MX2

The MXGP of Bulgaria kicked off this morning with the welcome event held at the Sevlievo circuit. On stage to open the event were Mr. David Luongo, Vice President of Youthstream, Dr. Wolfgang SRB FIM Europe President, Mr. Rumen Petkov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Grand Prix of Bulgaria, Associate Professor Stoyan Andonov, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ivan Ivanov, Mayor of the municipality of Sevlievo, Ms. Iglika Sabeva, Member of Parliament, Ms. Nevena Petkovam, District Governor, Eng. Rosen Tsvetkov, Vice Regional Governor, and Mr. Dimitar Rangelov, the Vice President of the BFM who welcomed the thousands of spectators onsite and expressed their positive feelings to have the FIM Motocross World Championship back in Sevlievo with several speeches followed by the national anthem. 

SEVLIEVO (Bulgaria) 25 August 2018 - MXGP’s first day at Sevlievo for the 2018 MXGP of Bulgaria has wrapped with impressive Qualifying race wins from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

Sevlievo, Bulgaria’s hillsides combined with hard packed soil and changing moisture levels challenged all the riders on track. The layout and varying line options added to the racing action. Aside from the constant classes of MXGP and MX2 today was complemented by the FIM Europe racing of EMX250 and EMX300 presented by FMF Racing.

Starting the day with Race 1 was EMX300 presented by FMF Racing at what is the penultimate round of the championship. Jumping to the holeshot and early lead was GL12 Racing’s Mike Kras while red plate holder Brad Anderson slotted into second on his Verde Substance KTM. Erik Willems ran third with Youri van t Ende in 4th. The top 3 remained in their starting positions throughout the race but Vaclav Kovar took 4th from van t Ende on the second lap holding it to the finish while Kras took the race win.

EMX250 Race 1 was the last event on track today following the two Qualifying races of MXGP and MX2. The track had developed massively since the morning practice sessions but the fastest Qualifier from Time Practice, BUD Racing Monster Energy’s Brian Moreau, carried his speed into the race leading from lap one over current red plate holder Mathys Boisrame on his Honda RedMoto Assomotor bike. LRT KTM’s Tom Vialle pressured Boisrame for second but never made the pass while REVO Husqvarna UK’s Mel Pocock collided with another rider sending the Brit down and damaging his bike enough to result in a DNF. At the finish it was a win for Moreau, the first of his EMX250 career.

MXGP’s points leader Jeffrey Herlings and his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine continued the dominant form from the previous races into today’s qualifying. On the start he jumped to the early lead ahead of Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle.

Last week’s MXGP Qualifying Race winner from Switzerland, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli, crossed the finish in 4th position after the first official lap and had Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre just behind.

Cairoli’s fellow Italian and friend, Gebben Van Venroy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino, was 6th but had Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Seewer coming up fast. By lap 2 Seewer was up to 6th and Lupino pulled out of the race.

At the front Gajser was right with Herlings for the first few laps before the Dutchman started to check out. Gajser quickly lost track of the “Bullet” but maintained his gap over Desalle. Cairoli dropped 4th to Febvre on lap six and faded back while the Frenchman hounded Desalle for 3rd.

Cairoli managed to maintain 6th but perhaps saved energy for tomorrow’s point paying races. Febvre on the other hand didn’t hold back but was still unable to get by the #25 from Belgium. Seewer lost 6th to the hard charging Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider of Max Anstie on lap 7 and then lost out to the other Rockstar Energy Husqvarna of Gautier Paulin 3 laps later.

On the final lap Herlings continued his charge and put in the fastest lap of the race to take the race win by over 19 seconds. Gajser took second with a lap time 3 seconds slower while Desalle took 3rd ahead of Febvre and Cairoli.

Jeffrey Herlings: “I felt good on track. I’m really enjoying my time being here and I’m definitely looking forward to racing tomorrow, hopefully I get 2 good starts and we will go from there.”

Team Honda RedMoto Assomotors’ Petar Petrov took 14th in what is his home GP to which he said: “It feels nice, we haven’t been here for about 4 years. It is great to be back and great to be home. It is also nice for the spectators to see the World Championship and good for the sport in Bulgaria.”

