We take a look at the mail that clutters in our inboxes this week.
HUSQVARNA: MAX NAGL PLACES THIRD IN 2016 MXGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Rounding out his participation in the 2016 Motocross World Championship with fourth overall at the GP of USA, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl collected the points needed to secure third place in this year’s MXGP championship.
With the Motocross World Championship drawing to a close at the iconic Glen Helen Raceway, the German star delivered two hugely determined rides to wrap up his 2016 MXGP campaign on a high note. Finishing as runner-up in his qualifying moto, he kept his momentum going into Sunday’s final MXGP motos.
Getting a great start in the opening race he found himself leading the moto for a couple of corners, before eventually finishing a strong third. With the FC 450 powering the German to the holeshot in moto two, Nagl went on to cross the line fourth for fourth overall at the GP of USA.
Following in Nagl’s footsteps, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s MX2 rider Max Anstie also claimed fourth overall in his class to round out the 2016 series with fourth in the MX2 World Championship standings.
Getting the holeshot in moto one, the Brit battled for the top spot for a number of laps before starting to feel the effects of his recent illness. Running out of energy Anstie was forced to settle for eighth. Determined to give it his all during the last moto of the season, Anstie got another great start to eventually cross the line fourth. Wrapping up the series with a total of 504 points, he was just eight points behind the top three in the MX2 championship.
After his strong fourth overall MX2 result in Charlotte last week, Thomas Covington entered the series’ finale aiming to earn a spot inside the top three. Getting a mediocre start in moto one, the American battled through the pack to finish fourth. Unfortunately, a fall in moto two resulted in a 14th place MX2 result.Missing four GPs in the middle of the year due to injury, Covington wrapped up his debut season with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in 11th in the final MX2 championship standings.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Max Nagl and Max Anstie are now set to represent their respective countries at the 2016 Motocross of Nations that will take place in Maggiora, Italy, on September 24/25.Max Nagl: “I’m happy with the way the season ended in Glen Helen. I wanted to end the year on a high and finish inside the top three in the MXGP championship and I’m happy to say both goals were accomplished. In the first moto I got off to a great start leading the race for the first corners before settling for third. My start in moto two was even better and I managed to get my ninth holeshot for the season. I kept the lead until the second lap and then slowly dropped to fourth and that’s where I finished. We were tied in points for third overall with Gajser but he beat me due to his better finish in moto two. We’ve worked really hard with the team this season and this third place in the championship is the best reward for all of us. It’s been a very long season with a lot of travelling. I’m now going to take some time off and soon I will start my preparations for next year. The plan is to keep working as hard as always and hopefully in 2017 we’ll have an even bigger chance for the MXGP title.” Max Anstie: “It’s been a good GP, considering I’ve been ill the last couple of days. It all started during the previous round in Charlotte. Actually, I thought I was all right, as I felt a lot better before the weekend. But ten minutes into each moto and the effects started coming in. Despite aching and feeling sick I did my best in both motos, pushing as hard as my body allowed me to do. I’m also happy with my holeshot in moto one, which helped me secure the holeshot award for this season. My speed was good during the first few laps, but then I felt tired and dropped back to eighth. I got another great start in moto two, even leading the race for a couple of corners. Despite feeling sick again I battled to fourth for fourth overall. Overall, I’m happy with the way this season ended and I’m looking forward to stepping up to the MXGP class with Husqvarna in 2017.”
Thomas Covington: “I felt good all weekend and my speed was pretty good as well. In the first moto I started in about eighth position. I struggled to find a good race pace in the beginning. Towards the end I found my rhythm and was able to pass a few guys in the last ten minutes to finish the moto fourth. In the second race I got a pretty good start, but struggled to find a good feeling in the track. In the second lap I went off the track and lost a couple of spots. I came back and was trying to make it to the podium but I had another crash on top of the hill that ruined my moto. Overall, we had a good first season with the team and I’m looking forward to working hard during the off-season in order to come back stronger next year.”
