Malcolm Stewart to Yamaha

Posted on October 29, 2020

 

Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing is pleased to announce the addition of Malcolm Stewart to their 450 team for the 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The 2016 250SX East Champion will line up alongside the 2018 250SX West Champion, Aaron Plessinger, and the back-to-back 250SX West Champion, Dylan Ferrandis, for a three-pronged threat in the highly competitive premier class.

Stewart is fresh off his best season in the 450 class. The Florida rider really started hitting his stride in the seven-race run in Salt Lake City, finishing fourth at the season finale to end the year seventh in the standings. Stewart looks to build on that momentum next season with the Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing team.

Jeremy Coker - Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing 450 Team Manager: "Adding Malcolm to our already great line up excites me that much more for this upcoming season. He is an amazing rider, especially when it comes to the whoops. I can't wait to see him on the track."

Malcolm Stewart - Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing: “I’m really excited to join the team. I know a lot of the guys from when I was around the team back in 2011. Gareth Swanepoel is my trainer and he works with their guys, plus I have a few buddies there. So, it isn’t a big change for me. It just kind of adds another piece to the puzzle. I’m definitely happy. The team has had a lot of success and has dominated the 250 class. They have a phenomenal setup and to be a part of their first year in the 450 class, it makes it more exciting for all of us. I feel like we have some good heavy hitters. Myself, Dylan Ferrandis, and Aaron Plessinger, every single one of us has won a 250 title. It should be a really good year. It’s only Supercross right now, but hopefully it goes well, and we can turn it into something in the future.”

Remember These Beauties

 Bruce Porter and Ed Santin built these BID. They are true works of art.

Haaker Takes Two!

Colton Haaker completed a perfect weekend with his second win on the bounce at round two of the 2020 GEICO AMA EnduroCross series at Glen Helen Raceway.

The Rockstar Husqvarna rider overcame crashes and a resurgent Trystan Hart to take a 3-1-1 moto tally for the overall. Hart took the FMF KTM to second overall with 1-4-2 moto scores and Cody Webb rounded out the podium on his FactoryOne Sherco with 2-2-3 results.

Townley introduces innovative ‘SX4’ concept in New Zealand

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Reimagine the sport of motocross with world-first event to take place.

Image: Supplied.

Former world champion Ben Townley has introduced an innovative new concept in New Zealand that is set to reimagine the sport of motocross, the inaugural ‘SX4’ event set for Digger McEwan Motocross Park in Taupo on 9 January.

In an all-new format that will combine motocross with elements from supercross and speedway, 15 races will feature four riders each, consisting a four-lap motos on a track layout that features four turns and four obstacles.

“I want fans to love our sport, I want our industry to grow, but most importantly I want our sport to be mainstream,” Townley explained. “SX4 will give us the platform to achieve this! I am super-stoked with how things are starting to come together for our first ever SX4 event. The industry have been super-supportive of my ideas and I’m looking forward to seeing spectators share the love as we build towards 9 January.”

Over the last few years a site at the Taupo Motorcycle Club has been a labour of love for Townley, who has played an integral part in the development. The new track will be tested at a demonstration event this coming Labour Weekend as part of MXFest prior to the first standalone SX4 event at the beginning of 2021.

For more information on the inaugural SX4 set for Taupo on 9 January and to buy tickets, which are on sale now through Eventbrite, head to www.sx4.co.nz.

And Then There Were None - USA

Something was lost when Thomas Covington decided to hang up his helmet a week or so ago. Having enjoyed decades of American participation in the Grand Prix series, we suddenly had zero US riders involved, at a time when the American public have fallen in love with the European based series.

Since the early 1970’s, when Mark Blackwell, Jim Pomeroy, Brad Lackey and Marty Smith made appearances in Europe, the relationship has been a healthy one, at times very competitive, but always healthy.

