him brightly in 2014 and 2015 for GP success.
Shaun Simpson
“I have almost fifteen years experience in the world championship and still totally believe I have the speed and the knowledge to run as high as possible in MXGP; definitely to get in amongst the factory boys,” he said. “Now is the time to do things the right way that will allow me to do my best on the track. For what feels like many reasons it simply hasn’t happened for me in the last month in MXGP but we have already taken some steps to reorganise and make sure we’re in the right direction for the Motocross of Nations and the last British Championship round. Thanks to the people involved at RFX KTM, but I know I can keep progressing in my career if we make this move. It will be far from easy but I can count on great support from KTM and it’s a brand that is a natural fit for me with the most competitive equipment. It’s exciting. We’ll start small but we want a high level of presentation because we know what sponsors and fans will expect. The goal will be a strong world championship campaign, the British title and a few surprise race appearances and then who knows where the team will grow for ’21.”
Shaun Simpson in 2016
Simpson, who is the last privateer winner of a premier class Grand Prix when he triumphed at the 2013 Grand Prix of Benelux with a stock Yamaha, is likely to run as the sole rider in the new team but is beginning to confirm the scale and full ambition of the project.
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Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
Mees tops Springfield Mile I shootout
Mees does the double with Springfield Mile II victory
Gauthier dominates Springfield Short Track in AFT Singles
Gauthier tops Production Twins at Springfield Mile I
Luke Styke leads Yamaha AORC efforts at Coonalpyn
Janowski claims Teterow SGP win in Germany
Australian MXoN Team announced for Assen
Sultans Of Slide NSW Flat Track Cup classes announced
Australian Supercross Vic & Qld coaching days
KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open events
Mitchell Harrison to Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
Josh Hill to join CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team
Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
Empire Kawasaki announce 2019 Australian SX line-up
Jared Mees tops Springfield Mile I shootout
Defending AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees made it three for three in Mile competition in the 2019 American Flat Track competition with a last-corner victory in Saturday’s Springfield Mile I. Mees and 2018 Springfield Mile I winner Jeffrey Carver Jr. transformed the race into a two-rider duel for the win from the start.
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Carver seemed content to plant himself on the rear wheel of Mees over the opening half of the AFT Twins Main Event. However, the home-state hero brought the fans lining the grandstands to their feet by driving underneath the defending champ on lap 13.
Mees regrouped and re-assumed his position at the front in short order. Carver made two more attempts to wrestle away the lead, and it appeared he finally succeeded for good when he powered by with three laps remaining. However, Mees ducked under Carver entering Turn 3 on the final lap, only to see Carver slide back up the inside as they worked through Turn 4.
Jeffrey Carver Jr – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Mees was ready for the move, and perfectly positioned himself for the decisive sprint to the flag; he stole the advantage back on exit and held it to the flag by 0.239 seconds.
Championship leader Briar Bauman was forced to use a provisional start to advance into the Main Event after suffering a mechanical issue in his Semi. Despite starting from dead last, Bauman somehow carved his way into seventh by the conclusion of lap 1 and established himself as one of five riders embroiled in a race-long battle for the final spot on the podium. Bauman ultimately won that battle, finishing in third 0.122 seconds ahead of brother/teammate Bronson Bauman. Bauman now holds a 30-point advantage over Mees (260-230) with four races remaining.
AFT Twins 2019 Springfield Mile I – Top 10
Jared Mees Indian – FTR750 0:35.746
Jeffrey Carver – Jr. Indian FTR750 +0.239
Briar Bauman – Indian FTR750 +1.878
Bronson Bauman – Indian FTR750 +2.000
Bryan Smith – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.016
Stephen Vanderkuur – Indian FTR750 +2.109
Brandon Robinson – Indian FTR750 +2.293
Davis Fisher – Indian FTR750 +2.455
Brandon Price – Indian FTR750 +2.709
Jarod Vanderkooi – HD XG750R Rev X +3.068
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Mees does the double with Springfield Mile II victory
Monday’s Springfield Mile II at the Illinois State Fairgrounds proved worth the wait, delivering the most jaw-dropping AFT Twins Main Event of the 2019 American Flat Track season. Following an epic 25 miles that saw ten riders in contention for the victory even as they dove into the race’s final corner, multi-time defending AFT Twins Champion Jared Mees worked his magic yet again to win out in the last-lap dash to the checkered flag. Making the achievement all the more impressive, Mees did so after starting in last position from Row 4.
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
The champ turned in his one provisional start card of the season to advance to the Main after encountering bike issues in his Semi. However, he managed to slipstream his way forward over the race’s opening third, joining the mammoth front group by lap 10. He was dueling for the lead a lap later – a duel that wouldn’t end until the final stripe. In the end, Mees outlasted title rival Briar Bauman by a scant 0.083 seconds.
Bronson Bauman – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
The triumph was the 14th Mile win of Mees’ illustrious career, tying him with the legendary Jay Springsteen for sixth all-time on the big tracks. It also brought him within a single race of Bauman in the evolving 2019 AFT Twins championship race, as he’s now just 25 points back (280-255) heading into the season’s final three races.
Jared Mees
“It was good to come off the back row and put my name on the list with the guys who have done that. It’s more emotional doing it this way on the back-up bike and working my way up. The Indian Motorcycle ran so phenomenal for me. My whole crew worked so hard; when that bike broke we were switching wheels, and shocks, and offsets to try to duplicate what we were running on the main bike. We got it done, and it feels amazing.”
Jared Mees – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
Bronson Bauman came through in third to lock out the podium for the Indian Wrecking Crew for the first time in 2019. While the day ultimately belonged to Mees and Indian, a huge number of riders played starring roles with the entire top ten finishing within 0.653 seconds of the win.
Rookie Brandon Price made a late-bid for the victory, and was one of five riders who slid into Turn 3 on lap 25, side-by-side, vying for the lead. He ended up an impressive fourth, fractionally ahead of Brandon Robinson.
AFT Twins Podium – 2019 AFT Twins – Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Twins 2019 Springfield Mile II – Top 10
Jared Mees – Indian FTR750 0:35.263
Briar Bauman – Indian FTR750 +0.083
Bronson Bauman – Indian FTR750 +0.149
Brandon Price – Indian FTR750 +0.169
Brandon Robinson – Indian FTR750 +0.254
Sammy Halbert – HD XG750R Rev X +0.275
Henry Wiles – Indian FTR750 +0.398
Jarod Vanderkooi – HD XG750R Rev X +0.443
Davis Fisher – Indian FTR750 +0.516
Jeffrey Carver Jr. – Indian FTR750 +0.653
AFT Twins Standings
Briar Bauman 280
Jared Mees 255
Bronson Bauman 215
Jeffrey Carver Jr. 184
Brandon Robinson 170
Jarod Vanderkooi 166
Henry Wiles 145
Robert Pearson 135
Sammy Halbert 133
Jake Johnson 128
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Gauthier dominates Springfield Short Track in AFT Singles
Championship hopeful Dalton Gauthier scored a critical victory in Friday night’s Springfield Short Track to claim sole possession of the AFT Singles points lead. The action at the Illinois State Fairgrounds was every bit as tense and frenetic as one would expect an Roof Systems AFT Singles Short Track showdown to be.
2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
In the midst of a tight title fight with just three additional races remaining on the 2019 American Flat Track calendar, and serving as a microcosm of the season to date, while a handful of riders enjoyed their moments in the spotlight. Ultimately it all came down to Gauthier and reigning class champion Dan Bromley.
Former AFT Twins standout Chad Cose stormed to the holeshot and threatened to break free of the chaos before anyone else had an opportunity to react. However, Gauthier rolled forward on the momentum he had built up all day long when he ran quickest in both qualifying sessions and ripped to heat and semi victories.
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
Gauthier first slashed ahead of Spanish dirt track hero Ferran Cardús to move into third and then ran up the inside of Bromley to take over second on lap 7. By lap 10, he was hounding Cose inside and outside, applying heavy pressure wherever possible in hopes of prompting a mistake.
That mistake came on lap 13. Gauthier squared up Cose and the two very nearly came together on the short straight as Gauthier slid ahead into first. Once clear, the new leader was able to call on his superior pace to pull open just enough of a gap to negate the possibility of a potential last-lap Hail Mary.
Dallas Daniels – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
Title rival Bromley was going in the opposite direction, dropping down to fourth after he was also overhauled by Peoria TT winner Dallas Daniels. 16-year-old prodigy Daniels had earned the pole but was shuffled back to seventh early. Undeterred, he clawed his way through the fray, not only edging ahead of Bromley but lining up Cose for the runner-up position.
Desperate to minimize the championship damage done by another Gauthier victory, Bromley turned in a clutch sequence of his own. With time running out, the defending champ dove up the inside of Daniels and Cose in two consecutive corners to leap up from fourth to second in one short lap. From there he held on to the checkered flag to remain within five points of Gauthier for the Singles championship lead (241-236).
Dalton Gauthier
“It’s huge. Coming into these last few races, it’s anyone’s game. I’m trying to get in front of Dan as much as I can, but he’s running strong. We’re having fun. Chad rode a really great race. It took me a few laps to catch him, but he was riding defensively. I just waited. I knew I had a few laps to go so I just waited for the mistake. He made one, and we got pretty close, but it was clean racing.”
