Finns Finish on Top as EnduroGP Round Two Wraps in Finland

Finnish double World Enduro Champion, Eero Reme was the one to follow on the road to Helsinki as the TM rider wrapped up the win at round two. Photo: endurogp.org

Eero Remes, Eemil Pohjola and Aleksi Jukola have walked away from the second round of the 2018 Maxxis FIM Enduro World Championship with the wins as the opening rounds concluded at a snowy and cold Päijänne in Finland.

Round two concluded on a high in the afternoon in the capital city of Helsinki after a shorter second day of racing (7 hours and 20 minutes!). Sunday was not only less taxing in terms of tests, but also in terms of temperature! Indeed, the temperatures finally began to rise into the 'plus range' as Helsinki approached, and the snow was less abundant over the twelve special stages of the second day of the Grand Prix of Finland.

The legendary Päijänne nevertheless remains a race for the specialists and in this game the local riders still appear to be unbeatable, despite the enormous amount of progress shown by the regulars of the championship, who really managed to worry the fast Finns.

Finnish double World Enduro Champion, Eero Remes was the one to follow on the road to Helsinki, along with his compatriot Eemil Pohjola, who tried to get his revenge after a mechanical failure on Day 1. But no-one could get near the speed and precision of the diminutive Finn - Remes brilliantly won the EnduroGP (scratch) category, while Aleksi Jukola took third place and inscribes his name in the list of successful Päijänne 2018 riders.

Eero Remes was unstoppable not only in EnduroGP but also in E2. For his debut in this medium-sized capacity class, the protégé of Luca Cherubini, was more than comfortable on this snowy terrain and took the advantage over his most serious rivals. But he had to keep an eye on the very quick and determined Alex Salvini who again upped his game on the final day to take a solid second place.

"I am very satisfied with this Grand Prix," Remes said. "It's a very special race and my goal was to take advantage of my knowledge and experience and get to Spain with a good lead... Mission accomplished! Leader of E2 and second in EnduroGP, I had hoped for this and it augurs well for the future!”

Eemil Pohjola tried to get his revenge after a mechanical failure on Day 1 but couldn't get near the speed and precision of his compatriot Eero Remes. Photo: endurogp.org

Salvini is sure to be one of the favorites for the 2018 title and his return to Team Jolly Zanardo looks to have been very beneficial.

Australian Matthew Phillips was desperate to improve after a dismal Day 1... and his smile of relief today contrasted with his unhappy face the day before.

The Tasmanian admitted to having suffered a lot in the conditions but The Sherco factory rider snatched his first podium of the year after finding the determination to push on and put his troubles behind him.

"I had one of the hardest days of my career yesterday ... I got really cold in the morning and it drained all my energy," Phillips said. "Today, I am a lot happyier even if I didn't have the best settings for this race but as and when, we found terrain where I felt more comfortable. I'm already looking forward to Spain!”

After winning the Enduro 1 class on Day 1 Jamie McCanney opted for a risk-free ride on the second day of racing in Finland. Photo: Yamaha Racing

Suffering over both days, Loïc Larrieu tried hard on the run to Helsinki and limited the damage by finishing 4th in front of a very solid Thomas Oldarati and a consistent Deny Philippaerts - who was again in the spotlight with an excellent 6th place, in front of a brave Christophe Charlier.

It was full gas in E1 where Jamie McCanney couldn't replicate his Day 1 victory, the Manxman finishing 5th. He nevertheless takes charge of the small capacity class with his Yamaha WR250, holding a small margin over an amazingly strong Brad Freeman. The Brit impressed, not only with his speed but with his good humour as he took on the challenge of the Senior class.

"I gave a lot yesterday and suddenly, I felt more tired today... Coupled with settings which weren't necessarily right for this race, I had difficulties," McCanney said.

Third today, the 2017 Junior World Champion was unable to hold back the two Finns; Eemil Pohjola and Henry Olenius, who were on fire in the snowy conditions. A great consolation for these two riders after their disappointments on Saturday and a great victory for the Gas Gas rider Eemil Pohjola, who we will happily find for the entirety of the season in the factory Gas Gas team managed by Giovanni Sala.

