Moto News Weekly Wrap
March 27, 2018 – By Darren Smart
Proudly brought to you by Dunlop Geomax
Latest News
- Cessnock A4DE Almost Here!
- New Location Announced for South Australian AORC Round
- MX Nationals announce themed rounds
- Stephen Gall to carry Commonwealth Games Baton
- Chinchilla Hosts Sunshine State
- Korumburra Hosts Gippy MX
- Kurri Kurri Hosts Casey Stoner Cup
- Treloar Dominates Gillman Sidecar Super Prix
- Wharton to AUS-X?
- Hill, Martin and Davalos Out of Indianapolis
- AMA WMX Kicks off at Daytona
- Husqvarna Off-Road Team Announce WESS Line-Up
- MXGP Calendar Up-Date
- Bell Wins WORCS
- Yamaha Releases Electric TY-E Concept Trials Bike
Race Reports
- Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Stage 2
- AMA Supercross Championships – Round 12 – Indianapolis
- FIM World Motocross Championships – Round 3 – Valencia, Spain
- AMA Arenacross Championship – Round 1 – Race to the Cup – Nampa, Idaho
- New Zealand Motocross Championships – Round 4 – Taupo
- Peter Craven Memorial Trophy – Belle Vue Speedway
Cessnock A4DE Almost Here
In just over a week 350 riders will be dumping their respective clutches to launch into the opening day of the 2018 A4DE in Cessnock, NSW and thanks to recent rain the tracks and trails will be in prime condition for the best of Australia’s off-road riders.
Every rider worth his or her salt will be on hand to take on Australia’s premier off-road event and the pace at the front of the field is going to be gob smacking with the likes of Daniel Milner, Daniel Sanders, Lachlan Stanford, Broc Grabham, Josh Green, Lyndon Snodgrass, Wil Ruprecht, Luke Styke and Jack Simpson all fit and in-form leading into the event.
The Vets and Masters classes are also riddled with talent with Geoff Ballard, James Deakin, Mark Peacock, Lyndon Heffernan, Jason Cater, Damien Smith, Ben Grabham, Brad Wiliscroft and John Baker set for the pointy end of the fields while the winner of the inaugural A4DE back in 1978, Norm Watts is showing up on a Sherco 300 and in the Vintage class we have 70 racers including Geoff Udy, Deeds Raymond, Murray Tainton, Ricky Madden and Ashley Sprenger (to name a few) ready for action.
And let’s not forget the Women’s class with Jemma Wilson and Jess Gardner set to do battle against Emelie Karlsson, Sophie Coldicutt, Tegan Hall, Tamara Gray, Courtney Rubie, Catherine Kingsley, Avril Gill and Julie Denyer.
To check out the results on a day-to-day basis just go to http://www.a4de.com.au/index.php/results/published-results
New Location Announced for South Australian AORC Round
The Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) have announced that Rounds 8 & 9 have been moved to a new location at Kingston South East (SE), September 22-23 at South Australia. In addition, entries are now open for Rounds 3 & 4 at Hedley, Victoria, May 5-6.
Rounds 8 & 9 at Kingston SE will feature two sprint races on Saturday and Sunday. Terrain for the tracks will include; sand through scrub, and will consist of tight technical areas with numerous open flowing sections. The property was previously used in the SAORC a few years ago and was very well received by the riders. AORC is looking forward to traveling there when the championship heads to South Australia.
For further information on Rounds 8 & 9, head to AORC.org.au (link)
The AORC management team would like to advise competitors that entries are officially open for Rounds 3 & 4 at Hedley VIC, and can be completed via clicking here. Entries close at 30-April-2018 at midnight.
MX Nationals announce themed rounds
After the success of the themed rounds in 2016 & 2017, the riders and teams of the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals, will again be dressing up there machines and rallying support for the Breast Cancer Foundation.
There is nothing as satisfying for a fan than seeing a competitor’s race bike up close and personal, and at two selected rounds this year, race goers will have even more reason to take a second look with a Retro Round, and Pink Ribbon Round to be held as part of the championship.
This years Retro Round, will take place at round 7 and 8 in New South Wales, this round will see machines don vintage graphics and riders showcase special edition retro gear – throwing racing back to the good old days. The timing is fitting for Retro round as the Australian Post Classics takes place at the same venue the following weekend.
As per previous years, the closing round of the Pirelli MX Nationals will not only be dedicated to crowning champions, but to the National Breast Cancer Foundation for the official Pink Ribbon round. With Coolum on the Sunshine Coast as the back drop, competitors will have the opportunity to turn their bikes and gear PINK in a bid to raise funds for those suffering from the effects of Breast Cancer. A charity close to the hearts of many, and of course a special initiative that the Pirelli MX Nationals undertakes every season.
Pirelli MX Nationals Series Promoter Kevin Williams today explained why the themed rounds are so important to the championship.
Kevin Williams
“Every year we aim to incorporate themed rounds into the series – fans simply love seeing something a bit different to what they’re used to, and quite often it’s all for a fantastic cause. The retro round is a lot of fun because it allows us all to reminisce on what were some wonderful racing years of the past, and since we have held retro rounds, we’ve seen some great throwbacks which I’m sure we’ll see this year too. “The Pink Ribbon Round Round is really about giving back, and doing something special for the wider community. We have a unique platform with the Pirelli MX Nationals where we can raise awareness and gain significant media exposure, so I hope we can do that again in 2018.”
Stephen Gall to carry Commonwealth Games Baton
Stephen Gall will be carrying the Commonwealth Games baton through his home town in Queensland and shared this on social media.
