HUSQVARNA RIDERS GEARING UP FOR 2017 MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles 

STRONG EIGHT-RIDER ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING TEAM READY TO TAKE ON THE PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL EVENT

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will have no fewer than eight riders competing at the 2017 FIM Motocross of Nations, which takes place at Matterley Basin, Great Britain this coming weekend. Gautier Paulin and Christophe Charlier will race for Team France, Zach Osborne and Thomas Covington will represent Team USA while Max Anstie with Dean Wilson will form an important pairing for Team Great Britain. Further strengthening the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team’s presence will be Thomas Kjer-Olsen and Max Nagl, who represent Denmark and Germany respectively. 

Held at the iconic Matterley Basin track in the south of England on September 30 and October 1, the 2017 edition of the prestigious event will host riders from 29 different nations. The most highly anticipated event in the annual motocross calendar, the MXoN will see Husqvarna mounted riders battle for victory in all three major classes MXGP, MX2 and Open. 

Leading Team France’s efforts in the MXGP class will be Gautier Paulin. Following a stellar season in which the Frenchman secured third in the 2017 MXGP World Championship standings, Gautier will be looking to defend Team France’s MXoN title. 

Set to compete for Team France alongside Paulin will be Christophe Charlier, with the Frenchman racing his FC 250 machine in the MX2 class. Charlier will be returning to motocross competition after a strong first year competing in the EnduroGP World Championship. 

Enjoying a hugely successful season in the US, that saw him claim both the 250SX East Region Championship and the 250MX Championship, Zach Osborne will lead Team USA’s efforts at the MXoN, competing in the MX2 class. Looking to continue his strong run of form aboard his FC 250 machine, Zach is focused on challenging for the MX2 class victory. 

Set to race for Team USA alongside Osborne will be Thomas Covington. Wrapping up a solid Motocross World Championship season by securing the MX2 class victory at the season finale in France, Covington will be making a switch to the FC 450 machine and the Open class for the 2017 MXoN. 

Following an impressive second half of the Motocross World Championship Max Anstie is looking forward to the 2017 MXoN on his home soil. Remaining aboard his FC 450 machine, Anstie will be Team Great Britain’s representative in the MXGP class. 

Racing on European soil for the first time this season will be US Supercross and Motocross racer Dean Wilson. Representing Team Great Britain alongside Anstie, Dean Wilson will contest the Open class aboard his FC 450 machine. 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s rookie sensation Thomas Kjer-Olsen will race for Team Denmark at the 2017 MXoN. Securing a strong third in the MX2 class of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship, the young Dane will be a strong contender for victory in the MX2 class of the MXoN. 

Highly-experienced Max Nagl will race in the MXGP category for Germany, with the event offering the perfect opportunity for the German to wrap up his season on a high note in the United Kingdom. 

Enjoying a very strong presence at this year’s Motocross of Nations, Husqvarna Motorcycles will have a total of 16 riders entered into the 2017 edition of the prestigious event in the United Kingdom. 

Gautier Paulin – Team France [MXGP]: “It feels amazing to be carrying the #1 plate into the biggest event of the year. We have a very strong team for the Nations this year and we are more than ready to defend our title with Team France. Christophe [Charlier] has spent some time testing the FC 250 and I think he’s going to be strong in the MX2 class. As for me, I’ve had a solid season and I will be more than happy to wrap it up with a strong result at the Nations. We’ve worked really hard with the team during the season and we now have a bike that suits my style perfectly. I feel very comfortable racing my FC 450 in every condition, I’m really looking forward to racing the MXoN on it.” 

Christophe Charlier – Team France [MX2]: “I’m really happy to be racing the Nations with the French team. I got the call right after our victory at the International Six Days Enduro and that made me very happy. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks testing on the FC 250 machine. I also did some training with Gautier [Paulin] and Max [Anstie] and my lap times were pretty similar to them. Everything has been going in the right direction for me and I can’t wait for the MXoN weekend in the UK. Team France have a good team and I think we can win again this year. The most important thing would be to get good starts and then put in some fast and consistent laps. We will all do our best but as for me, it’d be like a dream coming true to win the ISDE and the MXoN in the same season.” 

