Moto News Wrap for May 9, 2017 by Darren Smart

Moto News Wrap for May 9, 2017 by Darren Smart

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Latest News

• Drama Filled SX in Vegas
• 2017 AORC heads to Rounds 5-6 in Miva, QLD
• Maxxis British Motocross heads to Hawkstone
• Van Eerde happy with NSW Junior Dirt Track Titles progress
• Rosco Museum, Mark Pace Mugen 390 on display at MX Nats Rnd 4 – Horsham
• Gajser Injured
• Simpson Injured
• Tom McCormack settles into team manager role
• FIM Trial des Nations Team Announced
• KTM and TLD Continue to 2020

This Week’s Race Reports

• AMA Supercross – Round 17 – Sam Boyd Stadium | Las Vegas, Nevada
• AMSOIL Arenacross Championship – Round 13 – Las Vegas, NV
• FIM World Motocross Championships – Round 7 – Latvia
• Australian Motocross Championship – Round 3 – Conondale, QLD
• Women’s Motocross Championship – Round 4 – Las Vegas

Drama Filled SX in Vegas

The final round of the 2017 AMA Supercross Championship in Vegas last weekend hosted two main events there were full of crashes, take-outs and team tactics – here is my take.

Tomac needed to win the 450SX main event and have Dungey finish in fifth or worse to take the title and after just a handful of laps we saw Eli Tomac leading the race but obviously holding the pace of the race up while keeping his championship rival Ryan Dungey at bay and by lap 17 the leading bunch had Tomac in the lead with Dungey, Jason Anderson, Josh Grant (Tomac’s teammate) and Chad Reed in tow – just as Tomac had hoped.

Reed slipped into third ahead of Anderson and the Aussie had the pace for a race win but Anderson soon took care of that by pushing Reed through the track barriers as they were about to cross the line to start lap 18.

So now it was down to four and on the last lap Dungey passed Tomac for the lead and in the very next corner the Kawasaki rider aggressively parked his rival allowing Anderson to slip by for the lead and Grant up to third place and that is how it ended, Anderson takes his second win for the year ahead of Tomac, Grant and the new champion Dungey who showed his frustration by pointing at Tomac and shaking his head after the race.

BUT, that was nothing compared to the 250SX East/West Shootout which had Joey Savatgy, Zach Osborne and Jordan Smith only separated by one point in the Eastern Regional Championship with the drama starting right from the get-go with Osborne crashing in the first corner AND having another bike stuck into his spokes so by the time the Husqvarna rider got going he was last by several turns.

With Adam Cianciarulo out front ahead of Jordan Smith and Joey Savatgy it looked like the championship was now down to Smith and Savatgy but it wasn’t long before Savatgy hit the deck only to remount still within the top five.

Smith then spewed off the track to lose a few spots before crashing out of the race completely so now the championship was all Savatgy’s to win BUT the Kawasaki rider started losing places at a great rate of knots while Osbourne was mounting a charge from the back of the pack.

With on lap to go Savatgy was sitting in seventh place, some five seconds ahead of Osborne so the Husqvarna rider threw everything he had at the track and with one corner to go slid inside Savatgy and unceremoniously dumped the Kawasaki rider on the ground while riding off with the title. AMAZING!!!

You can read the full report below.

2017 AORC heads to Rounds 5-6 in Miva, QLD

After the lively kick-off to the 2017 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Rawson, Victoria, the paddock is now gearing up for this weekend’s Round 5 & 6 at Miva, QLD 13-14 May.

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A number of riders from multiple Off-Road classes stood out from the pack at Rawson, and put forward their case to challenge their respective titles. The Miva Rounds this coming weekend is one of the most anticipated races on the 2017 Yamaha AORC calendar.

Saturday and Sunday will deliver two fast and furious sprint races, which will have the riders on full gas all weekend long.

Active8 Yamaha Yamalube Racing Team’s 19 year old Wil Ruprecht, was far and away the stand out rider for the E1 class at the last rounds. The jump to the E1 class after winning last year’s EJ (Enduro Junior) title is off to a phenomenal start. 

Wil Ruprecht

“I’m stoked with my results over the weekend and really happy with how things went working with the team. No one never really knows how the start of a championship goes but to be top five both days and leading the E1 class is above the goal I had set so I’m pumped. Working with the Active8 Yamaha team has been great so far and its awesome to have so much knowledge around me at events like these.” 

World class rider, Daniel Milner of the KTM Enduro Team not only dominated his respective E2 class but also crossed the line in first overall for both the sprints and cross-country races. Milner’s master class made the paddock realise just what they’ve missed out on during his time away in the United States, a fierce competitor not to be taken lightly. 

Daniel Milner

“I couldn’t be any happier. The first day I got a good start and got to the front, and started checking out, but drifted wide in a corner and got bunting in the back brake and ended up boiling it. I came in and the boys changed me over in super quick time and I ended up getting a win. There’s no way I thought that Harry and Mick would get it done as quick as they did, but they were unreal. Today was hard going, and we did what we needed to do, so I was definitely happy with my performance and the team’s over the whole weekend. The KTM 450 EXC-F was unreal.” 

Snodgrass put in a fine performance for the KTM Enduro Team by winning the Sprint race for the E3 class on Saturday and just missed out on another win on Sunday to Husqvarna Enduro Team’s Lachy Stanford. The 18 year old exceeded expectations and turned heads on Saturday in particular by coming second outright to his teammate Daniel Milner. Snodgrass won the E3 class overall but is tied on points with Stanford, its likely to be another close tussle between the two riders at Miva.

Lyndon Snodgrass

“A pretty good way to kick off the year; it was a pretty awesome track, conditions were good and it got really rough. Coming into the cross-country I knew I could be right up there and I was happy with how we took off. I charged into second and had the lead for a couple of laps there while Milner had some problems, and then hovered in second for the rest of the race. I’m stoked with that. Today the KTM 300 EXC was really good in the tight stuff – I just made a few too many mistakes for the day and they ended up costing me, but all in all – really happy with the start to the season. It was pretty awesome working with the team and a fun way to start the year.” 

Jemma Wilson’s Off-Road resume reads like a novel as she is currently ranked second in the world after previous International Six Day Enduro’s (ISDE) at the same time being one of three woman to be selected to compete in the prestigious event.

Wilson continues to show all the signs to retain her Women’s title in 2017 after a dominant display back at Rawson. The Yamaha mounted rider who boasts six Queensland State titles and over 15 Australian Championship podiums, was the pacesetter to win both of her class races on her YZ250FX. Rounds 5 & 6 will be Wilson’s home race in the Yamaha AORC championship, so she will be eager to carry her momentum to put on a show for the spectators.

The standout rider from the Junior classes at Rawson was Joshua Brierley on his Husqvarna machine. The very young J4 class rider came out on top for both the cross-country and sprint race formats. Brierley has put in a lot of work over to off-season and the results have shown that so far.

Joshua Brierley

“I felt really good about the race, we put in a lot of work over the off season. I’m very happy with the performance and how smoothly the race went. We managed to get out front early and that was key to a successful race.”

Maxxis British Motocross heads to Hawkstone

The ACU Maxxis British MX Championship is well underway now and round four will take place this weekend at the fantastic Hawkstone Park Circuit, SY4 4NA. The action begins at 9am, three classes will be competing for the final honours, MX1, MX2 and the new British 2-Stroke Championship.

The MX1 class is now led by Steven Lenoir by two points from Ulsterman Graeme Irwin and he leads Gert Krestinov by just seven points. Hawkstone is the half way point in the season and it is really getting close at the top with who will be crowned British Champion at the end of the year.

Graeme Irwin

“I always look forward to racing at Hawkstone, it is a great track and always well prepped for the Maxxis round. It always draws a great crowd and I’m eager to get there and try and take away the red plate. The season is really close this year and everything is still to play for.”

In the MX2 class Ben Watson leads the series by just three points from Harri Kullas. Harri has been racing in the MX1 and MX2 class in some of the British Championship races.

Ben Watson

“I’ve just arrived back from the World Championship in Latvia and now I will be getting ready for Hawkstone this weekend. I love the track, it’s really old school and always great to ride. It’s perfect for the fans as they can get really close to the action. I’ll be fighting hard to keep my lead in the series.”

 Van Eerde happy with NSW Junior Dirt Track Titles progress

Billy Van Eerde had a highly successful round of the NSW Junior Dirt Track Titles at Tamworth, bringing home a win in each of the three classes he competed in.

Billy Van Eerde

“What a good night racing in the NSW Junior Dirt Track Titles at Tamworths Oakburn Park. Big thanks to the Tamworth MCC and all the volunteers for putting on a great meeting. Pretty happy with my results coming away with a win in my three classes. 125/150 2-stroke, 250 4-stroke, and the 125/150 2-stroke/250 4-stroke combined class after winning all heats and three finals. Would like to wish all injured riders a speedy recovery as well. Couldn’t do this without all the help from my sponsors and the awesome handling TC125 and FC250 Husqvarnas. Now looking forward to the Central Coast Cup at the end of May.”

