Max Who?

The Hard Road of Maximus Vohland

Who is this Maximus Vohland? This question is coming up more and more frequently in the current Supercross winter – and not without reason. Maximus Vohland He belongs to that generation of US drivers whose careers were not straightforward, but who, precisely for that reason, now exhibit a remarkable mix of maturity, technical depth and inner calm.

Vohland is not a classic "overnight sensation" rider. His path has been marked by talent, setbacks – and the perseverance needed to truly arrive in the US professional cycling scene.

Second generation – but their own path

As the son of a motocross family, an early entry into the sport was practically inevitable. But a name alone doesn't get you far in the pro scene. Vohland had already made a name for himself in the amateur ranks before making the leap to the professional level in 2021 – directly with Red Bull KTMThe start was solid, but not spectacular. Years followed in which potential repeatedly surfaced, but was rarely consistently available.

Perhaps the hardest cut came 2024After the switch to Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki A career breakthrough seemed within reach – but after only two main events, a serious injury ended the season prematurely. Instead of a breakthrough, rehabilitation, self-doubt, and a long road back followed.

ClubMX Yamaha – the turning point

The restart took place 2025 with the Yamaha-supported ClubMX-team and a bike adapted to himIn retrospect, this step seems like a liberating move. Away from the pressure of expectations within the large factory structures, towards an environment that prioritizes development over headlines.

The reward wasn't long in coming: At the 2025 Pittsburgh Supercross, Vohland secured his first podium finish in the 250SX class – third place, but emotionally a victory. After months of rehabilitation, technical adjustments, and mental rebuilding, it was clear: He was back. And more than that – he had arrived.

2026: Consistency instead of question marks

The ongoing 2026 Supercross season This impression is impressively confirmed. The results of the first five rounds – 7-8-5-4-6 – show a rider who no longer swings between brilliance and failure, but delivers week after week. No more spectacular highs, but above all, no more dramatic lows. That's precisely the currency with which you earn respect in the 250SX class.

Vohland appears more mature, patient, and technically extremely clean. Less "all or nothing," more racing intelligence.

Live statement with a signaling effect

Vohland recently attracted particular attention during a live interview during the Race Day Live broadcast, conducted by Justin Brayton and Adam CianciaruloDuring the 450SX Group C qualifying, he spoke openly about bike development, his progress – and dropped a small bombshell in the process.

He explained that he had terminated his contract with ClubMX Yamaha will very likely be extended until 2027. "I feel comfortable on the bike, I know how the power delivery works, I've been riding it for two years now – and I will very likely extend my contract." so Vohland. Brayton reacted promptly: “Breaking news right here?” Vohland's answer: "Yes – right now."

A moment that speaks volumes about his current situation. No frantic shifting of thoughts, no looking left or right – but stability as a conscious decision.

Maximus Vohland is not a hype product or a social media project. He is a racer who has built his career. reclaimed He did it – step by step. Today he stands for consistency, technical understanding and mental strength.

Perhaps that is precisely his greatest strength: that he has long been underestimated. And that is exactly why it is now worthwhile to take a closer look.

Gajser Tops Mantova

Monster Energy Yamaha factory rider, Tim Gajser has won the Mantova round of the Italian International with a stunning 1-1 performance. The five time world motocross champion started well in both races and looked in great control throughout the day, apart from a late slip over at the end of the second race. He also won the Italian International championship with a handy points lead over the rest.

Tim Gajser: I mean, I felt really good all day and it started good and we had a good setup. A good start in the first one was important and the second one was the same, but Adamo closed everyone and we almost crashed, but I rode some good lines and I made a small mistake at the end, but we have another month before we start the world championship. I think Ruben was behind me and close and I was pushing, but still, it’s a preseason race and then I made a nice gap from seven seconds and when the crash came I had to push again, but it was all good.

Tom Vialle: It was a while since I raced here and it was weird to get used to the track. We need to work on some things before Argentina and we need to improve. A new bike and new team, I am happy. The track was really rough and I had fun all day.

