Team Suzuki Racing is publishing a new souvenir MX Special Magazine this week, celebrating its history in World Motocross from the 1970s to 2017.
Suzuki has claimed 30 individual World Championship titles and 32 Manufacturer titles; and the magazine highlights some of the riders, machines and people who have made this possible since 1970 when Belgian rider Joel Robert claimed the 250cc World Championship title for Suzuki.
In this issue, Suzuki’s long-time Motocross GP Manager Sylvain Geboers talks about his memories, along with Suzuki’s 1991 World Motocross Champion – and the most successful rider in history with 10 World MX titles - Stefan Everts, who took over Suzuki’s Grand Prix operation in 2016.
There’s also some iconic RM two-stroke and RM-Z four-stroke machinery, plus some of the riders who helped develop the machines and win races and championships, featured in the magazine that will be free to download at www.suzuki-racing.com in the coming days.. Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.
MURRIETA, Calif. – KTM Motorsports announced today its 2018 FMF KTM Factory Racing Team roster as the group assembled in Southern California to begin preparations for the upcoming offroad race season. The team is proud to welcome back four reigning champions to the lineup with five-time GNCC Overall National Champion Kailub Russell, three-time AMA SuperEndurocross Champion Cody Webb, AMA National Hare & Hound Champion Kacy Martinez and ISDE Enduro 3 Classification winner Taylor Robert on board once again. Additionally, the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team is pleased to welcome 2017 GNCC XC2 250 Pro Champion Josh Toth to the orange family for 2018.
Led by Team Manager Antti Kallonen, the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team enters the 2018 season with great momentum after a successful year of racing in 2017 where the KTM brand captured 4 premier championships throughout 5 different series.
Kailub Russell, who claimed his 47th career victory in 2017 to become the all-time winningest GNCC Bike Racer in history, will highlight the team’s east coast efforts in the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series as he contends for a sixth-consecutive title aboard the KTM 350 XC-F. Additionally, Russell will compete in the full AMA Big 6 Grand Prix Series where he will challenge his first-ever west coast championship.
The newest addition to the factory team, Josh Toth, will join his teammate Russell in the GNCC Series as he prepares to defend his XC2 250 Pro title aboard the KTM 250 XC-F following a dominant 2017 season where he claimed eight victories in 13 rounds. Toth will also race the KTM 250 XC-F in the Pro division for the AMA National Enduro Championship.
On the west coast, Taylor Robert will once again compete aboard the KTM 450 XC-F in the AMA National Hare & Hound Championship, as well as the World Offroad Racing Championship Series (WORCS). Despite having more race wins than any other rider last season, Robert fell short of capturing both championships due to an early-season injury that caused him to miss multiple races.
Fresh off her first-ever AMA National Hare & Hound Championship in 2017, Kacy Martinez will shift gears and set her sights on capturing a first-ever AMA EnduroCross Championship aboard the KTM 150 XC-W, while also competing in the full AMA Big 6 Grand Prix Series aboard the KTM 250 XC-F.
Three-Time AMA Super EnduroCross Champion Cody Webb will return to the series in 2018 to defend his title aboard a KTM 350 EXC-F, while also competing in the full FIM Super Enduro Championship in Europe. As a multi-time extreme enduro top finisher, Webb will also compete in select National Extreme Enduros aboard the KTM 250 XC-W TPI and select International Extreme Enduros on the KTM 300 EXC TPI (EU model).
Team Manager Antti Kallonen: “The 2017 season was very successful as the team captured four major offroad championships and several other big moments throughout the season. For 2018 we are focusing on giving our riders the opportunity to diversify and contest different championships that they may not be as familiar with. We’re very happy to have four returning riders from last season and excited to work with Josh Toth on the KTM 250 XC-F. We believe that we have a strong roster and we’re looking forward to capturing even more success this upcoming season.”
Cody Webb
Josh Toth
Kacy Martinez
Kailub Russell
Taylor Robert
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Encinitas, Calif. Nov. 28th, 2017-Road 2 Recovery is excited to announce the 2nd Annual Jessy Nelson MX School on Saturday, December 16th at Pala MX Raceway in San Diego County R2R has teamed with some of the top motocross/supercross Pro riders to help raise additional support for Jessy Nelson’s R2R Fund. David Bailey, Jeff Ward, Destry Abbott, Kris Keefer, and Grant Langston are just some of the confirmed renowned Pro coaches. And new this year, Jessy Nelson will be lending his expertise to the coaching staff as well.
