Why?

Pastrana, Sipes, Ronnie Mac To Ride For Puerto Rico at MXoN

This is not a joke. Travis Pastrana, Ryan Sipes, and—wait for it—Ronnie Mac will race for Team Puerto Rico at the Motocross of Nations at RedBud in October. The Federación de Motociclismo de Puerto Rico Inc. made the announcement today at round ten of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Unadilla. The team will be coached by the legendary Rick Johnson. 

Oh, and all three will be racing two-strokes. Pure gold!

Pastrana has not raced professionally since 2006, but according to a press release sent out by Nitro Circus, has “agreed to make a visit to the gym and dust off his Suzuki RM250 under one condition; the team would need to raise funds to give back to Puerto Rico during their time of need.”

“Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico almost a year ago and still to this day thousands of people are without the basic resources they need. This is an awesome opportunity for the motocross community to get behind and give back to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.” said Pastrana on his involvement with Team Puerto Rico and the 2018 Motocross of Nations. “I’m also excited to be a part of the largest motocross event ever held in the United States and to give the old guys someone to root for as Team Puerto Rico looks to qualify on two-strokes.”

Sipes, a former factory supercross and motocross rider, transitioned to GNCC, but has competed in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross in recent years, including two rounds in 2018. He’s also racing American Flat Track in 2018 and last weekend won the Buffalo Chip TT.

“Racing in the Motocross of Nations is a dream come true and a once in a lifetime opportunity. To be on a team with one of the best riders to ever throw a leg over a motorcycle is incredible… and my other teammate does double backflips! I can’t wait!”

Ronnie Mac is, well, he’s Ronnie Mac. He offered up this in the press release: “We’re here to win.”

Team Puerto Rico will be raising funds through direct donations and merch sales. A portion of proceeds of all merch sales will be donated to select Puerto Rican organizations designed to provide support to people in need. The organizations receiving funds will be determined in conjunction with the Federación de Motociclismo de Puerto Rico Inc. to ensure they make the largest impact possible.

Walker Wins British Extreme Championship

Jonny Walker has won the British Extreme Enduro Championship finishing in second place behind Joe Wootton at the final round in Wales. Hamish MacDonald was third.

The final round of the British Extreme Championship at Llanfyllin, Wales ran in dry conditions more suited to enduro riders than extreme specialists. But the Fast Eddy Racing course proved a popular one with riders, in particular Joe Wootton who topped the Championship class ahead of Jonny Walker who took second place and with it the British Extreme Enduro Championship for 2018.  

Speaking after the podium, Walker said: “I knew I had to finish third or fourth today to win the championship and to become British Champion is great, a real bonus to my season.”

Walker ran out the winner despite missing the opening round of the series: “I wasn’t initially planning on doing the series and missed the first round but when I saw that Billy [Bolt] and Graham [Jarvis] were doing it I thought I had to do it as well. 

“I won the first round then got two second places, won another and then a second today so it’s been consistent. It’s nice to come home and race in Britain because I don’t get chance to do it enough.”

Commenting on the less technical course for the final round Walker says he was never-the-less giving it his best shot: “It was real fast today and I basically came prepared for a bit more extreme race with super-soft tyres and mousses. It was faster than that today, the tyres were rolling everywhere. Don’t get me wrong I was trying and I gave it my best shot. 

“This is the first round where I have been on a 300 EXC TPI I’m racing in the WESS series. Basically at the start of the year we bought our own bike, a 250F, from Eurotek KTM and they have helped me to be able to do this series so a big thanks to them.” 

 

 

“Going for it” bags Wootton the win

Riding faster than usual in the dry conditions, the Green Hall Farm course played into the hands of EnduroGP rider, Joe Wootton. Joe has form on the more extreme terrain after a fine third in the EnduroGP Juniors at the Trentino GP. 

At the finish though Wootton was surprised to run out the winner: “I’m really pleased. I didn’t expect it at all. I only live just down the road and thought I’d give it a shot just as practice [ahead of the upcoming British Sprint Enduro round at the same venue]. 

