Thursday
Mar302017
Wednesday
Mar292017
Here's Mud In Your Eye!
Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 5:26PM German enduro’s mud hole muddy mess!
Two strokes are everywhere and check out the two guys with the hooks.
Monday
Mar202017
Colton Haaker Wins World SuperEnduro
Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11:09AM Colton Haaker Crowned 2017 SuperEnduro World Champion
Colton Haaker has won the 2017 FIM Maxxis SuperEnduro World Championship at the final round of the season on France.
Successfully defending his title, the American put his Husqvarna on the top step of the championship podium for the second year in a row.
- Colton Haaker wins the 2017 SuperEnduro World Championship.
- Alfredo Gomez won the Prestige class overall in France.
- Blake Gutzeit is the new SuperEnduro Junior World Champion.
- Travis Teasdale claimed a debut Junior class overall victory.
- Mike Hartmann is the European Cup champion.
- It was a full house in France, with the arena sold out.
It was a night of celebration for South Africa, with Yamaha mounted Blake Gutzeit winning the SuperEnduro Junior World Championship, while in the European Cup the night and the title belonged to German Mike Hartmann (Husqvarna).
Securing his second consecutive overall podium, KTM’s Alfredo Gomez was the victor in the GP AMV of France Prestige class, while Travis Teasdale (KTM) of South Africa claimed a debut overall in the Junior category.
“Amazing — absolutely incredible to have won my second world title,” told Haaker. “It’s been a great season, there’s been some fantastic battles at every round, so to come away with the #1 plate is fantastic for myself, my family, my mechanic Josh and of course Husqvarna.”
For Gutzeit, the GP AMV of France in Albi, was also a night to saviour when he claimed his debut world crown.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” told Gutzeit. “I’ve worked so hard for this for so long. To become a world champion is an amazing feeling and one that’s not yet really sunk in. It’s going to take some time getting used to that.”
Kicking things off inside the packed to capacity Exhibition Centre of Alibi it was KTM’s Jonny Walker who once again secured the Akrapovic SuperPole, setting the fastest lap time around the demanding course. His SuperPole win in France also earned him the overall Akrapovic SuperPole title.
With just 11 points separating Haaker and Gomez in the title fight, everything was still to play for when the gate dropped in Prestige heat one. However it was Walker who put his KTM out front and managed to secure a comfortable win. Haaker crossed the line in second while Gomez was third.
The reversed start for heat two saw Gomez work his way to the front to take the win. Mistakes in the Motorex Oils Rock Garden held Walker back to an eventual third with Haaker once again picking up second.
Holding a small points buffer entering the final heat, Haaker had the advantage. Gomez was determined to end his night on a high and claimed his second victory of the night to take the overall win. Walker raced his way to second, with Haaker — content in third —crossed the finish line to become world champion.
With Gomez, Walker and Haaker placing 1-2-3 on the night, 2016 SuperEnduro Junior World Champion Manuel Lettenbichler (KTM) delivered his best showing of the season for a very impressive fourth overall thanks to two fourth place results in heats one and two.
Sherco’s Mario Roman ended his night fifth overall with Mike Brown (Husqvarna) completing the top six.
In the Junior class the night ultimately belonged to Gutzeit with the South African claiming his first world title. But it was fellow countryman Teasdale who took the top step of the podium thanks to his 2-3-1 race results.
Frenchman Max Vial had the 4,000 strong crowd on their feet when he delivered a win in heat two to eventually place second overall. Helped in part by his opening heat race win, Gutzeit also ended his night third overall.
Czech rider David Cyprian (KTM) was fourth while Chile’s Ben Herrera (TM) completed the top five.
In the European class Mike Hartmann (Husqvarna) proved unbeatable as he raced his way to a double victory and the European Cup title.
Monday
Mar202017
Future MXoN?
Monday, March 20, 2017 at 10:56AM MXoN – It’s Future!!
Here are some interesting comments, predictions, viewpoints about the future of Moto from mxlarge.com
The Monster Energy Motocross of Nations is the biggest motocross event of the year, and the next five years it is looking like it is going to some pretty cool places.
Of course, this year it will be held at maybe the best circuit on the calendar, Matterley Basin in England, next year we are likely to see it run at Redbud in America (once a deal is made), then 2019 in Assen, Holland, and some are saying it might go to a very good track in South America in 2020.
Sounds pretty good doesn’t it. England, USA, Holland, and Argentina would be a really nice run for this special event. After those there is talk about Teutschenthal in Germany, or Maggoria in Italy again, or maybe where the rebirth of the MXoN happened in 2005, Ernee.