Rosco Museum, Mark Pace Mugen 390 on display at MX Nats Rnd 4 – Horsham

Rosco Holden will be bringing the Rosco Museum to Round 4 of the MX Nationals at Horsham in an enclosed semi-trailer, full of memorabilia and the existing museum displays. Also to be featured is the recently acquired Mark Pace original 1979 (one of only two ever made) Mugen 390.

Gajser Injured

Honda HRC’s Tim Gajser underwent a medical examination following a brutal crash in the second moto of the MXGP of Latvia last weekend. Gajser was trying to chase down leader Jeffrey Herlings when he lost his footing in a rhythm section and cartwheeled off the bike.

Gajser, who entered the weekend as the point’s leader in MXGP class, was unable to finish the race and now trails Antonio Cairoli by 17 points.

Tim Gajser – to MXLarge

“We did some x-rays and they checked me at the track in the medical centre and they didn’t see anything broken, so I am happy about that, that everything is in place. I will go home today and make some further scans and x-rays. To be sure nothing is broken. I am in a lot of pain, but hopefully nothing is broken and we can be on the gate in Germany.”

Simpson Injured

Shaun Simpson crashed out of the second moto at the Latvian GP and picked up a hand injury so it looks like some time on the sidelines for the Brit.

Shaun Simpson

“I was happy after the first race but during the second I hit a wet patch of sand through the waves after the pit lane and it sent me off the track. I collided with one of the unprotected parts of an electricity stand and smacked my hand on a metal post. I thought I had busted my wrist. We went for scans and checks and I have broken the middle metacarpal but thankfully seem to have not sustained any damage to the wrist or radius. It is an unbelievable way to end the weekend.”

Tom McCormack settles into team manager role

Former Yamaha AORC competitor Tom McCormack was forced to give up the sport that he loves after two major spinal injuries caused him to contemplate his future. Fortunately, McCormack has found his next calling as Team Manager for the Snap Fitness Yamaha Team. 

After announcing his retirement from Off-Road racing, McCormack admitted the transition to Team Manager was initially difficult but rewarding.

Tom McCormack

“It’s definitely a huge challenge, possibly bigger than I first anticipated, but I’m enjoying it and being around the paddock. Beats sitting in an office that’s for sure! I thought about the idea of running my own team, I felt I could run a tight operation as I have always been great at developing relationships with my sponsors and teams. There’s a few key players that have helped out with the team, Yamaha in particular have been a huge help. They’ve assisted with anything that I have requested and have helped build the team into what I hope will be a competitive outfit for the coming years. I’m very happy with the riders. We’ve had a few mechanical issues, which halted our progress in the Sprint races on Saturday, which was out of the rider’s hands at Rawson. We want to help develop the riders into a high level of competitiveness and they are both trying as hard as they can, so I’m very happy with their progress at this stage.”

FIM Trial des Nations Team announced

Motorcycling Australia (MA) have announced the 2017 FIM Trial des Nations Australian Team which will compete at Baiona, Spain on the 22-24 of September 2017.

Joining the Australian Team is a great honour as the competitors represent their country and compete against the best in the world.

Phil Whittle – Australia Team Manager 

“It’s the same as last year which we are very happy about, Kyle Middleton is the number one rider in Australia and has been for about six years now, he’s an exceptional individual. Chris Bayles had an excellent last year and at the Aussies finished second only to Kyle. He has increased his workload and is looking strong. Connor Hogan is a valuable rider and could be a star of the future. My prediction is that he could be a future Australian champion. Sarah Chivers and Sofie Kraft were on the woman’s team last year, I know for a fact that they’ve both been practicing very hard to raise their level of competitiveness, so hopefully they will be better suited to the European trials environment. Sarah has been working very hard on her wellbeing, health and riding and Sophie has been doing the same. From what I’ve heard Nicole Casey has stepped up and is riding extremely well in Queensland, so we’re ecstatic to see her join the team.”

Top Australian trials rider and Australia Team competitor Kyle Middleton shared his excitement.

Kyle Middleton

“I have a huge passion for the Trial des Nations and looking forward to competing in Spain once again. I’m also looking forward to working with our long term Team Manager Phil Whittle, he’s been instrumental for the last few year’s results and pulling the team together. Hopefully we can improve on the result from last year as the team as a whole has come a long way.”

The Australian Team consists of three male representative and three female representatives.

Men’s Team:

• Kyle Middleton
• Connor Hogan
• Christopher Bayles

Women’s Team:

• Sofie Kraft
• Sarah Chivers
• Nicole Casey

KTM and TLD Continue to 2020

KTM and Troy Lee Designs have reached an agreement that will see Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM serve as the official factory KTM 250 team through the 2020 season. KTM made the announcement over the weekend.

Pit Beirer- KTM motorsports director

“I am extremely happy that we can extend this very successful partnership. With Troy Lee, we have found the perfect partner to look after our youngest—the future riders. The record of riders who have won their first 250 race in supercross or motocross under the TLD leadership is just outstanding.”

Troy Lee

“It has been such a fantastic experience working with KTM and it is a privilege to continue the partnership with the race teams and the KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge. I look forward to continuing this first-class relationship for many more years.”

The partnership also includes the continuation of the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM Amateur Racing Team, as well as Troy Lee Designs as the official gear sponsor of the KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge. TLD took over as the official factory KTM 250 team prior to the start of the 2016 season.

Smarty’s Race Reports

AMA Supercross – Round 17 – Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas, Nevada

It was a night of high drama in Las Vegas as the 2017 AMA Supercross Championship wrapped up and after a full 20 laps of bar-banging action it was Jason Anderson who took out the 450SX main event while Ryan Dungey scrapped his way to winning his fourth 450SX championship.

The 250SX East/West Showdown was one of the wildest main event in supercross history with Adam Cianciarulo taking the win but Zach Osborne won with his first career title after battling back from a first-turn crash.

450SX Class Main Event

The 450SX Class main event got underway with Blake Baggett edging out Dungey for the holeshot. Dungey used the momentum of an outside line to quickly move into the lead, while Tomac fought his way into third behind Baggett. With his championship rival out front, Tomac wasted little time in working his way around Baggett for second.

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Tomac’s push continued into Lap 1 when he made an aggressive pass on Dungey, who took counter action to avoid contact and ended up losing another spot to Anderson, dropping to third. It was then Anderson’s turn to apply pressure on the lead. He stalked Tomac for several laps, and even briefly nosed his Husqvarna to the front, but his aggressiveness allowed Dungey to close back in and take over second on Lap 4.

The race stabilized a bit at that point, with Tomac enjoying a multiple-second lead, but as the 20-minute-plus-one-lap Main Event neared the halfway point Dungey began to close back in on his rival.

A miscue in a rhythm section on Lap 14 allowed Dungey to surge past Tomac and back into the lead, but the Kawasaki rider stayed right on his rear fender. A short time later Tomac dove to the inside of Dungey, forcing contact and sending the KTM rider off the track.

As Tomac reclaimed the lead, Dungey was forced to safely reenter the track and did so without losing a spot, but came out just in front of Anderson. At this point in the race, the top six riders sat within three seconds of another, adding to the tension both on the track and in the stands.

Veteran Chad Reed made his presence felt on Lap 17, working his way into the lead group and passing Anderson for third. However, in the final turn before the finish Anderson attempted to retake the position, forcing heavy contact with Reed and sending the Monster Energy/Yamalube/Chaparral/Yamaha Financial Services/Yamaha Factory Racing rider off the side of the track.

Reed would reenter the race in sixth. The incident also allowed Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Josh Grant to briefly take over third from Anderson, but the Husqvarna rider fought back and reclaimed the position.

As the field took the white flag for the final lap the capacity crowd rose to its feet as Dungey continued to manage about a bike-length deficit to Tomac, seemingly waiting for a final opportunity to make a move and potentially steal the win.

As the leaders approached the track’s lone triple jump for the final time Tomac went high and suddenly dropped off the pace, which allowed Dungey to easily move back into the lead. Tomac’s brief slowing appeared to be intentional as he jumped right behind Dungey and came in with another aggressive pass in the next corner.

The two made contact again, forcing both to stop completely and nearly go off the track. That allowed Anderson to dive under the lead pair and jump from third to first with just a few turns remaining. Grant briefly followed into second, but Tomac regained his momentum and got back by. Dungey received the worst of the situation, falling from second to fourth, but he kept his KTM on two wheels and settled for the spot he needed in order to ensure the title.

Anderson went on to take an unexpected win, the third of his career and his first of the 2017 season, by 1.8 seconds. Tomac followed in the runner-up spot after leading 17 laps, with Grant claiming his first podium finish of the season behind his teammate in third. Needing a finish no worse than fourth, Dungey brought his KTM home just off the podium.

Dungey shared his frustration with the Kawasaki teammates for their race tactics after crossing the finish, but a fourth Monster Energy Supercross Championship was his.

Ryan Dungey

“That was a season of never give up. It was tough from the get go, but we did it. In the last race [of the season] I didn’t expect it to be like that. I expected it to be a clean race, but those cheap shots were unbelievable. But, we survived it and we got through it. It’s [more gratifying]. We didn’t win the most races [this season], but the points are what matter at the end. We fought hard, tooth and nail. This was these most challenging and the hardest season of my entire career. It’s just nice to be here and sit on top.”

