"I almost had a perfect race"

Wade Young Wins Red Bull 111 Megawatt

Sherco Factory Racing’s Wade Young takes the win at Red Bull 111 Megawatt, round five of the World Enduro Super Series.

Wade Young claimed a memorable victory over Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt in the Red Bull 111 Megawatt. The victory follow’s the South African’s impressive victory at this year’s Romaniacs and makes it two wins on the bounce in the WESS championship.

Speaking after the race Young said, “It was so important to manage this race well. I felt good, and to win here after winning at Red Bull Romaniacs is awesome. I’m so happy right now. I got myself close to the front and then ahead of Jonny when he crashed. I think we would have had a great battle – it’s not nice to see a rider crash out. 

“I feel like I almost had a perfect race. At the start I saw the flag drop but I was a little behind, so I kept it flat out around the outside. A few riders fell, which put me about fourth. I had a few little crashes myself but I managed to settle things down and use my speed to good effect. I put it together and felt strong. It’s awesome to get the win.”

 

 

Drama as Walker crashes out

It was a dramatic day as series leader, Jonny Walker, crashed out of the race on lap two of three while battling for the lead with Young. Germany’s Manuel Lettenbichler overcame a slow start to place fourth and take control of the WESS championship standings with three rounds remaining.

Faced with a demanding and physical 30-kilometre course, the 500 qualifiers weaved their way around Europe’s largest coal mine in hot and dusty conditions for three laps.

Pole sitter Nathan Watson claimed the holeshot and lead through the Motocross and Endurocross sections. Walker found a way past his teammate as they entered the quarry and spent the opening lap sizing each other and the terrain out before Walker controlled the race lead as Young, Blazusiak, and Bolt followed.

 

 

Close fight for the podium

However, drama quickly struck as they headed into the mine section for lap two when Walker crashed hard on a fast downhill section. Young duly inherited the lead and it was a position he would hold until the chequered flag with a winning margin of over two minutes.

Behind him the fight for podium places proved close between Blazusiak, Bolt, Watson and Lettenbichler. Fending off a late attack by Bolt, Blazusiak claimed the runner-up result in his home race: “I’m super happy to be on the podium,”said Taddy. “I broke a finger at Red Bull Romaniacs and I have more or less no strength or movement in it. It’s been a tough season for me, so I know I just have to tough it out and, well, things worked out great here. 

“I had to take things carefully on the Motocross section because I was struggling to keep my hands on the handlebars where it was so rough. I was second during lap one and the guys ahead of me were really charging. I got arm pump but once that eased I started to push hard again. I had a bit of a mishap coming into the pits on lap two, but the rest of the race went well. I feel like I’m starting to turn things around and to be able to get second here in Poland is awesome.”

 

 

Bolt back on it

Just seven seconds behind, Billy Bolt was pleased with his podium: “I’m really pleased with finishing on the podium. This was the race that I was least pleased with my performance in during 2017, so to turn things around and finish third is great. I had a poor first lap – I crashed three times on the Motocross section. It seemed to me like that section of the track was different to what we rode on during the qualification. 

“I felt good going into the last lap. I knew Nathan Watson and Manuel Lettenbichler were ahead of me but that if I could stay close to Watson coming into the extreme stuff it would be close. I managed to get ahead of both of them and just didn’t look back. We’ve got three tough races left, but this has definitely been good for me as far as the championship is concerned. I’ll keep working hard.”

Manuel Lettenbichler continues to shine in 2018 with a fourth place finish which, with Walker not scoring, puts him at the head of the WESS points standings. After setting the early pace, Watson completed the top five for his best results of the series.

Spain’s Josep Garcia was sixth, finishing one-minute clear of top placed ‘privateer’ South Africa’s Blake Gutzeit having a strong ride in seventh. ErzbergRodeo winner, Graham Jarvis claimed eighth ahead of his teammate Alfredo Gomez. Paul Bolton rounded out the top 10.

 

 

In total 178 competitors finished this year’s Red Bull 111 Megawatt. The World Enduro Super Series continues with round six at Great Britain’s Hawkstone Park Cross-Country on September 22/23.

