Cairoli Wins 9th World Title!

Cairoli world MXGP champ

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Antonio Cairoli has won the 2017 MXGP world championship, his ninth world title in his illustrious career. The Italian finished second in the opening MXGP moto to Jeffrey Herlings, but he actually battled the Dutchman until the very last corner, just losing by a second. Herlings who had started around 10th, won the moto from Cairoli and Anstie, who passed Romain Febvre in the last lap.

“We ride very good today, I didn’t want to ride for the points, I wanted to ride for the win. It was a good battle with my team-mate and I can’t wait for the second moto.”

Cairoli a massive holeshot as Gajser, Febvre, Bobryshev, Van Horebeek, Strijbos, Anstie, Herlings, Desalle and Paulin chase him.

Herlings quickly up to sixth place after half a lap, and then into fifth by lap one. Cairoli trying to make a point as he took a four second lead after one lap. Herlings flying as he blasted past Bobryshev and Van Horebeek. Now into fourth and going after Febvre and Gajser.

Two laps and Cairoli extended his lead to four and a half seconds, but Herlings all over Febvre and Gajser. He will be second in no time as he dominates this sand circuit.

Herlings into third, and all over Gajser. Gajser also closes in on Cairoli. Desalle down hard as he crashed off the track and hit the MotoGP metal fence. Out of the race for the tough Belgian as he walks back to the paddock.

Gajser and Herlings closing fast on Cairoli, and after four laps it was Cairoli, Gajser, Herlings, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Anstie, Strijbos, Paulin, Coldenhoff, and Bobryshev in 10^th.

The top four guys have 14 world titles between them, Cairoli eight, Gajser two, Herlings three and Febvre one. Just shows the amazing depth of the MXGP class.

Herlings brushes Gajser out of the way, and sets out after Cairoli. While he was four seconds behind after seven laps, you could feel Herlings slowly closing in on the leader. Gajser ran off the track and slowed, but his third place was still safe.

Herlings now two seconds behind Cairoli and sure to take the lead within a lap or two. Herlings went to pass Cairoli, but the Italian runs the Dutchman wide, looks over and blocks him again. Half a lap later Herlings went into the lead, but not before Cairoli blocked him a couple of times. Once in the lead he was gone.

Van Horebeek into the pit area, and after 11 laps it was Herlings, Cairoli, Gajser, Febvre, Anstie, Strijbos, Coldenhoff, Paulin, Bobryshev, and Leok.

Gajser a massive crash as he landed front wheel first and the bike landed on him. He got up, but was not looking well.

After 13 laps the lead was nearly three seconds, but Cairoli wants a moto win for his world championship. Gajser out of the race as he rode back to the paddock. Not a great way to see his world championship change hands to Cairoli. Amazing the fourth and fifth guys in the championship points out of the moto (Gajser and Desalle).

Cairoli closed down on Herlings a little, can the Italian win the moto and the world title at the same time? Are we about to see another piece of Cairoli magic?

Cairoli backed it down, and Herlings turned it up a notch, and extended his lead to more than four seconds.  Again Cairoli gets the distance to three seconds. With a few laps to go, is the legend working on catching his KTM team-mate?

Febvre stalled his bike but got going again in third place, and Cairoli closed up to two seconds behind Herlings.

The lead was a second with two laps to go. Cairoli working through the lapped riders and not having it all his own way, but still he closed in on Herlings. Two GP legends going at it.

Last lap and they go past Nagl in 10^th place. Herlings wins it, from Cairoli as the Italian drops his bike and the celebration begins. Hundreds of fans joining the champagne spraying.

MXGP Results Assen

Herlings wins Assen

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings is really dominating the MXGP class at the moment as he went 1-1 for the victory at his home Grand Prix, at the MotoGP circuit in Assen. It is the fifth overall win in the last six weeks (including his AMA National overall).

