Valkenswaard- Herlings, Roczen, Musquin 2010

A lot of familiar names at the Dutch GP back in 2010
A lot of familiar names at the Dutch GP back in 2010
What makes a former motocross world champion turned team manager tick after he has hung up his helmet? What is it like to run one of the best MX teams in the world? We asked Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jacky Martens. I got to find out in the build up to the hectic first European GP of the season in Valkenswaard, taking place in Martens’ proverbial back garden.
The weather is typical for the lowlands this time of the year, sun and mild temperatures rapidly make way for cooler weather and spells of rain or worse. Inside the huge state-of-the art Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing workshop it’s business as usual. Everyone has a job to do and just days before the traditional visit to the Eurocircuit in Valkenswaard things are as busy as they get.Jacky Martens, who became the first modern fourstroke world champion in 1993, beams when he sees how impressed people are with his organisation. Rightfully so we might add. And he’s quietly proud knowing how much time and effort went into building the JM Racing team as we know it today. Including the minor and not so minor bumps along the way. Like a fire incident this winter, nothing too major but adding a significant amount of workload in an already stressful period. But as always the show musty go on!It’s an historic year, you captured the world title 25 years ago.
Jacky Martens: “Yes, you’re actually right. It didn’t cross my mind before you mentioned it. But it’s still a cool memory. Especially to have won the title with Husqvarna and now we’re already back with Husky for the fifth year!”You’ve always been super hands-on when it comes to the technical side of racing whether that’s coming up with developments for engine or suspension, machining your own parts even. It’s probably a big change to now working as a factory team.
Martens: “It is, there’s constant communication between us and the factory in Austria. When we’ve got an idea Husqvarna will look into it, study how it could work and especially how to produce reliable power. Once they have the actual parts there’s extensive dyno testing of course and test riders in Austria will try the concept out on track. For major evolutions that’s a cyle of about a year. When all of that is done our factory riders receive the new stuff.”
Colleagues like Roger Decoster continue to spend time in the workshop making stuff themselves. Do you miss that part of the job?
Martens: “Actually, I’m still tinkering away. It’s the best way to keep up to speed with technology. The focus is more on refining and make components work better together. To come op with radical inventions is pretty hard to do these days! But I love Husqvarna’s spirit when it comes to R&D. They’re openminded, willing to try new things and they don’t beat around the bush. Early on -and I started my own team in 1993- I would contiuously think about stuff to improve, work late at night to machine parts and put in crazy hours all by myself. Now I still produce some parts, or draw a design but that’s the starting point of a discussion with the factory. What do you guys think of this? That jumpstarts a fascinating process, both internally in our team and with Husqvarna. I like that synergy with young technicians. They have their knowledge and experience, which is different from mine. Together we can go further. And I think the results speak for themselves!”
Last year Thomas Kjer Olsen came into the MX2 class with a bang. The situation is slightly different now because he’s one of the title contenders.
Martens: “We’ve worked with many rookies in the past and we always try to prepare them as good as we can for this new challenge. When you’ve worked hard in the winter and you’re ready from the first GP that takes a lot of pressure away. To be riding at the front early on also boosts your confidence a lot. The only disadvantage was that the season was very long and draining. TKO had been going full throttle since October, November 2016. Okay, he had some periods of relative rest too but for this year he has a schedule we use for any GP rider. With a good group of support people around the rider and specialists for each area it’s possible to remain consistent all year long. That’s why we have Rasmus Jorgensen coaching TKO and Joël Roelants who’s involved with Thomas Covington.”
Olsen has definitely shown he’s physically strong. What about the mental side, dealing with the extra pressure and the expectation of racing to win?
Martens: “TKO is very down-to-earth you know. He trains hard and knows exactly what he wants. Unlike some other young athletes he’s not going to get carried away by this new situation and of course we help him to stay grounded as well.”
So what makes TKO so good in your opinion?
Martens: “Thomas has always been very dedicated to his sport. Even when he didn’t have the best material or wasn’t riding for the most professional teams. He alwas had to fight really hard. If one day this kind of rider gets the opportunity to race in the best possible conditions that’s when you make headway. That’s even more motivating and energizing. It creates a lot of momentum. I think that explains his situation a bit.”