Davey Coombs wrote a brilliant piece on American’s in Europe back in 2014 for his online version of RacerX, called simply, Americans in Europe, and it is 100% worth a look. It goes way back to the 1950s when two guys called Ray McCarty and Bud Ekins raced GP, but to be honest, I never heard of these dudes and another reason to check out that piece by DC, because it tells the whole story.

For me though, having arrived in Europe in 1993, I missed a lot of the American legends. I missed that Pomeroy, Danny Laporte and Brad Lackey era, and I just made the Donny Schmit, Trampas Parker, Bobby Moore era, in fact, my first ever European based GP was at Foxhills in 1994 and Moore won the overall that day.

I also got to see Parker battle Joel Smets in the 1995 500cc championship, and although Parker was probably past his prime and his two World motocross championships had been won in 1989 and 1991, he was still hauling ass and giving Smets a hard time. It was probably the most enjoyable season for the 500cc class in that era.

Mike Brown, Tallon Vohland, Jimmy Button and Ryan Hughes made appearances in Europe in the 1990 and all were a credit to USA, and I loved chatting with all four of these guys. All four men had success, and all four needed a ride and in that era, a middle of the road America was pretty quickly a top three guy in Europe. They came in big numbers in the 1980s and 1990s and they brought new excitement to the GP scene.

Brown rode first for the Rinaldi Yamaha team in 1997, and I remember watching him win the season opening International at Beaucaire. Unfortunately, his season wasn’t as successful as that pre-season race and he quickly returned to the safety of home in USA. Brown returned in 2000 to race for the Dave Thorpe Honda team and battle the likes of James Dobb and Grant Langston in the 2000 125cc championship. For me, in all my time working in Europe, that 125cc championship was one of the most enjoyable GP seasons I have watched, I have never seen such a competitive trio going for the same goal. After heading home and winning an AMA 125cc championship, Brown returned to Europe and raced for the CAS team in the UK. I was their media guy and hung out with Mike on many occasions and had a good laugh. When you think of an American hero racing the World, then Mike Brown was your man.

I also enjoyed when the quiet but friendly Scott Sheak arrived with his wife at the time Erika, or Jimmy Albertson and his brother Greg, all great people and good company. Zach Osborne also arrived with something to prove in the late 2000s and we all know where he ended up. His time in Europe was also a successful one, where he made a lot of friends and won a GP, then headed home to find even more success and more friends.

Finally, the last few years we have had Ryan Villopoto, Michael Leib, Jimmy Decotis, Michael Hall, Thomas Covington and Mitchell Harrison. Covington was the biggest success, winning some GPs and like Osborne making a lot of friends with his friendly smile and happy nature. Of course, the arrival of Ryan Villopoto in 2015 will go down as one of the most exciting moments in GP history and his addition to the series, as short as it was, attracted massive numbers of American fans to the Grand Prix championship.

But now, with the retirement of Covington, we are left with not a single American rider in the MXGP or MX2 championships. Tallon Vohland's son Max (one of the big young stars in USA) made an appearance in the EMX125cc class at Matterley Basin, took a beating (his Dads words) and returned home, probably not to be seen again.

That whole connection between Europe and America still burns, but its struggling to stay alight. A Frenchman is the AMA 250cc championship, Osborne the AMA 450 motocross champion, but in all honesty, with no major American names racing in Europe anymore, or coming out of the winter Internationals like Bercy (hasn’t happened for years), then that flame that has burnt so brightly between Europe and America might just go out. 

European riders are not as interested in going to America anymore, and the young American kids are not only not interested, but probably not competitive in the cauldron of Grand Prix motocross, where age rules see young kids thrown into the toughest motocross series in the World, MXGP. To survive now in Europe, you better be very talented and very open minded.

European kids like Tom Vialle, Jago Geerts or Roan Van De Moosdijk in a similar way are not heading to the AMA supercross rounds, because not only would they not be competitive, but that dream of racing in USA isn’t the same as it was for guys like J. M. Bayle, David Vuillemin, Mickeal Pichon, Christophe Pourcel, Marvin Musquin or Dylan Ferrandis, because kids like Vialle, or Geerts never got to watch names like Eli Tomac, Ricky Carmichael, or Ryan Dungey race at Bercy, and that was where the whole American dream came from for the French kids and for so many other European teenagers. Ricky Johnson, Jeff Ward, David Bailey, Johnny O’Mara, Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Emig, and even James Stewart raced Bercy, and we were all in awe of their talents and that American swagger.

