Moto News Wrap for June 6, 2017 by Darren Smart
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Latest News:
- Thunderstruck at Thunder Valley
- 2017 Yamaha A4DE Revised Format: Prologue Removed
- Newcastle Hosts FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship
- Aleksandr Tonkov Quits Australia – Returns to Europe
- Yamaha’s Kukas and Rogers Rack up Airoh SSMX Success
- Ferris confirms Australian Supercross challenge with CDR Yamaha
- Arenacross UK – 2018 Dates
- Gajser to Miss Russian MXGP
- De Dycker Back on Honda
- Jared Mees Wins at Kentucky
- $5m Indoor Motocross Park Planned for Eastern Creek
- RIP Steven Lenoir
- Ryan Sipes Wins FMF 125 Dream Race at Thunder Valley
- Under 21’s Joeys straight through to Final after win in Germany
This Week’s Race Reports:
- Rd 3 – AMA Motocross Nationals, Lakewood, Colorado
- Rd 1 – Canadian Motocross Nationals – Kamloops, British Columbia
Thunderstruck at Thunder Valley
Holy Crap! What a weekend of racing at round three of the AMA Motocross Championship held at the notoriously rutted Thunder Valley Motocross facility where Blake Baggett shook off several mediocre years with the even more mediocre Yoshimura Suzuki team to storm to his first 450 class win AND make championship favourite Eli Tomac look ordinary along the way,
Meanwhile the 250 class was riddled with some of the best racing we have seen for years. It was Joey Savatgy who popped out the overall winner ahead of Alex Martin, Jeremy Martin, Austin Forkner and Zach Osborne – see my report below.
2017 Yamaha A4DE Revised Format: Prologue Removed
The 2017 Yamaha Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) will run in a slightly condensed format to not include a Prologue when the event takes place at Toowoomba, QLD 26-30 September 2017.
Prologue has served as the seeding order system for the event since 2012. This year, however, will see the order determined at preceding A4DE or Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) rounds. It is highly recommended that potential and definite 2017 A4DE competitors; take part in one or more 2017 Yamaha AORC rounds, as results will be used as a guide to seed riders for this year’s A4DE.
Remaining 2017 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar
- Round 7 & 8: Renmark, SA 24 – 25 June 2017
- Round 9 & 10: Kyogle, NSW 22 – 23 July 2017
- Round 11 & 12: Omeo, VIC 5 – 6 August 2017
The A4DE event will still include a scrutineering/sign on day and four days of competition now officially beginning on 26 September. The revised A4DE format will allow riders and teams to keep costs down, maintain optimal track condition, encourage international participation, avoid unnecessary injury and avoid extra parts and maintenance on the bikes.
Newcastle Hosts FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship
The Newcastle International Supermoto has announced this year’s event will incorporate the Inaugural FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship with interest being shown from riders around the world including several past world champions from differing disciplines.
Graeme Boyd – Promoter
“So far we have secured athletes from a dozen nations including New Zealand, USA, Japan, France, Malaysia and Thailand. Combine this with the talent available in Australia and the FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship will be a must-see motorcycle event. We have designed a track that will challenge riders and provide an exciting and entertaining experience for spectators. The showground will be used to its full potential with the track extending out into the service roads before heading back infield for the dirt section. Spectators will be able to walk around the entire course and the big screen TV will ensure they never miss any of the action.”
Minister for Tourism and Major Events Adam Marshall added the event had been secured by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW from 2016 until 2018.
Adam Marshall – Minister for Tourism and Major Events
“This exciting sporting event is expected to attract more than 3,300 overnight visitors with a total visitor spend of $1.9 million over the three-year period, and we look forward to showcasing Newcastle to a global audience through the FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship later this year.”
The Father’s Day weekend event will be held at the Newcastle Showground on 2 & 3 September 2017. Continuous racing is scheduled for both days along with off track entertainment including the Flair Riders extreme trial demonstration. Local racers can also be a part of the event with several support classes to choose from including Clubman and Vets.
With just under 100 days until the first FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship regular updates can be found on the Newcastle SuperMoto website and social media.