Maybe the first results of Thomas Covington have been disappointing but given his late start it’s no surprise at all.
Martens: “Right, it’s absolutely normal. Thomas was unlucky to injure his knee at the MX of Nations, his last race of the season in 2017. We’re thankful that his rehab went better and faster than expected. Still he’s only back on the bike from half of January. The two months that’s he’s behind compared to the other guys are hard to replace! To shake off the early-season ‘blues’ like painful arms you just need the hours on the bike. However, TC is heading in the right direction. I think he’s doing well keeping in mind where he came from and we expect him sooner than later to be back at the front.”
How would you describe Covington?
Martens: “He’s very professional, and since he came to Europe Thomas is a much more complete rider now. I think the results show that he’s right up there. Unfortunately he’s been a bit unlucky with crashes and his knee injury but we’re really happy with both riders. The two are capable of top five and more. We’re convinced they can do better but we prefer to do the talking on the track if you know what I mean!”
You touched on sharing your experience with young technicians. Do you miss working with younger riders like you did for many years in the EMX250 class?
Martens: “No. We’ve worked with very experienced guys like Yves Demaria too. In the end it’s about looking at the bigger picture. Where can we support riders to make them better? Everything that I’ve learned from working with riders before is helping me today. We continue to build on our own experience. That’s the human capital that makes teams like Rinaldi or the team of Sylvain Geboers in the past so strong.”
Can you compare Covington and Olsen to other top riders who rode for you?
Martens: “The bottom line is to keep them focused. You can’t get bored with what you do. Typically, young riders have been going to school and sport was only one aspect of their life. When you become professional, sport is what matters most in your life. That’s why you need this team of people around you. If you have a schedule to follow there’s no chance you’ll get bored, you will be busy enough as it is! There’s no room for distraction either.”
What do you think about the Valkenswaard track?
Martens: “I think it’s a fantastic track! Even with the rain we had the club is very experienced in preparing the track so I think we will have great racing this weekend. Valkenswaard is a classic on the world championship calendar, the crowd can get close to the action and everyone is very engaged with the top riders. Of course there’s Jeffrey Herlings being the home rider, but Tony Cairoli is very well known too. And the Argentinian MXGP created a lot of anticipation!”
Although your team is based in Lommel, Belgium there’s always been a strong link with Holland and the many sponsors and friends you have there. I was always told you were born in Holland, right?
Martens: “Almost! I was born on the border. For sure, Valkenswaard is a great location for our team. It’s central for many people, and timing is awesome as well. After Argentina people are looking forward to see the GP riders close to home.”
So are we! Thank you for time and good luck this weekend.
Martens: “Thanks, you’re welcome. See you there!”
Just two days before the opening round of this year's FIM Maxxis EnduroGP World Championship, ABC Communication has just released its list of TV broadcasters for the 2018 season.
For this new season, the EnduroGP's eight rounds will be broadcast via the 26-minute magazine programme in 177 countries around the world, through 20 channels, as well as via the all-new OTT "EnduroTV" channel which you can find on endurogp.org.
"EnduroGP continues to garner a lot interest among both the general public and the many viewers around the world, thanks to its action-packed racing and its super-charged entry list. This, coupled with the complete TV coverage, places our discipline among the greatest motorbike sports in the world," EnduroGP head Bastien Blanchard said.
List of Broadcasters:
The 2018 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) show keeps on rolling to the Maxxis General at Aonia Pass MX, GA this weekend March 17-18.
With two races on the bounce GNCC is keeping teams and riders busy this March.
This highlights video recaps last weekend’s action where Kailub Russell continued his 100 per cent winning record in the 2018 series and Ben Kelley earned his first-ever XC2 250 Pro class win.
The upcoming round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Valkenswaard, may be the most highly-anticipated event of the season. Jeffrey Herlings and Antonio Cairoli are expected to face off on a track that they both enjoy and have experienced success on in the past, which is a mouth-watering prospect. MXGP has been in desperate need of a rivalry that features as many layers as this.
