MXGP #47 August 2017

RACING CATCH UP

TEAM OF THE MONTH Wilvo Yamaha MXGP

07 08 16 20 30 38 40 44 48 50 54 62

INDEX

COOL SHOT

MONSTER GIRLS

HALL OF FAME Jeff Ward

MXGP MAG: Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: Youthstream YOUTHSTREAM Media World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #47 August 2017 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Youthstream.

Then content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written.

The copying of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has ben requested from Youthstream in advance and reference is made to the source (©Youthstream).

3

EDITORIAL Giuseppe Luongo President of Youthstream Group

Dear MXGP Friends, Everyone in the Motocross world mourns the passing away of Igor at the 85cc European Championship final in Loket, Czech Republic. This month I don’t feel like talking about other issues, we just need to take a minute to remember Igor and his passion for our sport...

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

7

COOL SHOTS

8

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

9

COOL SHOTS

10

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

COOL SHOTS

12

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

13

16

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

HOLESHOT

‘CZECH’ MATE FOX HOLESHOT It might have taken until the thirteenth round of the season but for the first time in 2017 KTM riders failed to log a single FOX Holeshot in MX2 at Loket at the MXGP of Czech Republic, having scored at least one at each of the previous twelve GP’s under the guidance of Jorge Prado, Pauls Jonass and Davy Pootjes. And in MXGP, whilst there have been just three GP’s where KTM has failed to register a ‘Fox holey’, Loket became the fourth time this year that an orange bike was beaten to the ‘stripe’ in a classic case of ‘Czech Mate’.

So, who stole KTM’s thunder at Loket?

MX2 In both races the FOX Hole-

shot was fiercely contested with not a lot separating the contenders, but after close inspection it was deemed that Thomas Covington was the recipient of the first ‘black plate’ of the day, with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider picking up his fourth holeshot of the season. He may have lost the lead briefly as Jorge Prado came past, but by the second lap, TC64 was back in front and the American went on to win Race 1 in convincing style, ignoring the wet, tricky conditions after a heavy downpour shortly before the first gate drop.

However, any chance of a repeat performance was dealt a severe blow as he was nudged wide in Race 2 and had to put in the hard yards with an

impressive ride through the pack to salvage tenth at the flag. It might not sound much, but it was enough to get him on the podium for the third consecutive GP. Oh, and in case you’re wondering who stole the second ‘black plate’, it was none other than Covington’s teammate Conrad Mewse; the young Brit claimed his first black plate of the season, the second of the day for Husqvarna. Red Bull KTM’s Jorge Prado still leads the way though with TEN, despite not adding to his tally.

MXGP In what was a bizarre twist of fate, there wasn’t a single orange bike to be seen anywhere near the FOX Holeshot line in the premier class in

17

Loket, and nothing from the ‘white corner’ of Austria either. Instead, it was Clément Desalle who guided his Monster Energy Kawasaki over the line first in Race 1 for only the second time this year; his other holeshot came from Race 1 in Latvia, and just as he did back then, the Belgian had to settle for a second place finish, one position clear of the championship leader Antonio Cairoli. Remarkably for the Sicilian, after having taken seven of the last ten holeshots before arriving in Loket, the Red Bull KTM ace was unable to add to his impressive tally of ten black plates, leaving the defending champ’ Tim Gajser

18

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

with the opportunity of romping to his fourth FOX Holeshot of the year, making it two from the last four starts.

With twelve races still to run, Cairoli is not quite home and dry in the Fox Holeshot contest just yet and can still mathematically be caught, but with ten black plates already in the bag, you’d have to be a brave person to bet against him claiming that Fox loot at the end of the season. Thankfully, it’s a lot closer in the MX2 shootout between Prado and Jonass, so be sure to tune in for more quickfire tales from our FOX Holeshot HQ next month.

MX2 Table Jorge Prado 10 Paul’s Jonass 8 Thomas Covington 4 Conrad Mewse 1 Banuit Paturel 1 Jeremy Seewer 1 Davy Pootjes 1 MXGP Table Antonio Cairoli 10 Tim Gajser 4 Romain Febvre 3 Gautier Paulin 2 Clement Desalle 2 Geln Coldenhoff 2 Max Nagl 1 Arminas Jasikonis 1

RACING CATCH

20

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

L

LOCKED IN ON LOKET

The World Championship’s best riders returned to challenging and natural terrain of the Loket, Czech Republic, circuit in late July, which has become a staple of the MXGP calendar. The venue of Loket is beautiful; from the elevated circuit you can see the town and more notably the castle a rock formation in the valley below all of which is alongside the Ohre River.

