Coming To America?

Herlings and USA

There is no doubt about it, the most acclaimed rider in our sport is number 84, Jeffrey Herlings. He might not be the greatest of all time, but he is without question the fastest rider I have ever seen and his credential compared to anyone else in the sport at the moment stands out as the best of the best. 

With the rumours of Herlings heading to America to race the AMA Nationals in a months’ time, and also the talk that Antonio Cairoli will do the first two rounds of the AMA Nationals, the World will once again go crazy, just like we did when AMA legend Ryan Villopoto came to Europe to race in 2015. 

I even think the whole Herlings, and America thing is way bigger than ever RV’s euro adventure, because if Herlings does, he will be 100% in, while many felt Villopoto only came to Europe to get the final part of his Monster Energy contract money.

Having spoken to Herlings team recently, he won't be racing in Latvia next weekend, or in Maggiora in two weeks time, so he won't have much race time (if any) under his belt before the opening AMA Nationals round at the end of May and that might put some question into his decision, as the AMA boys have been racing since January.

While we in Europe want to see the best in the World right here in Europe and see Herlings break Stefan Everts 101 GP wins record, we also wouldn’t mind seeing how he does in USA. Below the American public and three AMA legends are pretty excited if it does happen. See below.

Eli Tomac: Of course I am focused on supercross and want to keep plugging along with what we have going on there and then focus for those two guys. If they came over, it’s going to be awesome competition. All I can say it will be a lot of competition, new tracks for them, they are obviously really fast, and I am sure we will have a lot of great battles if they do come over.

Davey Coombs: Last September Antonio Cairoli announced his retirement in Italy, and he mentioned that he wanted to come and do some Nationals. So, we reserved number 222, just in case he does decide. We are hearing he might do the first two rounds. Then there is the 84 and there is a lot of smoke around that fire, and I hope it is true. Jeffrey Herlings is in a situation he can’t win the 2022 World championship and he will for sure beat Stefan Everts record for GP wins, but the deck is set nicely for him to do something with a wild-card and come race the summer here, without having to do supercross and it would be fantastic to have him. With Plessinger being hurt and Marvin only supercross, I think the fire might heat up soon.

James Stewart: Jeffrey, come on babe, we have a compound out here (inviting Herlings to use his compound). It is funny, but Cairoli hit me up and he said he wanted to come out here and I thought it was strange. He said he will be at Aldons, or that area, so you too Cairoli (are welcome).

Ray Archer image

Tomac on Herlings and Cairoli maybe riding the US Motocross series

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After his second place in Atlanta and the chance to wrap the 2022 supercross title up next weekend in Foxborough, we asked Eli Tomac in the press conference if his thoughts are turning towards outdoors and full field of fit-again factory riders, plus the prospect of Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Carioli maybe coming over.

“Of course I’m focused on supercross and want to keep plugging along with what we have going on,” said Eli. “And then for those two guys, if they came over, it’s going to be awesome competition you know? All I can say it will be a lot of competition, a lot of new tracks for them, but they are obviosuly really fast – I am sure we will have a lot of great battles if they do come over.”

And on getting to ride the Star Yamaha outdoors after looking so good on it indoors? “I am really excited to give her the test in the outdoors, I really think it will shine in motocross, I’m excited,” acknowledged Tomac.

An Eli Tomac this confident might just be the early favourite for the 2022 AMA 450 motocross title even if he doesn’t have the number one plate…

Article: Jonathan McCready

Hunter Hangs Tough

Hunter Lawrence strikes in Atlanta 250SX Showdown

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 Post: Alex Gobert

Regional points-leaders Craig and Jett Lawrence also on the podium.

Image: Octopi Media.

Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was the big winner in the first 250SX East/West Showdown of the 2022 Monster Energy Supercross Championship in Atlanta.

Everybody wanted to see a duel between the points-leaders from each region and, in the end, both Christian Craig (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) and Jett Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) were on the podium.

But ahead of them, it was Hunter Lawrence who rose to the occasion and claimed one of the biggest wins of his career – four seconds up on the field as the checkered flag flew.

Up-front early was Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) as he led the opening three laps, then Hunter Lawrence took charge and controlled the remaining laps from there. Craig, meanwhile, was P4 on lap one and made his way into second by lap five, but a mishap on lap nine ended his hopes of truly challenging for victory from that point.

Despite being 15th at the conclusion of the opening lap from a mistake of his own, Jett Lawrence worked his way into podium position with two to go, denying Shimoda a place on the box and that’s how the pair would finish, with top qualifier Nate Thrasher (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) taking fifth.

Finishing sixth was Michael Mosiman (TLD Red Bull GasGas), followed by Austin Forkner (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) after he too went down, RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), Mitchell Oldenburg (Smartop Bullfrog Spas MCR Honda) and Pierce Brown (TLD Red Bull GasGas).