There is no doubt that Jeffrey Herlings is considered the favourite and this MX Vice poll serves as proof. The start is going to play a large role, however, as Antonio Cairoli is the best at getting out of the gate and will be able to establish an immediate advantage. The track may not develop in a stereotypical fashion, because of the freezing temperatures, which could make it harder for a rider to pull through and topple his foe. Herlings managed it on the one-lined track in Argentina though and left Cairoli powerless. This is going to be a battle that is watched across the globe.
Jeffrey Herlings is undoubtedly the favourite for the MXGP win (KTM Images/Ray Archer)
Gautier Paulin and Tim Gajser should be placed into that conversation, although their stories are rather different. Paulin has won two of the last three events that have been run at the Eurocircuit so, for whatever reason, the shallow sand plays to his strengths. Will he pull off another shock win this weekend? It would be quite the upset, but round one was not a true reflection of how he is feeling currently. A sickness dragged him down on that weekend. The same could be said for his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate, Max Anstie, as some poor luck stopped him from fulfilling his potential at the first Grand Prix of the current term.
Whilst those two could be considered potential spoilers in the all-KTM fight at the head of the field, it may be wise to temper expectations of Tim Gajser. There is a chance that the former world champion could surprise, for that reason, but he has only ridden three times since he fractured his jaw towards the end of February. One could certainly argue that he has rushed his comeback. It seems as though that has been done with the aim of sacrificing some points, to put himself in a positive position in the championship, but what position in the rankings would he even strive for at this stage?
There are a lot of question marks surrounding the Yamaha riders in the premier division. Can Romain Febvre contend for the win, much like he did at this track two years ago? Where does Shaun Simpson slot in exactly? Is Jeremy Seewer actually okay after that crash at the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina? Is Jeremy Van Horebeek capable of being a consistent contender for podiums? Some of those questions will not be answered immediately, of course, but it will be intriguing to follow. There are some diverse personalities in blue this season, but all of them have a point to prove to pundits.
This plate is expected to be red again at RedSand next week (KTM Images/Ray Archer)
The MX2 class is expected to be the Pauls Jonass show. It would not be surprising at all to see him stand atop the podium, so most will be eager to see if anyone can get close. Thomas Kjer Olsen should be very good at this track, as conditions will not be too dissimilar to Kegums in Latvia, and Jorge Prado is typically blazing fast here too. It remains to be seen what should be expected of Prado though, as he is battered and bruised. Prado only returned from a broken elbow a month ago as well, remember, so the cards are really stacked against him.
Rising stars will undoubtedly hog headlines in the MX2 class. Can Ben Watson land on the podium? Watson told us that he hated Neuquen in a post-race podcast so, with that in mind, he should be brimming with confidence on Sunday. It is hard to point to a weakness that he had at round one, although he admitted that he needs to adapt quicker through the opening laps. If Watson is slicing through the field on laps one and two, take that as proof that he is feeling the flow and ready to push towards another milestone. British fans are on the edge of their seats.
Calvin Vlaanderen is overlooked more often than not and this year has been no different. The Team HRC pilot was one of the fastest riders on track at the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina and would have challenged for a position on the overall podium, had he not tangled with Jorge Prado early on in a race. A track like Valkenswaard is typically where he is at his best so, considering that it is effectively his home Grand Prix as well, he may be one to watch. Vlaanderen has stood up on the overall podium just once before and never finished better than third.
It seems as though that will be a theme in the MX2 division this year, as different riders should reach new heights with each weekend that passes. Darian Sanayei is on the verge of great things, for instance, and Conrad Mewse could breakthrough on any given weekend. Jed Beaton has shown great potential, along with Jago Geerts and Vsevolod Brylyakov, plus there are guys like Bas Vaessen who just need a bit of luck. The point is that there are going to be surprises every single weekend and that is going to make the class particularly gripping. Everything is going to constantly chop and change.
Former motocross champion Styke sweeps E1 class on debut.
It was a battle of the titans as the 2018 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) commenced at Gympie, Queensland, on the weekend, with Daniel Milner and Daniel Sanders duking it out at the front.
