Queen's Birthday Racing

VOL.147 - FRIDAY 29 MAY 2009

NEW ZEALAND NEWS
Queen's Birthday Racing

Busy long weekend coming, with five events.

Starting in Christchurch there is the Michael Godfrey Memorial Motocross .  Yamaha Racing (MXDK aka Darryll King and co.) go to this each year but I saw they were confirmed for Tokoroa.  I spoke to DK and he said that he had been told that the Christchurch event was delayed a week due to the big wet they had.  That was not correct so DK is going and taking Kieran Leigh with him. Damien will be at Tokoroa.  If you hadn't figured it out already, DK has not gone to Round 3 of the World Vets this weekend at Mallory Park in England but he may go to the last two rounds.  His wrist still troubles him and the big jumps at Mallory would not help him. Christchurch will be easier on his wrist as basically a flat track with a couple of big drop-offs.  As DK says, he will be better prepared for 2010 and travel up to Europe much earlier.
South Waikato MCC's two day event at Tokoroa is always well supported with Minis /Juniors/Women on the Saturday and Seniors/Vets/ATV's on the Sunday.   MX2 is almost full with some 'good' names listed.  Jesse Wiki is back and on a privateer Honda !

Sunday is also the Red Bull City Scramble in Auckland Central.  Click on this, it's very trick: http://www.deflux.co.nz/redbull/ 
Mercer sand track.  Opening practice with Round 1 of the Pukekohe MCC's Winter Series on 21 June.  This unforgiving sand track is at Huntly, between SH1 and the Waikato River.  Minis will also be running on their dirt track. The Club has said no to ATV's this season as they destroy the berms at Mercer.  Tough call but one welcomed by the two wheelers.
Fells Farm also on QB Monday 01 June. It's the final round of their Summer Series.
Big weekend overseas also with The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown in Sacramento, CA.  As mentioned, Round 7 of the FIM World Motocross Championship series - the British GP at Mallory Park.

AMA (ARDMORE) SCHOOLS MX

Very well run event with orange high-visibility vested folk everywhere.  The track was (in John Cobb speak)  mint !  Double berms now mean passing opportunities.  It's a big event - 350 signed on.  Novice Classes were huge and that is really what the event is about. John has talked about his own transponder system for years - what a pain manually lap scoring 350 riders.

Practice's lead rider was Danny Evans from Botany Honda who is the track sponsor.  I missed it but told that when he endo'd on his first lap.  Apparently he actually front flipped and was upside down when he bailed. Lucky not to hurt himself.

An XR200 rider was entertaining and great to hear the roar of support every time he went over the container jump.  I was on the corner before the container jump when he crashed. Each time he jumped he rocked his bars from side-to-side, in his version of a whip.  Trouble was rider in front whipped and he rocked into him.  More his fault than the other riders and both lucky to continue.

Let's not forget the strong performances from the experienced.  Jan Doeksen in the 15-18yrs 250cc Class who won by big margins.  Younger brother Joel was 12-14yrs 125/250cc but had turned 15 between the postponed events - he ran 12-14 and also won by big margins.  Both go to Strathallan College so 6 wins plus placings from Van put them in good stead for a School win.

Jan Doeksen - riding for Strathallan College.

'V' - must be an international ? Meet Vitor who hails from Brazil and a good rider. He is an exchange student and staying with the Kiffs. The RM is actually Adrain Kiff's.  Rider behind him is Louis Hann.

Best racing was in the 15-18yrs 125 MX Class.  Classy performance by NZ's #2 Jamie Ainsworth who won with Paxton Tibbets and Carl Rice battling for 2nd.  All down that Class there good racing.  The 3 x 85 Classes had good racing also.  NZ World Junior 85cc Squad rider Aiden Kiff was very, very fast.  Love to know his lap times against other Classes.

Jamie Ainsworth - unbeatable all day.

Carl Rice - I was impressed with his speed.

For the 'pure' MX riders the Western Heights Schools event at Rotorua is a step up but Ardmore is 'convenient'.

As Round 3 got underway a storm front was advancing and laps were cut to 3 and half the classes got through before the drizzle started. They had to spread hay on the jump faces as very slippery.

Crashes galore all day and I would have put the camera down a dozen times to help someone get up and going.  Quite a few injuries as well.   

WORLD JUNIOR MX

Couple of injuries in the Squad.  Brandon Tipene has fractured a radius - about a handgrip above the wrist.  His mum Donna has joined the ranks and broken her wrist.  Hamish Dobbyn put his knee out again at Taupo.  No ACL and MCL to hold it all together.  

I was told by a Squad parent that they have been informed that the final team members have to fork out NZ$1200 each for their entry fee - ouch !!  

SHIFT DESIGN CONTEST

Just download the motocross jersey and pant design templates and design your own gear.  The winner will also receive a $1,000 Shift shopping spree and have their design considered for actual production.

The Shift Your Design Contest has started and entries will be allowed until June 21st.  Download templates on: http://www.shiftracing.com/us/DesignContest/

Entries can be sent to shiftdesigncontest@shiftracing.com and should not exceed 2mb.  Enter as many times as you like.

CATCH UP ... WITH DAVE LEARY

Dave has been conspicuously absent quiet since Greg Hanson returned to the UK.  Been settling into married life with Shirley. 

"Ya wouldn't believe it Al?" he told me over the phone.  "I bought Shirley a Liquor Store on the North Shore - hahahaha !"   If you know Dave that will make you smile !! 