Results: Red Bull 111 Megawatt, WESS Round 5

1. Wade Young (Sherco - RSA) 3 laps, 2:10:52.04
2. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM - POL) 2:13:01.82
3. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna - GB) 2:13:08.63
4. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM - GER) 2:14:15.07
5. Nathan Watson (KTM - GB) 2:15:34.21
6. Josep Garcia (KTM - ESP) 2:17:54.59
7. Blake Gutzeit (Yamaha - RSA) 2:19:07.06
8. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna - GB) 2:19.37.07
9. Alfredo Gomez (Husqvarna - ESP) 2:20:45.11 
10. Paul Bolton (KTM - GB) 2:22:24.86

World Enduro Super Series Standings (After round 5 of 8)

1. Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM - GER) 3405
2. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna - GB) 3290
3. Wade Young (Sherco - RSA) 3220
4. Jonny Walker (KTM - GB) 2900
5. Josep Garcia (KTM - ESP) 2320
6. Graham Jarvis (Husqvarna - GB) 2308
7. Taddy Blazusiak (KTM - POL) 2295
8. Paul Bolton (KTM - GB) 2262
9. Nathan Watson (KTM - GB) 1928
10. Travis Teasdale (Beta - RSA)

MXGP of Turkey

All of the action from Afyon

Covington wins in Turkey

American Thomas Covington has won the GP of Turkey with a stunning 1-3 performance, in a day of drama in the MX2 class. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider showed what a talent he is and won his fourth GP victory in his European career.

“Yes,” Covington said. “Been working a long time of this one and felt I should have had a few of these. My trainer and I Joel are working hard. I love the travelling around the World and racing and I will miss it in 2019 when I go back home. I got the holeshot again in the second moto, I tried to put in some solid laps, and I wanted to go 1-1, never done that before and that was my motivation and I pushed too hard on a slippery spot and thought I could get up quick and not let anyone pass me."

Second overall was Pauls Jonass and third Thomas Kjer Olsen.

The main story from Turkey though was the up and down performances by the two MX2 championship rivals, Jorge Prado and Pauls Jonass. A first moto crash while battling for the lead saw them both finish off the top spot, and then the second moto Jonass managed a moto win, and Prado was way down in seventh spot. Is Prado starting to feel the pressure of the championship?

“You know I was feeling good and managing the race,” Jonass said. “Then I felt Jorge was coming there and I didn’t see him and didn’t expect him to jump there and we touched, and I hurt my knee a little bit. We did some treatment and it should be alright for the second moto. Now we have nothing to lose, no stress I will go out and enjoy the racing. I felt good all weekend and I am close to 100% physically and I am disappointed in that first race crash and lucky to walk away from it. Second race I was fourth or fifth and made some passes. I am now happy we have two weeks to heal up the knee and I am looking forward to Assen.”

“Yes,” Prado said. “It was not the best, he crashed, and I didn’t want that to happen, but I did my best to make a pass and he didn’t see me coming and we touched. Its just racing and we will see how it goes now in the second moto. We spoke and its all alright and we are ready to go in the second moto. Sure, I felt good in the first moto.”

Prado took a nice holeshot in the second MX2 moto, but Covington passed for the lead on the first straight, then came Watson, Jonass, Lawrence, Olsen, Rodriguez, Vaessen, Vlaanderen, Renaux in 10^th.

Covington flying out front, and Prado losses a spot to Jonass in the first lap. Lawrence dropped a few places to end in seventh on lap two, and Cervelling moved into the top ten. After two laps it was Covington, Jonass, Olsen, Prado, Watson, Rodriguez, Lawrence, Vlaanderen, Vaessen and Cervellin.

Covington continued to lead Jonass and lsen, who were close enough to think about taking the lead, but not close enough to threaten. After five laps it was Covington by 1.3 seconds over Jonass.

Things got interesting around the seventh lap when Lawrence started really pushing hard and was closing on Prado, who held fifth spot. Prado looked a little tired as he struggled to keep the Aussie off him.

After eight laps the lead by Covington was 1.6 over Jonass, then Olsen, Watson, Lawrence (who got past Prado), Prado, Rodriguez, Vlaanderen, Vaessen and Cervellin.

Jonass all over Covington and a pass would make the championship points interesting. Rodriguez all over Prado in lap nine. On lap 10 Rodriguez went past Prado, but Prado answered his pass with his own to move back into sixth spot.

