2018 Wild Boar GNCC Bike Highlights

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.

Hot Topics: MXGP of Europe

A look at round two of MXGP

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.

AORC at Gympie,Queensland

Milner and Sanders star as AORC opens at Gympie

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.

Herlings and History

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 69^th Grand Prix victory, that in itself an amazing achievement, but Herlings loves making history, so be prepared for something special this weekend.

Kauai MX Suffers Vandals

Vandals deface, damage popular Kauai motocross facility

By Jim Mendoza, Reporter

 

 

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.

Bulgaria MXGP Gets Big Government $upport

The Cabinet Allocated BGN 1.66 Million for the World Motocross Championship

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.

Complete Details Of 2018 Trans Am Vet Classic

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)

Justin Jones Wins Sprint Hero Round 2

On Mar 12, 2018

 

Cedar City, UT (3/11/2018) – Justin Jones won the Sprint Hero Racing Series held at Iron Mine Raceway. Jones, riding his Monster Energy Honda, beat out Cole Shondeck and Destry Abbott for the victory and took the points lead in the process. The event was the second of three being held this season.

Weather was dry on Saturday with slick and dusty conditions. Rain overnight brought the track surface around nicely on Sunday with perfect racing conditions. Jones, who finished second in the first race at Glen Helen, had to play catch up after a hard tumble during Saturday’s race. He came back on Sunday and took the win.

“On Saturday, Destry and Cole Shondeck were really going fast and I didn’t make it easy on myself,” said Jones. “I made a lot of mistakes and went down hard once. I rebounded on Sunday and conditions couldn’t have been better. We had a decent amount of rain last night and I came out on top.”

Jones enjoys the new series as it offers something for everyone. Not only does it feature 22 classes, the format also allows people of all fitness and experience levels to challenge themselves on the different tests.

“This is favorite type of racing because you have competition in your class, but you’re really racing against yourself and the clock,” said Jones. “You can really turn yourself inside out in minutes and it shows raw speed off road.”

After finishing fifth in the opener, Shondeck decided to run the whole series and was rewarded with a runner-up finish, just behind Jones. A veteran motocross racer, Shondeck said the format has helped him really come up to speed in off-road racing.

“It was an awesome weekend. The Enduro Test was super cool. The single-track section was tight and completely different than the rest of it. The GP sections were fast, but they were fun. You get a little bit of everything out here. I grew up doing motocross and I’m a little bit new to the off road stuff,” said Shondeck.

Forty-five-year-old Destry Abbott finished third on the weekend, just ahead of his son Cooper. Despite fitness levels challenged by chemotherapy, Abbott was able to put in competitive runs both days. He said the new format allows him to continue racing.

“This series is for everybody,” said Abbott. “My fitness isn’t all there. I’m still dealing with chemo and being 45 isn’t the best, so this style is really the best for me right now. You can be young or old and this is a great style of racing. This series is really going to take off. You come in, talk to your buddies and have a good time. Then you go out and do another test.”

The Sprint Hero Racing Series finishes its season at Canyon MX in Peoria, AZ. That event is scheduled for April 14-15.

Sprint Hero Racing Utah Results

OVERALL RESULTS
1. Justin Jones

2. Cole Shondeck

3. Destry Abbott

4. Cooper Abbott

5. Steven Gibson

RV and a YZ125

OUCH! Portugal Hard Enduro

 Portuguese Hard Enduro Series round two action from Chaves is the kind of distraction we all need a little of on a Monday. It looks wet, muddy and perfect enduro riding!