Aleksandr Tonkov Quits Australia – Returns to Europe
Following round five of the 2017 Australian MX Nationals series, Aleksandr Tonkov has returned to Russia and has been released from his contractual obligations to Carroll Motorsports Pty Ltd and the MEGA Bulk Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team.
Troy Carroll – Kawasaki Racing Team Manager
“This is not an ideal situation however we are remaining focused and we are in good spirits coming into the second half of the motocross season. We will continue to compete in the 2017 MX Nationals with the most promising rookie in the field, Nathan Crawford and we will hopefully be announcing a replacement rider for Tonkov shortly.”
The 25-year-old Russian’s inclusion in the MEGA Bulk Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team was announced only weeks before the start of the Motul MX Nationals with the former MXGP rider only having one ride on his KX450F before the opening round at Wonthaggi where he finished 13th.
The following three rounds saw Tonkov finish with a trio of overall eighth places at Appin, Horsham and Murray Bridge. He leaves the championship ninth overall in the Thor MX1 standings.
Nathan Crawford did not race at Murray Bridge to maximise healing time for a wrist injury before the second half of the championship.
Yamaha’s Kukas and Rogers Rack up Airoh SSMX Success
Two class wins, a second and a third place is the final series tally for the GYTR Yamaha Junior Racing Queensland duo of Jack Kukas and Levi Rogers after the sixth and final round of the Airoh Sunshine State Motocross Series wrapped up at Toowoomba’s Echo Valley Circuit, on the weekend.
Jack Kukas
“It’s good to get the series win on both bikes and tick that goal off the list for 2017, it’s been a long road back from my knee surgery last year and things are starting to come around now and my riding is getting back to where it needs to be. Today I wanted to get some more intensity in my riding and after the first 125 race, I was able to make that happen and get the race wins. Thank you to everyone in the Yamaha Junior Racing team for all the support and also the series sponsors and organisers of the Sunshine State series as it has been fun and well ran this year.”
Team mate Levi Rogers also grabbed his fair share of the podium rounding out the championship in second place in the 13-14 years 250cc and then third in the 13-14 years 125cc in a consistent showing throughout the six rounds.
Levi Rogers
“Overall it’s been a good series for me and things have gone pretty well. Echo Valley isn’t my favourite track and I have struggled here in the past but I got better as the day went on today so hopefully next time I come here, I will be a little more confident on this track. I want to thank my family for a huge effort as we drive down from Blackwater for each round and also our Yamaha Junior Racing Team and sponsors.”
The boys now have a small break in the racing calendar before the start of the Queensland Motocross Championships held at Townsville and Tivoli.
Final Series Standings
15 years 250cc:
- Jack Kukas – 583 Points
- Connor McNamara – 542 Points
- Navrin Grothues – 504 Points
15 years 125cc:
- Jack Kukas – 616 Points
- Jayce Cosford – 548 Points
- Connor McNamara – 536 Points
13-14 years 250cc:
- Jake Cuka – 580 Points
- Levi Rogers – 569 Points
- Jai Walker – 528 Points
13 -14 years 125cc:
- Noah Ferguson – 527 Points
- Jai Walker – 489 Points
- Levi Rogers – 489 Points
Ferris confirms Australian Supercross challenge with CDR Yamaha
Reigning MX Nationals champion and Australian Supercross number 2, Dean Ferris, has confirmed he will race the 2017 Australian Supercross Championship with the CDR Yamaha team on board his almighty YZ450F.
Ferris, who currently lead the 2017 MX Nationals after five rounds, originally signed a motocross only deal with CDR Yamaha for 2017 but after a successful 2016 supercross series, Ferris has opted to return for another season and go after the number one plate.
Dean Ferris
“I signed my motocross contract for 2017 in the early stages of for last year’s Supercross Championship and I wanted to get through the series and see how I felt and if I enjoyed that style of racing again before I made any commitments for 2017. Last year was the first time I had done supercross with a great team behind me and on an awesome bike and when I reflect on the championship, I realised how much fun I had and that I would like to do it again. Craig and I had been discussing it for the past few weeks and I told him I was in and the contract was drawn up. It was a simple decision really, and I love going racing with everyone at CDR Yamaha. It is also a great opportunity to race oversees competitors who do our races. Last year it was cool to line up alongside Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto, Justin Brayton and Cooper Webb, while this year Jason Anderson and Reed have already been conformed for the Aus- X Open round so that is something to look forward to.”
