Monster Energy Honda Team participates in this first round of the 2017 FIM World Championship Cross-Country Rallies with Portuguese Paulo Gonçalves and Argentinian Kevin Benavides.
Martino Bianchi — Monster Energy Honda General Manager
It was a good practice in Abu Dhabi for the Monster Energy Honda Team in this first round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. I’m happy to see Kevin back after the injury that he had last year before the Dakar. After three months out he’s not 100% back to full fitness but he has shown that he has improved day by day since the start of the race. Unfortunately, we had a little problem which we managed to resolve and he finally finished the race.
“As we already know, Paulo is a very consistent rider; he finished in fourth place and won a stage, as Kevin did too. He led the overall standings in the race for a couple of days. But with this kind of formula of five days of racing it was impossible to make it onto the podium, Paulo finished fourth overall, but proving to be very strong and consistent, just like the bikes and team did too.
“In just a week’s time we have the second race of the world championship in Qatar, again with the same format of team and riders – Paulo and Kevin. Thank you all and keep on following Monster Energy Honda Team."
Kailub Russell came out on top with the GNCC racing win at FMF Stele Creek
The fourth round of the 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series presented by Maxxis, an AMA National Championship, took place today, April 9, at the scenic Steele Creek Campground in Morganton, North Carolina, with the 18th Annual FMF Steele Creek GNCC.
With a mix of sun and warm temperatures the groundwork was laid for one of the best races thus far in the season. At the end of the gruelling three-hour race it was FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Kailub Russell who claimed the overall win.
As the green flag dropped it was Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Josh Strang who headed into the woods first earning himself the $250 All Balls Racing Holeshot Award. Strang felt immediate pressure from Russell who was on his back tire as they headed into the woods.
Russell made quick work on the open trail and took over the lead before the shortened first lap was complete, with Rockstar Energy/Factory Husqvarna Racing's Thad Duvall and FMF/KTM Factory Racing's Russell Bobbitt in third. With a quick check over his shoulder, Russell lead the way through timing and scoring for the first time.
JCR Honda's Trevor Bollinger got off to a top-five start at his home race, and made quick work to pass for fourth and set his eyes on closing the gap for a podium position early on. Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Ryan Sipes wasn't ready to hand over the position where he raced wheel-to-wheel with Bollinger. The duo had a rather large gap on SRT/KTM's Steward Baylor who was in fifth. Much like the previous round, Baylor challenged himself and charged through the pack and began gaining valuable time and positions.
Russell came in contact with a banner midway through the race, but the conflict wasn't enough for Duvall to be able to make the pass. It wouldn't be until pit strategies came into place that a change-up in the lead would occur. Both Russell and Duvall elected to pit on the same lap, but Duvall's pit was just a bit quicker than Russell. Russell pulled back onto Pro Row as Duvall squeezed by to take command of the lead. Duvall's success quickly came to an end when Russell took back the first-place position as they re-entered the woods.
The mid-way point of the race also served as the turning point for Baylor's race where he focused in on Bollinger in third. The two riders swapped the final podium position multiple times, until Baylor was finally able to take if for good on the fifth lap.
It wouldn't be until the last lap when Russell had a little bit of breathing room, much like Russell, Baylor also found himself with a small gap over Bollinger. As they raced to the finish line, Russell would earn his third win of the season, with Duvall and Baylor rounding out the overall podium. Bollinger made a last minute strive, but finished just off the overall podium in fourth.
"It was a tough day out there, it wasn't what I was expecting," said Russell. "I thought the track would have more moisture. In some places you would have good traction, and other places it would just go away. I laid down a good pace on the first lap and Thad hung on there all the way to the end."
Strang oppressed his ankle injury and had a season-best finish with fifth overall. Beta USA's Jordan Ashburn followed behind in sixth and N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha's Ricky Russell crossed the line seventh overall. Bobbitt maintained his speed to earn ninth overall.
Toth untouchable in XC2
Photo Credit: Ken Hill
N-Fab/AmPro Yamaha's Josh Toth came out with the XC2 250 Pro win, extending his win streak to four-in-a-row.
Following behind him was Coastal Racing/Husqvarna-backed Craig Delong in second, and RPM/KTM's Mike Witkowski returned to the podium in third. JCR Honda's Austin Lee showed great improvement this weekend finishing fourth.
After being involved in first turn crash, Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Layne Michael eventually came back to lead the race, but had to settle for a respectable top-five finish.
Edmondson win streak continues in XC3
Photo Credit: Ken Hill
Coastal Racing/Husqvarna's Jack Edmondson continued his domination in the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class where he returned to the centre of the box.