The Dutchman, who has won the GP of Lommel, GP of Switzerland, GP of USA and now GP of Assen is possibly riding better than ever. Second overall was Romain Febvre with 4-3 and third overall was Max Anstie with 2-4. Antonio Cairoli went 2-6 after crashing in the second moto.

Jeffrey Herlings: It’s been a really good one,” Herlings said. “We won both motos, first one was tough, had a bad start. Second one we made some changes and it was really good. Thanks to KTM for putting such a good bike these last races. I just missed the boat this season, but I want to win again in France and go to des Nations. I basically won all the sand races this year, apart from Ottobiano when I was sick. I am veery happy about my weekend, won qualification, and two motos. Great birthday present for Tuesday.

Romain Febvre: I was third all the moto but got passed by Max Anstie on the finish lap. I made a mistake and just wanted to get points to get on the podium. I was fourth, and closed the gap to second, I thought I could pass Max Nagl, but I couldn’t. One round to go, but we are happy where we are.

Max Anstie: It was tough, this track was one of the toughest I have ridden, like a beach race. It was so soft. I did what I could. I came from 8th or 9th in the first moto. Making progress and nice to be on the box.

Nagl led the second MXGP moto ahead of Febvre, Lupino, Van Horebeek, Herlings, Strijbos, Cairoli, Anstie, Paulin, and Kullas.

After a lap and Herlings was into second, then into first by lap two. Herlings pace is just ridiculous. After two laps it was Herlings, Nagl, Van Horebeek, Febvre, Anstie, Cairoli, Paulin, Strijbos, Lupino and Leok in 10th. Searle out of the race and Coldenhoff 25th after going down in the second corner. Searle out of the race with a bruised ankle.

Cairoli pushed past Anstie for sixth place, and the lead by Herlings was four seconds after four laps.

Cairoli on a mission as he passed Van Horebeek, then Febvre and was onto Nagl for second. Herlings lead was 10 seconds after seven laps.

Herlings extended his lead to 15 seconds after nine laps, then Nagl, Cairoli, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Anstie, Paulin, Strijbos, Lupino and Leok.

Not a lot happening in the middle of the moto, as Herlings continues to lead by 15 seconds to Nagl, Cairoli, Febvre, Van Horebeek, Anstie, Strijbos, Paulin, Lupino, and Leok.

Herlings clocked off some quick lap times and was suddenly 23 seconds ahead of Nagl, with Herlings 27 seconds back. Leok passed Lupino for ninth place and Kullas also past the Italian.

Anstie pushing for a top four in the moto and also for a podium finish. The British rider was all over Van Horebeek, and Febvre was also close. After 18 laps Herlings lead was 32 seconds, and then Cairoli went down and passed by Febvre, Anstie and Van Horebeek. The crash also took Cairoli off the podium, as Herlings wins the moto the GP.

MXGP – Overall Classification

1 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 25 25 50
2 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM YAM 18 20 38
3 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU HUS 20 18 38
4 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 22 15 37
5 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB HUS 11 22 33
6 22 Strijbos, Kevin BEL FMB SUZ 16 14 30
7 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM HUS 13 13 26
8 7 Leok, Tanel EST EMF HUS 12 12 24
9 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR HON 14 7 21
10 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 15 6 21

Red Bull Megawatt

Walker on pole for Red Bull Megawatt

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

The fourth edition of the Red Bull 111 Megawatt is in full swing with Jonny Walker provisionally topping the time sheets for Saturday’s qualification.

A firm lover of the soft sands of the Megawatt coal mine, Walker made his winning intentions known early by clocking in the fastest times to take pole position for Sunday’s main race.

Ending his day quickest over the 1200 riders entered, Walker is hoping to make it a hat trick of wins come Sunday evening.

“It was good fun out there,” told Walker. “I always enjoy this place, the motocross test is wide open flat out stuff. A real blast to ride.

