Moto News Wrap | Roof of Africa | SuperEnduro | Beach Racing

Moto News Weekly for December 10, 2019

Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax

What happened this week

• Wade Young takes his fifth Roof of Africa victory
• Nathan Watson wins Saint Leger de Balson beach race
• Billy Bolt claims 2020 SuperEnduro opener in Krakow
• 2020 NZ Woodville MX Grand Prix invites Aussies
• Luke Clout to compete US West Coast SX with Penrite Honda
• Hayden Mellross to CDR Yamaha
• Harley-Davidson 2020 AFT line-up strengthened
• AMA Extreme Off-Road series expands in 2020
• Jack Holder wins NSW Solo Speedway from brother Chris
• 2020 Australian Speedway kicks off Jan 4 at Kurri Kurri
• 2020 AORC Rounds 9 & 10 confirmed for Omeo, Victoria
• New Junior classes confirmed for 2020 AORC
• Caleb Grothues to Europe
• Marvin Musquin injured – Out for 2020 AMA SX season
• First ever FIM Flat Track World Championship announced for 2020
• 2020 GasGas Factory Junior MX2 riders announced
• JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki announce full 2020 AMA MX/SX line-up
• MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 riders announced
• 2020 Grassroots Enduro Australia Series
• 2020 Championship Calendars
  • 2020 AMA Motocross
  • 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross
  • 2020 MXGP
  • 2020 American Flat Track
  • 2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway
  • 2020 FIM Speedway GP Championship
  • 2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship
  • 2020 Australian Track Championship
  • 2020 Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC)
  • 2020 FIM SuperEnduro Championship

Wade Young takes his fifth Roof of Africa victory

Wade Young has capped off his 2019 season with a stand-out performance to take victory at the Motul Roof of Africa, taking his Roof of Africa tally to a total of five, with the latest victory marking his third-straight Roof win.

Held in the Kingdom of Lesotho, the 2019 Motul Roof of Africa was a three-day event with an Enduro X time trial kicking off the proceedings. Young was the clear winner and continued to lead the pack on day two, with riders covering 180km of demanding trail.

Competition was hot with former Roof of Africa winners Graham Jarvis and Chris Birch amongst the protagonists, but it was South Africans Scott Bouverie and Kyle Flanagan that consistently pushed the hardest for the minor placings.

Young backed off the pace on the third and final day of racing with a comfortable margin that handed him his fifth Roof of Africa win in a total time of 13:16:08, a clear 20-minutes ahead of Bouverie. Flanagan was a further minute behind with Jarvis just two seconds further back in fourth after posting the fastest time of the day.

The Roof of Africa has been labelled the Mother of Hard Enduro and the 2019 Motul Roof of Africa did not disappoint with various terrain that challenged the field. Young proved yet again, the prowess of the Sherco 300 SE Factory edition as he powered to yet another victory for the Sherco Factory Team.

2019 Motul Roof of Africa Results (Gold – Top 10)

Nathan Watson wins Saint Leger de Balson beach race

Nathan Watson delivered a masterclass of riding at round four of the French Beach Racing series or CFS: Championnat de France des Sables to claim victory at Saint Leger de Balson. Confidently securing his second win of the series, Watson further extended his championship lead, now 75-points up on Todd Kellett. Putting in an impressive ride, teammate Camille Chapeliere joined him on the podium for the first time in 2019 with third, while Todd Kellett was second.

After last month’s cancellation of round three at Magesq, competitors returned to action for round four at Saint Leger de Balson – inland, south of Bordeaux. Eager to build on his championship lead, Nathan Watson was determined to add to his win tally.

With continuous rain falling throughout the day, Watson knew that a strong start would be key to ensuring success. Claiming one of his best starts of the 2019/20 series, the KTM mounted rider did exactly that by ending lap one inside the top five. Quickly picking off riders one-by-one, he powered his way into the lead on lap four, setting a pace that few could match.

After 10 laps he stretched his advantage out to one-minute and 20 seconds over teammate Chapeliere. Feeling comfortable in the worsening conditions he held his pace for the remaining six laps of the two-hour and 30-minute race. In doing so he secured a confidence-boosting victory heading into round five next weekend in Hossegor-Capbreton.

Nathan Watson

“Conditions were difficult today. We woke up to rain and it seemed to keep falling the whole day. By the time our race rolled around the track was pretty beaten up and I knew getting a good start and getting to the front as early as possible would be key. Thankfully I had one of my better starts of the year and with some decent passes I was able to get by Camille for the lead on around lap four. I just put my head down after that and opened up an advantage. When I got it to about one-minute and 30 seconds I was able to control things to the finish. We’re back in action next weekend where hopefully I can continue this win streak heading into the Christmas break.”

Championnat de France des Sables – Saint Leger de Balson Result

CFS: Championnat de France des Sables Standings

Billy Bolt claims 2020 SuperEnduro opener in Krakow

The opening round of the 2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship in Poland was a memorable one for Billy Bolt charging to victory, with Taddy Blazusiak second, and Alfredo Gomez claiming the final spot on the podium for third overall.

Bolt made a triumphant return to SuperEnduro racing having missed the entire 2019 season due to injury, mastering the unpredictable and technically demanding Tauron Arena course. The Husqvarna TE 350 mounted rider delivered the strongest performance of the night. Securing two race wins from three starts, he also took a commanding victory in the SuperPole qualification lap.

