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Fans gear up for non-stop entertainment at this year’s MotoGP™

Filed Under: News, Road Racing

Fans can get even closer to the edge this year, with the world’s best riders set to fight it out for the chequered flag at the Michelin® Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix 2018, 26 – 28 October.
 
The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit sets the perfect scene for racing on two wheels, and this year’s event is set to be better than ever with a bumper line-up of entertainment both on and off track.   
 
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott, can’t wait for the likes of Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and Australia’s very own Jack Miller to hit our shores for the ultimate showdown.
 
“In addition to the international MotoGP™, Moto2™, Moto3™ on-track action, not to mention Australian Superbikes and the Australian Supersport 300, this year’s off-track entertainment line-up will have fans spoilt for choice. With everything from a lively GP Expo, fan stages and food trucks to RAAF aerial displays and the Junior GP, we have something for everyone,” Westacott said.
 
Secure bike parking exists for all fans riding their bikes, but for those still deciding on their travel options, from as little as $39 you could be on your way to the Island via Catch-A-Coach. Forget parking costs and designated drivers and jump on a five-star coach and be driven straight to the track and back again in comfort.
 
For the locals, the Community Day is back again, with Bass Coast Shire residents receiving complimentary General Admission to the event on Friday.
 
Fans can once again expect a jam-packed entertainment schedule, with the popular GP Expo precinct brimming with unique memorabilia and new products, as well as a decked out Urban Alley, housing the Urban Chop Shop, Urban Artists and the Custom Plates Urban Garage.
 
A BMX stunt show will thrill onlookers, and fans will be flocking to the Fan Forum stages to meet their heroes and have their merchandise signed by the stars of MotoGP™.
 
With so much happening on the ground, don’t forget to look up to the sky and take in the show-stopping acrobatics of the Royal Australian Air Force aerial displays.
 
Free all for all fans, the Red Bull Fan Cave will house some of the best seats on Gardner Straight and bring together a MotoGP™ gaming experience, live DJ and outdoor balcony area within arm’s reach of the racing action.
 
With admission for kids 14 and under free*, they will be thrilled to see the Junior GP by Honda back again, giving junior racers a chance to test their skills at a purpose-built circuit in Gardner Village.
 
MotoGP™ fans are covered this year with six brand new weather-protected shelters positioned near Bass Straight and Lukey Heights grandstands, Turns 1 and 8, as well as more in the Highside campground.
 
The Gardner Premium Grandstand has also had a makeover, offering undercover seating in a prime position. Overlooking the start/finish line and Pit Lane, fans are in the hot seat with superior views of the bikes as they roar out of Turn 12 and along the Gardner Straight, before disappearing into Turn 1.
 
The Campgrounds have just stepped up a gear, with Pre-Pitched Tents now available. Located in the Highside Family Friendly Campground, enjoy the convenience of a tent already set up and waiting for you – simply choose from Single, Twin, Triple or Quad share.
 
With more amenities and showers, improved ground protection, as well as live music across the three nights, there’s never been a better time to complete your Phillip Island MotoGP™ experience and camp next to the circuit.
 
Tickets are selling fast and with plenty of accommodation options remaining down at the Island, so now is the time to grab your mates and head down for an epic, adrenalin-fuelled weekend away!
 
*Kids 14 and under go free with any Adult General Admission ticket.

 

Toby Price is FIM Cross-Country Rally World Champion

Filed Under: News, Road Racing

After five days of intense racing and more than 1,250 kilometres of special stages, Toby Price (KTM) could hardly believe that he had not only won the last race of the season but he had also been crowned FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion.

In the quad category, Aleksandr Maksimov (Yamaha) managed to come through to take the FIM Quad Cross-Country World Championship, despite a number of difficulties. The title of FIM Junior Cross-Country champion returns to Maciej Giemza (KTM Orlen).

Wind and clouds greeted riders at the finish of the Rally of Morocco, the stage finish located a few kilometres from Ifrane at around 2,000 metres above sea level. But the chilly weather did not dampen the festive mood of the riders who crossed the finish line.

