MX OF NATIONS: RESULTS

Gautier Paulin of the winning French team dices with Tony Cairoli, of the second place Italians.

The 2018 Motocross of Nations wrapped up with another win for France. The defending champions did it through consistency this time, with Gautier Paulin, Dylan Ferrandis and Jordi Tixier turning in consistent performances without any wins. The real heartbreak of the day was the Netherlands, which had the most dominent two riders of the race with Glenn Coldenhoff and Jeff Herlings. The two of them took the top Open spot and the top 450 position, respectively. Unfortunately for them, Calvin Vlaanderen, their 250 rider, suffered an eye injury in his first moto and had to withdraw. As for the U.S. team, it was beset with poor starts and crashes. The best overall performance for the Yanks was Eli Tomac, who was fourth overall in the 450/250 moto, then seventh in the 450/Open moto. Justin Barcia fell on the start of his first race (the Open/250 combined moto) and could only work his way up to 13th.Aaron Plessinger suffered crashes in each race, scoring a 16th and an 18th. In the end, the U.S.team could do no better than sixth overall.

RESULTS
1 FRANCE
Gautier Paulin 2-3
Dylan Ferrandis 7-8
Jordi Tixler 15-32

2 ITALY
Antonio Cairoli 4-6
Alessandro Lupino 5-12
Michele Cervellin 10-14

3 THE NETHERLANDS
Glenn Coldenhoff 1-1
Jeff Herlings 1-2
Calvin Vaanderen 36-DNF

4 AUSTRALIA
Hunter Lawrence 2-8
Mitchell Evans 10-14
Kirk Gibbs 14-33

5 GREAT BRITAIN
Ben Watson 4-15
Max Anstie 6-13
Tommy Searle 10-34

6 USA
Eli Tomac 4-7
Justin Barcia 9-13
Aaron Plessinger 16-18

7 BELGIUM
Clement DeSalle 5-27
Jeremy Van Horebeek 6-11
Jago Geerts 13-18

8 SPAIN
Jorge Prado 3-3
Jose Butron 17-18
Carlos Campano 22-22

9 ESTONIA
Harri Kullas7-12
Tanel Leok 12-19
Hardi Roosiorg 21-24

10 GERMANY
Max Nagl 8-11
Ken Roczen 9-25
Henry Jacobi 25-37

MXoN... France Again!

 France win - Netherlands Stunning

The Netherlands Glenn Coldenhoff and Jeffrey Herlings put on a masterclass you could compared to the great American teams of the 1980s. Going 1-1-1-2 in the two motos each and with all seriousness, they should have won the event, however an eye injury to Calvin Vlaanderen, their MX2 rider scoring a DNF and DNS cost the Dutch victory.

The team that did win was the French, their fifth in a row, and once again against all the odds. With 2-7-8-15-3 results the defending champions were strong all weekend and maybe this time a little luck helped them out, but of course, they deserved it. 

So it was France with 35pts, Italy with 37 and Netherlands with 41. Class winners were Jeffrey Herlings MXGP, Glenn Coldenhoff Open and Jorge Prado MX2.

“Yes, we did it again, strong in America,” Paulin said.”

Lupino in the lead, then Coldenhoff, Roczen, Paulin, Evans, Cairoli, Nagl, Seewer, Gibson, Herlings in 10^th. Barcia 13^th and Tomac 24^th. Herlings quickly into seventh, and Nagl passed Evans for fifth place. Barcia up to 11^th, and Tomac 15^th.

Coldenhoff into the lead, then Lupino, Paulin, Roczen, Nagl, Evans, Herlings, Cairoli, Searle, Seewer, and Barcia.

Herlings fifth and chasing down Roczen and amazingly as it stood, and with their worst result taken out, France led with 35pts, then Italy 36, Holland 42pts, Australia 43pts and USA with 50pts. Italy suddenly drew even with France with both on 35pts and Netherlands with 42pts.