Stephen Gall – On social media
“From shooting these photos for a cover shot in ADB Magazine in 1974, to riding the Namibian Desert in Mad Max Fury Road nearly 40 years later, my life has been a dream come true! Easter Monday another awesome honour as I will carry the Commonwealth Games baton in my home town. If any motorcycle enthusiasts want to cheer me on and celebrate this special time, here are the details: Anticipated start time: 11:01, Approximate start location: Pole #X12697, Ocean St, Runaway Bay QLD 4216, Approximate end location: 554 Marine Parade, Biggera Waters Gold Coast, QLD.”
Chinchilla Hosts Sunshine State
The Queensland country town of Chinchilla hosted round three of the 2018 Airoh Helmets Sunshine State Motocross Championships and it was Mitch Evans who won the MX1 Pro class ahead of Kaleb Barham and Zak Small while Richie Evan narrowly edged out Zak Small and Aaron Tante in the MX2 Pro class.
Other class winners included Travis Regeling (Vets), Chelsea Carter (Womens), Levi Rogers (Jnr Lites 13-14yrs), Jai Walker (Jnr Lites 15yrs 2-Stroke), Noah Ferguson (Jnr Lites 15yrs 4-Stroke), Braden Plath (Mini Lites 9-11yrs and 65cc 10-11yrs), Deegan Mancinelli (Mini Lites 12-13yrs), Jake Kowals (Mini Lites 14-15yrs), Sam Larsen (QMX1 Clubman), Dylan Marchand (QMX2 Clubman) and Ace Powell (Nippers).
Levi Rogers and Jake Cannon of the GYTR Queensland Yamaha Junior racing team were at Chinchilla and it was a successful meeting for the Blu Cru with Rogers continued his stranglehold in the 13-14 years divisions, winning both the 125 and 250cc classes while Jake Cannon also hit the podium in both of his classes collecting a third-place finish in the 9-11 years 85cc and 65cc events.
Levi Rogers
“Although I won today, I really struggled with the track, I usually am pretty good in ruts but today I was a bit off my game and because I wasn’t riding well, I was getting frustrated with myself. Chinchilla is the kind of track where you can’t over ride it or be too aggressive as it slows you down. I was making little mistakes in the corners and not riding with much flow but its something I can work on and get better at. Today was pretty good, just my starts were terrible. My first lap I have to keep passing all these riders while the front guys just get away so I will have to train harder at those as both Jet and Braden ride well and I can’t give them a head start like I have been doing. But thanks to Yamaha Junior Racing and our team sponsors as well as Ben for coming out and looking after my bikes.”
Round four of the series heads to Warwick on April 21/22, which is now back on the calendar and a welcome addition to the series as it is a popular track amongst the riders.
Korumburra Hosts Gippy MX
Round two of the 2018 AIROH Gippy MX Series hit the Victorian town of Korumburra last weekend and it was Joben Baldwin who took out the A Grade Open class ahead of Tomas Ravenhorst and Brad Matheson while in the A Grade Lites class it was Cody Dyce who won all three motos to take the overall ahead of Ravenhorst and Jake Henderson.
Other class winners included Jed Bristol (C Grade Open), Ricky Chalmers (Jnr Lites), Michael Murphy (B Grade Lites and Open), Jake Van Vliet (Quads), Rhys Kratzat (C Grade Lites) and Madison Bird (Womens).
Kurri Kurri Hosts Casey Stoner Cup
Kurri Kurri Junior Motor Cycle Club hosted the annual Casey Stoner Cup at the Loxford Park Raceway last weekend and it was young Mackenzie Childs who scored an emphatic win in the feature Senior Casey Stoner Cup final over Boyd Hollis and Sean McLellan and that was the finishing order in the Pro 450 final as well.
The Pro 250 class produced a dominant showing by Bailey Spencer who won four of the five rounds to outpoint Angus Hutchinson and Jack Griffen while in the Junior Casey Stoner Cup it was local rider Ryan Smith who came out the winner ahead of Kye Andrews and Queenslander Cyshan Weale.
Weale had earlier dominated the 2-stroke class while Andrews was impressive winning the 4-stroke class, both times with Queenslander Tristian Adamson and Victorian Max Berry in the minor placings.
Gold Coast rider Harrison Voight won all three classes he contested while Kempsey rider Jayden Holder won two classes and there were junior class wins for Ryan Smith, Tom Drane from Forbes, local Carter Thompson, Taree rider Mitchell Bisley and Queenslander Riley Nauta.
Treloar Dominates Gillman Sidecar Super Prix
Last Saturday night was the fourth and final round of the Gillman Sidecar Super Prix and it was the team of Darrin Treloar and Jesse Headland who put together their fourth win to clean sweep the richest Sidecar series in the world ahead of Mark Plaisted/Ben Pitt, Warren Monson/Andrew Summerhayes and Neale Hancock/Brock Gates.
With the FIM 1000cc Speedway Sidecar World Cup set for Gillman this weekend you can be sure that Treloar and Headland will be eyeing off the top spot on the podium once again.
Wharton to AUS-X?
I little birdie is flying around telling the world that American supercross rider Blake Wharton is heading to Australia to contest AUS-X for Honda. Wharton won three 250SX races from 2009-’13 and finished a career-high third overall in 250SX East Region points in 2013.
Hill, Martin and Davalos Out of Indianapolis
Justin Hill, Alex Martin and Martin Davalos were all forced to miss the 250 East/ West Showdown at the Monster Energy Supercross round at Indianapolis last weekend and considering the racing and the stacked field, one can only imagine what would have happened if these three riders were on the start gate.
