Moto News Wrap for September 12, 2017 by Darren Smart
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Latest News
- Cairoli clinches 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship title
- Ken De Dycker Retires
- Tickle Signs with KTM
- JGR Suzuki Sign Peick and Bogle
- Egan Mastin Scores a Factory Ride With KTM Australia
- Brayton, Faith and Dobson Honda Mounted for AUS SX Championship
- SDE Winner Takes on MXoN for France
- Motologic Closes – Honda Australia Racing Up in Air
- No Ride for Justin Barcia in 2018
- 2018 Australia Motocross and Supercross Riders in Limbo
- Sanders DNFs at Italian Championships
This Week’s Race Reports
- Rd 16 – FIM World Motocross Championships – Assen
- Rd 10 – GNCC – Unadilla, New York
- Rd 9 – FIM Speedway Grand Prix – Teterow, Germany
Cairoli clinches 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship title
In front of the Dutch motocross community and MXGP fans at Assen, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli has added to his already impressive resume with another FIM Motocross World Championship title to his name at the MXGP of the Netherlands.
Cairoli entered his first FIM Motocross World Championship race in 2002 and has since become one of the most dominant racers in MXGP history. The multi-time champion came into 2017 with a vengeance and while the past twp years he hadn’t seen the dominance we were all accustom to that all changed for the better in 2017.
Out of thirty-eight gate drops in the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship, Cairoli only needed thirty-five to clench his 9th World Title. The Veteran from Patti, Italy, had a consistent season from the start out performing his competitors on many occasions from his best days to his worst he proved once again why he is known as the best rider in the world.
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Out of the first 18 rounds of MXGP, Tony landed on the podium an amazing twelve times including 6 overall victories. The six times he missed the podium he still finished inside the top ten and four of which where inside the top five. Cairoli has led 186 laps this season, won six qualifying races, and held the red plate 78 per cent off the time taking his number of career total overall victories 83. Cairoli also has the most Fox Holeshots of anyone with 15 this season.
It was 13 years ago that Tony scored his first Grand Prix win, which he obtained in his rookie season riding for De Carli Yamaha back in 2004, a season in which he finished an impressive third overall. The following year, in 2005, he claimed his first world title in MX2, and now, 12 years later, he has racked up a remarkable nine FIM Motocross World Championship titles and it is the second most successful rider in history, behind Belgian Stefan Everts who has ten titles to his name.
Ken De Dycker Retires
Belgian rider Ken De Dycker has decided this will be his last season racing in the Grand Prix series. The multiple GP winner will end his career this month. De Dycker has ridden for many factory teams, including KTM and Suzuki. Some of his best moments also came with the CAS Honda team, which was a factory team at the time.
Ken De Dycker
“It’s just time to do something else, I think its been 15 years I have raced Grand Prix. Life isn’t just about motocross. I am happy with all the years I had. Of course I had fond memories and those memories I can’t achieve anywhere else. I had some big injures the last two years and I can’t get to the speed of the top guys anymore.”
Tickle Signs with KTM
KTM Motorsports have officially announced that Broc Tickle will race aboard a KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION alongside teammate Marvin Musquin for the 2018 AMA 450 Supercross Championship and AMA 450 Pro Motocross Championship.
The 28-year-old Michigan native claimed an AMA Supercross Lites West Championship in 2011, along with a host of career podium and top-five finishes over the years. Tickle has proved his merit as a 450-class podium contender, most recently capturing a pair of third place finishes in 2017 at Toronto Supercross and High Point MX National.
Broc Tickle
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Roger,Ian and the whole Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. With the success both European and US teams have had in recent years on the new KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, I’m really looking forward to the chance to race the KTM for myself. The results and numerous championships they’ve earned speaks volumes for the brand and I’m really hoping to make the most of this awesome opportunity. I’m especially excited to train at Bakers Factory with Aldon Baker and alongside my new teammate Marvin (Musquin). This is the first time in my pro career that I’m in an all-encompassing training program where riding coaching, fitness training and riding alongside some of the fastest guys in the sport are all a part of my daily routine. I really want to take full advantage of everything being offered and show what I believe I am capable of.”
Roger De Coster
“We have always seen a lot of potential in Broc and we look forward to giving him every tool available to our team to be successful and make the most of this opportunity.””We feel Broc’s demeanour and personality both on and off the track are a good fit to be Marvin’s teammate and hope they work well both riding and training together.”
JGR Suzuki Sign Peick and Bogle
The Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team have announced the signing of Weston Peick and Justin Bogle for the 2018 supercross/motocross season. Weston Peick has been a valued part of the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) program since 2015, and he continues to make significant progress.
Weston Peick
“I couldn’t be happier to sign with JGR again for 2018. They’ve believed in me for several years. I have the utmost confidence that together we accomplish great things, and I plan to continue my career with them long past 2018. I’m eager to ride the all-new 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 and begin testing for the upcoming season.”
Justin Bogle joins the Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team hot on the heels of an impressive summer.
Justin Bogle
“I’m obviously very excited to be on the team, and I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity. It has been a rough couple of years, but things are starting to turn around. I’m very happy with my program, my training, and my personal life. This is all coming together at the perfect time. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have been ready for this chance two years ago. As cliché as it sounds, everything happens for a reason. I have learned from my struggles and have grown as a result. I’m excited to be working with an incredible team of people, and I feel good about our chances in 2018.”
Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing team manager Jeremy Albrecht is elated to have Weston Peick and Justin Bogle under the JGR tent for 2018.
Jeremy Albrecht – Team Manager
“We’re excited as a team to join forces with Suzuki. Moving forward, I feel that Weston Peick and Justin Bogle are very important pieces of the puzzle. With factory equipment, our team of specialized technicians and the all-new Suzuki RM-Z450, both riders have all the necessary tools to succeed. This next season is shaping up to be a great year. Weston has made huge strides since joining the JGR squad. His never-say-die attitude and commitment to his craft embody what JGR is all about. Justin Bogle has been a revelation this summer. It’s obvious that he has the skills and dedication required to be on the top step of the podium, and I’m confident in his abilities.”
The Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team will make its debut at the Monster Energy Cup on Oct. 14, in Las Vegas, Nev.
No Ride for Justin Barcia in 2018
Justin Barcia has confirmed via social media that his contract would not be renewed by AutoTrader.com/JGR Suzuki beyond this year.
Justin Barcia
“Hello Everyone, as this season comes to an end so does my time with the Joe Gibbs Racing Team. I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone at JGR for all they have done starting with Coach who is a great man and it has been a pleasure to get to know over the last three years. Coy and Jeremy have worked hard to give us the best chance for success off and on the track as does the entire crew including my mechanic Ben who is always busting his butt off for me. Thanks again guys!
“I have been asked by many people what is next for me and I will let you know as soon as I know. For now I am going to take a little break to allow for my mind, body and spirit to heal and then it will be back to work prepping for 2018 so when an opportunity arises I will be ready. I look forward to re-grouping and showing that I still have plenty in the tank.
“I also would like to thank my Fiancé Amber who has been my rock through this difficult season and battling through injuries. My parents who I can always count on for everything I need have been awesome so big thanks to them, as well as Dr. Steve Navarro who always has my back. And last, but not least I would like to thank my fans who have stuck behind me and are great to talk to at the races. They stick up for me on social media sites and I will be working hard to make them proud in the upcoming season. Thanks for reading, see you all soon, JB51.”
Egan Mastin Scores a Factory Ride with KTM Australia
KTM Australia have announced that freshly-crowned Australian MX2 Champion Egan Mastin will join the KTM Factory Motocross Racing Team for the upcoming Australian Supercross Championship beginning on September 23.
The new deal sees Mastin enter the upcoming supercross championship with an official ride in the SX2 category aboard a KTM 250 SX-F, and become a part of next year’s premier class assault on the 2018 MX Nationals.
The 19-year-old from Vacy, NSW completely dominated the second half of this year’s MX2 championship on his Davey Motorsports KTM 250 SX, erasing a 42-point deficit to march to the title off a win streak which encapsulated four of the last five rounds, and eight of the last ten races.
Egan Mastin
“As a young kid it’s a dream to be on a factory team, especially with KTM. It’s awesome to get the opportunity, and I can’t wait. This is my first time doing supercross too, so I’m getting used to everything. It’s taken a few days to adapt to the 250F; it’s a similar peak power, but they hold a gear longer and you have to get used to the engine braking. Riding MX1 has long been a dream of mine, so I can’t wait to get amongst it, but I’m not nervous, it’s just another form of racing and I’ll go in confident. The team at KTM is an awesome group of people, well organized and they do everything to a T, so that will be awesome to work alongside and Jay is a good mentor to have with good advice. The whole package is awesome.”
What caught the eye of KTM Motocross Racing Team Manager Jay Marmont, however, was Mastin’s one-off ride on a Factory Team KTM 450 SX-F at Manjimup, where, as the saying goes, he rode it like he stole it.
On one of Australia’s few truly world-class tracks, Mastin lead the Manjimup premier category three times, and then won the final race to hoist himself into second overall at the finish, behind three-time Manji winner Kirk Gibbs.
Jay Marmont – KTM Motocross Racing Team Manager
“I saw Egan this year show that push-to-the-front kind of style that excites me as a team manager and reminds me of how I used to be as a racer. We were lucky to have a seat open up for supercross to give us time for development and to get some supercross experience under his belt. It’ll be a challenge for him; he’s never done supercross before, and I don’t know where he’ll be at – he’s finding his flow pretty comfortably, but with supercross, it’s one thing to practice it – another thing to race it. I love the fact that the kid is a winner. He left as a winner when he won the Under 19s, went to America and won a Mini-Os championship and he has that brute speed. When we put him on our 450 at Manjimup, he rose to the occasion, went out there and overtook the best riders at the time and pulled away in races. That definitely got my attention, and it definitely sealed the deal for me, that a) he can ride the 450, and b) he knows how to win races and believes he should be in front. It’s just a matter of fine tuning his program a little bit and there’s no doubt that he’s going to be up front in the next year.”
Brayton, Faith and Dobson Honda Mounted for AUS SX Championship
Justin Brayton will return to defend his Australian Supercross Championship in 2017 with Gavin Faith and Jesse Dobson joining the America on Honda machinery for the series.