Eli Tomac

“I guess it was in my head even leading up to this week. I was just thinking of every situation possible. You kind of have to prepare yourself, so you’re ready for that moment. Like I said, I was just doing everything that I could. I wasn’t just going to just try to hand it over. We put up the fight that we could and that’s all there was to it. At the end of the day, I don’t want to be dirty or not earn something. I wanted to be aggressive and maybe make something happen, but at the end of the day I’m a fair guy.”

Jason Anderson

“At the beginning I felt like I was riding really good. It’s kind of an awkward position to be in when you’re in-between the championship. I don’t really want to be that guy to make the decision. I wanted them to do their deal and battle it out. Luckily they did that towards the end. I had my deal with Chad and I wanted to be on the podium. Next thing you know, they got together and got that last lap for the win, which was cool. I really feel like I could have got one last weekend and stuff like that, but at least I got one.”

Dungey is the fifth rider in Monster Energy Supercross history to win three consecutive 450SX Class titles. He also becomes just the fourth rider in the history of the sport to win at least four championships, joining Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, and Ryan Villopoto.

His three wins are the lowest for a champion since Jeff Stanton won the same amount in 1992. Alternatively, Tomac’s nine wins are the most for a rider that failed to win a title since Damon Bradshaw won the same amount, also during the 1992 season.

Dungey and Tomac finished the season separated by just five points. It’s the smallest gap between first and second since 2011 when Villopoto won the title by four points over Reed.

Monster Energy Supercross 2017 – Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas May 6, 2017 – 450SX Class Results

1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki
3. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki
4. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
5. Dean Wilson, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
6. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Yamaha
7. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM
8. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., KTM
9. Justin Brayton, Mint Hill, N.C., Honda
10. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha

Final Monster Energy Supercross 2017 450SX Class Championship Standings

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 359
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 354
3. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM – 293
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna – 273
5. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., KTM – 221
6. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM – 220
7. Cole Seely, Sherman Oaks, Calif., Honda – 212
8. Dean Wilson, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna – 185
9. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Yamaha – 182
10. Grant, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki – 175

250SX Class East/West Showdown Main Event

The 250SX Class East/West Showdown kicked off with Cianciarulo storming to the holeshot, just ahead of his teammate Joey Savatgy and Jordon Smith, the Eastern Regional points leader.

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This trio, along with Osborne, entered the night mathematically eligible to win the title and while three of the four sprinted out to an early lead, Osborne found himself picking up his Husqvarna off the ground following a first-turn crash that collected several riders. Osborne began his race at the tail end of the field, completing the first lap in 21st.

The clear track allowed Cianciarulo to sprint away, but Savatgy kept pace. As they crossed the line to officially start the first lap, Savatgy washed out his front end in the first corner and went down. That allowed Smith to take over second, with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Martin Davalos moving into third.

The Lap 1 excitement sparked again when Smith went off the side of the track while running second. He kept his KTM on two wheels, but lost several positions and re-entered the race in fifth. That moved Davalos into second and Justin Hill, the newly crowned Western Regional Champion, into third.

Davalos would encounter misfortune on Lap 2 and fall out of contention, moving Hill into second and 51Fifty Energy Drink Yamaha’s Hayden Mellross into third. Smith endured even more misfortune of his own on the same lap, suffering a frightening crash that would bring his race to an end and eliminate his hopes of a first career title.

With Cianciarulo in full control of the race out front, Savatgy running in fourth, and Osborne slowly working his way back into the mix in 20th, the championship intrigue was only beginning. Over the middle portion of the 15-minute-plus-one-lap Main Event both Savatgy and Osborne began heading in opposite directions. Savatgy, who controlled his own destiny in the title fight, continued to lose ground to the riders behind him, falling from fourth to seventh on Lap 5.

Meanwhile, Osborne was charging through the field and broke into the top 15. Savatgy would lose another position and fall to eighth three laps later.

With the Main Event winding down, Savatgy’s vulnerable hold of the championship lead left him with just a single-point advantage over Cianciarulo as they ran on track, while Osborne’s continued improvement also allowed him to close to within single digits of the points lead. On Lap 12 Osborne valiantly fought his way into ninth, with only Savatgy sitting between he and his first career title.

A large gap sat between the two as the time on the Main Event clock expired, but with one additional lap remaining the Husqvarna rider was able to make a charge to Savatgy’s rear fender and within striking distance on the final lap.

Cianciarulo dominated the race and posted a wire-to-wire effort to capture his second victory of the season, likely unaware of the bedlam ensuing behind him. He crossed the line 5.7 seconds ahead of Hill, while Aaron Plessinger made an impressive climb from a 15th-place start to round out the podium in third.

As they approached the final set of whoops on last time, Osborne committed to making a pass attempt on Savatgy for seventh and did just that, diving to the inside of an unsuspecting Savatgy and drawing heavy contact that ripped Savatgy off the back of his Kawasaki after it briefly hooked onto Osborne’s Husqvarna.

Osborne continued, leaving Savatgy to pick up his bike, and ultimately clinched a title that didn’t seem possible after the opening lap.

Zach Osborne

“I can’t believe I came from that far back. I was down in the first turn. Not just down, but down for a long time. It’s just unreal,” exclaimed Osborne. “I can’t believe I made that pass. I could see him [Savatgy], but he was so far away in my mind. To come back and pass him with one corner to go is unreal. I’ve worked my whole life to be here. There’s just so many people that have shaped and moulded my career to get me to this point, and I just can’t thank them and my team enough.”

Osborne’s seventh-place finish, coupled with Cianciarulo’s win, left them just two points apart in the final standings. Cianciarulo entered the night 14 points out of the lead, while Osborne and Savatgy sat just a single point behind Smith. Savatgy ended up 12th, and wound up seven points back.

Osborne became the 53rd different 250SX Class Champion in Monster Energy Supercross history, and gave the Husqvarna brand its first ever title in the division.

250SX Class East/West Regional Showdown

1. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki
2. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki
3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha
4. Dylan Ferrandis, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Yamaha
5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, KTM
6. Jimmy Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda
7. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna
8. Hayden Mellross, Australia, Yamaha
9. Mitchell Harrison, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
10. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Honda

Final Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

1. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna – 173
2. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki – 171
3. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki – 166
4. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., KTM – 161
5. Dylan Ferrandis, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Yamaha – 144
6. Christian Craig, Corona, Calif., Honda – 97
7. Mitchell Harrison, Brighton, Mich., Yamaha – 86
8. Luke Renzland, Hewitt, N.J., Yamaha – 84
9. Anthony Rodriguez, Cairo, Ga., Yamaha – 82
10. Kyle Cunningham, Willow Park, Texas, Suzuki – 77

Final Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki – 202
2. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM – 164
3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha – 163
4. Martin Davalos, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna – 145
5. Jimmy Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda – 137
6. Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki – 114
7. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha – 104
8. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Honda – 90
9. Cole Martinez, Rimrock, Ariz., Yamaha – 77
10. Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, KTM – 76

Amsoil Arenacross Championship – Round 13 – Las Vegas, NV

AMSOIL Arenacross entered its final night of competition for the 2017 season on Friday night inside Orleans Arena. Just eight points separated the top three riders in the Race to the Ricky Carmichael Cup, with reigning champion Gavin Faith leading rivals Chris Blose and Jace Owen.

After the dust settled following pair of 250AX Class Main Events Faith not only stood atop the podium with the overall victory, but he also put the finishing touch on a second straight AMSOIL Arenacross title and hoisted the Ricky Carmichael Cup for the second consecutive year in Las Vegas. 

In the AX Lites Class Regional Shootout a pair of champions were crowned in the Eastern and Western regions. In the Eastern Regional Championship Justin Cooper captured his first career title, while Ryan Breece emerged triumphant in the Western Regional Championship while Jacob Williamson took the shootout win.

250AX Class Main Event

The first 250AX Class Main Event saw Owen leading Blose, his teammate Ben Lamay, and Faith. Needing to gain points, Blose made an early move to take over the lead from Owen on Lap 1, while Faith moved past Lamay to take over third. On the ensuing lap Faith disposed of Owen and slotted into second, with less than a second sitting between he and Blose. 

The Kawasaki rider stalked Blose for several laps and pulled the trigger on Lap 7, passing Blose in the whoops and immediately opening a lead of over a second before the completion of the lap. Once out front, Faith continued to add to his lead and took the chequered flag just over four seconds ahead of Blose, further padding his points lead. Owen was third, followed by Lamay and Jacob Williamson.

When the gate dropped on the second Main Event, Faith once again seized control and put his Kawasaki at the front of the field, closely followed by Blose and Owen. Faith didn’t quite have the pace of the first Main Event and gave up the lead to Owen on Lap 1, bringing Blose along with him into second and dropping Faith into third. 

In his chase of the lead Blose encountered misfortune, losing control of his Yamaha and flipping over the bars on Lap 2, which effectively ended his title hopes. That allowed Faith to move into second, while Lamay jumped into third.

Owen effectively maintained his lead out front, while Faith proceeded to protect his lead in the championship. Perhaps looking to potentially help his teammate in the championship battle Lamay closed in on Faith and got to within a few bike lengths of the Kawasaki, but the champ resisted the advance and remained in firm control of second. 