21

22

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

The town and the castle are full of history dating back to the 12th century. Loket is a tourist paradise and hosts multiple events during the year from Opera performances to James Bond movie productions and our FIM Motocross World Championship Grand Prix.

The track itself was first founded in 1972 and hosted the first World Championship race in 1995. Since then every year the FIM Motocross World Championship has visited the Czech circuit, which gains more traction with spectators coming time and time again.

Perhaps this is due to its track record of providing great racing, historical performances and deciding moments, such as Antonio Cairoli’s historic 50th

career GP win a few years ago. 5th but came into fourth when Suzuki World MXGP’s Arminas This year’s GP was no excepJasikonis fell out of the position. tion to close racing and historic crowds. To start MXGP qual- Herlings didn’t have quite the ifying Red Bull KTM Factory start as Coldenhoff but made Racing’s Antonio Cairoli nearly up for it with a late charge grabbed the holeshot but was managing to pass for three just beaten out by HRC’s Tim positions in the last three laps Gajser. With Gajser in the lead first on Monster Energy YaCairoli attempted to latch on maha Factory MXGP Team’s but was quickly passed by the Romain Febvre, then Rockstar 2016 overall winner, Rockstar Energy Factory Racing’s GautiEnergy Husqvarna Factory er Paulin and finally Coldenhoff Racing’s Max Nagl. in 4th.

While Cairoli and Nagl battled, Gajser pulled a slight gap over the pair and behind the top three was the other Red Bull KTM Factory Racing riders, recently resigned Glenn Coldenhoff and the “Bullet” Jeffrey Herlings. Coldenhoff started in

Back at the front Cairoli found a way around Nagl on lap 7 then quickly closed on Gajser, who left the door open for Cairoli to take the lead on lap 9 which he would grow to over 5 second by the finish 5 laps later.

In MX2 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was again on top. This time it was the Latvian Pauls Jonass who came over the finish line step up in first every one of the 13 laps.

While Jonass led, his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Teammate Jorge Prado Garcia was right in tow and fending off the relentless Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider, Thomas Covington. The American wasn’t coming alone either, at first it was his fellow countryman, Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki’s Darian Sanayei, who was in his first race back since Ottobiano, then it was Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel.

Across the finish and past the checkered flag it was Prado who stood the charges of Covington and the lurking Paturel to finish 2nd. Meanwhile the

24

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

winner of the prior 2 GP’s, Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer, suffered a bad start of outside the top 20, and then made a mistake dropping him even further to 31st before coming back to finish in the 21st spot.

With qualifying in the books a tradition of Loket, the annual fireworks show lit up the night sky. On Sunday morning riders woke up to find a naturally watered track and ominous clouds in the distance. After the warm up sessions the track developed into a technical and race ready surface.

MXGP race 1 roared down the start straight with the castle as a backdrop to the Fox Holeshot line and it was Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle who was there first. However HRC’s Tim Gajser quickly took the pole position away from the Belgian.

Valkenswaard winner, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin, followed Desalle and led Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli along with Wilvo Yamaha MXGP’s Arnaud Tonus. In the 19 laps of race 1 the top five held their positions for 17 of them until Cairoli found a way around Paulin for third.

Meanwhile Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings was quickly progressing forward from a 9th place start.

On the final lap Cairoli caught Desalle while Herlings caught Tonus. Herlings did make it by Tonus, but Cairoli couldn’t get past Desalle. Gajser took the race win, his first since the second race of Trentino.

After being narrowly beaten out on the start of race 1 Tim Gajser had a holeshot to start race 2. He then led the first 5

26

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

laps before Cairoli cut to the inside taking the spot away and only one lap later Desalle did the same.

With Cairoli leading and Desalle second, Herlings surprised a struggling Gajser with a quick inside pass for third, Cairoli took the race win, his 83rd career overall, Desalle’s consistent 2-2 took second overall and Gajser found his way back onto the podium for the first time since Trentino.

In MX2 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Pauls Jonass, who had a season ending crash on the circuit last year, came back with a vengeance on the start in the top 5. Meanwhile, Covington, who struggled to pass Prado during Saturday’s qualifying, made quick work of the #61 jumping into the lead on the 2nd lap. Covington, who

originally had the holeshot, grew his lead to a considerable margin over the field and cruised to the race win as Jonass first passed Bogers, who dropped to 7th by the finish, and then passed his teammate Prado for 2nd.

Behind them was another Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing bike belonging to Thomas Kjer Olsen and Team Suzuki World MX2’s Jeremy Seewer who took the fifth spot after another frustrating start.

In race 2 another Rockstar Energy Husqvarna took the holeshot but this time it was that of Conrad Mewse who would drop to 12th by the finish while his teammate Covington came back from a bad start to finish 10th.

Prado led the first lap but was again passed by his teammate

Jonass who opened a gap.