Jason Thomas and Hunter Neuwirth crossed the line in second and third.
Cole Mattison took home the top amateur honours finishing 21st overall and taking home the class win in the 4-Stroke A Lites division.
Jones leads the way in Women's class
Photo Credit: Ken Hill
Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/KR4/Husqvarna Team's Tayla Jones took home gold in the WXC division in addition to the overall win.
Spyke's KTM/Maxxis/FMF's Rachel Gutish finished right behind Jones in second. Fly Racing/Maxxis/Seat Concepts/KTM's Becca Sheets rounded out the podium in third.
The first podium of the day consisted the of the overall youth racers from the 8 a.m. race. After a hard fought race, Zack Davidson came out with the top position claiming his fourth overall win. Peyton Whipkey and Ryder Leblond followed in second and third.
The 2017 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series resumes April 22 and 23 with the CST Tires Camp Coker Bullet GNCC in Society Hill, South Carolina.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has inked a multi-year contract extension with supercross and motocross star Eli Tomac to ride for the Monster Energy Kawasaki race team. The Colorado native is currently in the middle of an incredible win streak and title fight aboard his KX™450F motorcycle in Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship race.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to stay with Monster Energy Kawasaki,” said Tomac. “The team has put a lot of faith in me over the last year, which has given me the confidence I need to win. We have put in a lot of work and it is good to see it paying dividends.”
Tomac joined the team beginning with the 2016 season, where he captured one win and five podium finishes en route to fourth in the final supercross standings. He carried the momentum outdoors, earning a pair of overall victories and 10 podium results in a strong runner-up effort in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Tomac finished off the 2016 season with two MXGP wins and the Monster Energy Cup Championship.
Tomac’s second season with the team in 2017 has been a breakout one thus far, highlighted by eight race wins including a five-race winning streak. With three races remaining Tomac has earned fastest laps in 10 of the 14 main events and tops the rider point standings.
“Eli Tomac is an exceptional rider and athlete, and has successfully carried on the tradition of dominance with his KX450F,” said Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. President Yoshi Tamura. “Eli epitomizes Kawasaki’s commitment to winning and we are very excited to ensure he’ll be part of the Monster Energy Kawasaki team for years to come!”
Sometimes we question our own #33 about why he likes to ride Baja so much. Those who know him know he justs like to ride anytime, anywhere. This video puts a little more perspective on Baja.
stopped at Ford Field in Detroit on March 25 and put on a show before more than 46,000 fans. That’s about 15,000 more fans than turned out for the Verizon IndyCar Series’ Sunday show at nearby Belle Isle last summer.
The figures weren’t unusual for the 17-race series -- actually, it was one of the slower nights. Atlanta and Indianapolis stops each topped 60,000 fans, while the series drew 57,800 in Dallas and 54,200 in Phoenix.
“The live event has seen consistent and steady growth over the years,” said Dave Prater, senior director of operations, 2 Wheel, at Feld Entertainment, the series’ owner. “I believe the mainstream media is starting to take notice.”
“We were definitely happy with those television numbers, but I don’t think we were surprised,” Prater said. “We believe Supercross should be drawing those type of numbers. It’s just a matter of exposing the sport to more people. Once you’ve witnessed it live or on television, we’re confident you’ll be a fan.”
Ryan Sipes claimed his second victory of the season at round three of the Kenda Full Gas Sprint Enduro Series presented by PRI Powersports Insurance, putting his Coastal Racing Husqvarna on top of the box ahead of SRT KTM Racing’s Cory Buttrick and Beta USA’s Jordan Ashburn.
If you saw the St. Louis Supercross you saw the Reed/Dungey situation. In my opinion Reed's move was BS. Chad Reed is a great competitor but he is not a great champion. Tell us what you think.
HRC Factory rider Tim Gajser has extended his lead in the MXGP points standings with an impressive 1-1 score at the Grand Prix of Mexico. The MXGP champion continued his brilliance, after scoring the same result in Argentina two weeks ago. Second overall was Antonio Cairoli with 4-2 results and third Gautier Paulin with 3-3 scores.
Tim Gajser: It was a perfect weekend, want to thank everyone. The bike was working perfect and I felt really good. I am enjoying the track and the bike. Huge thanks to everyone around me, my dad, my team, my family, the team. I am enjoying it and when you enjoy it, its amazing. I enjoyed it so much. The track is in better shape than yesterday, a little sketchy and slippery, but better. I had a good start, made a gap and I look forward to the next one.”