Positioning himself at the sharp end of the field early in race one, he went back and forth multiple times with home favourite Taddy Blazusiak for the win. Eventually breaking clear with four laps to go, he claimed the opening victory of the night.

Blocked in traffic due to the start positions being reversed for race two, he managed to work his way up to second by lap six of 11. Drawing level with race leader Blazusiak he attempted an overtake but got hung up on the slippery rocks and had to settle for an eventual second.

Knowing the outcome of the night hung on the balance of race three, he wasted little time in hitting the front by taking control of the race lead from Blazusiak on lap two. In what would become the fastest race of the night, Bolt put in a masterclass of riding to lap up to third position on his way to a 21-second margin of victory.

Bolt left Tauron Arena with a dominant 1-2-1 for the championship lead into January’s round two. Taddy Blazusiak ended the night with a 2-1-2 result for second overall, while Alfredo Gomez was consistent in third in each race to claim the same position overall.

Billy Bolt – P1

“I’m over the moon to come away from round one with such a good performance and the championship lead. With two race wins and the SuperPole it’s been a fantastic night. I knew coming here I wouldn’t be the favourite in Taddy’s home stadium but I just focused on what I could do. The track itself was so tricky, the dirt was unpredictable and a lot of the obstacles slippery, especially the rocks. Fastest in SuperPole was a great confidence boost. It was a big battle with Taddy in race one – we changed the lead a lot but it worked out in my favour. For the final race things just clicked right. I found the groove I wanted and the laps times came to me. Twelve months ago I was sitting in a hospital bed watching this race happen without me, now I’ve won it and go to Germany with the points lead – I can’t ask for better than that!”

Taddy Blazusiak – P2

“Of course I’d love to have won but finishing second overall with a race win is a very strong start to the championship. The track tonight was really demanding and very tough to get right. Putting a clean run of laps together was nearly impossible. All night my pace was fast and I was able to fight for the race lead. In race one I led a bunch of times, but just wasn’t able to make it stick. In race two I got out front early and that helped massively. I could pick the lines I wanted to use and was able to pull away enough to be comfortable. The final race was good but I crossed that fine line too many times and lost touch with Billy. I’ll take second tonight and aim to get more wins on the board next time in Germany.”

Alfredo Gomez – P3

“Coming here my goal was to finish on the podium, so I’m happy with that but would have liked to have been closer to the leaders. I feel like it wasn’t quite the best of races for me. It was a difficult track to get right. In training I crashed and that knocked my confidence somewhat. But racing is always different and I did my best to fight forward. Races one and two were good, but coming off the start line in race three I got a kick from another rider and lost a lot of places as a result. To recover to third after that was a good job. Leaving here third in points is a great start to the championship and I think as we work to develop the bike we can improve some more.”

The FIM SuperEnduro World Championship continues with the second stop of the five-round series in Germany on January 4, 2020. For the full calendar see the 2020 calendars below.

2020 SuperEnduro Round 1 – Overall Classification / Standings

2020 NZ Woodville MX Grand Prix invites Aussies

Manawatu Orion are hosting the FIM Oceania Challenge at the New Zealand MX Grand Prix on January 25-26, 2020, with Australians invited to the Land of the Long White Cloud to take part. On offer is funding towards travel for Junior riders, free entry to the event and prime pitting space for all riders.

The Event will include the 2020 FIM Oceania Challenge, as part of the New Zealand MX Grand Prix.

Those interested can check out the details at www.woodvillemx.com or by contacting [email protected] to make an enquiry.

Luke Clout to compete US West Coast SX with Penrite Honda

As this week’s installment of Moto News Weekly goes live, Luke Clout is cruising at 40,000 feet heading to the USA, where he’ll be competing with the Penrite Honda Racing Team in the West Coast Supercross Championship on the new Honda CRF250R.

Clout recently signed with Penrite Honda Racing for the 2020 season after a strong 2019 season where he claimed second in the MX1 and SX1 championships, with 2020 shaping up to be bigger than ever, as the rider returns to compete in the US and rides under Yarrive Konsky’s management.

Luke Clout

“Yarrive and I have worked together twice before. The first time was when I returned from the US as an under 19 amateur rider and the second time was when I returned from the US after competing in the SX2 class in 2016 and filled in for the injured Jimmy Decotis. I know how well his team is run and I am excited to return to Honda.”

Penrite Honda Racing will contest the West Coast Supercross series in America with both former SX2 Champion Luke Clout and American Mitchell Oldenburg, with both riders sharing their excitement at the prospect.

Luke Clout

“I am excited to get back to America and race the best Supercross riders in the world. I feel I am a better rider than I was when I raced there three years ago. I have learnt a lot and I owe that to riders like Justin Brayton, Chad Reed, Jason Anderson and Brett Metcalfe. These guys have achieved so much overseas and they have elevated all of us by competing in the Australian Championships.”

Following competing the West Coast Supercross in America with #104, Clout will then return to take on the Australian MX1 Championship.

Mitchell Oldenburg was likewise excited to compete with the team in his home country, after a successful debut with Penrite Honda in Australia this year.

