Stefan Everts Reflects

Tony Cairoli's Time

It is easy to look back on the last two decades and forget just how long two decades is, it all goes so quickly. When Antonio Cairoli burst onto the World scene back in 2004, nobody could have imagined he would end up being very, very close to catching “The Man” of that era, Stefan Everts.

Everts was on the crest of his own wave, having wrapped up his seventh World title and was hunting for number eight in 2004. Everts was coming off racing both the MX1 and MX2 championships and came very close to winning both titles. He has scored his triple GP victory at Ernee, and had picked up his 71^st GP win in 2003 and was by far the most successful GP rider of all time. It seemed nobody could match those statistics.

When the 2004 season started, all eyes were of Everts in the MX1 class and Ben Townley in the MX2 class and we all looked forward to the 2005 season when the two would face off. Townley would win that 2004 MX2 championship and in doing so attract a lot of attention around the World, including American. While the New Zealander was fighting off Everts in 2005, that young Italian kid who had shown so much form in 2004, even picking up a GP win at the famous Namur circuit was stamping his own print into the World of Motocross.

A high-tension battle with fellow Yamaha rider Andrew McFarlane, the Sicilian would score GP wins in Portugal, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Czech Republic and Germany to take his first World title at the Dutch circuit of Lierop. He was on his way, and despite his impressive 2005 season, we still could not have imagined what was to come. Sure, he was a World champion, but in that 2005 season all eyes were really on Everts and Townley and their fight for the MX1 title. Not to mention guys like Michael Pichon, Joel Smets and Josh Coppins, who also fought hard for GP wins against The King.

Everts would win again in 2006 and of course retire with 10 World title and 101 GP victories and Cairoli would lose out to crafty Frenchman Christophe Pourcel in the MX2 class and scored just three GP wins. Was this little Italian racer just to be a single time World champion we wondered?

With Townley heading to America to race at the end of 2005, Europe was in desperate need of a leader and while names like Coppins, Philippaerts, Ramon and were all eligible for that position, nobody stood out as a future legend.

A year later Cairoli picked up his second World MX2 championship and also scored 11 GP wins. Suddenly it seemed, we had found our replacement for the great Stefan Everts. Cairoli would lose out to Tyla Rattray for the 2008 championship after a knee injury at the South African GP but would come back in 2009 and win his first premier class title and another four GP victories to his name. 

From here on in, it was Cairoli time as the Sicilian picked up loads of GP wins and World titles in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. It was a golden era as he moved from Yamaha to KTM and dominated. Scoring eight GP wins in 2010, six in 2011, 11 in 2012, nine in 2013 and nine again in 2014. By the end of the 2014 season, it seemed nobody could match him and Everts records would be broken.

The 2015 season wasn’t what we had all hoped, as American Ryan Villopoto arrived, and everyone waited for the battle between these two legends. Amazingly, neither really took a hold of the championship with Cairoli starting with 4-3-3-2-11 results, before winning in Spain and Great Britain, but from there on in, injuries played a major part in his championship season as was the case with the American champion. 

In fact, injuries started troubling Cairoli more and more and that domination of the previous seasons was gone. Sure enough, he would lose out in 2016 to young rookie Tim Gajser and it seemed his title reign was over. He did score his ninth World championship in 2017, although mainly due to Gajser and Jeffrey Herlings being injured often, but still, that 2017 championship was a typical victory for the Italian legend where he just gritted his teeth and remained composed.

His final championship battles would be epic as he fought Herlings and Gajser, but came up short in 2018 to Herlings, 2019 and 2020 to Gajser and 2021 to Herlings. The youth had taken over and for our Sicilian friend the writing was on the wall. 

Mid-season he announced his retirement and while he did have stellar moments in his final season of Grand Prix motocross, his sixth-place finish in the series points was well down on what he was capable of. Injuries again playing their part in his performances.

He did take his GP victories to 94, just seven short of Everts and he did leave the sport with a GP victory in Italy in his 274^th GP weekend. While we look back though, over the last 18 years we have seen a man who put everything on the line, rode with great pride and contributed to the Grand Prix series more than most have, more than anyone but Everts.

The legend of Antonio Cairoli will live on forever, that we are assured and while he will continue to work with the De Carli team and his presence in the GP paddock will be long standing, that golden era from 2009 until 2014 will always be remembered as the Cairoli years. 

