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Moto News Weekly Wrap

September 4, 2018 by Darren Smart

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What Went Down Last Weekend?

• FIM MXGP – Turkey
• AORC – Broken Hill
• FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – Argentina
• FIM Trial GP – Great Britain
• FIM Enduro World Championship – Italy
• FIM Oceania International Supermoto – Newcastle
• British MX Nationals Final Round
• KTM Junior Challenge for AUS-X Open
• Metcalfe Confirmed for Australian SX
• Taft for Penrite Honda in Australian SX
• Mellross and Wills to DPH Motorsport Supercross Assault
• De Coster Changes Roles
• De Carli Signs with KTM till 2022
• Martin to JGR Suzuki
• Savatgy joins Tomac in 450 Class
• Italy and Great Britain Announce MXoN Teams
• KTM Ride4Kids raises $80,000

FIM MXGP – Turkey

For the first time the FIM Motocross World Championship has raced in the city of Afyon with the MXGP of Turkey’s new circuit being conquered by MXGP winner Jeffrey Herlings and Thomas Covington who won the drama filled MX2 class.

See the full report – Herlings unbeatable in Turkey | Lawrence goes 2-5 (Link)

MXGP Wrap

After another clean sweep Herlings now leads the championship by 95 points heading into the MXGP of the Netherlands at Assen in two week-time and a mere five points there will see the Dutchman wrap up his first MXGP title.

Jeffrey Herlings

“It was really awesome, the track was pretty nice, I was surprised because it developed really well. I think the organization did a good job and it was a good weekend. I’m so close and I have worked so hard so the next 2 weeks are going to be tough and I can’t wait for Assen.”

Tim Gajser went 3-2 for second overall on the day.

“It was a good weekend, I was enjoying it, the track was nice and I felt good on the bike. 2nd overall is good and I have done it 2 weeks in a row so I am really happy and looking forward to the next one.”

Clement Desalle notched up another podium.

“I am really happy with this podium, because yesterday I wasn’t feeling that great on track so it is good. Every time I went on track I felt better and better. Now 3 GPs in a row I’m on the podium which is consistent and it is good results for the team who are working really hard.”

Todd Waters score 16-14 moto results for 16^th outright of the 21 riders who competed in the event.

MXGP Overall Top Ten

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points
2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 42
3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 38
4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 31
5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 31
6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 30
7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 29
8. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 28
9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 25
10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 23

MXGP Championship Top Ten

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 833 points
2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 738
3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 619
4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 591
5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 544
6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 514
7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 475
8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 423
9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 404
10. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 328

MX2 Wrap

After title contenders Jorge Prado and Pauls Jonass got into a tangle in moto one, Covington took the GP victory for the first time this season with his consistent 1-3 finishes over Jonass and Thomas Kjer Olsen while Prado struggled to 3-7 moto finishes so the points gap is now 24. Prado still maintains the red plate as the championship heads to Assen.

Thomas Covington

“I got off to two good starts in the races here and I saw the opportunity to win then just tried to hang on to it. I really wanted to get the 1-1 but just pushed a little too hard… luckily I got back up pretty quick and was still able to get the overall.”

Pauls Jonass

“All weekend I was feeling good. After the first race I wasn’t sure how it was going to be with my knee when I race but like I said yesterday it is not over till it is over. I gained 6 points in the championship this weekend, there is still 100 points on the table and like I said nothing is over, we are going to fight until the end because for me there is nothing to lose anymore.”

Thomas Kjer Olsen

“It feels really good to be up here on the podium again with my teammate. At the moment I am having a lot of fun on the bike… I just felt good this weekend.”

Jorge Prado

“I was feeling good this weekend. I am still pretty happy how everything went, I didn’t go down so I’m safe, just struggled a little in the second race.”

Hunter Lawrence just missed out on another podium with 2-5 moto finishes.

Hunter Lawrence

“The first moto was really positive, I was second and I felt my riding was good, I did have to push pretty hard though to keep up with Thomas Covington and I think that hindered my riding in the second race. I got an average start in that race which didn’t help and I wasn’t able to move forward as quickly as I wanted to but I felt pretty fatigued. It turned into a bit of a survival mode and although I came close to the podium again, I was quite feeling as good as the two previous rounds. Now I’ll recover and get in some sand training before the next round in Assen.”

MX2 Overall Top Ten

1. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 45 points
2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 40
3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 38
4. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 38
5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 36
6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34
7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 29
8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 23
9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 23
10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 21

MX2 Championship Top Ten

1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 773 points
2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 749
3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 593
4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 551
5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 525
6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 483
7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 346
8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 337
9. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 305
10. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 301

AORC – Broken Hill

Broken Hill hosted the first ever Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) desert cross country and it was Daniel Milner who not only won the E3 class victory but he also earned the Silver City Desert win while Daniel Sanders (E2), Luke Styke (E1) and Michael Driscoll (EJ) all extended their respective championship points leads with solid class wins.