Herlings into third, and Roczen got swallowed up by Cairoli. Barcia 11^th and Tomac 10^th. Team USA not out of it, but probably struggle to make the podium. Tixier down in 14^th and will he cost Team France victory?

Herlings into second and they close up a point on both France and Italy. France 35, Italy 36 and Netherlands 41pts.

Cairoli and Paulin in a massive contact over a jump and both stay on the bikes, Holland nearly got get out of jail card. Cairoli passed Paulin and put Italy at the top of the points race.

Anstie and Nagl both close up on Paulin and Cairoli. Barcia and Tomac swapping positions with Barcia 10^th again and Tomac 11^th.

Lupino getting heat from a pack of riders behind him, and Cairoli seemingly holding up riders to block for Lupino, but then Nagl got past Cairoli and Netherlands getting closer and closer to the top spot, incredible.

Nagl passed Lupino and the top spot is heating up. Coldenhoff well ahead of Herlings, but the Dutch are 1-2, with Nagl third, then Nagl had trouble and dropped back to seventh. After eight laps the points situation was Italy 35, France 36, Netherlands 41, Australia 44, USA 49.

Herlings catching Coldenhoff, and for sure wanting the 1-1. Cairoli passed by Paulin and Anstie. Tomac passed Evans for 8^th place and now the top ten was Coldenhoff, Herlings, Lupino, Paulin, Anstie, Cairoli, Nagl, Tomac, Roczen and Evans.

Paulin and Anstie all over Lupino, and Cairoli also in the mix, this is another classic MXoN. Paulin moved past Lupino, and France now four points ahead of the Italians, and looking likely to take their fifth MXoN victory in a row.

Kullas all over Tixier and Cairoli chasing down Paulin, Team France and Team Italy really bringing it down to the wire. Kullas passed Tixier and if Cairoli can get to Paulin it would be 35pts each

Coldenhoff wins the moto, France win the day.

MXoN Qualifing Results

Tough day for the US. Team was lucky Barcia saved the day...team finished 9th. That gives them 9th gate pick tomorrow. I predict a better day tomorrow.

Barcia 2nd

Plessinger 11th

Tomac DNF

2018 Mason-Dixon GNCC Highlights

GNCC race highlights from Mason-Dixon – Duvall takes the win

International dirt

Motocross of Nations to make 1st appearance at RedBud this weekend

• By BEN SPENCER - HP Sports Writer

BUCHANAN — RedBud MX in Buchanan is no stranger to a good motocross race.

But the course has not yet seen an event the likes of Motocross of Nations.

For just the fourth time since the race began in 1947, and for the first time in the Midwest, Motocross of Nations is coming to the United States.

The event has been held in New York and Maryland in the past, and was last in the United States with Denver as a host site in 2010.

This year, the Monster Energy MXoN will be held at Buchanan’s famous track starting Saturday with qualifying events, continuing on Sunday with finals races. 

RedBud’s Amy Ritchie, daughter of the late Gene Ritchie, RedBud’s founder, said crowds from all over the world are expected at the weekend event. 

About 60,000 spectators are expected to attend the weekend-long event.

“I think that if you’re not into motocross, it probably wasn’t on your radar until recently,” said Ritchie. “But I think most people locally have heard things and seen the event. I think it’s huge for the economy. It’s great for the region. 

“Every team, even the tiniest team, is going to bring 50 people, or probably more like a couple hundred as far as the fanbase. It’s pretty big. Every county has a stake in it.”

The race has teams from 31 countries registered.

The team of Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia and Aaron Plessinger will represent the United States. Barcia finished third in the 450 class at this year’s RedBud National on July 7. Tomac was last year’s champion.

The trio will look to take down four-time defending champion France, who will be represented by Gautier Paulin, Dylan Ferrandis and Romain Febvre.

All 31 teams will compete Saturday in qualifying, with just the top 20 advancing to the final motos on Sunday. 

Each team’s three riders compete in two separate motos, adding up to six moto scores for each country. The best combined score wins.