Toby Price (KTM) opened the road on the two stages that were held on the last day and won the rally and the FIM world title. “It’s been a long time since I won,” said the amicable Australian.

“If I had been told in Abu Dhabi that I would win the title of World Champion, I would have laughed. I had landed heavily jumping a broken dune and was suffering terribly with my back. It was not the best way to start the championship. I often came close to winning, but this time I had the Baraka and it feels really good!”

Second-placed Matthias Walkner (KTM) loved the new format of the Rally of Morcoco organised by David Castera. “I really appreciated all the stages,” said the Austrian. “They were a mixture of pebbles, sand, dunes and difficult navigation. The road book was well done and accurate. Finishing second on the podium gives me confidence for the races to come…”

American rider Ricky Brabec (Honda) finished in third place and he enjoyed the Rally of Morocco. “The terrain looks a bit like California,” he said. “And the road book was well laid out. The race was hard and we went from the extreme heat of the desert to the cold and the rain, but I’m happy to be at the finish.”

After a good start to the season, Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) had to cede the status of number one to his friend Toby Price. The sporting and smiling runner-up said: “I am second in the championship. It is a beautiful place and I’m happy because I finished every race on the podium…except here! The last few months have been very intense. We ran four races and my team did a great job, so I thank them for that.”

While a group of Moroccan musicians lit up the atmosphere in the Berber tent, all the riders reflected on the race and spared a thought for the Argentinian duo of Kevin Benavides (Honda) – who retired on the first day with thigh bruising – and Franco Caimi (Yamaha), who was less fortunate and fractured his right femur on the fourth stage.

There was no luck either for Xavier de Soultrait (Yamaha), who had a mechanical problem in the last stage and Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha), who fell in the final kilometres and still finished sixth overall.

Aleksandr Maksimov (Yamaha) won the quad category and the FIM Quad Cross-Country World Cup title, despite breaking his saddle support in the Marathon stage.

“I had to find a stake to make a splint,” said the Russian. “Then I had to ride the 350km standing.” Turning to Rafal Sonik (Yamaha), he continued: “I warmly thank Rafal because he helped me yesterday and, without him, I would not have finished the race. As for the title, I don’t know what to say..I don’t know what I feel…”

After a very good season, the Junior title returned to Maciej Giemza (KTM Orlen). “I congratulate Toby for his achievement. He is the fastest rider at the moment. To become like him, I will have to train a little more,” the Pole said with a smile.

Official Ranking of SS5

1.Ricky Brabec (Honda) 2hrs 31min 56sec
2.Toby Price (KTM) @12sec
3.Matthias Walkner (KTM) @17sed
4.Sam Sunderland (KTM) @ 1min 59sec
5.Paulo Gonçalves (Honda) @ 2min
6.Stefan Svitko (KTM) @ 6min 49sec
7.Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) @ 7min 13sec
8.Andrew Short (Husqvarna) @ 8min 18sec
9.Adrian Van Beveren (Yamaha) @ 8min 51sec
10.Lorenzo Santolino (Sherco TVS) @ 10min 03sec

Official General Classification

1.Toby Price (KTM) 16hrs 08min 37sec
2.Matthias Walkner (KTM) @ 7min 32sec
3.Ricky Brabec (Honda) @ 16min 35sec
4.Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna) @ 34min 52sec
5.Paulo Gonçalves (Honda) @ 49min 14sec
6.Adrian Van Beveren (Yamaha) @ 57nin 03sec
7.Andrew Short (Husqvarna) @ 1hr 24min 17sec
8.Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) @ 1hr 25min 58sec
9.Sam Sunderland (KTM) @ 2hrs 10min 24sec
10.Stefan Svitko (KTM) @2hrs 20min 34sec

FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Bike
1.Toby Price 91 pts
2.Pablo Quintanilla 85 pts
3.Walkner Matthias 75 pts