Justin Brayton
“This is the third time I will compete in Australia and I am looking forward to defending my championship and seeing more of the country.” Brayton commented. “My wife and I have spoken openly about making it our home after racing, it truly is beautiful. Working with Honda and the team is every rider’s dream and I am confident we will have a competitive program again this year.”
Three-time Australian Supercross Champion Gavin Faith will also return to line up in the 250 class on the CRF250R.
Gavin Faith
“I love Australia, the country and people. The team and I have been very successful and they run a professional program. Finishing second last year was tough, especially after scoring no points in Round 2. I want to contest for the championship and I know we can.”
The young Queenslander Jesse Dobson has proven to be a podium contender and is pleased to represent Honda in this year’s Supercross season. “To represent Honda is unbelievable and to have the opportunity to learn from Brayton is priceless. I started the year working with Ben Townley and that has proven invaluable. I want to prove to myself and the team that I deserve this ride.” Dobson said
Race team manager and motorcycle technician Jay Foreman has signed on as the team manager for the Supercross season. “This team has always achieved great success and I am excited to bring my knowledge and strengths to their program, they have a great line up of riders and technicians and together we should make a formidable team.” Said Foreman.
The 2017 Australian Supercross season kicks off on the 23rd September with round 1 held in Jimboomba, QLD.
ISDE Winner Takes on MXoN for France
Reigning Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) champions Team France has named Christophe Charlier as Dylan Ferrandis’ replacement for the 1 October event at Matterley Basin in Great Britain.
The former MXGP regular switched to the World Enduro Championships in 2017 and was recently a member of France’s World Trophy team that captured victory at the FIM International Six-Day Enduro (ISDE) in Brive, France.
Benoit Paturel, who was a member of last year’s winning team, was initially named as a replacement for Ferrandis but the Yamaha pilot sustained an injury, ultimately ruling him out of selection so Charlier was drafted into the squad alongside Gautier Paulin (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Romain Febvre (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing).
The Frenchman will contend the MX2 division, making the switch from Husqvarna’s FE 350 to its quarter-litre machine for his one-off return to motocross.
Motologic Closes – Honda Racing Up in Air
Team Honda Racing principal Paul Free has confirmed that his Victorian-based Motologic business, including all racing teams, will close altogether after the 2017 season leaving Honda to look for alternatives for their national racing obligations.
Free has been involved in Honda Australia’s factory road racing effort since 2002 with an incredible run of success – first in-house before forming his own operation in 2007 – and has also operated the motocross/supercross program over the past two years.
Paul Free
“In the time I have run Honda’s factory team we have enjoyed huge success, I am really proud of what we have achieved, we have won so many championships along the way with the various riders and machines. I have worked with some amazing people over the years and it is these people that have really contributed to our success. To name a few, Laura my wife, always there for me through thick and thin. Glyn Griffiths and Tony Hinton at Honda have been there from my initial job interview at Honda back in 2002, these guys unwavering support has been a lifeline at times.
“Garry House was there when it all started and he was my rock for five or six years. Luke Spence, a fantastic person and tech. Shaun Clarke has been with me since starting in-house at Honda and has now developed into one of the best technicians in the country – Shaun’s knowledge and ability to think through problems is unsurpassed. Our support staff at the track have been invaluable. Glenn Granger has been with the team since the mid 2000s, Dan Williams since 2010, both fantastic technicians that are just so focused, totally committed to the cause.
“Our determination to succeed is unwavering and is fuelled by the invaluable support of our sponsors and team supporters. A huge thanks must go out to our current and past sponsors and supporters, of which there are way too many to list. None of our successes would have been possible without your help.”
At the time of writing the 2017 Honda team riders Todd Waters and Luke Clout are both without rides for 2018.
2018 Australia Motocross and Supercross Riders in Limbo
After the official Kawasaki and Honda teams have pulled out of the Australian racing scene we have a situation where the factory riders are going to be few and far between – here is where we are at as far as the top 20 MX1 and MX2 riders go.
Top 20 MX1 Riders / 2017 Team / 2018 Team
- DEAN FERRIS / CDR Yamaha / TBC – Going to America?