E3 Report

Starting from first after dominating Saturday’s prologue, Milner got out of the blocks quick and didn’t look back as he completed the gruelling eight laps in 3:49:56.173 while logging the quickest lap of the day at 28:11.401.

Daniel Milner

“The conditions were tough, but I really enjoyed the challenge of this cross country. It was great to take the win in the first AORC desert cross country and a big thanks to my team here at KTM.”

Lachlan Stanford was once again the man in second position by clocking in a time of 4:02:10.543 while third place went to Andrew Wilksch who was for the first time riding the new Sherco 500. Gas Gas rider Broc Grabham (4:09:47.236) and Alex Bolton (4:13:21.340) rounded out the top five.

AORC E3 Round 7 Provisional Results

1. Daniel Milner 3:49:56.173
2. Lachlan Stanford 4:02:10.543
3. Andrew Wilksch 4:08:03.982
4. Broc Grabham 4:09:47.236
5. Alex Bolton 4:13:21.340

E2 Report

After finishing 9^th in Saturday’s prologue, Daniel Sanders turned the tables on Sunday to continue his undefeated E2 season after clocking a time of 3:50:44.075, less than a minute off Milner’s winning time.

Daniel Sanders

“Today’s conditions were pretty gnarly and I’m happy to once again take the win and come away from the weekend safe and sound. Massive thanks has to go the team at Husqvarna for all their work helping me get through the four hours today.”

After just missing out on the quickest time in Saturday’s prologue by just 0.02s, Lyndon Snodgrass grabbed second place despite receiving a five-minute penalty for deviating off the course, giving him an accumulated time of 3:57:04.762.

Leading the way for the privateers and landing on the podium for the first time in season 2018 was Yamaha supported Riley Graham who registered a 3:58:15.058 while Nathan Trigg (4:02:52.094) and Stefan Granquist (4:04:21.042) rounded out the top five.

AORC E2 Round 7 Provisional Results

1. Daniel Sanders 3:50:44.075
2. Lyndon Snodgrass 3:57:04.690
3. Riley Graham 3:58:15.058
4. Nathan Trigg 4:02:52.094
5. Stefan Granquist 4:04:21.042

E1 Report

Styke’s fastest lap of 28:49.742 made him the only E1 competitor to register a time in the 28-minute mark and his overall time of 3:56:10.428 handed him a comfortable victory over Fraser Higlett (4:01:26.354) and Jeremy Carpentier (4:11:10.128) while Brad Hardaker (4:12:24.768) and Peter-Daniel Allan (4:06:13.923) rounded out the top five.

AORC E1 Round 7 Provisional Results

1. Luke Styke 3:56:10.428
2. Fraser Higlett 4:01:26.354
3. Jeremy Carpentier 4:11:10.128
4. Brad Hardaker 4:12:24.768
5. Peter-Daniel Allan 4:06:13.923 (1 Lap Down)

EJ Report

Broken Hill almost threw a spanner in the works for the undefeated Driscoll when he hit a log on lap four which left his Yamaha in fourth gear but his team replaced his clutch a few laps later leaving Driscoll enough time to remain undefeated with his time of 4:12:37.458.

Joshua Brierly continues his great first senior season with a solid second place after after he clocked a time of 4:14:43.722 while William Price (4:19:59.933) carried his prologue pace into the race and grabbed the final spot on the podium. Mitchell Brierley and Harrison Teed rounded out the top five.

AORC EJ Round 7 Provisional Results

1. Michael Driscoll 4:12:37.458
2. Joshua Brierley 4:14:43.722
3. William Price 4:19:59.933
4. Mitchell Brierley 3:45:31.193 (1 Lap Down)
5. Harrison Teed 3:48:27.672 (1 Lap Down)

AORC Womens Round 7 Provisional Top 3

1. Emelie Karlsson 3:31:14.241
2. Jessica Gardiner 3:38:25.255
3. Danielle Foot 3:45:42.806

AORC Veterans Round 7 Provisional Top 3

1. Peter Rudd 4:08:21.823
2. Richard Chibnall 4:08:31.628
3. Jade Gartlan 3:47:53.291 (1 Lap Down)

AORC Master’s Round 7 Provisional Top 3

1. Craig Treasure 3:56:27.174
2. David Salt 3:48:51.089
3. David Love 3:50:37.592

FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship – Argentina

Monster Energy Honda Team’s Paulo Gonçalves has clinched the overall victory in the Desafío Ruta 40 after a thrilling final stage that saw Toby Price take the win but fail to claim the overall by six seconds.