Results – FIM Motocross World Championship, Round 18
MXGP Overall
1. Eli Tomac (Kawasaki) 50; 2. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 44; 3. Tim Gajser (Honda) 38; 4. Max Nagl (Husqvarna) 38… 19. Jake Nicholls (Husqvarna) 7
MX2 Overall
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 50pts; 2. Jeremy Martin (Honda) 44; 3. Mitchell Harrison (Yamaha) 32; 4. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 31… 8. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 25
Championship Standings (Final)
MXGP
1. Tim Gajser (Honda) 731 points; 2. Antonio Cairoli (KTM) 647; 3. Max Nagl (Husqvarna) 603… 16. Christophe Charlier (Husqvarna) 198… 21. Jake Nicholls (Husqvarna) 114… 25. Rui Goncalves (Husqvarna) 49… 47. Rick Satink (Husqvarna) 4… 55. Marco Maddii (Husqvarna) 1
MX2
1. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 739 points; 2. Jeremy Seewer (Suzuki) 625; 3. Benoit Paturel (Yamaha) 512; 4. Max Anstie (Husqvarna) 504… 11. Thomas Covington (Husqvarna) 286… 19. Conrad Mewse (Husqvarna) 126… 28. Lars van Berkel (Husqvarna) 56; 29. Thomas Kjer Olsen (Husqvarna) 54… 38. Ben Watson (Husqvarna) 39… 43. Pascal Rauchenecker (Husqvarna) 24… 47. Davide Bonini (Husqvarna) 21… 50. Nicholas Lapucci (Husqvarna) 16; 51. James Dunn (Husqvarna) 15… 61. Sven Van der Mierden (Husqvarna) 6
DESALLE, TIXIER AND SEARLE TO REPRESENT KAWASAKI FOR THE MONSTER ENERGY SMX RIDERS’CUP
GLEN HELEN (United States of America), 10 September 2016 – Following the Qualifying Race press conference in Glen Helen, California, USA, Youthstream Director David Luongo and Kawasaki Motors Europe Racing Manager Steve Guttridge officially announced the Team Kawasaki line up for the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Cup which will take place on Saturday the 8th of October inside the VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
Clement Desalle, Jordi Tixier and Tommy Searle, who all race the MXGP series for the Monster Energy Kawasaki teams, joined Mr. Luongo and Mr. Guttridge on stage to express their honour to be selected to defend the colors of Kawasaki for this first ever Supermotocross event.
Steve Guttridge, Racing Manager Kawasaki Europe: “Kawasaki are part of the MXGP series and each season we work in partnership with the series promoters Youthstream on many areas to help grow and promote our fantastic sport. Our riders are the stars and our teams make it happen. The SMX stadium event is new both to us as a manufacturer and for our riders, but the initiative has a big potential to reach a bigger audience and so we take this opportunity to not only show off our KX motorcycles but even display our wider range of Kawasaki products to the fans there. So we are happy to join the party with our top MXGP stars; Clement, Jordi and Tommy will be racing for us as our Manufacturer team. Kawasaki would like to thank them for representing us at the SMX and we wish them the very best.”
David Luongo, Youthstream Director concluded: “Kawasaki have a very strong and competitive line up and I wish to thank them to be part of this new event with their best riders. Six teams have been announced so far and we want all the riders to enjoy the event and the track, which is going to be a motocross one. The best names from both sides of the ocean will be inside the VELTINS-Arena the 8th of October. This is a show to not to miss”.
Also, as a special offer, anyone who buys a ticket to the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup will receive FREE admission to one of the worlds most popular motorcycle exhibitions ‘INTERMOT’ which will be taking place less than one hour away, in Cologne, Germany.
MXGP: FACEBOOK REACHED 800K LIKES!
GLEN HELEN (USA), 11 September 2016 – The 2016 MXGP season has been incredible with its success being reflected online, on our Social Media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Facebook in particular has been outstanding with our official page “MXGP” reaching 800,000 likes after last weekend at the Monster Energy MXGP of Americas.
Facebook has allowed us to involve our fans more than ever before. It is the go-to place for all of the information, results, news and movement that occurs at each round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, and is the one place that fans can find loads of FREE video content such as action videos, crashes and battles, and exclusive interviews. We also run competitions on our Facebook page where our fans have the chance to win some incredible prizes, such as passes and accommodation, signed gear, MXGP2 videogames, MXGP-TV access and much more.