- KIRK GIBBS / Factory KTM / TBC – Probably staying with KTM
- KADE MOSIG / DPH Yamaha / TBC – Probably staying with DPH
- TODD WATERS / Prankt Honda / Not Team – No Ride
- LUKE STYKE / Factory KTM / Nothing Confirmed
- KYLE PETERS / Wilson Suzuki / Back in USA
- BRETT METCALFE / Hus/KTM/Kaw / Nothing Confirmed
- LUKE CLOUT / Prankt Honda / No Team – No Ride
- NATHAN CRAWFORD / Mega Kawasaki / No Team – No Ride
- JOEL GREEN / KTM / Nothing Confirmed
- JAMES ALEN / KTM Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- LACHLAN DAVIS / KTM Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- DYLAN LONG / CDR Yamaha / Nothing Confirmed
- HAMISH HARWOOD / CML KTM / Nothing Confirmed
- ZAK SMALL / Husqvarna Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- IZAK MAULE / Yamaha Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- KEIRON HALL / Synep Husqvarna / Nothing Confirmed
- ALEKSANDR TONKOV / Kawasaki / Back in Russia
- BRODIE SIMS / Peter Stevens Yam / Nothing Confirmed
- CHARLIE CREECH / Westcoast Honda / Nothing Confirmed
National MX2 Rider / 2017 Team / 2018 Team
- EGAN MASTIN / Davey KTM / Factory KTM in MX1
- WILSON TODD / DPH Yamaha / Probably Staying with DPH
- MITCH EVANS / Serco Yamaha / Nothing Confirmed
- HAMISH HARWOOD / CML KTM / Nothing Confirmed
- KYLE WEBSTER / Penrite Honda / Probably staying with Penrite Honda
- DYLAN WILLS / Synep Husqvarna / Nothing Confirmed
- JAYDEN RYKERS / Raceline KTM / Probably Staying with Raceline
- RICHARDSON / Serco Yamaha / Nothing Confirmed
- RICHIE EVANS / Yamaha Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- JOEL EVANS / Northstar Yamaha / Nothing Confirmed
- RAVENHORST / Yamaha Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- RICKY LATIMER / Yamaha Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- LOCHIE LATIMER / Yamaha Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
- JAY WILSON / Davey KTM / Nothing Confirmed
- AARON TANTI / WBR Yamaha / Nothing Confirmed
- JAYDEN CONFORTO / Mat Jones Kawasaki / Nothing Confirmed
- JARROD KELLY / KTM Newcastle / Nothing Confirmed
- CONNOR TIERNEY / WBR Yamaha / Nothing Confirmed
- CALIB BEST / City Coast Kawasaki / Nothing Confirmed
- LACHLAN WILSON / Yamaha Privateer / Nothing Confirmed
Sanders DNFs at Italian Championships
Aussie hard charger Daniel Sanders was looking to finish a tough year with a solid result at the final round of Italian Enduro Championships but it was not to be with his KTM dropping the chain with the finish line in sight.
Daniel Sanders – On social media
“It’s just not my year!! Had a awesome final round of the Italian championships sitting in 2nd overall behind the champ Matthew Phillips then broke the chain 500 meters to go.”
Smarty’s Race Reports:
Rd 16 – FIM World Motocross Championships – Assen, Netherlands
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The penultimate round of the FIM Motocross World Championship’s took place at Assen last weekend with the MXGP of the Netherlands crowning Italian Antonio Cairoli his 9th World Motocross Championship while Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado Garcia won the MXGP and MX2 class respectively on the day.
MX1 Report
Thousands of Dutch motocross fans land they get exactly what they were after with Herlings storming to two hard fought wins to wrap up second in the championship.
Jeffrey Herlings
“I want to say thank you to all the fans who came out to support not just me but all the riders, all of us really appreciate it. It has been a good GP so far and I am very happy to get second in the championship, obviously it is a good end to the weekend after the start of my season. I really enjoyed my time racing not just because I won but because I felt that it was a good and a safe track for sure. I felt like the organization did a very good job and I think it was a positive turnout of people so hopefully we will comeback in the feature.”
Romain Febvre’s 5-3 moto results marks a continued return to form for the former world champ and gave him his second podium of the season with a second overall.
Romain Febvre
“I feel good, the first race I was third all the race and then I got passed by Max (Anstie) on the finish jump. I was disappointed and just wanted to have a strong second race which I did. I think that it was a good weekend, yesterday was not so good for me so I am happy with how I turned it around.”
After an injury riddled season Max Anstie was able to score his second podium of his rookie MXGP season with 3-5 finishes putting him on the third step of the podium.
Max Anstie
“Its always nice to be on the podium, myself and my team work really hard, I have to give it up to them. With my teammates we ride together and we train together a lot so we are trying to push the level and you have to because all these guys are really fast. It is great to be able race with them, I have a lot of respect for all the guys the top 15 are so fast in the MXGP class and its hard if you don’t get a good start. I think overall it has been pretty good we are solid. I feel good I just want to go faster that’s all.”
Fourth overall on the day was the newly crowned 2017 MXGP Champion, Antonio Cairoli carded 2-6 moto results to claim his ninth world title with a round to go.
Antonio Cairoli
“We didn’t start as a favourite for sure this year, I know what I work for and I know what it takes to have a solid and consistent championship so we made it and I am really happy about this. It was an amazing season, I think one of my best, it is amazing that I can still improve after 14, now 15 years in the world championship, I really am proud of this. I just want to enjoy this title, we had a very good weekend especially today…but I’m really happy because the championship is the most important thing for me. To take it here in Holland with all the fans it was very nice, the track was amazing even with the rain it still worked out and it was very technical, the organizers did a really good job so nothing could be better.”
Max Nagl, Kevin Strijbos, Gautier Paulin, Tanel Leok, Evgeny Bobryshev and Glenn Coldenhoff rounded out the top ten.
MXGP Race 1 Top Ten
- Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:21.318
- Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:01.010
- Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +1:11.012
- Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +1:11.079
- Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +1:19.644
- Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:23.810
- Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Honda), +1:42.530
- Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +1:49.273
- Tanel Leok (EST, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s)
- Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s).