Price rode a stunning fifth stage of the fourth round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship finishing over three minutes ahead of Gonçalves but after seventeen hours in the Argentine desert came up agonisingly short and had to settle for the runner-up position in the rally’s overall standings. Matthias Walkner posted the third fastest time on the stage but dropped to fifth after incurring an eight-minute penalty at the finish.

With stage five of the rally comprising some of the most varied terrain seen so far, the final day’s racing was always going to be one of the most vital. Despite being the shortest at 200.48km, Friday’s timed special still threw up a few surprises for the competitors with its mixture of sandy trails, river beds and salt flats.

Toby Price was second away this morning on the route from Villa Union to the finish at San Juan. Disappointed not to have taken the win, the 2016 Dakar Champion was still extremely happy with how his rally had gone.

Toby Price

“Today was great. We pushed right from the start to try and make up the time to Paulo (Goncalves). Everything went well on the stage; the bike was good and I was really pleased with my riding. I tried my best but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough and I lost out on the overall by the smallest of margins. All-in-all the rally has been good, the team have once again done an excellent job and our performance has been really consistent over the last couple of races here in South America. We’ve earned some good points for the championship, so we’ll see what happens at the final round.”

Happy with his overall win, Paulo Gonçalves conceded it was a tough rally and glad to be at the end of it with the win.

Paulo Gonçalves

“I am very happy with the victory here in Argentina. I came with the idea of continuing to improve my pace after a long time without racing and in the end we were able to win the rally. I think yesterday’s stage was the key day. Today was a stretch with some navigation and I tried to use the advantage I had, but I think I managed to stay quite relaxed. I am happy for myself, and also for all my team-mates and for the guys who got injured, Kevin and Mathias Bellino – we hope they can recover quickly. This victory is for them too. We will now try to improve the pace a bit to get the Dakar right. The race in general was tough, but that second day was too much. From the physical point of view it has been a great test for me. The rivals are very strong and that forced us to give our best to win.”

Reigning FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion, Pablo Quintanilla finished the final stage in fourth which was enough to secure the final podium place in the overall.

Pablo Quintanilla

“I did my best battling for the overall podium today and it was a great relief to learn that I made it. We raced through some sandy terrain and it was hard to make up time to the leading group of riders. There were times I wasn’t feeling comfortable to push, so I decided to keep it steady, avoid mistakes and bring my Husqvarna to the finish of this exhausting rally. Getting on the box here in Argentina is a great result that gives me the points I need to get a clear lead in the championship. We now have one more round to go – the Morocco Rally in October – and I will do my best to defend my title for a third consecutive season.”

Opening the stage, Matthias Walkner also rode a superb final day of the rally to post the third fastest time on the special. Unfortunately, having clocked into the final check-control late, he was penalised and dropped to fifth position for the day earning him fourth overall in the final standings. Despite the setback, Matthias was pleased with his progress and the work done by the team, and now looks forward to the next event in Peru.

Matthias Walkner

“Stage five was really cool, I enjoyed it a lot. There were some nice pistes but also about 30km of riverbeds so we had to take care there. I tried to push as hard as I could where it was safe but made a small mistake on the road book and that’s where Toby caught me. Other than that, I know my pace was really good and I’m happy with how my bike is performing. It’s unfortunate to receive the penalty as it has cost my place on the podium.”

Pablo Quintanilla is now leading the 2018 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship standings by eight points over second-placed Toby Price. Failing to finish outside the top-three in any of the events he has contested this year, the Chilean will head to the season finale in October determined to become the 2018 World Champion.

FIM Trial GP – Great Britain

Toni Bou has won his twelfth consecutive world title and the 24th of his professional career after he sealed the 2018 TrialGP World Championship title in Great Britain last weekend.

There were no slip-ups and the large crowd at Silsden, England witnessed Bou take his title tally to the stratospheric figure of 24 championship titles: 12 outdoor and 12 indoor.

After clocking the fastest time yesterday in qualifying, Bou today succeeded in controlling the race from his advantageous starting position at the rear of the field. This allowed him to post first place, to mathematically seal the championship title with one event still to run.

FIM Enduro World Championship – Italy

See the full report here:
Macdonald tops Youth Cup | Holcombe wins EnduroGP Italy (Link)

FIM Oceania International Supermoto – Newcastle

Newcastle hosted the FIM Oceania International Supermoto featuring the Australian Supermoto Championship and it was German star, Markus Class who defended his Australian title in style and claimed the Oceania Championship.

The Australian Pro Supermoto Championship was the primary focus on Saturday and Markus Class (75 Points) defended his championship in dominant style winning all three races ahead of Ben Attard and Damon Gibbons.

