Herlings Wins 2017 Latvia GP

Herlings wins, Gajser crashed

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings is back to his best as he claimed the Grand Prix of Latvia in the MXGP class. The Flying Dutchman was brilliant with a 1-1 performance and his 62^nd GP win of his career.

Although the win by Herlings was brilliant for the series, a possibly injury to defending champion Tim Gajser, who crashed out of the second moto of the MXGP class.

Having spoken to former GP rider Gordon Crockard of Honda Europe, who was on the scene of the accident, Tim mentioned he was ok, and just had some pain on the side of his body. Good news for the MXGP champ.

Herlings is now 84 points behind Cairoli in the series points.

Jasikonis led the second moto early from Herlings, Gajser, Butron, Cairoli, Leok, Van Horebeek,. Desalle, Bobryshev and Paulin. Van Horebeek went down and was back outside the top twenty and Cairoli was passed by Leok.

Jasikonis is on it as he pulls a two second lead over Herlings, then came Gajser, Bobryshev, Cairoli, Desalle, Paulin, Simpson, Leok, and Febvre.

On lap five Herlings went past Jasikonis for the lead and probably the GP overall. Cairoli parked Bobryshev to move into fourth place.

After six laps it was Herlings, Jasikonis, Gajser, Cairoli, Bobryshev, Desalle, Paulin, Leok, Simpson, and Nagl.

Gajser passed Jasikonis and moved into second place, with Cairoli also starting to put pressure on the Suzuki rider. On lap 10 Cairoli passed Jasikonis for third place.

Gajser crashed hard and seemed to be knocked out and was carried to the ambulance.

After 13 laps its Herlings, Cairoli, Jasikonis, Bobryshev, Desalle, Paulin, Anstie, Nagl, Coldenhoff, and Febvre.

Herlings wins it from Cairoli and Jasikonis.

MXGP – Race 2 – Classification

1 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 34:23.826 17 0:00.000 0:00.000 1:55.059 8 48.1
2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 34:41.672 17 0:17.846 0:17.846 1:54.790 7 48.2
3 27 Jasikonis, Arminas LTU LMSF Suzuki 34:47.673 17 0:23.847 0:06.001 1:54.744 2 48.3
4 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR Honda 34:59.301 17 0:35.475 0:11.628 1:55.539 2 47.9
5 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB Kawasaki 35:07.328 17 0:43.502 0:08.027 1:56.196 2 47.7
6 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU Husqvarna 35:11.734 17 0:47.908 0:04.406 1:57.276 9 47.2
7 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM Husqvarna 35:13.712 17 0:49.886 0:01.978 1:56.658 2 47.5
8 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB Husqvarna 35:16.908 17 0:53.082 0:03.196 1:57.217 4 47.2
9 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 35:18.986 17 0:55.160 0:02.078 1:57.782 10 47
10 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM Yamaha 35:23.427 17 0:59.601 0:04.441 1:57.982 10 46.9

Is This Fast...Yes This Is Very Fast!

David Kamo's Go Pro footage after the start of the 2017 SIDRA Oreana 100. Stopped to help Jared Schlapia get off the race course after his gnarly crash. Watch as he passes dozens of racers at lightning speed to take the overall win.

Mugen E Rex – Electric-powered motocross machine

Mugen, together with Honda, has also just whipped the covers off an electric-powered motocross machine.

Dubbed the Mugen E Rex (yes, really), the emission free ’crosser boasts Showa suspension, Nissan stoppers and – wait for it – carbon-fibre brake discs!   

Okay, so it’s clearly not lobbing in showrooms any time soon, but it shows that the who’s who of both electric powered and petrol-powered machinery are exploring the greener, more silent side of motorcycling.

Herlings Wins Qualifier...Here's His Comments

Jeffrey Herlings comments

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings finally sampled victory today in Latvia. While it was just an MXGP qualification win, it was still a win. Here is what he thought of the day.

“It’s been so long since I was winning, so long I can’t even remember. It was just a qualification win, so it’s not that important, but hopefully we can get two good starts tomorrow. I was quick in both practices, once we get a good start we can work from there. The start is really key, and it’s a big advantage to be on the inside.