While Prado was second Jeremy Seewer was right on his back wheel. Seewer tried to pass Prado numerous times but was shut out by the young Spaniard.

Seewer eventually came under pressure from Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team’s Benoit Paturel. The pressure created even more urgency for Seewer who eventually clipped the back of Prado and went down.

The crash swallowed up Paturel as well and the two HSF Motorsport’s rider of Calvin Vlaanderen and Brian Bogers inherited the positions. Both Seewer and Paturel rebounded first passing the HSF bikes back and then Prado as well while Jonass claimed the overall with an unbeatable 2-1 result.

FIM Motocross World Championship

Standings MXGP CHAMP. STANDINGS

MX2 CHAMP. STANDINGS

1. A.Cairoli (ITA, KTM) , 523 points 2. C. Desalle (BEL, KAW) , 431 p.

3. J.Herlings (NED, KTM), 418 p 4. G. Paulin (FRA, HUS) , 417 p.

5. T. Gajser (SLO, HON),353 6. R. Febvre (FRA YAM) 338.

7. M. Nagl (GER, HUS) , 308.

8. J. VanHorebeek(BEL,YAM),294 p.

9. E. Bobryshev (RUS, HON), 286 p.

10. A. Tonus (SUI,YAM), 279 p.

1. P. Jonass (LAT, KTM),548 points 2. J. Seewer (SUI, SUZ), 501 p.

3. T. Olsen (DEN, HUS), 403 p.

4. B. Paturel (FRA, YAM) ,398 p.

5. J.Lieber (BEL, KTM), 374 p.

6. T. Covington (USA, HUS), 339 p.

7.B. Bogers (NED, KTM) 273.

8J. Prado (ESP, KTM),268 p.

9. B. Vandoninck (BEL, YAM) , 226.

10. H. Lawrence (AUS, SUZ), 225

MXGP MANUFACTUERS 1. KTM 2. Husqvarna 3. Yamaha 4. Honda 5. Kawasaki 6. Suzuki

559 462 441 431 431 298

points points points points points points

MX2 MANUFACTUERS 1. KTM 2. Suzuki 3. Husqvarna 4. Yamaha 5. Kawasaki 6. Honda 7. TM

MXGP Mag Insights 46 issues Reads: 887,670 Impressions: 15,780,996 Reading Devices: Mobile 68% Desktop 20% Tablet 12% Best Performance: #36 September 2016 Top 3 Countries Italy: 142.762 United States: 73.975

28

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

597 516 487 445 306 216 124

points points points points points points points

TEAM OF THE MONTH

30

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

Bleeding Blue, Wilvo Yamaha MXGP

SPECIAL FEATURE

The crew under the Wilvo Yamaha MXGP awning have been working hard this season from the Team Manager Louis Vosters to the mechanics and the team riders, Shaun Simpson and Arnaud Tonus. In this issue of MXGP Mag we feature the new MXGP team and how their inaugural season has gone so far.

Formerly involved in a joint effort MX2 team with Standing Construct the now lone Wilvo Yamaha MXGP team manager Louis Vosters bleeds blue and has taken the bull by the horns starting with the signing of strong competitors and like able riders Simpson and Tonus.

Vosters speaking about the

32

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

riders, “Shaun Simpson is a really experienced rider who really likes the rough, bumpy, sandy, or muddy tracks, he has a really nice character and works really hard. Arnaud is talented and likes the more hard pack tracks.”

The Brit, Simpson, is certainly a GP veteran with many years of racing in the World Championship under his belt from both the MX2 and MXGP classes. While on the other hand Tonus is relatively inexperienced in the MXGP series after taking an opportunity to race in America.

Tonus, “Being back in MXGP is a challenge where we have different conditions every week, I grew up in

Europe so I knew what to expect but the class is a stacked one. I knew it was going to be challenging but I’m stoked to be apart of it and I’m having pretty good results so far.”

Prior to his American adventure Tonus ran the MX2 category battling with Herlings among others.

Tonus and Simpson were also teammates in the past aboard the Steve Dixon Racing Yamaha team. Tonus sits 10th in the championship standings after the MXGP of Czech Republic with his best result of 3rd overall coming from Trentino.

The Wilvo Yamaha paddock has a true team atmosphere, as the riders have

SPECIAL FEATURE

34

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

a healthy relationship with one another. Shaun Simpson explained: “It’s a really cool set up having Arnaud as a teammate this year.

I can definitely learn a lot from him and I’m sure he can learn a few bits and bobs from me, too. It’s a nice, fun, and playful atmosphere under the awning with Arnaud and the mechanics, just being around everyone puts a big smile on my face.”