With a whopping 1,71 TRILLION users world wide, Facebook has also allowed us to reach a new audience and increase the awareness of our awesome sport and in a world that is driven by Social Media and technology; we are pumped to see our figures consistently rising.
You can ‘like’ or ‘follow’ us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram by clicking the links below, and you can also subscribe to our Youtube channel where you will find a lot of FREE videos.
HONDA END 2016 MXGP SEASON WITH MANUFACTURERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP CROWN
Today’s MXGP of the USA at the iconic Glen Helen marked the end of the 2016 season, and one in which Honda celebrated winning the Manufacturers’ Championship.
Gautier Paulin delivered a solid performance in the final moto today to take fifth, and fifth overall in the Grand Prix, whilst Evgeny Bobryshev overcame starting from the very outside gate to take an eighth place finish, which was enough for seventh overall.
Combined with the performance this season of Tim Gajser on the Honda Gariboldi CRF450RW, Honda dominated the Manufacturers’ Championship this season to win that particular title by 70 points, adding to the double crown of 2016 Riders’ and Manufacturers’ World Championship titles.
Today’s MXGP of the USA marked the end of the 2016 season, but that’s not to say racing is now finished. In two weeks, the Italian track of Maggiora hosts the Motocross of Nations, which is followed a fortnight later by the Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Cup at the Veltins Arena in Germany.
Gautier Paulin.
Gautier Paulin
10TH, 5TH 5TH OVERALL
“Today was a little bit up and down because I was tenth in the first moto but then fifth in the second, which was much better. In moto one I knew that my position today was fifth. I tried to push to pass Max in race two but I couldn’t make it, so in the end fifth was exactly where we finished, in the second race and overall. Romain has been on it this weekend and he finished behind me in the second race so we know that the speed was there. I struggled a bit on the bike yesterday and in the first moto when the track was flat, but in the second race it was rougher so I could be more technical so we could do a better job. It’s great for Honda to have taken the Manufacturers’ title too, so I want to congratulate the team and all the HRC staff for all their work this season, and also thank them for all their support and all the work of the team this season.”
Evgeny Bobryshev.
Evgeny Bobryshev
11TH, 8TH 7TH OVERALL
“Yesterday really set the tone of this weekend as starting from the outside made my races tough today, even though I could still make some passes in the first corner as I hoped. It was difficult to come back through the field though. The first moto was a little tricky and at the finish I was only three points ahead of Jeremy van Horebeek in fifth overall in the championship, and I really wanted to keep that position. Then the second race was much better and we could make our way up to eighth. I’m really proud to have ridden the new 2017 CRF450RW for the last two races of this season, and I know it has so much performance that we’ve been finding out how to maximise these last two races ahead of next season. The team have worked so hard all season and I really want to thank them all for their support, and it’s a good reward that Honda won the Manufacturers’ title this year. Along with Tim’s championship, it’s been a fantastic year to be riding a Honda.”
Gautier Paulin.
Roger Harvey (TEAM MANAGER)
HRC General Manager – MXGP
“These last two Grands Prix in America have been a great way to end the season – Bobby was fighting for the top three in Charlotte on the new CRF, Tim took two podiums and of course won the World Championship title, and Honda also took the Manufacturers’ Championship title, so it’s been a great year and we’re all very satisfied with what 2016 has brought us. The team have all worked so hard and the support from HRC has been incredible, so I think this is really a deserved result and I want to congratulate everyone in our Honda family. The conditions this weekend were hot at Glen Helen, but both Gautier and Bobby rode well, especially in the second moto today, where they were making progress until the flag. The MXGP season has now finished, but there’s not really any rest as we head to the Motocross of Nations where Gautier, Bobby and Tim are all selected once again, and we hope there we can continue the run of success on the Honda CRF.”
STRIJBOS & SUZUKI ROUND-OUT 2016 WITH 11TH
Team Suzuki Press Office – September 12.
Team Suzuki World MXGP brought their 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship campaign to an end with Kevin Strijbos scoring 11th position under hot sunshine at Glen Helen for the Grand Prix of USA, and confirming the same spot in the series standings. The 18th and final round of MXGP was played out in front of a 27,000 crowd in southern California.