Ferris raced internationally from 2012 to 2015 and as a result, hadn’t had a lot of recent supercross experience prior to 2016 but he quickly showed his skill, ability and determination by getting up to speed very early in the series, taking a podium result at round one, then was on the top step just a couple of rounds later in Melbourne before rounding the championship in second place.
Before hitting round one of the Australian Supercross Championship in September, Ferris will endeavour to lock down his second consecutive MX Nationals crown. He currently leads the premier MX1 class by 48 points at the halfway stage of the championship but is determined to keep working hard and secure another championship.
2017 Australian Supercross Dates
- Round 1; Jimboomba Qld – September 23
- Round 2: Bacchus Marsh, Vic – October 14
- Round 3: Virginia, SA – October 28
- Round 4 / 5: Sydney, NSW – November 11-12
- Round 6: Jimboomba, QLD – November 18
Arenacross UK – 2018 Dates
World Class Indoor Motocross Racing & Freestyle Motocross returns for 2018 with the ultimate, dirt-filled night of craziness, coming to a city near you!
If Fast and Furious family entertainment is your thing, then look no further, Arenacross is a full-throttle, action-packed Saturday night filled with jaw-dropping bike action, lights, lasers, pyro and a pumping sound track to boot.
Whether it’s children’s favourite, MAX the AX mascot, meet and greet the pro riders or up-grading your tickets to arrive early and walk the race track with the stars, the action doesn’t get any better than this fantastically entertaining night of entertainment that will leave you on the edge of your seats!
The Arenacross Tour 2018
- Rd1: Saturday 6th January @ Manchester Arena, Manchester – Further announcement soon
- Rd2: Saturday 13th January @ The Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle
- Rd3: Saturday 20th January @ The Genting Arena, Birmingham
- Rd4: Friday 26th January @ The SSE Arena, Belfast
- Rd5: Saturday 27th January @ The SSE Arena, Belfast
- Rd6: Saturday 3rd February @ The SSE Arena, Wembley
- Rd7: Saturday 10th February @ Sheffield Arena
De Dycker Back on Honda
Former MXoN winner Ken De Dycker will join 24MX Honda for the remaining rounds of the FIM MXGP World Championship. The popular veteran will make his return on the CRF450R at the MXGP of Russia, round 9 of the series.
Although there’s no precise date set for the MXGP return of Jaap Corneth who is out with a broken middle finger, De Dycker will effectively run as the third rider of the team. Ken has a long association with Honda and rode for the 24MX Honda team in 2016.
With more than 180 GP’s and 15 moto wins in the top category behind his name Ken is one of the most experienced riders competing in MXGP. Since 2006 the lanky Belgian collected six top-five overall finishes in the series. In national racing, he has British, German and Belgian MX1 titles under his belt.
Ken De Dycker
“Unfortunately things didn’t work out like I’d hoped with my previous team. It’s a pity for everyone involved but that’s how it is. I’m really looking forward to racing on a red bike again! Damon Graulus has been going well lately so it will be interesting for me to show what I’m capable of with 24MX Honda!”
Gajser to Miss Russian MXGP
Honda HRC announced today that Tim Gajser will miss the Grand Prix of Russia this weekend due to a broken shoulder blade sustained in a crash at the Grand Prix of Germany. The injury also led Gajser to withdraw from the Grand Prix of France on May 28.
The defending world champion has had a string of crashes in recent weeks, the first at the Grand Prix of Latvia, then at Germany, which resulted in his shoulder injury.
Per the team, Gajser had been treated by a specialist in his home country of Slovenia and will continue to receive treatment in the coming weeks. The team hopes he can return at the Italian Grand Prix on June 25.
Tim Gajser
“This is something I was really trying to avoid as I really do not want to miss any races. Unfortunately, my shoulder injury is a little worse than we first realized, so I have to accept that I can’t race this weekend in Russia. I want to make sure it is fully recovered before I come back. I will really miss racing in Russia, especially as it is the first race over there since 2012. I just want to say I am sorry to my fans, sponsors, team, Honda, and all the other people who help me be where I am. In terms of my recovery we all agree that it is the right decision, and one thing I can say is that I will come back stronger!”