MXGP Race 2 Top Ten
- Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:14.288
- Maximilian Nagl (GER, Husqvarna), +0:34.469
- Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:37.286
- Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:42.378
- Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:44.058
- Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:45.593
- Kevin Strijbos (BEL, Suzuki), +1:06.082
- Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +1:17.173
- Tanel Leok (EST, Husqvarna), +1:39.157
- Harri Kullas (EST, Husqvarna), +1:39.315.
MXGP Overall Top Ten
- Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points
- Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 38 Points
- Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 38 Points
- Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 37 Points
- Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 33 Points
- Kevin Strijbos (BEL, SUZ), 30 Points
- Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 26 Points
- Tanel Leok (EST, HUS), 24 Points
- Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 21 Points
- Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 21 p.
MXGP Championship Top Ten
- Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 710 points
- Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 627 Points
- Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 571 Points
- Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 544 Points
- Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 485 Points
- Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 479 Points
- Maximilian Nagl (GER, HUS), 423 Points
- Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 416 Points
- Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 398 Points
- Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 396 Points
MX2 Report
Pauls Jonass and Jeremy Seewer have been fighting for the MX2 title against one another all season long but that meant little to Jorge Prado Garcia at Assen with the new kid on the block taking his third overall win of his career and this season, two of which have come in the sand.
Jorge Prado
“It was good to get my second win on a sand track, I’ve learned a lot this year and I have to put it all together now to do better next year. The most important thing is to be consistent, as you see with Pauls. He is pretty much the fastest guy this year and it’s possible to learn a lot from him and use him as a reference. We didn’t train so much together this year because I was going to school! Now I’m looking forward to next weekend which should be a totally different kind of track.”
Championship leader Pauls Jonass took the second spot on the podium and though he didn’t take the championship just yet he did gain slightly on Seewer who finish third overall.
Pauls Jonass
“For sure I wanted to win the title this weekend and after the first race it seemed to be possible but I didn’t get a good start in the second race and struggled on the first few laps. I had some close calls with riders next to me and took it carefully, maybe I was too cautious. I put pressure on myself and that was my problem in the second race. Saturday was very bad but I turned it around and got on the podium again. Now I have a 41-point lead but I will try not to look at that in the next race, as you saw with Tony today he took the holeshot and was pushing until the last laps to pass Jeffrey. I want to have the same approach next weekend.”
As for the Aussie duo of Hunter Lawrence and Jed Beaton you would have to say it was a more than satisfying day considering the conditions with Lawrence once again in the top ten carding a 10-6 result for 8th overall while Beaton took a pair of 14th places for 13th overall as he re-joined the HRC MX2 team for the final few races of the season.
Hunter Lawrence
“We were struggling all weekend. I really didn’t feel good at all, I had no rhythm or balance. It was just a tough GP. It wasn’t helped when I had a crash on the sighting lap of moto one, as I hit my head and bent my bars and obviously I didn’t have long to recover before the gate dropped. I went out and raced, of course, but I was struggling and came home in 10th behind Julien Lieber. I went to the medical unit after that race and got some work done and felt a bit better for race two. I got an ok start and made some passes and moved all the way up to sixth place, which was good on such a difficult weekend. I’ve never ridden here before, it’s crazy here, different even than Lommel. I’ve really never ridden anything like it so to get eighth is pretty good overall.”
Jed Beaton
“Today was not too bad, I was consistent, I took away two 14th place finishes. It was much better than my GP at Lommel. My starts were not as good today so I was a bit disappointed about that and I made mistakes in both races but I was glad I managed to stay on for both of the races- I did all my crashing yesterday! I was pretty happy overall and think this is certainly something to improve on and learn from.”
Both Aussies will be back for the final round next week at Villars-sous-Ecot in France.
MX2 Race 1 Top Ten
- Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 34:39.137
- Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), +0:00.907
- Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:13.155
- Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), +0:16.555
- Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), +0:18.834
- Conrad Mewse (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:29.481
- Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:31.122
- Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:34.664
- Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:38.676
- Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki), +0:39.750
…14. Jed Beaton (AUS, Honda).
MX2 Race 2 Top Ten
- Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 34:37.805
- Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), +0:01.328
- Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:16.610
- Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), +0:18.595
- Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +0:18.789
- Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Suzuki), +0:23.095
- Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:34.000
- Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), +0:34.754
- Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +0:34.941
- Brent Van doninck (BEL, Yamaha), +0:41.962
…14. Jed Beaton (AUS, Honda).
MX2 Overall Top Ten
- Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 47 points
- Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 39 Points
- Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 38 Points
- Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, KTM), 36 Points
- Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 33 Points
- Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 30 Points
- Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 28 Points
- Hunter Lawrence (AUS, SUZ), 26 Points
- Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 25 Points
- Conrad Mewse (GBR, HUS), 24 p.
13. Jed Beaton (AUS, Honda), 14 p.
MX2 Championship Top Ten
- Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 735 points
- Jeremy Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 694 Points
- Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 556 Points
- Benoit Paturel (FRA, YAM), 504 Points
- Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 485 Points
- Julien Lieber (BEL, KTM), 475 Points
- Jorge Prado Garcia (ESP, KTM), 439 Points
- Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), 386 Points
- Hunter Lawrence (AUS, SUZ), 352 Points
- Brent Van doninck (BEL, YAM), 309 Points
33. Jed Beaton (AUS, Honda), 33 Points.
WMX Report
Local hero Nancy van den Ven not only clinched her home GP with a pair of wins but the Yamaha rider also took over the championship points lead from Kiwi flyer Courtney Duncan who carded 4-4 moto results on the day.