Arnaud Tonus speaking about Simpson said: “We definitely helped each other during the winter and spent a lot of time riding together and I think it was really good. I hope we can do it again this next year and step it up for the team.”

The 2017 season started

off well for Simpson and the team as he took the win during the second round at the MXGP of Indonesia. The #24 struggled with bike set up afterward and it wasn’t until just before the MXGP of Latvia that he again felt comfortable and was able to show his speed.

The same Latvian weekend in wouldn’t pan out though as Simpson went off the track and fractured his finger.

While Simpson was disappointed with the injury he remained focused on his return and started training immediately after being cleared by his doctor.

Doing everything he could to get back to racing form Shaun rejoined the series in Italy for the Fiat Professional

Fullback MXGP of Lombardia.

In the life of a professional motocross racer injury is part of the job and a reality that every rider must face.

For Shaun this part became reality all too quickly when just as quickly as he was able to put his Wilvo Yamaha back on the track, a first turn pile up again resulted in injury to his elbow and a fractured wrist.

In a season of ups and downs Shaun was at an all time low, “To come back at Ottobiano and just be put straight back on the couch after working so hard to get back to the races was pretty hard to take. I mean, I’m pretty strong mentally in a usual day to day way, but that really did knock me a bit. To get up and get going for a

SPECIAL FEATURE

second time took a lot more effort from myself.”

One thing that has been able to keep Shaun positive throughout it all is his team, whether it’s a joke from Arnaud or just the assurance that Louis and the rest of the crew have his back.

One thing that becomes clear when spending time with the riders or other members of the team is that they respect Vosters and all want to continue improving.

After only a short time of testing the team and Tonus ran the first all new 2018 YZ450F of any MXGP team during the Czech Republic round Loket, a testament to the vision of continually improving and the willingness of trying something new.

36

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

Tonus spoke about the new bike after testing it: “I think they (Yamaha) made a really good step with this bike, they came out with a new chasis, a new engine, everything is on another level, I think they stepped it up.”

Simpson when asked about the new team’s structure couldn’t say enough about Vosters methods: “I think Louis, the team manager, has in a lot of ways been able to nail it straight off. To be the first year in a new class with two new riders and mostly a new crew of mechanics, I think he has really managed to do a great job and give the riders exactly what is needed. In my opinion it is as good as a factory team and in some ways better. It may sound a bit cheesy but at the moment it’s quite a dream

team. Whatever area you look at Louis is willing to improve, he is willing to take ideas and the knowledge from other people in the team and put that into making it the best possible atmosphere to work in and get the best possible results. I am excited to be part of this crew.”

As Simpson heals up from injury Tonus continues to plug away as the lone rider. The Wilvo team has the recipe for success already taking their first taste in Indonesia.

Simpson plans to bring the team to full strength in time for Assen hoping to end the season on a high note. The Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP team may be new but they are here to stay and definitely one to keep an eye on for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018.

MXGP SOCIAL

TWITTER, FACEB IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP @LiamThomas20 Little bit excited to be heading out to Czech for the #MXGP with the lads. And a night out in Prague! #roadtrip #motocross

@@MonsterEnergyBE Good Girls go to heaven, #MonsterGirls go to the @ mxgp of Belgium! Who’s ready?! ‬

@PaulsJonass41 -1=1 today @mxgp of Czech Republic. Nice feeling to win again

@andidavies77 Sundays are better with @ mxgp

@DunlopMoto Developed for @MXGP Now available to order from your Dunlop MX dealer. #MXGP #MX12#moto #mxgp @MarshalWeltin Pleased to announce I will be doing another @mxgp at Lommel, Belgium in the MX2‬‬ @joshcoppins red plate back for @cduncan151 after winning the WMX @mxgp CZ ‬ ‬‬ @motocrossvice Tim Gajser returned to the @MXGP podium at Loket.

How long will it be until he gets another win?‪‬‬ @mxdose After some difficult @mxgp ‘s, @tiga243 is back on the podium with a strong 1-4 moto finish... Welcome back ‬

38

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

The future of motocross was in Estonia on July the 30th. Watch here below the Teams Presentation

MXGP of Switzerland Cross Promo_Like and Share with FMF Racing_OUT on Monday 7th

Discover the brand new track of Lange Motokeskus, Estonia with the GoPro Lap featuring our 125cc and 85cc Junior riders:

BOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE

@emygrapentin: More than happy ;) #signed #blueonblue #fromgermanytoczechrepublic

@f.adelheid: monsterenergy #monstergirls #loket #mxgp

@Taku_Nagami: Estonia here we come. Wishing good luck for all the riders #teamjapan #motocross #mxgp #jwc

@bud_racing: Bud Racing will be well represented in team France for the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship in Estonia with @brianmoreau225 @ calvinfonvieille11 @thibaultbenistant317 go guys!