Covington slipped over and lost the lead to Jonass, who was suddenly looking likely to get a bunch of points in the championship battle with Prado. Olsen also went past the American. Watson all over Covington for third place in the moto, and Vlaanderen catching Prado for seventh spot.

After 16 laps it was Jonass, Olsen, Covington, Watson, Lawrence, Rodriguez, Prado, Vlaanderen, Vaessen, and Cervellin.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 2 - Classification

1. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 34:43.374; 2. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:03.148; 3. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), +0:06.927; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:08.533; 5. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:21.677; 6. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:28.718; 7. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:34.789; 8. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:37.153; 9. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +0:47.812; 10. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:56.440; 11. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:58.743; 12. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:58.842; 13. Simone Furlotti (ITA, Yamaha), +1:21.081; 14. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +1:32.689; 15. Jan Pancar (SLO, Yamaha), +1:39.431; 16. Richard Sikyna (SVK, KTM), +1:48.096; 17. Micha-Boy De Waal (NED, Honda), -1 lap(s); 18. Oriol Casas (ESP, Honda), -2 lap(s); 19. Mustafa Cetin (TUR, Yamaha), -4 lap(s); 20. Yasin Karaboce (TUR, Husqvarna), -4 lap(s); 21. Furkan Valimaki (TUR, KTM), -4 lap(s); 22. Emircan Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), -9 lap(s);

MX2 - GP Classification 

1. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 45 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 40 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 38 p.; 4. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 38 p.; 5. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 36 p.; 6. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 34 p.; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 29 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 23 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 22 p.; 10. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 21 p.; 11. Bas Vaessen (NED, HON), 21 p.; 12. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 20 p.; 13. Simone Furlotti (ITA, YAM), 19 p.; 14. Brent Van doninck (BEL, HUS), 14 p.; 15. Jan Pancar (SLO, YAM), 10 p.; 16. Richard Sikyna (SVK, KTM), 10 p.; 17. Oriol Casas (ESP, HON), 6 p.; 18. Gustavo Pessoa (BRA, KAW), 6 p.; 19. Micha-Boy De Waal (NED, HON), 4 p.; 20. Mustafa Cetin (TUR, YAM), 4 p.; 21. Yasin Karaboce (TUR, HUS), 2 p.; 22. Furkan Valimaki (TUR, KTM), 0 p.; 23. Emircan Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), 0 p.;

2.MX2 - World Championship Classification

1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 773 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 749 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 593 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 551 p.; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 525 p.; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 483 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 346 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 337 p.; 9. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 305 p.; 10. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 300 p.; 11. Davy Pootjes (NED, KTM), 218 p.; 12. Jed Beaton (AUS, KAW), 216 p.; 13. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 200 p.; 14. Brent Van doninck (BEL, HUS), 193 p.; 15. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, YAM), 189 p.; 16. Adam Sterry (GBR, KAW), 189 p.; 17. Iker Larranaga Olano (ESP, HUS), 185 p.; 18. Bas Vaessen (NED, HON), 169 p.; 19. Samuele Bernardini (ITA, YAM), 152 p.; 20. Simone Furlotti (ITA, YAM), 130 p.; 21. Vsevolod Brylyakov (RUS, YAM), 127 p.; 22. Marshal Weltin (USA, KAW), 107 p.; 23. Stephen Rubini (FRA, KTM), 97 p.; 24. Ruben Fernandez (ESP, KAW), 77 p.; 25. Darian Sanayei (USA, KAW), 68 p.; 26. Micha-Boy De Waal (NED, HON), 66 p.; 27. Maxime Renaux (FRA, YAM), 54 p.; 28. Richard Sikyna (SVK, KTM), 52 p.; 29. Hardi Roosiorg (EST, KTM), 48 p.; 30. Tom Koch (GER, KTM), 45 p.; 31. Alvin Östlund (SWE, YAM), 40 p.; 32. Morgan Lesiardo (ITA, KTM), 34 p.; 33. Muhammad Delvintor Alfarizi (INA, HUS), 28 p.; 34. Zachary Pichon (FRA, KTM), 25 p.; 35. Gustavo Pessoa (BRA, KAW), 24 p.; 36. Diva Ismayana (INA, HUS), 24 p.; 37. David Herbreteau (FRA, KTM), 22 p.; 38. Hilman Maksum (INA, HUS), 20 p.; 39. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, HON), 19 p.; 40. Anton Gole (SWE, YAM), 19 p.; 41. Michael Sandner (AUT, KTM), 15 p.; 42. Jy Roberts (AUS, HUS), 15 p.; 43. Roland Edelbacher (AUT, KTM), 14 p.; 44. Oriol Casas (ESP, HON), 13 p.; 45. Josh Gilbert (GBR, HON), 11 p.; 46. Jan Pancar (SLO, YAM), 10 p.; 47. Jorge Zaragoza (ESP, YAM), 8 p.; 48. Yosua Pattipi (INA, HUS), 8 p.; 49. Adrien Malaval (FRA, KTM), 6 p.; 50. Dylan Walsh (NZL, HUS), 6 p.; 51. Nicola Bertuzzi (ITA, KTM), 6 p.; 52. Mustafa Cetin (TUR, YAM), 4 p.; 53. Enzo Toriani (FRA, HUS), 3 p.; 54. Anthony Bourdon (FRA, HUS), 3 p.; 55. Martin Krc (CZE, KTM), 3 p.; 56. Alex Dimitrov (BUL, KTM), 3 p.; 57. Andrea Zanotti (SMR, HUS), 2 p.; 58. Yasin Karaboce (TUR, HUS), 2 p.; 59. Sander Agard-Michelsen (NOR, YAM), 1 p.; 60. Natanael Bres (FRA, KTM), 1 p.; 61. Kim Savaste (FIN, KTM), 1 p.; 62. Edoardo Bersanelli (ITA, YAM), 1 p.;