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
Dan Bromley
“I just used my size to my advantage. It was a heck of a race. Chad got out front, and whether he’s behind you or you’re behind him, you never know what he’s going to do. He ran a good race. He, Dalton, and Dallas were out front for most of the race. It’s a little bittersweet to be in second, but I’m happy to be back up here on the podium.”
Daniels secured his second consecutive podium, in third, in what was just his sixth-career AFT outing, while Cose ended up one spot off the box after leading the majority of the laps. Meanwhile, Mikey Rush kept his championship aspirations alive in fifth. While the bulk of the focus is understandably on Gauthier and Bromley, Rush remains very much in contention. He’s within striking distance – just 25 points back of the lead (216) – with a Half-Mile and two Miles left to decide the 2019 crown.
AFT Singles Podium – 2019 AFT Singles, Springfield Single Track – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Singles 2019 Springfield ST Top 10
Dalton Gauthier – Husqvarna FC450 0:13.447
Dan Bromley – KTM 450 SX-F +0.857
Dallas Daniels – Yamaha YZ450F +1.475
Chad Cose – Suzuki RMZ 450 +2.304
Mikey Rush – Honda CRF450R +3.395
Brandon Kitchen – Honda CRF450R +4.009
Ryan Wells – Yamaha YZ450F +5.744
Oliver Brindley – Yamaha YZ450F +5.833
Ferran Cardus – Honda CRF450R +6.219
Jacob Lehmann – Honda CRF450R +7.548
2019 AFT Singles Standings
Dalton Gauthier 241
Dan Bromley 236
Mikey Rush 216
Jesse Janisch 180
Chad Cose 166
Shayna Texter 155
Ryan Wells 155
Morgen Mischler 125
Max Whale 107
Kevin Stollings 93
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Gauthier tops Production Twins at Springfield Mile I
Fresh off his clutch victory in Friday night’s Springfield Short Track, Dalton Gauthier steamrolled the competition in Saturday’s AFT Production Twins Main Event at the Springfield Mile I. Gauthier’s arcing high lines may have allowed his rivals to keep him relatively contained during the opening stages of the 15-lap Main Event, but once he finally stretched open enough of an advantage to prevent his opponents from blocking his preferred path, those same lines made him simply unstoppable.
Carlile & Rispoli – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
The triumph was not just his second of the weekend, it was also his second in succession in the AFT Production Twins class; he delivered the XG750R a second win in the first possible opportunity after scoring its historic maiden win last time out in the Sacramento Mile.
Dalton Gauthier
“I have to thank Jarod Vanderkooi for telling me to go there (to the high line) after the Semi, so shout out to him. After the second or third lap I went up there and I was like, ‘Yeah, it’s hooking up. So I stayed up there and tried to ride consistent laps and break away and that’s what happened. I have to thank everybody at Harley-Davidson, Black Hills Harley-Davidson, Vance & Hines and everyone else who has gotten this bike working this great. It’s been awesome, and I’m having a lot of fun.”
Dalton Gauthier – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Kolby Carlile, who scored tonight’s holeshot, and Lima HM winner Chad Cose emerged from a multi-rider pack to battle for second place. The two actually managed to cut into Gauthier’s lead while waging their duel, which came down to the race’s final corner.
Carlile sailed past Cose to open the last lap, but Cose switched-up his opponent driving through Turns 3 and 4. However, the Estenson pilot managed a counter of his own while they streaked down the start/finish straight, nipping Cose by 0.101 seconds at the flag to finish as the race’s runner-up.
Second-ranked Ryan Varnes continued his consistent AFT Production Twins title campaign with his fifth top-five result of the year by taking fourth. Kevin Stollings was just 0.002 seconds back of Varnes to round out the top five.
Championship leader Cory Texter took the checkered flag in ninth. As a result, he now leads Varnes by just 22 points (133-111) with Carlile (100) and Gauthier (96) looking increasingly threatening in third and fourth, respectively.
AFT Production Twins 2019 Springfield Mile I – Top 10
Dalton Gauthier – HD XG750R 0:36.491
Kolby Carlile – Yamaha MT-07 +0.866
Chad Cose – Kawasaki Ninja 650 0.968
Ryan Varnes – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.584
Kevin Stollings – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.587
J.R. Addison – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +2.644
James Rispoli – HD XG750R Rev X +2.671
Cody Johncox – Yamaha MT-07 +6.769
Cory Texter – Yamaha MT-07 +8.399
Ryan Wells – Yamaha MT-07 +8.468
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Carlile claims Production Twins Springfield Mile II win
Kolby Carlile materialised from the pack late to claim his first-career AFT Production Twins Main Event victory in dramatic fashion. All eyes had been on Dalton Gauthier, who was chasing a unique dual-class triple win on the weekend.
2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Like Mees in the premier class, Gauthier had to start on the back row, being forced to use a provisional start when his bike expired in his Semi. However, his form and momentum still made him feel all but unstoppable, as he powered from dead last to first place by the time the pack dove into Turn 1 for the second time.
He didn’t slow from there, opening up a 1.5-second advantage by the time the race was red flagged while working lap 10 of 15. On the restart, Gauthier went right back to work, steadily building another advantage on the pack. The only difference this time around was that teammate James Rispoli managed to hang onto the slipstream and use it to escape along with Gauthier.
James Rispoli – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
With a 1-2 Black Hills Harley-Davidson seeming nearly assured, Gauthier raised his hand in disappointment with 3 laps to go, signaling another mechanical issue that spoiled his bid for the triple Springfield victory. Without the benefit of Gauthier’s draft, Rispoli found himself reeled back to the pack. Carlile caught him just in time to thunder by as they drove down the back straight for the final time.
Carlile tucked his head down and outpaced any potential counter moves, beating Rispoli to the line by 0.111 seconds.
Kolby Carlile
“I was confident the whole race; there was just so much traffic and I got sucked into it a little bit. I was letting those guys shake it out, but I knew I had the bike to win this thing. Dalton and James took off after the restart and I fell back again, but I knew my bike was strong enough to catch them. And that’s what we did. I just can’t thank my Estenson Racing crew enough… I broke my leg early in the year and I lost a round. I’m at a huge points deficit, but we’re trying to make it back. I’m finally feeling like myself again.”
Kolby Carlile – 2019 AFT Production Twins, Springfield Mile – Image by Scott Hunter
Cody Johncox was next in line in a pack of riders that saw five men take the checkered flag within 0.554 seconds of the win. He finished 0.082 seconds back of Rispoli to complete the podium. Cory Texter did well to limit the damage done by Carlile’s victory by finishing a strong fourth. Still, Texter’s advantage has now been reduced to 23 points (148-125) over Carlile with three races remaining.
Production Twins podium – 2019 AFT Twins, Springfield Mile II – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Production Twins 2019 Springfield Mile II – Top 10
Kolby Carlile – Yamaha MT-07 0:35.993
James Rispoli – Harley-Davidson XG750R Rev X +0.111
Cody Johncox – Yamaha MT-07 +0.194
Cory Texter – Yamaha MT-07 +0.332
Morgen Mischler – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +0.554
Ryan Varnes – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1.205
Jordan Harris – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1.818
Ben Lowe – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +5.587
Oliver Brindley – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +16.401
Chad Cose – Kawasaki Ninja 650 +1 Lap
2019 AFT Production Twins Standings
Cory Texter 148
Kolby Carlile 125
Ryan Varnes 124
Dalton Gauthier 102
J.R. Addison 96
James Rispoli 95
Chad Cose 94
Ben Lowe 81
Cody Johncox 80
Kevin Stollings 72
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Luke Styke leads Yamaha AORC efforts at Coonalpyn
Perfect conditions greeted rider for Rounds 8 & 9 of the AORC Championship in Coonalpyn, while the layout provided challenges on both days. Saturday saw a sandy based loop that had competitors excited about the terrain while Sunday saw some rock beds and hard pack thrown into the mix to keep everyone on their toes.
Luke Styke increased his lead in the E1 (250cc) class after dominating the weekend in South Australia. Styke, who enjoys racing the softer terrain, won 10 out of the 13 special tests conducted over both days and was able to stretch his lead out to 16 points with two rounds remaining.
Luke Styke – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson
Styke and rival Lyndon Snodgrass traded wins on Saturday, but Styke came out all guns blazing on Sunday to win six of the seven tests and cement his place at the top of the E1 table. His raw speed captured him fourth outright on Saturday and one position better on Sunday in third.
Luke Styke
“After a couple of ordinary rounds for me, it was good to get back on top of things and ride the way I should. I struggled a bit at Kyogle and Broken Hill, but I felt good all weekend and I love riding in these kinds of conditions. The bike was strong all weekend and I had a clean run with no major issues, so I leave here healthy, fit and confident to keep the momentum going into the final two rounds. Thanks to the team for all the hard work and we will keep it going all the way to the end as anything can happen in this sport.”
Luke Styke
Josh Green maintains second place in the E2 (450cc) class after another consistent performance on the weekend in South Australia. Green finished second on both days behind class leader, Daniel Milner, and sits comfortably in second place in the series.