@fourwon_the_pom Enjoying my #mxgp event! #sunday #loket #racing #motocross #holiday

IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP 39

MONSTER GIRLS

40

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

41

MONSTER GIRLS

42

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

44 Photo: MEYER

MXGP MAG 2017 2013 MXGP.COM

J

HALL OF FAME

Jeff ‘Wardy’ Ward

Jeff Ward has been one of the best ever American riders, winnings a total of seven titles in all classes and both in Motocross and Supercross during a long career that went from 1980 to 1994.

Doing all his pro career with Kawasaki, Wardy never won any GP, but he is one of the most successful winners at the Motocross of Nations.

He entered the MXoN seven times with the US Team and won it seven times!

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on June 22, 1961, Jeff Ward moved to America when he was four years old and very soon riding motorcycles was a part of his life. He began racing minibikes in Southern California and became the best minibike rider of his era, and in 1978 he joined the professional motocross ranks. Claiming some top ten results that season he moved to Kawasaki in ‘79, got his first podium in a 125cc outdoor race and also had a first taste of Supercross as

he raced a few events.

Possibly due to his stature, success took some time as he won his first event during his fourth pro season in 1982 and finished runner up in the 125cc series that year.

Wardy won his first major title two years later in 1984, after seven years of hard work and persistence on the circuit. Ward was at his best and proved it the following season by taking the AMA Supercross title from longtime rival Johnny O’Mara, as well as the 250cc Motocross title l. 1985 was an incredible season for him, as he also entered for the third consecutive year the Motocross of Nations and enjoyed his third win in this prestigious event

won another Supercross title after a strong season being on the podium ten times out of the 14 possible; he beat Ricky Johnson in SX, but RJ – one of his main rivals during his pro career – beat him in the outdoors. Having already some 125cc and 250cc titles under his belt, in 1989 Jeff became the first rider to win a title in all the three major divisions, beating Jeff Stanton in the 500cc Motocross series and finishing runner up in the 250cc class. In 1990 Stanton beat Ward in the chase of the 250cc title, but Ward was better in the 500cc class, and he obtained his seventh and last title as he could only finish on the podiums during the following two seasons. His amazing In 1986 a huge change was career finally came to an end made on the AMA circuit with in 1992 when he won his 56th the “production rule” and the and last AMA Pro race in defending SX and MX champ Delmont. did not have a great season on his new production bike.

Racing his entire career with It was another learning year Kawasaki, Jeff Ward proved for Jeff and Kawasaki, who that even with a small stature both rebounded in 1987 and you could win races on any

45

type of track and on any size of motorcycle. He was the first US rider to win titles in all the classes in the US, and he also got a victory in all classes at the Motocross of Nations where he raced and won whatever class he entered: 125cc (1988), 250cc (1984, 85) or 500cc (1983, 1987, 1989 and 1990)!

After retiring from Motocross, Jeff went racing in Indy car and even if he won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year Award he never got any success in car racing. He got his last trophy in 2004 racing the AMA Supermoto series and winning the title against riders half his age!

Text and Photos: Pascal Haudiquert

46

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

1980: 3rd in the 125 US Motocross Championship 1981: 3rd in the 125 US Motocross Championship 1982: 4th in the 125 US Motocross Championship 1983: 2nd in the 125 US Motocross Championship

4th in the 250 US Supercross Championship

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1984: 125 US Motocross Champion

4th in the 250 US Supercross Championship

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1985: 250 US Motocross Champion

250 US Supercross Champion

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1986: 4th in the 250 US Motocross Championship

4th in the 250 US Supercross Championship

3rd in the 500 US Motocross Championship 1987: 250 US Supercross Champion

2nd in the 250 US Motocross Championship

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1988: 250 US Motocross Champion

3rd in the 250 US Supercross Championship

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1989: 500 US Motocross Champion

2nd in the 250 US Motocross Championship

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1990: 500 US Motocross Champion 2nd in the 250 US Motocross Championship

Member of the US Team winner of the MX of Nations 1991: 2nd in the 500 US Motocross Championship 1992: 3rd in the 500 US Motocross Championship 2004: US Supermoto Champion

PADDOCK TALKS

01

Paddock Talks 01/Thomas Covington knows that beautiful Loket is the place to take a beautiful lady!

02/Little Nagl practicing starts on his factory Husqvarna!

03/Fiat Professional looking good‌ the Fullback.

04/Shaun Simpson in the studio show and helping commentate in Loket!

05/Cairoli, Fiat Professional’s Pro Ambassador, during the autograph session.

02

03

04

05

48

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

06

07

Paddock Talks 06/Pit Beirer and his beautiful daughter!