Then you have a long list of circuits lining up to get their shot at the MXoN. The sports in a great place with 19 GPs and the MXoN in a really healthy state. Add the fact the USGP is now finally really going to be a big success, and the AMA Nationals are looking at fighting the expected 25 round AMA Supercross championship.
It’s going to be packed with racing in the future, and I don’t think anyone can really complain about that.
Also, the National championships in Holland, Italy, Germany, Belgium, England, and so many other countries continue to develop good young riders, in a somewhat easier atmosphere compared to previous eras.
Sunday
Mar192017
Gajser, Honda Win Argentina GP
Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 3:13PM Gajser goes 1-1 in Argentina
HRC Factory rider Tim Gajser has gone 1-1 to win the Grand Prix of Argentina. The defending world MXGP champion also took the red plate with a 10 point lead over Antonio Cairoli. Second overall was Jeremy Van Horebeek and Bobryshev third overall.
“I am really happy, the weekend went perfect actually. The second race I had to work for it because Desalle was in front of me. I needed some laps to check the lines and then I was ok.”
Gajser won the opening moto of the MXGP class, at the Grand Prix of Argentina. It was a polished performance from the defending world champion, and a popular one. After the moto three men were within a few points of eachother in the championship, Cairoli, Gajser and Desalle. Exciting times for the MXGP class.
“Actually I am really happy. The track is so sketchy, and Jeremy was behind me all race and I just want to win the second one now.”
Bobryshev and Gajser took the first and second place on turn one, then came Van Horebeek, Tonus, Desalle, and Coldenhoff. Febvre was 11th and Herlings was back in 18th place.
Cairoli makes a mistake and drops back to 28th position. Herlings up to 12th on the first lap, and moving through fast.
Top ten after one lap was Gajser, Van Horebeek, Bobryshev, Desalle, Tonus, COldenhoff, Anstie, Paulin, Strijbos and Nagl.
Herlings in trouble again as he is back in 16th place, Simpson was 13th, and Cairoli up to 21st place.
Gajser is once again controlling the race with a three second lead over Van Horebeek, and Tonus is out of the race after a good start.
Febvre on fire as he moves into fifth place and closed up on the top three guys. Cairoli breezes past Herlings and moves into 13th place, relegating Herlings to 14th.
Top ten after seven laps was Gajser, Van Horebeek, Bobryshev, Desalle, Febvre, Anstie, Jasikonis, Nagl, Paulin and Strijbos.
Febvre is right onto Bobryshev and Desalle, and is looking sure to make the pass on both guys. Cairoli up to 12th place and Herlings still stick in 14th position.
Febvre moves past Bobryshev, and Cairoli moves into ninth place as he passes Simpson. Brilliant riding by the Italian. Paulin makes a brilliant pass on Anstie to move into sixth place.
Herlings made a couple of passes to finish in 12th place.
Gajser wins it from Van Horebeek, and Desalle.
Desalle led early in the second MXGP moto, from Gajser, Bobryshev, Van Horebeek, Paulin, Coldenhoff, Butron, Herlings, Guillod, Febvre and Cairoli.
Cairoli crashed again and dropped well back, a bad day for the legend.
Desalle and Gajser got into a great battle, and Van Horebeek tried to get as close as he could. Gajser too good though as he passes the Kawasaki veteran.
A group of riders now behind Gajser, who had cleared away, but Desalle, Van Horebeek, Bobryshev, Paulin and Febvre start to make their own freight train.
Top ten after seven laps was Gajser, Van Horebeek, Desalle, Bobryshev, Paulin, Febvre, Herlings, Coldenhoff, Nagl and Cairoli.
Cairoli was flying, passes Nagl, Herlings, and Desalle to move into sixth place. Febvre went down and Cairoli continued to make up points.
Bobryshev goes past Van Horebeek, and Herlings moves up to sixth spot, his best finish this year.
Desalle and Febvre back in 9th and 8th and Coldenhoff out of the race with a bike problem. Nagl goes past a tiring Herlings.
Gajser wins it from Bobryshev and Van Horebeek.