Ritchie said the event is comparable to the Olympics, with fans from all across the world coming to support their teams

“It’s a very Olympic vibe,” she said. “All the flags and the costumes, I think that’s why RedBud fits so well for the event, because we’re always Fourth of July weekend for the National, which has given us the moniker ‘America’s motocross track.’

“Its a very patriotic vibe at our July event, so it’s sort of like the world is coming to America’s motocross track. I think you’re going to see tons of red, white and blue. It’s just a very unique event.”

Rain and thunderstorms are in the forecast all weekend, but Ritchie said the event will continue as planned regardless of the weather. She also noted the extra crowd volume shouldn’t be much of an issue.

“There are three entrances on RedBud Trail,” she said. “We don’t want people sitting in their car for an hour waiting to get in, so we have a pretty good plan. Mother Nature may make things a little bit more difficult, but she surely won’t stop the show.” 

“I think people are worried about the huge crowd, and I guess I would say that I want to convey to people that we’ve made modifications and we’ve prepared for that.” 

RedBud has also partnered with Youthstream, the company that owns the streaming rights to the event, to help give out 100 tickets to current and past military personnel. 

The donated tickets are marked at a total retail value of nearly $12,000.

“We asked Youthstream, who owns the rights to this event, and they were glad to do it,” said Ritchie. 

Many area hotels are booked fully for the weekend, said Ritchie. The onsite campgrounds are also totally booked as well. 

Ritchie said the fantastic reception and turnout is a testament to the event itself.

“You’ll get it within 15 minutes of being there,” she said of the race. “Just the vibe of the event is nothing like anything we’ve ever seen. It’s just not something we get in this country, unless we get the Olympics.”

Viewpoint: Missing at RedBud

A tip of the hat to the stars staying at home

The Motocross of Nations, which will be held at RedBud this weekend, is going to be absolutely incredible. There is simply no doubt about it. The entry list includes a phenomenal mix of stars from across the world and all of those have a reason to boast about their respective accomplishments. It is difficult to believe that there are some incredible riders who are not actually in Buchanan, Michigan currently.

Marvin Musquin is the most noteworthy, following the debacle with Team France in the weeks prior to the Motocross of Nations. It looked as though he had a second chance, following the injury that Romain Febvre sustained, but he declined the invite and was right to do so. A significant amount of time, six weeks exactly, had passed since the last round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series and he obviously did not spend that time preparing for an outdoor race. Musquin had absolutely no reason to jump onto an outdoor track after Ironman, so why would he? It is a shame that politics have stopped a world-class rider, who deserves to be on the starting line at RedBud, from taking part.

Marvin Musquin would have been a welcome addition to Team France (KTM Images/Simon Cudby)

Romain Febvre is obviously missing too, as mentioned previously, after sustaining a concussion and broken rib at the Grand Prix of Turkey at the start of September. Team France were already limping into the Motocross of Nations, after ignoring Marvin Musquin, but this was really the final blow. Those former world champions are going to be watching the action from the comfort of their own homes, along with another recent champion. Tim Gajser was not given an option to go, as Team Slovenia could not afford to send a team, but he is completely fine with that decision, because he desperately wants to get some metalwork removed from his jaw.

Would those riders have had an impact on the individual classification in each division? There is absolutely no doubt about it. Musquin could win on any given day, no matter who he is lined up next to, so losing him is a shame. Febvre and Gajser are also capable of winning, of course, but the chances that they would have done it here would have been very slim. Both guys have been hot and cold during the FIM Motocross World Championship this season, as they have faced their own problems, but would have slotted into the top five quite comfortable. Febvre has always stepped up at the Motocross of Nations, no matter the conditions or location.

There are some lesser riders missing as well, who would have undoubtedly strengthened the field. Arnaud Tonus had his sights set on the Motocross of Nations for a lot of the season, even though he was unable to race at all. Tonus dislocated his shoulder in February and finally hopped back onto a bike at the end of August. There were around six weeks left for him to prepare for this race, but he realised very quickly that he needed more time. It is worth noting that Team Switzerland almost lost Valentin Guillod as well, as he fractured his shoulder blade at the Grand Prix of Turkey and withdrew from the final round over the weekend. It remains to be seen just how competitive he is.