Mitchell Oldenburg

“[Penrite Honda Racing] are a great team and have had great success in Australia since 2003 so it’s awesome they are heading over to the States to take on West Coast and that I get to be part of it. Consistency is integral and I feel we have great bikes, a great team of people and some excellent partners. The biggest thing for me is the bike; I feel we can do well on it. My dad had me on Honda’s most of my amateur career and I had a lot of success. I know they build great bikes and the 2020 250 is awesome. I got great starts in Australia and I hope to continue that heading into West Coast.”

Hayden Mellross to CDR Yamaha for 2020

Hayden Mellross will be the fresh face under the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team awning for the 2020 season, as he joins Kirk Gibbs, in a fast and furious two pronged attack aboard the YZ450F contesting the MX Nationals and Australian Supercross Championships.

Mellross comes on board with a multi-year arrangement with the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team and will contest the MX Nationals and the Australian Supercross Championship for the 2020 and 2021 seasons on board the Yamaha YZ450F.

The 25 year old, from Young in New South Wales, returned full time to Australia in 2019 and instantly showed he was a legitimate championship contender. He spent several years racing both in the US and in Australia but there was no doubt his US experience had him positioned well when lining up against the best domestic riders in the MX Nationals.

During 2019, he consistently podiumed in the MX nationals and even lead the MX1 division at certain stages before a knee injury saw his season come to a grinding halt at round eight in Moree. He nursed himself though the final two rounds to finish third in the championship before checking himself into Hospital to have surgery done on his knee.

With his rehab nearly over, Mellross is expected to be back on the bike shortly and open a new chapter in his racing life with the powerful and championship winning CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team.

“Every kid that grows up racing dirt bikes in Australia has a dream to ride for the CDR Yamaha team so its exciting to me to be part of this team now,” Mellross beams. “They have won an incredible amount of championships in their history and are undoubtedly the benchmark for professional racing in Australia, so it’s with pride I can say that I’m a CDR Yamaha team rider.

“I am also excited to be back on Yamaha, as it’s a brand I spent plenty of time on in the US and one that I have had plenty of success on in the past. I have heard nothing but awesome things about the 2020 YZ450F, so I’m looking forward to getting some seat time on the bike and some laps under my belt.

“The first MX National round is in March, but I have a program mapped out over the off season to get myself back in shape, riding well and ready to go for when the Nationals come around. Together with the team at CDR, I’m sure that we will have everything ready to go and chase every championship in 2020 with all we have,” he signs off.

Kirk Gibbs returns to the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team for 2020 and will continue with his motocross only racing. Gibbs has carved out a unique racing program in recent years that sees him compete in both the New Zealand and Australian Motocross Championships that keeps him busy from January to August each year.

Gibbs finished second in the NZ MX Nationals and fourth in the 2019 Australian MX Nationals despite missing a round due to injury. But now back to full heath and ready to go, Gibbs wants to get back the championship he won in 2015 and with a year of experience clocked up working with the YZ450F and the CDR Yamaha team, Gibbs is confident that he can produce his best season to date.

“For 2019 we put together a deal that allowed me to race both in New Zealand and Australia with Yamaha and I thinks it’s a great way to go for me as I don’t do supercross,” Gibbs explains. “New Zealand provides the perfect preparation for the MX Nationals and with the CDR and JCR teams working so closely, it’s a seamless transition between each country.

“We know have a great base to build from after the 2019 season and heath wise I’m in the best condition I have been in some time. New Zealand gets underway in late January, so I have already ramped up my training for that and then its straight into the MX Nationals in March so it’s a busy start of the year for me but one that I enjoy.

“I’m excited to be back with the CDR Yamaha team again in 2020 and look forward to working with Craig and the team again and hopefully this time, we can have a good crack at the championship next year.”

The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team will be out to regain the prestigious MX Nationals crown and keeping a decade long dominance of the championship that includes success in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“I feel we have two strong, dedicated and determined riders for the 2020 season and both are in the prime of their careers,” says team owner, Craig Dack. “Kirk has been a championship contender for a long time now but continues to find ways to stay at the front of the pack. Had it not been for an injury midway through 2019, Kirk was right in that MX Nationals championship.

“With Hayden we have a talented, yet very experienced racer who has competed internationally but just now is entering the best years of his career. With some CDR guidance and on the 2020 Yamaha YZ450F, we believe we can take Hayden’s racing to another level in 2020 and look forward to seeing just how good he can become.”

The MX Nationals gets underway on March 22 at Appin in Sydney. The 2020 calendar sees ten rounds across seven weekends, highlighted by double header weekends at Horsham, Maitland and Coolum.

Kyle Webster with Penrite Honda

Penrite Honda Racing has announces Kyle Webster as their 250cc rider for the 2020 season. The 2019 runner-up will join the factory team following three years with Honda’s satellite team, Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing.

“Firstly I want to thank Mark Luksich, he has been the sole reason I was able to continue my racing.  He believed in me and I am grateful for his support,” said Webster.

Webster won three overall rounds this year in the MX Nationals series and aims to improve on that ahead of the 2020 season.

“This year was great; winning three rounds was a highlight, especially coming back from a broken back in 2018.  The Honda 250 is a serious weapon and I am looking forward to racing with the Factory Honda Team,” said Webster.

Penrite Honda Racing had great success in the SX2 this year with Chris Blose and Mitchell Oldenburg, with Blose winning the Australian and Oceania Supercross Championships and Oldenburg finished 3 rd and 2 nd respectively.  The results in SX2 this year lifted the teams 250 Championship tally to six since 2012 and they hope to add to it with Webster on-board.