Owen ended his 2017 season the same way he started it, with a Main Event win, and took the chequered flag 6.5 seconds ahead of Faith, who knew he simply needed to cross the finish. Lamay followed in third, with Williamson fourth and Team Babbitt’s/Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki’s Travis Sewell in fifth. Blose eventually re-entered the race, two laps down, and soldiered home to finish 12th.

Faith’s 1-2 results, combined with his win in the Head 2 Head Challenge, gave him his third overall win in the Race to the Ricky Carmichael Cup and clinched the championship along with it. Owen completed a breakout season in second (3-1), while his teammate Lamay helped put two TiLUBE Honda’s on the podium in third (4-3). Williamson was fourth (5-4), with Sewell fifth (6-5). 

When the final points for the season were tallied, Faith finished 10 points ahead of Owen, who moved from third to second. Blose completed the championship podium in third, 17 points behind Faith.

In the two seasons since the introduction of the Ricky Carmichael Cup, Faith, a rider coached by The GOAT himself, is the only rider to have his name etched on the trophy. He’s the first back-to-back titleholder since Tyler Bowers in 2013 and 2014. He also gave Team Babbitt’s Kawasaki its seventh title in the past eight seasons.

250AX Class Results – Main Event 1

1. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Kawasaki
2. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Yamaha
3. Jace Owen, Matoon, Ill., Honda
4. Ben Lamay, Forney, Texas, Honda
5. Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Kawasaki
6. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., Kawasaki
7. Daniel Herrlein, Bethesda, Ohio, KTM
8. Jared Lesher, Ball Ground, Ga., KTM
9. Cody VanBuskirk, Harvard, Ill., KTM
10. Josh Cartwright, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha

250AX Class Results – Main Event 2

1. Jace Owen, Matoon, Ill., Honda
2. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Kawasaki
3. Ben Lamay, Forney, Texas, Honda
4. Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Kawasaki
5. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., Kawasaki
6. Jared Lesher, Ball Ground, Ga., KTM
7. Daniel Herrlein, Bethesda, Ohio, KTM
8. Cody VanBuskirk, Harvard, Ill., KTM
9. Josh Cartwright, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
10. Richard Jackson, Holdenville, Okla., KTM

250AX Class Overall Results (Main Event Results)

1. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Kawasaki (1-2)
2. Jace Owen, Matoon, Ill., Honda (3-1)
3. Ben Lamay, Forney, Texas, Honda (4-3)
4. Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Kawasaki (5-4)
5. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., Kawasaki (6-5)
6. Jared Lesher, Ball Ground, Ga., KTM (8-6)
7. Daniel Herrlein, Bethesda, Ohio, KTM (7-7)
8. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Yamaha (2-12)
9. Cody VanBuskirk, Harvard, Ill., KTM (9-8)
10. Josh Cartwright, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (10-9)

RMATV/MC Head 2 Head Challenge Results (Bonus Points)

1. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Kawasaki (2 points)
2. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Yamaha (1 point)
3. Jace Owen, Matoon, Ill., Honda (1 point)
4. Ben Lamay, Forney, Texas, Honda (1 point)
5. Josh Cartwright, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (1 point)
6. Daniel Herrlein, Bethesda, Ohio, KTM (1 point)
7. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., Kawasaki (1 point)
8. Jared Lesher, Ball Ground, Ga., KTM (1 point)

Final Race to the Championship Standings

1. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Kawasaki – 196 (9 Main Event Wins)
2. Jace Owen, Matoon, Ill., Honda – 186 (17 Main Event Wins)
3. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Yamaha – 179 (4 Main Event Wins)
4. Daniel Herrlein, Bethesda, Ohio, KTM – 144 (1 Main Event Win)
5. Travis Sewell, Westville, Ind., Kawasaki – 123 (1 Main Event Win)
6. Gared Steinke, Woodland, Calif., Kawasaki – 113
7. Cody VanBuskirk, Harvard, Ill., KTM – 109
8. Ben Lamay, Forney, Texas, Honda – 106 (1 Main Event Win)
9. Matt Goerke, Lake Helen, Florida, Yamaha – 40 (1 Main Event Win)
10. Josh Osby, Valparaiso, Ind., Kawasaki – 37

AX Lites Class Regional Shootout

When the 16-rider field of the AX Lites Class Regional Shootout lined up on the gate a champion had to be crowned in both the Eastern and Western region. When the gate dropped, Cooper was able to put his Yamaha out front ahead of Breece and Williamson.

The action at the front of the field and the battle for the lead started immediately on Lap 1, when Breece seized control of the lead in the whoops. Williamson followed into second shortly after that. 

Needing a win to keep his hopes of an Eastern Regional title alive, Williamson was on a mission and immediately applied pressure on Breece for the lead.

After persistent pressure he took control on Lap 4 and immediately pulled away, establishing a multiple second lead in a matter of laps. Williamson continued to extend the lead aboard his Kawasaki and soon found himself more than five seconds out front. 

While Williamson continued to make a statement out front, the battle for second intensified between Breece and Cooper, the respective championship leaders. Cooper was patient and bided his time to make a move, successfully passing Breece on Lap 12.

Out front, Williamson added to his advantage and cruised to the win 9.5 seconds ahead of Cooper, while Breece rounded out the podium in third.

Cooper carried a 15-point lead over Williamson in the Eastern Regional standings entering the finale, and ultimately gave up just one point to his main rival to secure the championship with his runner-up finish.

In the intense Western Regional title fight, Breece entered the evening knotted in a tie atop the standings with Woodstock KTM’s Hunter Sayles. Breece’s podium finish, combined with a ninth-place finish by Sayles, helped him emerge with his first career championship.

AX Lites Class Regional Shootout Results

1. Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Kawasaki
2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha
3. Ryan Breece, Athol, Idaho, Kawasaki
4. Jared Lesher, Ball Ground, Ga., KTM
5. Jeramy Taylor, Canton, Ohio, KTM
6. Curren Thurman, Alvin, Texas, Husqvarna
7. Austin Walton, Sparks, Nev., Yamaha
8. Jake Hogan, Acton, Calif., Yamaha
9. Hunter Sayles, Merrill, Wis., KTM
10. Jake McKinney, Hamersville, Ohio, Kawasaki

Final Eastern Regional AX Lites Class Championship Standings

1. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 131 (3 Main Event Wins)
2. Jacob Williamson, Swartz Creek, Mich., Kawasaki – 117 (3 Main Event Wins)
3. Isaac Teasdale, Robbinsville, N.C., KTM – 99
4. Scott Zont, Algonquin, Ill., Kawasaki – 62
5. Heath Harrison, Silverhill, Ala., KTM – 58 (2 Main Event Wins)
6. Brandon Gourley, Boonville, Ind., KTM – 52
7. Josiah Hempen, Argyle, Iowa, Yamaha – 31
8. Broc Gourley, Boonville, Ind., Suzuki – 30
9. Jayce Pennington, Walnut Hill, Ill., Yamaha – 28
10. Dylan Greer, Summerfield, Fla., Yamaha – 26
11. Jake McKinney, Hamersville, Ohio, Kawasaki – 26

Final Western Regional AX Lites Class Championship Standings

1. Ryan Breece, Athol, Idaho, Kawasaki – 128 (3 Main Event Wins)
2. Hunter Sayles, Merrill, Wis., KTM – 122 (2 Main Event Wins)
3. Jared Lesher, Ball Ground, Ga., KTM – 112 (2 Main Event Wins)
4. Jeramy Taylor, Canton, Ohio, KTM – 61
5. Hunter Hilton, Youngsville, La., Husqvarna – 54
6. Austin Walton, Sparks, Nev., Yamaha – 44
7. Parker Fleming, Quinlan, Texas, Husqvarna – 38
8. Connor Pearson, El Dorado, Calif., KTM – 32
9. Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Yamaha – 32
10. Jake Hogan, Acton, Calif., Yamaha – 30

FIM World Motocross Championships – Round 7 – Latvia

Jeffrey Herlings and Thomas Kjer Olsen have won the MX1 and MX2 class respectively at the MXGP of Latvia in Kegums last weekend with each recording their first career overall wins in their respective classes.

MX1 Race Report

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings had a weekend of first, first in Saturday’s Qualifying Race, first in Race 1, and first in Race 2, which when combined gave him his first career overall victory in the premier MXGP class. 

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Herlings literally could not have had better results, from the fastest in each practice to the last checkered flag he dominated.

Jeffrey Herlings

“This is the cherry on the cake, I’m very happy being up here! I felt good all weekend and I’m always fast on this track, we’ve won here a couple times now.”

Antonio Cairoli left Latvia with the red plate. Cairoli’s consistent ability to charge toward the front, after not the best of starts, is proving crucial in the competitive MXGP championship. While Cairoli may not have had the weekend he was looking for second overall and the points lead is nothing but impressive.

Antonio Cairoli

“I’m ok, I’m not satisfied with my result but it is good for the championship. I would fight for the win every weekend but I am happy with the weekend as a whole.”

Team HRC’s Evgeny Bobryshev returned to the podium this weekend with a 3-4 for 3rd overall in front of several Russian fans who made the trip. Bobryshev has been looking like he has podium speed lately but he has faded in the later stages of racing.