Tim Gajser would have been eager to make a splash on American soil (ConwayMX)

Finally, as if this edition of the Motocross of Nations could have even handled more stars, there was a good chance that Chad Reed was going to be chosen to represent Team Australia. Reed chucked his hat into the ring well in advance and even started training. Motorcycling Australia, the federation over there, eventually decided to go in a different direction though. Kirk Gibbs, Hunter Lawrence and Mitchell Evans will be racing for Team Australia this weekend. It is actually a stronger team than it may seem to an uneducated fan. It is not impossible for them to slot into the top five at the end of a weekend, but having Chad Reed would have helped.

Analysing those who are missing in this fashion really makes one appreciate how many stars the sport has to offer currently. The respective series in Europe and the United States, as well as in other continents, are clearly in a healthy position with so much talent to choose from and attempt to put into the public eye. For now, however, all eyes are on the Motocross of Nations.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX

Jeff Ward - MXoN Legend

Jeff Ward will be remembered as one of the all-time greats in motocross. 'Wardy' won seven AMA national championships and proved to be perhaps the most versatile rider in the history of the sport, winning 125cc, 250cc and 500cc national motocross titles. 

After he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his motocross success, he further proved his versatility by winning the 2004 AMA Supermoto Championship.

During his motocross career, Ward won a total of 56 AMA nationals, placing him third on the all-time motocross/Supercross win list at the time he retired from motorcycle racing in 1992. He had one of the longest careers of elite motocross riders, covering 15 seasons in the pro ranks. 

Ward was born in Glasgow, Scotland on June 22, 1961. He moved to America when he was 4 years old. Riding motorcycles was a part of Ward’s life early on. He was part of the minicycle craze that swept Southern California during the late-1960s and early 1970s. He began racing minicycles and became the best minicycle rider of his era, and some believe of all time. When he was just 10 he had a bit part in the classic movie “On Any Sunday,” doing a long wheelie on his little Honda 50. 

Ward joined the professional motocross ranks in 1978 riding an FMF-backed Suzuki in the 125 class. He earned five top-10 finishes and finished his rookie season ranked a very credible seventh in the series. 

In 1979, he moved to Kawasaki and would remain with that team throughout the rest of his career. That year, he again took consistent finishes in the 125 class, ending the season ranked sixth. The year was highlighted by his first podium finish – a third overall in a 125cc outdoor national in Houston. Ward got his first taste of Supercross racing in ’79, also by racing in select events. He actually led parts of the final at the Los Angeles Coliseum, which bolstered his confidence immensely. 

Ward continued to progress steadily through the ranks. In 1980, he finished third in the 125 motocross standings and earned his first Supercross podium finish (a third at Seattle). In 1981, he took third again in the 125 series, and in 1983 he finished a very close runner-up in the 125 series to Johnny O’Mara. 

Ward won his first AMA national (in the 125 class) on April 18, 1982 at Lake Whitney, Texas. He proved that the win in Texas was no fluke by winning again at Washougal, Washington — a track he called his favorite. 

For Ward, 1984 proved to be a breakthrough season. He started the season by winning his first Supercross race at the Kingdome in Seattle. In all, he won four Supercross finals that season. He then hit the ground running in the 125 outdoor series, winning an amazing eight of the 10 nationals and earning his first AMA national championship. It marked the first 125cc national title for Kawasaki. Winning the ’84 AMA 125 Motocross Series was the culmination of seven years of hard work and persistence on the circuit, and it also proved to be just the beginning of Ward’s run of championships. 

The 1985 season proved to be Ward’s finest. He was in his prime and it showed. Ward finished in the top five in eight of the 11 rounds, including a victory at Houston, to edge out Broc Glover by just two points to win his first Supercross championship. He then went on to prove that he could win on 250cc bikes in the outdoor series by winning five 250 nationals and earning the 250 title. Like he had done the year before in the 125s, Ward’s 250 title marked the first AMA 250 National Motocross championship for Kawasaki. 