Josh Green – Round 7, Broken Hill – 2019 AORC – Image by John Pearson
Green raced well on Saturday and was third outright but a few crashes on Sunday cost him valuable time on Sunday and while it dropped him a couple of positions in outright honours, it had no effect on the E2 class results.
Josh Green
“Nothing real exciting to report from me on the weekend. I felt I was riding pretty well all weekend, but not quite at the pace that Sanders and Milner were setting. I made a couple of mistakes on Sunday and fell off in two tests but fortunately both myself and the bike were unscathed. But I really liked the course layout and it was good to ride in dirt that offered plenty of traction and a good variety of high and low speed challenges. The team was on point again and we can now look forward to the final rounds in a couple of weekends.”
Josh Green
It was a case of the good and the almost good for Michael Driscoll. Driscoll charged to an impressive third in class (E1) and sixth outright on Saturday as he kept his 250F on song through the day on the sandy course. He wasn’t quite able to recapture the same form on Sunday, dropping one spot to fourth in E1 and ninth in outright honours.
Michael Driscoll
“Saturday was good, and it was like riding the conditions I have around home with soft dirt and plenty of traction. I pushed hard all day and wanted to mix it with Luke and Lyndon as best I could in as many tests as I could. Sunday I was a bit off and didn’t flow as well. I made a few errors out there and cost me some time and just didn’t ride as well as what I did yesterday. I still sit fourth in class and just five points away from a series podium, so I will need a big finish at the final two rounds to get onto the championship podium.”
Michael Driscoll
Yamaha also had success in other classes with Kirk Hutton winning the Masters’ class on both days and also the series win as he now holds a 58 point lead going into the final two rounds. With only 50 points available, the former AORC champ can add another title to his belt after a successful year.
Kirk Hutton
Jess Gardiner continues to lead the Women’s division after an up and down weekend in South Australia. Gardiner won on Saturday but was forced to settle for third place on Sunday in a rare off day. Gardiner still holds a comfortable 20 point lead going into the final weekend of the championship.
Jess Gardiner
The last two rounds of the AORC are set down for September 14 and 15 in Penshurst in Victoria. With class honours and podium positions still up for grabs, Yamaha riders will keep the pressure right until the final test has concluded.
AORC Round 8 – Outright
#
Rider
Time – Total
1
Daniel SANDERS
58:40.514
2
Daniel MILNER
59:30.788
3
Joshua GREEN
1:00:50.038
4
Luke STYKE
1:00:52.231
5
Lyndon SNODGRASS
1:01:00.940
6
Michael DRISCOLL
1:02:17.640
7
Riley GRAHAM
1:02:33.987
8
Fraser HIGLETT
1:02:55.789
9
Andrew WILKSCH
1:02:56.028
10
Jeremy CARPENTIER
1:03:40.107
AORC Round 9 – Outright
#
Rider
Time – Total
1
Daniel SANDERS
1:09:31.089
2
Daniel MILNER
1:10:59.206
3
Luke STYKE
1:12:31.488
4
Lyndon SNODGRASS
1:12:56.788
5
Joshua GREEN
1:13:21.455
6
Fraser HIGLETT
1:13:44.746
7
Jeremy CARPENTIER
1:14:50.294
8
Matthew PHILLIPS
1:14:51.763
9
Michael DRISCOLL
1:15:14.966
10
Andrew WILKSCH
1:15:33.329
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E3 Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Daniel SANDERS
225
2
Andrew WILKSCH
168
3
Jesse LAWTON
162
4
Beau RALSTON
148
5
Matt MURRY
145
E2 Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Daniel MILNER
225
2
Joshua GREEN
198
3
Jeremy CARPENTIER
167
4
Brad HARDAKER
119
5
Harrison TEED
91
E1 Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Luke STYKE
212
2
Lyndon SNODGRASS
196
3
Fraser HIGLETT
181
4
Michael DRISCOLL
176
5
Lachlan ALLAN
137
EJ Standings – Top 5
#
Rider
Points
1
Kyron BACON
215
2
Joshua BRIERLEY
198
3
Korey MCMAHON
181
4
Cooper SHEIDOW
158
5
Nathan HOWE
147
Veterans Standings – Top 10
#
Rider
Total
1
Lee STEPHENS
215
2
Christopher THOMAS
172
3
Jason PEARCE
148
4
Luke ABLITT
127
5
Paul CHADWICK
114
Masters Standings – Top 10
#
Rider
Total
1
Kirk HUTTON
222
2
Peter RUDD
164
3
Craig TREASURE
144
4
Timothy MARTIN
128
5
Ian MCGILLIVRAY
110
Womens Standings – Top 10
#
Rider
Total
1
Jessica GARDINER
217
2
Emma MILESEVIC
192
3
Emelie KARLSSON
186
4
Danielle FOOT
154
5
Ebony NIELSEN
112
Janowski claims Teterow SGP win in Germany
Maciej Janowski launched his bid for a FIM World Speedway Championship medal on Saturday night winning the German FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Teterow.
Janowski, who was without a Grand Prix win in 13 months prior to round seven of the 2019 World Championship, made a jet-propelled start from gate two in the grand final to defeat Polish compatriot Bartosz Zmarzlik, Slovenian favourite Matej Zagar and in-form Dane Niels-Kristian Iversen.
Despite missing the opening round of this year’s series through injury, Janowski is only 11-points short of third placed Emil Sayfutdinov – and stands every chance of picking up his first World Championship medal in Torun, Poland, on October 5.
The 28-year-old Wroclaw star said hard work in the pits from his top team of mechanics inspired his lightning-fast start in the grand final, which ultimately saw him step to the top of the podium.
Maciej Janowski
“This is amazing, it’s always an amazing feeling when you win a Grand Prix. The whole meeting was very tough, we worked very hard during the meeting and I knew the final would be very hard with Bartosz Zmarzlik, Matej Zagar and Niels-Kristian Iversen involved. I felt very good from the start in the final, I made a perfect start and that helped me to win.”
Maciej Janowski – 2019 German FIM Speedway Grand Prix, Teterow
World Championship contender Bartosz Zmarzlik was again in blistering form, registering 16-points on the night to join Leon Madsen at the top of the standings on 85-points with three rounds remaining.
After dropping only three points throughout his five qualifying rides, the Gorzow star finished second to Janowski in semi-final one before repeating that effort in the grand final.
Like Janowski, Zmarzlik paid tribute to his mechanics following round seven, and vowed to maintain his high levels of performance at next weekend’s ECCO Danish FIM Speedway Grand Prix in Vojens.
For Matej Zagar, a podium finish came as a welcome relief following a logistically challenging start to his weekend. A delayed flight forced the GP Challenge winner to start his journey to Teterow on a different plane, before arriving on the stroke of the start of free practice.
He topped the qualifying time sheet, before registering 15 points from his seven rides – placing him five points short of the top eight frame.
Following tonight’s result, Dane Leon Madsen surrendered his position as clear leader at the top of the World Championship standings. The Danish favourite finished behind Janowski and Zmarzlik in semi-final one, and dropped six points to his championship rival.
Elsewhere in the table, title hopefuls Emil Sayfutdinov and Fredrik Lindgren returned with a mixed bag of results from their qualifying rides – scoring 10 and nine points respectively.
But Martin Vaculik endured the most frustrating evening, registering just four points from five qualifying rides as the Slovak star dropped to fifth in the standings and is now 13 points short of the top pair. The series now moves to Vojens, Denmark, for Round 8 on Saturday, September 7.
SGP World Championship Standings
Bartosz Zmarzlik 85
Leon Madsen 85
Emil Sayfutdinov 78
Fredrik Lindgren 72
Martin Vaculik 72
Patryk Dudek 69
Maciej Janowski 67
Artem Laguta 58
Niels-Kristian Iversen 54
Matej Zagar 52
Janusz Kolodziej 50
Jason Doyle 48
Aztorin German SGP Scores
Maciej Janowski 16
Bartosz Zmarzlik 16
Matej Zagar 15
Niels-Kristian Iversen 13
Emil Sayfutdinov 10
Leon Madsen 10
Fredrik Lindgren 9
Patryk Dudek 8
Antonio Lindback 8
Artem Laguta 8
Tai Woffinden 8
Jason Doyle 6
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Australian MXoN Team announced for Assen
Motorcycling Australia have announced the 2019 FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) team selected to represent Australia at Assen, in the Netherlands on 28-29 of September. Known as the ‘Olympics of Motocross’, the prestigious event will host 31 teams from around the world.
MXoN 2018
After a tough selection process, the MXoN Australian Team will be proudly represented by Mitch Evans (Honda), Dean Ferris (KTM) and Kyle Webster (Honda), with the trio earning the right to don the green and gold against the best motocross riders on the planet, with the MXstore coming on board as a naming-rights sponsor.
Amid a strong campaign on the elite MXGP circuit, Evans, a Cairns native, is confident the team will be hard to beat.
Mitch Evans
“I’m excited to get out there, represent my country and race the best in the world. I’m looking forward to everyone getting behind us and hopefully we can get a spot on the box because we’ve got a really strong team this year.”
Mitch Evans – MXGP of Germany 2019
Ferris, who is a three-time Australian Motocross champion and recently competed in the U.S, said representing his country was a highlight of his highly successful career.