Herlings Majestic in Turkey

Soon to be World MXGP champion Jeffrey Herlings has won the MXGP of Turkey with his typical 1-1 performance. Despite sickness, and not feeling his normal self, and his main rival Antonio Cairoli struggled after a crash in the second moto of the Sunday, the Dutchman is just a few points away from being World champion. 

Cairoli crashed in the second moto, and at one point dropped to 21^th place, which would have given Herlings the MXGP championship in Turkey, but the Italian fought hard and worked his way into the top 20, but his 10^th championship challenge seems more or less over. 95 points seperate the two now, leading into Assen in two weeks time.

“I should be ok,” Herlings said. “But I felt so sick between motos and you could see it with my riding, it isn’t the same Jeffrey. I felt really sick during the second moto. I gained a lot of points, like a 97-points lead, they just told me, and I hope we can make it happen in Assen and we will see how it turns out. Sorry for everyone I couldn’t ride my second moto like I should. We are really close now and we have to watch out what we do in the next weeks. I felt ill all weekend, but its racing and  you can’t be top fit every weekend. We race all over the World in different countries. From 18 GP I have won 15 and I can’t wait to see everyone in Assen.

Desalle took the holeshot in the second MXGP moto, with Herlings behind, but the Dutchman took the lead quickly, followed by Desalle, Paulin, Gajser, Monticelli, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Cairoli, Anstie and Simpson. Anstie down and out of the top ten, as Cairoli also went down and was back in 21^st place.

After a lap it was Herlings with a two second lead over Desalle, then came Gajser, Paulin, Seewer, Monticelli, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Searle and Coldenhoff. Cairoli into 18^th place, just ahead of Anstie.

 At this point the lead by Herlings was 98 points and the championship was edging so close for the Dutchman.

After two laps it was Herlings with a three second lead, then Gajser who had passed Desalle, Paulin, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Monticelli, Simpson, Searle and Coldenhoff. Cairoli was 17^th.

Simpson went past Monticelli, and Coldenhoff passed Searle for 10^th place. Anstie into 15^th and Cairoli 16th. The championship now looking like Herlings would be nearly unbeatable with a lead around 90 points with 100 points up for grabs after this GP.

After six laps it was Herlings, Gajser, Desalle, Paulin, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Monticelli, Coldenhoff and Searle. Anstie 14^th and Cairoli 16^th.

After eight laps the lead by Herlings was three seconds over Gajser, with the top ten not changing at all, and Cairoli into 14^th place and 93 points behind Herlings in the points race. Coldenhoff into 8^th place as he passed Monticelli.