Gajser is currently 86 points back of MXGP points leader Antonio Cairoli through nine rounds.
Jared Mees Wins in Kentucky
6500 race fans at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky were treated to a good old fashion showdown in the AFT Twins final and it was Jared Mees who took the victory over Sammy Halbert and his Indian teammates Brad Baker and Bryan Smith. It was the fourth Mile victory of Mees’ career.
Jared Mees
“I basically just sat behind Sammy. He was getting through 1 and 2 so much better than me. I was thinking on the last lap if he got through there good enough I wasn’t going to be able to do anything with him. I tried drafting him around the outside, but I didn’t have enough on him. I just played my cards right. I’m surprised I got him at the line, but I got there.”
Halbert knew full well what Mees had been planning.
Sammy Halbert
“Jared and I had a good battle there at the beginning, and then he just kind of was looking like he was going to follow me around. I figured he was going to try to pass me going into 3 (on the last lap) because it seemed like neither of us could get the other before the start-finish line. And he went for that pass, but I protected the inside. He had to go around which is tough to do out here on this skinny groove. I thought I had a chance at it, but Turns 3 and 4 are tricky; you have to baby it. And I thought I did but not good enough apparently.”
Smith’s fourth-place finish at the Red Mile leaves he and Mees tied atop the points standings at 152 apiece, although Smith holds the tiebreaker with four wins to Mees’ three.
$5m Indoor Motocross Park Planned for Eastern Creek
Eastern Creek is set for a new motorsport experience with Australia’s first ever permanent indoor motocross stadium which will house three separate racetracks that can operate independent of each other AND they are being designed by a yet-to-be-named internationally renowned motocross track constructor.
The $5 million project – to be known as Sydney Indoor MotoX Park – will be located within the Eastern Creek International Karting Raceway precinct, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December.
Builders of the Park are endeavouring to have it open in line with the 20th anniversary celebrations of the karting facility. As part of the celebration, the karting facility will change its name to Sydney Premier Karting Park.
The Sydney Indoor MotoX Park is the first of its kind in Australia and the 12,000 square metre facility will be housed in a revolutionary, climate controlled, air-filled membrane dome, which has been specially constructed in the United States.
Operating in line with the karting facility from 9am to 9pm daily, a cafe, retail outlet and stadium style seating for up to 6,000 spectators will all be part of the Park.
It will cater for varying skill levels from entry-level juniors right through to professional motocross racers looking for the edge on the competition. Upgrades to the roads into Sydney Premier Karting Park will be part of the construction process to assist in advancing its position as Sydney’s leading corporate adventure and entertainment venue.
CCTV will monitor all tracks, trained first aid practitioners and mechanics will all be available to those wishing to challenge themselves, whilst future plans include training camps from some of Australia’s best-known motocross riders.
It is the brainchild of lifelong dirt bike rider and motocross fan, Mattew Bartolo and was borne out of his frustration of having a lack of places to ride with his children.
Mattew Bartolo
“If you live in the Western Sydney corridor from Parramatta through to Penrith, you can drive for up to two hours before you find somewhere suitable to ride. Sydney Indoor MotoX Park will give riders a facility to ride in at any time of day or night and in any weather condition. Riders can bring their bike or hire one of our bikes and full safety equipment on-site. A rider can finish work, grab their bike and within 15 minutes of where they live, have dinner at our cafe, have a ride and be home by 9pm. The dome it is housed in is revolutionary and the first of its kind and size to come to Australia. We’ll have engineers come from the US to construct it at Sydney Premier Karting Park and will look to have our grand opening in line with the 20th anniversary of the karting park.”
Plans for Sydney Indoor MotoX Park are in the final stages of submittal and construction is expected to begin soon enough to achieve completion by the target date.
RIP Steven Lenoir
Details are sketchy at the moment but it has been reported that 25-year-old French rider Steven Lenoir has died due to injuries sustained following a crash during qualifying in France.
Lenoir won the EMX250 championship in 2010 and the British MX2 championship in 2015 and was preparing for a race in Cassel. According to the BBC, Lenoir was airlifted to a hospital in Lille following the crash.
Lenoir was currently competing in MX1 in the British Championship where he was second in points.
