Brayton Returns to Australian SX

Justin Brayton To Defend his Australian SX1 Championship Title in 2018

  Current back to back Australian Supercross champion confirmed to be retunring down under to defend his number one plate with Honda. - Credit: Aaryn Minerds

Justin Brayton will return to defend his Australian Supercross Championship with Honda Racing for 2018.

The back-to-back Champion has set his sights on a triple crown under the directorship of Yarrive Konsky and the Penrite Honda Racing Team.

“I look forward to coming back for the 2018 SX season. Australia feels like my second home, since 2016 I have spent nearly as much time in Australia as I have in my home in Charlotte, as the American Championship is relentless. We are travelling to 16 rounds across 17 weekends, so it’s quite full-on.” Said Brayton.

Brayton attributes his most recent success in America to competing in Australia.

“I 100% believe that racing in Australia gave me the kick-start I needed to be ready for the World Supercross Championship in America. We were able to prepare in race conditions. The emulation is priceless and I am thankful that all parties came together to make it seamless.” Brayton added.

Brayton and the Honda Australia team will be looking to repeat the success of the past few years again in 2018 - Credit: Aaryn Minerds

Honda Racing’s Brand and Motorsport Manager Glyn Griffiths welcomes Brayton’s return and thinks his inclusion has lifted the level of racing and awareness of competition in Australia.

“Justin is world class; his inclusion the past two years has lifted the level `of competition in Australia and has created worldwide awareness for our program and Australian Racing.”

Brayton and the team will announce more details on sponsors and activities as they happen, with Yarrive Konsky stating; “We are finalising some sponsorships and activations. We want to involve spectators and fans more this year and give them some exclusive experiences.”

Highlights MXGP of FRANCE 2018

Covington wins MX2 moto one

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Thomas Covington has taken victory in the opening MX2 moto today at the St Jean d’Angly circuit in France. The American who yesterday confirmed he will move back home in 2019 has little to no pressure now and his results are really looking great.

"Yes," Covington said. "The track is really difficult and i knew the start was key and I went with the sand tyre, but I needed it for the start. Kept it smooth and on two wheels and once I saw my team-mate Olsen behind me I knew we had them covered."

Taking the lead on the first corner, he just showed what a talent he is and let’s hope he keeps it up for the remainder of the season.

Covington took the holeshot, but was passed by Jacobi, but the American quickly back past the German rider. Olsen also in the top three, then Prado and Jonass in fifth. Watson another horrible start after a start straight crash, and back in 26^th place.

Prado crashed mid first lap, and Covington and Olsen command up the front, with Jonass now third.

After a lap it was Covington, Olsen, Jonass, Jacobi, Cervellin, Furlotti, Prado, Geerts, Fernandez and Bernardini. Prado quickly into fifth.

Covington flying up front and extended his lead over Olsen, and Jonass was getting a lot of pressure from Jacobi. Prado closing up fast on those two.

Lawrence into the top ten, and Prado all over Jacobi and Jonass. Lawrence moves to 8^th place, and finally showing some good results. Watson flying and into 15^th place.

Olsen started to make ground on Covington and was onto his American team-mate. A long way back in third was Jonass, with Prado on his tail. Lawrence into seventh place and looking good.

Prado smashed his way past Jonass in a corner and pushed his older team-mate wide. Top ten was Covington, Olsen, Prado, Jonass, Jacobi, Geerts, Lawrence, Cervellin, Fernandez and Mewse into 10^th.

Belgian youngster Geerts clocked the quickest lap of the race and showing his talent and was closing a little on the front guys. Geerts passed Jacobi for fifth and on fire.

Jacobi crashed and was stuck trying to get going again. Lawrence moved into sixth place and Jacobi back outside the top ten.

Covington’s lead was more than four seconds with three laps to go, and Watson up to 13^th place, a great ride, but obviously disappointing for the Brit. With two laps to go Watson moved into 10^th place, really showing some fight the Yamaha rider.

Prado was quickly onto Olsen in the final stages of the moto and looking very fast. Jacobi down again and stuck in the mud and Prado all over Olsen for second place.