With an already stacked Pro Coaching roster, R2R is thrilled to have just received confirmation that Ryan Villopoto will be the newest Pro Coach addition. His ability on the track precedes him with his 9 collective championship wins in Supercross and Motocross under his belt; having the opportunity to learn from Ryan is defiantly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Ryan’s legacy on the track is undeniably legendary; however, it’s his drive to give back that is often under shadowed by his skill. This is just one way that Ryan continues to help and support others.
With a minimum donation of $100.00 per rider, you’ll have a full day packed with years of knowledge and experience. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Participants can expect small class groups, with a cap of only 100 entries total; they’ll gain valuable skills from the best in the business. Coaches will be split into groups of two with a focus on specific parts of the tracks; starts, turns, big jumps, and “S turns”. With your donation, you will receive a complimentary breakfast, delicious lunch provided by Wienerschnitzel, access to the Red Bull Recharge Zone, a swag bag, and raffles. There will also be industry partners setting up to help with small mechanical needs should they arise. More industry and pro coaches are to be announced soon.
The Road 2 Recovery Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2000. Dedicated to helping AMA licensed Professional Motocross/Supercross riders and Action Sports Athletes with financial assistance if they sustain career-ending injuries as well as providing motivational, emotional, and spiritual support to these individuals and their families. To make a donation click here. For more information on Road 2 Recovery and upcoming events visit www.road2recovery.com
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Suzuki riders Daryl Hurley and Taylar Rampton dominated the weekend's New Zealand Veterans and Women's Motocross Championships.
The two-day event, held at the recently-built Hack Track south of Eltham, was the perfect venue to showcase both the veteran men, many of them former Kiwi internationals or national champions, plus the rising stars of the women's motocross world.
Even though he is now aged 41, Hawera motorcycle dealer Hurley was one rider who seemed to defy the usual image of a veteran – not a kilogram of fat on his body and obviously still with the power to impress, even at the ultimate level of the sport.
Hurley took his Action Moto-sponsored Suzuki RM-Z250 to clock the fastest lap-times of the weekend across all categories. The former Kiwi international was unbeaten in five races in the 40-44-year-old class and was runaway winner of the ‘Champion-of-Champions’ feature race at the end of the weekend, although the unique scoring format for that race – where the rider age is added to his finishing position – handed the trophy to 58-year-old Aucklander Craig Wallace (Suzuki RM-Z250).
Said Hurley: "It was actually more enjoyable for me being a sponsor of the event and for being one of the people responsible for putting this event on in the first place. It was not about me being a competitor too, although it was nice to win!
"I have not been riding a lot lately, with kids to look after these days, but I guess you don't forget how to ride do you? I wasn't riding as fast as I used to but I always like to push hard and be as competitive as I can."
Rampton was the top female, winning the senior women's class by just three points from Letitia Alabaster. Rampton (Action Moto Suzuki RM-Z250) knew as she lined-up for the final race of the weekend that she could play it safe and that fourth place would be enough to secure the title: She finished the race in third to take the victory.
Said Rampton, who finished runner-up in the women's nationals last year behind Kiwi international Courtney Duncan: "I hadn't had much time training with the bike. I didn't have the bike sorted until about a month ago and I was only ready to go about Wednesday last week. Plus, there were question marks about my fitness. But it all worked out in the end."
Words and photo by Andy McGechan: www.bikesportnz.com Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.
COLTON HAAKER, ALFREDO GOMEZ & BILLY BOLT TO REPRESENT HUSQVARNA IN 2018 FIM SUPERENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Featuring reigning SuperEnduro World Champion Colton Haaker, last year’s runner-up Alfredo Gomez and promising rookie Billy Bolt, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing enter the five-round 2018 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship firmly focused on defending Husqvarna’s status as a key player in the prestigious indoor enduro series.
For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Colton Haaker, the American returns to the series set on claiming the third SuperEnduro World Championship title of his career. Recovering from a recent elbow injury, which stopped him from defending his AMA EnduroCross Championship, Colton is highly motivated and looking forward to a positive return to SuperEnduro competition.