One week after weathering a new layout at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina MXGP faced a different kind of American test with the rapid layout and relentless hills of Glen Helen. The weather was typically Californian and the venue an hour east of Los Angeles cooked in temperatures that reached the mid-30s under a rich blue sky.
It was a prime motocross location at which to end the 2016 season and Strijbos hinted at promising form on Saturday when he captured fourth position in the qualification heat. The Belgian Grand Prix winner made a decent launch in the first 30-minute and two-lap chase and ran with Dean Wilson for company, but was unable to pass the Brit and crossed the line in ninth place.
One Million Dollars Up for Grabs as Richest Talent Pool in History Vie for Victory at Highly Anticipated Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas
ELLENTON, Fla. (September 13, 2016) – Feld Entertainment® announced today that one of the richest talent pools in the history of the Monster Energy Cup will compete for the $1 million prize at this year’s Monster Energy Cup, taking place on October 15 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.
The Monster Energy Cup is already Supercross’ annual All-Star event, but this year’s Cup could be billed as a race of champions. The Cup Class will feature the reigning Supercross Champion, Ryan Dungey and the reigning Monster Energy Cup and Pro Motocross Champion, Ken Roczen. Plus, the current MXGP World Champion, Tim Gajser will also make his debut in a one-night-only battle for the coveted Monster Energy Cup trophy and the shot at winning $1 million. Additionally, fans can expect to see a who’s who of Supercross’ elite, including Chad Reed, Marvin Musquin, Jason Anderson, Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Trey Canard, Cooper Webb and more.
Unlike any other race, the Monster Energy Cup challenges riders in their fight for victory with three 10-Lap Main Events on a custom-designed track, inspired by 5-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion, Ricky Carmichael.
Click the image below to view the historic Monster Energy Cup animated track map:
“The 2016 Monster Energy Cup is going to be awesome,” said Carmichael, who has helped design every Monster Energy Cup track since its inception in 2011. “The biggest thing is going to be the start. Riders will be taking off from the top of the stadium, going down 165 feet to the floor, then another 150 feet to the first turn. It’s going to be unbelievable. The fans are going to love it and that’s what makes the Monster Energy Cup so cool. We can do fun and unique things.”
Past Winners of the Monster Energy Cup dating back to its inception:
Ryan Villopoto – 2011 (only $1 million winner)
Justin Barcia – 2012
James Stewart – 2013
Davi Millsaps – 2014
Ken Roczen – 2015
ASTERISK ANNOUNCES BIG CHANGES AHEAD
CORONA, CA – September 13, 2016 Today, Asterisk, the leading global knee brace manufacturer, announced that the company is undergoing exciting new changes. These changes include a larger facility in Corona, California, new product lines and a new management team with an innovative direction for the company’s future.
Asterisk, which has been present in motocross, ski, wakeboard and snowmobile markets since 2000, will soon be back in the medical market as well. Asterisk was started by a group of athletes, including several motocross riders with extensive backgrounds in the design and use of orthopedic devices.
The motivation behind the formation and growth of the company was, and still is, to bring state-of-the-art protection and performance products directly to the athletes. Asterisk introduced the Cell Knee Protection System as its first product in April 2001 to satisfy the need for high-level knee protection, making them available directly to athletes at an affordable price. In May 2006, Asterisk introduced the Germ Knee Protection System, designed specifically for kids.
WORKS CONNECTION SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING RIDER RESUMES FOR 2017
Works Connection is accepting new rider, and currently sponsored rider resumes for the 2017 season. Works Connection’s Rider Support Program is in its 27th year and is actively looking for riders to be a part the program. Support levels range from Beginner up through the National level. The program is open to riders of all disciplines including, but not limited to, Motocross, Supercross, Off-Road, Flat Track, Hill Climb, Supermoto, Speedway, Endurocross, Trials, ATV and action sport athletes.
Click on Works Connection to apply for your sponsorship.
HUSQVARNA: MILITARY SALES IN THE 60S
At the end of 1964 Husqvarna was back in business with the military, who had always favoured motorcycles to be part of their vehicle equipment. The Swedish brand had sold some bikes back in the 30s, but now it was a serious order – the military asked for a quote for 5’000 machines!