“For a lap or so I was thinking, ‘that looks like Jonny Walker in front’ and then for the first hour we just rode together pacing it. Following him was an education really. When it got to a technical bit it was easy to see why he is where he is – he was smooth and would gain loads on me where I was just hitting stuff hard like an enduro rider!

“When Jonny pitted first I thought this is my one chance to make a gap, one lap just go for it and it worked. Also I think he had a slow pit and I opened a gap but it helped that the track was fast and dusty because it suited the 350 four stroke. Overall though I really enjoyed it.”

Rounding out the Championship class podium was the well-travelled Hamish MacDonald mixing up his World Enduro campaign with some British Championship action. James Dent was fourth and the only other rider to clock up 11 laps in the 2.5 hour race. Jordan Scott was fifth with Paul Bolton, perhaps not on his best form in the dry and faster conditions finishing sixth. That result, however means Bolton takes home third overall in the 2018 British Extreme Enduro Championship.

Ferris confirms full-time transition to the US for 2019

Dominant Australian champion to exit CDR Yamaha following current season.

Image: Foremost Media.

Triple Australian motocross champion Dean Ferris has notified the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team that he won’t be defending his Pirelli MX Nationals championship in 2019, instead revealing he has committed to racing in the US full-time.

At 28 years of age, Ferris will turn his back on a relatively lucrative domestic career with the factory Yamaha organisation in a bid to establish himself as one of the stars of America’s Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series.

Ferris has declared he will take his young family overseas ahead of the 2019 season, however currently remains a free-agent in the lead-up to next May’s outdoor season in a move that could see him become one of the sport’s most sought-after signings. He has decided not to contest the AMA Supercross season, solely focusing on the outdoors.

“It’s no secret that I’ve been trying to get to the USA now for a year or two,” Ferris told MotoOnline.com.au this afternoon on the eve of Coolum’s MX Nationals finals, just one week after he sealed a third-consecutive MX1 crown. “I’ve always had the aspiration to go back and race internationally and the time’s come.

“I must say, in my three years here I’ve really matured as a rider and have learned so much working with CDR, so I believe I am ready to go. I’ve made the decision that I’m not going to re-sign and that I will be assessing my options in the US – I’m a free-agent and am 100 percent committed to go and take my family with me.”

This season’s MX Nationals series has seen Ferris largely unchallenged, winning each of the nine overalls to date in the 10-round title-chase, and it’s his second-place moto finish from last year’s High Point round of Pro Motocross that has him certain he would be competitive in America.

“The money’s not what it’s all about,” he added. “Ever since I was a young boy I wanted to challenge myself and I think I’ve got a lot to offer. Last year, when I went over there with little preparation and with a good little crew, I got a pretty good result. I can only imagine if I set up there and get on a solid program with a good bike, I feel like I can get even better than I am now. I have that desire to go and to give it a real good crack.

“What you’re seeing from me now, I believe, is far better than what you saw when I first came home. We worked together like a little family, we’re pretty tight the whole CDR crew, and it’s been a perfect combination. I’ve won a lot of races, led a lot of laps and I believe we’ve learned a lot. Physically, I’m at a far higher level as well.”

The decision to sit out supercross, which spans between January through early May, is one that will enable Ferris to concentrate on his outdoor intentions, even though he has proven ultra-competitive within the stadiums by finishing third in the Australian SX1 championship during 2017. The year prior he was runner-up to US import and dual champion Justin Brayton.

“I want to focus on motocross, generally because it’s my passion more so than supercross,” admitted Ferris. “While I am pretty good at supercross, I would rather just focus on the outdoors at this moment in time – getting an outdoor contract is the goal. I’d really want to stay on a 450, even though I believe I’m good on a 250 too, the 450 suits my style and that would be my priority.”

One thing that is certain is that Ferris won’t be forming part of Team Australia at RedBud’s FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in October, since it clashes with round two of the Australian Supercross Championship at Coolum. His current CDR contract saw him commit to supercross and he wants to follow through with his strongest title challenge yet.