Further strengthening the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team is 2017 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship runner-up Alfredo Gomez. Winning half of the rounds contested during last winter’s series, the TE 300i powered rider will be a favourite for race wins in the upcoming championship.
Completing the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing SuperEnduro team is 20-year-old Billy Bolt. Following a strong season of Hard Enduro competition, the young Brit is all-set to make his SuperEnduro debut aboard Husqvarna’s FE 350 machine.
Contested over five rounds in four different countries, the 2018 FIM Superenduro World Championship starts on December 9 in Krakow, Poland.
Colton Haaker: “I love the SuperEnduro series and I’m really looking forward to the start of the coming series. Defending the SuperEnduro championship is going to be tough but I am really motivated to give my best. It might not be ideal going into the championship following injury, but as long as everything goes to plan I should be in with a good chance of the title. With the series being spread out over a few months I’m hoping to build momentum as time goes on, ready to challenge for the title during the closing rounds.”
Alfredo Gomez: “I am excited about getting my SuperEnduro campaign started. Winning half of the rounds last year, I proved I can consistently fight for the title. I learned a lot during the championship last year and I can’t wait to make use of that experience. I am also really happy to have Colton and Billy as my teammates. We have a strong team and this gives some extra motivation to do well. Going into the championship my goal is clear – I want to start the season on a high in Poland and keep fighting for the World Championship all the way until the last round in Sweden.”
Billy Bolt: “This is going to be my first season of SuperEnduro and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been following the series for many years and always wanted to do it. I’ve been training hard and improving in every little detail. It’s good that there will be lots of good riders this year. I think we’re going to have some good battles and I can’t wait to be part of them. My goal going into Poland is to see where exactly I’m at, so that I can then gradually improve. I am confident that after Poland I’ll know what to work on so that I can keep pushing and all being well challenge for podium results.”
Courtesy of MXGP MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 22 November 2017 – Youthstream is pleased to announce the 3-year extension of the successful partnership between MXGP and Circuit Equipment. The motocross gear and accessory company has grown rapidly worldwide with the help of MXGP and continues to show their commitment to the MXGP world championship by the signing of this new agreement. The benefits of the strong partnership extend well beyond the strong presence which they will receive in the paddock. The circuit logo will be present on trackside banners as well as their athletes such as Valentin Guillod, Alessandro Lupino, Anton Gole and Samuele Bernardini.
Circuit was founded in Brazil during 1984 by Renato Breda, a man with a passion for motorcycles. His passion along with countless hours of research and design propelled the company to quickly become the market leader in South America. Now years later the brand has become known worldwide with the addition of offices in major markets such as Europe and North America. From complete gear sets to hand guards and hard products Circuit has the modern motocross rider covered in all aspects.
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING’S HARD ENDURO STAR ENDS 2017 SEASON WITH PODIUM RESULT
Bringing his 2017 Hard Enduro season to a highly-positive close, Graham Jarvis has placed third overall at the 50th running of the Roof of Africa event in Lesotho, southern Africa.
With the traditional ‘Round the Houses’ race and 40-kilometer time trial kicking things off at the three-day long event, Jarvis completed a strong opening day. Roof of Africa winner in 2016, in placing fourth Jarvis ensured a positive start in his bid for a fifth event win.
Day two – the first full offroad day of the race – saw Graham place third. Completing a largely mistake-free day, he finished 10-minutes down on winner Wade Young. Hoping that the third and final day would deliver increasingly technical trails, Jarvis was again unable to match the pace of the young South African riders ahead of him.
With the faster terrain better suited to his younger rivals Graham nevertheless gave his all to successfully complete the final day and in doing so end what has been another hugely successful season with yet another well-deserved podium result.
Graham Jarvis:“The 50th Roof of Africa’s been a great event. It wasn’t to be for me and a fifth win, but I’m still pleased with a podium result. Things weren’t quite as tough I’d hoped they’d be, but it’s still been great to end the year with a strong result. I’m happy enough with the way the first day went - I knew the riding would be fast, it always is on day one. Things were pretty fast throughout day two, and similar again on the third and last day. I didn't do too much wrong really on either day, it’s just Wade and Travis were faster. Ten minutes behind with one day to go wasn’t ideal, but like I said I found it hard to go fast where the grass was long and there was no clear track to follow. It’s been a long, tough season, but it’s been a good one.”