FIM Quad Cross-Country World Cup
1.Aleksandr Maksimov 105 pts
2.Rafal Sonik 61 pts
3.Nicolas Cavigliasso 56 pts

FIM Junior Cross-Country World Cup
1.Maciej Giemza 90 pts
2.Jose Ignacio Cornejo 84 pts
3.Luciano Benavides 51 pts

FIM Veteran Trophy
1.Rafal Sonik 75 pts
2.Kees Koolen 47 pts
3.Benjamin Young 37 pts

2018 Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award Winners

Filed Under: Motocross, News

The Tasmanian Coastal MX Club was Host at the picturesque Sunny Penguin Motocross Track for 2018 AJMXC. In an unprecedented occasion the 2018 Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award has been Won by two young 50cc competitors in Qld’s Jaxon Downing and SA’s Levi Rossi, who both win the $950 package being a $300 Spectacular Holden On Tight Sportsman Spirit Award Trophy and $450 Ogio Embroiled Gear Bag (thanks to Lusty Industries) and $200 prize money.

On Wednesday Jaxon rolled up to his gate and his young mate Levi rolled up alongside and thought it was his gate, they both look at each other without their parents around and decided to sort it out and after 6 rounds of Paper, Rock, Scissors, with Jaxon coming out on top, no trouble Levi casually went to the next available gate spot. “Priceless”

I’ve always been about supporting the kids and this sport, the ‘Holden on Tight Australian Junior Sportsman Spirit Award’ is designed to promote sportsmanship and humility within it. Those two young men have shown an example that many could follow, with everything in this modern era being centred on winning it’s nice to have an award that goes beyond the scope of just winning awards on a points-based system,” Holden explained.

It was also refreshing to hear of several other competitors who could easily fit under the Sportsman Spirit Award and special mention goes to the following, in the 50 cc class young Thailand Brian Gyles who selflessly picked another riders bike and gave back before he jumped back on his own, also in another selfless act Ryder Woodrow lending his bike to Jobe Dunn on the last day and was successful in finishing 2nd in the Championship, Harrison Reid for being constantly aware of his faster competitors and moving and giving clear room for them to come through. Finally, an amazing young lady and volunteer by the name of Brydie Hingston, who rode two classes, then came straight in jumped behind the canteen in all her gear and served and then if that wasn’t enough she would go home and at night pack bags of Truffles for the Canteen to sell the next day.

It’s an awesome sign our sport is in good shape, when we can see kids coming through with respect and a great credit to all their parents and clearly raised well with great values “quote Holden said.”

On December 3/2016, Rosco Holden Founder of Holden On Tight Org. Horsham Motorcycle Club made a commitment to the sport and support the Australian Junior Titles for the next 5 Years, with prize $2300 money support of the 13 Classes, 1st $100,2nd $50, 3rd $25.

If any further information is required contact Rosco Holden rholden66@bigpond.com

Australia Rides to Fourth Overall at MXoN

Filed Under: Motocross, News

Team Australia have scored a massive result at the 72nd MXoN at Redbud, USA, managing to take fourth overall against the world’s elite Motocross riders. Claiming victory overall was France who have dominated the sport in recent years. Australia’s result is a proud moment for our nation and the team have once again put on a brilliant display on the world stage. 
 
Although it was disappointing to just miss out on a podium finish, the Aussies were no doubt happy with their results. Hunter Lawrence (MX2) once again shone on the world stage and proved to be Australia’s best rider. He managed to lodge a second-place finish in Race 2, as well as an eighth-place rostrum in Race 1. Lawrence’s performance putting Australia right towards the pointy end. Right from qualifying, Lawrence positioned himself as a massive threat
 
Mitch Evans (Open) also chalked up great results with 10th and 14th place finishes. Kirk Gibbs in the MXGP class would suffer unfortunate luck but still registered 14th and 33rd and provided a valued contribution to the overall team result.
 