Dave has been busy planning and the first bit of news is he has Daniel Marshall coming out of retirement and going to run the 70bhp CR500 2 stroke in the Whangarei $3000 dash-for-cash.  Kiwi Rider's Pete McPhee is then going to test it for a feature story.

Bigger news is Dave is going to run Calvin Ferguson this year.   They have a new CR450 with sponsorship from Cyclespot, Bridgestone, Putolene, Gold Fren and Pro Taper, Sportspro are also in with their diverse range but not Scott goggles.  Calvin will be wearing Oakley - wonder how he got that deal ? Bike is being set-up this weekend and suspension sorted.  Will be great to see him back in the MX1 Class as the ranks are a bit thin.

BIKES STOLEN IN THE TARANAKI AREA

The following bikes were stolen from an address in Okato, Taranaki on the 15 May. 

1 x 2004 CRF 450R dirt bike, pro circuit pipe, TAG Fat bars - black, markings on front shocks, 25mm white twink, markings on wheel adjustment - back wheel - white twink.
1 x 2007 CRF 250R dirt bike, Pro tapper fat bars - black with bar raisers, ACERBIS red hand guards, bent radiator - right side, black rear sprocket, Zeta unbreakable clutch lever and bar ends.
1 x 2006 CRF 150F, Frame no:  9CR KE02046R400892, protaper bars with no bar pads, black bark busters - right hand bolt missing, yellow stains on left hand back side panel.
1 x 2005 CRF100, Frame No: JH2HE03005K402795, clamps on handle bars for bark busters - but no bark busters on bike, new clutch cable, red Honda tag still on it.  Clutch was slipping and clutch lever was upside down for cable. 
1 x 2009 KX65, stabdard bars with pro tapper cover, race no. 342, broken front brake lever - only half left on it.  hour meter approx 60hours, frame no.  JKBKX065AAA066820, Engine number 059236.
1 x 2006 Thumpstar pro, black in colour, broken left side rear panel.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact their local Police Station quoting this file number 090519/5204, or Constable Richard Corry of the Okato Police on (06) 75 24111. It is also a timely reminder of your own vehicle security.

MXDK MOTOCROSS SAND TRAINING

Hugely popular and sold out early last year.  DK is holding a training day at the Pukekohe MCC's Mercer sand track on 25 July.  All enquiries to: DK on info@mxdk.com

The next MXDK motocross training school will be at Greg Dawson's Motocross track 10km from Matamata on Saturday June 6th starting at 9am. Register online at www.mxdk.com

DON'T FORGET NITRO CIRCUS

On MTV every Tuesday at 8:00pm and Wednesday at 9:30pm. Keep an eye on the programme as it has been repeated at some random times.  This week they were slam-dunking off a pitbike.  Also showed showed Matt Lemoine follow Travis over a 125 foot jump - his first time off a ramp.  He actually flew over the top of Travis and flat lands at 150 feet - ouch !! Luckily he did not hurt himself but the front wheel was missing plenty of spokes.

CATCH UP ... WITH THE NISBETS.

Christian was paralysed from the waist down after a crash at Taupo on 25 May 2008.  I caught up with his mum and dad, Damian and Lynne at the NZ Juniors Nationals at Taupo.  Christian was zipping around in his modified Kawasaki Teryx.

Last Monday (25 May), was exactly 12 months since the accident so Damo and Lynne decided to surprise 10 year old Christian and a few of his MX buddies and make a celebration of his achievements since his injury.

Christian's morning started with a ride in a Lamborghini from home to school - 11 km distance. (Thanks to Dave and Jacky). 

Haki Waller and James Anderson climbed aboard at the Helipro base in Palmerston North before flying to Colyton for a landing at school and pick up of a very surprised Christian.  It was then a quick flight across to Huntly Boys for a surprise visit and uplift of Connor Allan. A scenic flight had all passengers feeling a little airsick on a not-so-great Manawatu day before they landed at home for a short break.  Last stop was Palmy's Helipro base where a stretched Hummer was waiting to take the lads and and his sister Erana for a tour around the area before dropping everyone at the movies to see Wolverine.  (Thanks Mark from Helipro and Viv from Executive Limousines in Palmy)

"Christian has done so well adjusting to his injury and whilst his journey is far from over we are confident he will do just fine.  Thanks heaps for your support and words or encouragement this past year.  Friends, family and the wider MX community have been amazing.  We pick up the new race kart shortly and so will begin a new adventure.  Niki Urwin is coaching/mentoring him" said Damian.

Christian with his sister and mates.  Photo courtesy of the  Manawatu Standard. Photographer Jonathan Cameron. 

ENDURO / CROSS COUNTRY 

PAUL WHIBLEY RACE REPORT: OMA ROUND 3, RIO GRANDE - OHIO

Round 3 of the OMA series brought warm temperatures (30ËšC) and a faster track than Round 2. It was at this track last year that I won my very first OMA event and started my 7 race winning steak that led to the championship.  So I was feeling good about the track and looking forward to a good race. My shoulder was still pretty sore after the crash at the GNCC the previous weekend.  I had tried to ride on Thursday but it was too weak so I was relying on the adrenaline to make it all better on race day.

Lining up on the start, the sun was beating down, sweat was already flowing freely.  I got another great jump of the line although Jimmy Jarrett beat me to the first turn, he ran wide and I was able to sneak up the inside and take the hole shot.  I settled into a good rhythm and soon found myself opening up a lead.  By the time we had completed a lap I was out to about a 30 second lead.  The track was pretty fun with a good mix of fast open woods and fields with the typical tight technical trails that Gusse just can't help himself including to challenge all.