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING DUO IMPRESS DURING 34TH RUNNING OF EUROPE’S #1 INDOOR EVENT
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Dean Wilson and Zach Osborne showed impressive speed during the two nights of racing at the annual Paris SX where both riders enjoyed podium finishes at the end of the first night of racing. Returning to the podium on Sunday night, Wilson placed third to match his Saturday result.
For reigning US East SX Champion Zach Osborne, the Paris SX event offered the chance to mix things up and compete on a 450 ahead of his planned switch to the AMA 450 Pro Motocross Championship, later in 2018. Despite only limited seat time on his FC 450 Osborne earned a well-deserved runner-up result to Marvin Musquin at the end of the opening night’s competition, running second from the drop of the gate to the chequered flag. Completing the opening lap of Sunday night’s main event in fifth, Osborne battled hard throughout the race to move to fourth on lap 15, where he remained to the finish.
Making his final competitive outing ahead of the start of the 2018 AMA Supercross Championship, Dean Wilson enjoyed a largely successful time at the Paris SX, placing third on both nights. Fourth out of the gate on Saturday night, Dean needed just to two laps before moving into the third-place position behind teammate Osborne. Completing 21 mistake-free laps, Dean finished third, just 11 seconds off winner Musquin. In Sunday night’s main event Dean started third, remained in third for all 21 laps to match his Saturday night result and head back to the States with a 3/3 scorecard.
Zach Osborne: "I battled my way to fourth today, and it was nothing special. It was disappointing after the first night because I felt my race craft on the bike was pretty good, and it was maybe better than my one-lap speed. I only rode the bike a couple of times, and I came here to enjoy myself and do some racing, so all things considered the weekend was pretty successful. I wanted to feel-out the 450. I’ll be racing it outdoors next year and wanted some information and to build on that. There was some good data for Aldon [Baker] and also the guys in terms of the bike. It was a good, fun, off-season race."
Dean Wilson: "The weekend was pretty good, and I learned a lot. I was a little bit disappointed in terms of how my overall scores went, but I put myself in bad positions because my starts were terrible. I felt like my speed was good but putting it all together wasn't. I have six more weeks, so I know what I need to work on going into Anaheim. I want to get better as a rider because I feel I can go as fast as Marv for a lap or six or seven minutes, but I cannot do it for fifteen minutes, and that was kinda frustrating. I want to go back, work hard and aim to beat Marvin."
PABLO QUINTANILLA & ANDREW SHORT TO TAKE ON THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS EVENT IN THE RALLY CALENDAR FOR ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – Line – Up for Dakar Rally 2018
Husqvarna Motorcycles are proud to confirm their official rider line-up for the 2018 Dakar Rally. Following an impressive season, FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Champion Pablo Quintanilla will be joined by Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team partner Andrew Short, with the duo set to tackle the two-week-long adventure aboard the all-new FR 450 Rally.
Making history for Husqvarna Motorcycles by successfully defending his Rallies World Championship title at the series finale in Morocco, Pablo Quintanilla will be launching an attack for the top step of the podium at the next edition of the Dakar Rally, in January. Less than 50 days before the start of the big event in Lima, Peru, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rally star is confident of a strong performance in the dunes and endless offroad trails of South America.
Enjoying a steady debut aboard the FR 450 Rally at the final round of the 2017 FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in Morocco, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Andrew Short is all set for his first Dakar. Enjoying several busy months of testing and training, the acclaimed US racer will be a strong asset for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team this January. Focused on gathering further rally experience Andrew will be looking for a strong and mistake-free performance all the way to the finish line in Córdoba, Argentina.
Competing as a teammate to Pablo Quintanilla during 2017, Frenchman Pela Renet continues to make progress as he recovers from the injuries sustained during the Atacama Rally in August. Requiring surgery on his neck and left shoulder, two-time Enduro World Champion Renet is focused on making the best recovery possible.
Taking place on January 6 to 20 in Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, the 2018 Dakar Rally will be a special event for many reasons. Including more than 5.000km of timed specials and with a total distance of almost 9.000km to be run by all competitors, it will be the 40th edition of the prestigious annual event and the 10th time the race takes place in South America. To make things ever more interesting race organizers have included an impressive seven 100% offroad stages to be contested in the massive dunes and offroad sections of the three South American countries.
