MXGP

Among the many memories made at the 2018 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship last weekend in Australia the Fox Holeshots rank near the top for those lucky enough to take one.

Three classes raced in Australia leaving 6 FOX Holeshots up for grabs on Sunday:

65cc Junior Motocross World Cup awarded with a voucher of € 1000

Race 1: #479 Vitezslav Marek, CZE

Race 2: #217 Brando Rispoli, ITA

85cc Junior Motocross World Championship awarded with a voucher of € 750

Race 1: #6 Caden Braswell, USA

Race 2: #484 Dave Kooiker, NED

125cc Junior Motocross World Championship awarded with a voucher of € 500

Race 1: #101 Mattia Guadagnini, ITA

Race 2: #47 Bailey Malkiewicz, AUS

The Italian Motorcycle Federation (FMI) has announced their team for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at RedBud, USA this October.

Leading the team will be the 9 time FIM Motocross World Champion from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Antonio Cairoli. Cairoli will manage the wheel in the MXGP class while Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori’s Michele Cervellin will take to MX2 and Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki’s Alessandro Lupino will make his return in the Open class. The same group of riders raced last year’s event at Matterley Basin, UK where they took 7th in the team’s classification.

The 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations will be held this 6th and 7th of October at the famous American circuit of RedBud.

More information about the venue can be found HERE https://www.mxgp.com/tracks/red-bud

Additional Links:

Tickets: https://mxon.motocross-tickets.com/en/22471-motocross-of-nations/

FIM: http://www.fim-live.com/

Event Website: http://redbudmxon.com/

Dutch motocross has many riders who have had major success on the FIM Motocross World Championships. From the 1970’s until current hero Jeffrey Herlings the Dutch fans have had something to cheer about. From Gerrit Wolsink in the 1970’s the Dutch Motocross history began to grow. A handful of World Motocross Championships and more than a hundred GP victories have led the Dutch to the forefront of world motocross on many occasions.

Gerrit Wolsink was the original Dutch hero, winning 13 GP’s in one of the toughest eras of the 500cc class. Racing against names like Roger De Coster, Heikki Mikkola and Brad Lackey, Wolsink finished third in the 1975 and 1977 World 500cc championships and second in 1979. He was also known as the King of the 500cc USGP held at the Carlsbad circuit in America, winning four times at the famous circuit.

Kees Van Der Ven was the big bike rider in Holland in the 1980’s. While he never won a motocross world championship he did win 18 GP’s and finished second in the 1980 250cc championship behind Georges Jobe, then backed that up with third in 1981, 1982 and 1983, he then backed that up with third in the 125cc world championship in 1984. He also finished third in the 500cc championship in 1987.

Dave Strijbos won his world motocross championship in the 125cc class in 1986, he was in fact the first Dutchman to ever win a world title and along with John Van den Berk led the golden era of motocross in Holland. He won 27 Grand Prix’s and Strijbos also finished top three on many occasions. Second in the 125cc class in 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1992 and third in 1993.

John Van Den Berk picked up two motocross world championships, taking his first in 1987 in the 125cc class, and then following that up with victory in the 250cc title in 1988. Van Den Berk also won nine GP’s, seven in the 125cc class and two in the 250 class. Like his fellow countrymen he finished with consistent results in world championship battle. Second in the 125cc class in 1986, followed by first in 1987 (125cc) and 1988 (250cc), and third in the 250cc class in 1989 and 1990.

Pedro Tragter scored his 125cc world championship in 1993. The blonde-haired rider was very consistent at the start of the 1990’s, finishing third in 1991, third in 1992 and third in 1994. Tragter won seven GP’s in his career.

Current king of World motocross Jeffrey Herlings with 81 Grand Prix victories and three world MX2 championships is very much the most successful Dutch motocross racer ever. Many see him as the rider to one day break the records of Stefan Everts, although two years of injury and bad luck have seen his championship tally drop, but not his GP victories.

In two weeks’ time Herlings will try and wrap up the 2018 MXGP championship at his home circuit in Assen, and you can be sure, the country of Holland will celebrate their newest hero and the man who looks like he will lead MXGP for the next decade.

Copyright: photo: Kawasaki

With just over six weeks until the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations heads to RedBud in USA. Team Manager Mark Chamberlain, in conjunction with the ACU Motocross Committee is pleased to announce that the three riders selected to represent Great Britain will be Tommy Searle (MXGP), Ben Watson (MX2) and Max Anstie (MX Open).