“I definitely won’t be at MXoN this year since it clashes with supercross, which is unfortunate,” he explained. “But in saying that, trying to compete and get ready in both is not ideal, so I wanted to give it a good crack at supercross without any distractions.”

Ferris’ decision to depart Australia leaves a major void at the CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team, which has captured eight MX1 outdoor championships over the past decade with Jay Marmont (2008-2011), Josh Coppins (2012) and Ferris (2016-2018). Marmont’s four-straight premier class titles with CDR is a record that Ferris would have been in line to match if he were to stay on for 2019.

Following a grand prix campaign between 2012 and 2015, including brief stint in the US with Red Bull KTM prior to being injured in 2014, Ferris returned home to CDR Yamaha in 2016 and has vastly developed on and off the track since. He is still regarded as one of the country’s top exports from those early parts of his career, winning multiple MX2 GP motos and the overall in Belgium back in 2013 alongside a number of standout MXoN performances.

Knight Hurt Training!

David Knight breaks his back in training crash

David Knight has suffered a hefty crash while out training in the Isle of Man, suffering broken vertebrae and ribs in the incident yesterday (Wednesday, August 8).

The enduro legend has hit the deck while out training at the Jurby sand track on the Isle of Man. Though he suffered serious injuries including fractures to the fifth and seventh vertebrae in the crash, which left him without feeling in his legs at first and “making noises like a cow”, Knight expects to make a full recovery. 

We heard about the crash yesterday – the Isle of Man word-of-mouth network is faster than Twitter – but had been waiting on official news on the injuries to report from the man himself. 

Sitting up in a chair in hospital wearing a supportive cast, David explained: “I have two broken vertebrae in my back, a few broken ribs and a very sore neck.” 

Knight was really lucky to have gone out riding with a friend, Nathan Cafearo, who was able to help at the time. The Jurby practice track in the dunes is terrible for phone signal and quite remote on the Isle Of Man which made rescue very difficult for Nathan, David’s brother Juan, a lad from Juan's workshop and the ambulance crew to get him off site and into an ambulance – that took a couple of hours in itself.  

“I was there to do motos and during the final lap of my second moto, my rear wheel hit a rock in the sand coming off a jump. I landed sideways and was spat off, head first. I didn’t lose consciousness but did lose feeling in my legs for a very short time and was very badly winded.” David explains. “It took a very long two and a half hours getting me off the beach but they got me to hospital by ambulance where I had CT scans and all is looking ok, thankfully.” 

The perils of training often present problems when riders crash but thankfully David was not out training alone: “I’d like to thank Nathan Cafearo, who luckily was down with me riding, my brother Juan and the ambulance crew for getting me off the beach, which wasn’t easy at all. All the medical staff here at Nobles Hospital have done a great job, especially my surgeon Ross Barker who knows me very well and has been very reassuring. 

 

Photo Credit: Gez Morrison 

“It’ll probably slow me down for a bit but I’m fully motivated to get back and be as strong as possible for Weston." Knighter contiunued. “Obviously, I’m disappointed this has happened when I have felt so strong and motivated but most of all I feel very, very lucky that I’ll make a full recovery as it could easily have been a very different story.”

The crash will come as a set-back to his training programme for the 2018 Weston Beach Race but the prognosis is good and though doctors say up to three months is a likely recovery period, it looks unlikely to stop David gunning for a repeat podium at Weston.

MXoN.....Red Bud!

MXoN Legends Parade

Posted on August 11, 2018

The MXoN Experience, a brilliant fund-raising idea from Jeff Stanton has just made the 2018 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations that much better.

Stanton has brought together probably the most complete list of former Team USA riders to raise money for charity.

Join the stars of yesterday, in the biggest motocross race ever run in the USA, as their current Team USA riders Eli Tomac, Aaron Plessinger and Justin Barcia fight to regain the prized Chamberlain Trophy.