“It’s great to have the fastest time, but the front row start is most important. Tomorrow will be tough, it was a real dog fight last year. It would be cool to take a hat trick of wins here.”

Just four seconds behind Walker, Wade Young means business too. Back up to speed following his Romaniacs crash, The Sherco rider is clearly on pace in Poland.

“I feel good now,” said Young. “I’m back to 100 per cent, physically, just a little race rusty. But I think I’ll be ok for Sunday.”

 

Photo Credit: Andrea Belluschi/Future7Media

 

Chile’s Ben Herrera was one rider not feeling the effects of last week’s ISDE having hung around to race Megawatt and with it set the third fastest time. 

Herrera looked comfortable in the sand and is keen for what tomorrow will bring.

“It’s my first time here and even though I’ve just raced the ISDE I’m feeling ok,” confirmed Herrera.

“We ride a lot in the sand at home so I feel comfortable with it.”

 

Photo Credit: Robert Lynn/Future7Media

 

Making his Megawatt debut, Billy Bolt has got his sand riding dialled in with fourth fastest.

“That was a bit of fun," said Bolt. “The cross test was fastest and loose. I’m getting used to riding at that pace. I’m keen for tomorrow, just going to see how lap one pans out then take it from there.”

Completing the provisional top five was Manuel Lettenbichler with Mario Roman right behind in sixth.

Sunday’s main race gets underway at 13.11.

Legends of MXDN

Roger DeCoster – MXoN Legend

Team USA rider Jeff Ward and Jeff Smith of Team Great Britain have won the prestigious Motocross des Nations more than any other rider in the history of the event, with seven victories each.

Iif you combine both MXoN (500cc) and Trophee des Nations (250cc), then you have Roger DeCoster standing tall as the greatest rider of these team events with a massive 16 wins in total.

Unfortunatly the Trophee des Nations ended in 1984, thus not giving riders like Ward, Smith, David Bailey, Stefan Everts or many others the chance to extend their team victories.

Roger DeCoster won an amazing 10 Trophee des Nations, and six MXoN victories. His Belgian team-mate Jaak van Velthoven won eight times in Trophee des Nations and four times with the MXoN.

Harry Everts won the MXoN on two occasions and the Trophee des Nations six times. Sylvain Geboers, Gaston Rahier and Torsten Hallman won four times in Trophee des Nations, with Geboers adding two MXoN victories and Rahier one. Surprisingly, Hallman never won the MXoN.

Olle Petersson, Johnny O’Mara and Joel Robert won three times at the Trophee des Nations, O’Mara winning four times in the MXoN, Robert and Petersson just once in the MXoN.

MXoN and Trophee des Nations winners

1. Roger De Coster 6 MXoN 10 Trophee des Nations Belgium = 16 in total
2. Jaak van Velthoven 4 MXoN 8 Trophee des Nations Belgium = 12 in Total
3. Jeff Ward 7 MXoN 2 Trophee des Nations USA = nine in total
4. Jeff Smith 7 MXoN 2 Trophee des Nations Great Britain = nine in total
5. Harry Everts 2 MXoN 6 Trophee des Nations Belgium = eight in total
6. David Bailey 5 MXoN 2 Trophee des Nations USA = seven in total
7. Johnny O’Mara 4 MXoN 3 Trophee des Nations USA = seven in total
8. Sylvain Geboers 2 MXoN 4 Trophee des Nations Belgium = six in total
9. Stefan Everts 5 MXoN Belgium = five in total
10. Gaston Rahier 1 MXoN 4 Trophee des Nations = five in total
11. Ake Jonsson 3 MXoN 2 Trophee des Nations – five in total
12. Andre Malherbe 3 MXoN 2 Trophee des Nations = five in total

Bogle to JGRMX

JGRMX ANNOUNCES 2018 TEAM: BOGLE FOR BARCIA

 

The Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team is proud to announce the signing of Weston Peick and Justin Bogle for the 2018 supercross/motocross season.