“I know how strong the team is in Supercross and they have won in Motocross as well.  I have already tested with the team and am confident we can be competitive,” Webster concluded.

Company director Yarrive Konsky believes Webster has untapped potential and hopes to see the true measure of his abilities next year.

“Kyle has proven he can win, he rode well at the Des Nations this year, and Mark Luksich has done a tremendous job.  We will work closely with Kyle to be a fierce contender for a championship.” Konsky said.

Harley-Davidson 2020 AFT line-up strengthened

As the Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track team readies itself for another season of competition, three major additions have been announced for its talent pool for 2020.

Reigning AFT Singles champion Dalton Gauthier will join veteran Jarod Vanderkooi as the newly-strengthened Factory effort. Additionally, the powerhouse team of Ricky Howerton and former AFT Twins champion Bryan Smith will also be backed by Harley-Davidson and Vance & Hines in 2020.

Flat track fans are familiar with the championship-winning duo of Howerton/Smith. This battle-tested team aims to use its developmental prowess to bring the orange and black to the front in 2020. Howerton – backed by the unparalleled expertise of Vance & Hines Motorsports – will be charged with the tuning, set-up and technical refinement of the XG750R.

Despite his hiatus from the sport in 2018, Gauthier quickly became the man to beat in the 2019 AFT Singles championship hunt. The athlete further displayed his versatility (and a natural finesse on a Harley-Davidson) as he joined the Black Hills Harley-Davidson AFT Production Twins effort and later lead it to victory at the legendary Springfield Mile in August.

Michael Lock – CEO of American Flat Track

“2020 is shaping up to be a banner year for our sport, Harley-Davidson’s and Vance & Hines’s boosted commitment to the series and their support for both the inaugural AFT SuperTwins season promises to ratchet up excitement over the coming months.”

American Flat Track will kick off the 2020 season with the first-ever Daytona 200 and Daytona TT Doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway. It all kicks off at the peak of Daytona Bike Week on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Check out the full season calendar below, in the 2020 championship calendar section.

AMA Extreme Off-Road series expands in 2020

The American Motorcyclist Association has announced more ways to earn a spot into the AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship in 2020, with an additional 26 spots now open, as well as more qualifying events via the Extreme Off-Road East & West qualifier series. Everything then culminates with the Grand Championship at the Tennessee Knockout on Aug. 14-16 at the Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, Tenn.

Erek Kudla – AMA Off-Road Racing Manager

“With this new format, more riders can qualify directly to the Saturday afternoon and Sunday races, instead of having to race their way in on Saturday morning. The nine qualifying events bring extreme off-road competition to regions across the nation, and we welcome back several events to the qualifier schedule that did a great job serving as AMA State Championships in 2019.”

Riders can secure starting spots in the Saturday afternoon TKO 2 race based on their participation at any of the qualifying events. The top 10 finishers in each event move directly to the TKO 2 competition.

Additionally, the top three riders from each qualifying series – who are not on the “invited riders” list – skip Saturday’s TKO 1 and TKO 2 competitions and compete against the world’s best extreme off-road riders in the Sunday pro races.

Eric Peronnard – Event Organiser

“When we started the Tennessee Knockout event in 2011, there were just a few extreme off-road racing events taking place. Now, as we prepare for the tenth edition of the TKO, it’s great to see the popularity of these types of events growing. We are proud to be the host event for the AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship.”

2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East/West Calendar

• 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road East Series
  • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
  • May 16-17: Madd Moose, Marquette, Mich.
  • July 4-5: Tough Like RORR, Tamaqua, Pa.
  • July 18-19: Fallen Timbers, Little Hocking, Ohio
  • Aug. 1-2: Battle of the Goats, Taylorsville, N.C.
• 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road West Series
  • Feb. 8: King of the Motos, Lucerne Valley, Calif.
  • March 28-29: RevLimiter Extreme Enduro, Decatur, Texas
  • May 2-3: EnduroFest, Reno, Nev.
  • June 6-7: Last Dog Standing, Devore, Calif.
  • June 20-21: Stix and Stones, Kellogg, Idaho
• 2020 AMA Extreme Off-Road Grand Championship
  • Aug. 14-16: Trials Training Center, Sequatchie, Tenn.

Jack Holder wins NSW Solo Speedway from brother Chris

Jack Holder has defended the NSW Solo Speedway championship from brother Chris Holder over the weekend, with the brothers leading home Josh Pickering, and Zack Cook in fourth.

The event had seen Chris Holder crash in practice, but back on track for the main event, while Ben Cook was forced to retire with engine troubles.

The next stop for riders will no doubt be the 2020 Australian Speedway championship kicking off January 4 also in Kurri Kurri.

2019 NSW 500 Speedway Champion

1. Jack Holder
2. Chris Holder
3. Josh Pickering
4. Zack Cook

2020 Australian Speedway kicks off Jan 4 at Kurri Kurri

The field for the 2020 Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship kicking off in Kurri Kurri NSW in just over three-weeks has been announced, with a star studded 16-man field of former world and Australian champions is set to kickstart the championship.

The top 16 riders are Max Fricke, Rohan Tungate, Chris Holder, Sam Masters, Jack Holder, Ryan Douglas, Rob Medson, Justin Sedgmen, Brady Kurtz, Jaimon Lidsey, Jordon Stewart, Zane Keleher, Zac Cook, Jye Etheridge, Josh Pickering, and Jack Morrison, with championship reserve riders Brayden McGuinness, Ben Cook and Matthew Gilmore.