The 250SX West standings see Craig lead Hunter Lawrence by 23 points, with Jett Lawrence atop 250SX East by 47 points entering Foxborough next weekend.

Anderson Wins 450

Atlanta sees Anderson back on top in 450SX main event

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 Post: Alex Gobert

Fourth victory of 2022 marks return to form for title challenger.

Image: Octopi Media.

Weather in the area didn’t dampen the return of Monster Energy Supercross to the Atlanta Motor Speedway today, as Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson ended up back on top in another intriguing 450SX main event.

A return to winning form saw Anderson stand on top of the podium for the first time in seven races, marking his fourth win of the season.

It was Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas) who took the holeshot and led the opening lap, until top qualifier Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) made his move, almost directly followed by Anderson into position.

Then, Sexton washed the front and went out of the lead, allowing Anderson to slot into P1, while behind him, Barcia was next to fall while in second, which bumped defending champion Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM) up on his return until Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) eventually made his move into the runner-up spot.

In the end, Anderson held strong to win, with Tomac second from Sexton, who managed to overcome Webb for the final podium position with a few laps left to run and that’s where they remained.

Fifth came Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), with Barcia recovering to salvage sixth, followed by Justin Brayton (Smartop Bullfrog Spas MCR Honda), Kyle Chisholm (Yamaha), Brandon Hartranft (Twisted Tea Suzuki) and Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM), who crashed early and worked his way forward from the rear of the field.

It’s still Tomac who comfortably leads the championship, 53 points ahead of Anderson with three rounds left to run. Next stop in the series is next Saturday in Foxborough, Massachusetts

Glen Helen ALL NEW MOTOCROSS FOR SOCAL

On Apr 4, 2022 Last updated Apr 5, 2022

“Let’s get together in that fast right hander before the tabletop.” Sean Lipanovich (505), Griffin Dexter (206), Kiwi Josiah Natzke (533) and Josh Mosiman (77). Photo: Debbi Tamietti

PHOTOS BY DEBBI TAMIETTI & DAN ALAMANGOS

This past Saturday, the first “Saturday at the Glen” motocross race was held on what was formerly the REM stomping grounds, but with REM promoters Frank and Myra Thomason retiring, Glen Helen stepped in to fill what would have created a big void in SoCal racing. Many of Glen Helen’s Saturday race crowd had experience dating back to the 1980s when they raced the famous “Saddleback Saturday” races at the long-closed Orange County track.

The transition to a new promoter was not traumatic because Glen Helen stepped in to pick-up the races—and were lucky to keep the same crew that worked for Frank and Myra on board to handle the interaction with the racers. Except for the big sign on the scoring tower that announced Saturday at Glen Helen MX, it was a seamless transition.

Sean Lipanovich (505) took the 450 Pro win with a 1-2. Photo: Jon Ortner

Of course there were changes, but most importantly Glen Helen lowered the gate fee, which had been $30 per bike, to $10 per person. They also dropped the race entry fees from $50 to $30 for riders who pre-entered (and $40 for post entry). Most significantly, Glen Helen owner Dr. Bud Feldkap promised to keep the spirit of the original races alive. This was important to the regular racers because the upper track at Glen Helen, where the “Saturday at the Glen” race will continue to be held, is the last pure motocross tracks left in SoCal.

MXA’s Josh Mosiman brought his GasGas MC 250 to test before the World Two-Stroke Championship in two weeks. He went 3-1 for second overall in the 450 Pros. Photo: Debbi Tamietti

Glen Helen did try a few experiments, the biggest one being the idea of a parade lap before each first moto. It didn’t take long to see that the riders didn’t want a parade lap. For the first race of the day only half of the field went out for the parade lap and, in the subsequent motos, more and more riders said, “No,” when told to take a parade lap. Their way of voting was to sit on the starting line and wait for the actual race.

Todd Sibell (829) went 2-3 for third, but fought hard in both 450 Pro motos. Photo: Debbi Tamietti

The track was exciting as it had hard-pack, loam and sand mixed into a layout with big uphills, steep downhills, a safe first turn and enough technical sections to keep everyone on their toes. In the morning the track was muddy out back, but after Pro practice that issue solved itself. Every Glen Helen regular was overjoyed that Glen Helen stepped up to insure the races that they had been going to for 30 years would not disappear or, worse yet, be turned in another track with a jump every 50-feet like most of the SoCal race tracks.

Another MXA guy, Ezra Lewis (830) was fourth in the 450 Pro class. Ezra was another two-stroke rider getting ready for the two-stroke race. Photo: Debbi Tamietti

Best of all, for those of you in Europe, the other 49 states and parts unknown, ace photographers Debbi Tamietti and Dan Alamangos were there to document the first-ever “Saturday at the Glen” motocross. Sit back and enjoy what “Saturday at the Glen” looked like—and maybe make plans to race here in the future.

Legendary Motojournalist Mark Kariya Needs Our Help

Our friend could use some assistance after suffering a heart attack.