Weston Peick has been a valued part of the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) program since 2015, and he continues to make significant progress. The Wildomar, Calif. native was in top form during the early rounds of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, until a wrist injury sidelined him. Weston returned for the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Series, where he scored top-ten finishes in 14 motos and ended the series in eighth overall.

“I couldn’t be happier to sign with JGR again for 2018,” said Peick. “They’ve believed in me for several years. I have the utmost confidence that together we accomplish great things, and I plan on continuing my career with them long past 2018. I’m eager to ride the all-new 2018 Suzuki RM-Z450 and begin testing for the upcoming season.”

Justin Bogle will move from the folded RCH team to the JGR team for 2018. Photo: Kyoshi Becker

Justin Bogle joins the Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team hot on the heels of an impressive summer. The Cushing, Oklahoma, native won two motos, the Budds Creek National overall, and finished sixth in the final standings. It’s no secret that Bogle, the 2014 AMA 250 SX Eastern Regional Champion, has the talent and speed to excel in both disciplines.

“I’m obviously very excited to be on the team, and I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity,” Bogle said. “It has been a rough couple of years, but things are starting to turn around. I’m very happy with my program, my training, and my personal life. This is all coming together at the perfect time. Truthfully, I wouldn’t have been ready for this chance two years ago. As cliché as it sounds, everything happens for a reason. I have learned from my struggles and have grown as a result. I’m excited to be working with an incredible team of people, and I feel good about our chances in 2018.”

Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing team manager Jeremy Albrecht is elated to have Weston Peick and Justin Bogle under the JGR tent for 2018. “This next season is shaping up to be a great year. Weston has made huge strides since joining the JGR squad. His never-say-die attitude and commitment to his craft embody what JGR is all about.” Albrecht continued, “Justin Bogle has been a revelation this summer. It’s obvious that he has the skills and dedication required to be on the top step of the podium, and I’m confident in his abilities.”

Tickle To Red Bull KTM

Broc Tickle Signs To Red Bull KTM

One-Year Deal With Factory Team

September 07, 2017 By Michael Antonovich

     

Red Bull KTM has confirmed that Broc Tickle will join the team for the 2018 race season. The deal comes after an eventful time for both the rider and team, as Tickle’s past employer RCH closed shop following the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship and Red Bull KTM had both Ryan Dungey and Trey Canard announce their retirements from racing in the middle of the year.

We’ve spoken with Tickle briefly about the new deal, which is currently for one year and will include a residency at Aldon Baker’s program in Florida. With this, Tickle will train alongside teammate Marvin Musquin and Rockstar Energy Racing Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne.

Tickle, a former 250 West Coast SX champion, has improved each year in the 450 class and has become a contender for the podium at every round.

The full press release from Red Bull KTM is posted below…

KTM Motorsports is pleased to officially welcome Broc Tickle to the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team for the 2018 season. Tickle will race aboard a KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION alongside teammate Marvin Musquin for the AMA 450 Supercross Championship and AMA 450 Pro Motocross Championship.

The 28-year-old Michigan native claimed an AMA Supercross Lites West Championship in 2011, along with a host of career podium and top-five finishes over the years. Tickle has proved his merit as a 450 class podium contender, most recently capturing a pair of third place finishes in 2017 at Toronto Supercross and High Point MX National.

Tickle missed the second half of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship due to a shoulder injury but he is READY TO RACE into the 2018 race season, beginning with the Monster Energy Cup and Red Bull Straight Rhythm in October.

Tickle:"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to work with Roger, Ian and the whole Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team. With the success both European and US teams have had in recent years on the new KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, I'm really looking forward to the chance to race the KTM for myself. The results and numerous championships they've earned speaks volumes for the brand and I'm really hoping to make the most of this awesome opportunity.I'm especially excited to train at Bakers Factory with Aldon Baker and alongside my new teammate Marvin (Musquin). This is the first time in my pro career that I'm in an all-encompassing training program where riding coaching, fitness training and riding alongside some of the fastest guys in the sport are all a part of my daily routine. I really want to take full advantage of everything being offered and show what I believe I am capable of."