Dean Ferris
“I’m super excited to be representing Australia at the Motocross of Nations this year in Assen. I’m really looking forward to racing alongside Mitch Evans and Kyle Webster, so it will be great to catch up with the boys.”
Dean Ferris – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Six – Southwick
Webster, who was the runner up in the 2019 MX Nationals Motul MX2 class, was shocked when told he’ll be heading to the Netherlands.
Kyle Webster
“Honestly, I’m stoked. I didn’t really expect to be picked for the team, but I’m wrapped to be able to head over to Assen. It’s my first time heading over to the MXoN, so I’m not sure what to really expect. Being the biggest motocross event in the world, I just can’t wait to be a part of it. Without a doubt, it’s the biggest thing in my career for sure, so I’m really excited. It’s awesome to have both Dean [Ferris] and Mitch [Evans] as my teammates.”
Kyle Webster leads Wilson Todd at Coolum
Sultans Of Slide NSW Flat Track Cup classes announced
The question everyone has been asking is, “what classes are running at Sultans Of Slide?” And the answer is, there’s only eight. Four junior classes and four senior classes, and for the most part riders will choose one class, and they will bring one bike.
So you get the advantage of only having one bike to look after for the whole day. And as a bonus, you will get 56 laps of racing. You don’t normally get that even if you bring four bikes and ride multiple classes!
Sultans Of Slide – NSW Flat Track Cup
At each Sultans Of Slide event each class will get seven races, ranging in length from 4 to 15 laps, on two different track layouts, running a point score across the day to determine winners. No finals, no semis. Lots of ride time.
Juniors will choose between 50, 65, 85 and a Junior Lites class. Seniors will choose between an MX250 (2- and 4-strokes together), MX450, and up to 450 clubman class.
Seniors will also be able to cross-enter into the new “Open Multi” class if they have a bike to suit it, or they can ride the Open Multi class by itself if they prefer. They just need a multi-cylinder bike of any capacity, running on suitable wheels and tyres.
There’s only 18 entries per class, so when things up and the Supp regs are released, you will have to get in quick. Riders will also be starting on a grid with three rows. And sometimes there’ll be reverse grid races, just to mess with you.
With the classes now confirmed, stay tuned for details on when entries will open, exciting new partnerships and in excess of $10,000 plus a host of prizes.
2019 Sultans of Slide Classes JUNIORS (riders to choose one class only)
50cc Div 2 (7 to under 9)
65cc (8 to under 11)
85cc 2t & 150cc 4t (10 to under 14)
JUNIOR LITES up to 150cc 2t & 250cc 4t (13 to under 16)
SENIORS (riders to choose one class only, unless riding in Open Multi, which may be entered in addition to any other class)
Clubman (MX Frame Up to 450cc 4T)
MX 250 (2 or 4 stroke up to 250cc)
MX 450 (4T 450cc or 2T 350cc)
Open Multi (Multi cylinder any capacity)
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Australian Supercross Qld & Vic Coaching Days
Amateur and professional Supercross riders will have the chance to take part in several Supercross coaching and training days starting next week in both Victoria and Queensland.
Krusics Ride Park – Victoria
Kicking off next weekend (September 7-8) at Krusics Ride Park in Victoria, the venue will open the gates to their private Supercross tracks allowing riders of all skill levels the opportunity to attempt Supercross for the first time, or hone their skills in preparation for the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship season.
Krusics Ride Park – Victoria
Krusics has two tracks on offer, one for intermediate riders with tamed down jumps and tabletops and another full-blown pro-level track, both professionally prepared for the weekend. Saturday will be dedicated to training on the intermediate track with Sunday’s riding focussed on the pro track.
Ex-professional Supercross athlete Cameron Taylor (Y-AIM) will be offering tutelage to all skill levels over the weekend and on both tracks, to ensure there’s the opportunity to learn regardless of current skill level. Taylor says the opportunity for riders to access an intermediate track, learn Supercross skills and build confidence before progressing to the full-scale track all in one weekend, is the perfect way to make the transition from Motocross to Supercross.
Cameron Taylor
“This is the first time in Australian Supercross history that I’m aware of, that riders have been given the opportunity to learn Supercross in a safe and controlled environment, by starting on a scaled-down track, positioned right next to a full-scale professional one. This will really give us the chance to ensure riders are feeling comfortable before transitioning to Supercross. There’s no better feeling than racing on a Supercross track in front of thousands of people. I really look forward to sharing my experiences with riders, to help them build their confidence and hopefully lead them to a career in Supercross racing in the future, or simply help them prepare for this year’s Australian Supercross Championship.”
Cameron Taylor
Practice Day costs are $100 p/day and riders are required to have an AMA licence. Click here to join secure.motocross.asn.au/join-motocross (link). For coaching enquiries and bookings, contact Cam Taylor on 0417 332 457 or email [email protected].
For riders in the South East Queensland region, Nathan Crawford (00 Standards Elite Rider Training) is holding a coaching and endorsement clinic also on Saturday September 7, on a private Supercross track near Toowoomba. For more details call or message Nathan on 0401 812 125.
00 Standars Elite Rider Training Facility – Toowoomba – Queensland
Practice day costs are $220 p/day and riders will need SX suspension and previous riding experience.
Increasing access to practice tracks and professional Supercross coaching has been a major focus for the revamped Australian Supercross Championship and series organisers say this is a crucial step towards the overall goal of increased participation and the development of young riders in the future.
Adam Bailey
“Access to safe practice facilities and professional coaching has been the number one limiting factor for Australian Supercross riders and their development, for as long as I can remember. In the past, riders that do not have their own private track and property or access to one, have often either tried to compete underprepared or just decided not to take the risk to do Supercross competition. We’re committed to making that transition to competing in the Australian Supercross Championship, more accessible and safer, for all Aussie riders now and into the future.”
Both coaches will be able available for Motorcycling Australia Supercross Endorsements over the weekend. More information on other locations including more tracks in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales will be announced in the near future.
00 Standards Elite Rider Training Facility open for coaching and endorsement September 7.
Where: Toowoomba (Kaleb Barham personal track) *Further details via upon request.
When: 7th September 9am – 4pm
Cost: $220 p/day
Book now: 0401 812 125
*Riders will need SX suspension and previous riding experience.
*All other Ride Park Rules & Regulations apply.
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KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open events
The KTM Junior Supercross initiative will once again take centre-stage at the high-profile 2019 S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship, set to be contested in Auckland, New Zealand and Melbourne, Australia this November.
KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open in 2019
KTM Junior Supercross provides the opportunity of a lifetime for an incredibly fortunate group of youthful racers and their families. There will be 10 positions available for the S-X Open event to be held at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland on 16 November, while 20 places will be available for the AUS-X Open Melbourne event on 30 November for the first time ever.
Successful applicants will be treated to a full factory VIP experience, including a KTM 50 SX built by factory technicians to ride during the event. A KTM gift pack provided to each young rider will feature a full set of riding gear to keep, plus trophies will be awarded to podium finishers.
Aside from extensive off-track activities and enjoyment that will include mentorship from KTM’s professional racers and a special rider signing where kids can meet their heroes, the KTM Junior Supercross entrants will take a dedicated track walk, two practice sessions and a fun-filled exhibition event during the S-X Open program.
Entry criteria will apply, with both events open to KTM customers only with 12 months of racing results being taken into consideration. Every applicant’s latest school report card, weight and height requirements must also be met. Registrations for the 2019 KTM Junior Supercross events are open now, exclusively at www.ridektm.com.au (link).
KTM Junior Supercross joins S-X Open in 2019
Jeff Leisk – General Manager KTM Australia
“To be involved in the sport at this level, young aspiring riders and their parents, will certainly enjoy the KTM Junior Supercross experience. We aim to make them virtually feel like factory riders for the event, to give them that experience on a real supercross track in front of huge crowds. It’s an incredible opportunity and inspires riders to go onto bigger things in the sport, much like Ryan Dungey and others who at one stage took part in the challenge. It’s a really inspirational experience and these events are genuinely world-class, so it’s a pleasure to continue our relationship with the event organisers, AME Management, because we really love what they are doing for supercross in the region. The fact that they even consider the KTM Junior Supercross to be one of the highlights of their events just goes to show that they have the right vision that’s inclusive of tomorrow’s superstars and, from my own perspective, I know what it was like to be a young kid and an aspiring racer. So, while I never got to do anything like this, I know how impressionable you are at that age and that’s why it’s really special to be involved and to be providing families with this type of opportunity.”
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Mitchell Harrison to Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
Team Bud Racing Kawasaki have confirmed Mitchell Harrison for the 2020 MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship, after joining the team in April and starting to score regularly with top ten results since Germany.
Mitchell Harrison to remain with Bud Racing Kawasaki in 2020
Dedicated to his sport, the 21 years old American rider is currently seventeenth in the series and with a few more months of European experience will be a strong contender when the 2020 World Championship kicks off in of February 2020. He will also race the French Elite series.
Mitchell Harrison
“It’s been an amazing experience racing here, I came over here in April not knowing what to expect and the Bud Racing Team treated me like a family member and it’s cool to have another year with them and a chance to fill in on the podium with them, so very exited! Next year I will know most of the tracks and I will be more adapted to the bike, we already work on that between the races but now we’ll have a full winter to do that. The racing is amazing here, the tracks are unique, different than in the US but I like that.”