Nancy van de Ven topped the podium ahead of Livia Lancelot and Larissa Papenmeier with Kiara Fontanesi and Duncan rounding out the top five but incredibly van de Ven now only has a two point lead over Duncan who in turn is just one point in front of Lancelot with Fontanesi just two points further back – that is just five points between the top four women leading into the final round in France.
Courtney Duncan
“This weekend was a difficult one for me. It was just one of ‘those’ weekends where I felt a little bit off, I struggled to ride like I can. I am looking forward to the final round. The speed is there, my starts are there, we’ve just got to sort a few things out and I am sure that everything will be fine. Not every weekend is good, and this was just one of ‘those’ weekends. It was by far the worst race of the season but it is what it is. We’ve already turned the page. I’m taking this as motivation and moving forward.”
WMX Race 1 Top Ten
- Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), 24:56.744
- Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Suzuki), +0:46.737
- Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), +1:07.137
- Courtney Duncan (NZL, Yamaha), +1:42.948
- Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +2:08.665
- Amandine Verstappen (BEL, KTM), +2:21.160
- Anne Borchers (GER, Suzuki), +2:36.102
- Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Suzuki), -1 lap(s)
- Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), -1 lap(s)
- Eline Burgmans (NED, KTM), -1 lap(s)
WMX Race 2 Top Ten
- Nancy Van De Ven (NED, Yamaha), 25:06.075
- Livia Lancelot (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:07.800
- Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:09.390
- Courtney Duncan (NZL, Yamaha), +0:30.102
- Larissa Papenmeier (GER, Suzuki), +1:01.888
- Amandine Verstappen (BEL, KTM), +1:20.122
- Emelie Dahl (SWE, Yamaha), +1:23.442
- Britt Van Der Werff (NED, Suzuki), +1:40.143
- Sara Andersen (DEN, Yamaha), -1 lap(s)
- Madison Brown (AUS, Yamaha), -1 lap(s)
WMX Overall Top Ten
- Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 50 points
- Livia Lancelot (FRA, KAW), 42
- Larissa Papenmeier (GER, SUZ), 38
- Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, YAM), 36
- Courtney Duncan (NZL, YAM), 36
- Amandine Verstappen (BEL, KTM), 30
- Britt Van Der Werff (NED, SUZ), 26
- Anne Borchers (GER, SUZ), 22
- Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 21
- Madison Brown (AUS, YAM), 18
WMX Championship Top Ten
- Nancy Van De Ven (NED, YAM), 193 points
- Courtney Duncan (NZL, YAM), 191
- Livia Lancelot (FRA, KAW), 190
- Kiara Fontanesi (ITA, YAM), 188
- Larissa Papenmeier (GER, SUZ), 160
- Amandine Verstappen (BEL, KTM), 151
- Nicky van Wordragen (NED, YAM), 119
- Shana van der Vlist (NED, KTM), 89
- Francesca Nocera (ITA, SUZ), 80
- Stephanie Laier (GER, KTM), 72
150 European Championship Report
Andrea Adamo claimed pole position at every round and won seven of the races that have been run and although he was dealt some poor luck along the way, he showed tenacity each time and rebounded in a professional manner. That helped him claim the championship on the world’s greatest stage and in front of a packed grandstand.
Adamo won the opening moto at Assen in treacherously wet conditions then backed that up with a fifth in the second moto after an early race crash to win the championship while Kjeld Stuurman took second overall and was joined on the podium by Anton Nordstrom-Graaf, who put in a valiant effort for third in the second moto. That was also enough for him to clinch the runner-up position in the final championship standings.
Luis Outeiro finished fourth overall at the round of The Netherlands and claimed the bronze medal in the series standings, following a consistent campaign. Adamo was obviously wrapped to earn the title.
Andrea Adamo
“I am very, very happy. I had a good rhythm on the track and great race. I am very happy to take this championship. Thanks to my team, sponsors, friends and family.”