MXGP – Race 1 – Classification
1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS Honda 35:25.581
2 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB Yamaha 35:32.731
3 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB Kawasaki 35:36.549
4 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM Yamaha 35:37.820
5 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR Honda 35:39.663
6 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM Husqvarna 35:40.627
7 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU Husqvarna 35:43.907
8 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB Husqvarna 35:44.849
9 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 35:45.592
10 24 Simpson, Shaun GBR ACU Yamaha 35:56.953
11 22 Strijbos, Kevin BEL FMB Suzuki 35:59.284
12 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 36:05.306
13 27 Jasikonis, Arminas LTU LMSF Suzuki 36:07.144
14 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 36:19.421
15 92 Guillod, Valentin SUI FMS Honda 36:24.314
Saturday
Mar182017
Colton Haaker...What Have You Got?
Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 4:21PM Riders seek motivation in many ways, SuperEnduro Colton Haaker found his inspiration for Saturday’s title fight by creating this video “You v’s Can’t”.
Sounds like the champ is coming out swinging — it’s game on for Saturday.
“This is how I have felt every time I have ridden a bike since I was seven years old,” Colton Haaker.
“I made this movie this week instead of doing a daily vlog. Making an actual movie is challenging and much different than a vlog.
“I felt like I needed a little inspiration this week and this speech I found really spoke too me. Hoping to do more movies than just vlogs in the future. Hope you enjoy it.”
Saturday
Mar182017
Gajser wins Argentina MXGP Qualifer
Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 4:15PM Tim Gajser Team Honda
HRC Factory rider Tim Gajser has won the MXGP qualification race with a solid performance at the Grand Prix of Argentina.
“It was good, I really enjoyed, the track is a little sketchy. I took the lead in the first lap and rode my own race. I am looking forward to tomorrow.”
Coldenhoff took a massive holeshot, but Gajser was onto him straight away. Gajser quickly came through to take the lead with Cairoli third. Herlings was well back in 31st, Paulin in 33rd and Nagl 35th. All three going down in the first corner. Desalle was also involved.
After the first lap it was Gajser, Coldenhoff, Cairoli, Van Horebeek, Bobryshev, Salazar, Tixier, Tonus, Butron, Febvre, Simpson, Jasikonis, Strijbos, Goncalves and Lupino in 15th.
Van Horebeek made his way past Cairoli and moved into third place, and then passed Coldenhoff for second place. Herlings and Desalle are on a charge into the top 20 and moving through fast. Tixier crashed out and lost a lot of places.
Herlings and Paulin are in a huge battle as they fight past the competition.
After three laps it’s Gajser with a lead of five seconds, from Van Horebeek, Coldenhoff, Cairoli, Bobryshev, Tonus, Simpson, Strijbos, Jasikonis, Anstie, Salazar, Febvre, Goncalves, Desalle, Lupino, Butron, Paulin, Leok, and Herlings.
Cairoli moves past Coldenhoff and Bobryshev was also onto Coldenhoff. Tonus and Simpson also began to give Coldenhoff a hard time.
After six laps it was Gajser, Van Horebeek, Cairoli, Bobryshev, Coldenhoff, Tonus, Simpson, Strijbos, Jasikonis, Anstie, Febvre, Desalle, Paulin, Butron, and Nagl in 15th place.
The guys who got caught up in the first corner, Desalle, Paulin, Nagl and Herlings held 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th places.
With two laps to go a bunch of riders were looking to continue the relegation of Coldenhoff as Simpson, Anstie and Febvre line up behind him.
Gajser was just so much better than anyone else, with a six second lead. Tonus was looking good in fourth place, and his team-mate Simpson was back in 8th place.
Gajser wins it from Van Horebeek, and Cairoli.
MXGP – Qualifying Race – Classification
1 243 Gajser, Tim SLO AMZS Honda 24:37.502
2 89 Van Horebeek, Jeremy BEL FMB Yamaha 24:41.786
3 222 Cairoli, Antonio ITA FMI KTM 24:43.363
4 4 Tonus, Arnaud SUI FMS Yamaha 24:53.625
5 777 Bobryshev, Evgeny RUS MFR Honda 24:54.469
6 22 Strijbos, Kevin BEL FMB Suzuki 24:55.209
7 27 Jasikonis, Arminas LTU LMSF Suzuki 24:59.496
8 24 Simpson, Shaun GBR ACU Yamaha 25:02.813
9 99 Anstie, Max GBR ACU Husqvarna 25:04.382
10 461 Febvre, Romain FRA FFM Yamaha 25:05.785
11 259 Coldenhoff, Glenn NED KNMV KTM 25:11.073
12 12 Nagl, Maximilian GER DMSB Husqvarna 25:17.337
13 21 Paulin, Gautier FRA MCM Husqvarna 25:19.355
14 25 Desalle, Clement BEL FMB Kawasaki 25:23.351
15 84 Herlings, Jeffrey NED KNMV KTM 25:24.819
Saturday
Mar182017
Tour Fly Racing and WPS
Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 3:59PM
Take a tour of the Fly Racing/WPS headquarters in Boise, Idaho. Fly is so much more than just dirt bike riding gear be sure to check out the hard parts display. After watching this tour who wouldn't want to be part of the Fly Racing family? Follow along as Kyle Gills give you an in depth look at the facility, including the marketing department, gym, their massive warehouse, and most importantly, the company track.