I came around to complete the second lap and Katherine gave me the pit board saying that I was out to about a 50 sec lead.  I was enjoying the track and my shoulder wasn't bothering me too much, just when you really have to distort your body to avoid clipping a tree, that sudden movement would send a sharp flash through my shoulder.  Maybe it was just my body trying to remind me that tagging a tree is never good.

Gas stop after 3 laps went smooth thanks to Monty, Katherine, Joy and the rest of the JG Off Road crew.  On the following lap I had a bit of a moment on one of the creek jumps.  A rut was forming where I was landing, from bikes climbing out of the creek.  This rut was on an angle and right where I placed my front end.  I saw this rut at the last second, it had got a lot worse and tried to pull the front end up to get the front over it and avoid an endo.  Instead when I landed on the far side my weight was too far back and I got all out of shape and whiskey throttled it, I almost ended up back in the creek further along the track. Well I ended up in the creek, my bike managed to stay up on the bank. 

I got going again pretty quick but this helped Jimmy to close the gap back to about 20 seconds.  I saw he was closer on one of the switch back grass tracks and stepped it up, regaining my time buffer over the last couple of laps and crossed the line at the conclusion of the event with over a minute lead. Jimmy maintained second spot ahead of Thad DuVall who had began to put some pressure on him on the last lap.

Results: 1st: Paul Whibley, 2nd: Jimmy Jarrett, 3rd: Thad DuVall, 4th: Jason Thomas, 5th: Scotty Watkins

Thanks to my following sponsors: GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy, Moose Racing, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Pirelli, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics,  Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, Renthal, WER, BRP, Rekluse, CV4, Motion Pro, Works Connection, Enduro Engineering

Paul being interviewed immediately after the race on the public address system.  That's his wife Katherine with him.

L to R: 2nd Jimmy Jarrett.  1st: Paul Whibley. 3rd: Thad DuVall.  Photos courtesy of Paul Whibley

NZ CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP.

Edited copy from Yamaha NZ

Mokau's Adrian Smith (Yamaha), is one of three Yamaha men in line for the National Cross Country title this season.

The Yamaha rider rocketed back into contention after a stunning performance near Nelson on Saturday. It was an absolute thriller at the third round of four in this year's series, just south of Nelson on Saturday, as the Taranaki man and fellow Yamaha ace Adam Reeves, of Pahiatua, finished 1-2 in the three-hour race.

Soon after the start, Adrian Smith and defending champion Cam Smith (no relation), of Marton, found themselves locked in a close do-or-die battle for the lead. But, still fighting an old injury, Suzuki's Cam Smith eventually faded to finish 8th, allowing Adrian Smith to take a comfortable win.

"I won the title in 2006 but I've had a lean time of late," said the 23-year-old Adrian Smith. "The track was pretty fast and probably suited a rider on a 450cc bike than me on the 250, but it worked out for me in the end. This result is a great confidence boost. Because riders can drop their worst round, it gives me a good chance of taking the title at the final round."

Adrian Smith.  Photo courtesy of Yamaha NZ.  Photographer: Andy McGechan

Round 1 winner Reeves (Yamaha YZF450) was closing in fast on Adrian Smith near the end of Saturday's race, Reeves being forced to play catch-up after suffering problems at the start of the race, but he ran out of time to make anything really happen.

"I got stuck in a bog at the start and that cost me a lot of time," said Reeves. "Then I exhausted myself trying to catch up. I would have needed a 50-lap race to catch Adrian. He was riding really well."

Reeves eventually finished nearly two minutes behind Adrian Smith, with Round 2 winner Mark Penny (Suzuki), of Te Awamutu, taking 3rd.  It's tight at the top of the standings and the Championship will go right to the wire at

Ashhurst's final round on 06 June, with recently-crowned National Enduro Champion Rory Mead (Yamaha), of Whitby, also in contention. There's virtually nothing to separate the top four or five riders and whomever wins at Ashhurst will most likely take the title. 

In the battle of the women, Invercargill's Kylie Dorr still leads the series, but she finished runner-up to Raetihi's Letitia Alabaster (Yamaha YZF250) on Saturday and it will be a close run for the title between these two at Ashhurst.

In junior racing at Nelson, Napier's Lance O'Dea won ahead of Raetihi's Charles Alabaster (Yamaha YZF250), and that will be another close battle to the finish.

KTM VIEWPOINT

Edited copy from KTM Australia/NZ

KTM claimed three class wins at final National Enduro Championship held at Waimiha in New Zealand's King Country, saw Motorex KTM Racers Karl Power, Chris Birch and Jason Davis dominate each of their respective classes for top honours on the podium.

In wrapping up the overall Championship, Karl Power secured second outright behind Rory Mead, and also won the E2 class.  While Chris Birch finished third outright for the series, and second in the E3 class, and Jason Davis finished fifth outright and second in the E4 class.

Commenting on the racing E2 class wLinner Karl Power said, "I wrapped up the E2 class win at the penultimate round, so I was going for outright at this final.   Unfortunately for me I didn't secure enough points, so the overall outright win went to Rory Mead and I got second outright.  I can't complain about a win in class, and second outright, that's still a pretty good achievement.  The final round of racing covered 120 kms with six special tests on two loops.  The terrain was soft soil, but muddy and slippery with not much traction on the ground.   It was great to be so competitive on the KTM 250 EXC-F, which was one of the smaller bikes in the field.  I was a lot faster than the bigger bikes in the tight sections, and that's where I made up most of my ground."

Last year's winner Chris Birch who finished third this year was left puzzled by a new supplementary regulation that saw him miss out on winning his class.