With no brakes, gears or fear, the Australian Senior Solo Speedway Championship roars alive at Loxford Park Speedway, Kurri Kurri on January 4, 2020.

2020 AORC Rounds 9 & 10 confirmed for Omeo, Vic

The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) returns to Omeo in Victoria for the second last meeting of the 2020 championship, held September 19 and 20 and comprising Rounds 9 and 10.

With new excitement around our world championship team, the AORC kick starts the 2020 season off in Queensland before heading to NSW, SA, and then Omeo in Victoria for the second last round.

Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager, Matthew Falvo said the 2020 Yamaha AORC was shaping up to be the best year yet.

Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager

“We are very excited for the 2020 Yamaha AORC to be returning to Omeo, having held very successful events there in 2017 and 2018. We have a very positive working relationship with East Gippsland Shire Council who are partnering with us to deliver a sensational racing event next year.”

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr John White, said the return of the event to Omeo in 2020 would provide a great boost for the region.

John White – East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor

“Events such as these are vitally important to East Gippsland as they directly and indirectly provide economic benefits, along with continuing to promote East Gippsland as a place to visit, live, work and invest. Council is pleased to again support the championships in Omeo and will be contributing $6,000 towards the event. I am sure it be another success and will be well supported by locals turning out to see some of the sport’s best in action. Omeo is fast becoming an adventure tourism hive and I trust all competitors, crews and spectators will enjoy the event and take the time to enjoy our region, its attractions and support our small businesses.”

AORC will continue to reveal the remainder of the year’s locations for the twelve round 2020 championship once relevant planning approvals have been met. The 2020 Championship will continue to use a double-header format, which will see six weekends make up twelve rounds of the AORC for 2020.

2020 AORC Calendar

• Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD 22 – 23 February 2020
• Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW 14 – 15 March 2020
• Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW 18 – 19 April 2020
• Round 7 & 8: SA 1 – 2 August 2020
• Round 9 & 10: Omeo, VIC 19 – 20 September 2020
• Round 11 & 12: TBC 17 –18 October 2020

New Junior classes confirmed for 2020 AORC

Motorcycling Australia have announced two new junior classes will join the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) in 2020, with the Junior Girls 85cc to 200cc 2-stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke bikes for those aged 12-15-years-old to be run at all rounds.

A National Cup Class – Junior 65cc Cup – for those aged 9-12-years-old will also be run at Rounds 1 & 2, 5 & 6, 7 & 8 and 11 & 12.

Matthew Falvo – Motorcycling Australia Off-Road Events Manager

“The new Yamaha AORC junior and girl classes ensure we can provide junior races with a clear pathway to follow in their chosen passion of off-road racing. Off-road juniors and female riders are growing [categories] and they want to compete on a national level and these new classes provide that opportunity. These new classes are designed to support and actively engage our young riders and help them develop. Competing on the same stage as our world champion ISDE team is sure to not only inspire our young riders but also helps them pick up tips and tricks from our Australian professional riders.”

The 2020 Yamaha AORC Junior Classes will include:

• Junior 65: 9-12 years 65cc
• JG: 12-15 years 85cc to 200cc 2-stroke and 150cc to 250cc 4-stroke
• J2: 12-15 years 85cc 2-Stroke and up to 150cc 4-Stroke
• J3: 13-14 years 125cc to 200cc 2-Stroke and 200cc to 250cc 4-Stroke
• J4: 15 years 125cc to 200cc 2-Stroke and 200cc to 250cc 4-Stroke

Senior and support classes will be confirmed next week. See the updated calendar above.

Caleb Grothues to Europe

Caleb Grothues has announced on Instagram that he’ll be racing with Suzuki with the RT973 Team in 2020, in the EMX250, International Italian and Italian championships. Here’s what he had to say:

Caleb Grothues

“I’m happy to announce I will be onboard a Suzuki for the 2020 season for team RT973. I will be racing the EMX250 and both international Italian and Italian championships. I want to thank all the people who are supporting me and behind me for the 2020 season. Grazie mille!”

Marvin Musquin injured – Out for 2020 AMA SX season

Marvin Musquin has shared on social media that an injury suffered while training at the KTM test track, to his knee, will require surgery, sidelining him for the up-coming 2020 AMA SX season.

In October Musquin was announced as one of the two Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders for the 2020 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships, alongside Cooper Webb.

Musquin signed a two-year agreement to compete through the 2021 season, after previously sustaining a knee injury at the final round of the 2019 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, with the Anaheim SX season opener in January to be his big return to full fitness and racing.

Marvin Musquin – Instagram

“Not the kind of news I’m excited to share with you guys… I was really happy to be back on the bike riding after being injured at the end of the Motocross season and starting to train for Supercross. Unfortunately, I had an incident at the KTM test track and ultimately over-jumped a jump that had a very big impact on my legs when I landed, injuring my left knee. I had it evaluated by several doctors and it was determined that my knee required surgery. It’s devastating news to me as I was really looking forward to racing Supercross, but I will take the time needed to recover properly with my main focus being to return when I am strong enough to win races. A big thanks to my team KTM USA for supporting me in this tough time. I feel terribly sorry for them and all my sponsors for not being able to represent them on the track for the 2020 AMA SX season. But we will be back.”