Mitchell Harrison
For team owner Stephane Dassé, giving another chance to Mitchell was one of his goal as everyone in the team enjoy working with him.
Stephane Dassé – Team Owner
“We’re happy to work with him next season, he came late in Europe and had to discover everything. He improves a lot through the season, has a good mentality and we think that after a good preparation during winter and some more European experience he will be able to get strong results. We’re happy to enter again the MX2 World Championship with him, and he will have two top level young team mates to compete and fight in front of the European EMX 250 & EMX 125 series and French championship; who will be announced very soon.”
Josh Hill to join CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team
Former AMA Supercross race winner, factory rider and freeride pioneer Josh Hill, will travel down under to contest the final three rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, commencing November 9.
Hill will join Dan Reardon and Luke Clout on the team with his first engagement being round three of the of the Australian Supercross Championship in Wollongong.
Josh Hill, Alta electric motorcycle
Hill will be working double time at Wollongong as he not only chases success in the SX1 final alongside competing the ‘Speed and Style’ event where he can combine his world class speed with his aerial acrobatics against names like Cam Sinclair and a host of others in a spectacular night of action.
Then its onto rounds four and five of the championship where Hill will really be put to the test at the S-X Open in Auckland and in the final round, the Aus-X Open at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne.
Josh Hill
“I cant wait to get down to Australia and line up at the final three rounds of the Australian Supercross Championship. I have always wanted to return to Australia after racing there a few years ago and when the opportunity came about through CDR Yamaha, Monster Energy and Fox Racing, I had to make it happen. And this isn’t a holiday for me as I know the level of racing in Australia is high and it’s my goal to come down there and bring home plenty of prizemoney with me. I have been working hard to get myself in shape and ready to go come November 9 at Wollongong. I’m still competitive and would like nothing more than to kick a little ass down there and beat not only the Aussies but also the other international riders competing.”
Josh Hill
The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team will be bursting at the seems at the final three rounds with a star studded line up of the two best domestic supercross racers in Dan Reardon and Luke Clout and now with Josh Hill confirmed for the final three rounds, making for a huge month for team owner Craig Dack.
Craig Dack – CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team Owner
“Having Josh Hill join us for the final three rounds is a real coupe for the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy team as he is not only one of the most popular riders in the world but still fast and talented enough to make the championship exciting. His alignment with Yamaha in the US, Monster Energy and Fox Racing makes it a simple transition into the team and I’m sure he will be on the pace when the gates drop at round three. He has been super easy to deal with and his enthusiasm to come to Australia and race with us is over flowing down the phone with every conversation. Having Dan and Luke as the main stays of our team and the X factor in Josh Hill gives us a very strong team for this years Supercross Championship. All three riders will be mounted on the new 2020 YZ450F and our preparations have already begun. We look forward to a great championship and working with three talented and skilled riders.”
CDR Yamaha’s Craig Dack
The five round Australian Supercross Championship starts on October 12 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
2019 ASX Calendar
Round 1 – October 12 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre (QLD)
Round 2 – October 19 – Gillman Speedway (SA)
Round 3 – November 9 – Wollongong (NSW)
Round 4 – November 16- Mt Smart Stadium Auckland (NZ / S-X Open Auckland)
Round 5 – November 30- Marvel Stadium Melbourne (VIC / AUS-X Open Melbourne)
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Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
Yamaha Motor Europehave announced that Hutten Metaal Yamaha will operate as the official Yamaha EMX250 team for the next three years through 2023. The team based in Beerzerveld, The Netherlands, have already established themselves inside the MXGP and EMX250 paddocks as a Yamaha supported team this year.
Hutten Metaal Yamaha to run official EMX250 team until 2023
Heading into 2020, Hutten Metaal Yamaha will focus solely on the European EMX250 Championship as the official EMX250 team with riders Thibault Benistant, Raivo Dankers and Gianluca Facchetti, equipped with Yamaha’s GYTR kitted YZ250F machines.
Between the three riders that will make up the Hutten Metaal Yamaha EMX250 team in 2020, there are two Junior Motocross World Champions and an EMX125 Champion. Raivo Dankers was the Junior 85cc World Champion back in 2015, Gianluca Facchetti was the Junior 125cc World Champion in 2017, while Thibault Benistant was the first Official Yamaha rider to claim the coveted EMX125 crown onboard a GYTR kitted YZ125 back in 2018.
Yamaha Motor Europe also thanked the SDM Corse Yamaha team for their efforts over the past few years. The SDM Corse Yamaha team will remain inside the Yamaha family for the 2020 season, receiving support for an EMX250 rider and Ruben Fernandez who will contest the 2020 MX2 World Championship.
Empire Kawasaki announce 2019 Australian SX line-up
Empire Kawasaki are fuelled-up and ready to launch into the 2019 Australia Supercross Championship season, and have announced they will run a team of three riders across the two classes, with two SX1 riders on 2020 Kawasaki KX450 and one SX2 Rider on the 2020 Kawasaki KX250.
Dylan Long will ride the new 2020 Kawasaki KX450
Dylan Long and Lawson Bopping will be piloting the SX1 machinery, while in SX2 American Supercross specialist Bradley Taft joins the team.
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
Weekly Moto News Wrap proudly brought to you by Dunlop
What happened this week
2019 MXGP of Sweden wrap-up
Van De Moosdijk & Guadagnini claim EMX titles
2019 AMA Ironman National MX Wrap
Matej Zagar tops Croatian FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualifier
Brook & Hendrickson dominate Australian Senior Track Championships
American Flat Track set for Springfield triple-header
Hunter Lawrence injured in training
Tasmania to host 2019 Australian Trial Championship
Romain Febvre breaks femur at Swedish GP
2019 Sultans of Slide Announced – NSW Flat Track Cup
2019 MXGP of Sweden wrap-up
With sunshine and a large Swedish crowd in attendance at the beautifully prepared Uddevalla circuit, another sensational weekend of motocross was played out at the MXGP of Sweden.
Glenn Coldenhoff won his second GP of the season in MXGP, with Tim Gajser having to settle for second, while Pauls Jonass completed the top three overall.
Glenn Coldenhoff took the Race 1 win from Romain Febvre by over a minute, while Tim Gajser completed the podium. Race 2 would see Gajser come back for the win, this time over Coldenhoff, with Pauls Jonass completing the top three.
Glenn Coldenhoff
“It was a tough weekend but I’m very satisfied. Jeffrey was in front of me in the beginning of the first race, and it is really difficult and Febvre was close at the end and I got a little nervous, but I kept it on for the win. I’m very happy about my riding now”
Glenn Coldenhoof – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Tim Gajser
“I am really happy. The first race I made a mistake and a lost two places. The second race I was pushing Romain and then I thought five minutes before the end I had to pass him, and I took the lead and with one lap to go I was leading the GP, but congratulations to Glenn, he deserved it.”
Tim Gajser – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Pauls Jonass
“You know its been a while since I was on the box and we worked hard to get here. The starts are the key, and they are better now, but we still need to improve them. It feels good to be up front and thanks to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team and all my sponsors.”
Pauls Jonass – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
MXGP Round Overall – Top 10
Pos
Rider
Race 1
Race 2
Total
1
Coldenhoff, Glenn
25
22
47
2
Gajser, Tim
20
25
45
3
Jonass, Pauls
18
20
38
4
Seewer, Jeremy
14
16
30
5
Van Horebeek, Jeremy
16
14
30
6
Paulin, Gautier
15
13
28
7
Tonus, Arnaud
9
15
24
8
Strijbos, Kevin
12
12
24
9
Searle, Tommy
13
11
24
10
Febvre, Romain
22
0
22
MXGP Standings after Sweden – Top 10
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Gajser, Tim
709
2
Seewer, Jeremy
511
3
Paulin, G.
468
4
Coldenhoff, G.
446
5
Tonus, Arnaud
443
6
Jasikonis, A.
397
7
Jonass, Pauls
390
8
Febvre, Romain
384
9
Van Horebeek, J.
377
10
Cairoli, A.
358
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MX2
In the opening MX2 moto on Sunday fans surrounding the tight, hardpack Uddevalla track witnessed a special FIM World Championship celebration as Prado obtained the points necessary to confirm his second #1 plate in the MX2 class. Prado ranks as the eighth different Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2 World Champion since the creation of the category in 2004; KTM has now claimed the MX2 titles 11 times from 16 seasons.
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
With a lead of 145 points and just 100 left to win in the series Prado, who hails from Lugo in Spain, has been confirmed as only the third double-winning champion in the history of the MX2 division. The star has won 27 of the 32 motos contested so far this season, despite missing a round with injury and has scored 12 1-1 victories from 16 rounds.
In what was another memorable weekend, Prado’s MX2 teammate Tom Vialle scored his very first Grand Prix victory with a 2-2 scorecard aboard his KTM 250 SX-F. The FIM Motocross World championship now heads to Turkey and China for the last two rounds of the season.
Tom Vialle
“It is a fantastic weekend I took two holeshots and I got the round win. For sure it is fantastic the first race I pushed and lost a lot of energy and in the second race I took the holeshot and finished second and I won the overall. I did not expect that but it is a great feeling”
Tom Vialle – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Calvin Vlaanderen
“First race I didn’t’ feel really comfortable as I had a bad start but in the second race I rode well and the two guys in front made mistakes and I was able to get the race win. Thanks to the team and my family and girlfriend to support me.”