The list is Brad Lackey, Danny LaPorte, Mark Blackwell, Mike Hartwig, Dick Robbins, Chuck Sun, Gary Semics, Donnie Hansen, Jonny O’Mara, David Bailey, Broc Glover, Jeff Ward, Ricky Johnson, Ron Lechien, Jeff Stanton, Damon Bradshaw, Mike Larocco, Jeff Emig, Jeremy McGrath, John Dowd, Ryan Hughes, Doug Henry, Ricky Carmichael, Tim Ferry, Ivan Tedesco, Ryan Villopoto, Trey Canard and Ryan Dungey.

For assistance with ticket sales or questions please contact Lori Amstutz at 619-339-5671 or email Lori@Road2Recovery.com, or go to https://mxonexperience2018.com...

Ferris Crowned Aussie Champ

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s 2018 Australian Motocross Champion, Dean Ferris, finished his domestic campaign with the most dominant ride of the year at the final round of the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals at Coolum, Queensland, today.

Ferris, who wrapped up the championship last weekend, put the field to the sword in both motos, winning both races by more than 30 seconds and completing a perfect clean sweep of round victories this year. Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Mitch Evans finished the day in second and Davey Motorsports Husqvarna’s Caleb Ward finished the season strongly with his second top three in as many weeks.

Evans grabbed the holeshot of the opening Thor MX1 moto and led for six laps before a charging Ferris strode past and disappeared into the distance. By the end of the race he’d lapped up to fifth place, with a margin of 37.4s over second-placed Evans. Ward put in a gritty ride to pass eventual non-finisher Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing) for third with two laps to go. Rhys Carter (Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing) and Callum Norton (DPH Husqvarna) finished fourth and fifth.

In the final 450cc moto of the season KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Luke Clout snatched a brilliant holeshot, but was overhauled by Evans before the end of the lap. It was shortlived though, as Ferris moved into the lead on the second lap and again put daylight between himself and the pack, finishing with a 34.4s buffer over Evans. A consistent ride from Ward saw him place third, with Metcalfe fourth and Norton fifth.

The top three positions in the Thor MX1 championship were filled by Ferris, Evans and Clout.

Serco Yamaha’s Wilson Todd claimed his first Pirelli MX2 championship with a smart, calculated ride around the sandy Coolum circuit, while Penrite Pirelli CRF Honda Racing’s Kyle Webster finished the year on a high by claiming the round win.

Webster took the Coolum victory on countback after splitting moto wins with Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Jay Wilson in second overall, while Kiwi Hamish Harwood (Davey Motorsports KTM) picked up third overall.

Todd claimed the championship title in the opening race with a reserved ride to sixth, as Wilson hunted down and passed early leader Harwood on the second lap. Wilson was never headed, although a hard-charging Webster closed in before a small crash saw him have to settle for second, ahead of Harwood. Yamalube Yamaha Racing’s Richie Evans finished fourth and Jayden Rykers (Raceline Pirelli KTM) in fifth.

Complete Parts Kawasaki Racing’s Aaron Tanti scored the final holeshot of the season in the MX2’s second outing, but Wilson attacked quickly to claim the lead, with Webster on his heels. On the third lap Webster seized an opportunity to overtake Wilson, eventually leading him over the finish line by 8.4 seconds. Harwood claimed a consistent third, with Todd fourth and Jy Roberts (Husqvarna) fifth.

The top three positions in the Pirelli MX2 championship belonged to Todd, Harwood and Tanti.

Homegrown Worth Another Look!

"Growing up, I wasn't the most talented… I wasn't on the best bikes"

Ryan Dungey

Barry Nobles: My 9 To 5 (X-Games Boise, Idaho)

Rusty Butcher, Barry Nobles and friends stopped in Boise for the X-Games Flat Track qualifier in June, but made a quick pit stop at the FLY Racing headquarters to rip our track with some heavy bikes.

Sturgis offers new MX Class!