07/When your love for dogs takes over!

08/KTM team signing is always packed full of fans!

09/The 2017 Ride Green Cup winner is team Japan!

10/The Estonia Junior Team giving back to the environment!

08

10

09

49

Gaston Rahier’s

Suzuki RA75 come the first person to do It’s not very often that we season would be forever something for the first time take the time to look back regarded as the first ever and in the case of Gaston on the history of this won125cc world champion.

Rahier, he will always be derful sport of motocross, known as the sport’s first but when we do it’s filled At the same time, Suzuever 125cc world champion. with a lifelong mixture of ki was starting to become So, this month we decided emotions. We remember a the dominant force in world to check out his first ever multitude of things, such as motocross having racked title-winning machine, the our first bike, our first visit up six world titles in four Suzuki RA75. to a racetrack, our first years, with Joel Robert ride, first race, first crash winning the first ever tiIn 1975 the FIM had givand maybe even our first tle for Suzuki in 1970 in The in the European Championship usually puts a spotlight on the next en the 125cc class world GP 125cc visit. Ifclass we are even the 250cc class.

Robert championship but luckier we can addIn fact both and Roger De Coster big namethen in motocross. of the 2015status FIM Motocross World Champions and did unlike the 500cc and 250cc first race won, first title, the 250/500 double-douvice-world champions Romain Febvre, Gautier Paulin, Tim Gajser and Pauls Jonass categories there was nevfirst EMX or GP ridden and ble in 1971 and 1972 with have won maybe the EMX125 on their European paths to motocross supremacy. er a preceding who all knows, even championship De Coster winning again in championship series; it was first GP victory or world 1973. With no titles in 1974 a case of jumping straight title won. However, there there was a bit of pressure in, and whoever the winner aren’t many people that to get back to winning ways was come the end of the can lay claim to having beand no doubt all eyes were

50

MXGP MAG 2014 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

on the new offering from Suzuki with its eighth-litre machine in particular.

The standard Suzuki was the RM125 with the factory version being known as the RA75; the ‘RA’ told us it was the factory bike whilst the ‘75’ determined the year. The RA75 first hit the track as a test bike in Japan during the summer of 1974 and it was Rahier who was on it from the word go. By the time the bike reached the first GP in 1975 it was clear it was more than ready for action

and from the very first lap of the first 125cc grand prix at Cognac in France, it was clear that Suzuki was the team to beat.

Rahier started the season in dominant fashion, winning the first five GP’s of the year; he missed out on the win at round six to fellow Belgian Gilbert De Roover, but Rahier was back to winning ways at the next two rounds in West Germany and Czechoslovakia. In short, it was a dream start for Rahier and Suzuki, winning seven of

the first eight GP’s.

Rahier’s teammate Akira Watanabe took the win at the penultimate round, whilst his teammate and the new world champion Rahier sealed his title with a win at the final GP at Orp Le Grand in Belgium with his eighth victory of the year.

Rahier had won the first ever 125cc world championship with eight GP victories with Suzuki winning nine out of the twelve GP’s that were up for grabs. Very impressive indeed. And in case you’re wondering, Roger De

51

SPECIAL FEATURE

Coster won the 500cc world championship for Suzuki in 1975 as well, which at the time made it eight titles in six years for Suzuki.

In production form the RM125 Suzuki was measured at 123cc and threw out 23bhp and whilst there are no accurate figures to hand, you can assume that the Factory RA75 packed a few more ponies, and one of its strengths was its allround power delivery; it was strong from the bottom to the top and quite possibly the strongest motor out there, and it sounded awesome. The carburettor was a Mikuni 30mm/32mm. The RA75 had a six-speed gearbox and the exhaust pipe was an in-house

52

MXGP MAG 2014 MXGP.COM

factory item by SMC. The bike itself was suspended by Kayaba units front and rear, with twin shocks at the back of course. The frame was a factory item but was the same for both Rahier and his teammate Akira Watanabe.

Whilst the swingarm dimensions remained the same as standard, the factory version was a combination of aluminium and iron. The engine was made from a different material to standard but could utilise a standard piston, and it also came equipped with magnesium cases. Rims were Takasago with the front measuring 1.25 x 21” and the rear 1.85 x 18”. Sprockets were standard and chains were from D.I.D. Perhaps another overriding fact was the

bike was light and strong and with Rahier standing at just 5’3” or 1.60 metres tall, the Belgian was like a modern day jockey which certainly would have helped in terms of power to weight ratio’s.

Gaston Rahier won the next two 125cc world championships with Suzuki, so he not only became the first ever world champion in the class but also the first to win three in a row in the 125cc division.