Honda EMX150 Race 1 Top Ten
- Andrea Adamo (ITA, Honda), 27:10.306
- Dave Kooiker (NED, Honda), +0:01.066
- Luis Outeiro (POR, Honda), +0:05.975
- Anton Nordström Graaf (SWE, Honda), +0:38.019
- Toa Kishi (JPN, Honda), +0:53.513
- Lynn Valk (NED, Honda), +0:59.651
- Kjeld Stuurman (NED, Honda), +1:06.265
- Rasmus Moen (SWE, Honda), +1:07.207
- Dylan Kroon (NED, Honda), -1 lap(s)
- Melwin Bengtson (SWE, Honda), -1 lap(s)
Honda EMX150 Race 2 Top Ten
- Kjeld Stuurman (NED, Honda), 25:22.996
- Dylan Kroon (NED, Honda), +0:03.978
- Anton Nordström Graaf (SWE, Honda), +0:13.456
- Luis Outeiro (POR, Honda), +0:17.529
- Andrea Adamo (ITA, Honda), +0:23.297
- Lynn Valk (NED, Honda), +0:27.012
- Cas Valk
Honda EMX150 Overall Top Ten
- Andrea Adamo (ITA, HON), 41 points
- Kjeld Stuurman (NED, HON), 39
- Anton Nordström Graaf (SWE, HON), 38
- Luis Outeiro (POR, HON), 38
- Dylan Kroon (NED, HON), 34
- Dave Kooiker (NED, HON), 33
- Lynn Valk (NED, HON), 30
- Toa Kishi (JPN, HON), 23
- Melwin Bengtson (SWE, HON), 20
- Magnus Vassgaard (NOR, HON), 19
Honda EMX150 Championship Top 10
- Andrea Adamo (ITA, HON), 217 points
- Anton Nordström Graaf (SWE, HON), 210
- Luis Outeiro (POR, HON), 194
- Kjeld Stuurman (NED, HON), 169
- Lynn Valk (NED, HON), 151
- Rasmus Moen (SWE, HON), 137
- Toa Kishi (JPN, HON), 122
- Senne Hermans (BEL, HON), 94
- Magnus Vassgaard (NOR, HON), 84
- Nikolay Malinov (BUL, HON), 75
Rd 10 – GNCC – Unadilla, New York
The famous Unadilla MX facility in New Berlin, New York hosted the 13th Annual Parts Unlimited Unadilla GNCC and at the end of the three-hour race it was KTM’s Kailub Russell who claimed the win at the 10th round of the GNCC Series.
XC1 and XC2 Report
With second placed rider in the championship Thad Duvall watching from the sidelines thanks to injury, Ricky Russell rocketed off the start to claim the holeshot ahead of Russell Bobbitt and Jordan Ashburn as they entered the woods but as the group settled into pace on the first lap, R. Russell continue to lead with pressure from Ryan Sipes.
Throughout the remainder of the first lap they continued to swap positions, but when they checked through scoring for the first time it was R. Russell accredited with the lead ahead of Sipes with K. Russell was in third after working his way through the pack after getting a bad start. Unfortunately Sipes was forced to end his race early after suffering from tendinitis that occurred at the ISDE.
Russell secured the lead on lap two but it didn’t last long due to becoming victim of the hill climb. R. Russell was so close to him that when K. Russell went down, he was stuck right behind him—this allowed Ashburn to move into the lead.
Russell and R. Russell quickly recovered and moved back into second and third behind Ashburn on lap four. K. Russell took the lead back on the fourth lap and attempted to gap his competitors, where he neglected to pit and keep going for an additional lap. R. Russell also skipped his pit and passed Ashburn, who did pit, for second.
Russell kept the momentum rolling and passed K. Russell again on the fifth lap, but K. Russell was back into the lead when they jumped the Sky Shot obstacle on the motocross track.
When the race reached the halfway point, Stew Baylor had put himself in podium contention and began pushing to catch R. Russell. When the two-lap board came out, Baylor moved in second behind K. Russell. R. Russell struggled up the FMF Powerpoint again, but still sat in third.
Russell was the first rider through the finish, taking the overall win with Baylor following in second, but attention was turned to the third overall position where the XC2 250 Pro class leaders were in contention. R. Russell was pushed to the finish by JCR Honda’s Trevor Bollinger.
However, Coastal Racing/Husqvarna’s Layne Michael was awarded with third overall on adjusted time with Ben Kelley in a close second in class and fifth overall. R. Russell finished third in XC1 Pro and fifth overall, and Bollinger finished sixth overall and just off the XC1 podium in fourth. Ashburn, Toth, and Bobbitt rounded out the top 10 overall.
Josh Strang bobbled into a mud hole on the second lap and had to take an extra long pit stop to get a fresh set of gloves. However, more bad luck came Strang’s way and he was forced to end his race early with a mechanical issue.
The 2017 Amsoil Grand National Cross Country Series travels to Masontown, West Virginia, in two weeks for the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Mountaineer Run GNCC on September 23 and 24.
XC1 Overall Results
- Kailub Russell
- Steward Baylor Jr.
- Ricky Russell
- Trevor Bollinger
- Jordan Ashburn
- Russell Bobbitt
- Grant Baylor
- Philippe Chaine
- Josh Strang
- Ryan Sipes
XC1 Championship Standings
- Kailub Russell- 235
- Thad DuVall- 202
- Steward Baylor Jr. – 177
- Ricky Russell – 163
- Grant Baylor – 129
- Trevor Bollinger – 119
- Jordan Ashburn – 112
- Russell Bobbitt – 96
- Christopher Bach – 89
- Josh Strang – 89
XC2 Championship Standings
- Joshua Toth – 261
- Layne Michael – 216
- Craig Delong – 207
- Micael Witkowski – 174
- Benjamin Kelley – 143
- Austin Lee – 142
- Jesse Groemm – 140
- Zack Hayes – 121
- Samuel evans – 95
- Zach Nolan – 87
XC2 Overall Results
- Layne Michael
- Benjamin Kelley
- Craig Delong
- Joshua Toth
- Austin Lee
- Michael Witkowski
- Ryder Lafferty
- Brendan Riordan
- Zack Hayes
- Trevor Barrett
XC3 Report
Championship leader Jason Thomas continued his winning ways in the XC3 class while long retired Kiwi Paul Whibley and Hunter Neuwirth rounded out the top three.