“We were on the inside (at the start) and some tracks it doesn’t matter, but here it is important it’s a key to getting a good start. I was fifth or sixth and kept a tight turn and came out ok. I had arm pump in the start of the race, it started going away at the end of the race. I just need more riding tomorrow and it will be ok. I have nothing to lose, the championship is over, so I have nothing to lose. Obviously a lot of races to go, but it’s a good feeling being on the other side.

“It sounds weird, but I have been looking at Tomac and he is fast, but at the end of the moto he is so fast. So I want to be good in the beginning, but also charge at the end of the race. I am looking forward to tomorrow.

“It don’t know if the Bullet is back, I need to get a first win. I had been waiting so long and a lot of hype. We couldn’t make a good start in the championships, but this track suits me well and we are coming close and closer each week.”

MXGP of LATVIA 2017 Qualifiers

Kegums Qualifying Highlights

Check The New Gas Gas

A close look at Gas Gas’ preproduction EC 250 Racing two-stroke

   

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

May is a big month for two-stroke enduro bikes with Gas Gas and KTM set to unveil new models. Gas Gas are first to lift the covers when next week they official launch their all-new EC 250 and EC300 Racing models.

Revealed at the EICMA show in Milan last November the Spanish brand  then showed a pair of new 300 and 250 two strokes. Branded “The Phoenix Project” they totally reinvented their EC enduro model with a new frame, revised geometry, new engine and an endless list of components.

Since then we’ve seen their factory rider Jonathan Barragan compete on a pre-production model in the EnduroGP World Championship and in the Spanish National Championship.

Proving it’s competitiveness, Barragan came within a whisker of finishing on the podium at the Spanish EnduroGP while bagging special test wins along the way. He’s already claimed an overall in the Spanish national series too, indicating Gas Gas are talking the talk and walking the walk regards returning to the top of enduro.

With full details yet to be revealed here’s what we know, while also taking a look at Barragan’s bike. 

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

The new engine features a new crankshaft, cylinder, cylinder head, FMF Powercore 2.1 exhaust silencer, new radiators, improved clutch lubrication.

48mm KYB front fork with Air/Oil separation and KYB rear shock take care of suspension.

The central backbone frame is completely redesigned meaning less torsional stiffness and lower weight distribution. 

The aluminium subframe features new profiles and is lighter and more resistant.

Revised geometry means greater turning circle and improved handling. 

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

New frame and geometry see the bike weigh in considerably lighter than it’s predecessor at 105kg.

Other points of note include fully redesigned swingarm, wishbone and rocker system, chain tensioner, NG Brake discs, larger air filters with rapid removal system, narrower fuel tank, narrower seat, Magura clutch cylinder and LED headlight.

The Gas Gas will be in EC 250/300 trim for Europe and XC 250/300 trim for the USA.

Interestingly Barragan’s bike does not feature an electric start, while the model revealed back at EICMA did.

We’ll see next week if it reappears so stay tuned to enduro21.com to get a first look at the world launch in Spain.

A Little Moto History

Hallman in Russia

For the ordinary citizen in the Soviet Union, life was different from living in the West. In the 60s the restrictions were harsh and people had to fight hard for their bread and butter. The newly crowned world champion Torsten Hallman, on Husqvarna, rode to Moscow and found transportation and other duties not to be rock ‘n’ roll on the highways. Listen to his own story of a memorable trip in 1962.

Fascinating is the best word to describe my trips to Russia, that I visited during the 60s. Of course, in those days everything in the communist Soviet Union was either impossible, or rather prohibited. My adventures behind the iron-curtain consisted of obeying rules and never taking decisions on my own. After the Finnish Grand Prix in 1962 it was time to hit Moscow and there were a few riders set to participate there. So, we travelled together. Not least to have some company.

Four members of the Russian Federation met us all at the Russian border, to help take care of the border transfer. But, as always in the Eastern countries in those days, there was a real Kalamazoo at customs. Despite good intentions from the Motor Club in Moscow, it took a few hours to clear visas, declaration of money in each currency (we always had a wad of money in many currencies as we travelled a lot) and finally what was brought into the country. Customs officials wanted to know just about everything and took note of frame numbers, spare parts, etc. etc. You name it and they’d check it! After procedures were over we had a good 1’000 km trip before reaching Moscow – with a speed limit of 50 km/h – tiresome is not the correct word. Excruciatingly boring is a far better description of the journey.