"I finished the E3 class on equal points with Rory Mead," said Birch.  "This was a four round series, and you can usually drop your worst performance.  The final result saw me with two class wins and a second, and also gave Rory two wins and a second.  Normally promoters would decide the winner on who got the best result at the last round, which is how it is written in the rule book, but due to this new sup reg, which I haven't seen before they split the tie by bringing back into affect the worst round.  For me that was a DNF and for Rory it was second, so he got the class win and I got second. The final round of racing was a lot of fun although I completely stuffed up the first special test.  I ended up in a hole off the side of the track, which took me a couple of goes to get out of, but my fitness held up really well and I continued on.  I won the final round by approx 15 seconds, and that was rewarding within itself."

Motorex KTM - E4 class competitor Jason Davis, won the final round, yet recalls his most rewarding win of the series being at round three when he beat Stefan Merriman.

"The final racing of the National Championship was really tight, so it suited me pretty well, but I got held up on the last two tests which affected my outright results, but at the end of the day I won the E4 class, so I'm pretty happy with that.

"It was a great series, and my most memorable race would have to be round three where I beat Stefan Merriman in class, and also outright.   He had been unbeatable in all his racing in NZ since he returned from competing on world circuit in Europe, so it was really satisfying to break his winning streak."

Final comment from Karl Power: "I raced on the KTM 250 EXC-F at the Taupo circuit, and it handled really well on the volcanic soft surface.   The competition was really stiff with Jason Davis and Rory Mead both keeping me honest. We competed in four special tests throughout the final, and I won three and drew one with Jason Davis.  This was the first time I won a round, but consistency at the other rounds is what got me the title. The cold temperatures also saw riders challenged, but all the KTM guys held on strong.  My team mate Jason Davis only missed out on second at the final round by four seconds to Rory Mead, that's just how close we were racing. It was a great series and I'd like to thank everyone at Motorex KTM who got behind me for the event."

Karl will next ride with Motorex KTM Off-Road Racers, Chris Birch, Jason Davis at the Red Bull City Scramble in Auckland CBD this weekend.

Final results:

Outright:

1. Rory Mead (Yamaha) 82 points;
2. Karl Power (KTM) 80;
3. Chris Birch (KTM) 68;
4. Stefan Merriman (Yamaha) 65;
5. Jason Davis (KTM) 52.
Expert E2:

1. Karl Power (KTM) 75 points;
2. Adrian Smith (Yamaha) 66;
3. Karl Roberts (Yamaha) 60.
Expert E3:

1. Rory Mead (Yamaha) 72 points;
2. Chris Birch (KTM) 72;
3. John O'Dea (Suzuki) 52.
Expert E4:

1. Stefan Merriman (Yamaha) 72 points;
2. Jason Davis (KTM) 68;
3. Reece Burgess (KTM) 62.

FREESTYLE

CATCH UP ... WITH LUKE SMITH

On Saturday the 10 January Luke was practising at a new riding spot when mysteriously, the front brake on his bike locked. He crashed into the landing which threw him from the bike to the flat, landing on his head and shattering his helmet. He was knocked unconscious and quickly rushed to the hospital. They operated immediately to relieve the pressure and bleeding and later moved him to a high dependency neurosurgery unit.  He had no major injuries except to his head.

"Thanks for everyone's support you have given me over the past few months since I had my horrific injury.  I am getting better day by day and working as hard as I can to get better and back to my old self asap.

I still struggle with my fatigue levels as I am only good for around a hour then I'm shattered I feel like I have been up all night and if I wear my energy levels get down that much I get these horrible headaches that just don't go and stay for around 3 days, no painkillers seem to work as I am on tramol/Codeine at the moment, the only thing I can do is sleep it off somehow.

I am still having rehab 4 days a week, with a different member each day, one is to help get  my memory back as they say all of the information is there it's just re linking the cells in my brain and starting over again. So we run tests I do crosswords lots of things to help re-train my brain.

Then I have someone for my sight as since my injury my vision on the right side struggles to focus or work properly so sometimes mainly when my fatigue levers are down I tend to bump into walls or doorways as I can't judge the gap.

Also I am working on my physical ability, mainly around my core as it helps with my balance, to try get back to normal. At the moment I use my eyesight so much to help me balance, we have noticed then when I shut my eyes and can't see I can barely walk two steps in front of me without almost falling over, and due to the bleeding I had on the left side of my brain I always when lose my balance head off to the right.

Then last of all I have a psychologist one day of the week to help me explain the problems I am having on a day to day basis with getting frustrated about my position or how I feel sometimes as my life has been taken away from me.

All the doctors have told me and are amazed with my progress, in such a short time I have achieved so much, I still have a long road of recovery ahead, but I am just taking it day by day and I'm thank full that I am alive and I have so many good people behind me including all my friends and close family especially my girlfriend Katy as there is no way I could get through this without her.

I am not sure on getting back on 2 wheels for a while but I hope to be in 4 wheels for some practice in the next 2 months. I have been building a road legal Nissan Silvia S14 with a SR20DET and am looking at hitting the track as soon as it's ready to get some time in the seat and learn as much as I can in my new sport.

Just thought I would let you all know how I am and what I am fighting.  Regards, Luke Smith

CRUSTY DEMONS BEYOND THE APOCALYPSE TOUR

The Crusty Demons Beyond the Apocalypse Tour made its worldwide debut in Melbourne two weeks ago the previous weekend with two huge shows. Almost 25,000 fans over two nights packed the Rod Laver Arena as they screamed and cheered their way through the mind blowing shows.