Saturday’s opening round saw KTM Enduro Racing Team’s defending champion Milner edge Sanders for victory, before the latter turned the tables for a breakout Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team result.
Although the outright scores aren’t official championships, they do factor for bragging rights and it is shaping up to be a hard-fought year between the two. 2016 title-winner Sanders has returned home following an off year in EnduroGP.
The class results in Saturday’s round one saw Milner win E3 from Kane Hall (Yamaha) and Andrew Wilksch (Sherco), while on Sunday it was again Milner ahead of Lachlan Stanford (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) – penalised five minutes the day prior for an unintentional off-track excursion – and Broc Grabham (Gas Gas).
In the talent-packed E2 division, Sanders was the class of the field on both days, topping Josh Green (Active8 Yamalube Yamaha) and last year’s E3 champion Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) overall in rounds one and two.
It was Active8 Yamalube Yamaha’s former motocross champion Luke Styke who took out both rounds in the E1 ranks, from Jackson Simpson (KTM) on Saturday and Sunday. Third-place on Saturday was Nic Tomlinson (Yamaha), while class rookie Fraser Higlett (Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team) rebounded from a penalty in round one to take third on Sunday.
The AORC series will continue with rounds three and four to be held on 5-6 May at Hedley in Victoria, with the Australian Four-Day Enduro (A4DE) scheduled for between 3-7 April in Cessnock, New South Wales.
Posted on March 13, 2018
Speaking to Jeffrey Herlings after his GP victory in Argentina a little over a week ago, he mentioned the pressure of riding at the second round of the MXGP championship, at home in Valkenswaard, carrying the red plate, as leader of the MXGP championship standings.
Pressure is something Herlings seems to deal with well of late. His come from behind victory in Argentina, after crashing out of the Saturday qualification race while chasing defending champion Antonio Cairoli, and then losing the opening moto to Cairoli on Sunday, you could easily think he was a beaten man in round one. Well, think again.
Herlings has matured a lot in the last couple of years and he will need to as coming into Valkenswaard he will be going for history. Going for something never done in the sport history.
With GP victories at the euro circuit in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016, he has seven victories in the sand of Valkenswaard.
Roger De Coster was the King of Namur in the 1970’s, winning at the famous circuit a magnificent seven times, those being in 1969, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75 and 76. As for every single Belgian rider Namur was a circuit that ran through his veins.
Just as De Coster owned Namur in the 1970s it was 10 times World Motocross Champion Stefan Everts who dominated at the Citadelle in the 2000’s. The King of Grand Prix Motocross never lost a GP at Namur, winning seven Grand Prix’s (equalling De Costers record) and also the individual overall at the 2000 MXdN (making him the most successful rider to ever race Namur).
Everts made his debut at the circuit in 1998 when he was a wild card rider at the 500cc Grand Prix. While Joel Smets was considered the boss of the big bore class Everts totally dominated everyone, going 1-1 and winning his first ever 500cc GP.
His 10th World Motocross Championship was also won at Namur (2006), as was his 50th Grand Prix victory in 2001, a victory that he shared with his uncle Pierre (who would later that year pass away from cancer). It seemed like every time Everts raced at Namur something special happened. In 2003 he would win both the 125cc and MXGP classes at Namur and then added wins in 2004, 2005 and finally in 2006, his final visit to Namur and his 99th GP win.
So, when Herlings lines up on the start gate for this years Valkenswaard GP, he will be going for GP win number eight. No rider in the history of the sport has won eight Grand Prix’s at the one circuit. He will also be going for his 69th Grand Prix victory, that in itself an amazing achievement, but Herlings loves making history, so be prepared for something special this weekend.
The Wailua Motocross Track sits on 18 acres of county land on the east edge of Kauai. Over the weekend, vandals had a field day.
"They covered this big tree with toilet paper," said Devin Parado of the Kauai Motocross Associaiton.
They toilet papered trees and structures and painted profanities on the walls of the tool shed and office tower.
The criminals splattered paint everywhere.
"It pretty much sucks," motocross rider Darrell Dabin said.
He and his son David discovered the damage Sunday morning.