Hill had finished third and first in the previous 250 West rounds and was gaining ground in the title chase but he came down with an ailment earlier in the week and despite travelling to Indianapolis in an effort to ride the Suzuki pilot was forced to go to a local hospital for evaluation.
Martin is still struggling with a wrist injury that he sustained at San Diego while Davalos is out due to herniated discs in his spine and a torn MCL in his knee thanks to that brutal first-turn crash at the East Region opener in Arlington.
AMA WMX Kicks off at Daytona
The Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX) series kicked off alongside the annual Ricky Carmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross (RSCX) last week and according to overall winner Kylie Fasnacht, Daytona was rough for her after switching brands this season, which entails a number of changes to a racer’s program and spending her off-season racing in the ISOC Snocross series.
Kylie Fasnacht
“I’m still getting used to dirt bikes again, but I’m back on two wheels and training to become better than I’ve ever been. It [Daytona] was a fun race and I can’t wait to compete with these girls for the rest of the series!”
Round two of the 2018 WMX series is set to take place in conjunction with the AMA Freestone Spring Championship this coming weekend at Freestone MX in Wortham, Texas.
WMX Round 1 (RCSX) Overall Results
- Kylie Fasnacht (2-1)
- Hannah Hodges (1-2)
- Jamie Astudillo (4-3)
- Jordan Jarvis (3-6)
- Brinsley Dyess (5-5)
- Marissa Polencheck (6-7)
- Bryce Martinez (7-8)
- Shelby Rolen (14-4)
- Emilie-Jade Leveille (8-10)
- Cassie Belcher (9-11)
Husqvarna Off-Road Team Announce WESS Line-Up
The 2018 Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team that will compete in the World Enduro Super Series will feature official team riders Graham Jarvis, Colton Haaker, Billy Bolt and Alfredo Gomez.
Combining Hard Enduro, Classic Enduro, Cross-Country and Beach Racing, the newly established World Enduro Super Series will form an exciting new challenge for all four Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders.
Spearheading the team’s efforts in this multi-discipline enduro championship will be the experienced duo of Jarvis and Haaker.
A three-time Erzbergrodeo Hare Scramble winner and holder of a record six victories at Romaniacs, Graham Jarvis will make use of his hard enduro prowess in the hope of becoming the Ultimate Enduro Champion. As for Colton Haaker, the two-time FIM SuperEnduro World Champion is determined to demonstrate his acute speed and riding skills in the fast-approaching series.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team will be further strengthened by Billy Bolt and Alfredo Gomez (currently recovering from injury). Up and coming 19-year-old Bolt is gearing up for what’s expected to be a thrilling inaugural season of WESS competition. Still recovering from his recent knee surgery, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Alfredo Gomez is working towards making his competitive return to racing during the coming season of WESS competition.
World Enduro Super Series – 2018 Schedule
- Rnd 1. Extreme XL Lagares (Portugal) May 18-20
- Rnd 2. ErzbergRodeo (Austria) May 31 – June 3
- Rnd 3. Trefle Lozerien AMV (France) June 8-10
- Rnd 4. Red Bull Romaniacs (Romania) July 24-28
- Rnd 5. Red Bull 111 Megawatt (Poland) September (Date TBC)
- Rnd 6. Gotland Grand National (Sweden) October 26/27
- Rnd 7. Red Bull Knock Out (The Netherlands) November 10
MXGP Calendar Up-Date
MXGP promoters Youthstream have announced an update to the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar which will now include the return of former GP host Sevlievo, Bulgaria for the MXGP of Bulgaria on August 25th and 26th, 2018.
Last visited in 2014, the beautiful Sevlievo circuit is full of natural terrain circuit and has seen the World Championship 12 times since 2002. TM Racing’s Max Nagl, Monster Energy Kawasaki Factory Racing’s Clement Desalle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin have all won in Bulgaria with Cairoli, Herlings, and Paulin having done so twice.
The MXGP of Bulgaria will also include the EMX classes of EMX250 and EMX300 presented by FMF Racing.
Bell Wins WORCS
The third round of the 2018 Rocky Mountain ATV-MC.com WORCS Series headed south to Lake Havasu City, Arizona and it was Zach Bell who got the win in the Pro class, topping a large field that included some of the west coast’s top off-road racers, including defending champ Gary Sutherlin and point’s leader Giacomo Redondi.
Bell got off to a fast start and had control of the lead just a few turns into the race. From there, Bell showed the back of his jersey to the 22-rider field for the rest of the race. He steadily pulled away and took the win some 90 minutes later with more than a minute to spare over points leader Giacomo Redondi of Italy.
Redondi completed the first lap in fourth but had to pull off his goggles after his tear-off system got damaged and by the seventh of 16 laps, Redondi had moved into second place, but Bell had already checked out, so Redondi had to settle for second place.
Filling out the podium was KTM rider Eric Yorba who started the race off in fifth with Trevor Steward and Sutherlin rounded out the top five.
Sutherlin started the race in second but mechanical issue dropped him all the way back to 10th (on the 11th lap) but he managed to get some positions back in the remaining seven laps to get fifth.
Yamaha Releases Electric TY-E Concept Trials Bike
This is cool – Yamaha Motor Company has taken the wraps off their brand-new TY-E electric trials machine that will compete in the 2018 FIM Trial-E Cup, scheduled for two rounds in France and Belgium later this year.
See our full report here (link).