The other HRC debut rider, Tom Vialle a nice fifth place in the second moto and second overall behind Gajser with 2-5 scores. Third overall was Forato with 5-4 finishes.

The other five time world champion, Jeffrey Herlings, in his debut for HRC had an up and down day, with two good starts, but poor positioning out of the first few corners. A stone in his chain in the opening race saw him stopped on the track for some time and he ended in 11th place and an average race in the second, where he finished in third place. More to come no doubt in Hawkstone Park and Lierop in the coming weekends.

MX1 Moto Two

Adamo down in the first corner of the second MX1 moto, after a great start and that allowed Talivuki with the lead, then Geerts, Gajser, Fernandez, Herlings, Vialle. Gajser all over Geerts, but the Belgian doing a good job blocking the Slovenian. Forato, Pancar, Lapuci and Hsu making up the top ten.

Taluvuki doing a great job of stopping Geerts and Gajser getting into the lead and also created a freight train behind him of five riders. Gajser passed Geerts and Fernandez into third as he also passed Geerts.

Gajser into the lead and Fernandez following the Slovenian as he moved into second place, with Herlings all over Geerts for fourth place. Herlings looking strong as he followed closely behind both Talivuki and Geerts.

Herlings passed Geerts and then close to Talivuki for third place. Gajser and Fernandez getting away in first and second places. Vialle and Forato close to Herlings, so a lot of traffic around that third place.

Herlings into third place, but a lot of seconds behind the two men in front of him, Gajser and Fernandez. Unfortunately for Talivuki, he had dropped to 8th place as the GP regulars all passed him.

Gajser looking like he might have made some changes between the first and second moto, because he looked much smoother in this second race. Easily holding the lead with Fernandez around five seconds back in second place.

Gajser a small mistake where he slipped over, but Gajser wins the moto, the overall and the championship. Herlings did catch Fernandez, but couldn't get close enough to pass. Vialle a nice fourth place and second overall behind Gajser with 2-5 scores. Third overall was Forato with 5-4 finishes.

Tomac Crash

Eli Tomac did not have the main event he wanted at the Glendale Supercross. The Red Bull KTM rider came into the fifth round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross as the championship leader and finished second in overall qualifying to his teammate Jorge Prado before they both pulled massive starts and dominated their respect heat races (Tomac in heat one, Prado in heat two).

Unfortunately, Tomac did not get the jump he got in the heat race when the gates dropped on the main event. Then, he got collected when Christian Craig went down in the first turn and it collected Tomac and Colt Nichols, too. All three riders got up under their own power, with Nichols and Craig getting their bikes as quickly as possible. Tomac was slow to get up and not in a rush to get back to his bike, causing some alarm. However, Tomac did eventually get going, starting dead last. He was not fully up to speed for a few laps and he eventually caught 21st place, Josh Cartwright at the time, and started to make passes forward. Towards the middle half of the race, Tomac was running some of the fastest lap times of the race, although outside of the top ten still. He came through the checkered flag 12th.

Afterwards, he was interviewed by trackside reporter Will Christien, where he said he was not injured. Tomac told Christien the following:

“Yeah, just put myself in a position where bad things can happen, of course. So, start… got a little bit pinched, and then I got taken out by Craig. And so, I don't know what happened, before that or why he crashed or if he caused it. All I know is Craig hit me, and I was done. So, it took me a little while to get warmed up again to kinda get my body loosened up and going, and, yeah, that's what I had, to get back to 12th. And good thing is we're not too far down, and we're fine, so it tough to do some digging now.”

TIM GAJSER: The Next Chapter

The start of a new chapter! Behind the scenes with Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s newest recruit Tim Gajser as he enters a new (blue) era.

Glendale Super Cross...Hunter Takes Red Plate

1. Kenny Roczen

2. Hunter Lawrence

3. Cooper Webb

Remember AXO?