At first, a prototype Husqvarna was built up to specifications and demands of the military. Among other things machines needed to be able to have skis attached, which was nothing new to the R&D department at Huskvarna. During 1965 this new bike was tested under severe conditions, needing few modifications. Among other equipment was a tank bag and a rear rack to accommodate extra material. Husqvarna began production and was ready to deliver at the beginning of 1966, when politics set in.
The new model, named MC 256 A, was stalled on the production line. In the meantime, customers in the United States demanded more delivery and the importer Edison Dye decided to take advantage of the situation. He had a Sportsman version imported to the USA. One that was nearly the same machine as the 256 A, but, of course, without the skis and other unnecessary equipment.
As the time of delivery to the military grew closer, the order diminished to a fifth of the original figures. No more than approximately 1’000 of the 256 A machines were delivered for terrain purposes in the military.
But the “Request for Proposal” did not only go to Husqvarna, but also to other manufacturers such as Monark and Hägglunds who were working on other heavy duty military projects for the government. The new military thinking included details such as an engine that kept running while the machine was lying on its side. Also, that the wheels would be built in such a way that made it as easy as possible to change them. It was also requested that the front and rear wheel would be interchangeable. A further thought was a bit more improbable – the government’s people asked that the engine be easy to start even after three to five years in storage! Last but not least… the newcomer had to be equipped with an automatic gearbox, as inexperienced riders would also ride the machines. This time, the size of the order was 3,000 units, to be delivered by the end of the 60s.
Developing a suitable new machine, three manufacturers went into further discussion with the military. Besides Husqvarna, Monark and Hägglunds were also in the race for the attractive contract. During testing sessions, it turned out that none of the prototypes were good enough to pass the request list. A second round was initiated, but now Monark withdrew their interest giving Husqvarna and Hägglund the chance of building improved prototypes. The new machine used an automatic gearbox with a centrifugal weight clutch and freewheel for each gear. This way, the selected gears were depending on the speed of the rear wheel. The construction consisted of a gearbox with only three gears and worked well from the start of the tests.
The machine was also included in the International Six Days Trial (ISDT) in 1973, which gave the general public a chance to see this latest development from Husqvarna. However, to everyone’s surprise, Hägglunds was awarded the final contract as “they had submitted a most innovative design in their presented prototype”.
Husqvarna did not give up. They had been very successful in the ISDT and so continued developing a commercial machine, which would sell as a street machine with the added benefit of excellent offroad performance. Only a year-and-a-half later, Hägglunds realised that they had failed making a production vehicle from their appreciated prototype. Husqvarna was asked to take over the responsibility for delivery. This came in handy with the developers in Husqvarna and a special group was formed with engineer Tommy Malm leading the way. It took until the fall of 1966 before everything was negotiated from both parties. But further delays and discussions set the final delivery of 1’000 machines back to 1968 when the elusive model 256 A was handed over for military purposes.
HINSON CLUTCH COMPONENTS 2017 RIDER SUPPORT
Upland, California – September 1st, 2016 – Hinson Clutch Components is now accepting resumes for the 2017 rider support season. Please note that we will be accepting resumes for sponsorship consideration through November 30th, 2016. All rider support is being handled directly through our website www.hinsonracing.com. You will apply / submit your resume by clicking the banner on our homepage where you will fill out all of the necessary information. Once you have done that, you will receive an email from us with further instructions.
All sponsored riders will be able to shop with their discount directly on our website by logging in to their support account. Whether you need to do a quick price check on some clutch components or place an order with your discount, you'll be able to do so with our rider support platform.
To apply click the "Rider Support" banner on our home page or click the link below: www.hinsonracing.com/sponsorship-registration/
2017 NIHILO CONCEPTS SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM NOW OPEN!
The 2017 season is right around the corner and now is the time to apply for rider support! The Nihilo Concepts Tribe is now being selected for the 2017 MX, SX, & AX season. We encourage everyone, current Tribe members and new applicants, to apply for rider support. We are looking for a limited number of dedicated riders to represent Nihilo Concepts, positively, on and off the track. To apply for sponsorship, please send your resume, including a bio and recent results, toRiderSupport@NihiloConcepts.com.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding the Nihilo Tribe sponsorship program