Zach Osborne – Team USA [MX2]: “It’s been a big honour to race the Nations with Team USA. It definitely is something that I'm very happy about. I spent four and a half years living in England and pretty close to the Matterley Basin track and I feel it’s a place close to my heart. I definitely feel like we will be a second fan favourite to the home team. I believe it's very possible for our team to get the overall win this year. We have an enthusiastic and strong group of riders. We are all very excited and will try to do our best to be there for the Red, White, and Blue. I really can’t wait for the MXoN weekend.” 

Thomas Covington – Team USA [Open]: “To be able to represent the USA at the Motocross of Nations is for me the opportunity of a lifetime. I’m really honoured to have been chosen to race for my country. The Matterley Basin track is one of my favourites and I’m feeling very confident there. I really can’t wait for the race weekend in the UK. I will be riding the FC 450 and this is also going to be a new experience for me. I’ve been training on the big bike for a while and I feel very comfortable on it. I think it suits my riding style a lot and I can push for some good results. I can’t wait to race it alongside the best riders in the world.” 

Max Anstie – Team Great Britain [MXGP]: “I’ve been waiting for the Motocross of Nations for a long, long time. It’s such a special race and this year the atmosphere is going to be better than ever. It’s just amazing to be heading to my home MXoN as the top British rider in MXGP class. This year we have a very strong team with Dean [Wilson], Tommy [Searle] and myself so anything is possible. I can’t wait to catch up with friends and the local fans in Matterley Basin. I’ve been doing some training to better prepare for this event and I’m feeling familiar with the conditions we might face at the track. If everything goes well, I think with the British team we have a good chance to claim a spot on the final podium and this is our main goal.” 

Dean Wilson – Team Great Britain [Open]: “It’s not often that the Motocross of Nations comes to your home country so this event means a lot to me. The conditions will be tough but it’s the same for everyone. As long as you get into a good position you’ll be fine. Team Great Britain is very strong and we’ll have support from the local fans. Max [Anstie] is riding really well at the moment, and I’m feeling great too. I’m fully fit and healthy and I’m happy on my bike. I truly believe we can finish on the podium. We just need to ride our best without any drama. The goal for me is to win my class, which I think is achievable. I just need to keep my head clear and ride to the best of my ability.” 

Thomas Kjer-Olsen – Team Denmark [MX2]: “I’m looking forward to the Motocross of Nations. I’ve raced at Matterley Basin a couple of times so I know the track quite well. Racing is always good at this track and this makes it even more interesting for us. I’ve had a great first season in MX2 and I’m really excited to represent my country at the Nations. Hopefully I can wrap up the season on a high and then get back to work. A good result in MX2 will also give me some added motivation to keep on working hard. I’m really happy with my bike and my team at the moment and my goal is to come back even stronger for the 2018 season.” 

Max Nagl – Team Germany [MXGP]: “The Motocross of Nations will be the last race for 2017 and I really want to wrap up the season with a positive result. I really like the Matterley Basin track and I’m hoping for some good weather during the weekend. Team Germany have the same team as last year and we know each other really well. I’m just hoping for some better luck this time around. The track is nice and I like it. I’m not sure if they’ll make lots of changes for the event but either way I’m looking forward to the event. My focus is to try and get the best starts possible and then push hard for the best result I can.” 

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – MXoN 2017 Line-Up 
#1 Gautier Paulin - Husqvarna FC 450 – Team France 
#2 Christophe Charlier - Husqvarna FC 250 – Team France 
#8 Zach Osborne - Husqvarna FC 250 – Team USA 
#9 Thomas Covington - Husqvarna FC 450 – Team USA 
#19 Max Anstie - Husqvarna FC 450 – Team Great Britain 
#21 Dean Wilson - Husqvarna FC 450 – Team Great Britain 
#41 Thomas Kjer-Olsen - Husqvarna FC 250 – Team Denmark 
#64 Max Nagl - Husqvarna FC 450 – Team Germany

HAAKER FINISHES 3RD AT RENO ENDUROCROSS

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

(Photo: Tanner Yeager)

(Photo: Tanner Yeager)

(Photo: Tanner Yeager)

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's Colton Haaker headed to round two of the AMA Endurocross Series held in Reno, NV looking build off the momentum he started after a dominating performance at the season opener. The championship points leader had a frustrating night, but he dug deep to land on the podium with a third-place finish, and remains firmly in the championship title fight.