In return, with no USGP, and for sure not like it was in the 1980s, where the best US riders battled the best Europeans, a lot of young American riders just don't get the whole euro thing. Names like Lackey, Laporte, Pomeroy, Bailey and Johnson had heroes, and they were European legends like De Coster, Robert, Hallman and Mikkola. 

So, as we head into Lommel this weekend, with a field empty of American riders, we can only look back on the amazing history USA had in Europe, when names like Pomeroy, Lackey, Laporte, Parker, Schmit and Moore ruled the World. It has been 26 years since we had an American World motocross champion and it seems like we will be waiting a long time before we see another one, and that is sad.

Gajser Goes 1-1 in Lommel

 

Tim Gajser is just incredible, let’s get that straight. The HRC man is looking stronger and stronger and as his opposition begins to fail badly, the Slovenian will march into Trentino with a massive points lead (74 points) and just three Grand Prix’s to run.

“I mean, I had a good start, I think holeshot, but I went in the outside line and crashed. I was so angry as I had the lead, but I started riding like I know and was able to win. It has been a great three races (in Lommel) and I enjoyed it a lot. The track was rough and I can’t wait to go to Arco next weekend."

In Lommel today Gajser scored 1-1 results and looked in a league of his own. Even after a crash mid second moto, the defending World MXGP champion caught and passed everyone to win easily. It was his 27^th Grand Prix victory for Honda, joining Belgian legend Andre Malherbe (Malherbe has 28 GP wins, but one of those was for KTM) as the most successful GP winner in HRC’s history.

Gajser led the second MXGP moto early from Tonus, Febvre, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Tixier, Van Doninck, Paulin, Cervellin and Desalle. Cairoli crashed and down in last place. Gajser also down and back in seventh spot. The new leader was Seewer, from Febvre, Tonus, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Tixier, Vlaanderen, and Gajser now in 8th place, just ahead of Desalle and Van Doninck.

Gajser moved past Vlaanderen to get back into seventh place, and Cairoli up to 25th place, but still a long way back. Seewer and Febvre were all over each other for the lead. Febvre into the lead as Seewer nearly crashed and MXGP continued to throw up wild action.

Gajser up to fifth place as he passed Paulin, and Tixier, and the HRC rider went after Van Horebeek for fourth place. Cairoli up to 21st place on lap one.  Lap two and Cairoli up to 17th place, and Gajser right up on the back wheel of Van Horebeek.

Four laps in and the lead by Febvre was 6.2 seconds over Seewer, with Tonus third, then Gajser, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Desalle, Bogers, Vlaanderen and Van Doninck 10th. Cairoli up to 16th place. Gajser moved into third with a pass on Tonus and set out after Seewer and a possible GP victory.

Gajser moved into second place on lap seven as he passed Seewer, and the lead by Febvre with 13 minutes to go was 9.4 seconds. So, after seven laps it was Febvre, Gajser, Seewer, Tonus, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Bogers, Desalle, Van Doninck, and Vlaanderen. Cairoli in 14^th.

Gajser on the charge as he pulled back three seconds in a lap and was looking more than likely to catch and pass the leader. Yes, the defending champion isn’t going to stop until he gets that fourth World title. Cairoli crashed and dropped well back again into 16^th spot. Just not his year for the time being, but still two weeks to go and three GPs, so anything is possible.

Nine laps and the lead was just four seconds as Gajser pushed towards Febvre. After nine laps the top ten was Febvre, Gajser, Seewer, Tonus, Paulin, Van Horebeek, Bogers, Desalle, Van Doninck, and Vlaanderen.