Ryan Sipes Wins FMF 125 Dream Race at Thunder Valley
The second round of the FMF 125 Dream Race Invitational Triple Crown took place last weekend in conjunction with the third round of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross on Saturday at Thunder Valley and it was Ryan Sipes, who raced AMA Supercross and Motocross full-time from 2004-2013, won the second round over Tyler Livesay and Michael Sweeny.
The third and final round of the series will visit Washougal later this year on July 29.
FMF 125 Dream Race at Thunder Valley Results
- Ryan Sipes – HUS
- Tyler Livesay – KTM
- Michael Sweney – KTM
- Jake Bork – YAM
- Devin Watson – KTM
- Lane Shaw – YAM
- Derek Anderson – HON
- Bobby Fitch – KAW
- Bryce Shondeck – YAM
- Trae Dilley – YAM
Under 21’s Joeys straight through to Final after win in Germany
Australia’s FIM Under 21’s World Championship competitors, the Joeys are seeded straight through to the final, after achieving a gritty win in Germany. The team comprised of Max Fricke, Jack Holder, Brady Kurtz and debutant Josh Pickering have booked their place directly into the eagerly anticipated final on the 2nd of September at Rybnik, Poland.
The Joeys battled against Great Britain and two German teams and scored a total of 47 out of a maximum of 60 points. The UK scored 40 points, while Germany scored 33 points. A strong result for the Aussies is a fantastic way to kick off the finals campaign.
Fricke and Kurtz scored maximum points at the race, with Holder and Pickering also playing pivotal roles in the victory. Great Britain was Australia’s greatest challenger, with Robert Lambert and Adam Eillis performing great rides, however they were no match for the perfection that Kurtz and Fricke displayed.
Mark Lemon – Team Manager
“I’m thrilled, first place and straight to the final in Poland! Max and Brady in particular were on it and rode brilliantly! Despite the track not being in optimal condition, the boys kept their heads and produced the goods. Looking forward to the final in Poland.”
Rivals Poland has also been guaranteed a spot in the finals, as they are the previous Champions from last year. After Australia placed runner up in last year, the Team are raring to have another go at this year’s title. Poland has dominated the Championship in the past with a record nine victories.
Germany Results:
- Australia – 47
- Brady Kurtz – 15 (3,3,3,3,3)
- Max Fricke – 15 (3,3,3,3,3)
- Jack Holder – 10 (2,u,2,3,3)
- Josh Pickering – 7 (3,1,1,1,1)
- Great Britain – 40
- Robert Lambert – 12 (2,3,3,2,2)
- Adam Ellis – 12 (2,3,2,2,3)
- Josh Bates – 9 (1,2,2,2,2)
- Dan Bawley – 7 (t,1,2,2,2)
- Germany 1 – 33
- Michael Haertel – 16 (3,2,3,6!,1,1)
- Richard Geyer – 6 (2,1,1,1,1)
- Domink Moeser – 5 (1,2,1,-,1)
- Lukas Fienhage – 6 (1,2,1,w,2)
- Germany 2 – 2
- Niels Oliver Wessel – 2 (1,1,0,0,0)
- Josef Nebauer – 0 (0,d,0,d,0)
- Marius Hillebrand – 0 (0,0,0,0,0)
Smarty’s Race Reports:
Rd 3 – AMA Motocross Nationals, Lakewood, Colorado
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Four motos of edge of your seat racing has produced a pair of new winners for the 2017 season with Blake Baggett and Joey Savatgy winning the 450 and 250 classes respectively at the third round of the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship for the 13th running of the Thunder Valley National at Thunder Valley Motocross Park.
450 Class Race Report
When Ryan Dungey called it quits after winning the 2017 AMA Supercross Championship the ‘experts’ were handing Eli Tomac the 2017 AMA Motocross Championship; the only thing is these so-called experts didn’t figure on Marvin Musquin replacing Dungey as Mr Consistent and to be leading the championship by 17 points after six motos OR having Blake Baggett make his competition look pedestrian to win the third round.
Moto 1
The opening 450 Class moto produced immediate drama after a first-turn crash involved Josh Grant, Blake Baggett and last week’s winner and championship leader, Marvin Musquin with all three riders left to start the moto at the back of the pack while out front, it was class rookie Martin Davalos who led the field ahead of Justin Bogle, Jason Anderson, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac.