Roger De Coster: "We have always seen a lot of potential in Broc and we look forward to giving him every tool available to our team to be successful and make the most of this opportunity. We feel Broc's demeanor and personality both on and off the track are a good fit to be Marvin's teammate and hope they work well both riding and training together."

MotoGP and MX Training

MotoGP riders back 'dangerous' motocross training after Rossi injury

• By Valentin Khorounzhiy, Matteo Nugnes

       

Leading MotoGP riders say bike training between race weekends is "dangerous" yet a necessity, following the crash that has all but ended Valentino Rossi's 2017 title hopes.

Rossi broke his right leg when training on a motocross bike last Thursday.

With a minimum recovery time of 30-40 days, he is likely to miss not only this weekend's round at Misano, but also the following race atAragon.

Earlier in the season, Rossi had sustained chest and abdomen trauma in a different motocross training incident, in the lead-up to the Mugello race.

He managed to salvage a fourth-place finish from the Italian Grand Prix weekend, but admitted his injury contributed to him missing out on the podium.

Asked whether Rossi's injuries were a sign that certain types of training were best avoided, his MotoGP title rivals insisted bike training outside of race weekends was essential despite the risks.

"I think we have to train with a different sport and different bike because we can't test a lot in MotoGP and we have to be fit," said points leader Andrea Dovizioso.

"I believe in that training, You have to ride, in my opinion, a motocross bike and train about physical condition, but also to train on the bike.

"For sure it's dangerous, we have to try to not take too many risks, but if you want to improve your situation, you have to push - maybe not 100%, but almost 100%. And this [injury] can happen.

"It's something unfortunately that's easy to happen but I believe it's the only way to be ready in MotoGP."

Rossi's Yamaha team-mate Maverick Vinales added that "it is impossible to be fit if you just stay on the sofa", while Honda's Marc Marquez said: "I hate when I read sometimes 'why are you riding motorbikes, [they] are dangerous?'

"It's part of our job. Of course we would like to be on the beach and just relaxing, but there you cannot improve your skills.

"And to improve your skills you need to ride bikes, to train at home."

While dismissing criticism of motocross training as "bullshit", Pramac Ducati's Scott Redding did suggest that Rossi's age could've played a factor in the severity of his two injuries.

"Valentino is getting older, unfortunately that is the way it is, you're getting older, you get more brittle, more accidents can come with big consequences," he said.

Speaking to MotoGP.com, Rossi admitted he will consider making changes to his training.

"For us, we are motorcycle riders, and the best training is riding a motorcycle. Unfortunately, sometimes more, sometimes less, when you are on the motorcycle it is dangerous," Rossi said.

"We can't not train sometimes with the motorcycle, because it is very important.

"Unfortunately this year it [injuries] happened to me two times - also before Mugello - so we need to make another way."

Honda MX Recall

Honda motocross cycles recalled for crash risk

By Myles Snyder, ABC27 News

Published: September 6, 2017, 12:50 pm

Honda CRF450R (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

WASHINGTON (WHTM) – American Honda is recalling certain off-road motorcycles because the transmission gear can break, posing crash and injury hazards.

The recall involves all 2015 and 2016 Honda CRF450R motocross cycles with 450cc, 4-cycle engines. Vehicle identification numbers ending in 7FK400015 through 6FK403360 for the 2015 model, and 36GK500009 through 1GK502993 for the 2016 model, are included.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says owners should stop using the motorcycles and contact an authorized dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.

Honda is contacting all known purchasers directly.

No injuries have been reported.

Barcia Says Goodbye With Class!

Justin Barcia – A New Ride?

