Ward Confirmed in Black Swan Porsche GT4 for Long Beach

Jeff Ward confirmed in Black Swan Racing GTS entry for Long Beach…

 

Photo: Black Swan

Former IndyCar race-winner and motocross veteran Jeff Ward will make his Pirelli World Challenge debut, in a special one-off entry with Black Swan Racing in next month’s round at Long Beach.

The 56-year-old, who has enjoyed a diverse career from Supercross to off-road racing and rallycross, has been confirmed in a Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport MR fielded by the Tim Pappas-owned operation.

It is one of several GTS cars that have been permitted to take part in the April 13-15 event alongside GT machinery.

Ward, who most recently took part in the Red Bull Global Rallycross in 2016, made 61 IndyCar starts between 1998 and 2005, which included a win at Texas Motor Speedway and runner-up finish in the 1999 Indianapolis 500.

He is also a seven-time motorcycle champion and three-time X-Games medalist in the Moto X category.

“I’m very excited to take to the streets of Long Beach,” Ward said. “Street racing is unlike anything else in motorsports, and the nature of the Pirelli World Challenge and their sprint racing format means you have to be instantly on the pace and willing to race hard.

“It’s an opportunity I’ve really been looking forward to, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everyone at Black Swan Racing and Porsche Motorsport North America for making the opportunity possible.”

Pappas added: “I grew up as an avid dirt biker, and Jeff was always ‘the guy’ for any kid who looked up to motocross racing, so to have him join our group is something we’re all looking forward to.

“The event at Long Beach is unlike any other we go to, and we’re thrilled to add it to our global roster of events this year.

“While our GT3 R program is a proven one, it’s great to finally put our Cayman GT4 Clubsport to work, and with a guy like Jeff behind the wheel we know it’s in good hands.”

Black Swan has also conformed it will field a Porsche 911 GT3 R for Pappas, in what will be his first Sprint race appearance of the year after kicking off his PWC campaign in this weekend’s SprintX season-opener at Circuit of The Americas.

Kailub Russell and Thad Duvall Battle at The Maxxis General GNCC

Kailub Russell earned his third-straight win at The Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Georgia. Photo: Ken Hill

Round three of the 2018 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series, an AMA National Championship took place in Washington, Georgia at Aonia Pass MX on Sunday, March 18.

A battle ensued all day long between FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell and Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Thad Duvall. K. Russell eventually crossed the line 2.4 seconds ahead of Duvall to earn his third-straight win of the season.

Russell got a good jump off the line, and earned himself the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot award, and as they headed into the woods Duvall had a small bobble in the third corner. Coming through on lap one, AmPro Yamaha's Ricky Russell found himself in the number one spot. After holding off the rest of the XC1 Pro class, misfortune struck the Yamaha rider and he was forced to retire for the remainder of the race.

As the racing continued, it was JCR/Honda's Trevor Bollinger and BETA USA's Jordan Ashburn who took up the battle on the second lap. Coming through pro row on lap two, the riders were a mere second apart from each other. Tely Energy Racing/KTM's Steward Baylor Jr. made his way through the pack, ultimately pulling ahead at the end of the three-hour race with Bollinger hot on his heels for the third place position. S. Baylor would end the day on the podium in third place while Bollinger would hold on to finish fourth.

Kailub Russell (1) rocketed off the starting line to earn the All Balls Racing XC1 holeshot award. Photo: Ken Hill

Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Josh Strang had another impressive ride at The General. Even though Strang started mid-pack, he worked his way through the field and ran in the fourth place position during lap four. Strang ended up finishing the day out in the fifth place position, and he currently sits sixth overall in the National Championship points.

Running with the lead pack early, Jordan Ashburn had the best ride of his season so far and ended the day sixth place in the XC1 class and seventh overall. KR4/Husqvarna's Layne Michael would continued his consistent season thus far to finish the day seventh in the XC1 class and eighth overall while Tely Energy Racing/KTM's Grant Baylor would round out the top ten overall.

The 2018 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series resumes with the FMF Steele Creek GNCC on April 7 and 8, in Morganton, North Carolina.

Trevor Bollinger came across the finish line 1 second behind S. Baylor taking the fourth place position. Photo: Ken Hill

The Maxxis General GNCC Washington, Georgia
Round 3 of 13 - Sunday, March 18

XC1 Open Pro Event Results:
1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
2. Thad Duvall (HQV)
3. Steward Baylor Jr (KTM)
4. Trevor Bollinger (HON)
5. Josh Strang (HQV)
6. Jordan Ashburn (BET)
7. Layne Michael (HQV)
8. Grant Baylor (KTM)
9. Jesse Groemm (KTM)
10. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

Enduro GP of Finland 2018 Day Two Highlights

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GUTS Racing Seat Cover
Renthal Chain
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ODI Bars
Dunlop 3s tires

Finns Finish on Top as EnduroGP Round Two Wraps in Finland

Finnish double World Enduro Champion, Eero Reme was the one to follow on the road to Helsinki as the TM rider wrapped up the win at round two. Photo: endurogp.org

Eero Remes, Eemil Pohjola and Aleksi Jukola have walked away from the second round of the 2018 Maxxis FIM Enduro World Championship with the wins as the opening rounds concluded at a snowy and cold Päijänne in Finland.