The two local riders, Cam Sinclair and Bilko, stole both shows with Cam Sinclair performing two perfect double back flips and Bilko proving he back to his best by pulling off a number of jackhammer back flips and his signature 360's. Bilko was so fired up he even pulled off a 360 heel clicker on the Saturday night.

Bilko's signature 360.  Photo courtesy of Muzza www.crusty.com

Ben Fiez pulled off his first ever double back flip on a mini bike and the final back flip combination train with all riders created a standing ovation on both nights.

The tour continued with two shows in Brisbane last weekend.

RED BULL X-FIGHTERS

Mexico was back 27 March and remember that Kiwi Levi Sherwood won that.  The tour continues with Canada's Round 2 at Calgary this weekend - 30 May. Then it's Fort Worth, Texas on 27 June.  Cross the Atlantic to Madrid in Spain for 16-17 July and finishing in London on 22 August.

Meanwhile the Red Bull X-Fighters Exhibition Tour continues:

31 May - Belgrade, Serbia
04 Jun -  Omsk, Russia
06 Jun -  Zagreb, Croatia
09 Jun -  Maribor, Slovenia
10 Jun -  Tyumen, Russia

RELAUNCHED WEBSITE FMXWORLD.COM

Check it out for yourself on www.fmxworld.com

AUSTRALIA NEWS

4TH ROUND -  2009 AUSTRALIAN MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Pro Opens Class: Cheyne Boyd (Yamaha) won in the Pro Opens Class ahead of Jay Marmont (Yamaha) and Andrew McFarlane (Yamaha).  Despite his two race victories at the round, Boyd, who is currently 3rd in the Series, remains 42 points behind Championship leader Marmont, with McFarlane in 2nd.

On the sandy Queensland track, Victorian rider Boyd was in his element, setting a staggeringly fast qualifying time which remained the fastest of the day.

In the first moto, however, it was Todd Waters (Honda) who was fastest out of the gate, with Cody Mackie (Kawasaki) and McFarlane hot on his heels. Midway through the moto Boyd had caught and passed Waters, taking the lead ahead of Mackie with Marmont running in 3rd. While Boyd continued to extend his lead, Marmont slipped past Mackie in the dying laps of the moto, hanging on to 2nd until the flag.

The second moto saw Daryl Hurley, take the holeshot and the lead, followed closely by Marmont and Boyd. Boyd soon made the pass on his teammate and edged closer to the Kiwi and within a matter of laps had once again taken the lead. While Boyd put more distance between himself and Marmont, McFarlane was slowly gaining ground on the reigning Champ, coming to within one second at the chequered flag.

Marmont now has a solid 21 point lead over McFarlane, with Boyd now in 3rd.

Cheyne Boyd and Jay Marmont, CDR Rockstar Yamaha. Photo courtesy of Yamaha-Racing.

Cheyne Boyd: "It's taken me a long time to get going this season, I made a few mistakes in that first race and I really felt that the last lap was the worst lap I've ever ridden! I fell off a couple of times and just didn't want to throw it away but I got my rhythm in the second race and went about finishing it.

Pro Lites Class: Although accustomed to wearing the red leader plates, reigning Pro Lites Champion, Luke George, surrendered them to Moss following a massive day of racing.

In the Under 19s class, after being tied on points for the Series lead, Luke Styke (Yamaha) is now out in front with Josh Cachia (Yamaha) forced to settle for second until the next round.

Following the storm of controversy surrounding round three, anticipation was high as the Pro Lites Class took to the track with George and Moss exceeding everyone's expectations. In what has to be one of the most epic Pro Lites races of the year, Moss and George settled their differences out on the track with phenomenal pace keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

When the gates dropped Moss scored the holeshot, but with George hot on his heels was relegated back to second before the first lap was done. A cat and mouse game ensued for the remainder of the moto, with the lead changing every few laps and the pace consistently faster than most of the Pro Opens riders.

As the race progressed the pair negotiated their way through lapped traffic for a final sprint to the line with George eventually triumphant taking the chequered flag with Moss in second and Lawson Bopping (Suzuki) more than 40 seconds behind in 3rd.

The second moto was a different affair, with Lewis Stewart (Honda) taking the holeshot, however he quickly surrendered the lead to Moss. On the first lap George crashed on a fast section of the track and rejoined the field in last place.

While George battled his way through the field to 10th, Moss continued to extend his lead, dominating the moto all the way to the flag with Kirk Gibbs (Yamaha) putting in an excellent ride to take 2nd with Stewart hanging onto 3rd place.

Under 19s

In the Under 19s the Yamaha brat-pack continued their domination of the class with the exception of Luke Arbon (Kawasaki) who managed 3rd in both motos. In the first moto Ross Beaton (Yamaha) took a convincing win over teammate and round three winner Harley Quinlan with Arbon in 3rd.

However disaster struck for Beaton in the second moto. Unable to finish the race due to injury, leaving the path clear for teammates Luke Styke and Quinlan to take the top two steps on the podium ahead of the green machine.

Matt Moss:  "That first moto was the toughest I've ever done, it was a great moto. It's disappointing that Luke went down in the second one but it's all about chasing the Championship. I've now got the red plates and plan to keep them for the rest of the Series."

1st Place Harley Quinlan. Photo courtesy of Yamaha-Racing.

Harley Quinlan: "I'm just wrapped to be able to get up on top again; Toowoomba was good for me and then to come to this sandy track, a really fast track is great. It's a bit disappointing for Ross [Beaton] hurting himself in the second moto as he was really fast in the first one but I'm happy with how the day went. It's been a great round and it's good to see my teammate Luke Styke with the red plates."