Smarty’s Race Reports
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Stage 2
The second stage of the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, held in the middle of the Liwa desert, proved to be a high-speed affair full of many steep, waving dunes, combined with sharp descents. So as to avoid potential accidents, riders were forced to be prudent and pay close attention to the roadbooks. The day’s stage was the longest of the competition with a total of 519.71 kilometres, including 287.9 km of timed special.
After his win on Sunday’s stage, Toby Price was the first rider away from the line early. With no tracks to follow, the 2016 Dakar Rally Champion had the difficult task of being the first to navigate the route and find his own way through the dunes. A crash caused an issue with the fuel line on Price’s KTM 450 Rally. Despite the off, and taking some time to remedy the problem, the Australian managed to successfully complete the stage in 11th place and will aim to chase down the leaders tomorrow.
Toby Price – P11
“The morning went really well, opening the stage was tricky but I felt good and the bike was perfect. Sam caught me around the 65km mark and we rode together for a fair bit at a nice comfortable pace. Unfortunately, not so far after the refuel I had a crash – it was quite a big one but thankfully I wasn’t hurt. I had an issue then with the bash-plate on the bike. It had been bent back so it damaged the fuel line. I had no choice but to stop and fix it and ended up losing over 30 minutes. I am feeling a little stiff and sore now, but I’m ready for tomorrow. Hopefully I can claw some time back on the front-runners.”
Following a well calculated plan of attack, Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pablo Quintanilla won the second timed special of the 2018 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge to place himself at the top of the event’s provisional overall standings. The Chilean rider is a little over one minute ahead in the overall with three stages still to be contested in the dunes of UAE.
The fifth rider to take the start of Monday’s 287km long timed special, FR 450 Rally mounted Quintanilla made the most of his good starting position. Avoiding any mistakes, the reigning FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion enjoyed a great pace throughout the stage to eventually put in the best time for the day.
Pablo Quintanilla – P1
“It wasn’t an easy stage today but I’m satisfied with the final result. There were many dunes and temperatures were quite high in that area. Most of the timed special was in an off-piste section and that made navigation a lot more difficult. I had a good starting position in the morning and took full advantage of it to make up the time lost yesterday. I felt really good in the dunes today, I was fast and had a good race pace from start to finish of the timed special. It was a good stage for me. The plan for tomorrow is to do exactly what I did in stage one. As the first rider to take the start, I want to avoid any navigational mistakes and remain fast throughout the timed special. I feel good at the moment on my bike and I’m looking forward to one more good stage tomorrow.”
Kevin Benavides continued to shine as the leading rider of the Honda Team in the second stage. The Argentine rider upped the pace, narrowing the gap with the riders ahead and clawing back precious time dropped in the opening stage yesterday. Benavides finished in second place on the day and holds third in the provisional standings, less than two minutes behind the leader.
Kevin Benavides – P2
“Today was better than yesterday, with more pace and better sensations. I felt better reading the terrain in this complicated desert, where it is difficult to ride well without taking risks. We all arrived together, pushing hard. It was a 100% dune stage, which was quite fun on the bike, that hasn’t caused any problems. We continue to get more kilometres under the belt.”
Setting off third, Matthias Walkner made the most of his advantageous start position. The Austrian managed to catch team-mate Sunderland towards the end of the stage and the pair raced together to the finish. Crossing the line together, Walkner would ultimately place third.
Matthias Walkner – P3
“That was another good day for me. My goal from the start was to catch the guys in front. I caught them quite late in the stage, which shows their pace, but the main thing was to gain those valuable minutes. I’m fourth overall now which is encouraging for the rest of this rally. My feeling on the bike is good and I’m starting to get more comfortable. I am really enjoying the rally, it’s been great so far and tomorrow I will do my best to move up the order a little more.”
Paulo Gonçalves, on his second day of racing after more than two months without competing, was able to find a good rhythm which allowed him to finish in fourth position at the end of the day and move to fifth in the overall rally standings.
Paulo Goncalves – P4
“It was a good day’s rally; long and very beautiful, with 300 kilometres of dunes. I tried to do the best I could. I felt physically better, with quite a bit of pace and I also tried to push hard and speed up. I saw that I could do it well, although I had to take some precautions. We will continue to ride and put some more kilometres in.”
Securing fifth, Sam Sunderland retained his runner-up position in the provisional overall standings. Sam in now just over one-minute behind the leader, Pablo Quintanilla. The Brit will be the fifth rider away on Tuesday’s stage, giving him the perfect opportunity to chase down the competitors in front.
Sam Sunderland – P5
“Although the results don’t look that good on paper, this race is always strategic and whenever you start at the front, you lose time on riders behind you. I caught Toby quite early on and was able to push quite hard today. I was feeling great on the bike and keeping to a good pace. Normally the guys behind catch you quite fast, but today I wasn’t caught until the 240km marker – that is really encouraging and shows my speed on the stage. Tomorrow I will set off fifth and my plan is to push hard again and catch the guys in front.”
Provisional Results Stage Two – 2018 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
- Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Husqvarna, 3:40:37
- Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 3:43:38 +3:01
- Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 3:46:38 +6:01
- Paulo Goncalves (POR), Honda, 3:47:35 +6:58
- Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 3:49:36 +8:59
… 11. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 4:18:01 +37:24
Provisional Standings – 2018 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
Aafter 2 of 5 stages
- Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Husqvarna, 7:04:19
- Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 7:05:27 +1:08
- Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 7:06:14 +1:55
- Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 7:06:58 +2:39
- Paulo Goncalves (POR), Honda, 7:17:44 +13:25
…8. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 7:31:01 +26:42
AMA Supercross Championships – Round 12 – Indianapolis
Round 12 of the AMA Supercross Championship was held in Indianapolis last weekend and it was Marvin Musquin who earned his second 450SX victory of the season while Jeremy Martin took a spectacular win in the first of the two East/West Shootouts of the year.