Round two concluded on a high in the afternoon in the capital city of Helsinki after a shorter second day of racing (7 hours and 20 minutes!). Sunday was not only less taxing in terms of tests, but also in terms of temperature! Indeed, the temperatures finally began to rise into the 'plus range' as Helsinki approached, and the snow was less abundant over the twelve special stages of the second day of the Grand Prix of Finland.

The legendary Päijänne nevertheless remains a race for the specialists and in this game the local riders still appear to be unbeatable, despite the enormous amount of progress shown by the regulars of the championship, who really managed to worry the fast Finns.

Finnish double World Enduro Champion, Eero Remes was the one to follow on the road to Helsinki, along with his compatriot Eemil Pohjola, who tried to get his revenge after a mechanical failure on Day 1. But no-one could get near the speed and precision of the diminutive Finn - Remes brilliantly won the EnduroGP (scratch) category, while Aleksi Jukola took third place and inscribes his name in the list of successful Päijänne 2018 riders.

Eero Remes was unstoppable not only in EnduroGP but also in E2. For his debut in this medium-sized capacity class, the protégé of Luca Cherubini, was more than comfortable on this snowy terrain and took the advantage over his most serious rivals. But he had to keep an eye on the very quick and determined Alex Salvini who again upped his game on the final day to take a solid second place.

"I am very satisfied with this Grand Prix," Remes said. "It's a very special race and my goal was to take advantage of my knowledge and experience and get to Spain with a good lead... Mission accomplished! Leader of E2 and second in EnduroGP, I had hoped for this and it augurs well for the future!”

Eemil Pohjola tried to get his revenge after a mechanical failure on Day 1 but couldn't get near the speed and precision of his compatriot Eero Remes. Photo: endurogp.org

Salvini is sure to be one of the favorites for the 2018 title and his return to Team Jolly Zanardo looks to have been very beneficial.

Australian Matthew Phillips was desperate to improve after a dismal Day 1... and his smile of relief today contrasted with his unhappy face the day before.

The Tasmanian admitted to having suffered a lot in the conditions but The Sherco factory rider snatched his first podium of the year after finding the determination to push on and put his troubles behind him.

"I had one of the hardest days of my career yesterday ... I got really cold in the morning and it drained all my energy," Phillips said. "Today, I am a lot happyier even if I didn't have the best settings for this race but as and when, we found terrain where I felt more comfortable. I'm already looking forward to Spain!”

After winning the Enduro 1 class on Day 1 Jamie McCanney opted for a risk-free ride on the second day of racing in Finland. Photo: Yamaha Racing

Suffering over both days, Loïc Larrieu tried hard on the run to Helsinki and limited the damage by finishing 4th in front of a very solid Thomas Oldarati and a consistent Deny Philippaerts - who was again in the spotlight with an excellent 6th place, in front of a brave Christophe Charlier.

It was full gas in E1 where Jamie McCanney couldn't replicate his Day 1 victory, the Manxman finishing 5th. He nevertheless takes charge of the small capacity class with his Yamaha WR250, holding a small margin over an amazingly strong Brad Freeman. The Brit impressed, not only with his speed but with his good humour as he took on the challenge of the Senior class.

"I gave a lot yesterday and suddenly, I felt more tired today... Coupled with settings which weren't necessarily right for this race, I had difficulties," McCanney said.

Third today, the 2017 Junior World Champion was unable to hold back the two Finns; Eemil Pohjola and Henry Olenius, who were on fire in the snowy conditions. A great consolation for these two riders after their disappointments on Saturday and a great victory for the Gas Gas rider Eemil Pohjola, who we will happily find for the entirety of the season in the factory Gas Gas team managed by Giovanni Sala.

Brit Steve Holcombe proved that he is still the man to beat whether in Enduro3 or Enduro GP. Photo: Future7Media

Although less impressive than the first day, Aleksi Jukola shone again in front of his home crowd and won the E3 class ahead of Tony Eriksson (SF - KTM). But Steve Holecombe still appeared to be very comfortable in these race conditions, taking 6th in EnduroGP, and earning his first podium of the year in E3.

"I came here after a lot of hard work and preparation…so I'm quite satisfied with my result!" Holecombe declared. "I'm looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix and being back on special tests that are more suited to me…”

The Brit's smooth and precise riding style worked wonders in the Scandinavian snow and he therefore gained valuable points for the rest of the season. He has proven that he is still the man to beat whether in Enduro3 or Enduro GP. There was a nice end to the weekend in E3 for the factory Gas Gas rider Danny McCanney who held on tight for 4th place in a battle with Marko Tarkkala, who still has a lot of pace despite retiring from World Enduro several years ago. Christophe Namborin limited the damage by finishing 7th in the 'big class'.