MXGP Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 24:22.681; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, Honda), +0:19.787; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:24.281; 4. Romain Febvre (FRA, Yamaha), +0:33.807; 5. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), +0:38.814; 6. Max Anstie (GBR, Husqvarna), +0:45.959; 7. Gautier Paulin (FRA, Husqvarna), +0:47.883; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, Yamaha), +0:52.810; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, Yamaha), +0:55.022; 10. Julien Lieber (BEL, Kawasaki), +0:57.569.

MXGP Photos

Main Photo: Jeffrey Herlings

Bottom Photos: 1. MXGP Start 2. Tim Gajser

MX2 Qualifying was started with a holeshot by none other than Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado. Prado led Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington with fellow Red Bull KTM teammate Pauls Jonass in 3rd.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen continued the Austrian manufacturers’ sandwich in 4th while Calvin Vlaanderen’s Team HRC CRF250 joined the top 5.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Anthony Rodriguez was 6th but by lap 2 had Honda 114 Motorsports’ Hunter Lawrence pushing for the position. Meanwhile it was Covington who was doing the same to Prado for the lead and hoping for a mistake from the young Spaniard.

On lap 5 Lawrence found his way past Rodriguez who immediately tried to retaliate but was unsuccessful. Covington was next to take a position but it was from Prado and for the lead. Prado was unable to pass Covington back in the remaining laps giving the American the Qualifying win. Prado maintained 2nd while Jonass took third, Olsen took 4th and Vlaanderen rounded out the top 5.

Thomas Covington: “It was a little more difficult to find a way to pass out there than I expected so for me the only way really was to apply pressure and hope for small a mistake so I could get around him. I’m looking forward to the races tomorrow and I hope to get a good start again, I just would really like to beat Jorge out of the gate, it is not so easy but that is a big goal for me tomorrow, I want to get 2 holeshots and then it comes a lot easier.”

Hunter Lawrence: “It was really good, I liked the track from the start and had a pretty good feeling on it. It should be good for tomorrow, I feel good, hopefully I can get a bit better start and go from there.”

MX2 Qualifying Race Top Ten: 1. Thomas Covington (USA, Husqvarna), 25:08.671; 2. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), +0:02.615; 3. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), +0:04.281; 4. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, Husqvarna), +0:10.340; 5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, Honda), +0:18.398; 6. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, Honda), +0:25.301; 7. Anthony Rodriguez (VEN, Yamaha), +0:39.556; 8. Marshal Weltin (USA, Kawasaki), +0:43.879; 9. Stephen Rubini (FRA, KTM), +0:45.777; 10. Maxime Renaux (FRA, Yamaha), +0:50.288.

MX2 Photos

Main Photo: Thomas Covington

Bottom Photos: 1. Jorge Prado; 2. Pauls Jonass

Click here to obtain the complete results

All the photos of the MXGP of Bulgaria will be available HERE

MXGP of Bulgaria – QUICK FACTS

Circuit length: 1,680m

Type of ground: Hard Pack

Temperature: 38°

Weather conditions: Sunny

MXGP will be available across the board in high definition and is also globally available to view live and in HD on MXGP-TV.com. Click here for the complete list of countries and cooperating MXGP broadcasting networks.

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT+3)

Sunday: 09h20 EMX300 Race 2, 10h25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10h45 MXGP Warm-Up,11h30 EMX250 Race 2, 13h15 MX2 Race 1, 14h15 MXGP Race 1, 16h10 MX2 Race 2, 17h10 MXGP Race 2

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of Bulgaria

HORSHAM (Australia) 24 August 2018 - The FIM Junior Motocross World Championship has kicked off in Australia for the 2018 edition of the event. Showcasing the best young riders around the world as they race for their chance to be crowned Junior World Champion all while represent their country. The unique event combines both the traditional individual style of motocross and with a patriotic team aspect. Often referred to them as the future of motocross, the riders of the Junior World Championship are the most competitive young riders in the classes of 125cc and 85cc along with those fighting for the 65cc World Cup.

Warm temperatures have Horsham’s circuit, and Australia as a whole for that matter, will be hosting a motocross event of this type for the first time in history. Horsham itself is a regional city in the Wimmera region of western Victoria with a population of about 17,000 and a very relaxed atmosphere located on a bend of the Wimmera River 300 kilometers from Melbourne.

This evening riders and teams from 22 countries attended the opening ceremony at Horsham Town Hall to get the weekend rolling. While the biggest applause went to the home riders of the Team Australia, their competition will be strong. The opening ceremony also included Special Program at the beginning with a traditional performance from Aboriginal Australians.