Incidentally, in doing so he became only the fourth rider in history to win three titles in a row after Paul Friedrichs in the 500cc class (1966, ’67, ’68), Joel Robert in the 250cc class (1968, ’69, ’70) and Roger De Coster in the 500cc class (1975, ’76, ’77).

Th M Sh

54

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

he Future of Motocross howcased in Estonia

SPECIAL FEATURE

The grassy rolling hills of the Lange Motokeskus circuit in Tartu, Estonia, hosted the 2017 FIM Junior Motocross World Championship and the 65cc FIM Junior Motocross World Cup. The event is where the world’s best young racers come as teams riding for their country as well as themselves. The Estonian circuit put the young guns skills to the test and all of them were trying to get the world title. Over 180 riders between the 3 classes entered in the racing but only 3 would make it to the top step of the podium.

As for the venue the track

56

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

is quite new, it opened autumn 2012 by the event organizer Lauri Roosiorg who wanted to build not just a track but a true motocenter with conditions much more than those of an average track.

The opening event and the first competition at the circuit was the Tanel Leok and friends charity race in 2012 and again in 2013, which was the first full season for the track.

During the past five years Lange motocenter has hosted Estonian motocross and in the wintertime even snowcross events.

Now 5 years later the big-

gest event in the track’s history is in the books. The 2017 Junior Motocross World Championship started with an opening ceremony where the teams from 28 different countries were introduced, riders were each given a medal of participation by the local organizer, then each team planted a tree alongside the circuit as part of the 2017 Ride Green Cup, and finally all of them joined together for a family photo.

On Saturday it was qualifying and the field of 180 competitors would be cut to the top 120. The morning started with the 125cc

two-strokes and it was Free Practice Group A who made the first lines on the track carving through rich red dirt.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikkel Haarup came out flying and put in the fastest lap in Group A but France’s Brian Moreau topped the Group B Free Practice times just ahead of Kevin Horgmo.

As Free Practice gives riders a chance to get a feel for the track the Qualifying Practice is always the focus and in Group A, the Italian Gianluca Facchetti was all business topping Mikkel Haarup for pole position on

Sunday.

a second off the pace.

While the third fastest Group A time went to the home team’s Andreas Hiiemägi, fellow Estonian Meico Vettik was quicker than anyone in Group B including Brian Moreau, who put in the second fastest lap prior to a crash that he later shook off.

The 65cc class is full with some of the most impressive young riders in the motocross world. With lap times not far of the 85cc bikes the little riders railed their way around the track and for Italian youngster Ferruccio Zanchi the weekend couldn’t have started any better. Zanchi had the fastest time in Free Practice and Qualifying Practice of not only of his Group A, but of either group A or B.

From the 125cc’s the track was turned over to the 85cc rippers. Eddie Wade carried free practice speed into A Group’s Qualifying out ranking Max Phalsson.

In Group B Qualifying Neol Nilsson had the fastest time while Hungarian Adam Zsolt Kovacs was only 4 tenths of

Second to Zanchi in Group A was Ivano Van Erp from the Netherlands while in Group B the fastest in Free Practice and the qualifier

SPECIAL FEATURE

was the recently crowned EMX65 champion Mads Fredsoe.

For the riders who didn’t make it straight out of their classes qualifying a last chance race was the decider. Last chance qualifying racing is always heated with bar to action as only the top 4 finishers are guaranteed a spot while 5th and 6th serve as reserves.

After the last chance races the riders headed to sleep in preparation for Sunday.

The weekend had more than just the racing as well with a charity auction raising money for youth impaired in accidents. Auctioned of was

58

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

racing gear from top MXGP riders including Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Tanel Leok and more with highest bid going to the purchase the racing gear of Estonian motocross hero and former Junior World Champion Leok. In addition to the auction there was also other activities including a KTM test track for kids and spectators that wanted to try a bike or ATV for the first time.

In race 1 the #47 of Alessandro Gaspari took the holeshot but was passed quickly and it was team Netherland’s Ivano Van Erp who positioned himself well behind Italian Ferruccio Zanchi who led the first laps before fall left him 29th. Once Ivano took the lead he went on to finish the race 8 seconds ahead of the newly crowned EMX65 champion Mads Fredsoe Sorensen.

Back to racing the focused shifted on Sunday morning though as the little 65cc warriors fought for the FIM Junior Motocross World Cup.

Race 2 was almost identical up front with Van Erp in the lead ahead of Mads Fredsoe all the way to the finish.

However, Kayden Minear swapped up a position this time edging out Chwalik.

The two tied in points but the final podium spot went to Minear with the better result in race 2. Van Erp in the press conference said, “This is something very special, my weekend was really good.”

The 65cc class wasn’t the only one that saw dominance though as the 85cc Champion Eddie Jay Wade also took commanding double victories.