In the FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship, Class (75 points) had the perfect weekend to secure another three races, this time ahead of five-time US Champion, Gage McAllister and 12-time national motocross winner, Craig Anderson who adapted his riding to the Newcastle Foreshore track with ease.

Markus Class commenting after securing his championships

“The weekend at Newcastle is very different compared to WA last year. With a city venue, it makes for a new kind of challenge. I managed to take victories in all races and it was a fantastic experience. Maybe we can return next year to defend our championship.”

Andy McLeish, Meghan Rutledge, John Lytras, Harrison Voight, Stephen Rossini and Aaron Watson took victory in the support classes.

FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship

1. Markus Class
2. Gage McAllister
3. Craig Anderson

Australian Pro Supermoto Championship

1. Markus Class
2. Ben Attard
3. Damon Gibbons

Australian Open Supermoto

1. Andy Mcliesh
2. Steeve Jeoffrion
3. Jack Douglas

Australia Womens Championship

1. Meghan Rutledge
2. Lahrra Cloak
3. Keegan Pickering

Australian Juniors Supermoto 250cc

1. John Lytras
2. Kodi Stephens
3. Ryder Dray

Australian Junior Lites Supermoto

1. Harrison Voight
2. Luke Robertson
3. Brayden Bradford

Vets 50 yrs & over

1. Stephen Rossini
2. Daryl Mallam
3. Peter Purdy

Vets Over 40 to U 50

1. Aaron Watson
2. Rob Jones
3. Ben Zacka

British MX Nationals – Final

Cusses Gorse MX Park hosted the final round of the British MX Nationals series and despite Graeme Irwin winning both MX1 motos, a determined Jake Nicholls posted fourth and third place finishes which were enough to secure the 2018 title for both rider and team

In the Pro MX2 group, Buildbase Honda’s Josh Gilbert took the first race win and was then second in the afternoon race which was enough to net the 20-year-old the overall, and the championship title.

While the Expert MX2 class had already been won by Northern Ireland’s Jason Meara, the MX1 category went all the way to the wire, with Richard Bird emerging victorious. Both Clubmen races were decided today, with Harry Fletcher taking the MX2 crown and Aiden Christie cleaning up in the MX1 group.

In the youth ranks; Callum Green took the MXY2 class title, whilst Joel Rizzi (MXY1), Ryan Mawhinney (BW85) and Ollie Colmer (SW85) had already secured their championship wins.

Pro MX 1

• Race 1; Graeme Irwin, 2. Elliott Banks-Browne, 3. Ryan Houghton. 4. Jake Nicholls
• Race 2; Graeme Irwin, 2. Ryan Houghton, 3. Jake Nicholls
• Champion: Jake Nicholls

Pro MX2

• Race 1; Josh Gilbert, 2. Brad Anderson, 3. Josh Spinks
• Race 2; Brad Anderson, 2. Josh Gilbert, 3. Josh Spinks
• Champion: Josh Gilbert

Expert MX1

• Race 1; 1. Ryan Crowder, 2. Steve Bixby, 3. Edward Briscoe
• Race 2; 1. Ryan Crowder, 2. Luke Smith, 3. Edward Briscoe
• Race 3; 1. Ryan Crowder, 2. Richard Bird, 3. Luke Smith
• Race 4; 1. Richard Bird, 2. Ryan Crowder, 3. Edward Briscoe
• Champion: Richard Bird

Expert MX2

• Race 1; 1. Callum Green, 2. Joel Rizzi, 3. Aaron-Lee Hanson
• Race 2; 1. Jamie Wainwright, 2. Charlie Putnam, 3. Ryan McClean
• Race 3; 1. Jamie Wainwright, 2. Ben Franklin, 3. Finley ‘Rossi’ Beard
• Race 4; 1. Finley ‘Rossi’ Beard, 2. Jamie Wainwright, 3. Ryan McClean
• Champion: Jason Meara

Clubman MX1

• Race 1; 1. Harry Fletcher, 2. Aiden Christie, 3. Joe Roberts
• Race 2; 1. Aiden Christie, 2. Harry Fletcher, 3. Ashley Watt
• Race 3; 1. Harry Fletcher, 2. Aiden Christie, 3. Joe Roberts
• Race 4; 1. Aiden Christie, 2. Joe Roberts, 3. Alex Christopher
• Champion: Aiden Christie

Clubman MX2

1. Race 1; 1. Jordan Moxey, 2. Brad Thornhill, 3. Fabio Rizzi
2. Race 2; 1. Alex Hamer, 2. Jordan Moxey, 3. Charlie Razzell
3. Race 3; 1. Charlie Razzell, 2. Jordan Moxey, 3. Alex Hamer
4. Race 4; 1. Alex Hamer, 2. Jordan Moxey, 3. Fabio Rizzi
5. Champion: Harry Fletcher