Having suffered the tricky tests and the freezing cold, the stars of World Enduro will now be able to "heal their wounds" and recover from this grueling 83rd edition of Päijänne. They will have 6 weeks of rest before heading to Spain for the second Grand Prix of the season in Santiago de Compostela (28 and 29 April). There will able be the opportunity for them to tweak the settings of their motorcycles while refining their athletic preparation.

Nevertheless, this opening round of the 2018 Championship in Finland, and the legendary and revered "Päitsi" will remain in the history books thanks to its extreme difficulty.

An almost unique competition which is probably the most important and impressive off-road organisation in Europe, and which required more than 1000 volunteers including 60 timekeepers and 50 rescuers.

Vet MX Down Under!

Brendan Bell headed out to the recent Mr VMX put on by the Viper Vintage Moto X Club at Boradford in Victoria.

Like many, Bell got the Viper Vintage Moto X and went along with his son Cam to race his 1996 CR125 for the first time as well as capture some of the events and action of the day. Anyone interested in VMX can head along to http://www.viper-mx.com/ for plenty of information.

Enduro GP of Finland 2018

Herlings wins with 1-1

Jeffrey Herlings has won the MXGP class at Valkenswaard, making history with his 8^th win at the track, something never done in motocross history (so many wins at a single track). Herlings went 1-1, second was Antonio Cairoli with 2-2 results and third Gautier Paulin.

“Its been a tough one. My start position wasn’t easy, I was sixth or seventh and Tony holeshot and took a big lead. This was a good day to do this at Valkenswaard. It felt like we were going really fast.”

Herlings now has 97pts to Cairoli 91pts in the championship.

Cairoli took the holeshot from Gajser, Van Horebeek, Seewer, Simpson, Febvre, Anstie, Herlings, Paulin, and Desalle 10^th. Lieber was last and Jasikonis back in 23^rd place.

Cairoli is three second ahead and Herlings moved up two places to sixth. After a lap its Cairoli, Van Horebeek, COldenhoff, Gajser, Paulin, Simpson, Herlings, Seewer, Desalle, Strijbos.

Gajser crashed again and landed on his face, but quickly remounted in 20^th place. Herlings into fourth, and Cairoli 10 seconds ahead of the Dutchman. Lieber up to 28^th, and Jasikonis 14^th.

Herlings into third and Cairoli is miles ahead, some 12 seconds ahead of Herlings. After two laps its Cairoli, Coldenhoff, Herlings, Paulin, Simpson, Seewer, Desalle, Anstie, Febvre, and Van Horebeek.

On lap three Herlings into second place and now the chase begins. After the fourth lap the lead was still 12 seconds, and Jasikonis moved into 10^th. Van Horebeek out of the race.

Herlings reeling Cairoli in, as he shows amazing speed in front of his home public. Gajser crashed hard again, and is way back in the field now in 21^st.

On lap six the lead dropped to just eight seconds and the Dutchman was coming after the Italian. Cairoli though worked hard and lost no time on Herlings in lap seven. After seven laps it was Cairoli, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Simpson, Anstie, Febvre, Desalle, Seewer and Jasikonis.

The lead was back to nine second as Cairoli shows his hand to the flying Dutchman. Herlings turns it up and is just five seconds behind after nine laps. Cairoli must have made a mistake.

Cairoli ran a little off the track and its just three seconds between the two. Lap 11 and its two seconds between the two. Top ten was Cairoli, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Simpson, Anstie, Febvre, Desalle, Seewer and Jasikonis. Lieber into 12^th place, and Bobryshev out of the race.

Herlings all over Cairoli now with a handful of laps to go. Cairoli making mistakes as Herlings once again puts the pressure on the fellow legend. Strijbos into the top ten as Jasikonis drops to 11^th.

Herlings takes the lead easily, but Cairoli isn’t giving up and does his best to stay with Herlings. It seems a hopeless case for the defending world champion. Lieber drops to 31^st and Anstie also has problems standing still on the track and drops to 9^th.

Herlings wins from Cairoli and Paulin.

MXGP - Overall Classification

Pos Nr Rider Nat. Fed. Bike Race 1 Race 2 Total 1 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 25 25 50 2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 22 22 44 3 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 14 20 34 4 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 16 18 34 5 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM YAM 15 16 31 6 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU HUS 18 12 30 7 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB KAW 13 14 27 8 91 Seewer, Jeremy SUI FMS YAM 11 13 24 9 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB YAM 20 0 20 10 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS HON 12 7 19

Cairoli Crash & Herlings Overtake

A hard hit for Jeffrey Herlings at Valkenswaard

Jeffrey Herlings was expected to dominate the qualifying race at Valkenswaard, but this untimely fall cost him dearly. It was not all bad though – the result could have been much, much worse. What happened in the crash exactly? The video below should enlighten you somewhat.