Gajser was suddenly all over Herlings on lap 13, and maybe the Dutchman is showing signs of trouble with the warm temperatures or he made a mistake. Herlings started pushing and was quickly getting away from the HRC rider. Gajser nearly ran up the back of a lapped rider in his charge after Herlings.

After 15 laps it was Herlings, Gajser, Desalle, Paulin, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Coldenhoff, Searle and Lupino into the top ten.

Herlings eventually got away from Gajser as the 2015 MXGP champion started making little mistakes. Cairoli still in 15^th and not making much progress now.

Herlings wins it from Gajser and Desalle.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 - Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:38.520; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.656; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:31.485; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:35.466; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:37.832; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.893; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:52.943; 8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:53.732; 9. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:54.544; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +1:11.577; 11. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, Yamaha), +1:14.426; 12. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +1:16.733; 13. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:24.228; 14. Todd Waters (AUS, Honda), +1:26.665; 15. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +1:30.310; 16. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +1:56.012; 17. Petar Petrov (BUL, Honda), -1 lap(s); 18. Batuhan Demiryol (TUR, Honda), -6 lap(s); 19. Galip Alp Baysan (TUR, Yamaha), -11 lap(s); 20. Panagiotis Kouzis (GRE, Honda), -17 lap(s); 21. Sakir Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), -5 lap(s);

MXGP - GP Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 42 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 38 p.; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 31 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 30 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 29 p.; 8. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 28 p.; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 25 p.; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 23 p.; 11. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KAW), 20 p.; 12. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, YAM), 17 p.; 13. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 16 p.; 14. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), 15 p.; 15. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 15 p.; 16. Todd Waters (AUS, HON), 12 p.; 17. Petar Petrov (BUL, HON), 7 p.; 18. Panagiotis Kouzis (GRE, HON), 5 p.; 19. Batuhan Demiryol (TUR, HON), 4 p.; 20. Galip Alp Baysan (TUR, YAM), 2 p.; 21. Sakir Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), 2 p.; 22. Valentin Guillod (SUI, KTM), 0 p.;

Posted on September 02, 2018

Soon to be World MXGP champion Jeffrey Herlings has won the MXGP of Turkey with his typical 1-1 performance. Despite sickness, and not feeling his normal self, and his main rival Antonio Cairoli struggled after a crash in the second moto of the Sunday, the Dutchman is just a few points away from being World champion. 

Cairoli crashed in the second moto, and at one point dropped to 21^th place, which would have given Herlings the MXGP championship in Turkey, but the Italian fought hard and worked his way into the top 20, but his 10^th championship challenge seems more or less over. 95 points seperate the two now, leading into Assen in two weeks time.

“I should be ok,” Herlings said. “But I felt so sick between motos and you could see it with my riding, it isn’t the same Jeffrey. I felt really sick during the second moto. I gained a lot of points, like a 97-points lead, they just told me, and I hope we can make it happen in Assen and we will see how it turns out. Sorry for everyone I couldn’t ride my second moto like I should. We are really close now and we have to watch out what we do in the next weeks. I felt ill all weekend, but its racing and  you can’t be top fit every weekend. We race all over the World in different countries. From 18 GP I have won 15 and I can’t wait to see everyone in Assen.

Desalle took the holeshot in the second MXGP moto, with Herlings behind, but the Dutchman took the lead quickly, followed by Desalle, Paulin, Gajser, Monticelli, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Cairoli, Anstie and Simpson. Anstie down and out of the top ten, as Cairoli also went down and was back in 21^st place.

After a lap it was Herlings with a two second lead over Desalle, then came Gajser, Paulin, Seewer, Monticelli, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Searle and Coldenhoff. Cairoli into 18^th place, just ahead of Anstie.

 At this point the lead by Herlings was 98 points and the championship was edging so close for the Dutchman.

After two laps it was Herlings with a three second lead, then Gajser who had passed Desalle, Paulin, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Monticelli, Simpson, Searle and Coldenhoff. Cairoli was 17^th.

Simpson went past Monticelli, and Coldenhoff passed Searle for 10^th place. Anstie into 15^th and Cairoli 16th. The championship now looking like Herlings would be nearly unbeatable with a lead around 90 points with 100 points up for grabs after this GP.