MXY2

• Race 1; 1. Aaron Lee-Hanson, 2. Denny Rapson, 3. Callum Green
• Race 2; 1. Aaron Lee-Hanson, 2. Ryan Alison, 3. Callum Green
• Race 3; 1. Kacey Hird, 2. Callum Green, 3. Ryan Alison
• Race 4; 1. Aaron Lee-Hanson, 2. Denny Rapson, 3. Kacey Hird
• Champion: Callum Green

MXY1

• Race 1; Joel Rizzi, 2. Bobby Bruce, 3. Sam Price
• Race 2; Joel Rizzi, 2. Bobby Bruce, 3. Ollie Beamish
• Race 3; 1. Joel Rizzi, 2. Bobby Bruce, 3. Sam Price
• Race 4; 1. Joel Rizzi, 2. Sam Price, 3. Louie Kessell
• Champion: Joel Rizzi

BW85

• Race 1; 1. Charlie Heyman, 2. Sam Atkinson, 3. Trystan Williams
• Race 2; 1. Charlie Heyman, 2. Ethan Sills, 3. Sam Atkinson
• Race 3; 1. Charlie Heyman, 2. Sam Atkinson, 3. Tyrstan Williams
• Race 4; 1. Sam Atkinson, 2. Callum Baldwin, 3. Charlie Heyman
• Champion: Ryan Mawhinney

SW85

• Race 1; Wal Shane Beaney, 2. Ollie Colmer, 3. Tyla Hooley
• Race 2; 1. Ollie Colmer, 2. Wal Shane Beaney, 3. Tyla Hooley
• Race 3; 1. Wal Shane Beaney, 2. Ollie Colmer, 3. Charlie Reynolds
• Champion: Ollie Colmer

KTM Junior Challenge for AUS-X Open

KTM Australia has announced that the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) will be back for it’s second year at the prestigious 2018 AUS-X Open Sydney, to be staged inside Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, 10 November.

The KJSC took Sydney by storm in its first-ever Australian appearance at last year’s AUS-X Open, as aspiring supercross stars aged seven and eight years of age received an opportunity of a life-time to experience the thrill of competing on the same circuit as their heroes in front of a 20,000 audience.

There will be 10 spots available for this year’s event and successful applicants will be treated to the full factory VIP experience, supplied with a KTM 50 SX fitted with KTM PowerParts by factory technicians to ride during the event. A full set of riding gear will be inclusive in a KTM gift pack to be provided to each rider, while trophies will be awarded for those finishing 1-2-3 on the podium.

Aside from extensive off-track activities and enjoyment that will include their own KJSC Factory pit setup, a tour of the KTM Motocross Racing Team pit transporter and a rider signing where kids can meet their idols, the KJSC entrants will take a dedicated track walk, two practice sessions and a fun-filled exhibition race during the AUS-X Open program.

The lucky riders will be chosen through a selection process, which includes all applicants submitting a relevant school report and a snapshot of their recent results to outline their riding experience.  Of the ten riders, seven will be chosen by a random ballot draw, and three selected by KTM Australia. Collectively, the KJSC will showcase some of the brightest young talents from Australia ahead of what’s anticipated to be a sell-out crowd and an entertainment-packed event.

The 2018 AUS-X Open Sydney event marks round one of the newly-introduced S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship, coinciding with the final round of this year’s Australian Supercross Championship.

A factory experience like no other delivered by KTM Australia, applications for the 2018 KTM Junior Supercross Challenge (KJSC) will open on Thursday, 6 September, from 9:00am AEST exclusively at www.ridektm.com.au.

For full information on the application and selection process, visit www.ridektm.com.au/2018kjsc

Jeff Leisk, General Manager KTM Australia

“The future of our sport is with our young riders and what a better way to introduce the next generation to the thrill of Supercross than with this experience.  We are very fortunate to bring this program to Australia after many years of success in the United States.  Seeing it come together last year and receiving outstanding feedback from the riders and their families meant it was a core focus to bring this program back for 2018. The partnership with AUS-X Open and the support we have received from Adam and the team to bring this together means we can offer the experience of a lifetime to ten more aspiring racers and in turn hopefully inspire many more families to get involved with this fantastic sport.”

Metcalfe Confirmed for Australian SX

Penrite Honda Racing’s Brett Metcalfe has committed to compete in the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship alongside his team mate and reigning Supercross champion Justin Brayton.

The likeable South Australian is no stranger to Supercross success having raced against some of the best in the world.

Brett Metcalfe

“I’ve been on the podium with some seriously talented riders. I remember in 2008 standing with two overall Supercross Champions – Dungey and Weimar in round 2 in Phoenix. I have many great memories racing Supercross in America against Barcia, Dungey, RV and the others; whilst my overall results were marred by injuries, I always enjoyed racing Supercross.”