Just like the golden eras of Robert and De Coster in the early 1970s, Geboers, Malherbe, Jobe and Thorpe in the 1980s and Everts and Smets in the 1990s and early 2000s, Tony Cairoli was the man for his period. 18 years of GP wins, 18 years of blood, sweat and tears and 18 years of high respect from everyone inside the paddock and watching from home.

Reprint from MXLarge.com

Runner-up part of Roczen 'building' process through SMX series

Competition Post: Troy Guenther

Race-by-race mentality paying off for Suzuki racer in post-season.

Image: Octopi Media.

HEP Suzuki racer Ken Roczen climbed to the runner-up position in the 450SMX standings to conclude the 2023 SuperMotocross Championship (SMX), with each of the three post-season events all part of his current ‘building’ process.

Roczen, 29, has battled illness throughout much of his recent career and in making the change to Suzuki this year has come a refreshed mental approach which, along with other factors have seen him revitalized.

The number 94 completed the 450SX season in fourth position and he made a cameo 450MX appearance at High Point, before shifting his attention to the World Supercross Championship (WSX) opener at Birmingham, in which he won.

That event in July marked his last gate-drop before the SMX playoffs, but nonetheless, Roczen was able to open the 450SMX post-season with second overall in Charlotte. He again was second overall at Chicagoland, this time winning in moto two, and entered the final round third in the standings and with a genuine shot at the title.

Roczen rode to second overall again on the night and that, coupled with the misfortune of former red plate-holder Chase Sexton, ensured he concluded the championship in the runner-up position.

“I went from third, now to second, which I’m happy about,” reflected Roczen. “I feel like I have been getting pretty beat down over the last couple of years, so like I said, a win would have been so nice, but I’m at the same time still building. Not the youngest anymore, but it’s nice for me to see in the later stages of my career that I’m kind of coming back toward the other spectrum a little bit.

“That’s nice for me to see and we still have a few races to go before Anaheim. For me, I’m just building every single weekend that I’m racing. Once Anaheim starts, we’ve got a lot of races to go in a row, but I feel like I’m in a completely different mentality and I take it race by race, legitimately. I know we always say that, or in the past or whatnot, but I’m just rolling with it at the moment at that seems to work.”

The attention of Roczen now shifts to the upcoming Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Ernee, France, on 6-8 October, where he will represent Germany, before the final two rounds of the 2023 World Supercross Championship in Abu Dhabi and Melbourne.

Sexton Confirms Move

450SX title-holder Sexton confirms Team Honda HRC departure

Biggest move of 2024 takes another step closer ahead of October.

Image: Octopi Media.

Defending Monster Energy Supercross champion Chase Sexton has officially confirmed he’s departing Team Honda HRC, entering the 2024 pre-season.

Sexton, 24, has been part of the Honda system since his amateur career and clinched a first-career 450SX title in May at the Salt Lake City finals.

Ongoing speculation has constantly linked Sexton to a high-profile switch to KTM as the effective replacement of Cooper Webb, which would in turn open the door for Hunter Lawrence to join brother Jett to lead Honda’s factory 450 roster.

“Man, it’s been one heck of a ride with the Honda family!” Sexton said. “Lots of ups and downs, two 250SX titles, one 450SX title, and tons of memories that will last a lifetime.

“Riding for Honda HRC was always a dream for me and to make that a reality is really something special. Thank you to each and every one of those team members that made my four-year run there so special.”

The beginning of October is when teams traditionally announce their rider line-ups for the upcoming season, in line with when existing contracts expire leading into off-season testing and preparation ahead of Anaheim 1 in January.

Herlings Still Has More!

Is The 2024 Yamaha 250F The Bike of the Year?

Only time will tell

Moto HOF!

The Golden Years of Moto

The Flying Finn

Heikki Antero Mikkola is a Finnish motocross legend and an iconic figure in the world of motorcycle racing. Born on July 6, 1945, he has had an extraordinary career and has left an indelible mark on the history of motocross. Below is a detailed review of his career and achievements.

The Pilot Career:

Mikkola started his motocross career in 1967 and it was immediately apparent that he was extraordinarily talented. He established himself as one of the best riders of his time and competed internationally as a member of the Husqvarna factory racing team.

Domination in the World Championships:

His most significant claim was his ability to win both the 250cc and 500cc world championships, a remarkable accomplishment that few riders have ever achieved. This makes Heikki Mikkola one of the undisputed legends of motocross. He won the 250cc world championship in 1976 and dominated the 500cc world championships in 1974, 1977 and 1978. His match against champion Roger De Coster has become one of the most legendary rivalries in motocross history.