Evgeny Bobryshev

“In Valkenswaard I had some health problems and the week before Kegums I was recovering. Overall the result is good, I’m just looking forward to getting my health and physical fitness back.” Bobryshev now looks to the future and continuing to improve during the week off.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle had a spectacular Race 1 where he grabbed the FOX Holeshot and he lost out only to Herlings. Desalle was also passed by Bobryshev in race one but the Belgian showed some fight and returned the favor only one lap later. In race 2 he finished 5th for 4th overall.

Last GP’s winner, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin put together a top 5 finish after placing 7th in both races. Paulin did fall in race 2 but will most likely be disappointed with the result of the weekend.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser came into the weekend with the points lead and battled from the back of the pack in Race 1 going from 36th up to 14th. In race 2 Gajser was running second before a mistake took him out of the race. The 14th and DNF has taken Gajser out the points lead he has worked so hard to achieve. Gajser was evaluated by medical staff onsite, he is reportedly unscathed and in good spirits.

Suzuki World MXGP’s Arminas Jasikonis has been impressive lately and is noticeably improving. The Lithuanian rider took his first Fox Holeshot in MXGP Race 2 today then he led the first 4 laps. Jasikonis finished a strong 3rd in Race 2 and finished 10th overall.

MXGP Race 1 Top Ten

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:09.136
2. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:13.921
3. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:16.063
4. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:16.389
5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:35.413
6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:40.139
7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:44.288
8. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +0:45.039
9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:51.342
10. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:54.345

MXGP Race 2 Top Ten

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:23.826
2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:17.846
3. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, Suzuki), +0:23.847
4. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +0:35.475
5. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:43.502
6. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:47.908
7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:49.886
8. Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:53.082
9. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:55.160
10. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:59.601

MXGP Round 7  Latvia Overall Top Ten

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50
2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 38
3. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 38
4. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 38
5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 28
6. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 27
7. Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 23
8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 23
9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 22
10. Arminas Jasikonis (LTU, SUZ), 20

MXGP Championship Top Ten

1. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 258
2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 241
3. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 220
4. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 214
5. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 210
6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 204
7. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 174
8. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 147
9. Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 139
10. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, YAM), 133

MXGP Manufacturers

1. KTM, 282
2. Honda, 275
3. Yamaha, 240
4. Husqvarna, 229
5. Kawasaki, 210
6. Suzuki, 152

MX2 Race Report

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen was on a mission this weekend. Olsen started the GP by winning the Qualifying Race and Race 1 in an impressive display.

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Race 2 was more of a challenge as Olsen started in 8th place and with Pauls Jonass out front he knew he needed 2nd to claim the overall a feat he accomplished.

Thomas Kjer Olsen

“I worked my way up through the pack and I’m pretty happy with my riding, I just stayed consistent all moto. It was so tough out there so I was trying to make no mistakes and ride smooth. I’m so happy with how things turned out. Last year I won here in the European Championship, it is pretty crazy that I win the GP this year.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass grew his points lead once again this weekend. In race one Jonass looked as if he was going to finish 2nd but on the last lap he was passed by the #91 Suzuki. In race 2 the determination of Jonass to win in front of his home fans was evident as he charged throughout. Jonass went 3-1 for second overall.

Pauls Jonass

“My second race was really good…I just wanted to stay on 2 wheels and make no mistakes this weekend and I accomplished that.”

HSF Logistics Motorsport’s Calvin Vlaanderen nabbed the final spot on the overall podium with his 5-4 finishes. Vlaanderen made a pass on during the last lap which was for the podium.

Calvin Vlaanderen

“I can’t really explain the feeling, it is so nice. Actually since I crossed the finish line I can’t remember the podium it has all just been a blur for me. It’s been an unbelievable feeling getting my first podium.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado Garcia just missed the podium as he was the rider which Vlaanderen passed on the final lap of Race 2. Prado took the FOX Holeshot in both MX2 races and he lead each briefly before falling back. Prado scored the same points as Vlaanderen but his 4-5 put him 4th overall.

The final spot among the top 5 overall belongs to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Conrad Mewse. Mewse has really started to turn his season around after struggling to score any points in the first three rounds of the championship to now a top five overall with a 3rd in Race 2.

Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer had a gritty performance in Race 1 after falling while trying to catch Jonass, he somehow regrouped and charged up to the #41’s back wheel again. Seewer was going inside to outside trying to find a way past Jonass and finally did on the last lap with only 2 corners remaining.

However in Race 2 Seewer slid out in the first turn and then crashed again not long after causing his bike to become unrideable. LRT’s Julien Lieber is another rider who crashed in race 2 while he was running second. Even though Lieber’s crash was quite spectacular he managed to collect himself quickly and still finish in 8th for a 7th overall.

As for our lone Aussie MX2 rider in Hunter Lawrence, the Suzuki pilot finished the opening moto in a credible 10^th place and was working his way towards a similar finish after a poor start in the second moto before crashing back to 26^th. Lawrence is now 15^th in the point’s standings.

MX2 Race 1 Top Ten

1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), 34:37.013
2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), +0:02.597
3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:03.143
4. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), +0:20.618
5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), +0:23.215
6. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:30.975
7. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:35.161
8. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:39.912
9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:47.757
10. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki), +0:59.888

MX2 Race 2 Top Ten

1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 35:08.557
2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:02.693
3. Conrad Mewse (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:08.528
4. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), +0:13.497
5. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), +0:18.349
6. Benoit Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), +0:21.218
7. Darian Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), +0:32.438
8. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:36.046
9. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:39.299
10. Alvin Östlund (SWE, Yamaha), +0:41.850
    …26. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki)

MX2 Overall Top Ten

1. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 47 points
2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 45
3. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), 34
4. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 34
5. Conrad Mewse (GBR, HUS), 32
6. Darian Sanayei (USA, KAW), 28
7. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 26
8. Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 25
9. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 22
10. Alvin Östlund (SWE, YAM), 19
    …16. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki)

MX2 Championship Top Ten

1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 287 points
2. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 245
3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 235
4. Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 223
5. Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 198
6. Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 166
7. Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 155
8. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 152
9. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), 133
10. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, KAW), 123
    …15. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki), 99

MX2 Manufacturers

1. KTM, 329 points
2. Husqvarna, 263
3. Suzuki, 254
4. Yamaha, 229
5. Kawasaki, 192
6. Honda, 114
7. TM, 104

EMX250 and EMX125 Report

New Zealander Josiah Natzke and Frenchman Brian Strubhart Moreau have won the EMX250 and EMX125 classes respectively at the Latvian GP and in doing so clinched their first overall victories of their careers.

EMX250 Report

Hitachi KTM UK’s Josiah Natzke took control of the first race of the 3rd round early leading every lap, creating a gap, and then cruising to a comfortable race win. Race 2 started out front but wisely settled for second to claim the overall.

Josiah Natzke

“I got the holeshot in Race 1 and I had a nice gap with Jago behind me, then he went down which created a nice comfortable lead and I really don’t know what happened, I was just able to grow the lead out each lap, it was the perfect race. It’s a pretty great feeling.”

Finishing behind Natzke was the Italian Morgan Lesiardo who took second in the first race after making several passes. Then in Race 2 he would both start and finish in 3^rd with the combined results good enough for 2^nd overall but more importantly the points lead and the red plate.

Jago Geerts was battling up front in race one but eventually finished in 5^th. The night to think over what could have been fuelled Geerts into winning Race 2 were he passed race one and overall winner Natzke.

Ruben Fernandez was 2^nd the majority of Race 1 until being passed by Lesiardo. His 3-7 results placed him 4^th overall ahead of Aussie Jed Beaton who rode very well in Race 2 on his way to 4^th after his 8^th in race one with the Honda rider now moving up to 10^th in the championship.

Last race’s winner Miro Sihvonen remains second in the championship after missing this weekend’s race due to an injury.

EMX250 Overall Top 10

1. Josiah Natzke (NZL, KTM), 47 points;
2. Morgan Lesiardo (ITA, KTM), 42 p.;
3. Jago Geerts (BEL, KTM), 41 p.;
4. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, KAW), 34 p.;
5. Jed Beaton (AUS, HON), 31 p.;
6. Alberto Forato (ITA, HON), 31 p.;
7. Ken Bengtson (SWE, YAM), 26 p.;
8. Simone Furlotti (ITA, YAM), 23 p.;
9. Todd Kellett (GBR, HUS), 18 p.;
10. Kim Savaste (FIN, KAW), 16 p.

EMX250 Championship Top 10

1. Morgan Lesiardo (ITA, KTM), 112 points;
2. Miro Sihvonen (FIN, KTM), 90 p.;
3. Simone Furlotti (ITA, YAM), 86 p.;
4. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, KAW), 74 p.;
5. Nick Kouwenberg (NED, YAM), 73 p.;
6. Ken Bengtson (SWE, YAM), 69 p.;
7. Karlis Sabulis (LAT, YAM), 66 p.;
8. Jago Geerts (BEL, KTM), 64 p.;
9. Alberto Forato (ITA, HON), 63 p.;
10. Jed Beaton (AUS, HON), 54 p.