Motocross rider enters new class

• By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Motocross fans are familiar with classifications such as 65, 125, 250, and 450. However, few may have heard of the Workingman class.

James Pinckard was one of those racing in that class Sunday at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club grounds at Sturgis. “This is my first time riding that class,” the 54-year-old from Decatur, Ill., said. 

“I think it’s just a class for people that have to go to work on Monday,” Pinckard added. He said the class is more fun than it is competitive.

He uses a Suzuki 450 for racing. It is a factory bike that has some modifications.

“I just want to have some fun and finish the race as good as I can do, and be able to drive home all the way to Illinois,” he said. 

Pinckard is a 30-year motocross veteran. He lived in Kansas City at the time and saw newspaper coverage for a race. 

“That just sparked my interest,” he recalled. “Of course, everybody’s interest back then was Evel Knievel. It just kind of put fuel to the fire, and it never went away.”

The sense of family in the motocross community provides Pinckard with some of his fondest memories.

“It’s a great family sport,” Pinckard said. “My son raced, and my grandsons are going to race.”

Travel, different tracks, successes, and defeats are also fondly remembered.

Pinckard earned some track championships during his career and competed in a pro race. He said he was able to meet every racing goal he had.

“The industry is a pretty close-knit group,” Pinckard said. “We’re from Illinois, so we come out here, and it seems like you’re still kind of home. Everybody’s friendly, and you get to ride different tracks.”

He is not sure whether to classify motocross as a love or an addiction. However, that feeling has been present ever since he began.

Having time to stay physically fit gives Pinckard the biggest challenge. The different tracks are also challenging, with his not being as fond of jumps as he once was.

“The reason you started was the fun of riding a dirt bike,” he said. “If you never lose focus of the fact that it’s fun to ride for all ages, you’ll never have a bad day at the track.”

This is Pinckard’s first trip to Sturgis. A friend who was here last year convinced Pinckard to come out in 2018.

Other plans for this week include street bike riding, seeing the flat track races, and other types of racing. The group also plans to hang out and have fun.

Pinckard said the Jackpine Gypsies offers different races and events that riders can try. He cited hillclimb, vertacross, flat track, and dirt drags.

Family plays a role in determining how much longer Pinckard will race. He has two grandsons, and one is a 3-year-old who just started to ride.

“My goal is to have my son, myself, and my grandson all race on the same day,” Pinckard said. “I think I’m good after that.”

Dean Ferris and Yamaha make it a MX Nationals Threepeat

 

Dean Ferris successfully defended his number 1 plate to make it 3 championships in a row. Photo: Supplied

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team star, Dean Ferris, has made it three MX Nationals championships in a row after claiming his third crown in the premier MX1 class, in dominating fashion, at round nine of the championship in Gladstone.

The Ferris- CDR Yamaha partnership has proven to be almost unbeatable since Ferris returned from Europe at the end of the 2015 season and has dominated the domestic motocross scene, no more evident than on the weekend when Ferris put together the perfect weekend to stamp his authority on the championship and claim it with one round to spare.

Holding over a 100 point lead coming into round nine, Ferris could be excused for putting things into ‘championship mode’ and just riding around to get the job done, but that is not in the 28 year old’s DNA.

For the first time in several rounds, he won the Superpole event with the fastest qualifying lap and a strong performance was all that was required to keep the number 1 firmly bolted to his YZ450F. But he exploded from the gates in race one, demanded the lead to take control of the race and despite being kept honest by Brett Metcalfe, he won the race and raised his arm in victory as the championship was secure in his possession once again.

But after some short celebrations with the team, racer mode was again selected for race two and Ferris was back on the job and laying it on the line taking a wire to wire win and making it nine row victories in a row and one of the most commanding championship surges Australian motocross as seen.

 

Dean Ferris celebrates with his partner Renae and daughter after claiming the 2018 MX1 championship. Photo: Supplied

“As I said earlier in the week, my plan was to just keep doing things as I had been doing them and nothing really changed despite the fact there was a championship on the line,” Ferris said calmly at the conclusion of racing. “Maybe the biggest thing for me today was that I actually won Superpole, as I have been pretty ordinary in those things this year, so it was good to get a good lap in and get a little boost going into the first moto.