Brit Steve Holcombe proved that he is still the man to beat whether in Enduro3 or Enduro GP. Photo: Future7Media

Although less impressive than the first day, Aleksi Jukola shone again in front of his home crowd and won the E3 class ahead of Tony Eriksson (SF - KTM). But Steve Holecombe still appeared to be very comfortable in these race conditions, taking 6th in EnduroGP, and earning his first podium of the year in E3.

"I came here after a lot of hard work and preparation…so I'm quite satisfied with my result!" Holecombe declared. "I'm looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix and being back on special tests that are more suited to me…”

The Brit's smooth and precise riding style worked wonders in the Scandinavian snow and he therefore gained valuable points for the rest of the season. He has proven that he is still the man to beat whether in Enduro3 or Enduro GP. There was a nice end to the weekend in E3 for the factory Gas Gas rider Danny McCanney who held on tight for 4th place in a battle with Marko Tarkkala, who still has a lot of pace despite retiring from World Enduro several years ago. Christophe Namborin limited the damage by finishing 7th in the 'big class'.

Having suffered the tricky tests and the freezing cold, the stars of World Enduro will now be able to "heal their wounds" and recover from this grueling 83rd edition of Päijänne. They will have 6 weeks of rest before heading to Spain for the second Grand Prix of the season in Santiago de Compostela (28 and 29 April). There will able be the opportunity for them to tweak the settings of their motorcycles while refining their athletic preparation.

Nevertheless, this opening round of the 2018 Championship in Finland, and the legendary and revered "Päitsi" will remain in the history books thanks to its extreme difficulty.

An almost unique competition which is probably the most important and impressive off-road organisation in Europe, and which required more than 1000 volunteers including 60 timekeepers and 50 rescuers.

Vet MX Down Under!

Brendan Bell headed out to the recent Mr VMX put on by the Viper Vintage Moto X Club at Boradford in Victoria.

Like many, Bell got the Viper Vintage Moto X and went along with his son Cam to race his 1996 CR125 for the first time as well as capture some of the events and action of the day. Anyone interested in VMX can head along to http://www.viper-mx.com/ for plenty of information.

Enduro GP of Finland 2018

Herlings wins with 1-1

Jeffrey Herlings has won the MXGP class at Valkenswaard, making history with his 8^th win at the track, something never done in motocross history (so many wins at a single track). Herlings went 1-1, second was Antonio Cairoli with 2-2 results and third Gautier Paulin.

“Its been a tough one. My start position wasn’t easy, I was sixth or seventh and Tony holeshot and took a big lead. This was a good day to do this at Valkenswaard. It felt like we were going really fast.”

Herlings now has 97pts to Cairoli 91pts in the championship.

Cairoli took the holeshot from Gajser, Van Horebeek, Seewer, Simpson, Febvre, Anstie, Herlings, Paulin, and Desalle 10^th. Lieber was last and Jasikonis back in 23^rd place.

Cairoli is three second ahead and Herlings moved up two places to sixth. After a lap its Cairoli, Van Horebeek, COldenhoff, Gajser, Paulin, Simpson, Herlings, Seewer, Desalle, Strijbos.

Gajser crashed again and landed on his face, but quickly remounted in 20^th place. Herlings into fourth, and Cairoli 10 seconds ahead of the Dutchman. Lieber up to 28^th, and Jasikonis 14^th.

Herlings into third and Cairoli is miles ahead, some 12 seconds ahead of Herlings. After two laps its Cairoli, Coldenhoff, Herlings, Paulin, Simpson, Seewer, Desalle, Anstie, Febvre, and Van Horebeek.

On lap three Herlings into second place and now the chase begins. After the fourth lap the lead was still 12 seconds, and Jasikonis moved into 10^th. Van Horebeek out of the race.

Herlings reeling Cairoli in, as he shows amazing speed in front of his home public. Gajser crashed hard again, and is way back in the field now in 21^st.