EMX125 Report

With a massive list of entries Brian Strubhart Moreau was the fastest competitor this weekend after he went by Gianluca Facchetti for the race 1 win on lap 6 and did the same in race 2 to Sergi Notario. Kevin Horgmo moved from 3^rd to 2^nd in Race 1 and from 6^th to 4^th in race 2. Horgmo is also now 3^rd in the points.

Jezyk Racing Team’s Sergi Notario rebounded from a 10^th in Race 1 to 2^nd in Race 2. Notario took 4^th in both Valkenswaard races and his 3^rd overall here in Latvia positions him 4^th in the championship standings.

Yamaha Europe EMX125’s Thibault Benistant became the second French rider in the top five with 4th overall thanks to his consistent 5-5 finishes.

Isaak Gifting took the remaining top five spot in the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing overall classification also due to his consistency. Gifting finished 6-6 for 5^th overall and a combined 30 points out the 50 possible.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top 10

1. Brian Strubhart Moreau (FRA, KAW), 50 points;
2. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 40 p.;
3. Sergi Notario (ESP, KTM), 33 p.;
4. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 32 p.;
5. Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), 30 p.;
6. Marcel Stauffer (AUT, KTM), 25 p.;
7. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, HUS), 24 p.;
8. Gianluca Facchetti (ITA, HUS), 24 p.;
9. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 21 p.;
10. Filip Olsson (SWE, HUS), 19 p.

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top 10

1. Brian Strubhart Moreau (FRA, KAW), 92 points;
2. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, HUS), 74 p.;
3. Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), 71 p.;
4. Sergi Notario (ESP, KTM), 69 p.;
5. Gianluca Facchetti (ITA, ARC), 55 p.;
6. Tim Edberg (SWE, YAM), 49 p.;
7. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 44 p.;
8. Paolo Lugana (ITA, TM), 40 p.;
9. Alessandro Manucci (ITA, HUS), 36 p.;
10. Thibault Benistant (FRA, YAM), 33 p.

The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will be held in Teutschenthal, Germany, on May, the 21st.

Australian Motocross Championship – Round 3 – Conondale, QLD

On a typically beautiful day in Queensland the iconic Conondale circuit hosted the third round of the MX Nationals and after a full day of sensational racing it was Yamaha rider Dean Ferris who continued to dominate the MX1 class while Mitchell Evans kept the Yamaha fans happy by winning both motos in the MX2 class and it was Morgan Fogarty and Cody Mackie who won the MXD and 125cc Gold Cup support classes respectively.

Yamaha and Dunlop now have the Red Plate in the MX1 (Dean Ferris), MX2 (Mitchell Evans) and MXD classes after Cody Dyce moved into the lead in the MXD class after a solid second place at Conondale.

MX1 Race Report

One of the most pristine and picturesque motocross tracks in the country Green Park in Conondale was the backdrop for Round 3 of the Motul MX Nationals today, and it was once again CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris who left the venue undefeated in the Thor MX1 class.

Ferris was impressive from the minute he hit the track on the Sunshine Coast today, the reigning champ putting on a performance for thousands of spectators, and maintaining the red plate as the series powers on.

Competitors and fans were greeted with dry track conditions for Thor MX1 qualifying this morning, but the one rider who capitalised on the conditions early was KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs. Gibbs was close to a second faster than any other rider on track with a 2:10.898 lap time at the conclusion of the session.

Second fastest was Russian MEGA Bulk Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Aleksandr Tonkov (2:11.568), followed by CDR Yamaha’s Ferris, Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Todd Waters and teammate Luke Clout.

With the top five through to GoPro Superpole, fans watched on in anticipation as riders threw down their fastest flying laps, but it was Ferris who made it count when it mattered, once again taking his third Superpole victory for the season and first pick of the grid when racing commence with a 2:10.620 lap time.

When bikes headed to the line for race one all eyes were on the heavy hitters, and uncharacteristically Ferris and Gibbs opted to take positions on the grid nowhere near each other. But when gates dropped it was the Russian rider Tonkov who took the Raceline holeshot, and only a bikes length behind him was Waters and Ferris who weren’t letting the international competitor out of their sights.

With one lap in the books Ferris made a quick pass on Waters and moved up into second position, where he then set his sights firmly on the rear wheel of race leader Tonkov, and before riders had even reached their second rotation, the CDR Yamaha rider had moved into the race lead.

With Ferris out in front, the focus the shifted to the battle for positions behind him. And battle they did. KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Gibbs began his charge to the front, passing both Waters and Tonkov to snatch up second position. Despite Waters dropping off the pace for a short time and losing a spot to Tonkov, it wasn’t long before the Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team rider found his wheels once again and moved back up into third place.

Unfortunately for Tonkov his time at the front was short lived in moto one, and by lap four the Factory Kawasaki rider had dropped back to fifth position, where he then continued to fade.

After ten minutes on track for the Thor MX1 class, Ferris continued to school his competitors, leading by a comfortable margin. Gibbs and Waters occupied second and third while DPH Motorsport’s Kade Mosig was back in fourth. Rookie MX1 rider Clout was having yet another impressive ride in fifth position, while Penrite Honda’s Jesse Dobson and SD3 Husqvarna’s Brett Metcalfe continued to battle for sixth.

As race one reached its final stages, Ferris continued to be the fastest rider on track, slowly stretching out his lead to a commanding eight seconds. Behind him, Metcalfe was on his own charge, passing the likes of Dobson and then Clout to make his way into the MX1 top five.

But it was Ferris who had reason to celebrate at the conclusion of moto one, taking his fourth race victory for the year by a comfortable eight seconds. Second place was taken by Gibbs, while Waters rounded out the MX1 podium getters in the opening moto. Mosig crossed the finish line in fourth followed by Metcalfe who held on to finish in fifth. Dobson, KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Luke Styke, Clout, Nathan Crawford and privateer Keiron Hall completed the top ten in race one.

When bikes returned to the line for race two, the crowd watched on intently with all wondering whether Ferris could go undefeated at Conondale, and unsurprisingly it was the CDR Yamaha rider who snatched up the Raceline holeshot, and within only a few turns had stretched out his lead to an impressive three seconds.

Behind Ferris was MX1 rookie Crawford aboard the MEGA Bulk Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki, followed by KTM’s Styke and Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team’s Waters.

Uncharacteristically, Gibbs who finished second in the opening moto was back outside the top five in seventh position after one and a half laps, giving himself one serious job to do if he was to make his way onto the MX1 podium.

With Ferris stretching his lead out lap by lap, the focus shifted to the riders behind him. And unfortunately it was Styke who captured the spectator’s attention for all the wrong reasons, allowing Waters, Mosig, Gibbs and Metcalfe to charge past the KTM rider who had fallen back to seventh position.

Despite entering the season with an arm injury, by lap five Crawford continued to hold his own in an impressive second place, while behind him Waters began to come under fire from Gibbs who was a man on a mission in the final moto. And by lap seven Gibbs made the pass on Waters and began his attempt to chase down Crawford.

When riders reached the halfway mark in race two Ferris had stretched out the margin on second placed Crawford to seven seconds, while behind the Kawasaki rider Gibbs began to look ultra-threatening after coming through the field and into the final podium position.

Behind Gibbs was Waters and Styke who recovered from an earlier mistake, while DPH Motorsport’s Mosig looked dejected in sixth. As race two reached its final stages, SD3 Husqvarna’s Metcalfe was headed back to the pits after experiencing bike trouble, while Gibbs closed in on Crawford and made the pass on the Kawasaki rider for an all-important second position.

But Ferris was unstoppable at Conondale, and once again in the final moto he took an unchallenged victory and celebrated deservingly across the finish line. Second place in moto two was taken by KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Gibbs, followed by Crawford who collected the first MX1 podium finish of his career.

Fourth place in race two was taken by Waters, followed by Styke in fifth. Honda mounted Dobson, Mosig, Clout, Tonkov and Wilson Coolair Motul Factory Suzuki’s Peters completed the top ten in the MX1 class in race two.

With 1,1 race results it was Ferris who secured the top step of the Thor MX1 podium at Conondale, while second place was handed to KTM’s Gibbs, and third at round three was secured by Crankt Protein Honda Racing Team’s Waters.

Dean Ferris

“It was a perfect day for me. I got Superpole and then went 1-1 so I just really enjoyed myself. I had a smile on my face under the helmet all day. I love coming here, Green Park Conondale is one of my favourite tracks. It’s a special place for me, I got my first ever National moto win here ten years ago, so I love coming back and I’m just stoked that we got it done and got the win again today.”

Thor MX1 Round 3 Results

1. Dean Ferris – 70 points
2. Kirk Gibbs – 64 points
3. Todd Waters – 58 points
4. Nathan Crawford – 52 points
5. Kade Mosig – 52 points
6. Luke Styke – 50 points
7. Jesse Dobson – 50 points
8. Luke Clout – 46 points
9. Kyle Peters – 41 points
10. Keiron Hall – 40 points

Thor MX1 Championship Standings

1. Dean Ferris – 216 points
2. Kirk Gibbs – 185 points
3. Kade Mosig – 170 points
4. Todd Waters – 166 points
5. Luke Styke – 157 points
6. Nathan Crawford – 149 points
7. Luke Clout – 141 points
8. Kyle Peters – 134 points
9. Aleksandr Tonkov – 126 points
10. Brett Metcalfe – 109 points

MX2 Race Report

Serco Yamaha’s Mitchell Evans went undefeated in the Motul MX2 class once again at Conondale today, with the support of thousands of Queensland spectators for Round three of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals.