Round 5 of the 2009 Australian Motocross Championship will be held at the Murray Bridge facility, about 45 minutes south east of Adelaide, on Sunday 14 June.

Footnote: Daryl Hurley has only done 2 of the 4 rounds and sits in 18th overall. Pro open rider Craig Anderson was stricken with the flu in Mackay and had to settle for 7-17 for the round and sits in 6th place in the Championship.

EURO NEWS

KIWI ROAD RACER BRUCE ANSTEY ON THE PODIUM

Relentless Suzuki by TAS Racing recorded a triple podium at the 80th anniversary International North West 200 and the team's success was capped with yet another victory for the 2009 GSX-R1000 in the Superstock class with Alastair Seeley.

In the opening Superbike racer Kiwi Bruce Anstey was justifiably frustrated when the race was red flagged due to an on track incident as he had been stalking eventual winner Steve Plater and was planning an attack on the final lap. Anstey was credited with second place and the team's first podium of the day with Cameron Donald fourth.

In the Supersport race Anstey swapped positions at the head of the field, again with Plater, and although Anstey briefly held the lead on the final lap, the road racing specialist had to settle for second behind Plater at the chequered flag with Michael Dunlop third.

The Superstock race was another red flag affair, but this time due to the inclement weather conditions with Relentless Suzuki's Alastair Seeley (pictured) taking the victory and another top step on the 2009 GSX-R1000.

The event was abandoned late in the day on safety grounds prior to the second Superbike race, but all in all it was a successful event for Relentless Suzuki.

Bruce Anstey: "I'm a little disappointed that the final Superbike race didn't run as I really fancied my chances, but it's been a good weekend for Relentless Suzuki. Three podiums is good exposure for the team but I would have liked that top step. I was a bit unlucky in both the first Superbike and Supersport races but that's road racing, although I'm in a good frame of mind now for the Isle of Man TT."

GRAND PRIX OF GREAT BRITAIN THIS WEEKEND

This weekend at the Mallory Park facility in the East Midlands of England will be Round 7 of the 15 round FIM World Motocross Championship series.

MX1 series leader Tony Cairoli sees a strong Barragan in second place while De Dycker, Coppins and Philippaerts complete a hot top five.

In MX2 Marvin Musquin now leads the Championship ahead of Paulin. Guarneri continues to be a steady third while Goncalves is working his way up courtesy of back to back podiums.

The FIM Veterans' World Cup will join the Grand Prix series this weekend for round three of five. Iven currently leads ahead of Nilsson and Puzar.

MICKAEL PICHON IS COMING BACK!

MX Honda Racing Martin are playing their 'wild-card' at the next round of the World Motocross Championship, whilst Marc de Reuver and Kevin Strijbos are recovering from injuries.  

Mickael Pichon was 2001/2002 250cc Motocross World Champion and was contacted by Honda Martin's Sports Manager Lorenzo and will ride three GPs. 

The first is this weekend, the GP of Great Britain on 31 May at Mallory Park, then there is Ernee and Teutschenthal.  Strijbos is on the improve and hopes to be at Teutschenthal.

Bud Racing lists Pichon's other championships as:

Champion de France Enduro
Vice Champion de France MX1
1st Supermotard Mattet 
 

Mickael (Rocket) Pichon . Photo courtesy MX Honda Racing Martin.

ZACH OSBORNE BACK

Utag Yamaha's  Zach Osborne has made a startling recovery from the left radius bone he chipped in practice for the Grand Prix of Portugal two and a half weeks ago and is now return to return to MX2-GP World championship action for his team at Mallory Park for their home event this weekend.

Osborne, who was originally given a recovery estimation of between 4-6 weeks.  The American has been undergoing intense laser treatment and oxygen tank sessions to speed up recovery of the fracture.

KEN DE DYCKER BACK

Teka Suzuki World MX1's Ken De Dycker will travel to Mallory Park aiming to do his best in spite of damaged shoulder ligaments and a splinter fracture of his right hand; injuries picked up in his first moto crash in Spain two weeks ago.

The Belgian was unable to take part in any of the meetings last weekend in order to allow the swelling to decrease and start immediate rehab. The 24 year old had a lightweight cast removed from his hand on Monday and was given the OK to begin running and some training earlier this week.

"It was a bit of a surprise to see the extent of the injuries after Spain, especially in the shoulder because I did not have that much pain," he said. "The doctors said normally my shoulder would need an operation and a six-to-eight-week recovery period but we have decided to keep racing and take the time between the meetings to let it heal. It is a shame because I feel like I have been carrying some sort of injury problem all season. I do not think this will stop me from being able to go full gas at Mallory," he added. "I came through the second moto in Spain pretty well and I guess the weekend will be about withstanding some pain from those big jumps and hard landings."

Teka Suzuki's Ken De Dycker.  Photo courtesy of: Suzuki-Racing

SCOTT COLUMB 4TH AT FROME

Relentless Suzuki MX rider, Scott Columb, left round three of the ACU MMX British Open Championship, held at Frome in Somerset last weekend, as the leading team rider, after improving throughout the day to finish in fourth overall.

With all team riders out in action at the fast and dusty circuit, it would be Columb who would end the day strongest, after a sixth place finish in race one, was turned into a race lead and an eventual third place result in race two, after goggle issues dropped the New Zealander from the lead.