On lap six the lead dropped to just eight seconds and the Dutchman was coming after the Italian. Cairoli though worked hard and lost no time on Herlings in lap seven. After seven laps it was Cairoli, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Simpson, Anstie, Febvre, Desalle, Seewer and Jasikonis.

The lead was back to nine second as Cairoli shows his hand to the flying Dutchman. Herlings turns it up and is just five seconds behind after nine laps. Cairoli must have made a mistake.

Cairoli ran a little off the track and its just three seconds between the two. Lap 11 and its two seconds between the two. Top ten was Cairoli, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Simpson, Anstie, Febvre, Desalle, Seewer and Jasikonis. Lieber into 12^th place, and Bobryshev out of the race.

Herlings all over Cairoli now with a handful of laps to go. Cairoli making mistakes as Herlings once again puts the pressure on the fellow legend. Strijbos into the top ten as Jasikonis drops to 11^th.

Herlings takes the lead easily, but Cairoli isn’t giving up and does his best to stay with Herlings. It seems a hopeless case for the defending world champion. Lieber drops to 31^st and Anstie also has problems standing still on the track and drops to 9^th.

Herlings wins from Cairoli and Paulin.

MXGP - Overall Classification

Pos Nr Rider Nat. Fed. Bike Race 1 Race 2 Total 1 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 25 25 50 2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 22 22 44 3 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 14 20 34 4 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 16 18 34 5 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM YAM 15 16 31 6 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU HUS 18 12 30 7 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB KAW 13 14 27 8 91 Seewer, Jeremy SUI FMS YAM 11 13 24 9 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB YAM 20 0 20 10 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS HON 12 7 19

Cairoli Crash & Herlings Overtake

A hard hit for Jeffrey Herlings at Valkenswaard

Jeffrey Herlings was expected to dominate the qualifying race at Valkenswaard, but this untimely fall cost him dearly. It was not all bad though – the result could have been much, much worse. What happened in the crash exactly? The video below should enlighten you somewhat.

Covington wins MX2 qualifier

American rider Thomas Covington has won the MX2 qualification race from Pauls Jonass, and early leader Jorge Prado.

Covington took the lead from Prado, but Prado was quickly into the lead. Pootjes crashed while in third, and Jonass and Van doninck held third and fourth. Next cam Sterry, Sanayei, Lawrence, Geerts, Mewse, Olsen, and Pootjes.

After two laps it was Prado, Covington, Jonass, Olsen, Van Doninck, Sterry, Pootjes, Vaessen, Lawrence, Ostlund, Vlaanderen, Sanayei, Larranga, Watson and Brylyakov. Pootjes on fire as he passed Sterry for sixth place.

Mewse out of the race as he walks back to his pit area. Four laps it Prado has a five second lead over Covington, then came Jonass, Olsen, Van doninck, Pootjes, Sterry, Vaessen, Lawrence, Ostlund, Vlaanderen, Larranga, Sanayei, Beaton and Watson in 15^th.

Covington made a little ground on Prado and behind the American was Jonass. Prado went down and Covington took the lead, followed by Jonass and Prado.

MX2 - Qualifying Race - Classification

1             64           Covington, Thomas         USA        MUL      Husqvarna           24:54.845

2             1             Jonass, Pauls      LAT        LAMSF   KTM       24:58.851           

3             61           Prado, Jorge       ESP         RFME     KTM       25:02.570           

4             19           Olsen, Thomas Kjer          DEN       DMU      Husqvarna           25:15.979           

5             172        Van doninck, Brent          BEL        FMB       Husqvarna          

Motocross club gears up for series in April

   

 

ON YOUR TAIL: Riley Hewitt-Bryant and Wes Rose (48) in motocross action at Morgan Park. Gerard Walsh

by Gerard Walsh

MOTOCROSS: The Warwick District Dirt Bike Club is expected to welcome 500 riders for the Airoh Series at Morgan Park on April 21-22.

The club had coaching on the track last week, only the second time this year the track has been used due to lack of water in the dams at the facility.

Moisture is needed on a motocross track to keep the dust down.