After six laps it was Herlings, Gajser, Desalle, Paulin, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Monticelli, Coldenhoff and Searle. Anstie 14^th and Cairoli 16^th.

After eight laps the lead by Herlings was three seconds over Gajser, with the top ten not changing at all, and Cairoli into 14^th place and 93 points behind Herlings in the points race. Coldenhoff into 8^th place as he passed Monticelli.

Gajser was suddenly all over Herlings on lap 13, and maybe the Dutchman is showing signs of trouble with the warm temperatures or he made a mistake. Herlings started pushing and was quickly getting away from the HRC rider. Gajser nearly ran up the back of a lapped rider in his charge after Herlings.

After 15 laps it was Herlings, Gajser, Desalle, Paulin, Seewer, Van Horebeek, Simpson, Coldenhoff, Searle and Lupino into the top ten.

Herlings eventually got away from Gajser as the 2015 MXGP champion started making little mistakes. Cairoli still in 15^th and not making much progress now.

Herlings wins it from Gajser and Desalle.

MXGP - Grand Prix Race 2 - Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 34:38.520; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:04.656; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:31.485; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:35.466; 5. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:37.832; 6. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:46.893; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), +0:52.943; 8. Shaun Simpson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:53.732; 9. Tommy Searle (GBR, Kawasaki), +0:54.544; 10. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, Kawasaki), +1:11.577; 11. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, Yamaha), +1:14.426; 12. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), +1:16.733; 13. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +1:24.228; 14. Todd Waters (AUS, Honda), +1:26.665; 15. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +1:30.310; 16. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +1:56.012; 17. Petar Petrov (BUL, Honda), -1 lap(s); 18. Batuhan Demiryol (TUR, Honda), -6 lap(s); 19. Galip Alp Baysan (TUR, Yamaha), -11 lap(s); 20. Panagiotis Kouzis (GRE, Honda), -17 lap(s); 21. Sakir Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), -5 lap(s);

MXGP - GP Classification

1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 50 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 42 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 38 p.; 4. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 31 p.; 5. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 31 p.; 6. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 30 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 29 p.; 8. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 28 p.; 9. Shaun Simpson (GBR, YAM), 25 p.; 10. Tommy Searle (GBR, KAW), 23 p.; 11. Alessandro Lupino (ITA, KAW), 20 p.; 12. Ivo Monticelli (ITA, YAM), 17 p.; 13. Julien Lieber (BEL, KAW), 16 p.; 14. Kevin Strijbos (BEL, KTM), 15 p.; 15. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 15 p.; 16. Todd Waters (AUS, HON), 12 p.; 17. Petar Petrov (BUL, HON), 7 p.; 18. Panagiotis Kouzis (GRE, HON), 5 p.; 19. Batuhan Demiryol (TUR, HON), 4 p.; 20. Galip Alp Baysan (TUR, YAM), 2 p.; 21. Sakir Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), 2 p.; 22. Valentin Guillod (SUI, KTM), 0 p.;

Horsetail Creek Trail...This Is A Scenic Trail Ride!

Horsetail Creek Trail

Located near the eastern shores of Lower Slide Lake, this area has a single track trail that forms a long but scenic loop. The trail is about ten miles long but is geared for experienced riders due to steep climbs and descents and narrow switchbacks. After finishing the loop, just head about five miles east past the staging area and check out the Slate Creek and Dry Dallas Trails.

This is a very scenic area that offers panoramic views of mountains, meadows and canyons. Camping is permitted at Atherton Creek Campground which has about 30 sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, water fountains and a boat ramp.

The riding season is short and motorized use is permitted from July though mid September. There is no fee to ride but motorcycles must display a current Wyoming ORV Permit

Located near the eastern shores of Lower Slide Lake, this area has a single track trail that forms a long but scenic loop. The trail is about ten miles long but is geared for experienced riders due to steep climbs and descents and narrow switchbacks. After finishing the loop, just head about five miles east past the staging area and check out the Slate Creek and Dry Dallas Trails.

This is a very scenic area that offers panoramic views of mountains, meadows and canyons. Camping is permitted at Atherton Creek Campground which has about 30 sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, water fountains and a boat ramp.

The riding season is short and motorized use is permitted from July though mid September. There is no fee to ride but motorcycles must display a current Wyoming ORV Permit.