"My son was opening the gate. He noticed some vandalism and three to four older teenage kids in the area, and they ran," Dabin said.
The culprits ruined shirts sold for fundraising and destroyed race gear including course flags. announcement boards. paperwork and rider forms.
"They actually broke the hinge off the door," Parado said, showing the entrance to the tool shed.
The motocross course is okay but the non-profit that oversees it will have to come up with about 41,000 to fix everything.
"It's like someone breaking into your home. That's kinda the feeling we have down here," Parado said.
The track has some gates but anyone can get on the property from the beach. Dozens of riders ride motocross there, from kids to seniors citizens.
"It's our only track," Dabin said. "Everybody hates to see it getting run down that way."
"You can see the door itself is spray painted and paint splattered on it," Parado said.
This is the second crime at the Wailua Motocross Track. Last year, burglars broke into the buildings.
Copyright 2018 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
The government has allocated 1 662 455 leva to the Motorcycling Federation to hold rounds of the World and European motocross championship in Sevlievo, which are at the end of August. This was done with a decree approving additional expenses in the budget of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, which for the third time does not finance motor sports in Bulgaria. The document was published in the State Gazette.
"These motocross championships are among the most prestigious competitions in the world. The performance of the sporting event will establish the reputation of the Republic of Bulgaria among the world sports community, will have a positive impact on the development and popularization of the Bulgarian sport and the opportunities of the Bulgarian athletes for the show, "the Council of Ministers stated in its motives.
The funds of BGN 1.66 million will be paid for the license to conduct the World and European rounds of motocross championship in Bulgaria, Bogdan Nikolov, president of the Bulgarian Motocross Federation, told Mediapool.
Info For This Year's Vet Race
March 12, 2018 By Aaron Cooke
2018 TRANS AM VET CLASSIC | COMPLETE COVERAGE
2018 TRANS AM VET CLASSIC | ONLINE REGISTRATION
As we were preparing for the Mini Major in 2017 our team brought up the concept of doing a specialized race just for the Vets, similar to what we were doing for the minis. With that, we consulted with the world famous Glen Helen about building a unique track and creating a schedule with side events that would cater to the 25+ racers and riders and from the start this event would be all about having fun with friends. It’s great to have interest from top former pros like Jeremy McGrath and Ryan Villopoto filling the gates for this event, but there are classes for everyone with age brackets every five years and skill level breakdowns for Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert and Pro. Your race age will be determined by your age on December 31st, 2018, so make sure and sign up for the correct class! This event isn’t just about trophies, as it’s a reason to get all your toys out and camp for a weekend with family and friends, all bench racing over the best of times in the past and creating new stories for the future.
Now the Trans Am is less than two weeks away and we want to share all the details with you that you will need to know to make it a great weekend. There is something for the whole family at the 2018 Trans Am Vet Classic, so don’t hold back from bringing out the kids just because it’s a Vet race.
Don’t forget to pre-register and save $5 per class by CLICKING HERE. Come to terms with all the emotions of racing the Trans Am and check out this fun story by TransWorld’s Mike Emery as he prepares for the race. Read below for the calendar of events for this year’s Trans Am!
Thursday, March 22nd
Open practice on the Trans Am layout for all riders will be available for normal practice fee of $30. Track open from 9 AM – 2 PM.
Friday, March 23rd
Pull in day and practice! Gates open at 8 AM. Everyone that comes through the gate will pay $30 for the weekend and this includes the practice fee. Camping for the weekend is $20 per RV. The PeeWee track open for practice.
Friday will include a split practice limited to Trans Am Vet Classic racers, running from 11 AM – 3 PM. Come to signup area to see the practice schedule.
4 PM – 6 PM | Alta Motors Barrel Race! Take a free demo on an Alta Motors MX or MXR through the three barrel course layout. The fastest times will go to a final head-to-head format and riders will battle for an insane trophy. This will have to be seen to be believed, but guaranteed to be a good time for riders and spectators.