Wednesday
Mar152017
Haaker Goes For Championship
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 4:17PM Haaker aiming for SuperEnduro championship glory in France
Defending World Champion Colton Haaker (Husqvarna) enters the final round of the Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Champion with a virtual grasp on 2017 title.
But with close rivals Alfredo Gomez (KTM) and Jonny Walker (KTM) close behind, everything is still to play for in Albi, France on Saturday March 18.
After three rounds in Krakow (Poland), Riesa (Germany) and especially Bilbao (Spanish Basque Country), the 2017 SuperEnduro World Championship will see its outcome this Saturday inside the Parc des Expositions in Albi for the grand finale.
Last time out in Spain the gap between the first three tightened considerably. Colton HAAKER (USA - Husqvarna) is still the point's leader, but he had a lot of difficulties in Bilbao. A catalogue of mistakes saw him drop to third overall on the night. With 11 points in hand over GOMEZ, expect HAAKER to come out swinging to make amend and take victory off his game.
Spain's Alfredo GOMEZ (E - KTM), who was the true hero of Bilbao, is now fired up and ready for battle following his debut overall podium in the sport. Clearly in the form of his life, GOMEZ is determined to go one step better and win his first world title.
WALKER, who has been in the spotlight since the start of the season, raised the bar at the Bizkaia Arena in Bilbao after preparing for two months with the six-time world champion Taddy BLAZUSIAK (PL - KTM). The KTM rider is now only 19 points behind and with 63 up for grabs — he's not to be counted out just yet.
The suspense will be at its peak, especially with plenty of riders capable of shaking things up. Spain's Mario ROMAN (Sherco) has been continually knocking on the door of a podium result and sees France as his final chance to do it. SuperEnduro rookie Pascal RAUCHENECKER (AUT - Husqvarna) had a tough run in Bilbao and seeks to make amends.
You will also have to count on the 2016 Junior World Champion Manuel LETTENBICHLER (D - KTM), who is eyeing a place in the final top five, or on US legend Mike BROWN (Husqvarna), back to business after missing the third round in Bilbao and intends to improve on his eight overall.
Eloi SALSENCH (E - Beta), Rannar UUSNA (EST - KTM), David LEONOV (R - Husqvarna), Diogo VIEIRA (P - Beta), Xavi LEON (E - Husqvarna), Jose Maria JUAN BERNABEU (E - Beta), John NYSTRÖM (S - KTM) will all play a factor in the French finale. In addition, the Frenchman Aurélien ADDESSO (Beta) will hope to shine during his Grand Prix so he could crack the top 10 championship.
SuperEnduro Juniors
In Juniors Blake GUTZEIT (RSA - Yamaha) has a provisional seven-point lead over his closet rival in the provisional classification when his four worst scores are dropped (Junior rule only). As the overall winner in Germany and Spain, GUTZEIT has established himself as the rider to beat in 2017. With one round left to go, he has a virtual grasp on the #1 plate. However Chile's Benjamin HERRERA (TM) showed during round three that nothing is certain and he hasn't given up hope of becoming champion.
While GUTZEIT and HERRERA are certain to settle the title between them, there is a strong contingent of riders able to cause an upset between these two protagonists, starting with David CYPRIAN (CZ - KTM), Gethin HUMPHREYS (GB - Husqvarna), Travis TEASDALE (RSA - KTM), Ignacio FERNANDEZ (E - Husqvarna) and Frenchman Max VIAL (Husqvarna) — who is looking for his first podium in SuperEnduro. Paul BURY (F - Sherco) will push hard for his home fans. With a dozen riders capable of blurring the plans of the favourites, the racing will be fierce.
FIM European Cup
After the opening round in Poland, the outcome of the European SuperEnduro Cup is also going to be decided this Saturday. Mike HARTMANN (D - Husqvarna) starts as the favourite and is helped in part by the absence of his great rival Tomas HOSTINSKY (SK - Husqvarna). However, Germans Marcel TEUCHER (KTM) and Felix BRAEUR (KTM), who are not far from HARTMANN in the general standings, can snatch victory away from him.