Covington wins under Drama

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory rider Thomas Covington has won the opening MX2 moto after a big crash between the two early leaders Pauls Jonass and Jorge Prado. The American was in third place at the time of the crash and cruised past to win a close battle with Australian rider Hunter Lawrence. Third was Prado after his accident with Jonass.

“At the beginning the two KTMs got out front and edge away from me, but I stayed close and it looked like a scary crash. I had to push the whole race and go back and prepare for the second one.”

Covington and Jonass right together in the first corner and Jonass got the lead, then Covington, Prado, Furlotti, Watson, Olsen, Jacobi, Pancar, Lawrence, and Rodriquez 10^th.

Lawrence on the gas as he passed a bunch of riders go to into third place, and nearly collided with Watson as they jumped together. Prado and Covington also in a nice little battle.

After two laps the lead by Jonass was 1.5 seconds, then came Prado, Covington, Lawrence, Watson, Olsen, Rodriguez, Jacobi, Cervellin, Furlotti and Vlaanderen 11^th.

Prado moving closer to Jonass, and Lawrence moving closer to Covington and after five laps it was Jonass just ahead of Prado, Covington, Lawrence, Watson, Olsen, Rodriguez, Jacobi, Cervellin and Vlaanderen.

Vlaanderen another big crash after his Bulgarian accident, and now down in 16^th place. Jonass continued to hold the lead over Prado, but very close and Covington and Lawrence close up on the two front guys.

Jonass slowing the race down to bring the others close to him and Prado (ala Lewis Hamilton), and both Jonass and Prado collide into eachother and go off the track, Jonass crashed and Prado off the track and slowed down. Hard to tell who made the mistake, easy to argue for both.

Covington led from Lawrence and Prado, with Jonass down in sixth position and probably really angry. After nine laps it was Covington, Lawrence, Prado, Watson, Olsen, Jonass, Rodriguez, Jacobi, Cervellin, and Renaux.

Covington led by nearly two seconds over Lawrence on lap 12, and Prado was another four seconds back, then came Watson, Olsen, Jonass, Rodriquez, Jacobi, Cervellin and Renaux in 10^th.

Lawrence loving the Turkish heat and closed right up on Covington for the lead. Aussies and Americans handling the heat better than the Euros?

Lawrence all over Covington, but the American is a fighter and wouldn’t give up the lead. Jonass struggling with Rodriguez and Watson closing on Prado. The KTM boys really struggling now.

Covington wins it from Lawrence and Prado.

MX2 - Grand Prix Race 1 - Classification

1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 35:10.583; 2. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:02.864; 3. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:09.798; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, Yamaha), +0:12.576; 5. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:20.431; 6. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:30.968; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:37.418; 8. Henry Jacobi (GER, Husqvarna), +0:51.496; 9. Michele Cervellin (ITA, Yamaha), +0:52.593; 10. Simone Furlotti (ITA, Yamaha), +0:53.798; 11. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:57.317; 12. Bas Vaessen (NED, Honda), +0:58.533; 13. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +1:07.177; 14. Brent Van doninck (BEL, Husqvarna), +1:17.366; 15. Gustavo Pessoa (BRA, Kawasaki), +1:31.557; 16. Richard Sikyna (SVK, KTM), +1:44.008; 17. Jan Pancar (SLO, Yamaha), +1:46.514; 18. Oriol Casas (ESP, Honda), -1 lap(s); 19. Mustafa Cetin (TUR, Yamaha), -4 lap(s); 20. Yasin Karaboce (TUR, Husqvarna), -4 lap(s); 21. Emircan Senkalayci (TUR, KTM), -13 lap(s); 22. Furkan Valimaki (TUR, KTM), -18 lap(s); 23. Micha-Boy De Waal (NED, Honda), -19 lap(s);

MXGP of Turkey

Riding conditions looking prime at the Grassman AMA National Enduro in Ohio

Thad DuVall got back on the top step of the podium with the win at the Grassman National Enduro, round seven of the Kenda AMA National Enduro Series in Chandlersville, Ohio.

DeCoster Moves Up, Ian Harrison Becomes Red Bull KTM Team Manager

 

Big behind-the-scenes news today from from

KTM, which has announced that Roger DeCoster has been promoted to a more senior position within the company. His longtime sidekick Ian Harrison will take over day-to-day team manager duties for the team.