Tommy Searle will be lining up to compete in the MXGP class on the Bike It DRT Kawasaki machine. In the past Tommy has proven to be Team GB’s strongest rider at the event and heads into the event as Team GB’s most experienced rider, speaking of his selection Tommy said, “I’m happy to have been chosen to race for my country again as this will be my 10th time doing so. I know what to expect and what it takes, and we will work together as a team and give everything possible!”

The MX2 spot will see Ben Watson make his debut for Team GB at the MXoN, the 21-year-old from Nottingham will be onboard his Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 machine which he is currently sitting fourth in the World MX2 Championship and challenging for the bronze medal. Speaking of his first call up to Team GB, Ben said “I am so motivated to give this opportunity absolutely everything for myself, the whole of GB and everyone who has put their trust in me. I am feeling very privileged to be selected and cannot wait to do all I can along with Max and Tommy to get Team GB on the podium again. Let’s go”

This year Max Anstie will be lining up in the MX Open class on his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine. After taking a double race win at last year’s event Max has proven his ability to be a front runner. Max has taken a number of overall podiums already this season and commented about his selection by saying “I’m really looking forward to the MXoN this year! I’m going to represent my country with pride and try to get us on the box again!”

With three strong riders, Team Manager Mark Chamberlain commented, “This is year has been really tough to pick the team. Lots of different hurdles had to be overcome to get to this decision. I’m pleased with the riders selected and feel it’s a really strong team. I would like to thank the riders selected and the ones who haven’t made it for their professionalism. It’s great to have so many good riders and all of them wanting to be on Team GB!’

AFYON (Turkey) 30 August 2018 – The FIM Motocross World Championship has traveled to Turkey this weekend for the 2018 MXGP of Turkey in Afyon. Last visiting Turkey in 2009, MXGP’s riders will be in for a new test as the venue has changed, even for the veterans who have the Turkish trek in the past.

The Afyon circuit and even its soil is unknown which will force the teams and riders to adapt quickly to find the best bike setup. Last week MXGP took on the Bulgarian circuit of Sevlievo and the week prior the series was in Switzerland. Endurance will be a necessity to finish off the 3 back to back weekends before the following week off.

This round will be the 18th of the 2018 season with only two remaining in the upcoming weeks. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Jorge Prado lead the points over their fellow teammates Antonio Cairoli and Pauls Jonass. MXGP’s points gap has grown the past two races and is now 73 ahead while in MX2 the difference is only 30 points.

Coming to Turkey hopes are high for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings with his ever increasing points lead of now 73 over fellow Red Bull KTM Factory rider Antonio Cairoli. Herlings theoretically could clinch the 2018 title this weekend but would need to achieve 27 more points than Cairoli.

The 9 time champ is far from done fighting however and has fond memories of the Turkish GP after he won the event in the premier class during the 2009 season. Though the venue has changed the fight, speed, and tenacity of the Sicilian remains in full force. Remaining chances for Cairoli to make a real dent in the points chase are few leaving this weekend as one of the most important in season thus far.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle is one of only a few riders with experience racing in Turkey. Currently third in the points the Belgian took his Kawasaki to the podium the past 2 weekends in a row. Hoping to maintain 3rd in the championship but improve his speed to compete for a win Desalle could very well return to the podium for the third time in as many weeks.

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser has been the closest to Herlings in qualifying lap times recently and also in the racing. While Gajser is not consistently matching the pace of the KTM duo he is capable which was shown by his return to the podium in Bulgaria last weekend.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Romain Febvre has been in the battle for the top 5 more often than not recently and with only 3 rounds left this year he will surely have the goal of taking an overall GP and becoming the only non KTM rider other than Desalle to do so. Febvre is yearning for the top step of the podium and could disrupt the championship fight between Cairoli and Herlings along the way.

Also a rider that will be important to watch is Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin who took second in MX2 at the 2009 MXGP of Turkey in Istanbul.

MXGP Championship Top Ten: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 783 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 710 p.; 3. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 581 p.; 4. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 549 p.; 5. Romain Febvre (FRA, YAM), 544 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, HUS), 483 p.; 7. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, KTM), 446 p.; 8. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 393 p.; 9. Jeremy Van Horebeek (BEL, YAM), 373 p.; 10. Max Anstie (GBR, HUS), 313 p.