For teammate Martin Barr, his fortunes would be reversed, after a good ride in the first race, saw the RM-Z450 mounted rider take to the podium with a well-earned third place finish. His second race would be less successful after a crash at the first turn, left the Irish rider to remount and fight back to seventh place at the flag.

WIth Jamie Law riding home to ninth in both races, disappointment would strike once again for Scott Probert, after his best ride of the season ended in disaster with a broken Tibia and dislocated ankle, after trapping his foot and ankle under his own footrest.

Team manager Rob Hooper, "Another day with highs and lows. To see all four riders inside the top-ten in race one was fantastic and even better to see Scott Columb lead the second race in such a determined fashion. "

Open Overall Results: 1st Brad Anderson, 2nd Kristian Whatley, 3rd Carl Nunn, 4th Scott Columb, 5th Martin Barr, 6th Alex Snow, 7th Danny Smyth, 8th John May, 9th Jamie Law, 10th Elliott Banks-Browne

The next round of the series takes place at Wroxton in Oxfordshire on 21st June.

Scott Columb.  Photo courtesy of Relentless Suzuki

FRENCH MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

French Motocross star, Gautier Paulin, has taken lead of the Elite French MX Championship at Brou over the weekend. The nineteen-year-old now prepares to snatch back the MX2 World Championship lead this coming weekend in Mallory Park.

Having won Qualifying and a 'small' crash in Moto 1 caused by a stone getting lodged on his front brake, Paulin fought back crossing the finish line in 2nd behind Frossard. In Moto 2 he passed both Musquin and Frossard to take the Class win.

In Moto 3 Paulin went down in a first corner incident. Quickly re-starting the Bud Racing KX250F he chased down the entire field bar Musquin.  That gave him the overall as well as the lead in the French Championship with just one round to go.

Gautier Paulin: "It was hot this weekend but I felt good on the bike, I've worked really hard since Spain. Losing the 'Red Plate' has given me an extra motivation, and this coming weekend I want to get it back on my Bud Racing Kawasaki."

The final round of the French Motocross Championship takes place in Iffendic on the 26th July. But in the meantime he has Round 7 of the Motocross World Championship being held at Mallory Park this Sunday.

French Championship MX2 Standings after Round 5:

1st  Gautier Paulin, 221 points 
2nd  Marvin Musquin, 209 
3rd  Steven Frossard, 204 
4th  Anthony Boissière, 179 
5th  Arnaud Tonus, 175

USA NEWS

LUCAS OIL AMA PRO MOTOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP - ROUND 1, GLEN HELEN 

PIT BITS

Copy and photos courtesy GuyB from www.vitalmx.com

Good to see Aussie Michael Byrne back on the mx track.

New rules allow for a much smaller number on the side plates, and expanded room for advertising. (The use of transponders in NZ should allow this here - Alan H.)  Swedish rider Jonny Lindhe was riding under the Warthog canopy..

Besides sponsoring the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Lucas Oil has also signed on to help support the Troy Lee Designs / Lucas Oil / Honda team.

The treatment that the teams give their sideplates varies widely. Others don't go full micro numbers, but have added some more logos like this from Kawasaki. Some, like Honda, barely changed at all.

Glen Helen will mark the first AMA Pro MX National for Geico Powersports Honda's newest addition to their pro squad - Justin Barcia.

It's cool to see Brett Metcalfe back in action after a broken collarbone suffered in an Atlanta practice crash derailed his Lites East plans.

Check out the ruts on this straight. The riders practiced on a shortened version of the National track that had been roughed up by amateurs who'd been in action all day. Yep, nearly everyone we talked to mentioned how rough it was.

It was fun to watch Jason Lawrence and Chad Reed leading the way when the 450s hit the track.

Jason Lawrence looks really good on the 450. He had a crash on press day and from that he got bruised ribs and later found out he had also bruised his sternum. The medical staff advised him not to race so he sat this round out - hopefully he is back for the next round.

RACETIME

This is the official media release for a change !

A new era of American Motocross began on Saturday as the Championship kicked-off its 2009 season at the 15th Annual South Point Hotel & Casino Motocross National from Glen Helen Raceway. In his 450 Class debut, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., rode to an impressive pair of moto victories to become just the third rider in history to win his first premier class race. In the entry-level 250 Class, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey outlasted his highly-talented competition to take a hard-earned overall victory.

Villopoto overcame mid-pack starts in each moto and battled his way through the field to take each win, passing long-time rivals to take the top spot in each race. In the final moto, the pre-season title favorite overcame a 10-second deficit over runner-up Mike Alessi, of Victorville, Calif., to secure the overall and establish the early season momentum. Alessi's third and second place moto results landed him second while JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha's Josh Grant, of Riverside, Calif., finished third.

"It was tough," explained Villopoto. "My starts out of the gate were good but we can get better. The first moto wasn't too bad, I was fourth, but in the second I was 10th so I had a lot of work to do and Mike (Alessi) was way ahead of me. I knew where he was and paid attention to him but I kept doing what I was doing and running (my pace), not letting myself get into my head that I couldn't catch him and I eventually I caught him."

Dungey was in the midst of a stellar 250 Class battle throughout both motos. After moving into the lead late in moto one, he was passed by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel, of Corona, Calif., and settled for second. In the final moto, a mid-pack start forced Dungey to come from 10th place out of the gate, but he stalked GEICO Powersports Honda's Justin Barcia, of Ochlocknee, Ga., in the closing laps and made the pass for the win with just two laps to go to take his fourth win in the last five races going back to last season. Pourcel brought home the runner-up spot while his teammate Tyla Rattray, of Murrieta, Calif., rounded out the overall podium in his U.S. debut.