Pablo Quintanilla #10
Pablo Quintanilla:“I’m really looking forward to the coming Dakar. It’s been a really good season for me, I’m really motivated to do well at the biggest race of the year. We’ve all worked hard to improve in every little aspect and I’m really confident in my team and what I’m capable of. The key of the race for me is to know when to push and when to ride cautiously. This is something that comes with experience and it takes time to understand when it’s the right moment to attack a stage. We’ve also made a big step forward with the new FR 450 Rally. The updated bike is much lighter, easier to handle and gives you an impressive feeling of safety when going fast. We’ve been working hard to develop this machine for two years and I’m really satisfied with the end result. I enjoy racing it and I’m confident that with this bike and such a strong team we can fight for victory in January.”
Andrew Short #54
Andrew Short:“I’m really excited to be heading towards my first Dakar. The team gave me an awesome opportunity to take a step forward in my career and I can’t thank them enough for that. The Morocco Rally was a big learning experience for me and since then I’ve not stopped working. We’ve also had some good days of testing and navigation training with Pablo and it was a blast. For my first Dakar in January the main goal is to avoid mistakes and continue improving my skills in navigation. One of the most exciting things with rally racing is the fact that you’re in the zone the whole time. Since you never know what’s around the next turn, the whole experience turns into one big adventure. It’s a good feeling and something I’m addicted to now. I want to take little steps and get better with the goal to continue improving my speed and finish my first Dakar without any issues.”
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 2018 Dakar Rally Line-Up
#10 Pablo Quintanilla – Husqvarna FR 450 Rally #54 Andrew Short – Husqvarna FR 450 Rally
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Parts Unlimited and Drag Specialties are the Industry’s Leading Powersports Distributors
IRVINE, Calif. (November 22, 2017) - The American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide, (AIMExpo) is pleased to welcome Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties as an exhibitor at the 2018 event in Las Vegas (October 11-14) and in 2019 when the show makes its return to Columbus, Ohio.
The global parts and accessories distributor will join the greater powersports industry as a vital addition to the annual platform that creates the opportunity for industry, dealers, vendors, and media to come together in one place at one time to highlight key brands and showcase new product, conduct business, network, and address industry challenges and opportunities. Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties and its host of brands extend the lineup of exhibitors represented at AIMExpo presented by Nationwide as the first major distributor, a key category important for continued growth of the show.
“Parts Unlimited has deep roots in the industry and it’s pivotal to be among our peers to assess the health of the sport and industry while also creating the opportunity to make connections with new and existing dealers and vendors,” said Mike Collins, CEO Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties. “The MIC produced event provides a highly important place for powersports businesses to come together.”
Founded in 1967 by Fred Fox, Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties is the world’s largest distributor of powersports aftermarket parts and accessories and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Along with sister companies, Parts Canada and Parts Europe they sell to dealerships worldwide. The company portfolio includes noted brands Thor, Icon, Moose, Z1R, Arctiva, Slippery and AMS.
“In just over five years, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide has established itself as North America’s annual gathering place for all of powersports, and the addition of iconic distributor Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties signifies the platform’s value and importance for all industry constituents,” said Larry Little, vice president and general manager, MIC Events. “Post-show research confirms that meeting with distributors is a top reason for dealers to attend the event, and we look forward to partnering with them to expand the core value for dealers joining the greater industry in Las Vegas and Columbus.”
Be sure to stay tuned to the AIMExpoUSA.com website and keep up to date on exciting news as it happens by visiting AIMExpo’s social media pages. “Like” the American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide on Facebook, and “Follow” on Twitter or Instagram: @AIMExpo.
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About American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide
The American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide (www.aimexpousa.com) was created to serve as the catalyst to bring together industry, press, dealers and consumers in a single arena that creates a grand stage for motorcycling and powersports in the U.S. and North America, and delivers an efficient and energetic market-timed expo platform for B2B and B2C in the greater powersports industry. AIMExpo presented by Nationwide is the single most important event of its type in the North American market and has international impact within the motorcycling and powersports community. AIMExpo presented by Nationwide is produced by the Motorcycle Industry Council (www.mic.org).
About the Motorcycle Industry Council
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues, and the American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide. As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard Poor s. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visitwww.nationwide.com.
Nationwide, Nationwide is on your side and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.
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