With no less than 10 French riders entered in Europe, the home crowd have a lot to cheer for. Determined to impress on the world stage, Joffrey MARIN (Kawasaki), Loïc PEZZUTTI (Beta), Sébastien BOURNEIX (Kawasaki), Romain CORDIER (Beta), Anthony MARTINEZ (KTM), Julien BESOMBES (KTM), Gabin COLRAT (KTM), Florent ROUZIES (Husqvarna), Thibault MARTEAU (Husqvarna) and Adrien JACON (KTM) will battle for top honours.
Stage set for Albi
For the very first time since they took over the reins of the SuperEnduro promotion at the end of 2012, the ABC Communication team decided, in partnership with the Moto Club of the Circuit of Albi, to embark on a complete organisation of a Grand Prix in order to allow this championship to evolve on French soil.
As early as December 2015, Alain and Bastien BLANCHARD (ABC Communication) have decided to try the adventure and had quickly made contact with the President of the Moto Club of the Circuit of Albi, Nicole FUENTES. Things quickly became enthusiastic for the two entities who, helped by a local team composed by Jean-Louis MALRIC, Evrard GUTKIN and Jean-Bernard BARDY with the expertise of Sébastien FORTANIER, quickly set up an attractive and spectacular track for spectators and riders.
To ensure the show, ABC Com and the Moto Club have chosen as the framework for this grand finale 2017 the Parc des Expositions of Albi, which can welcome up to 4,000 people on Saturday evening. Close to the road racing circuit of Albi, this hall has for many years been hosting many festive and commercial events.
The 4,000-seater Parc des Expositions in Albi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located less than 80 kilometres from Toulouse, should undoubtedly be occupied in an atmosphere of competitive race action, highlighted by HAAKER, GOMEZ and WALKER battling for the world title.
With the outcome of the 2017 Maxxis FIM SuperEnduro World Championship still yet to be decided, the 4,000 strong French fans will be in for a real treat. Can HAAKER land his second consecutive world title or will KTM's armada of GOMEZ and WALKER cause an upset to the defending champion? With racing kicking off in Albi on Saturday evening from 20.00, we don't have long to wait.
Wednesday
Mar152017
Coming To America...fuel-injected KTM 250 EXC-TPI
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 11:55AM
The engine of the fuel-injected KTM 250 EXC-TPI. You can see the right-side injector located behind the power valve over
Press Release: KTM is pleased to mark a major global milestone by announcing that it will unveil the world’s first serial production fuel injection two-stroke Enduro machines at an official launch this coming May. The KTM 250 EXC-TPI and KTM 300 EXC-TPI models will be introduced to the global market as part of the model year 2018 lineup, while the 250 XCW-TPI model will be introduced to the U.S. and Canadian markets.
The Austrian manufacturer is well-known for its revolutionary advancements in technology and now the game-changer is finally here with two-stroke fuel injection Enduro models being launched as part of the 2018 EXC range. With KTM’s unwavering commitment to being at the very forefront of offroad motorcycle sport, in which the orange brand has achieved many championship wins over the years, the latest, exciting development in technology has come to fruition.
It has been no secret that KTM’s Research and Development department in Mattighofen, Austria, has been developing this technology, which offers considerable benefits over carbureted models including drastically reduced fuel consumption while also no-longer having the need to pre-mix fuel or alter the machine’s jetting. Not only that, the new two-stroke TPI models offer a completely new experience in terms of power delivery and rideability, which once again demonstrates KTM’s commitment to its offroad roots, continuing on from the all-new generation of Enduro machines released last year. As market leaders in this segment, KTM believes the new 2-stroke fuel injection technology, known as TPI (Transfer Port Injection), is revolutionary. More information will be available during the international media launch, which begins on May 15, 2017.
Joachim Sauer, KTM Product Marketing Manager: “This is an incredibly exciting development for KTM. We have been developing 2-stroke fuel injection for some time and our goal was to create competitive motorcycles with all the benefits of fuel injection, while fitting into our READY TO RACE mantra. There has been extensive testing and considerations for our Research and Development team to take into account during this process, so we are very motivated by this next step and world-first in technology, as we take a major step forward in this segment. We are certainly looking forward to unveiling the new 2018 KTM 250 EXC-TPI and KTM 300 EXC-TPI machines in May. In Europe the bikes will arrive at the dealer floors in early summer, and in the U.S. and Canada, the new 2018 250 XCW-TPI will be available in very limited quantities in late fall.”