First ever Flat Track World Championship announced for 2020

The FIM and the Track Racing Commission have announced the launch of the first-ever FIM Flat Track World Championship in 2020. A lot of work has been done in the previous years for this discipline, starting with the Flat Track Trophy in 2011, which then became a World Cup in 2012. Flat Track is a discipline deserving of world championship status, with the FIM aiming to create a prestigious event in a short time.

2020 FIM Flat Track World Championship Calendar

• Round 1 – June 13: Diedenbergen DE
• Round 2 – July 26: Boves-Cuneo IT
• Round 3 – September 5: Morizès FR
• Round 4 – October 3: Pardubice CZ

2020 GasGas Factory Junior MX2 riders announced

GasGas has expanded their presence in the FIM Motocross World Championship to the MX2 class with the Diga Procross GasGas Factory Juniors squad set to field Simon Längenfelder and Jeremy Sydow in 2020.

The German crew will make the step to the MX2 category with 250cc machinery and with two of Germany’s brightest prospects contemplating their first campaign at world championship level.

19 year old Sydow finished sixth in the 2019 EMX250 European Championship and grabbed his first podium finish at the Grand Prix of Latvia. The youngster suffered an injury at the beginning of the season but immediately grabbed attention with his race-leading speed at Kegums. He made his MX2 debut at the Grand Prix of Italy last summer and impressed with a top ten classification in the second sprint at Imola.

Jeremy Sydow

“I’m really happy and thankful to have the opportunity to ride as a GasGas supported rider next season. It will be my second year with the team and I appreciate the trust the guys have in me and I will give everything to be as fast as possible! I’m looking forward to the season already.”

15 year old Längenfelder was third in EMX125 with seven top-three appearances from the fourteen motos, including overall podium results in Italy, Germany and Sweden and victory in Belgium. He also shone in selection for Team Germany at the recent Motocross of Nations in Holland and was fourth in the FIM Junior World Championship. Längenfelder will push straight into MX2 for 2020.

Simon Längenfelder

“It’s great to be riding a GasGas bike next year, it’s something different but we know we will have the right equipment for our first MX2 season. I have a lot to learn but I’m looking forward to the challenge and I’m really looking forward to some good winter preparation with the team.”

Justin Amian – Team Principal

“It was always a dream that DIGA-Procross would receive support from a factory one day but I never expected to get the chance this fast. I’m really happy and thankful to start a new era and represent GasGas in the MXGP Paddock as the official MX2 Team. We have a good structure and I feel really optimistic with my crew. All preparations for the upcoming season are running well and with good intensity and we will continue to grow our set-up step-by-step. Our two riders, Simon and Jeremy, are young guns. We see a lot of potential in both athletes and our goal is to improve through the year.”

JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki announce full AMA MX/SX line-up

JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing have announced the remaining riders for their 2020 American Supercross and Motocross line-up.

Kicking off the year with the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series, Fredrik Noren will gear up to contest the premier class on his Suzuki RM-Z450 alongside teammate Joey Savatgy.

‘Fast Freddie’ made his Suzuki debut as a fill-in rider on the JGR-tuned Suzuki RM-Z450 during the Southwick National for round six of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. The Swedish native proved to be a top contender as he finished in the top-10 on his Suzuki and will continue to display that talent during the Supercross series 450 rounds.

Jimmy Decotis returns to the team and will contest the East Coast rounds while Alex Martin takes on the West Coast. Both Decotis and Martin will compete on their Suzuki RM-Z250’s, but line-up in select 450 events as well.

Decotis scored his first-ever podium with the JGR Suzuki squad in 2018, then reached the podium at both San Diego and Seattle last season. ‘The Rippa’ will represent the team for the 250 East series and transition to his RM-Z450 at select rounds. Decotis is more than ready to keep his upward trajectory and get the first win under his belt.

Alex Martin will be at Anaheim round one on his Suzuki RM-Z250 when the 250 West series kicks off but will also debut on the RM-Z450 at select rounds. ‘A-Mart’ is eager to build upon his strong results from previous races and show versatility and determination on both model RM-Z’s.

Due to a pre-season crash at the Australian Supercross, Savatgy begins the AMA season on the injured list with a foot injury. The Suzuki 17 number plate holder is looking for a speedy recovery and planning to be back on the track during the 2020 SX season.

2020 MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 riders announced

Yamaha Motor Europe have announced that MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team will field a new, young and exciting three-rider line-up for the 2020 EMX125 Championship. The team has recruited Kay Karssemakers and Ivano Van Erp, two former Junior Motocross World Champions, who will be joined by the recently announced winner of the 2019 YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup, Mairus Pumpurs.

15-year-old Dutch prodigy Kay Karssemakers was the 65cc Junior Motocross World Champion in 2015, he then went on to claim two bronze medals at the 2017 and 2018 editions of the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship on a 85cc. In 2019 he stepped up to the 125cc and made his EMX125 debut with three top-10 race finishes during the latter stages of the championship.

As the 2017 65cc Junior Motocross World Champion, 14-year-old Dutchman Ivano van Erp looks forward to stepping up to the hotly contested EMX125 series with the support of Yamaha’s Official EMX125 team.

16-year-old Latvian Mairus Pumpurs won his place on the team after showcasing his potential on various occasions in the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup program, which included an emphatic victory at the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale.