Calvin Vlaanderen – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
Jorge Prado
“I have no words to explain this. This year has been a great season, winning every single round I rode except this one (laugh). Thanks to everyone who is there everyday with me and supporting me. Two World titles, if you think of it, it is incredible. The second race was one of the best races of the year for me, I came from the back to fourth place and I couldn’t use the clutch because the level was bent.”
Jorge Prado – 2019 MXGP of Sweden – Round 16 Uddevalla
MX2 Round Overall
Pos
Rider
R1
R2
Total
1
Vialle, Tom
22
22
44
2
Vlaanderen, Calvin
18
25
43
3
Prado, Jorge
25
18
43
4
Sterry, Adam
16
20
36
5
Renaux, Maxime
15
16
31
6
Olsen, Thomas Kjer
13
15
28
7
Evans, Mitchell
10
14
24
8
Walsh, Dylan
11
12
23
9
Boisrame, Mathys
14
9
23
10
Sanayei, Darian
12
10
22
MX2 Standings following Sweden
Pos
Rider
Total
1
Prado, Jorge
737
2
Olsen, T.
592
3
Geerts, Jago
467
4
Vialle, Tom
460
5
Jacobi, Henry
442
6
Sterry, Adam
356
7
Renaux, Maxime
340
8
Vlaanderen, C.
324
9
Watson, Ben
282
10
Boisrame, M.
278
11
Evans, M.
252
12
Beaton, Jed
250
20
Walsh, Dylan
137
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Van De Moosdijk & Guadagnini claim EMX titles
Uddevalla was the field where the final rounds of the EMX250 and EMX125 championships were decided as both titles went down to the wire as a handful of riders fought for victory. Run over Saturday and Sunday the racing was very unpredictable with both champions taking their titles without winning the overall or a race on the weekend.
Van De Moosdijk & Guadagnini claim the EMX titles in Sweden
In the EMX250 Championship it was Roan van de Moosdijk who took the championship with a solid third place overall in Sweden with 2-6 results. The overall winner in Sweden was Stephen Rubini with 3-2 and finishing second in the championship. Third overall in the championship was Alberto Forato who finished with 7-1 results for second overall for the weekend.
In the EMX125 it was Tom Guyon who won the final round with 2-1 results, but Mattia Guadagnini is the 2019 EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Champion. Guadagnini didn’t take too many risks throughout the two races and finished third overall with 3-3 on the weekend and it was enough to win the championship with a tally of 305 points, 13 points more than second placed rider Guyon.
EMX250
Mikkel Haarup won the opening race from Roan van de Moosdijk and Stephen Rubini in a rather uneventful affair for the race winner, but for Rubini it was a crash-fest as he had a bad start, then crashed a couple of times and lost points to Van De Moosdijk.
EMX250 Start
Haarup led the whole EMX250 Race 1 while Bastian Boegh Damm started second and had the chance to maintain his position until a motivated Van De Moosdijk passed him on lap 12. Riding in third was the Swedish Isak Gifting while the battle for the Championship was back in 4th position among Van De Moosdijk, Rubini and Forato.
At the end of Race 1 Van De Moosdijk led the championship points by 13 points on Rubini while Forato finished race 1 in 7th but still in contention for the championship.
In the second EMX250 it was Jeremy Sydow who led from Rene Hofer, Bastian Boegh Damm, Pontus Jonsson and Ruben Fernandez, but the title contenders were back with Forato sixth, Rubini ninth and Van De Moosdijk 12th.
Roan van de Moosdijk
Forato moved into the lead after a couple of laps, and Rubini was up to fourth, with Van De Moosdijk sixth. The championship contenders were all working their way to the front and after four laps the top five was Forato, Hofer, Sydow, Rubini and Fernandez.
Hofer crashed in lap eight but managed to keep the third place while Van De Moosdijk moved into fifth place. Rubini passed Hofer for second place and after nine laps race leader Forato was followed by Rubini, Hofer, Fernandez and Van De Moosdijk. Forato won the second race from Rubini and Hofer, with Van De Moosdijk back in sixth position that for the Dutch were enough to endure the EMX250 Title.
Roan van de Moosdijk
Roan Van De Moosdijk won three rounds in 2019 and managed to hold the Red Plate for the first time this season in Lommel. He won the 2019 Edition of one of the most thrilling European Championships ever, the EMX250, 6 points ahead Stephan Rubini and 11 from Alberto Forato.
Roan Van De Moosdijk
It was a little stressful the last few days but I have had a good time the last couple of months and won a lot of races so I was confident going into this last round of the series. Of course I was a little nervous before the second race this morning, but I think that’s normal! My start was pretty good but in the second corner Haarup crashed and I had to stop and lost five or six places. Then I saw Rubini just one or two positions in front of me, so when he passed somebody I did the same. I controlled the race; I knew it was enough. In my mind I was thinking during the last few laps ‘just don’t crash, don’t make any mistake’ so I let one guy pass me back on the last lap to make sure nothing strange could happen to prevent me securing the title. I want to thank everyone around me – Kawasaki, my team, my sponsors, my family, my girlfriend. Now I will race the MX2 GPs in Turkey and China to prepare for next year as I didn’t race any overseas GPs yet. It will also be a good preparation if the Dutch federation finally select me for the MX of Nations; of course both overseas races are hard-pack and Assen is sand but I showed already what I can do in the sand.”
Roan van de Moosdijk
Stephen Rubini
“Of course I am a little disappointed about the championship. I wanted to bring a second title for Honda, but I gave everything and I am happy with second overall. Looking forward to seeing you all next year in MX2.”
Stephen Rubini
Alberto Forato
“I had a good start to the season with four wins and then I had little issues. Today I enjoyed a lot riding. I’m third overall in the championship and I’m happy with it even if I was hoping to be Champion”
EMX250 Overall Top Ten
#
Rider
R1
R2
Tot.
1
Rubini, Stephen
20
22
42
2
Forato, Alberto
14
25
39
3
Van De Moosdijk, Roan
22
15
37
4
Hofer, Rene
12
20
32
5
Gifting, Isak
16
16
32
6
Haarup, Mikkel
25
7
32
7
Fernandez, Ruben
13
18
31
8
Boegh Damm, Bastian
18
13
31
9
Sydow, Jeremy
10
14
24
10
Benistant, Thibault
15
9
24
EMX250 Standings
Pos
Rider
Nat.
Bike
Total
1
Van De Moosdijk, R.
NED
KAW
325
2
Rubini, S.
FRA
HON
319
3
Forato, A.
ITA
HUS
314
4
Hofer, Rene
AUT
KTM
227
5
Benistant, T.
FRA
YAM
161
6
Sydow, Jeremy
GER
HUS
155
7
Tropepe, G.
ITA
YAM
133
8
Gilbert, Josh
GBR
HON
127
9
Fernandez, R.
ESP
YAM
113
10
Elzinga, Rick
NED
YAM
104
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EMX125
Simon Laengenfelder opened the account for the EMX125, with a victory in the opening race, the German rider displayed good control, leading the race on lap one until the finish.
Tom Guyon
Mattia Guadagnini had a good start with the goal to keep his second position until the very end of the race, but the #27 of Team VRT’s and championship rival Tom Guyon was closing in putting pressure on Guadagnini. The Italian didn’t push too hard considering his 20 points lead and Guyon made it to pass him on lap four.
Going into the last couple of laps Laengenfelder led 12 seconds on Guyon with Guadagnini, Gwerder and Talviku round out the top five.
When the gate dropped at the second race of the EMX125 class it was Tom Guyon who controlled the race from lap one and took a comfortable victory ahead of Laengenfelder and Guadagnini.
Guyon and Laengenfelder pulling away out front while Guadagnini kept his comfortable third place that could ensure his Championship title. Kay de Wolf put pressure on Guadagnini as the Italian made a small mistake. Tom Guyon won race 2 and the overall victory in Uddevalla while Mattia Guadagnini has been crowned 2019 EMX125 champion.
EMX125 Podium – MXGP of Sweden
Mattia Guadagnini
“I am super happy, I can’t believe it. It is amazing, I don’t know what to say. I want to thank all the people who helped me. It was an amazing season, almost perfect. I had very good races and I just had to control the second race and have fun. I want to thank the team and my family and everyone who helped me.”
Mattia Guadagnini
Tom Guyon
“I am happy about my weekend, because I finished first, but I am a bit disappointed about my season as I could won the title but I finished second. But still, I am really happy about this season.
Simon Laengenfelder
“You could see I got better and better until the end. This was a good season for me in EMX125 and I am happy I now got some wins and I want to thank all my team and sponsors.”
EMX125 Overall Top Ten
#
Rider
R1
R2
Tot.
1
Guyon, Tom
22
25
47
2
Laengenfelder, Simon
25
22
47
3
Guadagnini, Mattia
20
20
40
4
de Wolf, Kay
15
18
33
5
Talviku, Jorgen-Matthias
16
16
32
6
Vettik, Meico
13
14
27
7
Everts, Liam
11
15
26
8
Nilsson, Samuel
10
10
20
9
Gwerder, Mike
18
0
18
10
Oliver, Oriol
14
0
14
EMX125 Standings
Pos.