Covington wins the moto, then Olsen and Prado.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 - Classification

1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 35:58.425; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.573; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:05.910; 4. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:11.808; 5. Jago Geerts (BEL, Yamaha), +0:15.171; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:31.713; 7. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), +0:57.033; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +1:00.917; 9. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:03.209; 10. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), +1:09.790; 11. Samuele Bernardini (ITA, TM), +1:11.832; 12. Calvin Vlaanderen (RSA, Honda), +1:12.837; 13. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, Husqvarna), +1:14.123; 14. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, Kawasaki), +1:37.504; 15. Simone Furlotti (ITA, Yamaha), +1:51.195; 16. Stephen Rubini (FRA, KTM), +2:06.121; 17. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +2:21.852; 18. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s); 19. Hardi Roosiorg (EST, KTM), -1 lap(s); 20. Marshal Weltin (USA, Honda), -1 lap(s); 21. Anthony Bourdon (FRA, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s); 22. Zachary Pichon (FRA, KTM), -1 lap(s); 23. Enzo Toriani (FRA, Husqvarna), -1 lap(s); 24. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), -2 lap(s); 25. Bastien Inghilleri (FRA, Yamaha), -3 lap(s); 26. Andrea Zanotti (SMR, Husqvarna), -4 lap(s); 27. Josh Gilbert (GBR, Ho

Herlings wins with 1-1

French GP

Jeffrey Herlings of the Red Bull KTM Factory team has again shown his class, going 1-1 and winning his 75^th GP victory (and 14th in MXGP) at the Grand Prix of France. The Dutchman once again just played with Antonio Cairoli, and on a track that should have suited the Italian. 

Tim Gasjer was third overall and continued his great return to form.

In the second MXGP moto, it was Cairoli took the holeshot and Herlings around 8^th. Desalle down and also Searle, and Herlings into fifth place and all over Paulin.

Herlings went past Paulin going into the second lap, and onto Seewer. After a lap it was Cairoli, Gajser, Seewer, Herlings, Paulin, Febvre, Paturel, Bobryshev, Monticelli, and Coldenhoff. Simpson 14^th, Anstie 18^th, and the Brits struggling again.

Cairoli held three seconds over Gajser, with Herlings seven seconds back in third now. Then came Seewer, Paulin, Febvre, Paturel, Bobryshev, Monticelli and Coldenhoff.

Cairoli extended to eight seconds over Herlings and Seewer and Paulin in great battle for fourth place.

Febvre moved past Seewer and into fifth and going after his countryman Paulin. Cairoli now four seconds ahead of Gajser and nine ahead of Herlings.

On lap seven the lead went to five seconds and Herlings clocks a quick lap and closing on Gajser. Top ten after seven laps was Cairoli, Gajser, Herlings, Paulin, Febvre, Monticelli, Seewer, Desalle, Paturel and Bobryshev.

Herlings cuts the lead on Cairoli to seven seconds and was onto Gajser for second place. The kids coming again for the leader. Fastest lap of the race to Herlings.

Herlings all over Gajser and all over the place looking for a way to pass and into second place and going after Cairoli. Once past Gajser the Dutchman just pulled well away.

After 11 laps the lead was five seconds to Herlings, then Gajser a further  12 seconds back, Herlings making his move again on the Italian. Febvre and Paulin in a great battle as the former world champion moved into fourth place.

Suddenly Herlings was all over Cairoli for the lead and pushing the defending world champion. Desalle all over Seewer for sixth place.

Herlings just rides past Cairoli like he was standing still and walked away from him. No competition for the Dutchman, none at all. Desalle tried again to pass Seewer, but the Swiss rider doing well, although the Belgian finally went past.

After 15 laps the lead was suddenly three seconds by Herlings and Gajser in third 25 seconds back. Then came Febvre, Paulin, Desalle, Seewer, Coldenhoff, Bobryshev and Monticelli.

Herlings nine seconds ahead on lap 17 that was a six second gap from two laps prior, so three seconds a lap quicker than Cairoli as the race closed down.