In the Super Endurocross seeded heat race, Colton got off to a second-place start, but after a mistake on lap one, lost touch with the leader. He still rode strong to come home in second place and punch his ticket to the points paying main event. A chance to grab a championship point in the bracket racing segment was next on the schedule and Colton made quick work of his first two races as he grabbed wins to head to the third and final 1-lap head to head race against championship rival Cody Webb. Colton fought hard for the all-important holeshot, but went down in the first turn and finished second.

Haaker headed to the Super Endurocross final focused, and grabbed the holeshot to jump into the lead. Haaker made an unfortunate mistake on the first lap to drop to second, then was inadvertently collected in two more crashes as riders ahead of him made the choice to enter the ’no joke’ lane as he was attempting to make passes. Colton pushed and dug deep the entire main event and overcame more crashes to charge all the way back to finish third in what was a very exciting 14 lap main event.

"The competition this round made for a tough race,” said Haaker, "but I am happy on getting a podium position. It was only the second round so there's still more to tackle. I'm looking forward to being on top of the podium again”

Colton sits second in points as the series heads to Denver, CO for round three.

Reno Super EnduroCross Results
1. Cody Webb
2. Kyle Redmond
3. Colton Haaker – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
4. Trystan Hart
5. Noah Kepple
6. Ty Tremaine
7. Geoff Aaron
8. Mason Ottersberg
9. Ty Cullins
10. Joan Pau Segura Verdaguer
11. Cooper Abbot
12. Mitch Carvolth
13. Wallace Palmer
14. Cody Miller
15. Spenser Wilton

Super EnduroCross Series Points
1. Cody Webb – 49 points
2. Colton Haaker – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 47 points
3. Kyle Redmond – 40 points
4. Trystan Hart – 38 points
5. Ty Tremaine – 30 points
6. Noah Kepple – 27 points
7. Geoff Aaron – 23 points
8. Cooper Abbott – 23 points
9. Joan Pau Segura Verdaguer – 23 points
10. Ty Cullins – 20 points

 

Webb Rebounds for Reno EnduroCross Win

Courtesy of EnduroCross

Redmond and Haaker round out podium

RENO, NV – September 23, 2017 – FMF KTM’s Cody Webb recovered from a couple of crashes to take an exciting win at the second round of the 2017 EnduroCross series in Reno, Nevada. The two-time champion came back from two crashes to make a pass on SRT backed Kyle Redmond late in the race to take the win. Race one winner Colton Haaker also hit the ground multiple times but recovered for third.

Kyle Redmond rode a great race on the SRT KTM to take second. Photography: Adam Booth

After several rounds of qualifying put the top thirteen Super EnduroCross riders into the gate pick qualifier, Webb took the win after passing RPM KTM’s Ty Tremaine. Haaker also made a last lap pass on Tremaine to take second.

The bracket race groups the top 12 riders into single lap head to head battles until the final two riders face off. Webb and Haaker worked their way through the brackets to face off in the final for a single bonus point. The two riders leaned hard on each other going into the first turn and Webb used the inside line to his advantage and Haaker ended up hitting the dirt, which allowed Webb to take the win.

Colton Haaker managed to take third despite several crashes during the main event. Photography: Adam Booth

When the gate dropped for the main event, Redmond took the holeshot coming out of the first turn but was quickly passed by Haaker through the first series of obstacles but then Haaker crashed in the second turn. Webb was knocked around a bit on the first lap and then crashed at the end of the wood pit, putting him further back in fifth, just ahead of Haaker. On lap three, Webb turned into the No Joke Lane and Haaker ran into the back of him taking both riders down. They both completed the required pass through the No Joke Lane anyway and dropping back to fifth and seventh respectively.