Justin Barcia has written an open letter thanking his team, Joe Gibbs racing for their help, but has also mentioned he will race somewhere else in 2018. Will it be in Europe, America or maybe Australia?

For a long time the American has wanted to race MXGP, but unfortunately at the moment there seems little for him here. No factory rides, and I can’t see him racing for a privateer team in Europe. Below is his open letter.

Hello Everyone,

As this season comes to an end so does my time with the Joe Gibbs Racing Team. I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone at JGR for all they have done starting with Coach who is a great man and it has been a pleasure to get to know over the last three years. Coy and Jeremy have worked hard to give us the best chance for success off and on the track as does the entire crew including my mechanic Ben who is always busting his butt off for me. Thanks again guys!

I have been asked by many people what is next for me and I will let you know as soon as I know. For now I am going to take a little break to allow for my mind, body and spirit to heal and then it will be back to work prepping for 2018 so when an opportunity arises I will be ready. I look forward to re-grouping and showing that I still have plenty in the tank.

I also would like to thank my Fiancé Amber who has been my rock through this difficult season and battling through injuries. My parents who I can always count on for everything I need have been awesome so big thanks to them, as well as Dr. Steve Navarro who always has my back. And last, but not least I would like to thank my fans who have stuck behind me and are great to talk to at the races. They stick up for me on social media sites and I will be working hard to make them proud in the upcoming season.

Thanks for reading, see you all soon,

Tony Cairoli 2005

Antonio Cairoli – Title Number One

12 years ago nearly to the day, Antonio Cairoli won his first world motocross championship. At the Lierop circuit in Holland, the Sicilian rider joined Stefan Everts as a champion, and it was in the deep sand of Lierop that Cairoli started what has been an amazing run of victories. Cairoli his first world title, and Everts his ninth.

Everts and Cairoli both claimed their 2005 titles in the MX1 and MX2 class respectively at Lierop in Holland on Sunday, September 4, 2005. As Everts was getting near the end of his amazing career, Cairoli was just starting his. Now here we are more than a decade later, and its Cairoli’s turn to pick up number nine.

Everts took his fifth straight championship since 2001 with his seven GP win of the season. In the process he increased his record number of motorcross wins to 86, with a grand total of nine world championships. Italian 19-year-old Cairoli took his first world championship with a fifth place.

The MX1 first race saw the Belgian MX legend lead from the start, and finish 13 seconds ahead of second placed Steve Ramon and third place Josh Coppins.

The second race proved tougher in the early stages with Ben Townley fighting hard for the lead, but it was to no avail as Everts once more swept past and opened up a sizeable lead. Everts won from Townley and Ramon.

“In the end it was great to wrap up the title ins tyle by winning both races, and it was ncie to share this moment with so many fans,” said Everts. “Surely this title did not come easy, and this is probably the first GP where I had good starts in both races. I had to work hard to win this year, but it makes the satisfaction even bigger. Maybe it’s just because I grow older.”

Youthful Cairoli overcame wrist and ankle injuries to claim the 2005 MX2 world championship with an overall fifth position. The first race was won by Marc de Reuver from Tyler Rattray and Britain’s Bill MacKenzie, with Cairoli finishing in seventh place. The second race saw Rattray win from de Reuver. Third was David Philippaerts, fourth MacKenzie, and eighth Cairoli.

“I hurt my left wrist yesterday, and my ankle injury already made it hard to push in the deep sand. I fought hard to make it happen here and I kept on believing,” said Cairoli. “Two laps before the end my team informed me that i ahd wont he title and it was the most amazing feeling ever. I have now one big goal left and that is to get a good result with the Italian team at the MX of Nations in France.”

Of course Cairoli will again head to Holland, again in the deep sand, but this time a new school circuit at the MotoGP circuit in Assen, and again he will be celebrated as possibly the greatest of all time. The memories this man has given the fans is just out of this world, and looking back on that day in 2005, it really makes you realize what he has achieved.