The glory had to go to France however, their consistency was simply unmatchable and they were rewarded with the overall championship. This is the fifth time they have risen to take the overall nations championship. They were a whole two points clear of Italy in second and the 6 ahead of the Netherlands.
 
Quite incredibly, Australia and Great Britain were both tied on 48 points but the Aussies took fourth position due to count back. The hometown favorite USA encountered a disappointing result, only managing sixth on home soil.

Motorcycling Australia is ecstatic about the result of the Aussie riders and would like to thank them for their efforts on the world stage. MA would also like to thank Team Manager Michael Byrne, Assistant Gary Benn and all of the riders, mechanics and offical team support, RACESAFE and Moto Outlet. 

MA’s CEO Peter Doyle commented; “This is an excellent result by the Australian MXoN Team to register a fourth place overall, their best finish since 2011. Considering how young and inexperienced the team is, we couldn’t be more proud of their performances. They carried themselves with pride on the world stage and we couldn’t be more excited about the future potential of this team.” 

 
To keep up-to-date with all the news from the 2018 Motocross of Nations, stay tuned to the Motorcycling Australia website, Like MA on Facebook and follow MA on Instagram. 
 

Brayton Claims Victory at Coolum Supercross

Filed Under: News, Supercross

American Justin Brayton has secured his second consecutive win in the Australian Supercross Championship at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast, this weekend.

Brayton was too strong for Aussies Brett Metcalfe [2nd] and Luke Clout [3rd] who rounded out the podium in the hotly contested 450, SX1 race.

Form the start, the #1 Penrite Honda hit the lead and didn’t look back, but it was the battle for the minor places that had the Coolum crowd on the edge of their seats.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team newcomer Nathan Crawford was one of those contenders, but a mistake saw an end to his weekend and a suspected leg injury for the Queenslander.

As a result the KTM Motocross Racing Team, with Clout onboard the bike, inherited third behind Metcalfe, where he would remain despite a crash late in the race, which he was able to recover from and secure the final podium spot.

Fourth place went to Jace Owen from the USA on the Complete Parts Kawasaki with Dan Reardon racing on through a flat tyre, to secure a top-5 result on his Yamaha.

Dylan Long (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team) came home in sixth, with Jesse Dobson (KSF Ecstar Suzuki), Lawson Bopping (Kawasaki), Nick Sutherland (Honda) and Zak Small (Husqvarna) rounding out the top-10.

SX1 rookie Cody Dyce (Suzuki) crashed hard in the initial laps through the whoop section to record a DNF result.

In the 250 SX2 class, series leader Jay Wilson moved into the lead in the closing stages of the race to clinch his second-consecutive victory in the Australian Supercross Championship.

Second place went to Aaron Tanti with Wilson Todd rounding out the podium places. Hayden Mellross finished fourth ahead of American Dakota Alix from the KTM Motocross Racing Team.

The SX2 top-10 was completed by Jacob Hayes (Serco Yamaha), Kyle Webster (Penrite CRF Honda Racing), Jackson Richardson (Penrite CRF Honda Racing), Richie Evans (Yamalube Yamaha Racing) and Thomas Ravenhorst (KTM).

The Australian Supercross Championship now heads to Geelong in Victoria for round three, scheduled for 13 October.

2018 Australian Supercross Championship Standings – SX1 – After Round 2
1. Justin BRAYTON (USA) – 50pts
2. Brett METCALFE (SA) – 44pts
3. Luke CLOUT (NSW) – 40pts
4. Daniel REARDON (QLD) – 34pts
5. Jace OWEN (USA) – 34pts
6. Dylan LONG (VIC) – 30pts
7. Jesse DOBSON (QLD) – 28pts
8. Nicholas SUTHERLAND (NSW) – 25pts
9. Jesse MADDEN (QLD) – 21pts
10. Robbie MARSHALL (QLD) – 21pts

Editorial provided by AME

Middleton Secures Record Sixth Straight Solo Championship Win at Sedgwick

Filed Under: News, Trial

He came, he saw, he conquered. 28-year-old Kyle Middleton once again has re-written the history books by becoming the first rider to win six straight Australian Solo Championships, after he crushed his rivals at the 2018 Delecca’s Australian Trial Championship at Sedgwick in Victoria.