All three riders will line-up in 2020 on GYTR kitted YZ125 machinery. They will race the full EMX125 championship, an eight-round series that coincides with the prestigious FIM MXGP World Championship rounds in the UK, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Finland and Italy.

Beta Factory Enduro Team announced for 2020

In preparation for season 2020, Beta have announced the Factory Enduro Team line-up, that will include three riders. Five-time world champion, Steve Holcombe has reconfirmed and in 2020, he will face a new challenge competing in the E2 class.

After the amazing past season, where he won the E1 and the EGP, Brad Freeman will move from the Beta Boano Team to the Beta Factory Team. The English rider will switch category and will compete in the E3 category.

Benjamin Herrera will start a completely new adventure, namely Hard Enduro, competing in the biggest international races, both indoor and outdoor. This decision underlines Beta’s commitment to this discipline. 2020 will mark the first time the Factory Team will participate in hard enduro competitions.

The new team will have its debut during the first round of Assoluti d’Italia on March 1st, continuing in April, then on to the World Championship rounds.

Daniel McCanney signs with Honda Racing RedMoto

Daniel McCanney will officially join the Honda Racing RedMoto World Enduro Team for the 2020 season, marking his tenth year competing the Enduro World Championship, after finishing as runner-up in the E3 class in 2019, as well as third overall in EnduroGP.

He also took the title in the SuperEnduro Junior World Championship in 2013 and the Junior World Championship in 2014, finished third in the E1 class of the Enduro World Championship in 2016, second in E2 in 2017 and third in E3 in 2018.

McCanney will race in E2 class in the 2020 EnduroGP World Championship as well as in the Italian Championship with the Honda-RedMoto CRF 450RX Enduro. This marks McCanney’s official debut in E2 class, joining Thomas Oldrati.

Danny McCanney

“I’m happy and excited to be part of Honda Racing RedMoto World Enduro Team. I want to thank Matteo Boffelli and all the staff of Honda-RedMoto for this opportunity: I will do my best to repay their trust. I can’t wait to start working with the new bike and the whole team.”

2020 Grassroots Enduro Australia Series announced

The inaugural 2020 Grassroots Enduro Australia Series is shaping up to be huge, with plenty of rider interest, and now touted as the fastest-growing off-road series in the country, attracting riders from a wide range of ability and age groups.

The 2020 championship will offer riders a chance to challenge themselves and their mates, with six races and three classes to compete in, being Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Ride categories will include Senior Male and Senior female for those over 16-years-of-age, as well as a Juniors category for those aged 12-15.

In a proactive step to fostering new talent, Grassroots Enduro Australia has also announced a three-rider team under their ‘Next Level’ program. These riders will be mentored by Australian off-road racing royalty, Ben Grabham from Grabbo’s Trail & Track and hard enduro specialist and rider coach Tim Coleman.

The rider announcement was made over the weekend with Sam Rogers and Hudson Atkins set to ride a pair of Sherco 300 SE Factory models, and Jake Ryan racing a Sherco 125 SE-R. Ryan is the youngest of the three at 15 years, while Rogers is 21 and Atkins 23.

2020 Grassroots Enduro Australia Series calendar

• March 14-15 – Tenterfield, NSW
• April 18-19 – Corryong, Victoria
• June 27-28 – Poatina, Tasmania
• August 22-23 – Goolgowie, NSW
• September 12-13 – Mount Perry, QLD
• November – TBA

2020 Championship Calendars

2020 AMA Motocross race schedule

• May 17 – Hangtown Motocross Classic – Rancho Cordova, CA
• May 24 – Fox Raceway National – Pala, CA
• May 31 – Thunder Valley National – Lakewood, CO
• June 7 – Florida National – Jacksonville, FL
• June 21 – High Point National – Mt. Morris, PA
• June 28 – Southwick National – Southwick, MA
• July 5 – RedBud National – Buchanan, MI
• July 19 – Spring Creek National – Millville, MN
• July 26 – Washougal National – Washougal, WA
• August 16 – Unadilla National – New Berlin, NY
• August 23 – Budds Creek National – Mechanicsville, MD
• August 30 – Ironman National – Crawfordsville, IN

2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Calendar

• Jan. 4 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
• Jan. 11 – The Dome at America’s Center, St. Louis, Mo.
• Jan. 18 – Angels Stadium of Anaheim, Anaheim, Calif.
• Jan. 25 – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
• Feb. 1 – Ringcentral Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
• Feb. 8 – Petco Park, San Diego, Calif.
• Feb. 15 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Fla.
• Feb. 22 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
• Feb. 29 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Ga.
• March 7 – Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, Fla.
• March 14 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianpolis, Ind.
• March 21 – Ford Field, Detroit, Mich.
• March 28 – Centurylink Field, Seattle, Wash.
• April 4 – Broncos Stadium at Mile High, Denver, Co.
• April 18 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
• April 25 – Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, Nev.
• May 2 – Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah

2020 MXGP Calendar

• March 1 – Great Britain, Matterley Basin (EMX125, WMX)
• March 8 – The Netherlands, Valkenswaard – (EMX250, WMX)
• March 22 – Patagonia, Argentina, Neuquen
• April 5 – Trentino I, Pietramurata – (EMX250, EMX 2t)
• April 19 – Spain, (TBA) – (EMX125, WMX)
• April 26 – Portugal, Agueda – (EMX125, EMX250)
• May 10 – France, Saint Jean d’Angely – (EMX125, EMX Open)
• May 17 – Italy, Maggiora – (EMX Open, WMX)
• May 24 – Germany, Teutschenthal – (EMX250, EMX Open)
• June 7 – Russia, Orlyonok – (EMX250, EMX Open)
• June 14 – Latvia, Kegums – (EMX250, EMX Open)
• June 28 – Indonesia, Jakarta
• July 5 – Indonesia, Palembang
• July 26 – Czech Republic, Loket – (EMX65, EMX85, EMX 2t)
• August 2 – Belgium, Lommel – (EMX125, EMX250)
• August 16 – Sweden, Uddevalla – (EMX125, EMX250)
• August 23 – Finland, Litti-KymiRing – (EMX125, EMX250, EMX 2t)
• September 6 – Turkey, Afyonkarahisar – (EMX Open, WMX)
• September 13 – China, (TBA) –
• September 20 – Emilia Romagna, Imola – (EMX125, WMX)
• September 27 – Motocross of Nations, France, Ernee

2020 American Flat Track

• Round 1. March 14: Daytona 200 &  TT – Daytona Speedway, FL
• Round 2. March 28: Atlanta Short Track – Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA
• Round 3. April 4: Charlotte Half-Mile – Charlotte Speedway, Concord, NC
• Round 4. May 2: Texas Half-Mile – Texas Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
• Round 5. May 9: So-Cal Half-Mile – Perris Speedway, Perris, CA
• Round 6. May 16: Sacramento Mile – Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA
• Round 7. May 30: Red Mile – Red Mile, Lexington, KY
• Round 8. June 13: Laconia Short Track – New Hampshire Speedway, Loudon, NH
• Round 9. June 20: OKC Mile – Remington Park, Oklahoma City, OK
• Round 10. June 27: Lima Half-Mile – Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, OH
• Round 11. July 4: New York Short Track – Weedsport Speedway, Weedsport, NY
• Round 12. August 9: Buffalo Chip TT – Buffalo Chip, Sturgis, SD
• Round 13. August 11: Black Hills Half-Mile – Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City, SD
• Round 14. August 22: Peoria TT – Peoria Motorcycle Club, Peoria, IL
• Round 15. September 5: Springfield Mile I – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
• Round 16. September 6: Springfield Mile II – Illinois Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
• Round 17. September 12: Williams Grove Half-Mile – Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA
• Round 18. September 26: Meadowlands Mile* – Meadowlands Racetrack, East Rutherford, NJ

2020 Australian Speedway Senior Solo Speedway Calendar

• Round 1, January 3 – Kurri Kurri Speedway, Loxford Park NSW
• Round 2, January 6 – Diamond Park, Wodonga VIC
• Round 3, January 7 – Undera Speedway, Echuca Road, Undera VIC
• Round 4, January 9 – Olympic Park, Regina Street, Mildura VIC
• Round 5, January 11 – Gillman Speedway, Wilkins Road, Gillman SA

2020 WESS Enduro World Championship Schedule

• Round 1: Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 8-10
• Round 2: Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) May 21-23
• Round 3: Erzbergrodeo Red Bull Hare Scramble (Austria) June 10-14
• Round 4: Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland ) June TBC
• Round 5: Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 21-25
• Round 6: Tennessee Knockout (USA) August 15-16
• Round 7: Hawkstone Park Cross-Country (UK) September TBC
• Round 8: Hixpania Hard Enduro (Spain) October TBC

2020 FIM Speedway GP Calendar

• May 16 – PZM Warsaw SGP of Poland – Warsaw
• May 30 – German SGP – Teterow
• June 13 – Czech SGP – Prague
• July 18 – Adrian Flux British SGP – Cardiff
• July 25 – Swedish SGP – Hallstavik
• August 1 – Betard Wroclaw SGP of Poland – Wroclaw
• August 15 – Scandinavian SGP – Malilla, Sweden
• August 29 – Russian SGP – Togliatti
• September 12 – Danish SGP sponsored by ECCO – Vojens
• October 3 – Revline Torun SGP of Poland – Torun

2020 Australian Dirt Track Championship dates

• April 11-12 Australian Junior Dirt Track Championships
  • Mick Doohan Raceway, QLD, North Brisbane Jnr Motorcycle Club
• October 17-18 Australian Senior Dirt Track Championships
  • Fairburn Park, ACT Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Track Championship dates

• May 16-17 Australian Senior Track Championships
  • Qurindi, Tamworth, NSW, Tamworth Motorcycle Club
• September 26-27 Australian Junior Track Championships
  • Gunnedah, NSW Gunnedah Motorcycle Club

2020 Australian Off-Road Championship Calendar

• Round 1 & 2: Toowoomba, QLD – 22–23 February 2020
• Round 3 & 4: Dungog, NSW – 14–15 March 2020
• Round 5 & 6: Nowra, NSW – 18–19 April 2020
• Round 7 & 8: SA – 1–2 August 2020
• Round 9 & 10: Omeo, VIC – 19–20 September 2020
• Round 11 & 12: TBC – 17–18 October 2020

2020 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship Calendar

• Round 1: December 7, 2019 – Krakow, Poland
• Round 2: January 4 – Riesa, Germany
• Round 3: January 18 – A Coruna, Spain
• Round 4: February 1 – Budapest, Hungary
• Round 5: March 14 – Lodz, Poland