Anyone who frequented the paddocks of various motocross series in the 90s or early 2000s knows the name. AXO was motocross DNA. Neon colors, stretch pants, iconic logos – and world champions who won races with exactly that. Then it went quiet. And now? Now AXO is back. Step by step. With a plan. And with real substance.

From legend to rebirth

AXO was 1978 in Italy Founded and rapidly developed into one of the most influential brands in off-road and motorcycle sports. Not sometime in the future, but... directly on the MX tracks of the worldJeff Stanton, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, Antonio Cairoli – the list of drivers who have worn and helped develop the Italians' gear reads like a history book of motorsport.

And suddenly, this very foundation is palpable again. Only now it's been reimagined.

A smart restart

Even before about five years AXO was TRIO SRL Acquired. Not a corporation that exploits brands – but an Italian company with decades of experience in the automotive and motorcycle sectors. TRIO stands for structure, logistics, digital solutions, and long-term brand development. In short: the opposite of a quick fix.

Since then, the brand carefully, but consistently Rebuilt from scratch. First enduro, now motocross. No rushed launches, but a return to our roots.

Back to the field – back into the spotlight

It's clear: AXO means business – and this time we noticed it immediately. The fact that AXO has been equipping the Fantic factory enduro team for two years now has honestly flown a bit under the radar. Enduro, yes – but in Motocross or in MXGP, exactly where we Once home, the brand was suddenly present again. And impossible to miss. At the latest when first official photoshoot des Fantic Factory MXGP Team It was clear: AXO is not just back, they want to be seen.

The new outfits from Albert Forato and Brent Van Doninck are currently still custom made, exclusively for the factory team. But – and this is the good news for all nostalgics and style fans – a Replica product It's supposedly in the works. Exactly what many have been waiting for for years: AXO not just in the paddock, but back at the starting gate.

Currently, AXO is primarily known outside of Italy. available online, but here too the new AXO motto applies: Piece by piece. International sales outlets are to follow – not hastily, but sustainably.

Old soul, new mindset

AXO today is not about nostalgia. It's a modern interpretation A brand with history. Functional, reliable, technically state-of-the-art – but with that unmistakable Italian soul. Developed with riders, for riders. Just like in the old days. Or to put it another way: AXO isn't trying to copy the past, but rather using it as a tailwind.

And now, let's be honest...

If you suddenly find yourself back in the MXGP paddock today AXO When reading this, one almost automatically asks this question – slightly ironic, but full of sympathy: Who actually remembers AXO?

The answer: Everyone who doesn't just watch motocross, but feels it. And AXO is back for exactly those people.

"I still have some of this gear, just can't fit into it anymore. It was great gear. I hope the new stuff is as good as it used to be." MX43

Pro Circuit's Leader on Winning

Mitch Payton: “The job is to win, not to finish second or third” 

At Pro Circuit Kawasaki, the numbers are impressive: 31 AMA titles and more than 300 wins to their name. Yet Mitch Payton’s structure is going through a dry spell. Since Justin Hill’s title in 2017, Pro Circuit Kawasaki have not claimed another Supercross championship crown. Riders have come and gone, wins have been taken, but the title has eluded them for nearly a decade. As head of Kawasaki’s official 250 team, Mitch Payton was present for a roundtable discussion ahead of the Glendale Supercross. Microphone on.

Mitch, Pro Circuit had a good weekend in Houston. Beyond Levi and Cameron’s results, what stood out to you the most?

Payton: I think Levi and Cameron are both riding very well. Starts help a huge amount. In both classes, whether it’s 250 or 450, results depend heavily on starts. It’s a crucial point: if you get a good start, you have a great chance of staying up front. And they both got out front.

A word on your East Coast riders, Seth Hammaker and Drew Adams. Seth injured his shoulder and had to undergo surgery. Drew had an issue during the off-season. How are they doing, and how is it shaping up?

Payton: They’re both doing really well right now. They’re training at the Dog Pound and riding a lot. Drew is really in one of the best shapes of his life, and it’s the right time to be in that kind of form. Seth has been really strong since getting back on the bike, and his shoulder feels better than ever. I think things are going to go very well on the East Coast.