Ward came back and won his second AMA Supercross championship in 1987 over Rick Johnson. En route to the title, he won five races and finished on the podium in 10 of the 14 rounds. The rivalry with Johnson continued in 1988 in the 250 motocross series – both Ward and Johnson won three races, but it was Ward nudging out Johnson by seven points for the championship. 

Looking for new challenges, Ward moved up to contest the 500cc national motocross series. He won two championships on the 500s in 1989 and 1990. His 56th national victory came in the 500cc class at Delmont, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 1992. Those two titles brought his total number of AMA national championships to seven, tying Bob Hannah and Rick Johnson for the most motocross/Supercross championships. Ward retired after the 1992 season. 

Beyond his domestic successes, on the international level Ward also became one of the elite riders by being part of seven winning U.S. Motocross des Nations teams. 

After retiring from motorcycle racing, Ward began a new career automobile racing. He came within a few seconds and a yellow light of winning the 1997 Indianapolis 500 in an exciting race that saw him finish third. He won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Award. 

Later, he returned to professional motorcycle racing in his 40s, competing in the new AMA Supermoto Championship and winning the title in 2004 against riders half his age. Demonstrating his incredible versatility as a racer, Ward even turned a few practice laps at Daytona International Speedway on a Formula Xtreme racebike in a 2005 tire test session. Incredibly, in his first time ever on a road race course, he lapped within 10 seconds of Miguel Duhamel, who would go on to win the Formula Xtreme championship in 2005. 

When Jeff Ward started his professional career, many said that at 5 feet, 7 inches tall, he would have a tough time handling the tall pro-level motocross bikes. Despite his smallish stature, Ward proved that he could win on any type of track and on any size of motorcycle.

MXoN - Expect the Unexpected

The one thing that you can count on at the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations is don’t count on anything. More than not this event throws up something that will turn any countries team manager into a nervous wreck.

Ask Cooper Webb about the unexpected, when the Team USA rider crashed with just minutes to go in the final moto of the 2016 event, (with American just ahead of the Dutch and French) held at the Maggiora circuit in Italy. I have never seen a rider more devastated by a turn of events, and it will probably haunt him until he gets the chance to race for the red, white and blue again, and gets a victory.

Of maybe spare a thought for Team Netherlands, who were holding down first place with two corners to go of that very same event, when Tommy Searle, who said he didn’t want to get involved in the battle for the win let Romain Febvre pass and handed Team France a very lucky victory.

It seems like it wasn't possible, but that 2016 MXoN also brought us the moto victory by Jason Anderson, beating a charging Jeffrey Herlings, then being landed on by a Japanese rider and out of the event. Former Team USA rider Jeff Emig told me on that day that he has never seen so much drama in one single event, and he was correct.

Spare a thought also for Joel Smets, who with Belgium, the heavy favourites for the 2001 Motocross of Nations at the Namur circuit got some track side fencing caught in his back-wheel, and his bike stopped at the bottom of the Namur circuit. Again, when Smets was hunched over after the podium presentation, he looked a broken man. Belgium might have finished second, but that DNF cost his country victory. Smets was lucky enough to win a handful of MXoN for Belgium, so maybe that day wasn’t as harsh as 2016 was for Webb.

Another Belgian, Kevin Strijbos bike stopped at the MXoN in 2006, and Smets as team manager was there to console him. Leading the points standing going into the second moto five points up on Team USA Strijbos cruised to the side of the track, and yes, again track-side fencing caught in the back wheel, just like his team manager some five years earlier.

Holding down 11^th place in the moto and his team-mate Steve Ramon in ninth place the Belgians were battled with Team USA who held 1-4 results in that vital second race.

Again, Belgium would make the podium, but that DNF by Strijbos cost Team Belgium victory on that amazing day at Matterley Basin. Stefan Everts would win the final race of the day with Ramon fifth, while Team USA scored 2-9 results. Again, drama for the Belgians.