Metcalfe also admitted the decision to race Supercross this late was unexpected, as he was certain he would be competing at the Motocross Des Nations. He is yet to confirm if he will compete in the entire Championship or just selected rounds.

Brett Metcalfe

“I genuinely thought we were going, we were well prepared with bikes, gear and mechanics and American Honda had offered support. We were ready to sign documents so my mind and heart were firmly set on racing for the country I love. It was a shame we didn’t get to go but I am grateful to the team for ensuring I can still compete here in Aus and my mind is re-set for Supercross, even though it’s a tight turn around for preparation, we will make the best of it.”

Team Director Yarrive Konsky spoke of the challenges of coordinating the Supercross program this year, with some unforeseen external factors influencing plans.

Yarrive Konsky – Team Director

“Originally we had Metcalfe and Todd Waters contracted to compete alongside Justin Brayton. Waters received the opportunity to race for HRC in the World MX GP and that calendar runs through to mid-September so ultimately it ruled him out of competing in the Aus SX in its entirety. Then, we were led to believe Metcalfe was racing the Des Nations so we had to make alternative plans around that as well. The timing was tough and I hope MA reviews this next year. Whilst this has placed some pressure on us, we have restructured our program to ensure we are prepared for a strong season from all of our riders.”

Taft for Penrite Honda in Australian SX

Penrite Honda Racing have signed American Bradley Taft as the teams 250cc competitor in this year’s Australian Supercross Championship.

Taft has raced with some of the world’s best, achieving great success against up and coming names like Chase Sexton and Cameron McAdoo in Loretta’s and finishing as high as 6th in his AMA Supercross career. The 21 year old is excited about this opportunity.

Bradley Taft

“The Penrite Honda Racing Team have had amazing success with Decotis, Faith, Peick and Brayton. I haven’t had team mates who have won 450cc Supercross and Motocross National races before so I want to learn as much as I can from this experience and am super appreciative to be part of it.”

Team Director Yarrive Konsky made a strategic decision to sign a 250 class rider, to ensure the team had diversified talent.

Yarrive Konsky – Team Director

“We didn’t need to contract someone that would compete with Justin. In the 450 class anyone outside of the top fifteen in America would find it difficult to finish on the podium in Australia so we turned our attention to the 250cc class. Taft is young and really keen to prove himself and racing outside of America will be a great test for him. We are looking forward to having him on board; it’s going to be a great season of Supercross!”

The Penrite Factory Honda Team will commence testing this week in preparation for round 1 in September.

Mellross and Wills to DPH Motorsport Supercross Assault

Hayden Mellross and Dylan Wills have been confirmed as the two man rider team for DPH Motorsport in the 2018 Australian Supercross Championship.

Dale Hocking – Team Owner

“Supercross is here! It’s been a tough year for our team. Our elation at becoming the Husqvarna Factory team to the disappointment of Kade’s (Mosig) suspension from racing. We’re a close-knit team and it really affects everyone, so closing the chapter on the MX Nationals and starting fresh with supercross is a great feeling. Dylan is riding really well after resting his knee and we’re excited to have Hayden back in the truck. We’ve made the decision to run the two racers on FC250’s and really go after that SX2 Championship. The motivation to succeed is the highest I’ve seen it in the workshop, so I’m looking forward to setting the truck up in Jimboomba and getting after it!”

Dylan Wills is feeling fit heading into the season after missing the final round of the motocoss championship with a knee injury.

Dylan Wills

“I’m really looking forward to the new season. My knee is feeling good after taking some time to recover, I’m riding again on the DPH FC250 supercross bike and enjoying every minute of it. We all love racing supercross, but I really feel comfortable and fast right now. The bike is awesome, the best equipment I’ve had for supercross, and my style suits this type of racing and with Hayden as my teammate, I’m confident we’ll both be running at the front this season.”

Hayden Mellross

“It’s great to be back home! I just landed yesterday and I’m excited to join back up with DPH Motorsport, with the help and support of Husqvarna and my mechanic Marty. This is my third supercross season with the team and it really does feel like home. I’ve ridden the bike today at home in Young for the first time and I love it, giving my confidence another boost that I will be battling for that title.”

The 2018 Australian Supercross Championship consists of five rounds with the creators of the AUS-X Open, AME, overseeing the entire series, while Scott Bannan Promotions (rounds 1 & 2) and Troy Bayliss Events (rounds 3 & 4) are also event promoters.

De Coster Changes Roles

Roger De Coster has been appointed to the role of ‘Motorsport Director KTM/Husqvarna North America’ and retain a more strategic and senior position in all of KTM and Husqvarna’s USA racing activities.