XC3 Overall Results
- Jason Thomas
- Paul Whibley
- Hunter Neuwirth
- Luke Renzland
- Michael Stryker
XC3 Championship Standings
- Jason Thomas – 262
- Hunter Neuwirth – 201
- Mark Heresco Jr. – 193
- Jack Edmondson – 157
- Joshua Adkins – 126
WXC Report
In the WXC division Becca Sheets kept Tayla Jones honest, but had to settle for second while Jones’ win vaulted her to the top of the championship standings where she secured the #1 plate three rounds early. Brooke Cosner finished third overall with Mackenzie Tricker struggling to finish a distant ninth on the day but still hold third in the points.
WXC Overall Results
- Tayla Jones
- Becca Sheets
- Brooke Cosner
- Shyann Phelps
- Samantha Steiner
…9. Mackenzie Tricker
WXC Championship Standings
- Tayla Jones – 180
- Becca Sheets – 171
- Mackenzie Tricker – 156
- Brooke Cosner – 104
- Rachel Gutish – 100
Rd 9 – FIM Speedway Grand Prix – Teterow, Germany
Slovenian star Matej Zagar insists he doesn’t want to wait for an FIM Speedway Grand Prix wild card for 2018 after charging to IPONE German SGP victory in Teterow on Saturday. The Ljubljana-born man triumphed in the final ahead of Slovak racer Martin Vaculik, World Championship leader Jason Doyle and 2012 world champion Chris Holder.
The fourth victory of Zagar’s SGP career moves him within seven points of Vaculik, who currently occupies the eighth and final automatic qualifying place for the 2018 World Championship. Riders who finish outside the elite eight must hope for a wild card from the SGP Commission. But Zagar has no intention of leaving his SGP future in the hands of others.
Zagar is delighted to be ending the season on form after an up-and-down run of results in the SGP series.
Matej Zagar
“It’s always a tough one when you have to wait and see what’s going to happen – whether you’re going to be picked or not. I’m definitely worth picking, but I don’t want to wait on that. It’s all about winning. Winning makes you happy, so that is my aim. There are three GPs to go and hopefully three good ones for me. To be honest, I made some wrong decisions at the beginning of the season regarding my equipment. Now I am back on track where I need to be. The end of the season was also much better in the leagues. In Sweden, I have been good. I am very, very pleased that I am going well and also that people are trying to help me. I am really grateful for that. I had some trouble with my clutch, but I want to say thanks to my team – they worked really well. We changed the clutch and then I had much better starts. That was the key, to be honest. You won’t pass three riders in the semi and the final because everybody is fast. My team worked hard to fix things and we made it together.”
Runner-up Vaculik was pleased to secure second spot as he battles to defend his place in the world’s top eight.
Martin Vaculik
“I am very happy with today and pleased with the result I got. I would like to say thanks to my team, my tuner and all the people who support me. This position and the points are very important for me. My priority and goal for this season is staying in the top eight and I’ll do everything for that. A few months ago I had some bad meetings, but it has turned a good way, so hopefully I’ll keep it up for the next few rounds. I’ll just try my best and I enjoy racing in the Grand Prix.”
Third-placed Doyle cruised into a 10-point World Championship lead over nearest rival Patryk Dudek, but pledged to remain grounded after seeing his 2016 title challenge cruelly ended by a crash at the penultimate round in Torun.
Jason Doyle
“It’s nice to bag a few points. But like I keep saying, you can have one bad round and be out of it, so I’m just keeping level-headed and scoring the points.”
Next up for the SGP stars is the Stockholm SGP at Friends Arena on September 23.
SGP World Championship Standings
- Jason Doyle 114
- Patryk Dudek 104
- Maciej Janowski 101
- Fredrik Lindgren 98
- Tai Woffinden 94
- Emil Sayfutdinov 90
- Bartosz Zmarzlik 82
- Martin Vaculik 80
- Matej Zagar 73
- Chris Holder 66
- Antonio Lindback 64
- Piotr Pawlicki 63
- Greg Hancock 45
- Niels-Kristian Iversen 44
- Peter Kildemand 36
- Vaclav Milik 20
- Martin Smolinski 13
- Nicki Pedersen 8
- Michael Jepsen Jensen 8
- Maksims Bogdanovs 8
- Kenneth Bjerre 7
- Krzysztof Kasprzak 6
- Kai Huckenbeck 4
- Przemyslaw Pawlicki 3
- Craig Cook 2
- Linus Sundstrom 2
- Josh Bates 2
- Max Fricke 1
- Nick Skorja 1
German SGP Scores
- Matej Zagar 15
- Martin Vaculik 14
- Jason Doyle 17
- Chris Holder 14
- Emil Sayfutdinov 11
- Patryk Dudek 11
- Fredrik Lindgren 11
- Peter Kildemand 10
- Martin Smolinski 8
- Maciej Janowski 7
- Tai Woffinden 5
- Piotr Pawlicki 4
- Antonio Lindback 4
- Kai Huckenbeck 4
- Bartosz Zmarzlik 2
- Max Fricke 1
- Tobias Kroner 0
- Mathias Bartz DNR