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Davalos crashed out of the lead on the opening lap and remounted in ninth, which handed over control of the moto to Bogle while Anderson slotted into second but he was soon to be in the sites of Tomac who moved into third on lap three when he passed.
Over the next five laps Tomac crashed, Cole Seely moved into third ahead of Barcia and Broc Tickle but well behind Bogle and Anderson, Tomac remounted only to struggle to get around Barcia and Broc Tickle before losing positions to Musquin and Baggett (yes, they moved through the pack that quickly).
Baggett sensationally passed Musquin and it wasn’t long before both KTM riders got by Seely to hold down third and fourth but Bogle easily controlled the remainder of the moto and went on to take his first career moto victory 8.6 seconds ahead of Anderson, Baggett, Musquin and Seely while Tomac lost a position late to Barcia to finish seventh.
Moto 2
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Tickle pulled the holeshot before losing the lead to Baggett who in turn lost the lead to a barn storming Tomac who surged to the front with a roar from the hometown crowd.
The torrid pace of Tomac and Baggett allowed them to open a significant gap over Barcia while Tickle and Bogle were replaced by Anderson and Musquin in the fourth and fifth positions but Musquin was able to make the pass on Anderson for fourth and then moved into a podium position by passing Barcia just a short time later. Anderson followed Musquin into fourth but went off the track on lap seven and lost several positions, falling to sixth.
Baggett sat patiently in second place before applying pressure to Tomac at around the mid moto mark, but the Michael Byrne managed KTM pilot stormed along the outside of Tomac up the steepest part of the track and utilizing a mountainside berm to slip past the Kawasaki rider.
Once in the lead Baggett went unchallenged throughout the remainder of the race to secure his first career moto win, making him the fifth different winner in six motos this season as he crossed the line 12.1 seconds ahead of Tomac, with Musquin following in third ahead of Cooper Webb, Josh Grant and Anderson.
The 3-1 effort for Baggett was more than enough to clinch his first overall victory in the 450 Class, making him the 66th different winner in the history of the division and also the first for the Michael Byrne managed RMATV/MC-WPS-KTM team. Musquin finished second (4-3), while Anderson’s third-place finish (2-6) puts the same trio of riders on the podium for the second consecutive round.
Blake Baggett
“After Moto 2 and Glen Helen [last week] I knew what I needed to work on. I knew what my strong points were. The goal is to win races and everything is new [with the team], so we’re still figuring things out, but I felt good from the first lap of practice today and it kind of went on from there. I felt like I had the speed today and I was patient with Eli [Tomac] in the second moto. Once the opportunity presented itself [for the lead] I needed to take it and run with it, so that’s what I did.”
Justin Bogle
“That first moto I just had an incredible flow. It did feel pretty easy, as it can. Second moto I was so amped up after that first one. We were all so excited. It’s been a hellacious season in supercross. I damn near hung my boots up last week after the first moto just struggling. So, to get that weight of I’ve never won a moto in my career, 250, 450, whatever. So, to get that, to get a moto win, I was amped up. I never really calmed down from it. Kind of struggled that second moto. I was pretty flat. But I proved to myself that I could do it. Still I’m not expecting 12-second wins every time. I want to keep building.”
Marvin Musquin
“When you look back at Hangtown Eli was much faster than me. At Glen Helen we were able to be in front of him, but he was still faster. To be with him that first moto, especially after the crash on the start, it was good to battle with him and then be able to pass him and make up some points. It was a tough first moto. It was a boost of confidence for sure. Both of my levers were pretty far down from the crash, so that was a little bit tough, but I’m happy I made it happen.”
Musquin added to his lead in the 450 Class standings and now holds a 17-point advantage over Tomac, who finished fifth (7-2). Baggett remains third, 19 points out of the lead and just two points out of second.