The Motul MX2 class showcased bar to bar racing across two motos at Green Park in Conondale, but once again it was Serco’s Evans who showed undeniable form, collecting his fourth consecutive race win.

With no rain overnight, competitors were treated to a dry circuit on the Sunshine Coast for their qualifying session this morning, and in what has been the trend so far this season it was a battle of the Yamaha machines for the fastest time on track during their timed session.

But it was Serco Yamaha’s Jackson Richardson who was quickest this morning with a 2:15.240 lap time, followed by Round 2 winner Evans (2:15.489) and DPH Motorsport’s Wilson Todd who was third fastest on track (2:16.687).

When gates dropped on race one Serco Yamaha’s Richardson secured the first Raceline holeshot for the day, Richie Evans and Todd slotting in behind him. After a single rotation on the two-minute lap time circuit, Richardson stretched his lead out to a comfortable two seconds, while DPH’s Todd began to apply the pressure on Evans for second.

A notable absentee from the top three was last round’s victor Mitchell Evans, who after two laps on track was back in eighth place.

With valuable championship points up for grabs, Todd began his charge to the front by the third lap – both himself and Aaron Tanti (WBR Yamaha) passing Richie Evans to move up into podium contention. And from there, Todd and Tanti closed in on race leader Richardson, providing spectators with a three-way battle for the race lead.

With 30 minutes plus one lap on the clock for the Motul MX2 competitors, by the halfway point riders had settled into their positions – Richardson continuing to lead from Todd and Tanti, while behind them Penrite CRF Honda Racing’s Kyle Webster and Evans were occupying spots four and five. New Zealander Hamish Harwood looked comfortable in sixth position followed by Egan Mastin and Richie Evans.

By the sixth lap Todd had found Richardson’s rear wheel and it took no time at all for the red plate holder to make the pass and take on the race lead for the first time in the moto.

Unfortunately for Tanti, a crash towards the latter stages of the race allowed Webster to inherit third, the Yamaha rider then re-joining the race in fourth position. But fortunately for Tanti and mistake from Webster shortly after allowed Tanti to charge back past, while Serco Yamaha’s Evans who had made his way through the field also passed Webster and slotted in to fourth position.

As moto one reached the 25-minute mark Richardson had once again reclaimed the lead from Todd, while behind the Yamaha mounted pair, Tanti and Mitchell Evans were locked into their own battle for the final podium position.

But when the chequered flag flew it was an incredible charge from MX2 rookie and Serco Yamaha’s Evans that wowed the crowd – the Yamaha rider charging by both Todd and Richardson on the final two laps to take the race one win. Second place was taken by Richardson while Todd crossed the line in third. Tanti and Webster finished in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Rounding out the top ten in race one was Davey Motorsport’s duo Harwood and Mastin, followed by Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Jayden Rykers, Richie Evans, and Synep Racing’s Dylan Wills.

With a red plate well and truly up for grabs at Conondale, all eyes were on the first turn as riders lined up for their second and final moto of the day. When gates dropped, it was KTM two-stroke rider Mastin who took the Raceline holeshot, but once again Serco Yamaha’s Evans wasted no time in finding his way to the front of the field.

But as soon as Evans had moved into the top spot the Serco Yamaha rider came under fire from Tanti, and within only a few turns, the Bulk Nutrients WBR Yamaha rider had made the pass and moved into the lead position.

Unfortunately for Evans, Richardson also made the move on his team mate, relegating him to third, and Richardson’s charge did not stop there – only a single lap later the Serco Yamaha rider passed Tanti for the lead and began to check out.

However only moments later bad luck struck Tanti, unfortunately suffering a flat tyre which saw him drop to sixth. With Tanti out of podium contention, Serco Yamaha’s Evans slotted into second behind his teammate, while Mastin happily inherited third position.

By the halfway mark in the second moto for the MX2 class, behind the top three, Wills had made his way up to fourth, followed by Penrite CRF Honda Racing’s Webster, DPH Motorsport’s Todd and Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Rykers, indicating that a change of red plate may be imminent.

With only 20 minutes of track time in the final moto, Evans frantically searched for lines in order to close in on his teammate, and by the time riders received the last lap board Evans made his move on the flat section of the track with an aggressive pass on Richardson for the lead that he made stick.

Despite a final attempt from Richardson to pass back his teammate, it was Evans who crossed the line to collect his fourth race win in a row. Richardson was forced to settle for second in race two, while Mastin finished in third. DPH Motorsport’s Todd wrapped up the final outing for the MX2 class in fourth, followed by Webster in fifth.

Rykers, Wills, Richie Evans, Harwood and Ricky Latimer completed the top ten in moto two.

But with a flawless scorecard for the second consecutive round, it was Serco Yamaha’s Evans who was rewarded with the overall victory and the MX2 red plate at Conondale. Second on the podium this afternoon was teammate Richardson, while DPH Motorsport’s Todd wrapped up round three in third.

Mitchell Evans

“It’s been a good day for me. I know my first two laps are never the greatest so I was just patient today and made sure I made the right passes at the right times and we’ve walked away with a win. Jackson and I train together back at home in Cairns so it’s cool to both be on the podium together. That last race he made a couple of mistakes and even though I wouldn’t usually do it, I knew it was the last lap, so that pass in the last moto was a bit aggressive. We made it happen here today, and the track was tough, so we’re all just looking forward to getting to Horsham now.”

Motul MX2 Round 3 Results

1. Mitchell Evans – 70 points
2. Jackson Richardson – 64 points
3. Wilson Todd – 58 points
4. Egan Mastin – 54 points
5. Kyle Webster – 52 points
6. Jayden Rykers – 48 points
7. Aaron Tanti – 48 points
8. Hamish Harwood – 47 points
9. Dylan Wills – 45 points
10. Richie Evans – 45 points

Motul MX2 Championship Standings

1. Mitchell Evans – 196 points
2. Wilson Todd – 187 points
3. Jackson Richardson – 178 points
4. Egan Mastin – 171 points
5. Kyle Webster – 150 points
6. Hamish Harwood – 149 points
7. Jayden Rykers – 145 points
8. Dylan Wills – 137 points
9. Richie Evans – 136 points
10. Aaron Tanti – 136 points

MXD Race Report

Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Morgan Fogarty delivered his team with their first podium of the season, and the first Pirelli MXD round win of his career at a sun drenched third instalment of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals at Conondale today.

The Pirelli MXD category dished out thrills and spills across both of the class’s races today, putting on one of the best shows of racing so far this season for a packed house on the Sunshine Coast.

It was Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team’s Cooper Pozniak, the former championship points leader who set the pace during the MXD timed qualifying session this morning, recording the fastest lap time with a 2:17.469. Sunshine Coast local Isaac Ferguson was second fastest on track (2:18.397) while Bulk Nutrients WBR Yamaha’s Hugh McKay took third gate pick thanks to a 2:18.564 lap time.

When racing commenced for the Pirelli MXD class, the development category once again showcased why they’re the future of the sport. When gates dropped there was plenty of drama thanks to a first turn pile up, but despite Jai Constantinou taking the Raceline holeshot, it was Yamalube Yamaha’s Dyce got through unscathed and moved in to the race lead. Behind him, Constantinou slotted into second position, and after two laps Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Fogarty found himself in third.

One rider who was in complete damage control in race one was the number 17 red plate holder Pozniak. After being caught up in a crash during the opening stages of the moto, Pozniak simply circulated for points on a bent and damaged bike, determined to keep his championship hopes alive.

After four laps on track, Dyce continued to maintain the race lead, while Fogarty had made his way up into second position followed by Constantinou. SD3 Husqvarna’s Kaleb Barham looked comfortable in fourth followed by New Zealander Wyatt Chase.

With 20 minutes plus a lap on the clock in race one, Dyce focussed on stretching out his gap on the field early. While behind the leader Barham began to make his way through the field by lap seven, passing Constantinou who had gotten by Chase to slot into third.

With only a handful of laps remaining, Dyce looked smooth and in control in the lead position, while his closest competitors Fogarty and Barham continued to occupy second and third. Local rider Ferguson passed Constantinou for fourth relegating the Honda rider to fifth.

But it was Dyce’s flawless performance that saw him lead all the way to the chequered flag, securing the moto one victory. Second place was taken by Fogarty, while Barham held on to cross the line in third. Ferguson and Constantinou finished in fourth and fifth places respectively while Chase, Mckay, Sam Pelz, Jake Williams and Dylan Wood completed the top ten.

Championship points leader Pozniak managed to claw his way back to 28th position at the conclusion of the 20-minute moto, however it wasn’t enough to maintain the red plate.

With crucial championship points up for grabs, when the final Pirelli MXD class headed to the line all eyes were on Pozniak who was in desperate need for a race win after a difficult moto one.