After scoring 14-points on Saturday, the New South Welshman went on to score 25-points on Sunday, which saw him finishing on top of the points tally with just 39-points to his name.

While Middleton performed so well against the competition, he didn’t feel as good yesterday, as he did on Saturday. This was simply because Middleton felt a bit ‘off’, as he was tired from the opening day of action.

“The body simply didn’t feel right today,” said Middleton at the conclusion of Sunday’s race.

Middleton’s second lap saw him digging deep, which went to plan for him. However, he started to have a couple of bad sections, which damaged his overall score a bit. Otherwise, it wasn’t too bad for Middleton, who entered the weekend with a bit of self-doubt.

The reason behind Middleton’s self-doubt was because after he came back from this year’s Scottish Six Day Trial in May, he returned back to Australia with a lot of injuries.

Since then, Middleton has really struggled with his body. There have been points this year where he honestly has thought to himself that he didn’t know if he would have even been able to do the Australian Trial Championship, as he didn’t train much this year.

“I guess all the stress was for nothing, because I rode fairly well this weekend,” expressed Middleton, who rates his sixth championship as his best, purely because it has been the hardest to win.

“I came into this weekend with a bit of self-doubt, however, once I got halfway through the first lap on Saturday I understood that I was riding quite well. To be able to win this year’s championship is a great feeling, but most of all it’s a massive relief,” added Middleton.

Middleton has declared that he will be back in 2019 to try and defend his championship, and hopefully make it a seventh straight title.

“As next year’s championship will be held in Tasmania, for sure Chris [Bayles] will be a tough person to beat, we will be riding in his ‘own back yard’. Hopefully in the off-season I’ll take a bit of time off and try and get my body right. If we do that, we should be more than fine,” concluded Middleton.

66-points off Middleton in second place was young gun, Connor Hogan, who continues to impress and has proven that he is a future star of the sport.
It was a bit of an up-and-down weekend for the 18-year-old, who hails from Bangor, in South Australia.

Hogan enjoyed some good laps and some laps which weren’t quite good. However, all in all he was pretty happy with how the weekend went.

“I managed to pull it together in the end, so I’m happy to walk away with second overall,” said Hogan, who scored 57-points on Saturday and 48 on Sunday.

When asked what he thought about the sections, Hogan replied with; “I found the courses fairly difficult and testing. Some sections were very much like what I rode while in Europe, but most weren’t. They were what you expected to be like at a place like Sedgwick. The sections were a lot of fun to ride.”

Overall however, Hogan walked away from the Australian Trail Championship more than content, as he didn’t have much expectations. Hogan, who finished fifth overall in last year’s Solo Championship just wanted to improve from last year, which he certainly did.

The next challenge for Hogan is to try and win the championship, which he is not getting to ahead of himself, just yet.

“It would be nice to be able to battle for the championship next year. In saying that, Kyle is an amazing rider, so it will be hard to knock him off his perch anytime soon. To be able to beat Kyle and take the championship would be ideal. I’ll keep working and hopefully one day it might happen,” finished Hogan.

Just three points off Hogan was the 38-year-old, Colin Zarczynski.
Zarczynski certainly had a better day on Sunday, than what he had on Saturday.
On Saturday, Zarczynski suffered massive cramping’s in his hand, to the point where he couldn’t even open his own hand.

“I spent a lot time trying to fix my hand overnight,” explained Zarczynski.
“My hands did come a lot better than Saturday afternoon. Today, I looked after myself a lot better in terms of nutrition wise. In saying that, that issue did throw an extra spanner into the works.”

Zarczynski openly admitted that he felt as if he could have done a little bit better throughout both days.

“I know even the winners probably say the same thing as well. But, I’m just disappointed in myself a little bit. Maybe the preparation wasn’t as good as it could have been. Overall, I’m still walking away. All the issues over the weekend, they were just rider issues. There wasn’t anything else. It was all me,” finished Zarczynski.