Along with the performance and team presentation this evening FIM/CMS Director Tony Skillington, Youthstream Representative Patricia Maskarova, President of Horsham Motorcycle Club Kenny Watts, and Mayor of Horsham Cr Pam Clarke took the stage where Mr. Watts wished all the best as it is only the start of a successful career such as that of Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP’s Jeremy Sewer who finished 3rd in the event during 2009 but has since gone on to join the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP Team. Cr Pam Clarke followed to thank everyone who has come to Horsham, a city that is proud and glad to host the best young riders in the world.

In the 125cc class several top level and experience riders from around the globe all capable of becoming 2018 Junior World Champion. Team USA will field the strong Max Miller against current European Championship leader Thibault Benistant from France along with the Netherlands’ Raivo Dankers, Rick Elzinga, and Raf Meuwissen. Adding to the list of possible winners is 2017 85cc Junior World Champion Eddie Jay Wade from the UK plus Czech Republic’s Petar Polak and Italy’s Mattia Guadagnini.

The 85cc class hosts well know riders also and will be extremely competitive with the new EMX85 Champion Camden Mc Lellan from South Africa going against the American, Ryder Difrancecso and the Belgian, Liam Everts. A further look into the entry list however bring even more competition for the podium to mind with the strong Dutch youth of Kay Karssemakers and Kay De Wolf or even Spain’s Raul Sanchez.

While both the other classes of 125cc and 85cc have many returning or proven talent the 65cc Junior World Cup class is full of young and relatively unknown talents who are each trying to put leave their names at the top of the results. Racers to look out for include the newly crowned EMX65 Champion Brando Rispoli from Italy and young female superstar Lotte Van Drunen from the Netherlands.

Now well into the Australian night Friday is complete and the first riders will be on track tomorrow morning. Updates from Australia can be found via our live timing HERE, www.mxgp.com, Facebook, Twitter, as well as Instagram plus don’t forget to subscribe to our MXGP-TV YouTube Channel HERE for free video content.

In the meantime click HERE to watch the postcard from Horsham and HERE to see the welcome message while by clicking HERE you can download the timetable of the event in PDF format.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Junior MX World Championship

Dear Motocross Fan,

The VIP lifestyle continues at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, which will be the biggest event of the year! Due to the massive demand at this year’s event at RedBud on October the 5^th, 6^th and 7th a new VIP experience has been added to the mix, the Holeshot Club will be the last option to experience the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in VIP style with access to exclusive areas!

The biggest names in motocross will be racing at RedBud this October for the pride of their home nations! With the strongest Team USA in years and the multi-time and defending champions of Team France plus stars such as Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Team HRC’s Ken Roczen adding to team Netherlands and Team Germany the competitiveness is at the max. Tens of thousands of the most passionate and enthusiastic fans will create the atmosphere only possible at a Motocross of Nations event.

Both other previous options, VIP GOLD SKYBOX and VIP SILVER have already sold out and Holeshot Club tickets won’t last long either!

The MXoN Holeshot Club VIP includes the following:

• General Admission (multi-day pass)
• Paddock/Pit Pass (with access Friday starting at 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday) - where all the riders are during the weekend
• VIP parking
• Access to the trackside viewing tent - located between Pit-Lane and the massive ski jump
• Live TV feed
• Snacks and soft drinks Saturday
• Catered lunch and soft drinks Sunday
• Official Event Program

Don’t miss out, Holeshot Club Passes will be gone quickly so purchase yours today!

- Click HERE for more details on the Holeshot Club - Adult Ticket: 

https://mxon.motocross-tickets.com/en/22471-motocross-of-nations/product/31801-488541-Holeshot-Club-Adult-Ages-12-and-up/

- Click HERE for more details on the Holeshot Club - Kid Ticket: 

https://mxon.motocross-tickets.com/en/22471-motocross-of-nations/product/31801-488571-Holeshot-Club-Child/

MXGP keeps running the FOX Holeshot competition trough the rounds of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season together with MXGP Partner FOX.

The way it works is that 1 point is awarded per MXGP or MX2 championship race. The first rider who cross the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be given a point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders – one per category - with the most FOX Holeshot points will win a mega prize.