But it was Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Fogarty who snatched up the second holeshot for the day, however Yamalube Yamaha Racing Team’s Dyce was more determined than ever and within only a few turns had taken on the lead position.

Not long after Dyce had made his move into the top spot, Fogarty passed him back, and only a lap later Dyce got by one again – the pair playing cat and mouse for the final MXD race win.

Behind Dyce and Fogarty was KTM’s Callum Norton in third, while Ferguson and Jake Williams completed the top five by the halfway point in the moto.

Much to the spectators delight the battle for the race lead was far from over, and by the time riders headed into their sixth lap, Fogarty was the race leader once again, leaving Dyce to chase his tail.

Unfortunately for Pozniak despite charging through the field up to sixth, a crash in the later stages of the moto put his championship hopes in jeopardy, and allowed his closest competitors the opportunity to gain valuable championship points.

But the man of the moment was Raceline Pirelli KTM rider Fogarty, who showed impressive maturity in the final moto, holding on to take a maiden Pirelli MXD race victory at Conondale. Second place in moto two was taken by Dyce, while Norton collected the chequered flag in third position.

Ferguson and Williams wrapped up their final outing this afternoon in fourth and fifth, while Jy Roberts, Constantinou, Brodie Ellis, Benjamin Broad and Pozniak completed the top ten

With 2-1 race results it was Fogarty who collected the round three win thanks to a countback this afternoon, Dyce finished with second spot on the MXD podium, followed by Ferguson who concluded today’s outing in third. Dyce will now carry the red plate into the fourth round at Horsham.

Morgan Fogarty

“I’m pumped, I’ve been working hard to get here so I’m just going to keep rolling now and hopefully we can get some more wins like this. Stepping up from junior racing is always going to be a challenge but it’s good because I’m learning every time we go out on the track. I can’t thank the team enough for the hard work they’ve put in to get this today, I’m excited to get to round four.”

Pirelli MXD Round 3 Results

1. Morgan Fogarty – 67 points
2. Cody Dyce – 67 points
3. Isaac Ferguson – 56 points
4. Jai Constantinou – 50 points
5. Callum Norton – 48 points
6. Jake Williams – 48 points
7. Kaleb Barham – 46 points
8. Jy Roberts – 45 points
9. Hugh McKay – 44 points
10. Sam Pelz – 42 points

Pirelli MXD Championship Standings

1. Cody Dyce – 186 points
2. Jy Roberts – 165 points
3. Morgan Fogarty – 164 points
4. Isaac Ferguson – 150 points
5. Cooper Pozniak – 146 points
6. Kaleb Barham – 146 points
7. Benjamin Broad – 135 points
8. Jai Constantinou – 125 points
9. Hugh McKay – 123 points
10. Brodie Ellis – 112 points

125cc Gold Cup Race Report

The 125cc Gold Cup Class provided plenty of entertainment at Conondale in Queensland yesterday, with the young and old all hitting the track as the support class alongside Round 3 of the 2017 Motul MX Nationals.

With two 15-minute races making up the class’s program yesterday, riders were tested on the Green Park circuit with Husqvarna mounted Cody Mackie eventually walking away with the first round win for 2017.

Former National champion Cameron Taylor set the pace during qualifying aboard his Yamaha 125 two-stroke machine yesterday morning, with a competitive 2:22.571 lap time, while Joel Hall (Yamaha) and Clay Kilvington (KTM) second and third fastest on track during the session.

When race one got underway for the support class, fans were treated to the sights, smells and the sounds that the two-stroke machines are renowned for.

With 15 minutes on the clock in race one, Mad Max stuntman Mackie wasted no time at all in moving in to the race lead, and it was there that he stayed for the duration of the moto.

With Mackie crossing the line with the moto one victory, fastest qualifier Taylor finished 23 seconds later in second position followed by Kilvington in third. Kerrod Morrissy and Hall wrapped up moto one in fourth and fifth places respectively, while Steven Powell, Darcy Cavanagh, Jades Oates, Jacob Dank and Connor Rice completed the top ten.

In moto two Mackie once again put on a performance for the thousands of spectators at Green Park.

Despite the track having become more technical and challenging throughout the day, Mackie took the win once again in race two from Taylor, while Morrissy improved in the second moto to finish in third. Kilvington and Oates crossed the line in fourth and fifth places, while Powell, Dank, Cavanagh, Hall and Sam Garry finished inside the top ten.

With 1-1 race results, Mackie finished his first appearance in the 125cc Gold Cup class on the top step of the podium. Second at Conondale was taken by Taylor, while Morrissy finished the day’s event in third.

Cody Mackie

“I’m stoked with how today went. I managed to get pretty good starts and just rode my own race. The track was pretty tough today at Conondale, but it was a lot of fun with the boys on the 125’s. I’m wrapped to come away with the win, and hopefully we can see a few more guys out there at the next round.”

125cc Gold Cup Results – Conondale

1. Cody Mackie – 70 points
2. Cameron Taylor – 64 points
3. Kerrod Morrissy – 58 points
4. Clay Kilvington – 58 points
5. Steven Powell – 50 points
6. Jades Oates – 49 points
7. Joel Hall – 48 points
8. Darcy Cavanagh – 47 points
9. Jacob Dank – 46 points
10. Sam Garry – 41 points

Women’s Motocross Championship – Round 4 – Las Vegas

The ONSIA Sound Art Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX) rolled into Las Vegas this weekend as part of the AMSOIL Arenacross series.

This was Round 4 of the eight-round series, and although the Arenacross format was a bit different than their conventional two-moto motocross format, a full gate of the fastest women motocross racers in the country were on hand to take on the challenge—including two-time and current WMX champion Kylie Fasnacht.

The WMX series fit perfectly into the Arenacross schedule with practice rounds held on Saturday, and the qualifiers and main event on Sunday.

Factory KTM’s Mackenzie Tricker was first to strike by winning the first heat race. Tricker was followed by Brandy Richards, Jaymie Hajewski, and Lauren Woods. Tricker was a last-minute entry as her scheduled GNCC event was rescheduled to a later date due to extreme weather conditions.

Mackenzie Tricker

“This weekend was very last minute. I haven’t been riding much motocross and absolutely no Arenacross since Vegas last year. After the GNCC was postponed I quickly put together everything with KTM to come and race.”

In heat two, Shelby Rolen took the holeshot and led the first couple laps with Fasnacht in tow. It was obvious both riders had previous Arenacross experience – or it at least it looked like it as they proceeded to cut inside each other, banging bars and putting on a great show for the crowd. Fasnacht took the heat race win, followed by Rolen, Amanda Brown and Marissa Polencheck.

The stage was now set for the main event with 16 women representing 11 different states and Canada. It was a 10-lap main event with Fasnacht grabbing the MyLucasOil.com holeshot followed by Rolen, Woods and Richards.

By the end of lap two, Richards worked her way up to second and Tricker, who was buried back in the pack off the start, quickly caught up to third followed by Rolen. While Fasnacht set the pace out front, Richards and Tricker started trading second and third place positions.

Tricker eventually got by Richards and made it stick, setting her sights on Fasnacht, but the current WMX champion was too far in front to reel in and took the overall win. Tricker finished second, Richards third and Rolen put in a solid, consistent ride, finishing fourth.

Carrie Killebrew finished fifth followed by Lauren Woods and Jamie Astudillo, who took a serious header in the whoops during her heat race and soldiered through a wrist and hand injury to earn valuable series points.

The pace was fast and the ladies quickly adapted to the tight confines of the Arenacross style racing.

Kylie Fasnacht

“It was awesome to switch it up for the weekend and get to race an Arenacross event. Going to an Arenacross format was a change, but I loved it and I hope we get a chance to do it again.”

Mackenzie Tricker

“Overall, I’m pretty happy with my results. I won my heat and took second in the main. I got off to a bad start but made it to second place, and then I actually got passed and was in third for a few laps, but then made it back to second. All in all it was fun to race and I had an okay weekend.”

Richards, splits her time between racing WMX, WORCS and the Big 6 series.

Brandy Richards

“My main even went pretty well, I was fourth off the start and made my way up to second, but I was struggling a little bit in the whoops and fell back to third. Overall it was a pretty good race and fun to do.”

Kylie Fasnacht now has a solid lead in the WMX points standings, followed by Astudillo and Canada’s Eve Brodeur. Round five of the WMX series will be held in conjunction with the first round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Series at the annual Hangtown Classic opener in Rancho Cordova, California, on Friday, May 19.

Event Results

1. Kylie Fasnacht (KAW)
2. Mackenzie Tricker (KTM)
3. Brandy Richards (YAM)
4. Shelby Rolen (KAW)
5. Eve Brodeur (KTM)
6. Carrie Killebrew (HSQ)
7. Lauren Woods (YAM)
8. Jamie Astudillo (KTM)
9. Amanda Brown (HON)
10. Jaymie Hajewski (SUZ)

Series Points Standings

1. Kylie Fasnacht (183)
2. Jamie Astudillo (135)
3. Eve Broduer (135)
4. Amanda Brown (109)
5. Shelby Rolen (106)
6. Brandy Richards (100)
7. Hannah Hodges (94)
8. Lauren Woods (82)
9. Mikayla Inman (81)
10. Mackenzie Tricker (79)