Rider
Nat
Bike
Tot.
1
Guadagnini, M.
ITA
HUS
305
2
Guyon, Tom
FRA
KTM
292
3
Laengenfelder, S.
GER
KTM
222
4
Talviku, J.
EST
HUS
197
5
Gwerder, Mike
SUI
KTM
192
6
de Wolf, Kay
NED
HUS
188
7
Oliver, Oriol
ESP
KTM
170
8
Everts, Liam
BEL
KTM
149
9
Farres, G.
ESP
KTM
112
10
Bonacorsi, A.
ITA
KTM
95
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2019 AMA Ironman National MX Wrap
A highly competitive and captivating 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship came to a thrilling conclusion just outside the racing mecca of Indianapolis, where the Ironman Raceway provided the setting for a showdown to capture the Gary Jones Cup in the 250 Class. Picture-perfect weather conditions and an energetic crowd created a stellar atmosphere for the fifth anniversary at Ironman, and the racing lived up to expectations.
2019 Ironman National – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round 12
Adam Cianciarulo and Dylan Ferrandis entered the Ironman National separated by 30 points. The two most successful riders in the 250 Class were both on their game, with the Frenchman doing exactly what he needed to do by posting an impressive 1-1 outing. However, Cianciarulo responded to capture his first professional title and end his time in the class in the most memorable way possible.
Adam Cianciarulo & Michael Mosiman – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
Dylan Ferrandis
“I knew [winning today] wasn’t going to be enough to win the championship today. AC [Cianciarulo] rode great all season, and he deserved [the title]. He was too hard to beat. This was the best season of my career. We showed good things this year. We won races and we showed that next season everyone can look at me to possibly win the championship.”
Dylan Ferrandis – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
Adam Cianciarulo
“It’s been a journey, for sure. Like I’ve said, when I was a kid I knew I’d be here [winning championships], but then things got taken from me and I didn’t know if I could anymore. I would have rather gone through what I went through to get to this point, because it made me a better human. I’ve learned so much about myself and I’ve had to grow. The [adversity] has catapulted me into doing something I didn’t think I could do, which is win this outdoor title. I’ll hold onto this forever. No one can ever take this from me.”
Adam Cianciarulo – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
250 Round Overall
#
Rider
R1-R2
1
Dylan Ferrandis
1 – 1
2
Justin Cooper
3 – 2
3
Adam Cianciarulo
2 – 4
4
Chase Sexton
4 – 3
5
Michael Mosiman
5 – 5
6
Alex Martin
6 – 8
7
R.J. Hampshire
9 – 6
8
Shane McElrath
8 – 9
9
Garrett Marchbanks
11 – 7
10
Cameron McAdoo
7 – 13
11
Ty Masterpool
10 – 12
12
Brandon Hartranft
15 – 11
13
Jett Lawrence
12 – 14
250 Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Adam Cianciarulo
519
2
Dylan Ferrandis
499
3
Justin Cooper
461
4
R.J. Hampshire
337
5
Chase Sexton
316
6
Alex Martin
305
7
Colt Nichols
292
8
Michael Mosiman
290
9
Shane McElrath
285
10
Hunter Lawrence
252
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450
In the 450 Class, the “Big 3” of Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, and Marvin Musquin put on a show for the fans. All three riders showed why they’re amongst the best in the world, but it was the newly crowned champion aboard the Kawasaki who emerged triumphant, as Tomac capped off his historic three-peat with a sixth victory.
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
It provided a fitting end to a season to remember for Kawasaki, which became the first manufacturer to sweep both class championships since 2011.
Eli Tomac
“Even though the title was clinched it was still a fun day. We came in here with the plan to do the same thing. The mindset was to attack,” said Tomac. “The first lap [in Moto 2] was chaos with Marv [Musquin’s crash] and then Kenny [Roczen] got by. He’s just so good in the early laps. I was able to stay on him and then got by. What a day and what a year.”
Eli Tomac – 2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Ironman National
450 Round Overall
#
Rider
R1-R2
1
Eli Tomac
3 – 1
2
Ken Roczen
2 – 3
3
Zach Osborne
5 – 2
4
Joey Savatgy
4 – 6
5
Justin Barcia
7 – 4
6
Jason Anderson
6 – 5
7
Dean Wilson
9 – 7
8
Benny Bloss
8 – 8
9
Marvin Musquin
1 – 40
10
Fredrik Noren
10 – 10
450 Standings
#
Rider
Points
1
Eli Tomac
521
2
Ken Roczen
463
3
Marvin Musquin
451
4
Jason Anderson
407
5
Zach Osborne
403
6
Cooper Webb
324
7
Justin Barcia
315
8
Fredrik Noren
240
9
Justin Bogle
222
10
Blake Baggett
175
Brook & Hendrickson dominate Australian Senior Track Championships
Jarred Brook and Briony Hendrickson have proved why they’re two of the best track riders in the country with dominate performances at the 2019 Mildura Solar Australian Senior Track Championships.
2019 Mildura Solar Australian Senior Track Championships – Image courtesy of Mildura Motorsport
With all eyes on Koorlong’s Jambaroo Park, Brook was too strong in the men’s events, defending his Pro 450cc and MX open crowns, while also adding the Pro Open trophy to his bulging trophy cabinet. In the women’s Pro Open competition, Hendrickson retained her title with a typically impressive display.
Marg Tegart from the Northwest Victoria Motorcycling club said the event was a huge success with over 1000 spectators cheering on the action at the two-day event.
Marg Tegar
“It was a really successful weekend for the club in our first attempt at holding the Australian Senior Track Championships. Everything ran like clockwork, and it was great to see the sidecar category return after a few years of being absent from the Championships.”
Pro Open Championship
Jarred Brook (QLD)
Ty Lynch (SA)
Connor Ryan (NSW)
Pro Open Women Championship:
Briony Hendrickson (QLD)
Tayla Street (VIC)
Brooke Goulding (QLD)
Pro 450cc Championship:
Jarred Brook (QLD)
Rowan Tegart (VIC)
Connor Ryan (NSW)
MX Open Championship:
Jarred Brook (QLD)
Rowan Tegart (VIC)
Daniel Wicks (NSW)
Pro 250cc Championship
Bradley Burns (VIC)
Ty Lynch (SA)
Harrison Ryan (NSW)
Under 19’s Championship
Harrison Ryan (NSW)
Wade O’Keefe (NSW)
Jake Farnsworth (NSW)
Sidecars Championship
Brodie Gebhart / Rodney Gebhart (VIC)
Kai Frame / Michael Vecchi (NSW)
Justin Foot / Melissa Foot (VIC)
Matej Zagar tops Croatian FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualifier
Slovenian star Matej Zagar booked his place in SGP 2020 and admitted his GP Challenge victory in Gorican is “bigger than winning a GP.” Zagar topped the podium at the FIM Speedway Grand Prix qualification round in Croatia on Saturday and joins runner-up Niels-Kristian Iversen and third-placed Max Fricke in securing a World Championship place for next year.
Croatian FIM Speedway Grand Prix Qualifier top three
Ljubljana-born Zagar beat Iversen in a run-off for first spot after they tied on 11 points. But the result still ensures both current SGP riders have guaranteed their place in the 2020 series, regardless of where they finish this term.
Fricke then joined them on the podium by winning a run-off with Slovak star Martin Vaculik for third after they finished level on 10. Vaculik is currently fourth in the World Championship and could still qualify for SGP 2020 by finishing inside this year’s top eight.
But victory on this night belonged to Zagar, who celebrated with the army of Slovenian fans who made the trek across the border to Croatia. This is his second GP Challenge win following his 2014 triumph in Lonigo, Italy. It’s also the second time he has booked his SGP spot in Gorican, having finished second in the 2012 GP Challenge there.
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Zagar is currently 12th in the World Championship on 37 points, while Iversen is 11th on 41. After an indifferent start to SGP 2019, he’s elated to have secured his place in the series for next year.
Matej Zagar
“These meetings are always tough – we’ve seen it before. I have managed to win two now in my career. I think this is bigger than winning a GP. If you win a GP, that doesn’t give you a qualifying place for next year. It just gives you victory in one meeting. Winning this is big for me. Like always, this is one of the toughest, most intense meetings of the year on all levels. You need to keep yourself together if you want to qualify; there is no room for mistakes. I’ve lost count how many times I have qualified through the Challenge, but it’s good. I am happy about it. It gives you less stress as you try to sort things out in the series for the last four GPs this year. It has been a tough year for me. I have struggled quite heavily on some occasions, but the last couple of weeks have been better. I feel better on the bike and I feel I have more speed. That’s starting to be reflected in my results.”
Fricke will make his full-time SGP debut in 2020, having served as this season’s second reserve, racing all but one of the opening six rounds to claim 13th spot in the standings on 36 points. The Aussie international says taking third spot in Croatia will see him fulfil a childhood dream.
Max Fricke
“I’m super excited. It has always been a goal to be in the Grand Prix series as a full-time rider. When I was a kid and I first started watching speedway, it was the GPs. So it’s pretty awesome to see myself in it for next year. Hopefully I can get some stuff together during the off-season and put together a strong outfit for next year.”