450SX Report
Musquin captured the holeshot in the main event and despite having Eli Tomac hot on his heels throughout the first half of the race, Musquin handled the pressure well as he maintained a solid pace out front until Tomac eventually went down, giving Musquin some breathing room for the second half of the race.
After 27 laps where the track broke down considerably, Musquin ultimately finished 29 seconds ahead of Dean Wilson, Justin Brayton and Jason Anderson which in turn reduced Anderson’s championship lead to 35 points with just five rounds remaining.
Anderson was collected in a first-turn incident but he remounted his Husqvarna FC 450 Rockstar Edition at the very back of the pack while his teammate Dean Wilson ripped his best Main Event start all year and was right in the top 3 battle during the opening laps.
Wilson would battle the difficult track and fend off multiple challenges from other riders for the entire 27 lap main event to keep himself at the front and grab his first career 450 Supercross podium with a superb second-place while for the entire 20 minutes plus one lap Anderson powered his way to the front, all the way to the fourth-place position, displaying the true definition of a championship ride.
Marvin Musquin
“To be honest, I’ve been waiting for that win for a long time. The last win was at Anaheim I and I felt like I was riding better and better after I got used to the dislocated shoulder. I feel like I’m definitely capable of winning but you have to put everything together, and that’s not easy, but today it was good. We got the bike better this weekend and in the last practice I was riding really smooth and I was the fastest, so I was really happy. I knew I needed a good start and to race my own race and I was able to do that tonight, it’s good to be back on top.”
Dean Wilson
“The Main result was awesome today. Qualifying went well, but I came into the heat race and got a bad start and ended up eighth. I got a good start in the Main then made quick passes. The middle to the end of the race was tough but it’s awesome to get a second. I’m stoked.”
Justin Brayton
“I think the biggest thing is, even before the main event, I’m just kind of like, I just ride a lot freer and I’m not stressed out. I’m not so anxious. I think I’ve rode probably 80 percent to my capabilities my whole career, mainly because I’ve always been nervous or anxious. I’ve kind of been a shell of myself. Now, kind of, the pressure is off. It doesn’t really change my life one way or the other.”
Jason Anderson
“My weekend turned out to be good. I went into the pileup in the first turn in the Main Event, but I worked as hard as I could to make it to fourth. It was good.”
Chad Reed scored a solid ninth place in the main event and moves up to 15th in the point’s standings.
1. Marvin Musquin – KTM
2. Dean Wilson – Husqvarna +29.439
3. Justin Brayton – Honda +31.403
450SX Class Results
- Marvin Musquin, Clermont, Fla., KTM
- Dean Wilson, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
- Justin Brayton, Mint Hill, N.C., Honda
- Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., KTM
- Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha
- Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM
- Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Husqvarna
- Blake Baggett, Grand Terrance, Calif., KTM
450SX Class Championship Standings
- Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna (265)
- Marvin Musquin, Clermont, Fla., KTM (230)
- Justin Brayton, Mint Hill, N.C., Honda (210)
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (194)
- Blake Baggett, Grand Terrance, Calif., KTM (194)
- Weston Peick, Menifee, Calif., Suzuki (172)
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., KTM (165)
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (162)
- Dean Wilson, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (138)
- Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (124)
East-West Report
Jeremy Martin peeled through the first corner to earn the holeshot in the 15 minute main event but there was a pile up behind that involved Zack Osborne and Aaron Plessinger leaving the two series point’s leaders last and dead last.
Martin led the first lap ahead of Anthony Rodrigues, Luke Renzland and Jordan Smith with Adam Cianciarulo, Austin Forkner and Aussie Hayden Mellross just inside the top ten but as the race entered the half way mark Martin remained in control out front but Renzland had made his way to second place with Smith, Cianciarulo and Forkner rounding out the top five while Plessinger was all of the way up sixth and Osborne was back in 11th.
The track was deteriorating with a lot of ruts on the jump faces so there were quite a few crashed at this point but there was no stopping Martin who went on to take the win by a convincing margin over Cianciarulo, Renzland, Smith, Plessinger, Forkner and Osborne.
Jeremy Martin was protested after his win for jumping on a Red-Cross flag and after the main event, the AMA ruled that he will keep the win, but determined he would be docked seven points. Instead of getting 26 points for the win, Martin will get 19.
Prior to the ruling being announced, Martin was asked what he thought should happen in the press conference: “From my perspective, I came out of the turn, and I didn’t see the medic flag waving,” he said. “I saw the lights on the triple, and I was like ‘I think those are red.’ So I rolled the face of it and then I looked at saw the area was clear and no medic flags after that and then I doubled it. It was an honest mistake.”