Of course 1990 shouldn’t be forgotten, when Team USA and Team Belgium were in a massive battle for the Chamberlain Trophy. Belgian Jacky Martens would win the opening moto with American Jeff Ward right behind him, while Dirk Geukens was fourth and Team USA rider Damon Bradshaw was nowhere to be seen, way down in the pack and struggling in the deep sand in Sweden. It looked like the American team were out of it and would lose the defense of their 1989 victory as Bradshaw again had problems and crashed in the second race of the day.

Finally team Belgium would win this thing again, but then in the final race of the day, with Belgium leading the standings Team USA rider Jeff Stanton and Team Belgium rider Dirk Geukens collided. Stanton said he was tired of the way Geukens had been trying to play with him in Saturdays practice, while Geukens said Stanton just took him out. However you look at it, that crash cost Belgium victory, as they lost by one single point to Team USA.

Of course the 1997 MXoN, held at the Nismes circuit in Belgium was one of those races where eyebrows could be raised. Team USA with Jeff Emig, Steve Lamson and John Dowd looked a good bet to battle for the victory with home favourites Belgium, led by Stefan Everts, Joel Smets and Marnicq Bervoets.

All was looking rosy for the Americans until they arrived at the Nismes circuit on the Sunday morning only to find it covered in water. Not a drop of rain had fallen during the night, but somebody sure made sure the circuit was like ice as only Jeff Emig was capable of running in the top ten and that was only in the opening moto when he finished second to Kurt Nicoll, and Team USA finished in eight place, their worst results in 20 years of them participating. Pit Beirer went 1-1 for his greatest day in the MXoN.

Of course there are a thousand stories like these ones, and I could go on forever, but lets just sit back and watch the 2018 version of the unexpected as the best motocross riders in the World fight for the Chamberlain trophy for the 71^st time.

RJ Speaks MXDN

Herlings 1-1 Again!

Red Bull KTM factory rider Jeffrey Herlings has once again gone 1-1 and scored his 84^th GP victory, in a career that is so young, and has so much ahead of it. The Dutchman will now head to the Redbud circuit in America, for the Monster Energy Motocross of Nations, and we all know he is looking for his first ever 1-1 performance that the MXoN.

“It was a great weekend,” Herlings said. “To become world champion is one thing, but this weekend I was dominant again, got the holeshot but had a tip over (in the second moto). Number 84 on the wish list, done. I can’t wait for the Motocross of Nations for my country and also individually. Thanks to KTM they work so hard for me.”

All weekend Herlings was in a class of his own, and he so rightly deserved these performances. Four world championships and already a legend of the sport. Is it even possible to better this season? Can he finish it with an MXoN victory, the first ever for The Netherlands?

Herlings was into the lead in the first corner of the MXGP second moto, then came Desalle, Gajser, Nagl, Tixier, Simpson, Lieber, Paulin, Van Horebeek, Bobryshev.

After four laps the lead by Herlings was 5.5 seconds, then came Desalle, Simpson, Lieber, Paulin, Van Horebeek, Bobryshev, Coldenhoff and Strijbos.

Gajser suddenly started making ground on Herlings, as the Dutchman made a mistake and slipped over, and the HRC rider pushing hard to catch the seemingly uncatchable.

Herlings though just put the pedal down and pulled well away from second placed man Gajser, and Desalle held down third place. Shaun Simpson proved strong in fourth place and ending his season in style.

As the moto rounded out the top ten was Herlings, Gajser, Desalle, Lieber, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Simpson, Coldenhoff, Strijbos and Bobryshev.

Herlings won it from Gajser and Desalle.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 - Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:35.763; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:34.828; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:50.772; 4. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:01.847; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +1:03.991; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +1:06.621; 7. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +1:07.493; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +1:09.285; 9. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +1:15.790; 10. Evgeny Bobryshev (RUS, Suzuki), +1:20.562;