2009 MXGP of Turkey top 3 MXGP:

1. Antonio Cairoli
2. Steve Ramon
3. David Philippaerts

MXGP Photos

Main Photo: MXGP Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeffrey Herlings; 2. Antonio Cairoli

The MX2 Championship is now at 30 point difference between title contenders Jorge Prado and Pauls Jonass from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. The season that first started with near dominance from Jonass followed by the same from Prado. Now at the final stages the pair have been nearly even and though Prado has taken the last several overalls, the current 3 round stint has only altered the top of the standings by a mere 3 points.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen comes to Turkey after having an amazing performance in Bulgaria. Unnoticed by many the Dane followed up his strong 3rd in race one with a fight from next to last on turn one of race 2 to finish 5th. If Olsen can get 2 good starts this week and combine them with the speed shown in Bulgaria he is a shoe in for the overall podium.

Kemea Yamaha Official MX2 Team’s Ben Watson has struggled the past few GPs after having strong races prior. The reasoning behind Watson’s shift in momentum is unknown but none the less it will be interesting to see wether he can rebound not only this weekend in Turkey through to the end of the season.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Covington left a good impression in Bulgaria with his qualifying win but was unable to better the pace of the KTM boys or his teammate Olsen last Sunday. Covington will look to take the frustration of his Bulgarian result and turn it into an asset for this time out in Turkey.

Two other riders to watch in MX2 this weekend will be the Hondas of Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen and Honda 114 Motorsports Team’s Hunter Lawrence. Vlaanderen who suffered a crash while trying to avoid the downed Ben Watson in Bulgaria didn’t line up for race 2 and will surely be sore and bruised this week. Meanwhile Lawrence took his second podium in two weeks in Bulgaria making it his 3rd of the season.

MX2 Championship Top Ten: 1. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 739 points; 2. Pauls Jonass (LAT, KTM), 709 p.; 3. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 555 p.; 4. Ben Watson (GBR, YAM), 515 p.; 5. Thomas Covington (USA, HUS), 480 p.; 6. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED, HON), 462 p.; 7. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 346 p.; 8. Michele Cervellin (ITA, YAM), 314 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, HUS), 278 p.; 10. Hunter Lawrence (AUS, HON), 267 p.

2009 MXGP of Turkey top 3 MX2:

1. Zachary Osborne
2. Gautier Paulin
3. Marvin Musquin

MX2 Photos

Main Photo: MX2 Start

Bottom Photos: 1. Jorge Prado; Pauls Jonass

All the photos from the MXGP of Turkey will be available HERE

Timetable Local Time (GMT+3):

Saturday: 10h45 MX2 Free Practice, 11h15 MXGP Free Practice, 13h20 MX2 Time Practice, 14h00 MXGP Time Practice, 15h25 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16h10 MXGP Qualifying Race

Sunday: 10h25 MX2 Warm-Up, 10h45 MXGP Warm-Up, 12h15 MX2 Race 1, 13h15 MXGP Race 1, 15h10 MX2 Race 2, 16h10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Turkey

The FIM Motocross World Chamoionship is back in Turkey for the second time, last time was in 2009 and now in 2018 the MXGP series will be held at the breand new track of Afyon. 

This weekend only the MXGP & MX2 Classes will take place and Timetable of the event as well as the entry lists of the classes will be available for download in PDF format here below.

TIMETABLE

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

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 Bulgaria that took place on August the 26^th in Sevlievo Team HRC’s Tim Gajser and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli 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

TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2014 and together with MXGP are running the fastest lap competition across each season.

The way it works is: at each and every round of the MXGP season, the rider that sets the best lap time in each class, MXGP and MX2, will receive 1 point in the TAG Heuer competition. The rider that has set the fastest lap at the most rounds throughout the season in MXGP and MX2 classes, and has the most points, will be awarded.

At the MXGP of Bulgaria held in Sevlievo KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and teammate Pauls Jonass set the TAG HEUER fastest lap in MXGP and MX2 respectively

Here below you have the details:

MXGP: Jeffrey Herlings at Race 2 Lap 5 with 01.50:529

MX2: Pauls Jonass at Race 1 Lap 7 with 01.53:777

Check out MXGP.com home page for the Top 3 TAG Heuer Best Lap competition’s ranking.