Jeremy Martin (Honda)
Adam Cianciarulo (Kawasaki) +4.128
Luke Renzland (Yamaha) +5.412
250SX East-West Showdown Results
- Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda
- Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
- Luke Renzland, Hewitt, N.J., Yamaha
- Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., KTM
- Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha
- Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki
- Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna
- Kyle Peters, Greensboro, N.C., Suzuki
- Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Suzuki
- Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
- Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (131)
- Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki (124)
- Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., KTM (121)
- Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda (112)
- Luke Renzland, Hewitt, N.J., Yamaha (92)
- Kyle Peters, Greensboro, N.C., Suzuki (85)
- Sean Cantrell, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, (59)
- RJ Hampshire, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (57)
- Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (57)
- Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha (54)
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
- Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha (151)
- Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki (142)
- Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (139)
- Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (127)
- Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (109)
- Christian Craig, Orange, Calif. Honda (106)
- Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki (105)
- Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha (95)
- Mitchell Harrison, Tallahassee, Fla., Husqvarna (84)
- Hayden Mellross, Clermont, Fla., Yamaha (68)
FIM World Motocross Championships – Round 3 – Valencia, Spain
The Redsand circuit in Spain’s Valencia region hosted its first ever MXGP event last weekend and it was Antonio Cairoli who dominated the MXGP class to move to a tie in the overall points with Jeffrey Herlings while Pauls Jonnas continued his dominance of the MX2 class with another 1-1 performance.
For the full MXGP and MX2 report see: KTM dominate RedSand MXGP | Lawrence 5th | Beaton 7th (link)
EMX250 Report
In the opening European 250 four-stroke race of the year ASTES4-TESAR Yamaha’s Nicholas Lapucci lead Anthony Bourdon on the first lap. Bourdon found his way into the lead 2 laps before Team DIGA Racing Procross’ Dylan Walsh took it away. The lead didn’t last for Walsh with as REVO Husqvarna UK’s Mel Pocock passed him on lap 7. Tom Vialle from France then got around Walsh on lap 9 of 14.
Follow the moves of Vialle by passing Walsh was another Frenchman, BUD Racing Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Pierre Goupillon along with Carglass Honda Racing’s Steven Clarke. The competitive 3 way battle for the lead was only separated by 3 seconds at the finish where Pocock took the race win ahead of Vialle and Goupillon.
Race 2’s start was a much needed improvement for Goupillon after coming through the pack from 16th to finish 3rd in race 1. Goupillon led 11 laps from the start of the race, first ahead of Nichlas Bjerregaard and later REVO Husqvarna UK’s Martin Barr.
KTM Silver Action’s Gianluca Facchetti was 3rd for 5 laps before crashing out of the race and having a scoreless weekend. Giuseppe Tropepe had an impressive ride coming for 8th to finish 3rd.
With three laps to go Martin Barr took the lead from Poupillon and won by 3.8 seconds making it two race wins of 2 for the REVO Husqvarna UK Team. In the overall standings Pierre Poupillon took the win with 42 points ahead of Tom Vialle’s 40 points and Mel Pocock with 37.
EMX250 Race 1 Top Ten
- Mel Pocock (GBR, Husqvarna), 29:15.381
- Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:01.625
- Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:03.136
- Steven Clarke (GBR, Honda), +0:06.270
- Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:10.624
- Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, Yamaha), +0:11.621
- Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, Yamaha), +0:14.663
- Isak Gifting (SWE, KTM), +0:17.671
- Anthony Bourdon (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:18.800
- Martin Barr (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:19.511
EMX250 Race 2 Top Ten
- Martin Barr (GBR, Husqvarna), 29:08.367
- Pierre Goupillon (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:03.813
- Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, Yamaha), +0:16.378
- Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), +0:20.299
- Brian Strubhart Moreau (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:21.373
- Kevin Horgmo (NOR, KTM), +0:21.756
- Dylan Walsh (NZL, Husqvarna), +0:26.412
- Steven Clarke (GBR, Honda), +0:27.184
- Mel Pocock (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:27.475
- Tomass Sileika (LAT, KTM), +0:29.175
EMX250 Overall Top Ten
- Pierre Goupillon (FRA, KAW), 42 points
- Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 40
- Mel Pocock (GBR, HUS), 37
- Martin Barr (GBR, HUS), 36
- Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 34
- Steven Clarke (GBR, HON), 31
- Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 30
- Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, YAM), 23
- Caleb Grothues (AUS, HUS), 17
- Brian Strubhart Moreau (FRA, KAW), 16
EMX250 Championship Top Ten
- Pierre Goupillon (FRA, KAW), 42 points
- Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 40
- Mel Pocock (GBR, HUS), 37
- Martin Barr (GBR, HUS), 36
- Giuseppe Tropepe (ITA, YAM), 34
- Steven Clarke (GBR, HON), 31
- Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 30
- Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, YAM), 23
- Caleb Grothues (AUS, HUS), 17
- Brian Strubhart Moreau (FRA, KAW), 16
EMX300 Report
In the first race of the second round of EMX300 presented by FMF Racing it was GL12 Racing’s Mike Kras who shined on the Redsand track. Kras took the race 1 win after an early battle with Verde Substance KTM’s Brad Anderson.
Anderson led the first laps but Kras was on a charge passing both Anderson and iFly JK Racing’s Manuel Iacopi by lap 3. Anderson made a mistake dropping him to fifth behind A1M Husqvarna’s Andre Lusbo. Spain’s Alonso Sanchez Osuna was third the majority of the race but was passed by Lusbo just after the halfway mark.
Last week’s winner Greg Smets came from 10th on lap one up through the field to take fifth away from Anderson. At the finish it was Kras, Iacopi, Lusbo, Sanchez Osuna, and Smets.
Race 2 saw an improved start from Kras and Smets, Kras led from lap 1 with Smets on his rear wheel. Sanchez Osuna started the race 4th but overtook both Anderson and Smets briefly. Smets returned the favor two laps later while Anderson took seven to reclaim 3rd.