President Dolly Chorley said the rain early last week meant there was enough moisture on the track for the weekend of coaching.

"Some water has flowed into the dams at Morgan Park but we need more rain,” Chorley said.

"We may have to buy some water to irrigate the track for the Airoh Series.”

The Airoh series will be the first major series event at the track for five years other than the Go Girls Series.

Last year, riders travelled from as far as Adelaide for a Go Girls Series round.

This year, the big event for the women will be the WOW weekend on June 9-10 at Morgan Park. WOW stands for Women On Wheels.

The Airoh Series weekend in Warwick will be round 4 of the series. It will follow rounds at Hervey Bay, Coolum and Chinchilla. The final two rounds are at Toowoomba and Tivoli.

Between 20 and 30 volunteers will be needed for the Airoh Series meeting and the club would welcome offers of help through the Warwick Moto-x Facebook page.

Weather permitting, there will be practice this Sunday but as always, riders are asked to check on Facebook.

Old Bridge's Raceway Park opens motocross racing season

OLD BRIDGE - While drag racing at Raceway Park has been discontinued, the motocross racing season will kick off Sunday, March 18, marking the 43rd year that the facility has hosted motocross racing events, according to a statement. 

The opener on Sunday will be the last event on the current racetrack. Following that race, all motocross operations will move to another portion of the property where a new racetrack is under construction, the statement said.

"It will be sad to see the existing track demolished, but in the same breath, it's exciting to make a move to take things to the next level," Raceway Park Track Manager Rich Trevelise said in the statement. "We have always tried to accommodate the racer, and with the new track and layout, it is going to be exciting. Moving the track will be a monumental task to accomplish during the early part of the season, but we are up to the challenge."

To the disappointment of racing fans, the owners of Raceway Park, which opened July 4, 1965, announced in January that effective immediately it would no longer conduct drag racing events at the site. The business, owned and operated by the Napp family, said it was reorganizing.    

"To achieve this goal, Raceway Park will no longer conduct quarter mile or eighth mile drag racing events effective immediately," according to a notice on the Raceway Park website.  

The news was met with disappointment from racing fans, many of whom shared their memories of visits to the track on social media. An online petition that yielded thousands of signatures was started in hopes — not met — of saving drag racing at Raceway Park. 

The drag strip is nationally known for hosting the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) Summernationals, which will not be conducted at the facility this year.  

Despite the closing of the drag strip portion of the property, the iconic facility will continue to host a variety of activities on the premises this year, including the spring and fall auto swap meets, numerous car shows, motocross racing and practice, kart racing, as well as drifting, a full schedule of road course activities, mud runs, monster truck shows, musical concerts,festival events and more, the statement said.    

Famous for the annual Kawasaki Race of Champions conducted each October, the Kawasaki Motor Corp and its participating dealers have supported the event for more than 40 years, the statement said.  

The move to the new track will enable the motocross operations to expand and provide a better racing and spectator experience. The newly built track will take advantage of a more substantial footprint providing a new layout suitable for racers of all skill levels. A rebuilt plunge and staircase will maintain the feel of the old track with a new updated flavor, according to the statement. 

“Raceway Park has been such a big part of many lives over the years including my own,” Trevelise said. “I hope everyone that can make it out for the last race on the existing race track.So many top riders have rolled wheels through the gates at Raceway Park it is a privilege to be part of the facility." 

Trevelise thanked the Napp family for keeping motocross alive and well in New Jersey, and also thanked Ken Landerman and Jay Irwin for all they accomplished in the past that put Raceway Park Motocross and the Kawasaki Race of Champions on the map.

Following Sunday's opener, the track will host an additional nine events for all two-wheel classes. The next one is set for April 22. Also included in the nine season events are several unique races including the NJ State Championships on Aug. 26 and the 42nd annual Kawasaki Race of Champions Oct. 19 to 21.

For additional information on Raceway Park Motocross and the 2018 Motocross racing schedule, as well as the other activities at Raceway Park visit racewaypark.com.

Colton Haaker Sick Riding Skills