Herlings wins the moto and the GP overall. Cairoli second and

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 – Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:38.032; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:08.838; 3. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:40.401; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:49.798; 5. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:52.800; 6. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:55.315; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:56.529; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:56.531; 9. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:16.573; 10. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, Yamaha), +1:17.441; 11. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +1:18.040; 12. Maximilian Nagl (GER, TM), +1:24.213;

French MXGP Qualifing

Herlings unstoppable in France

Red Bull KTM factory rider Jeffrey Herlings easily won the MXGP qualification race today in France, taking the lead on the first corner and running away with it.

"It was really good," Herlings said. "I pulled the holeshot and it is needed here, with the big rocks and it is just a qualification race, but its all about tomorrow, and we need to start tomorrow, so we will work on that."

Herlings a nice holeshot ahead of Paulin and Febvre, with Cairoli fourth. Desalle down hard and into Cairoli (who continued on), and Coldenhoff also down. Gajser and Guillod also up there.

Herlings disappeared from Paulin and Gajser, while Febvre in fourth was getting away from Cairoli. Paulin got away from Gajser and Febvre all over the HRC rider. Cairoli in fifth, then Bobryshev, Van Horebeek, Seewer and Anstie.

Herlings lead was 10 seconds and Simpson also in the top ten. Febvre and Cairoli both went past Gajser, and Searle into 10^th place as Simpson exited the top 10.

Herlings cruising out front and 16 seconds ahead of Paulin, and Febvre and Cairoli closing on Paulin a little.

Cairoli into third as he passed Febvre late in the race. Herlings from Paulin and Cairoli.

MXGP - Qualifying Race - Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 24:35.251; 2. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:17.990; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:19.988; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:27.922; 5. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:34.999; 6. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +0:45.959; 7. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:46.320; 8. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:50.508; 9. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:51.783; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:51.920; 11. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:01.190; 12. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki),

JAPAN ENDURO CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND2 TOYAMA

CRF450RX versus YZ125 for Japanese Enduro Championship honours

Hot Topics: MXGP of France

A look ahead to the tenth round

There is a lot to dissect on the eve of the Grand Prix of France, the tenth round of the current term, which is not exactly shocking. The previous round in Great Britain provided plenty of talking points and ensured that the hype surrounding the FIM Motocross World Championship is at an all-time high as the halfway point is approached.

All eyes are going to be on the Red Bull KTM stablemates, Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli, on Sunday, which has been the case since the first gate drop back in March. There are some additional layers to this intriguing title fight now though, following an intense duel on British soil that ended with the latter on the ground. Is there going to be retaliation? No, not at all, although the pair may not be as reserved as they have been when it comes to aggressive moves. It is unlikely that there will be anything that crosses the line though, unless there is another racing incident that leads to contact. The common conception is that the previous collision should get filed under that category.

All eyes are going to be on whether Antonio Cairoli can respond (KTM Images/Ray Archer)

Eyebrows were raised when Antonio Cairoli opted to not shake hands with Jeffrey Herlings following the second moto, which was the one where no contact was made, so it will be interesting to see how their relationship develops moving forward. Herlings even stated in our exclusive interview that a little bit of respect has been lost. This is probably not going to lead to any fireworks, because the pair are too wise to fall into that trap, but those with a keen eye may spot some differences. Cairoli has been very positive thus far and it must be getting tough to maintain that. There is no denying the fact that he needs to win a Grand Prix as soon as possible.

Standing atop the box for the second time this season could prove to be difficult for Antonio Cairoli though. Cairoli tweaked his knee at some point at the Grand Prix of Great Britain and, although an official update has not been released, it is known that he went to get it evaluated the day after the event. It supposedly feels better now and he even tested a Formula 1 car on Wednesday, so he is obviously not too concerned. It is unlikely that it is going to be anything that holds him back in the coming weeks, unless he catches it in a rut and then aggravates it further. St. Jean d’Angely is typically rock hard and not too treacherous anyway.