Meanwhile, Redmond rode a steady race out front while Webb and Haaker sliced their way back through the field. Webb caught and passed Redmond for the lead on lap nine of fourteen. Redmond lost a little more time on lap thirteen when he made the mandatory pass through the No Joke Lane. This allowed Webb to take his first win of the season with a perfect night, winning the qualifier race, bracket race and main event.

Webb (center), Redmond (left) and Haaker shared the podium in Reno. Photography: Adam Booth

Haaker crashed at least two more times but still worked his way up to third, just a few seconds back from Redmond.

SRT backed Trystan Hart put in another solid ride to finish fourth on his Husqvarna. Noah Kepple rode at the front of the pack for the entire main and finished fifth on his GasGas. Tremaine, who lives in nearby Gardnerville, showed a lot of speed during the night but a few crashes pushed him back to sixth on his RPM KTM. Geoff Aaron rode a steady main event to finish seventh on his GasGas. Mason Ottersberg rode a Yamaha to his best ever EnduroCross finish of eighth. Beta’s Ty Cullins finished ninth and Spain’s Joan Pau Segura round out the top ten on his GasGas.

Shelby Turner (center), Tarah Geiger (right) Kacy Martinez (left) earned the Women’s class podium potions on the tough Reno course. Photography: Adam Booth

Cody Webb:
“It was a long race so it gave me a long time to recover from a couple of mistakes. The track was really fun tonight and made for some great racing. There were multiple lines in a lot of spots. So, it was great to get the win. I have to thank KTM and my mechanic Robbie, my bike was awesome tonight.”

Colton Haaker:
“The track was fast and nothing too difficult but thing came out of nowhere on you. The first one was my fault on the first lap. You couldn’t tell if somebody was going to turn into the Joker Lane and I plowed two people there and went over the bars. I think I crashed at least five times so it was good to get back up to the podium.”

Kyle Redmond:
“Yeah, I got a really good start from the outside gate. I was out front and I just tried putting in consistent laps but then Cody caught up me and Colton passed me but then crashed. So, second is good. I have not led a race like that for a while so I am happy.”

2017 Reno AMA EnduroCross main event results

1. Cody Webb, KTM
2. Kyle Redmond, Husqvarna
3. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna
4. Trystan Hart, Husqvarna
5. Noah Kepple, GasGas
6. Ty Tremaine, KTM
7. Geoff Aaron, GasGas
8. Mason Ottersberg, Yamaha
9. Ty Cullins, Beta
10. Joan Pau Segura, GasGas
11. Cooper Abbott, Yamaha
12. Mitch Carvolth, KTM
13. Wally Palmer, KTM
14. Cody Miller, Kawasaki
15. Spenser Wilton, Honda

After two events, Webb holds a two-point lead over Haaker (49 and 47 respectively) and Kyle Redmond is third with 40 points.

In the Women’s class, Shelby Turner took her second win in a row in Reno. The Canadian rode her KTM to a dominant win, leading every lap. Tarah Geiger worked her way through the field to take second on her Honda. FMF KTM’s Kacy Martinez was a close third.

In the Vet class, Destry Abbott, took his second win in a row and was joined on the podium by David Stirm and Dan Hayakawa. This was the same three riders that took the podium at round on in Las Vagas.

Kevin Dupius took the Open Amateur class win on his Husqvarna. Joey Fiasconaro and Tyler Smith joined Dupius on the podium.

In the Amateur B class, Jordan Gamboa earned an exciting win. Colton Aeck, a regular Supercross rider finished second in his first Supercross. David Stirm earned his second podium of the evening.

Anthony Johnson took the TrialsCross main event win. Josh Mouzais finished second and Colman Johnson, Anthony’s twelve-year-old brother finished third.

Complete results can be found here: http://endurocross.escoremx.com/class.asp?s=5&c=all&e=84

You can watch the entire night show on the www.endurocross.com website.

Round three of the 2017 EnduroCross series will be next weekend, September 30th, inside the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado.