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
- Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (3-1)
- Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (4-3)
- Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna (2-6)
- Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Suzuki (1-9)
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (7-2)
- Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (5-10)
- Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Husqvarna (9-7)
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki (8-8)
- Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Suzuki (6-12)
- Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecuador, Husqvarna (10-11)
- Cooper Webb (22-4)
- Weston Peick (12-13)
- Josh Grant (38-5)
450 Class Championship Standings
- Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM – 127
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 110
- Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 108
- Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Husqvarna – 93
- Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Suzuki – 86
- Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Husqvarna – 84
- Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda – 81
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki – 79
- Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki – 76
- Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Suzuki – 69
250 Race Report
It was brutal, it was at times breathe taking and many will say that the two motos at thunder Valley will go down in moto history as some of the best racing seen in years.
Moto 1
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The first 250 Class moto saw Alex Martin grab his first holeshot of the season with his brother Jeremy Martin, Adam Cianciarulo and Zach Osborne all close behind but before the opening lap would end Osborne would crash back to 16th while Cianciarulo would fall over in a rut to lose several positions leaving second and third to J-Mart and Mitchell Harrison.
Two laps later Martin cross-rutted which forced him to veer off his line and allowed Harrison to take over second as Joey Savatgy and Aaron Plessinger closed in from fourth and fifth, respectively.
With Alex Martin bolting away, Harrison lost second place to Jeremy Martin, Savatgy and Plessinger followed them on the following lap into fourth.
On Lap 10 the top four riders in Alex Martin, Jeremy Martin, Savatgy and Plessinger were all separated by less than three seconds but as they navigated through lapped riders Savatgy was able to get by Jeremy Martin then set his sights on Alex Martin for the lead but Martin withstood the challenge.
As the hotly contested battle for the top spot continued, Austin Forkner found his mojo to pass Plessinger for fourth and Jeremy Martin for third before seemingly catching his teammate Savatgy off guard as he made the pass for second.
Despite the Forkner charge Alex Martin took his first moto win of the season 1.4 seconds ahead of Forkner, with Jeremy Martin rounding out the podium following what was undoubtedly the most competitive race of the young season. Osborne recovered from his opening-lap fall to finish eighth.
Moto 2
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Savatgy emerged as the early leader over the Yamaha duo of Harrison and Plessinger, with Jeremy Martin and Dylan Ferrandis right behind. Alex Martin started in seventh, with Osborne eighth.
Plessinger was able to get by Savatgy on the opening lap while Ferrandis passed Harrison for third but it all turned to poo for Plessinger when he lost control of his motorcycle and flew off the track, handing the lead over to Savatgy with Ferrandis, Jeremy Martin, Harrison, Forkner, Alex Martin and Osborne in tow.
Plessinger’s bike was on the blind side of a jump so the Yamaha rider had to wait for the entire field to ride by before remounting.
On lap seven Jeremy Martin applied pressure on Ferrandis for second and successfully made the pass and other than Harrison dropping a few places, no further passes occurred at the front of the field so Savatgy narrowly took his first moto win of the season by less than a half second over Jeremy Martin, with Forkner in third just ahead of Alex Martin.
Savatgy (4-1) and Alex Martin (1-4) finished the afternoon with identical moto scores, but Savatgy’s crucial victory in the final moto was enough to give him the tiebreaker for the win. Jeremy Martin finished just a couple of points from the win in third (3-2), while Forkner was left off the podium despite identical finishes to Martin (2-3), missing out on the tiebreaker.
Joey Savatgy
“I definitely struggled myself [to start the season] with a few things. There were a couple areas on the bike that could have been better [as well] and we made a lot of progress. I felt like we’ve improved each week and I know from my experience last year it’s a long series, so consistency is important. I was hoping to come away with a strong result before heading east, where I feel more comfortable, and we did that.”
Alex Martin
“First moto I had a little bit of a gap and I made the mistake of kind of looking back and seeing that I had a gap. Then I was like, I’ll just kind of chill out for a little bit. Then I just couldn’t get going. I started riding tight and picking some crappy lines. Then basically it was like a train of Joey, Jeremy and [Austin] Forkner were all over me. I looked back and they were just battling. I’m like, I need to get going here. No messing around. I switched up my lines and I just kind of started riding hard. These guys know—when you lead that many laps you don’t want to lose it with a lap or two to go. So I put in a pretty good sprint there with two laps to go and tried to get a little gap on Forkner. It was tough though. It was good. I was pumped on the win.”