Antonio Cairoli has been mentioned much more than Jeffrey Herlings in this, a piece that focusses on some hot topics of discussion, but why is that? The ball is well and truly in his court. Herlings has made it quite clear what he can and will continue to do in the coming weeks, so fans across the globe are now waiting to see whether Cairoli can respond to those advances. It is an odd one to evaluate actually, because he may be further away from defeating the current series leader than the results indicate. The gap between the pair was just one measly second in the final encounter last weekend, but what would have happened if they started together?

Pauls Jonass has all of the momentum in the MX2 class, once again (KTM Images/Ray Archer)

A similar title fight is raging on in the MX2 category, thanks to those incredible races that Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado are piecing together. This is going to be a big weekend for the latter, who needs to capitalise and steal points in the championship. Prado has clearly had the speed to defeat his rival at the previous three rounds, with the exception of the second moto in Great Britain, but has actually given up four points through that period. Although that may not seem like a massive number, three opportunities to cut the deficit down to around ten points have been missed. How many times is he going to get a chance like that?

St. Jean d’Angely should favour Jorge Prado, although Pauls Jonass was the winner at the French event last year, so he could reverse the damage that was done at Matterley Basin. Even if that does happen though, Jonass can reflect on the previous two events in a positive manner. Nothing would have been gained or lost through that period and that is all he really cares about at the moment. If there are no significant swings over the next ten days, Jonass is just going to ooze confidence and that is going to make it trickier for Prado to have an impact. Anything can happen, of course, but it is hardly ideal to rely on a freak incident.

Although the various title fights will hog headlines yet again, there is so much more going on. Can Gautier Paulin rebound in front of his home crowd? Can Ben Watson edge closer to his maiden moto win? Will any premier-class riders inch closer to the top two? Is Conrad Mewse ever going to return to the top five? Can Romain Febvre reel off consecutive podium finishes for the first time in two years? Is Hunter Lawrence going to be a factor for race wins moving forward? The list could go on and on, as there is no shortage of action in the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: KTM Images/Ray Archer

2018 SCORE Baja 500

"I felt good for the last stage as I had some tacos" – Morgan's BAJA 500 winning secret

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Justin Morgan and his three-rider SLR Honda team raced to overall victory at the 2018 SCORE Baja 500 – Morgan’s third win in four years. 

Repeating their SCORE San Felipe 250 win earlier this year, the team of Justin Morgan, Mark Samuels and Justin Jones crossed the finish line in 11h:54m:58s at an average speed of 45.49mph.

321 riders began the 50^thedition of the Baja 500 at 3:30am in Ensenada, heading out into the famous Baja desert for 542 miles of racing. 

187 riders finished the race within the 22 hour time limit and of those the SLR Honda team clocked in just shy of 12hrs. That despite reportedly riding the last 80 or so miles with no oil in their forks after they failed. 

Morgan rode to mile 240, Samuels rode to the 370 mark and Jones rode to mile 505before swapping back to Morgan who rode to the finish.

“After doing the first 240 miles I felt good for the last stage as I had some tacos at Valley T and a couple of Monsters and I was good to go.” Said Morgan after the race. “The first 240 miles were rough and it was hard to prepare for the end as I could only sleep for a couple hours. 

“My first Baja 500 was in 2011 and I was 21 years old and didn’t have clue and I was hooked even after I was forced to miss 2014 because I was hurt. I have a couple more years on a bike for sure, but hope to run a truck after that.”  

Team mate Samuels said: “The track was rough and my section was really rocky and technical. I was supposed to ride another 50 miles, but Justin Jones stepped up and rode it for me down the beach section and killed it. The team really pulled together and it was awesome.”

Pro Moto Ironman 

Francisco Septien won the Pro Moto Ironman class. Finishing first in class, 43rd overall and 14th overall bike, Septien said: “This was one of the hardest Score Baja 500s.  The worst idea I had, was trying to pass the Sportsman guys.  Being an Ironman, we are already tired and trying to deal with more and more dust; it was not a good idea.”