We were only allowed to drive on certain transit roads so that the military could have full control on our ride. They also wanted to be sure that no one in our group got lost. On top of it all we had to stop every 30 klicks to make certain everything was OK and that no one was missing. Our overnight-stops were carefully planned in advance and also went according to a well-planned procedure. First, passport and papers were checked scrupulously. Then different lines to receive blankets, cushion, towels and so on. Then we were shown into a tent where there was a tiny cot to lie down on. But after two hours of going through all this, nobody was in the mood for sleeping any more…

I remember there were lots of discussions about the travel speed and we finally convinced the authorities that our cars were not suited to such low speeds. But this in turn meant that we had to take a travel guide on board, which we did after some further disputes. Having seen the poor countryside with views reminding us of the 19th century we were amazed when reaching Moscow. I think it at least used to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it made a strong impression when we rode around this vast city to see the sites. The Russians have thought ahead and the streets were wide and on top of it we found a lot of modern high-rising buildings in the downtown area. The traffic was dull and not too many cars on the roads as most people couldn’t afford to buy a vehicle anyway.

The Swedish party of motocross riders took two days off to discover all the secrets of magnificent Moscow. But we soon found that everything was more or less prohibited in the city, just as it had been outside. On the famous ‘Red Marketplace’ we were looking at the Lenin mausoleum and all the fabulous churches around. We had to follow certain paths and not take any photographs of the police. Of course, we did quite the opposite and were questioned until they got tired of the Swedish tourists.

There were more that 150’000 spectators who came to watch the Soviet Grand Prix – despite the fact that I had already clinched the 250cc world crown. In fact the track was situated in the city of Moscow, just two kilometres from the famous Lenin stadium of which we had a tremendous view from our golden pond. The race itself was of little interest. A new local name turned up as we gathered to compete. Victor Arbekov (later to be world champion in 1965) rode a home-made machine and took the holeshot to the great delight of the big crowd. I soon caught up with him with my quick Husky, but didn’t dare overtake as he was all over the track, moving unconvincingly. In a jump I gave everything to pass but Victor saw me coming and hit me so we crashed badly when hitting the ground after the jump. Unfortunately, my throttle cable broke which forced me to abandon this first heat. I was furious at Arbekov and was the first to ‘congratulate’ him on his win, swearing in Swedish which he of course didn’t understand. The Russian Federation asked me to apologize for all my dirty words, which I had to obey. So, I rode my Husqvarna to victory in the second race after my Viking blood had reached boiling point!

Returning home we all enjoyed food and sleep in our own beds!

A Look At The KTM MXGP Team

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MXGP Team Report

KTM Adventure Range Coming Soon

KTM Adventure Range

Like a faintly-visible dust cloud on the horizon, accompanied by a rising exhaust note that beckons you as a call of the wild, the world’s most impressive Adventure Range is coming fast, and soon to arrive at a dealership near you.

There’s a reason KTM Adventure models are so highly regarded. They’re the product of a company that’s both famous for its competitiveness, and blessed with a passion for adventure motorcycling that literally knows no boundaries.

KTM has devoted itself so completely to understanding what it takes for adventure bikes to not just exist, but work in the wild, that it’s spawned 16 Dakar victories in a row, at the hands of seven different riders.

What they have learned in Rally competition around the world has been mated to suspension DNA derived straight from our World Championship-winning enduro range, for the finest in off-road suspension technology, then refined and reflected in KTM’s toughest, smartest, and most thrilling Adventure range yet

The Adventure 1090R, 1290S and 1290R will all be available from your KTM Dealer in the first week of May 2017.

The 1090 Adventure R is the new class leader, with specially tuned WP suspension, off-road wheels and a tough V-Twin engine that produces 125 hp (92 kW) - That’s 23 more than Fabrizio Meoni’s Dakar-winning 950. When combined with KTM’s lightweight chassis with well-balanced stiffness distribution it takes the KTM 1090 Adventure R to the top of its class in terms of power-to-weight ratio and ride dynamics.

With off-road engine map, ABS and TC as standard, the 1090R features the same state-of-the-art technology as the KTM 1290 Adventure R – because muscle is always more attractive when it’s intelligent. The KTM 1090R Adventure will retail at $19,955 + ORC which provides outstanding value for money.