With the recent dominance of Star Yamaha, what do you tell your riders to regain the upper hand? We see a lot of aggressiveness on track, but your riders stay clean.

Payton: I think you have to ride with that aggressiveness. If you look at what happened last week, Haiden did to Levi exactly what Levi had done to him in the past. A lot of people complained when it was Levi on Haiden, but when the situation was reversed, we didn’t go complaining. Aggression is part of the sport. You can’t always stay passive. Motocross has always been an aggressive sport, and that’s important.

Levi spoke about his problems with the holeshot device. He said you finally found the solution. What was it?

Payton: Part of the problem was that his front wheel was lifting on the gate. So we lowered his holeshot device more and more and more, until it was too low. When entering corners, Levi is a pretty smooth rider on the brakes; he doesn’t load the front of the bike very much, so the fork doesn’t compress a lot. Because of that, we had to go back the other way. When he returned to California, we worked on starts and realized that it wasn’t so much the position of the holeshot device that was the issue, but rather the fact that the fork wasn’t compressing enough to disengage it. We fixed that.

Have there also been improvements to the KX-F engine that helped at the start of the season?

Payton: Yes, we improved certain areas during the off-season. We did testing over the winter and thought it might make a difference. When the riders tried the changes, they realized they were much more significant than we had anticipated. We still have a few parts to test that could help, but as always, it takes time, and with different suppliers, things often arrive late.

Overall, the engine is much better than last year. That said, it was already really, really good at the end of the 2025 season. We had made some solid improvements, and these add to that. And I expect even more in the future.

Cameron has had several tough seasons with injuries. His goal is still to win regardless. Happy to see him back on the podium and staying in one piece?

Payton: Cameron is doing — in my opinion — a very good job. If you look at his résumé, he’s won a lot of races, worn the red plate, and been in positions to win championships. It hasn’t quite come together, but he’s riding well. I think he’s going to keep improving and progressing as the season goes on.

You’ve been loyal to Cameron, Seth and Levi, and they’ve been loyal in return. We often hear them say they want to win for you. What does it mean to you to have built such a tight-knit team?

Payton: It’s obviously very flattering. But I think above all, the guys in our team are really good people. They’re not idiots, they’re respectful, and that’s important for our sport. I’ve always been told that good things happen to good people, and I still believe that. I don’t think you need to be over the limit everywhere to achieve your goals.

Despite the Houston podiums, Levi and Cameron seemed to suggest that nobody was really satisfied.

Payton: A lot of people tell us, “Great, you finished second and third.” But for me, the job hasn’t been done. The job is to win, not to finish second or third. That’s our objective, and it’s also our riders’ objective. I don’t think we should lower our expectations; that would be taking the easy way out.

Last question: where is the new Kawasaki two-stroke?

It’s coming soon. Very soon.

Cairoli vs. Herlings

Cairoli on playing mind games with Herlings in MXGP!

Antonio Cairoli has opened up on the mind games he used to play with Jeffrey Herlings when the KTM duo were the fastest men on the planet.

Cairoli would play some games when they went practicing with a fast lap and lure Herlings into riding more and more to prove he was faster!

Cairoli told Jase McAlpine on Gypsy Tales: “I was trying to mix things and then we ride sometimes at the track together, I know he wants to be the fastest guy not only by like a second by like by two seconds – he was riding and riding and riding and sometimes you crashed if you want to really push the limit.

“So let’s say we play a bit. We never ride together so much, but sometimes when it happened, I try to make him ride long, long, long, you know to see if something happened! Because I know he wants to always be the fastest guy.

“Now it is a bit less I think these last year’s because he realized it’s not always lap times. But on those years you always show I’m fastest but not only a little bit…I’m super fast. If you always play with the limit sometimes you find it. So yeah, I was just trying play this kind of stuff!”

Team Managers on Glendale

"My Jaw Dropped to the Floor."