Knee Update: Tony Cairoli

Antonio Cairoli shares an update

Tuesday, 5th June 2018

There was intrigue following the Grand Prix of Great Britain, as rumours spread that Antonio Cairoli had tweaked his knee. Some even noticed that he was in pain as he jumped off of the overall podium. Those rumours were confirmed when a photo surfaced of him awaiting a check up yesterday morning, then he released a small update earlier today.

"Hey everyone, I am on my way to the Formula 1 test," he said on social media. "I am super excited. My knee is actually going a little bit better. This morning I spin some laps with my motocross bike, not too much, but it will be okay." Details on when the issue was sustained and whether there is actually damage to the knee have not been confirmed at this point. Although, based on the positivity in that statement, it seems as though he will be fine moving forward.

Following a brace of seconds at the Grand Prix of Great Britain, Antonio Cairoli now trails Jeffrey Herlings by fifty-four points with eleven rounds left to run. A mudder is expected in France this weekend, which is round ten, and that may even level the playing field somewhat.

Ken Roczen Gaining Momentum

Ken Roczen Gaining Momentum With Second At Thunder Valley National

A 2-2 results for the round was enough to see Roczen back up on the podium with second overall.

In only his third race back from injury, Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen continued his amazing progression, battling hard for the lead in both motos at the Thunder Valley National to score his first overall podium of the season, landing second with 2-2 results at round three of the AMA Pro Motocross series.

When the gate dropped for the first moto, the German got off to a seventh-place start, but he moved up to fifth by the green flag. He had advanced to third before the race was red-flagged and everyone was forced to return to the starting line. On the restart, Roczen rocketed his CRF450R to the holeshot and, after briefly surrendering the front spot, regained it later in the opening lap and maintained it for over half the race. Coming under severe pressure from Eli Tomac, Roczen was able to evade the subsequent advances for several laps before relinquishing the lead on lap 10. He fought hard to make a counterattack but was eventually forced to settle for second.

In moto two, Roczen got off to a fourth-place start but blitzed the downhill to quickly move into second. He closed in on the leader, and a three-way battle for the top position ensued, with Roczen falling to third in the battle. The top two riders tangled on the next lap, which gave Roczen the opportunity to take the lead. He stayed smooth and consistent up front before once again coming under fire, and after fighting tooth and nail for several laps, he slipped to second with 10 minutes remaining.

Roczen’s Colorado performance moved him up two positions in the championship standings, to fifth, with 97 points.

"Being in the battle up front and being in the mix today is awesome," Roczen said. "Hangtown was honestly kind of miserable just because I didn’t know what to expect, didn’t have a lot of time on the bike, and everything just felt so foreign. Here, I basically rode the same bike that I rode at Glen Helen, and though it wasn’t totally ideal, I knew what the bike was going to do and how it would react to things.

"We got good starts and rode up front," He continued, "It’s great to have the racing butterflies again and to be doing good. It’s just amazing and the greatest feeling ever and so much better than sitting on the couch. I could have one day or six months of preparation and I’m still going to want to go out there and do what I did today. I want to be up front, I want to battle, and if I don’t win, that’s fine. I can’t expect myself to go out there right away and go 1-1, but to be up front, go 2-2, and be on the podium is beyond amazing. I’m having a blast right now.”

Good starts in both motos contributed Roczen's success on the day.

Team Manager, Erik Kehoe, is happy with how the plan for Roczen's return is panning out.

“Today definitely feels great. This is right according to plan, if not ahead of schedule," Kehoe reflected. "Ken’s plan has been to build and get stronger each week, get good starts, and continue to learn, which is exactly what he did today. I don’t know if anyone, including Ken, expected him to be back on the podium at this point in the season, but he’s incredibly tough mentally and knows in his mind that he’s capable of doing what he did. He really showed how strong he already is, and this just continues to build his confidence so I think soon he’s going to be ready to battle even more.”

Roczen’s Colorado performance moved him up two positions in the championship standings, to fifth, with 97 points.

A happy Ken Roczen with mechanic Oscar Wirdeman and team manager Erik Kehoe