On lap 11 Gajser was all over Febvre and ran alongside the Frenchman just to back it down and wait for a cleaner passing chance. Gajser looking brilliant as he blasted around the outside of Febvre and took the lead and seemingly the Grand Prix victory.

In just a lap Gajser was an astonishing 14 seconds ahead of Febvre, who was in turn another 15 seconds ahead of third placed man Seewer. Cairoli up to 12^th place, but clearly not the same rider who won a couple of GPs early in the year. Gajser win the moto from Febvre and Seewer, with Cairoli back in 10^th position.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 1 - Classification

1. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), 36:25.583; 2. Romain Febvre (FRA, Kawasaki), +0:22.638; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:39.629; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:55.783; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Yamaha), +1:00.705; 6. Brian Bogers (NED, KTM), +1:09.550; 7. Jordi Tixier (FRA, KTM), +1:14.677; 8. Arnaud Tonus (SUI, Yamaha), +1:14.890; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Honda), +1:23.600; 10. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:43.515; 11.

Alberni Motocross signs new land deal with Mosaic

Land Use Agreement ensures continued motocross action on Cherry Creek track

Mosaic Forest Management and the Alberni Motocross Association have signed a new land use agreement that will see continued racing in Cherry Creek.

“We are pleased to renew the access agreement with the Alberni Motocross Association given its responsible approach and focus on safety,” said Mosaic president and CEO Jeff Zweig. “Providing recreational access to our lands is one of the gratifying ways we give back to the community.”

This is one of several Recreational Access Agreements Mosaic has signed with user groups on Vancouver Island. The agreements are a mechanism for organized groups and clubs to gain access to Mosaic private forest lands, he said.

The Alberni Motocross track has been on the same piece of property for nearly 40 years, said Geoff Brown, president of the Alberni Motocross Association. The club moved operations to its present location in Cherry Creek in 1982 when then-owners MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. donated the land to the club. The property changed ownership to Island Timberlands, which is now managed by Mosaic.

“Alberni Valley Motocross has been at that location since 1982. (The club) has been active since 1967.”

When Mosaic took over management of the land, they began looking at previous recreational use agreements and the AV Motocross’s lease was not renewed pending review. Mosaic asked for a zoning change and an environmental inspection of the four-hectare (eight-acre) site.

The timing wasn’t great for this season as the previous 10-year lease expired in March, just as the novel coronavirus pandemic was declared. “It was very poor timing just the way it unfolded,” Brown said.

The motocross season typically kicks off in April and wraps up around Thanksgiving. This year the track was closed until Sept. 5; a new lease was signed and COVID-19 protocols put into place so club members could access the site again.

“This renewed access agreement with Mosaic is a key part of our club’s success,” Brown said. “We value our partnership with Mosaic. It provides an excellent opportunity for motocross riders in Port Alberni to stay active, get outside, and enjoy this dynamic sport in a safe environment.”

The property is secured with a locked gate, and users need to be members to receive a key to the gate.

Brown and his son, Asher, started motocross together four years ago. “I was 41 and he was seven,” Brown said. “He’s now a top contender in the province. I’m a proud father, and it’s fun. It’s something we do as a family together.”

“There’s more to motocross than just racing,” said club member Nancy Gibson. “It’s about the friendships that are made along the way; beginner riders, teen riders and adult riders share the same passion. We all come together no matter what the age and talk about our favourite sport.”

Although Port Alberni’s club only has 35 members compared to Nanaimo’s 300-member motocross club, Brown said they are making changes that will attract new members. Enduro cross is popular among riders, so AV Motocross is putting in an enduro track.

The competitive season sees eight to 10 races between tracks in Port Alberni, Campbell River, Nanaimo, Port McNeill and Victoria.

For details and to inquire about membership, please contact the Alberni Motocross Association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alberni-Motocross-401707889973595.