The insane EnduroCross obstacles provide a great show and exciting racing for race fans. If you have never been to an AMA EnduroCross in person, you need to put one on your calendar for 2017.

Tickets are available here: http://www.endurocross.com/buy-tickets

If you want to tackle an EnduroCross course yourself, there are classes for Amateur, Vet, Women and TrialsCross riders. All of those support class main events run as part of the night show so it is your chance to compete in front of a large crowd. And there is nothing more challenging than tackling an EnduroCross course.

Racers can enter here: https://secure.tracksideprereg.com/endurocross/

2017 AMA EnduroCross Championship Schedule

Date	Location	Arena
August 19	Las Vegas, NV	Orleans Arena
September 23	Reno, NV	Reno – Sparks Livestock Events Center
September 30	Denver, CO	National Western Events Center
October 14	Everett, WA	XFINITY Arena
October 28	Scottsdale, AZ	WestWorld
November 4	Boise, ID	Ford Idaho Center
November 18	Ontario, CA	Citizens Business Bank Arena

*Subject to Change

For more information, visit www.endurocross.com.

About Bonnier Corporation

Bonnier Corporation is one of the largest special-interest publishing groups in the United States, with more than 30 multichannel brands extending into all platforms including magazines, digital media, books, events and product licensing. Bonnier Corp.’s brands include Popular Science, Saveur, Field & Stream, Popular Photography, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Cycle World, Working Mother and Outdoor Life. Bonnier Corp. is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a multichannel media conglomerate operating in 15 countries.

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PASCAL RAUCHENECKER CLAIMS ENDURO 2 CLASS VICTORY AT GP OF GREAT BRITAIN

Courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING RIDER TOPS THE GNCC-STYLED RACE ON DAY TWO OF THE BRITISH GP

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Pascal Rauchenecker – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Danny McCanney – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Christophe Charlier – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Securing a career best result, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Pascal Rauchenecker has won the three-hour long cross-country race on the second day of competition at the EnduroGP of Great Britain. Further strengthening the team’s impressive performances at the penultimate round of the 2017 FIM EnduroGP World Championship Christophe Charlier wrapped up the weekend with two top three results in the premier EnduroGP class. 

For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Enduro 2 class rider Pascal Rauchenecker the unique race format gave the Austrian the chance to shine. Suffering one too many mistakes in the early stages of the opening day’s sprint enduro to challenge for the podium, Pascal nevertheless kept improving his speed as the day progressed. Putting in the best time in the Enduro 2 class in the last two tests of day one, he eventually placed sixth in the 250cc class. 

Determined to battle for the class win on day two, Pascal followed a well-calculated plan of attack that saw him secure an impressive outright victory. Opting to make a cautious start to the three-hour-long event, the FE 250 mounted rider went on to claim a career first Enduro World Championship victory. 

For Pascal’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team partner Danny McCanney, the Manxman managed to secure the best result of the season to date on the second day of racing at the Hawkstone Park circuit. Earning fourth on day one, Danny was just four seconds from a top three result on Saturday. Coming back stronger on day two, the TE 250 powered rider earned a strong runner-up Enduro 2 class result, crossing the finish line just two minutes behind his teammate Rauchenecker. 

Going from strength to strength in his rookie season of international enduro competition, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s official representative in the premier EnduroGP category wrapped up the British GP by adding two more top three results to his 2017 campaign. Getting third on day one, the FE 350 rider was able to show more of his speed during Sunday’s GNCC-styled event. Battling for the win on Sunday, the Frenchman eventually claimed a strong runner-up position in the EnduroGP class. 

The eighth and final round of the 2017 FIM EnduroGP World Championship will take place in Zschopau, Germany on October 20-22. 