At the finish Kras led the way every lap of the 14 to claim the overall and red plate with double race wins. Meanwhile Smets took 2nd and Anderson 3rd. The overall standings were Kras then Smets and Sanchez Osuna who tied for third in points with both Lusbo and Iacopi but took the podium spot based off the better race 2 result.
EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Race 1 Top Ten
- Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:11.450
- Manuel Iacopi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:04.439
- Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:06.123
- Alonso Sanchez Osuna (ESP, TM), +0:14.067
- Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), +0:17.666
- Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:18.107
- Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:21.796
- Erik Willems (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:41.316
- Tallon Verhelst (BEL, KTM), +0:45.582
- Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +0:46.266
EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Race 2 Top Ten
- Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 29:29.427
- Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), +0:05.952
- Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), +0:15.901
- Alonso Sanchez Osuna (ESP, TM), +0:19.730
- Andero Lusbo (EST, Husqvarna), +0:21.591
- Erik Willems (BEL, Husqvarna), +0:32.183
- Manuel Iacopi (ITA, Yamaha), +0:37.075
- Vaclav Kovar (CZE, Gas Gas), +0:37.593
- Daymond Martens (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.553
- Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), +1:00.911
EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Overall Top Ten
- Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 50 points
- Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), 38
- Alonso Sanchez Osuna (ESP, TM), 36
- Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 36
- Manuel Iacopi (ITA, YAM), 36
- Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 35
- Erik Willems (BEL, HUS), 28
- Vaclav Kovar (CZE, GAS), 27
- Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 22
- Tallon Verhelst (BEL, KTM), 20
EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Championship Top Ten
- Mike Kras (NED, KTM), 92 points
- Greg Smets (BEL, KTM), 88
- Brad Anderson (GBR, KTM), 77
- Andero Lusbo (EST, HUS), 59
- Manuel Iacopi (ITA, YAM), 57
- Youri van t Ende (NED, KTM), 50
- Erik Willems (BEL, HUS), 46
- Alonso Sanchez Osuna (ESP, TM), 36
- James Dunn (GBR, KTM), 36
- Joshua van der Linden (NED, YAM), 34
AMA Arenacross Championship – Round 1
Race to the Cup – Nampa, Idaho
AMSOIL Arenacross hosted the first round of the Race to the Ricky Carmichael Cup inside the Ford Idaho Center in front of a nearly sold-out crowd and it was Chris Blose took over the 250AX points lead after a phenomenal victory over Jacob Hayes while Ryan Breece extended his Arenacross Lites West points lead after a solid win.
The afternoon started with two-time defending 250AX champion Gavin Faith going down in the rhythm section, which forced a red flag as the points leader was transported off the track to be evaluated.
In the first 250AX Main Event, Chris Blose grabbed the holeshot with Hayes and Gared Steinke following in third. Blose and Hayes were battling it out until about halfway when Hayes made the pass stick on Blose for the lead. Hayes took the first Main Event win with Blose second and Heath Harrison third.
The second Main Event saw Hayes take the holeshot with Blose close behind and Travis Sewell in third. About halfway through the second Main Event, Blose made the move on Hayes for the lead and was on a mission for the overall.
Hayes and Blose were tied for the overall but because Blose took the extra point in the Rocky Mountain ATV MC Head to Head victory he finished ahead of Hayes, and Ryan Breece rounded out the podium.
In the second round of the AX Lites West season, GPF Babbitt’s Online rider Ryan Breece took the holeshot and never looked back, leading all 15 laps. His teammate, Isaac Teasdale, quickly moved into second and followed close behind while Yankton Motorsports’ Preston Taylor raced his way to his first podium of the 2018 season.
250AX Main Event
- Chris Blose 2-1
- Jacob Hayes 1-2
- Ryan Breece 4-3
- Heath Harrison 3-5
- Robbie Wageman 7-6
- Kyle Bitterman 6-7
- Daniel Herrlein 11-4
- Isaac Teasdale 8-9
- Travis Sewell 5-12
- Kevin Moranz 9-10
250AX Class Championship Standings
- Chris Blose – 42
- Jacob Hayes – 40
- Heath Harrison – 29
- Kyle Bitterman – 27
- Daniel Herrlein – 24
AX Lites West Region Main Event
- Ryan Breece
- Isaac Teasdale
- Preston Taylor
- Kevin Moranz
- Johnny Garcia
- Robbie Wageman
- Zac Mangum
- Corbin Hayes
- Carson Brown
- Devin Harriman
AX Lites West Class Championship Standings
- Ryan Breece – 32
- Kevin Moranz – 27
- Preston Taylor – 26
- Carson Brown – 21
- Johnny Garcia – 16
AX Lites East Championship Standings
- Heath Harrison – 86
- Isaac Teasdale – 82
- Garrett Marchbanks – 47
- Tanner Basso – 33
- Tanner Ward – 33
New Zealand Motocross Championships – Round 4 – Taupo
The fourth and final round of the 2018 New Zealand motocross Championship was held at Digger McEwen Park in Taupo last weekend and it was Cody Cooper and Hamish Harwood who won the MX1 and MX2 classes respectively but it was Aussie Kirk Gibbs who took out the MX1 class and Harwood who dominated the MX2 championship.
Taupo is a favoured track for the Kiwi riders but Gibbs got his day off to the perfect start with a win in the opening moto before backing that up with two solid third place finishes to wrap up his first New Zealand title by 11 points over defending champion Cody Cooper.