Mark Tilley Rips on 500 Husky...2 Stroke

Husqvarna 500cc Two Stroke Build RAW. There have been plenty of 500cc two-strokes from Husqvarna throughout dirt bike history. But, since the brand’s rebirth a few years back, it has shied away from two-strokes above 300cc. We teamed up with former factory Kawasaki race team mechanic Jonny Weisman, who now owns The Ride Shop in Arizona, to build a modern Husqvarna TC500CR two-stroke of our own. Some builds go from concept to completion very quickly without any issues at all. This was not one such project! This build was a long, slow grind with tons of fabrication on just about every aspect of the build. After all, a 2001 Honda CR500 engine doesn’t just drop right into a new-generation Husqvarna FC450 chassis. If it did, we would see them all over the place. Like we just mentioned, the chassis started off as an FC450, but it wasn’t bought all at one time. First, the main steel frame was purchased on eBay, and the entire lower engine cradle was removed. A new cradle was fabricated by Weisman that would later house the new 500cc Honda powerplant.Surprisingly, once the main frame was modified, everything else was kind of straightforward on the chassis. The FC450 four-stroke air boot was removed and replaced with a unit off a TC300 two-stroke, but it didn’t just bolt right in place. Heat was applied, and the rubber was massaged into the correct form. Besides drilling some vent holes on the air-filter cover, the FC450 airbox was left unchanged. With all the major cutting, welding and sculpting done, Weisman focused his attention on some of the finer details relating to the chassis. The stock Brembo braking master cylinders and calipers got a brown Cerakote finish. A Fasst Company rear-brake spring system was also added, replacing the OEM Husqvarna system that always seems to break. We also used Fasst Co. Flexx handlebars in hopes of reducing overall vibration, and added impact absorption is never a bad thing in our book. What would a big-bore 500+cc modern-day Husqvarna two-stroke look and run like? If it was like our TC500CR project, we guarantee they would have no problem selling every one produced. From start to finish this project took Jonny Weisman at The Ride Shop just over two years to complete, spending what some would consider a small fortune. The finished product is impressive on paper, but to really appreciate his work, you have to see it in person. Here at the magazine we love these types of builds because it takes vision, skill and creativity to make it happen. Sometimes they are all show and no go, and that’s kind of a bummer. The TC500CR is show with go that will make just about any big-bore two-stroke lover smile. It has tons of bottom-end grunt and loves to be short-shifted. Starting is a breeze, as you can imagine, and even kick-starting the TC500CR is fairly easy. We wouldn’t do it without a boot on that’s for sure.

Savatgy tests MotoConcepts Honda at State Fair MX

Savatgy tests MotoConcepts Honda at State Fair MX

Public outing sees Savatgy and Bloss on track alongside the returning Friese.

Joey Savatgy has completed a test at State Fair MX with SmarTop Bullfrog Spas MotoConcepts Honda aboard the team’s current CRF450R race bike, setting up a potential high-profile switch for 2021.

It has been unclear whether Savatgy would be remaining at JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki and this latest development indicates the 26-year-old could be on the move for next year.

Savatgy stepped up to the 450 class with Monster Energy Kawasaki last year and immediately delivered strong results, however, injury has largely affected him since switching to the factory RM-Z450 this season.

A deal at MotoConcepts to ride the brand new 2021 CRF450R would be an attractive option for Savatgy, despite the team being Supercross-only, providing a competitive package in order to reach his potential in the premier class.

It’s understood that a position has opened at MotoConcepts after the team and Malcolm Stewart parted ways. Stewart has most recently been seen riding KTM machinery, however, his future also remains uncertain.

The only certainty regarding MotoConcepts for next year appears to be team mainstay Vince Friese, who was also at State Fair MX this week shaking down the latest CRF450R. It’s unknown whether Justin Hill will return to the team for a second term.

In addition to Savatgy, former Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM rider Benny Bloss – who was impressive in 450SX this season – also turned laps with the MCR Honda team today, coming off a season in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross riding a privateer Husqvarna.

Lommel MXGP Highlights

Watch all the best actions of today here at Lommel track for the MXGP of Limburg 2020!