Croatia SGP Challenge Scores
Matej Zagar 11+3
Niels-Kristian Iversen 11+2
Max Fricke 10+3
Martin Vaculik 10+2
Anders Thomsen 9
Pontus Aspgren 9
Jurica Pavlic 9
Aleksandr Loktaev 9
Kenneth Bjerre 8
Martin Smolinski 7
Craig Cook 6
Peter Ljung 6
Robert Lambert 5
Mikkel Michelsen 5
David Bellego 3
Chris Harris 2
Matic Ivacic DNR
Norbert Magosi DNR
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American Flat Track set for Springfield triple-header
American Flat Track is set to unleash a dirt track racing extravaganza on the hallowed grounds of the Illinois State Fairgrounds in the form of a Springfield AFT tripleheader this upcoming Labor Day weekend in Springfield, Ill.
Friday night will see the running of the Springfield Short Track starring the AFT Singles before the AFT Twins and AFT Production Twins take center stage on the “World’s Fastest Mile” with Saturday’s Springfield Mile I and Sunday’s Springfield Mile II.
Jared Mees – Image by Scott Hunter
AFT Twins title leader Briar Bauman comes into Springfield with freight train-like momentum and eyeing two opportunities to claim his first-career Mile victory. Doing so would not only cement both a career and season Grand Slam, it would also place that much more pressure on multi-time defending champion Jared Mees, who currently trails Bauman by 38 points with just five races remaining in which to make up that ground.
Mees was victorious at the two Miles run thus far in ‘19. He’ll likely need that trend to continue if he hopes to complete the championship threepeat with four of the final five remaining races on the calendar taking place on high-speed Miles. Considering that two of the four Miles are packed into one high-profile weekend, this year’s visit to Springfield has massive championship implications.
Briar and Bronson Bauman – Image by Scott Hunter
The list of potential spoilers is long and decorated, right at the top of that list are Bryan Smith and Jeffrey Carver Jr. .
The savvy Smith has established himself as one of the greatest Mile competitors the sport has ever known, and his next Springfield Mile win will be his tenth in the iconic race. Home-state favorite Carver, meanwhile, aced all his competitors to score a hugely popular win at the venue last season.
AFT Twins Standings
1
Briar Bauman
243
2
Jared Mees
205
3
Bronson Bauman
183
4
Jeffrey Carver Jr.
155
5
Jarod Vanderkooi
146
6
Brandon Robinson
144
7
Henry Wiles
129
8
Jake Johnson
128
9
Robert Pearson
121
10
Sammy Halbert
115
11
JD Beach
104
12
Davis Fisher
101
13
Brandon Price
90
14
Bryan Smith
84
15
Larry Pegram
71
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AFT Singles
The AFT Singles title fight couldn’t be any closer with Dalton Gauthier and Dan Bromley equal at 216 points apiece. Both riders have put themselves in their respective positions by running up front consistently, no matter the style of track, but Friday’s Short Track showdown will truly be a matchup of strength versus strength.
Dalton Gauthier – Image by Scott Hunter
Gauthier has taken four short track wins during his career, including two of the three contested this season, while Bromley reigned supreme at the Springfield Short Track in both 2017 and 2018.
In the AFT Production Twins championship outlook, Cory Texter maintains a comfortable 27-point advantage. That said, he no longer has a stranglehold on the class in the way he enjoyed earlier this season.
After opening the year by stringing together three straight weekends in which he was the top qualifier, lap leader, and Main Event winner, Texter has seen three different riders — Chad Cose, Ryan Varnes and Dalton Gauthier – split the three available wins since.
Dan Bromley
Texter could be primed to return to his winning ways, however, considering he’s shown to be strong enough at the Springfield Mile to podium there even in the premier class.
Not surprisingly, AFT’s Springfield tripleheader will serve as an unofficial celebration of the sport supported by a number of highly anticipated related activities. The on-track action in Springfield will actually kick off on Thursday, August 29, with AMA Amateur Short Track, Vintage National, and Astro Bultaco Invitational racing.
Shayna Texter – Image by Scott Hunter
During Saturday’s Springfield Mile I, ‘97 and ‘99 Springfield Mile winner Kevin Atherton will serve as Grand Marshal. That same honor will go to legendary Harley (and Springfield event) t-shirt designer Ron “RK” Stratman during Sunday’s Springfield Mile II.
Rookies of ’79 – American Flat Track’s Official Charity – will play a big role during the weekend as well. The Class of ‘79 will host an afterparty following Saturday’s Mile in the Orr Building, while the proceeds of the “Gus Miller Ride the Mile” charity parade lap will go to the Class of ‘79 on Sunday.
Tickets for the Springfield ST, Springfield Mile I and Springfield II are on sale now at www.springfieldmile.org. All tickets purchased for the postponed May 26 Springfield Mile I will be honored for Saturday’s event.
AFT Singles Standings
1
Dalton Gauthier
216
2
Dan Bromley
216
3
Mikey Rush
202
4
Jesse Janisch
174
5
Shayna Texter
153
6
Chad Cose
151
7
Ryan Wells
143
8
Morgen Mischler
125
9
Max Whale
100
10
Kevin Stollings
93
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Hunter Lawrence injured in training
In a devastating blow for the 20-year-old Australian motocross star just as he was shining brightly after recently returning from injuries sustained earlier in the year, Hunter Lawrence has announced an injury during training.
The full extent of his injuries is currently unknown, but safe to say has put the brakes on the end of his current season. Here’s what he had to say on social media:
Hunter Lawrence – RedBud National 2019 – AMA Motocross
Hunter Lawrence (Instagram)
“When it rains it pours… been a very rough past month, two days ago whilst training long story short, my foot hit the ground and twisted the wrong way, to say I’m gutted is an understatement, bit of a rock bottom moment for the year. I don’t doubt I will be back. Nothing but another little bump in our road to success, plan now is simple, rehabilitation and get back to 100%. Thank you to all of my supporters, sponsors and team, appreciate you guys so much. Not how we wanted to end the year, but hey.. sh#t happens I will be back.”
2019 AMA Pro Motocross – Round Eight – Spring Creek – Hunter Lawrence
Tasmania to host 2019 Australian Trial Championship
Get set Tasmania, the 2019 Huon Aquaculture Australian Trial Championship is heading to the Apple Isle on the second weekend of October (12th and 13th), which will be a cracking two days of competition. All up, eighteen different championship classes will do battle at the spectacular Mt Joy property, thirty minutes’ drive from Launceston.
Tasmania to host 2019 Australian Trial Championship
The event will feature the newly established classes for: Trial 1, Trial 2, Trial 3 and Trial 4 replacing the Solo class, along with a class for Masters 35+ for Senior riders and a new Junior Women’s class. Trial 1, Trial 2 and Sidecar will do two laps with a total of 15 sections each day, all other classes will do three laps on the 15 sections. Meanwhile, the Mini Trial will do three laps on five special sections laid out.
On the opening day of competition on the Saturday, sections will open at 9:30am, while on Sunday it will be 9am sharp.
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Romain Febvre breaks femur at Swedish GP
Following a heavy fall in the final race at the 16th round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Uddevalla, Sweden, Romain Febvre has suffered a broken left femur.
Romain Febvre
After finishing second position in the opening race, Febvre was chasing the Grand Prix victory in Race 2. The former World Champion took the holeshot onboard his YZ450FM and led the first 13-laps before high-siding over a single-jump after changing his line to pass a rider that was one lap down. He landed heavily on his left thigh and was immediately taken to the trackside Medical Centre for observation.
The doctors and paramedic’s onsite confirmed that his left Femur was broken and transferred him to Trollhättan hospital where he underwent an operation Monday 26th August, to have a rod surgically inserted into the bone for stability.
Romain Febvre
Febvre will recover from the operation under the watchful eye of his surgeon at the Trollhättan hospital in Sweden until he is fit enough to travel back to his residence in Belgium. Sadly, the injury will rule the ‘461’ out of the final two MXGP rounds as well as the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations where he was hoping to take Team France to a sixth consecutive victory.
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2019 Sultans of Slide Announced – NSW Flat Track Cup
MNSW has announced that the 2019 NSW Flat Track Cup ‘Sultans Of Slide’ will see riders racing in one class, using one bike, over seven races, varying from four to 15 laps, on two different track layouts, on both oil and loose dirt, under sunshine and lights, at three different venues across NSW. Plus they’ll be running 19” wheels and Flat Track style tyres on everything from the junior lites and up, just like they use in the USA. And there’s in excess of $10,000 in the prize kitty.
With fresh, new ideas, that will hopefully revitalize the sport for those already in it, and attract a whole new generation of riders to come and join in, the NSW Flat Track Cup is looking to draw a crowd
For those who love the old Dirt Track format, don’t worry, nobody is taking it away. The new setup is all about trying something new, which can be added to the sport as an additional style of event for clubs to run, not as a replacement for good old-fashioned Dirt Track. Ultimately, the riders will decide what they want. MNSW will continue to seek out new products to offer the motorcycle racing community, to try new things, create new ideas to grow the sport.
2019 NSW Flat Track Cup Calendar
Round 1 – November 23, Wagga Wagga
Round 2 – November 30, Appin
Round 3 – December 7, Macleay
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