Kirk Gibbs
“I didn’t feel the flashest in qualifying but I found a good line over the back of the circuit and made it happen. I felt like I really flowed today. I felt at ease and was just cruising in the end. I knew where I had to be and what I had to do in the last race and I felt fine. I wasn’t pushing hard and felt I could have raced at that pace for like an hour. I rode safe and sensible and brought it home. This is a huge confidence-booster ahead of my Aussie nationals campaign. Everything is starting to click. I have no injuries at this stage, like I did in the past couple of years.”
Former points leader Kayne Lamont started the day with a third in the opening moto but his day unravelled from there to finish with a 9th and DNF in the final two motos thanks to a couple of crashes.
In the MX2 class is was young Wyatt Chase who took a surprising win over Harwood in the opening moto bit the KTM rider stormed to win the final two motos to take the championship by 70 points over Brad Groombridge who in turn ended with a 30 point gap to Jay Wilson.
MX1 – Round 4 Results
- Cody Cooper 2-1-1 = 72 Pts
- Kirk Gibbs 1-3-3 = 65 Pts
- Todd Waters 4-2-2 = 62 Pts
- Rhys Carter 7-4-4 = 50 Pts
- Hamish Harwood 6-6-6 = 48 Pts
…10. Kayne Lamont 3-9-dnf = 32 Pts
2018 NZ Motocross Championship – MX1
- Kirk Gibbs – 261
- Cody Cooper – 250
- Kayne Lamont – 222
- Rhys Carter – 209
- John Phillips – 198
- Hamish Harwood – 187
MX2 – Round 4 Results
- Hamish Harwood 2-1-1 = 72 Pts
- Wyatt Chase – 1-2-2 = 69 Pts
- Jay Wilson 3-3-4 – 58 Pts
- Hayden Smith – 4-4-6 = 52 Pts
- Brad Groombridge 7-6-3 = 51 Pts
- Daryl Hurley 12-7-7 = 39 Pts
2018 NZ Motocross Championship – MX2
- Hamish Harwood – 297
- Brad Groombridge – 227
- Jay Wilson – 197
- Hayden Smith – 187
- Micah McGoldrick – 165
- Logan Blackburn – 150
- Trent Collins – 143
- Daryl Hurley – 142
In the 125cc 2-Stroke class Max Purvis gave the JCR Yamaha team another championship with a dominating performance throughout the championship to win by 82 points over Tommy Watts while in the Youth Cup it was Reef Wheki who won the championship by 7 points over Jake Tomblin.
Peter Craven Memorial Trophy – Belle Vue Speedway
World Speedway champion Jason Doyle lifted the prestigious Peter Craven Memorial Trophy on Saturday after a hard-fought final with Belle Vue Aces’ favourite Steve Worrall 2nd and Kenneth Bjerre 3rd.
Worrall came through his opening five rides almost flawlessly, dropping just two points in his fourth while Bjerre found his mojo at the National Speedway Stadium after a disappointing start.
The pair surged through to the grand final as the meeting’s top two scorers, leaving Jason Doyle to battle through a GP-calibre semi-final against Craig Cook, Dan Bewley and Scott Nicholls.
Swindon stalwart Troy Batchelor was also in the running for a shot at the podium but missed out on a place in the semi-final on count-back, having failed to secure a heat win from his five rides.
Doyle joins the likes of speedway legends Ivan Mauger, Chris Morton and Jason Crump as a Peter Craven Memorial winner and couldn’t hide his delight at kicking off his season with a trophy.
Jason Doyle
“It can be hard going into your first meeting with fresh new machinery and to be honest, I was a little nervous early doors but once I’d blown the cobwebs away I felt really comfortable. The track was beautiful and awesome to ride. It never fails to deliver and I’m so happy to have come away with win. It’s an amazing feeling to have my name on such an historic trophy. Full credit has to go to Steve, Kenneth and Scott because they didn’t make it easy. Steve in particular knows the fastest way around this track and he certainly proved it tonight.”
Belle Vue Steve Worrall
“I’m pretty happy with how my night panned out. I’ve found an engine that really does seem to work around this track which is just what I was hoping for. This meeting had the most amazing support from the fans and sponsors. I enjoyed my night and though winning would’ve been nice, you can’t take it away from Doyley. He was awesome.”
Kenneth Bjerre
“I just didn’t have the speed tonight that I would’ve liked but considering I was riding borrowed machinery, my brother’s to be exact, I can’t say I’m too disappointed. To have the opportunity to ride here again is amazing. The new rules have meant I couldn’t be part of the team but any chance to be a part of this meeting was one I wasn’t going to refuse.”
Townsville rider Josh Grajczonek scored a more than credible ninth place while Aussie Champion Rohan Tungate came home in 14th place.
Belle Vue return to domestic league racing with National League action on Good Friday March 30 with the Belle Vue colts against the Coventry Bees.
Result – Belle Vue 90th Anniversary Celebration – Saturday March 24
Qualifying Scorers
- Steve Worrall 13,
- Kenneth Bjerre 11,
- Jason Doyle 11,
- Dan Bewley 10,
- Scott Nicholls 10,
- Craig Cook 10,
- Troy Batchelor 10,
- Charles Wright 7,
- Josh Grajczonek 7,
- Frederik Jakobsen 7,
- Matej Zagar 5,
- Dimitri Berge 5,
- Niels-Kristian Iversen 5,
- Rohan Tungate 4,
- Ricky Wells 2,
- Matej Kus 1,
- Jack Smith (res) 1,
- Kyle Bickley (res) 0
Semi-Final
- Doyle
- Nicholls
- Cook
- Bewley
Grand Final
- Doyle
- Worrall
- Bjerre
- Nicholls