Osborne’s fifth-place finish (8-5) was enough to maintain the points lead, which sat at 21 points entering the day. He heads into the first off weekend of the season nine points ahead of Alex Martin, who moved from third to second. Jeremy Martin vaulted from sixth to third in points, and sits 18 markers back.
The 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will observe its first break in action next weekend before returning on Saturday, June 17, for the fourth round of the season at High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania.
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)
- Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki (4-1)
- Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., KTM (1-4)
- Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda (3-2)
- Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki (2-3)
- Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (8-5)
- Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha (9-6)
- Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (6-12)
- Mitchell Harrison, Brighton, Mich., Yamaha (11-8)
- Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (10-9)
- Michael Mosiman, Sebastapol, Calif., Husqvarna (12-10)
- Justin Hill (17-7)
- Sean Cantrell (15-11)
- Kyle Cunningham (13-13)
- Adam Cianciarulo (5-37)
- Aaron Plessinger (7-39)
- James Decotis (16-14)
250 Class Championship Standings
- Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 119
- Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., KTM – 110
- Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda – 101
- Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki – 93
- Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki – 89
- Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 89
- Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 85
- Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha – 78
- Mitchell Harrison, Brighton, Mich., Yamaha – 66
- Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Yamaha – 64
Rd 1 – Canadian Motocross Nationals – Kamloops, British Columbia
The much-awaited opening round of the Canadian Motocross championships was held at the Whispering pines facility in Kamloops and it was French rider Christophe Pourcel who won the opening round in the 450 class with 3-1 moto results while in the 250 class Shawn Maffenbeier dominated both motos.
Kawasaki rider Dillan Epstein won the opening 450 moto from local Tyler Medaglia, Pourcel, Matt Goerke and Colton Facciotti but Pourcel put his Husqvarna up front early in the second moto to take the win ahead of Facciotti, Goerke and Medaglia while Mike Alessi managed 7-9 moto results for 8th outright despite still recovering from injury.
The 250 class it was all Maffenbeier with Cole Thompson (4-2), Josh Osby (3-3), Jesse Pettis (2-5) and Jacob Hayes (6-4) rounding out the top five overall while Aussie Geran Stapleton managed 7-12 results for 8th outright on a privateer Honda.
450 Results
- Christophe Pourcel (Hus) 3-1
- Dillan Epstein (Kaw) 1-5
- Tyler Medaglia (Hon) 2-4
- Colton Facciotti (Hon) 5-2
- Matt Goerke (Yam) 4-3
- Kaven Benoit (KTM) 6-7
- Kyle Chisholm (Yam) 10-6
- Mike Alessi (Kaw) 7-9
- Cade Clason (KTM) 11-8
- Keylan Meston (Yam) 8-12
Canadian National 450 Points Standings (After 1 of 10 Rounds)
- Christophe Pourcel (Hus) – 55
- Dillan Epstein (Kaw) – 51
- Tyler Medaglia (Hon) – 50
- Colton Facciotti (Hon) – 48
- Matt Goerke (Yam) – 48
- Kaven Benoit (KTM) – 39
- Kyle Chisholm (Yam) – 36
- Mike Alessi (Kaw) – 36
- Cade Clason (KTM) – 33
- Keylan Meston (Yam) – 32
250 Results: Whispering Pines Canadian National
- Shawn Maffenbeier (KTM) 1-1
- Cole Thompson (KTM) 4-2
- Josh Osby (KTM) 3-3
- Jesse Pettis (Yam) 2-5
- Jacob Hayes (Kaw) 6-4
- Ryan Surratt (Kaw) 5-7
- Taylor Arsenault (KTM) 9-9
- Tallon LaFountaine (KTM) 8-11
- Geran Stapleton (Hon) 7-12
- Dylan Wright (Yam) 16-6
Canadian National 250 Points Standings (After 1 of 10 Rounds)
- Shawn Maffenbeier (KTM) – 60
- Cole Thompson (KTM) – 50
- Josh Osby (KTM) – 50
- Jesse Pettis (Yam) – 48
- Jacob Hayes (Kaw) – 43
- Ryan Surratt (Kaw) – 40
- Taylor Arsenault (KTM) – 34
- Tallon LaFountaine (KTM) – 33
- Geran Stapleton (Hon) – 33
- Dylan Wright (Yam) – 30