Pascal Rauchenecker: “It was a good weekend for me and I’m happy with my first victory in the class. On day one I struggled to get a good speed in the toughest parts of the enduro test but as soon as we got to the cross test I was able to show my speed. I was happy to end the day by winning the last two tests. Then on day two we made some small changes to our set-up and it was a lot easier for me to push in the woods sections. My bike was working awesome. I knew the race would be long so I decided to keep a steady pace from the start. In the last hour I decided to up my pace a bit without pushing over the limits. Overall, it all worked according to plan and I was really glad to get the win. I’m also proud to be the first Austrian rider to win an Enduro World Championship race.” 

Danny McCanney: “I’ve put a lot of effort into this race and I was really looking forward to it. We had two great tests on Saturday and a long and exhausting three-hour long race on Sunday. It was a new experience for all so I just did my best for some good results. Overall, I’m really happy with fourth on Saturday and second on Sunday. It was a tough weekend and we manged to come out of it with two positive results. My bike ran great throughout the weekend and it was pleasing to get these two results. The plan now is to take some rest before going back to my normal special test training. My focus now is on the big final in Germany.”

Christophe Charlier: “My speed was good throughout the weekend. On day one I struggled with the different format. I did my best to get some good times in the morning enduro tests but as we headed to the cross test I soon found out the lines where nothing close to what I expected them to be. Then on day two I got off to a bad start in the cross-country race but pushed hard to find myself battling for the win. I felt quite good on my bike but a couple of crashes forced me to settle for second at the finish. Overall, it’s been a great weekend for me and I’m very happy to secure two more podium results in EnduroGP class.” 

Results – 2017 FIM Enduro World Championship, Round 7 

Day 1 

EnduroGP 
1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 56:38.71; 2. Nathan Watson (KTM) 57:09.96; 3. Christophe Charlier (Husqvarna) 57:22.12; 4. Loïc Larrieu (Yamaha) 57:23.15; 5. Jaume Betriu (KTM) 58:28.65… 12. Craig Norrey (Husqvarna) 1:10:34.04 

Enduro 2 
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 57:22.85; 2. Eero Remes (TM) 57:33.03; 3. Jamie McCanney (Yamaha) 57:44.04; 4. Danny McCanney (Husqvarna) 57:48.26; 5. Davide Guarneri (Honda) 58:32.54; 6. Pascal Rauchenecker (Husqvarna) 59:03.26… 9. Henric Stigell (Husqvarna) 59:51.17… 12. Thomas Oldrati (Husqvarna) 1:00:27.59 

Day 2 

EnduroGP 
1. Nathan Watson (KTM) 18 laps, 3:01:44.372; 2. Christophe Charlier (Husqvarna) 3:02:23.735; 3. Loïc Larrieu (Yamaha) 3:02:29.636; 4. Jaume Betriu (KTM) 3:02:37.119; 5. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 3:07:01.512… 10. Craig Norrey (Husqvarna) 12 laps, 3:06:09.147 

Enduro 2 
1. Pascal Rauchenecker (Husqvarna) 18 laps, 3:01:36.598; 2. Daniel McCanney (Husqvarna) 3:03:32.419; 3. Josep Garcia (KTM) 3:04:28.301; 4. Jamie McCanney (Yamaha) 3:05:15.515; 5. Davide Guarneri (Honda) 3:06:29.555… 7. Henric Stigell (Husqvarna) 3:08:32.759 

Championship Standings (After Round 7) 

EnduroGP 
1. Steve Holcombe (Beta) 300pts; 2. Loïc Larrieu (Yamaha) 260; 3. Nathan Watson (KTM) 247; 4. Matthew Phillips (Sherco) 216; 5. Giacomo Redondi (Honda) 180... 9. Christophe Charlier (Husqvarna) 157… 12. Antti Hellsten (Husqvarna) 84; 13. Mathias Bellino (Husqvarna) 81; 14. Ramon Quer Molgo (Husqvarna) 40; 15. Marko Tarkkala (Husqvarna) 38… 20. Craig Norrey (Husqvarna) 20… 25. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 17; 26. Mike Brown (Husqvarna) 14… 32. Ondrej Helmich (Husqvarna) 9 