By Andrew Oldar

March 31, 2022

Legendary motojournalist, long-time Dirt Rider contributor, and all-around great guy Mark “Kato” Kariya suffered a heart attack yesterday while shooting a bike test in the high desert of Southern California. Mark was held overnight in the hospital, where surgeons put two stents in his heart. If you can help our friend offset some of his medical costs by donating to the GoFundMe link here and help spread the word, we would highly appreciate it. We’re all here for you, Kato!

Legendary motojournalist Mark Kariya suffered a heart attack while shooting photos for a bike test yesterday and could use some help offsetting medical costs. Please donate to his GoFundMe if you can.Dirt Rider Archives

Bill Buffington Stylin At LA OTMX

HARD ENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP KICKS OFF TOMORROW!

The 2022 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship gets underway this week with the Minus 400 in Israel. The opening round of an eight-race series, it’s shaping up to be an exciting one as Hard Enduro visits the Dead Sea region for the first time.

With a unique mid-week format, three days of racing await the world’s best Hard Enduro riders over terrain that is unlike anything they’ve raced before. Situated 400 metres below sea level – hence the name Minus 400 – the desert region of the Dead Sea offers a testing mix of dry and dusty terrain, combined with some big climbs, tricky descents, a wealth of natural Hard Enduro obstacles, plus even a little urban action.

MARIO ROMAN WINS MINUS 400 HARD ENDURO

Sherco Factory Racing’s Mario Roman has hit the ground running at the opening round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, winning the Minus 400. Continually at the front during the first two days of competition in Israel, the Spaniard raced his way to the overall win on the third and final day in the Minus 400 Main Event.

 

Billy Bolt had a good opener, but could not hold off the charge from Sherco’s Roman.

Defending FIM Hard Enduro World Champion Billy Bolt made good his start to the 2022 season with the Husqvarna Factory Racing rider placing second. Coming off the injury bench with a bang, Graham Jarvis brought his own Jarvis Racing Team Husqvarna home in third.

Graham Jarvis is running his own HQV Jarvis Racing team and took the final podium spot at his first race back after knee surgery.

The final key sections would prove decisive in the outcome of the podium. A highly technical boulder garden, made even harder by the furnace-like heat baking the rocks, was where Roman made his move. Taking control of the race lead, he managed to put a gap into his rivals and from there to the finish line was never challenged, claiming a seven-minute margin of victory.

World SX Expands New Team

World Supercross management team expands

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 Post: Troy Guenther

COO and head of televsion and broadcast appointed.

Image: Supplied.

SX Global has announced the expansion of the FIM World Supercross Championship management team, appointing Stephen Rogers as chief operating officer and Nathan Prendergast as head of television and broadcast.

Both Rogers and Prendergast are motorsports and entertainment veterans, bringing over 30 years of experience in executing premier international events.

“In order to build a successful global world championship series, it’s imperative that we have the experience of those who have been there and done it before, and that’s exactly what we have with Steve and Nathan,” explained SX Global president Tony Cochrane.

“Steve brings incredible operational experience and legal expertise in the development, management and licensing of global sports and entertainment entities, and there’s no one on the planet that carries more experience in leading world-class motorsports broadcasts than Nathan.

“We could not be more thrilled to have them on board, as we push toward the first preeminent global championship for the sport of supercross.”

Notably, Rogers has worked with Nitro Circus in the past as head of operations and business affairs, where his legal and operation expertise was pivotal in its continued expansion and diversification.

“I’m delighted to join such an incredibly passionate and experienced team of sports and entertainment executives, each with their own proven track records and impressive backgrounds, but united by the common vision and drive to elevate supercross globally,” stated Rogers.

“I too share in this vision and I’m very much looking forward to working with the team to establish the FIM Supercross World Championship as a leading global motorsport and entertainment property.”

Prendergrast has led production across a range of sporting events, namely the V8 Supercars Championship, AUS-X Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix.

“I’ve lived and breathed motorsports my entire life and to have this opportunity to build a broadcast operation from the ground up, and shape and deliver the viewing experience for the first true global supercross championships series, is nothing short of thrilling for me,” explained Prendergast.

“Having worked with Ryan and Adam [Bailey] on the AUS-X Open for several years, and Tony on the V8 Supercar Championships, there’s a heightened level of comfort and confidence knowing how qualified this entire team is to deliver the successful series we’ve all envisioned and take this sport to the next level.”

The pair join V8 Supercars visionary Tony Cochrane, and supercross veterans Adam Bailey and Ryan Sanderson on the FIM World Supercross Championship senior leadership team.

The FIM Supercross World Championship will annually take place in the second half of the year, including five events in 2022, from September through November.

2022 will serve as a ‘pilot’ season, allowing the series to establish itself and build momentum. 2023, and subsequent years, will see the series expand annually between June and November