"The Belgian has put pen to paper on a multi-year agreement and a new role for the KTM Group," says a KTM PR from today. "DeCoster will be ‘Motorsports Director KTM/Husqvarna North America’ and retain a more strategic and senior position in all of KTM and Husqvarna’s USA racing activities.

"Ian Harrison has been Roger’s ‘right-hand man’ and key collaborator for a number of years—certainly since 2011, when DeCoster first came to KTM—and has also renewed his position with the KTM Group to become de facto team manager of the Red Bull KTM MX/SX squad and technical director of the KTM/Husqvarna efforts in the United States."

Harrison and DeCoster actually started together with Suzuki during the 1995 season, when Roger took over the helm of Suzuki's U.S. race team and Harrison came over as Greg Albertyn's mechanic. Both departed to KTM after the 2010 season.

DeCoster: “I can still remember now when people said I was crazy to join KTM. It has almost been ten years, but it shows that when a company is as serious and dedicated about their racing as the KTM Group are, then many things are possible. I’m happy to again sign with them and to continue working with them to extend my long story in this sport. We have achieved a lot together and I don’t feel that the ‘fire’ is dimming or my motivation to keep this team and factory at the top of the sport is any less as the first day I wore the orange shirt. I’d like to thank Mr. Pierer, Pit, and all the guys who work so hard to allow us to be where we want to be.”

Harrison: “Time has passed so quickly, and it feels like we have done so much since we started to look at how and where we could be better back in 2011. I don't think we could have imagined all the trophies and red plates we’ve collected, even if the ambition to do so was very strong then and has not faded in all this time. We went through the [Ryan] Dungey era and have seen the development of Marvin [Musquin] to a bona fide supercross title contender. We’re not stopping, and it’s exciting to think about where we can go next.”

Robert Jonas, vice president, KTM Off-Road: “Having Roger and Ian as the solid backbone of our supercross and motocross division in the United States has paid back so much to the company. Believing and backing those guys the best way we can has allowed for some superb success in some of the biggest and most competitive motorcycle racing series. Keeping them as part of the family and depending on their experience and wisdom was very important to us, so I’m really pleased to be talking about this new contract. I want to congratulate Ian; he is now leading the Red Bull KTM team, and this is the least he deserves after so much work and dedication over the years. We will continue to plan and, hopefully, continue to reach our goals on American soil.”

The KTM press release further explains DeCoster and Harrison's success in building KTM's U.S. racing effort into a championship outfit.

"The DeCoster/Harrison link was largely fundamental in the reorganization of KTM’s sporting arm in high-profile supercross and motocross circles at the start of the decade," the statement says. "The pair were instrumental in forging a close link with R&D in Mattighofen, Austria, and elevating the race team to the position of champions.

"Ryan Dungey’s signature was key, as was development of outstanding talent such as Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin. KTM went on to toast titles and milestones in every AMA division. Recently, the alliance with Aldon Baker’s training regime only strengthened the KTM Group’s status and ensured the finest resources towards the current and next generations."

Private ride days...a huge success!

A PC ride day

No I’m not talking about a political correctness parade held downtown at the entrance to the State Capital, although the way things are going that might not be a bad idea. On second thought forget about that.

I’m talking about a Tom and Carmen ride day at the Prairie City MX track. For the past few months Tom and Carmen have been renting local motocross tracks and inviting up to fifty riders to come out and enjoy a day of riding on a prepped track.

The Sierra Old Timers MC and the Over the Hill Gang hold a number of ride days throughout the year specifically geared to us older riders so we don’t have to directly compete with the eighteen year old crazies and all the other types of riders you normally in counter at a what Tom likes to call a “public” ride day.

So the question I put to Tom and Carmen are you trying to for some reason compete with these other organizations and the answer was a resounding no. “We just want to ride our dirt bikes more and don’t want to have to do it at a public event if we can help it.”

If they are able to get fifty riders that helps pay for the track rental but for them it’s not about breaking even or even making money, it’s simply about riding their dirt bikes with a bunch of their friends.

Everyone today had a great time and with just fifty riders you could pull onto the track anytime and not fear for your life.

Doug 21J