At the MXGP of Switzerland Presented by iXS that took place on August the 19^th in Frauenfeld-Gachnang Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli and Julien Lieber took the FOX Holeshots in MXGP in Race 1 and Race 2 respectively while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado took both FOX Holeshots in MX2.

Watch the FOX Holeshot Films

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

After a four-year break from the MXGP calendar, the beautiful circuit of Sevlievo is back this year, and most people inside the GP paddock are excited to return to the small village out in the countryside.

Sevlievo, known for many years as one of the best Motocross facilities in the World returns this weekend. Just outside the city of Sevlievo this weekend’s 17th round of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship should bring more surprises as the hard-pack riders come into their own.

Names like Clement Desalle, Gautier Paulin, Jeremy Seewer and Jorge Prado might enjoy this circuit more than others. Paulin, goes for his third victory at Sevlievo, having won there in 2012 and 2013.

Herlings and Cairoli both have good records in Bulgaria, with Cairoli winning in the MX2 class 2007 and the MXGP in 2014, and Herlings winning MX2 the last two years it was run at Sevlievo, in 2013 and 2014. Cairoli has been to this circuit on eight occasions and Herlings five occasions.

It all started though long before these two great riders were on the scene. Way back in 2002, when three Motocross legends, Joel Smets (500cc), Mickael Pichon (250cc) and Alex Puzar (125cc) won the first time the Grand Prix of Bulgaria was played out.

It would begin a relationship with this magnificent facility that would carry right though until this weekend, when the 16th round of the FIM Motocross World Championships will be played out.

Since that 2002 debut in Sevlievo there have been many magic moments at the circuit on the hillside.

In 2003 when Everts (MotocrossGP), Smets (650cc) and Mickael Maschio (125cc) won their respective classes. 2004 there was no Bulgarian Grand Prix, and in 2005 also missed out, however in 2006 it was Dutchman Marc De Reuver who won a wet and wild MX2 class in Bulgaria, while the King Stefan Everts won the MX1 class.

In 2007 Yamaha dominated as Josh Coppins and Antonio Cairoli won their classes, both with 1-1 scores. A Year later, in 2008, Italian David Philippaerts (Yamaha) won the MX1 class with 1-2 and British rider Tommy Searle (KTM) won the MX2 class with 2-1.

In 2009 Josh Coppins was back in form, going 2-2 for victory in the MX1 class and Marvin Musquin went 1-2 for the win in MX2. 2010 was special for KTM as Max Nagl scored the MX1 victory and Marvin Musquin beat home a long list of future champions as he won the MX2 class ahead of two youngsters called Ken Roczen and Jeffrey Herlings (Herlings making his GP debut). The qualification race that year was one of the best races I have ever seen as the big three went at it.

2011 and Belgian hardman Clement Desalle (Suzuki) scored victory in the MX1 class with 2-1 scores and KTM’s new signing Ken Roczen went 1-1 for the win in MX2. Gautier Paulin showed he was more than ready for the MX1 boys with victory in 2012, and England’s Tommy Searle got another win in Bulgaria with 3-1 in the MX2 class, beating Herlings who went 2-2.

In 2013 and like Searle had done the previous year, Paulin scored his second win at the hard-packed circuit, taking 1-2 results to the top of the podium and in MX2 it was Jeffrey Herlings who went 1-1 and finally won at the Bulgarian facility.

The final year in Bulgaria was 2014, and it was Cairoli in MXGP and Herlings in MX2 who go the wins. And now, we return in 2018, as Herlings goes for his third straight win at Sevlievo, and others look to stop his domination in the premier class.

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer 

The eighth 2018 issue of a monthly motorcycle sport magazine with some of the best interviews, features and Blogs from the heart of MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and WorldSBK as well as tests and reviews of bikes and products from the motorcycling industry. In OTOR #178: Where it really counts; we talk with FIM Int Medical Commission Director Dave McManus on saving lives, medical facilities, training & doping in racing. New edge for sharper edge; how and why Johann Zarco has developed a fascinating new training tool to try and grasp that maiden MotoGP victory. The Next Hope: Calvin Vlaanderen; there are three good reasons why you should read about and discover more on the South African and HRC’s fresh MXGP talent. The Racing Range; photos from MotoGP, Blogs from Suzuka 8hrs, AMA Motocross, MXGP Switzerland and plenty more inside.

Read the issue 178 HERE!