Enduro 2 
1. Josep Garcia (KTM) 312pts; 2. Jamie McCanney (Yamaha) 299; 3. Eero Remes (TM) 274; 4. Pascal Rauchenecker (Husqvarna) 244; 5. Daniel McCanney (Husqvarna) 206… 7. Henric Stigell (Husqvarna) 180… 10. Thomas Oldrati (Husqvarna) 154… 31. Oscar Balletti (Husqvarna) 4… 33. Damiano Lullo (Husqvarna) 3; 34. Mikael Miettinen (Husqvarna) 2

 

Championship of the Americas Announces Winners on Final Day of AIMExpo Presented by Nationwide

Courtesy of AIMExpo

Tim Dixon Earns Opportunity to Represent America at 2018 AMD World Championship COLUMBUS, Ohio (September 24, 2017) - The 2017 American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide (AIMExpo) came to a close on Sunday, capping off a memorable debut in Columbus. Consumer attendees continued to walk the aisles inside the Greater Columbus Convention Center throughout the final day, getting a first hand look at all the new models and products coming to the marketplace, in addition to making purchases on gear and accessories on sale from select exhibitors. The highlight of the final day was the culmination of the Championship of the Americas. The finest custom bike builders in the country showcased their latest creations at North America's premier competition, which serves as an automatic qualifier for the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. A total of 31 bikes from from 24 builders were entered in one of four classes, with an eventual winner crowned for Free Style, Performance Custom, Retro Custom, and Street Custom. Additionally, all attendees casted votes to determine the People's Choice. In the end, Tim Dixon of Gas Axe Chop Shop in Ten Mile, Tennessee, and his bike Pennie Lane earned first-place honors in the Free Style category, reserving his spot on the American contingent that will travel to Cologne, Germany, and Intermot 2018 in search of the world championship. People's Choice went to the BMW Alpha built by Salt Lake City machinist Mark Atkinson, and inspired by a concept created by Turkish designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem.

In addition to the Championship of the Americas, Custom Culture powered by BMW Motorcycles also housed the Simpson "Paint Slinger" Shootout. Here, 20 Simpson M30 Bandits were custom painted by some of the most talented artists and were on display for all to see. The winner was Kacey Elkins of Krossover Customs in Stanford, Kentucky, whose design will become a limited edition run of 400 helmets. Antique motorcycle racer Brittney Olsen served as ambassador, sharing her passion for educating current and future motorcyclists about the early era of American motorcycle racing, while also putting some of her own vintage race bikes on display. Complementing Olsen's space was "Artisans Row," where talented industry craftsmen put their talents on display with specialty skills like leather work and pinstriping.

The city of Columbus' presence was also felt on the show floor, as renowned local dealerships A.D. Farrow Co. and Iron Pony Motorsports both saw high traffic at their exhibit space. A.D. Farrow is the oldest Harley-Davidson dealer in America, celebrating 105 years in 2017. After originally opening in nearby Nelsonville in 1912, the business continued to grow, expanding into Columbus with its flagship location in 1924. Today, A.D. Farrow has three locations throughout Columbus, including its original location, and has remained a stalwart in the community while also serving as an icon for the industry. Iron Pony Motorsports serves as one of the largest dealerships in the nation, with 12 different manufacturers represented inside its 133,000 square foot showroom. The family-owned dealership opened in 1975 and is dedicated to serving its customers with an immense collection of OEM and aftermarket products, along with an EagleRider Columbus rental program and its own riding academy in association with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and Motorcycle Ohio safety instructors.

Perhaps no company has had a greater impact on the city of Columbus more than Nationwide, who stepped up to become presenting sponsor of AIMExpo this year and served an integral role in the immediate success of the show in its new location. The Nationwide exhibit space was front and center on the show floor, giving attendees a chance to snap a photo with a real, Nationwide-sponsored Dale Earnhardt, Jr. NASCAR stock car that was shipped directly from Hendrick Motorsports headquarters in Charlotte.   Be sure to stay tuned to the AIMExpoUSA.com website and keep up to date on exciting news as we gear up for Las Vegas 2018. “Like” the American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide on Facebook, and “Follow” on Twitter or Instagram: @AIMExpo.

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, California, 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, visit www.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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