Nickname and Distinctive Style:

Mikkola was known as the "Flying Finn", a nickname which reflected his extraordinary ability on the track. His distinctive goatee and proud look made him recognizable among riders and fans alike. His determination and commitment to racing excellence was evident in every race.

Transfer to Team Yamaha:

After 12 successful seasons with Husqvarna, Mikkola joined the Yamaha factory racing team. This move proved to be just as successful, as he won two more 500cc World Championships with Yamaha. His ability to adapt to different bikes and teams demonstrates his versatility and innate motocross ability.

Post-Career Honors:

After retiring from competition, Heikki Mikkola became manager of the Yamaha racing team, contributing to the continued success of the team. In 2006, he was rightfully inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, an honor that underscores his outstanding contribution to the world of motorcycle racing. In 2015, he was named an FIM Legend, global recognition for his outstanding achievements in motorcycle racing.

In summary, Heikki Antero Mikkola is a motocross icon who has left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. His outstanding ability, numerous world titles and his distinctive personality make him an undisputed legend in the world of motorcycle racing

Toria Donato

LA Highlights SMX...Jett Takes The $$$$$

Lawrence becomes first 450SMX champion

Section: Competition Post: Aaron Durant

Violent Sexton crash enables one last 2023 victory for Lawrence at season finale.

Image: Octopi Media.

The 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship season finale at the historic Los Angeles Coliseum saw rookie sensation Jett Lawrence add two more moto wins to his list of successes throughout the year, along with an additional championship as he secured the first 450SMX title as the best rider in the premier class in the sport’s first year with a post-season.

Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) snuck through the opening corner first as moto one for the premier class at the finale event kicked off.

Sporting a retro look on his No. 9 Kawasaki KX450SR, Cianciarulo led the opening lap before giving way to his Monster Energy Kawasaki stablemate Jason Anderson moments before a violent crash for fellow front-runner Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas) brought out a red flag.

Anderson was tasked with keeping Ken Roczen (Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki) behind following the staggered restart and did so until the sixth lap when the German rider launched past Anderson on the inside in a bowl turn with 13 minutes on the clock.

Roczen led two laps until he was passed for the lead by Lawrence, whose charge forward began when he passed his teammate Chase Sexton for third in the moto’s early moments and continued with a move on Anderson a few corners after Roczen’s.

Initially showing an ability to keep pace with and challenge Lawrence for the lead, Roczen ultimately lost touch with the undefeated 450MX Pro Motocross Championship winner and settled for second by 1.561s at the end.

Sexton held on for third, 6.316s back.

Anderson ended up fourth, followed by a quiet run to fifth for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing newcomer Cooper Webb. Garrett Marchbanks (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha) finished a solid sixth ahead of Cianciarulo, Colt Nichols (Rick Ware Racing Madd Parts Kawasaki), Ty Masterpool (HBI Racing Kawasaki), and Dean Wilson (Fire Power Honda) in the top 10 positions.

A first-turn crash for Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) and a later fall for Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM) saw those two join Barcia at the bottom of the results for the first 450SMX race of the season-ending night.

Sexton launched into the lead following the final gate drop of the year, surrounded by his closest competition with $1 million on the line. Cianciarulo, Lawrence, Webb, Anderson, and Roczen also benefitted from solid starts and set their sights on Sexton, with every position weighing heavily given the triple points on offer.

A significant shakeup arrived when Sexton violently crashed out from the lead, entering the high-speed sand section on the ninth lap. Lawrence avoided Sexton’s downed motorcycle and assumed the race lead.

Though Roczen chased him until lapped riders interrupted the German Suzuki rider’s progress with the year’s final checkered flag nearing, Lawrence led the final 10 laps of the season as he finalized a 1.644s victory. He secured the first-ever 450SMX title simultaneously, ultimately finishing 17 points clear of Roczen in the final standings.

Webb found the final podium position behind Roczen in this season-ending moto as well as the overall results for the Los Angeles SMX.

Cianciarulo finished a solid fourth to secure fourth overall with 7-4 results on the night. Nichols earned fifth overall with eighth in moto one and fifth in moto two as he beat Plessinger, Marchbanks, Freddie Noren (HEP Suzuki), Masterpool, and Nicoletti in the top 10 in the final race of the year.