Ian Harrison has been Roger’s ‘right hand man’ and key collaborator for a number of years – certainly since 2011 when De Coster first came to KTM – and has also renewed his position with the KTM Group to become de facto Team Manager of the Red Bull KTM MX/SX squad and Technical Director of the KTM/Husqvarna efforts in the United States.

The De Coster/Harrison link was largely fundamental in the reorganisation of KTM’s sporting arm in high profile Supercross and Motocross circles at the start of the decade. The pair were instrumental in forging a close link with R&D in Mattighofen, Austria and elevating the race team to the position of champions.

Ryan Dungey’s signature was key as was development of outstanding talent such as Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin; KTM went on to toast titles and milestones in every AMA division. Recently, the alliance with Aldon Baker’s training regime only strengthened the KTM Group’s status and ensured the finest resources towards the current and next generations.

Roger De Coster

“I can still remember now when people said I was crazy to join KTM. It has almost been ten years but it shows that when a company is as serious and dedicated about their racing as the KTM Group are then many things are possible. I’m happy to again sign with them and to continue working with them to extend my long story in this sport,” he continued. “We have achieved a lot together and I don’t feel that the ‘fire’ is dimming or my motivation to keep this team and factory at the top of the sport is any less as the first day I wore the orange shirt. I’d like to thank Mr. Pierer, Pit and all the guys who work so hard to allow us to be where we want to be.”

Ian Harrison

“Time has passed so quickly and it feels like we have done so much since we started to look at how and where we could be better back in 2011. I don’t think we could have imagined all the trophies and red plates we’ve collected, even if the ambition to do so was very strong then and has not faded in all this time. We went through the Dungey era and have seen the development of Marvin to a bona fide Supercross title contender. We’re not stopping and it’s exciting to think about where we can go next.”

De Carli Signs with KTM till 2022

Red Bull KTM will continue to count on the experience and expertise of Claudio De Carli for another four years after renewal of the agreement with Italian and his technical crew until 2022.

The formalities between De Carli and the senior management of the KTM Group Race department were confirmed last week and will bring the immensely successful union beyond the end of the decade. The roots were laid at the end of 2009 and 2018 is the ninth season of top level racing together.

Along with Tony Cairoli (and notable results with a host of other riders like Ken De Dycker, Max Nagl and Glenn Coldenhoff) De Carli has delivered a total of seven premier class FIM Motocross World Championship titles to the KTM brand including the manufacturer’s very first in 2010.

In that time De Carli has marshalled a race effort in two countries and with largely the same staff to capture crowns with both the KTM 350 SX-F and KTM 450 SX-F. He has now been instrumental in the fantastic development of seventeen year old Spaniard Jorge Prado to the top of the FIM MX2 standings in what is just the teenager’s second term in Grand Prix and within the Red Bull KTM squad.

Claudio De Carli

“To renew with KTM is very satisfying for me and I can only thank them for the trust they place in me, I really want to thank all my partners and the whole team: this deal is thanks to them and confirms that – within KTM and together with KTM – we are working in the right direction with great commitment, motivation and the same goals. During the last nine years we have achieved great results. We have won a lot and we have suffered and experienced difficult times: we must continue with this same team spirit and passion to face new challenges. Our sport is evolving; it is more and more professional and ‘global’ and is opening to new frontiers, new countries where we are surprised with how much warmth and passion we are welcomed. For us the aim is always the same: to give the maximum in the pride of KTM colours.”

Robert Jonas – Vice President KTM Offroad

“Claudio, his loyal staff and, of course, the riders in his care have made such a strong and memorable impact for the company since the beginning of the partnership for the 2010 season. They are a backbone of Red Bull KTM and have been so emphatic that it was a very easy decision for us to continue this relationship. Our success and achievements in motocross have been outstanding in the last ten years and this is such a potent factor of our DNA and racing identity. The value of Claudio’s work in motocross can now also be seen with how much Jorge has evolved. He has been able to steer and help a great champion like Tony but also focus on the next generation. It’s great to see and we hope for many more good times over the coming years.”

Martin to JGR Suzuki

Alex Martin has signed a two-year contract to race the Suzuki RM-Z250 with the JGR Suzuki Factory Racing Team to contest the 250 regional Supercross series and 250 National Championship.

Hailing from Millville, Minnesota, Martin has an impressive racing resume. The 28-year-old has earned two National wins, three Supercross podiums, 18 outdoor podiums, and a combined 84 top-ten finishes. Martin has twice finished runner-up in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Alex Martin

“I’m very happy to be joining the team and excited for the next two years. The resources that the Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team has to offer, along with the facility at JGRMX in North Carolina, will be a huge benefit. Suzuki is coming out with a brand-new RM-Z250 for 2019, and I’m excited to get great results on the bike. I am looking forward to the next few years!”

Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing team manager Jeremy Albrecht is eager to work with the veteran.

Jeremy Albrecht

“I’m pumped that a rider of Alex’s caliber will be on the all-new Suzuki RM-Z250. Our goal is to win races, both in Supercross and the Nationals. Alex is extremely disciplined, a proven winner, and has that hunger to succeed. I feel really good about our chances in 2019 and beyond.”

Savatgy joins Tomac in 450 Class

With a move to the 450 Class on the horizon for 2019, 24-year-old Joey Savatgy has signed with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team alongside Eli Tomac, now the two-time reigning champion of the 450MX Class, on the Factory Kawasaki KX450.

In four seasons with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki 250 Class team, Savatgy earned seven overall victories in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross and finished third in 250MX points in 2015 and 2016. He’s coming off a down year though — despite one moto victory, he only finished top five in six of the season’s 24 motos.

ASavatgy will join Zach Osborne (Husqvarna), Aaron Plessinger (Yamaha) and Justin Hill (Suzuki) in the premier class full-time next season as the 450 field prepares for an influx of new talent. Savatgy’s first race with the team will be in October at the Monster Energy Cup.

Italy and Great Britain Announce MXoN Teams

Italy and Great Britain have announced their respective teams for the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at RedBud, USA this October.

The Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI) announced that leading the team will be the nine-time FIM Motocross World Champion, Antonio Cairoli in the MXGP class while Michele Cervellin will take to MX2 and Alessandro Lupino will make his return in the Open class. The same group of riders raced last year’s event at Matterley Basin, UK where they took 7th in the team’s classification.

British team manager Mark Chamberlain, in conjunction with the ACU Motocross Committee also announced that the three riders selected to represent Great Britain will be Tommy Searle (MXGP), Ben Watson (MX2) and Max Anstie (MX Open).

Tommy Searle will be lining up to compete in the MXGP class on the Bike It DRT Kawasaki machine. In the past Tommy has proven to be Team GB’s strongest rider at the event and heads into the event as Team GB’s most experienced rider.

Tommy Searle

“I’m happy to have been chosen to race for my country again as this will be my 10th time doing so. I know what to expect and what it takes, and we will work together as a team and give everything possible!”

The MX2 spot will see Ben Watson make his debut for Team GB at the MXoN, the 21-year-old from Nottingham will be onboard his Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 machine which he is currently sitting fourth in the World MX2 Championship and challenging for the bronze medal.

Ben Watson

“I am so motivated to give this opportunity absolutely everything for myself, the whole of GB and everyone who has put their trust in me. I am feeling very privileged to be selected and cannot wait to do all I can along with Max and Tommy to get Team GB on the podium again. Let’s go”

This year Max Anstie will be lining up in the MX Open class. After taking a double race win at last year’s event Max has proven his ability to be a front runner. Max has taken a number of overall podiums already this season.

Max Anstie

“I’m really looking forward to the MXoN this year! I’m going to represent my country with pride and try to get us on the box again!”

Team Manager Mark Chamberlain

“This is year has been really tough to pick the team. Lots of different hurdles had to be overcome to get to this decision. I’m pleased with the riders selected and feel it’s a really strong team. I would like to thank the riders selected and the ones who haven’t made it for their professionalism. It’s great to have so many good riders and all of them wanting to be on Team GB!”

KTM Ride4Kids raises $80,000

The 2018 edition of the KTM Ride4Kids fundraising event took place at the Broadford State Motorcycle Sport Complex in Victoria on Saturday, 25 August, raising over $80,000 for Challenge in support of kids with cancer.

In excess of 200 riders gathered at Broadford for the 16th-consecutive Ride4Kids event, including KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Lyndon Snodgrass and KTM-supported off-road racer Jack Simpson. The annual fundraiser is all about riding with the intention of making a difference for children living with cancer.

KTM Australia supplied two brand new KTM SX dirt bikes to be given away as part of this year’s Ride4Kids initiative. Highest fundraiser Rielly Lynch was one of the recipients and elected to take home a KTM 65 SX for his incredible efforts, while a KTM 50 SX drawn from a hat on the day was awarded to Ashton Riley.

This year’s KTM Ride4Kids also featured the competitive Vincent Chiodo Cup for the more experienced racers in attendance, offering a prize pool of $12,000. It was Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) star Daniel ‘Chucky’ Sanders who won the event for 2018, with last year’s inaugural winner Simpson placing third.

Throughout the 16 years of the KTM Ride4Kids event, over $800,000 has been raised to support children and families on their cancer journeys. Further information on the not-for-profit Challenge organisation can be found via their official website at www.challenge.org.au.