“But overall, this year has been a dream for me and It’s been awesome to work with some great people and companies that support me. It’s also good to have plenty of friends and family who made the trip up from Kyogle to be here for me means a lot.

“My partner Renae has to put up with a lot as I can get pretty intense at times and she does a great job looking after our little family. I love that she is a part of my life.

“The CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team are the best in the business and everyone works so hard and are so determined to succeed that it motivates me to work with them. Thank you to everyone on the team and are loyal sponsors who also provide us with what we need.

“Now, with the championship out of the way, I’m looking forward to going to Coolum and just enjoying the weekend. My first championship in 2016 was all pressure with three of us going for the win and last year also had plenty riding on it, so to roll in this year with the pressure off and just for the love of racing is good. I can’t wait!”

Ferris threepeat now makes that eight MX1 Championships for the powerhouse CDR Yamaha team in an 11-year period. Jay Marmont, Josh Coppins and now Dean Ferris have all played a huge part in the dynasty the Yamaha team has produced over the years’ but the success is never taken for granted by team owner, Craig Dack.

“I have had the pleasure to work with some true professionals of the sport over my time in the past 27 years and Dean is rated right up there with the best of them,” Dack explained. “He is a pleasure to work with and has become a great role model and ambassador for not just Yamaha, but for our sport and I hope that plenty of the young riders starting out in the sport want to be like Dean Ferris.

“Three years in a row is special for the team and eight in eleven is also a great reward. It also shows the commitment my staff and our team sponsors have in meeting and striving for our goals. Our success is due to many factors but none more than the relationship we have with Yamaha and their continued supported is the key to our success. The Yamaha product is the best on the market and the working relationship between Yamaha and CDR continues to flourish.

“Thank you to all our other partners, many have been with us for over two decades. Dunlop. Fox, Pro Circuit have been there since day one and this year we were joined by Monster Energy and Go Pro who have both become integral to our program.

“Winning this championship means every bit as much to me as winning our first one and I’m proud of what we have been able to achieve,” Dack concluded.

On hand to witness Ferris and CDR Yamaha winning their third consecutive championship was Yamaha’s Motorsport Manager, Ray Howard, who expressed his thanks on behalf of Yamaha Motor Australia.

“We congratulate Dean, Craig and his entire CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team on another job well done. Winning one championship is difficult enough but to maintain the level of performance they have been able to achieve over the last decade is amazing and Yamaha are proud to play our part.

“Well done to Dean, Renae, his family and supporters on a fantastic season and the way he as conducted himself throughout the year. He thoroughly deserves all the success that comes his way,” Howard ends.

Amongst all the championship commotion, teammate Dylan long has moved to fourth place in the championship with just one round remaining. Long was ultra-consistent at Gladstone taking 5-5 results in the two races and now is in a three-way battle for fourth place in the championship.

“The track was tough today with the deep ruts and hard pack clay and I didn’t really feel 100% out there but I was able to keep things moving along and pick up a couple of top five results. It obviously wasn’t as good as the last round where I was on the podium but to finish fifth when things were going great isn’t too bad.

“Coolum is a bit of a favourite track of mine so I’m really looking forward to next weekend and positive to finish the motocross season of strongly,” Long said.

The 10th and final round of the championship will be at the Coolum Pines circuit this weekend with action on track both days.

 

The 2018 MX Champion. Photo: Supplied

MX1 Championshp Standings After Round Nine
1st Dean Ferris – 629 (Yamaha YZ450F) Champion!
2nd Mitch Evans – 507
3rd Luke Clout – 498
4th Dylan Long – 454
5th Brett Metcalfe – 454
6th Caleb Ward – 444
7th Rhys Carter – 417
8th Joel Wightman – 337
9th Kade Mosig – 321
10th Zak Small - 311