Race 1 was perfect for the Brit when he took the Fox Holeshot by a relatively large margin and then led every lap to the finish. Team Sweden had Nilsson running up front in second and also Max Phalsson in third.

In Race 2 Wade was beat-

en on the start by Magnus Smith but the #17 kept the winning form from race 1 taking the double victory and the overall. Nilsson had a similar story but with an even worse start and after passing several riders again found second.

The race for the 3rd was a 4-way battle between Kay Karssemakers, Florian Miot, Magnus Smith and Kay de Wolf. The 4 racers shifted positions back and forth with the holeshot winner Smith fighting to stay up front. In the end Karssemakers took 3rd while Smith held on for 5th behind Miot but ahead of De Wolf. With the 1-1 Wade was crowned World Champion with Nilsson 2nd and Karssemakers 3rd.

The last races of the weekend would decide the 125cc World Championship. 40 riders launched off the dirt start with the #22 of Gianluca Facchetti leading the field across the Fox Holeshot line, closely followed by Brian Moreau and further back was Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mikkel Haarup running third.

While Facchetti started to pull a gap on Moreau the Frenchman settled into second but not for long as Haarup locked in, patiently closed onto the back wheel, and during the later stages of race that made a pass to secure second, eventually finishing only 4 seconds back of Facchetti. Another

SPECIAL FEATURE

big name, Kevin Horgmo, was charging the entirety of race 1 and put on a late charge to post his fastest time on the next to last lap finishing the race in 4th.

For Race 2 Facchetti had another good jump off of the gate but was beaten around the outside of the first turn by Jeremy Sydow. Fachetti didn’t wait to take the lead though and at one point had a 16 second gap over the field.

This was partly due to a mistake on the backside of the track by Harrup, who handed the 2nd position to Horgmo.

60

MXGP MAG 2017 MXGP.COM

Even though Haarup remounted his Husqvarna quickly he wasn’t able to take back the spot from Horgmo.

Moreau didn’t have the start he wanted in race 2 but rode to a strong 4th while Rick Elzinga took 5th.

In the overall Facchetti’s 1-1 was the clear winner and Haarup’s 2-3 beat out Horgmo’s 4-2. Fachetti when asked about his weekend said, “I’m so happy about this race, it is amazing that I am World Champion. I’ve dreamed so much about becoming a World Champion this year and I would like to thank everyone who has

helped me.”

The last competition to be decided was the Ride Green Cup, which was based on environmental friendliness of the team in combination with the promotion of the cause through social media and Team Japan took the title.

The Junior’s racing in Estonia combined with the venue and the activities all led to an amazing event, where the best overall team went to Denmark with 10 points, barely besting team Netherland’s 13 point score, while Italy was the team taking the 3rd best spot.

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR Dear MXGP, I was wondering if there was a Magazine foreseen after the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship.

Thanks, Colette Dear Colette, The magazine corresponding to the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship will be a 44 minutes format and it’ll be online on Friday, August the 4th.

Best Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, Where can I have more info on the VIP tickets for the Monster Energy FIM MXoN? Thanks, Pascal Hi Pascal Please follow the link below either to have more details on the tickets sales for the 2017 Monster Energy FIM MXoN or to purchase your VIP Gold SkyBox package: https://mxon.motocross-viptickets.com/2938-mxon-motocross-vip/en/ Regards MXGP

62

MXGP MAG 2014 MXGP.COM

Hi MXGP, I would love to purchase some OGIO items. Any suggestions to buy them online?

Thanks, Margie Hi Margie Thank you for your question. In fact it’s been some days that OGIO started a special discount for some items. Please check OGIO online store, maybe you can find your favorite one: http://www.mxgp-ogio.com Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, I wish to have a printed copy of the MXGP Mag issue #43 as I’m a big fan of Julien Lieber. How can I order?

Thanks, Cecilia Hi Cecilia Thank you for your amazing request. It’s much easier than you think. You need to enter issuu. com and choose the Magazine and the issue you wish and order your printed copy from there, you just need to register and you can purchase it over there.

Regards MXGP

Hi MXGP, I’m wondering if you could point me in the right direction of where to get tickets for the Belgium MXGP please.

Thanks, Louise Hi Louise thanks for the message! You can purchase your Tickets and get more info here: http://www. gplimburg.be/tickets/ Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, Would you know what channel the racing would be aired on?

I’m currently in Mexico and wanna watch the race while on holiday if they’ve got the channel!

Thanks, Ashley Hi Ashley Thanks for message we’re glad you want to watch! If you log on to www.MXGP-TV.com you watch from anywhere in the world.

Regards MXGP

MXGP MAG 2013 MXGP.COM