"It feels good to start (the season) off the way we did," said Dungey. "Glen Helen is always a tough track for me. Not physically but more in other areas since I didn't really ride on anything like this until I was about 16. I really look forward to the east rounds, but to be able to win at a track like Glen Helen that's so tough is awesome."

Making its debut as a part of the race day schedule, the Women's Class of the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship opened up the first of eight rounds of action this season. Reigning series champion and Honda Red Bull Racing rider Ashley Fiolek, of St. Augustine, Fla., swept both of the day's motos to claim the overall victory. Honda of Houston's Jessica Patterson, of Tallahassee, Fla., brought home second while Cernic's Suzuki's Sherri Cruse, of Bakersfield, Calif., finished third.

"I didn't really feel any pressure," stated Fiolek. "I just go out and do my best and that's all I can do. My bike is awesome and my team is awesome so there is no pressure at all. The track was really rough but it was great to be out there."

In an effort to clarify current procedures, MX Sports Pro Racing and AMA Pro Racing will release a competition bulletin updating the scoring process for the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship season.

Round two of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues next weekend from legendary Prairie City SVRA in Rancho Cordova, Calif. for the Hangtown Motocross Classic. Coverage of next weekend's race can be seen live on SPEED, Saturday, May 30 at 9 p.m. ET.

Now back to the photos courtesy GuyB from www.vitalmx.com

Heading into the Talladega first turn, it was a modified design this year. Rather than the full 180, it went a bit wider and up the hill. Mike Brown (just behind Alessi in the first turn) apparently started near the far outside of the gate, but may have been aided a bit by the path that riders packed on the start straight as they rode back to the gate.

We may have to stop calling it the holeshot, and start calling it the Alessi. As usual, Mike nailed the start and led early before getting his bike stuck in a muddy rut in one of the corners. Yep, the track was overwatered in a few corners.

After Mike Alessi got stuck in the mud, JGRMX Toyota/Yamaha's Josh Grant took over the lead. Nice matching No Fear gear 3 with the summertime JGRMX graphics, too.

Reed made this pass on Andrew Short for fourth.

The race order is a lot different this year, with the Women's Pro class first (at the races they appear at), the 450s second, and the 250s third. We got a bonus start when the first 250 moto was red-flagged to a crash involving Michael Hall. Just like in the first attempt at the first 250 start, Trey Canard grabbed the holeshot again. He was followed by his rookie teammate, Justin Barcia.

Trey Canard hits the berm. #151 is Justin Barcia,  #123 is Tommy Searle and #377 Christophe Pourcel. Early in the moto Trey Canard and Justin Barcia were paired together, and behind them Ryan Dungey and Christophe Pourcel were running together. Later on, all four were running extremely close together.

Watching Christophe Pourcel ride is like watching a clinic in smooooth. He has the type of riding style that we're guessing a lot of us would like to adopt, and is rare among the normally frantic 250F crowd. A 1-7 second overall is a decent way to start his first MX season in the U.S.

Tyla Rattray. What can you say ? Great pic GuyB.

The course this year ? Impressive as usual. This one's a real test of riding skill and endurance.

Ryan Villopoto was on a mission in the second moto, here moving by Chad Reed and then overcoming a huge gap to catch Mike Alessi.  Reed moved up to third in the first moto, passing Josh Grant.

Great signage ?  In the background, Ryan Villopoto shows off a section of the course where he had an advantage, tripling into a corner that most riders were doing as a double and single.

Justin Barcia was among the most impressive riders in the 250 class, particularly since it was his first National. He led portions of both motos.

With the sun heading behind the hills, Trey Canard tucks over one of the jumps in the valley. Across the track in the Geico Powersports Honda shirt? That's Mike Larocco, who's been working with Geico Powersports Honda's 250 riders.

WOMEN

Ashley Fiolek got another great start on her Honda in the second moto. Talking with her dad after the race, he said she gets holeshots in Europe as well...on a stock bike against the factory bikes. She does have some good technique.

450 Class - Moto (1 & 2) and points.

1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1) 50
2. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (3-2) 42
3. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha (2-4) 40
4. Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki (4-3) 38
5. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda (6-5) 31
6. Thomas Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki (7-6) 29
7. Mike Brown, Bluff City, Tenn., KTM (8-7) 27
8. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Yamaha (11-12) 19
9. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Honda (13-11) 18
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Tex., Honda (5-21) 16
19. Justin McDonald, New Zealand, Honda (30-19) 25  
250 Class Moto (1 & 2) and points

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-1) 47
2. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki (1-7) 39
3. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki (5-2) 38
4. Tommy Searle, England, KTM (4-4) 36
5. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (3-8) 33
6. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda (9-3) 32
7. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda (7-6) 29
8. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (6-9) 27
9. Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki (13-5) 24
10. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda (8-10) 24
Women's Class Moto (1 & 2) and points

1. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda (1-1) 50
2. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda (3-2) 42
3. Sherri Cruse, Bakersfield, Calif., Suzuki (5-3) 36
4. Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Honda (4-4) 36
5. Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki (2-5) 34
6. Elizabeth Bash, Riverside, Calif., Kawasaki (6-7) 30
7. Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Suzuki (7-8) 28
8. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Torrance, Calif., Suzuki (8-12) 23
9. Penni Cyrus, Queens Creek, Ariz., Kawasaki (9-10) 22
10. Sarah Whitmore, Cheboygan, Mich., KTM (10-9) 22
Alan H's numbers below have changed: Office (09) 360 5700 xtn 814.  Mob: 027 7222757

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