Saturday, March 24th
Sight lap begins at 8 AM for the first ten motos. There will be a sight lap determined by the race order of the 10 motos, so when we get to race number nine, motos 11-20 will take their sight lap, and before moto 19 we will break for a sight lap for motos 21-30. This is a three-moto format weekend, so we will go as far into the schedule as we can on Saturday.
REM racing happens almost every Saturday at Glen Helen, so bring out the kids and sign up in their 50, 65, 85 and 150F classes! Check out http://www.remsatmx.com for details, times and classes. After the REM races conclude the track will be available for open practice.
10 AM – 3 PM | Free Demos are available on Alta Motors MX and MXR models on the Stadiumcross track! The layout will be mellowed for a broad range of skill levels, but give Alta a ride during the downtime between motos. It’s a unique experience riding without a clutch and feeling that electric torque that everyone should check out.
12 PM – 3 PM | Bring your bike over to the Trans Am podium and take a photo with a Transworld Motocross Pin-up girl!
3 PM – 8 PM | Hanger 24 presents the Trans AM SX party! Supercross will be visiting Indianapolis and this will be the first East vs. West Shootout of the year! Come to the barn near the starting gate and get free food courtesy of Wienerschnitzel! For those over 21 years old, add a frosty cold Hanger 24 beer if you are done racing for the day. After racing the party will continue with live music late into the night.
7 PM – 9 PM | Troy Lee Designs and Transworld Motocross are inviting a select few to participate in a unique event Saturday night that has stirred the emotions of the MX Legend, Troy Lee. Dubbed the Troy Lee Designs Great Escape at the Trans Am, there will be up to 40 riders on the gate riders on the gate, all of which will be a part of a two or three-rider team. This will run on a unique track built along the hills of Glen Helen and teams of Father & Son or Friends & Amigos will trade places lap after lap after lap on a freshly prepped circuit. Bring your headlights, because this could go into the dark hours of the evening! You will be able to spectate with friends watching the racers headlights through the hills of Glen Helen and the always chaotic team rider switch right in front of the SX Party! Don’t miss this event.
Sunday, March 25th
The final day of racing will follow the same schedule as Saturday. The first sight lap will run at 8 AM, with additional sight laps every 10 motos until the schedule is completed.
10 AM – 3 PM | Alta Motors will be doing demos once again on the Stadiumcross track!
The REM Track and PeeWee track will be open for riders of all ages and bike sizes to practice on.
Our whole purpose for doing this Vet Classic format is to get more of our friends out to the races. As we get older, have kids and take on more responsibilities we drift apart from acquaintances. This is a weekend to bring back the best of times and have some fun like we used to. We look forward to seeing you there! Thanks to all our partners supporting this event and Vet racing. 51FIFTY Energy Drink, Alta Motors, MTA Distributing, Troy Lee Designs, Wiseco, Sprinter, Walters Mercedes Benz of Riverside, Wienerschnitzel, Hanger 24, FMF and Nature’s Bakery.
2018 TRANSWORLD MOTOCROSS TRANS AM VET CLASSIC
MARCH 23-25, 2018
GLEN HELEN RACEWAY
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA
LIST OF CLASSES
Wiseco 2 Stroke Open (All Ages 25+ | Open Displacement)
Vet Starter 30+ (Six Months Or Less Total Racing Experience)
25+ | Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert
30+ | Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert, Pro
35+ | Novice, Intermediate, Expert
40+ | Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert, Pro.
45+ | Novice, Intermediate, Expert
50+ | Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Expert.
55+ | Novice, Intermediate, Expert
60+ | Beginner/Novice, Intermediate, Expert
65+ Beginner/Novice, Intermediate, Expert
70+ Open
25yrs - 39yrs Beginner/Novice 250cc (2-Stroke or 4-Stroke)
25yrs - 39yrs Intermediate/Expert 250cc (2-Stroke or 4-Stroke)
40+ Beginner/Novice 250cc (2-Stroke or 4-Stroke)
40+ Intermediate/Expert 250cc (2-Stroke or 4-Stroke)
20 - 29 Women Open
30+ Women Open
Wiseco 2 Stroke Open (Open age and CC's)
Clydesdale (25+, Rider Weight Is Minimum 220 Pounds)