When it comes to unique experiences of the adrenaline-fuelled kind, there’s no motorcycle quite the KTM Super Adventure 1290S. Whack the throttle wide open in the middle of a nasty corner. Brake hard while fully leant over.

No harm is done - just grin and rocket on. Even when you’re bending the laws of physics with the world’s most powerful production off road engine (160hp, 140Nm of torque, 238 kg) your KTM is kept in control by the most advanced electronics in the world of motorcycling. All you have to do is focus on the adventure ahead - and hold on tight. From buttery smooth cruising to riding hyperactive off-roading, the KTM 1290 Super Adventure S covers all bases like nothing else at $23,995 + ORC

KTM's famous no-compromise Travel Enduro – the KTM 1290R Super Adventure proves that brawn and brains not only go together, they belong together. Perfectly suited for Australian conditions, the 1290 Adventure R seamlessly meshes 1301cc, 140 Nm of torque and 160 horsepower together with intelligent electronic control systems to create a mile-munching omnivore, ready to carve its name into any terrain – the tougher, the better. Priced at $25,995 + ORC this is KTM’s most extreme Adventure R ever, and the clear benchmark in the travel enduro segment.

KTM’s Adventure range is coming early May, and your adventure is calling you – make sure you experience it with the best.

For more information on KTM’s Adventure range, visit www.ktm.com.au.

Free Admission to Military Veterans at Lucas Oil Pro Motocross

MX Sports and VetTix.org to Offer Free Admission to Military Veterans at Lucas Oil Pro Motocross

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - MX Sports Pro Racing, the National Promoters Group (NPG), and the Veteran Tickets Foundation have announced their continued partnership for the upcoming 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Through a cooperative initiative between these parties, military veterans will be provided the opportunity to obtain free admission at all 12 rounds of the world's most prestigious off-road motorcycle racing series via VetTix.org, a national non-profit, non-governmental 501c(3) tax-exempt organization. 

A sum of 50 tickets per round, and 750 tickets in total, will be donated to Vet Tix and made available at no cost to both active duty and retired service men and women. The tickets will be made available two weeks prior to each respective round of the championship, first come, first serve, through VetTix.org. 

Additionally, GEICO Motorcycle, a longtime support of both Pro Motocross and the military, will leverage its support of the championship to provide an additional 50 tickets for select rounds on the schedule—the Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic, FMF Glen Helen National, and GEICO Motorcycle Budds Creek National. The renowned insurance provider will host a VIP hospitality area at these events for military veterans and their families, who simply need to show a valid military ID for complimentary access. 

"We couldn't be more pleased to extend our partnership with the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. This has become a highly anticipated and sought-after tradition for our veterans and their families," said Brandi Shannon, Chief of Community Relations at Veteran Tickets Foundation. "This initiative provides an otherwise unattainable opportunity for many of our veterans to experience a truly exhilarating sport, and generate one-of-a-kind memories with their families. It's just one way we're all able to show our appreciation for their service." 

Vet Tix holds partnerships with virtually all major sporting leagues, highlighted by marquee organizations like Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, National Football League, and National Hockey League. In addition to those, Vet Tix works alongside sports entertainment franchises like World Wrestling Entertainment and Professional Bull Riders, as well as motorsports organizations like the NHRA and several racetracks that host NASCAR and IndyCar events. 

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship was one of the first prominent motorsports properties in the country to establish this service for veterans of the armed forces, and enters its sixth year of partnership with the Veteran Tickets Foundation. 

"We're proud to be one of the pioneering racing organizations of this incredible annual effort to share our gratitude for everything our veterans do to protect the country," said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. "It's a small token of our appreciation that we ultimately hope spawns countless memories and creates new motocross fans for life. The Veteran Tickets Foundation has been an incredible partner for the past half decade, and we look forward to continuing this unique and special tradition." 

Based in Phoenix, the Veterans Tickets Foundation was founded by U.S. Navy veteran Michael Focareto  in 2008 and has been providing free tickets to veterans and active-duty members of the military and their families ever since. Over the course of nearly a decade, the organization has given away well over 1 million tickets to veterans nationwide. 

All active and retired military veterans can create an account on VetTix.org to receive emails and reminders about when 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship tickets become available. Additionally, more information can be found at VetTix.org. 

The 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will kick off on Saturday, May 20, with the Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic from Prairie City SVRA in Sacramento, California.