Antonio Cairoli: For me it’s a difficult track and I know Tim is nearly unbeatable on this track, same as last year. I tried to stay with him, but I got tired. The speed was there and in that first moto I was faster, but I couldn’t pass Paulin and Bobryshev. This is motocross we try and win the next one.
With 30 degree temperatures and beautiful sunshine, defending world MXGP champion Tim Gajser powered his HRC Factory machine to the victory in the opening MXGP moto, at the Leon circuit in Mexico.
Gajser took the holeshot from Bobryshev, Paulin, Desalle, Cairoli, Butron, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Guillod, Tonus, Simpson, Strijbos and Herlings in 13th.
Cairoli nearly off the track as he looks a little wild. The two HRC riders looking sharp up front. Cairoli goes past Desalle, and Herlings up to 10th. Febvre back in 12th, Anstie 1tth, and Jasikonis 18th.
Desalle went down and Nagl and Tonus made the pass, as did Febvre. Herlings back in 13th as he continued to struggle in the big bike class. Anstie up to 12th.
After two laps the top ten was Gajser, Bobryshev, Paulin, Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Tonus, Febvre, Desalle and Strijbos.
Tonus is on fire as he blasts past Nagl for sixth place, Febvre was also pushing Nagl.
Gajser had extended his lead to five seconds on lap five, and Cairoli was doing his best to keep with Bobryshev and Paulin.
Herlings continued to fight hard in 13th place, with Jasikonis closing on the Dutchman. Amazing depth in this class as Guillod was in 17th and Coldenhoff in 19th.
Gajser clocks the best lap of the moto and after six laps is now seven seconds ahead of Bobryshev, with Paulin a further second back and Cairoli 10 seconds behind the leader.
Amazingly, Jasikonis passes Herlings for 13th spot, dropping the MX2 world champion to 14th.
Bobryshev, Paulin and Cairoli were still close for second, third and fourth places. Van Horebeek wasn’t that far back from that group either.
After 11 laps the lead was 11 seconds, and Gajser just cruises his way to victory.
After 13 laps Gajser led by 13 seconds, followed by Bobryshev, just ahead of Paulin, then came Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Nagl, Desalle, Febvre, Anstie, Strijbos, Simpson, Jasikonis, Herlings and Guillod 15th.
While Gajser cruised up front, six riders were close for second place, with Bobryshev getting heat from Paulin, Cairoli right on the back of the Frenchman, and Van Horebeek and Tonus right onto the Italian.
Gajser wins it by 15 seconds, from Bobryshev, Paulin, Cairoli, Van Horebeek and Tonus. Very close for those minor positions.
Paulin took the lead in the second MXGP moto, followed by Gajser, Desalle, Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Anstie, Simpson and Herlings.
Gajser quickly took the lead, as Cairoli looked for a way past Desalle and Paulin. Cairoli riding hard as he passed Desalle and Paulin to move into second.
Desalle also pushes Paulin out of the way to move into third. Herlings goes past Tonus to move into seventh place.
Top ten after one lap its Gajser, Cairoli, Desalle, Paulin, Van Horebeek, Nagl, Anstie, Herlings, Tonus and Febvre.
Gajser clocks a 1.50.551, two seconds quicker than everyone else as he takes his lead to three seconds.
Bobryshev, who passes Febvre was all over the back wheel of Herlings, and putting massive pressure on the Dutchman. Bobryshev goes past and Febvre also putting pressure on the KTM rider, then passes. Herlings just isn’t looking comfortable.
British riders Anstie and Simpson drop back a lot of places, down in 18th and 21st. Bobryshev also in trouble as he cruised around and lost places fast.
After four laps its Gajser, Cairoli, Paulin, Desalle, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Nagl, Febvre, Herlings and Coldenhoff.
After 13 laps it was still Gajser, with a lead of nearly five seconds, then came Cairoli, Paulin, Van Horebeek, Tonus, Desalle, Nagl, Febvre, Herlins and Strijbos in 10th.
MXGP – Overall Classification
1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS HON 25 25 50 2 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 18 22 40 3 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 20 20 40 4 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS YAM 15 18 33 5 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB YAM 16 16 32 6 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR HON 22 7 29 7 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB KAW 13 15 28 8 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB HUS 14 13 27 9 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM YAM 10 14 24 10 22 Strijbos, Kevin BEL FMB SUZ 11 11 22 11 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU HUS 12 8 20 12 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 7 12 19
Monday, April 10, 2017 at 9:04PM 