Tasmania’s Chris Bayles finished fourth overall with 131-points in the bank.
Bayles, who was more than happy with his riding over the course of the weekend, unfortunately had a couple of unlucky situations throughout both days. Bayles’ chain came off twice in the first section and on the same rock.

“It’s a bit disappointing, but I’m really happy with how I rode this weekend,” said Bayles, who felt quite good aboard his Gas Gas 300 machine.

Rounding out the top five was South Africanis Bruce Le Riche, who was nine points behind Bayles.

Kristie McKinnon kept her fine form going into the second day of racing by racking up a total of just 6-points for the day, which saw finishing with a grand total of 14-points and her ninth Australian Championship in the Women’s category.
McKinnon expressed that the sections on Sunday were a little bit tougher than what they were on Saturday, which suited her even more.

“I really enjoyed the sections out there today, as there were some nice steps to play on. It was simply a magic day,” said McKinnon.

McKinnon clearly came into the weekend as the favourite to win the championship, which she has lived up to expectations. But, was she expecting to finish the weekend with a ninth Australian championship to her name?

“Anything can happen in Trials. In saying that, I definitely feel as if I spend more time on the bike than anyone else. I definitely feel like I have put the work in, so I was feeling pretty confident just with the fact that I know that I had done the hard work and put the time in.”

McKinnon explained that’s it’s pretty special to win an Australian Championship. However, she still rates her second championship, which she won in 2009, as her favourite championship as she won it at Pacific Park in New South Wales which is her home ground.

“This championship is not any less special. I have definitely had a whole lot of fun at Sedgwick this weekend. On top of that we have had solid group of girls all riding at a high level, which is always good,” finish McKinnon.

Michelle Coleman finished second on 73-points, while Lillie Yiatrou finished third on a count back with Nicole Casey, as Yiatrou got 14 cleans to Casey’s 13.
Completing the top five respectfully was Jenna Lupo with 159-points.

Taking out the Junior 12 – under 16 Championship was Tom Woodhouse, which marks his first ever national championship.

Woodhouse has a remarkable day on Saturday, by racking up 4, 6 and 3 points throughout his three runs, which handed him just 13-points for the day, while on Sundayit he scored 9, 3 and 10 points which saw him scoring a total of 22, giving him 35-points in all.

Woodhouse explained that Sunday’s sections were definitely tougher than Saturday, as there was a lot of big obstacles and tight turns.

“Overall, we had a pretty good day,” said Woodhouse on Sunday.
“It was just unfortunate that made silly mistakes on my first and third lap and didn’t use the points wisely. Thankfully, my second lap was very good, which enabled me to keep my score low.”

Woodhouse labelled his first ever national championship as the “best feeling ever!”
“To win the championship is such a great feeling, as it’s what I have been working towards for the whole year. So to get it done is simply unreal,” added Woodhouse, who will depart Australia in two weeks’ time and head to New Zealand to take part in the FIM Oceania Challenge.

Finishing in second and third was Alex Cowan and Maverick Ford.
The 2019 Australian Trial Championship heads to Mt Joy in Tasmania, which is scheduled for 12-13 October.

For a full detailed on the overall championship, head to trials.com.au

Images: Russell Colvin
Editorial: Rusell Colvin

Results:
Solo
1st Kyle MIDDLETON 39
2nd Connor HOGAN 105
3rd Colin ZARCZYNSKI 108
4th Chris BAYLES 131
5th Bruce LE RICHE 140

Women
1st Kristie MCKINNON 14
2nd Michelle COLEMAN 73
3rd Lillie YIATROU 129
4th Nicole CASEY 129
5th Jenna LUPO 159

Junior 12 – under 16
1st Tom WOODHOUSE 35
2nd Alex COWAN 46
3rd Maverick FORD 55
4th Haydon BARWICK 59
5th Rhys DUNDON 75