MX2

The 24th March (24/3) is a special day for Team HRC rider Tim Gajser as it marks the birthday of his older brother Zan, who passed away in a motocross accident before Tim was born. This is the reason that the number ‘243’ adorns his factory Honda CRF450RW, as a tribute and a reminder that his brother is always with him.

Learn more about Tim in this feature length video that has highlights from Tim’s individual victory at the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, his MXGP world championship winning season in 2019 and from ex-HRC world champion Dave Thorpe, who breaks down exactly how and why the #243 is one of the very best motocross riders of the modern era.

We kicked off the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season with the MXGP of Great Britain. With 20 epic stops featured on the MXGP calendar, we have already ticked off one as Matterley Basin and Valkesnwaard hosted the season openers. Now that we are close to pubish the issue 80 of the MXGP Mag let's have a look behind on what happened during the MXGP Opener. 

The fast-flowing natural circuit based in the south of England, close to the historic town of Winchester, holds a lot of MXGP history, having hosted 10 Grand Prix’s since it first made an appearance on the world championship calendar back in 2006.

Stefan Everts and David Philippaerts wrote themselves in the history of the British track, as they were the very first riders to win the overall GP in MXGP and MX2. That very same year also saw the legendary Everts chase his 10^th world title, a record that still stands 14 years later.

In the last decade, the hard-pack circuit has become a big favourite among riders and fans for its unrivalled panoramic views and awesome track layout. Over the past years the MXGP of Great Britain has hosted some epic races, including two ‘Festival of Motocross’ events, that saw a huge line-up of MXGP and MX2 riders along with youth, women’s and veteran classes all rolled into one blockbuster weekend. Additionally, the circuit has also been home to two Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, including the most recent edition in 2017, that saw Team GB make a return to the Monster Energy FIM MXoN podium for the first time since 1997.

What made the weekend even more special though, was the fact that after 8 years of travelling far and wide to Qatar and Argentina, the fans were able to witness the start of the season on European soil!

Time to set up! 

Read the full feature on MXGP Mag #79 HERE

Mairis Pumpurs’ story is one of hard work and determination. The MJC Yamaha EMX125 rider struggled financially at the start of 2019, but after impressing Yamaha with his performances across Europe, the Latvian was invited to the bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale in Assen, The Netherlands, where his victory was noticed by the entire motocross paddock.

After topping the YZ125 time practice, Pumpurs wasn’t the quickest out the gate but in the extreme conditions he soon powered through to the lead and never looked back. The 16-year-old’s winning margin was almost a minute over second place. This against some of the best young bLU cRU talents, spring-boarding him into the limelight. 

Remembering his SuperFinale performance, Pumpurs said: “We trained a lot during the season. I came to Assen with one goal, which was to win. To be honest, I didn’t expect the gap to the other riders though. We had a bit of luck, but the hard work done ahead of the event really paid off in the end. I really enjoyed the race even though it was in really tough conditions.”

Although he didn’t take part in the full European Motocross Championship season in 2019, Pumpurs did ride in the Latvian and Estonian national championships, taking victories in both while also impressing in the ADAC MX Masters. 

“It didn’t start too great, with financial issues and missing out on the EMX125 championship. It hurt inside, but my trainer Ronalds [Strazds] and I did a lot of work during the season and it all came off at Assen. Ronalds been working with me since I was just seven, he’s like my second dad actually. We know each other very well and he can push me to improve on parts I’m not so comfortable with.”

Following his SuperFinale victory, Pumpurs was automatically enlisted into the bLU cRU Masterclass in Lleida, Spain, where he would get the opportunity to show off his skills in front of Yamaha Motor Europe's bLU cRU Racing Manager, Alberto Barozzi.

There, he also received training from Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP riders Jeremy Seewer and Gautier Paulin, and France’s first-ever FIM Motocross World Champion Jacky Vimond. Pumpurs impressed with his positive attitude, speed and determination, which saw him win the YZ125 class, earning him a spot on the MJC Yamaha EMX125 Official team.

“The bLU cRU Masterclass was such an awesome chance for me to show what I can do. It was cool to be able to learn from Jeremy, Gautier and Jacky. I was talking with them and trying to take in everything they said. I really enjoyed it and afterwards, maybe two weeks later, I was still smiling and so happy about those two days. I was glad to be able to show what’s inside of me, what I’m capable of, so I’m happy they selected me as the winner.” 

Now, with the help, guidance and professional training from the bLU cRU program, Pumpurs enjoyed an extended training schedule over the winter, in which he prepared for the eight-round EMX125 season on GYTR kitted YZ125 machinery. He joined the team in France, riding on several tracks including at the final pre-season international event, the Lacapelle Marival.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 20 March 2020 – Infront Moto Racing would like to announce that the FIM Europe’s Motocross of European Nations and Women’s Motocross of European Nations has been postponed to November 2020.

Originally scheduled for the 11^th of October, the event will now take place on the 1^st of November in Sardinia at the popular Riola Sardo venue. There is no change to the track that will host this year’s MXoEN, as the Riola Sardo circuit, situated in the large Italian island of Sardinia close to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, will gather young talents from all over Europe as they compete for their nation.

The change was made in order to accommodate the current changes to the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar, more specifically the rescheduled MXGP of Spain that will see the penultimate round of the EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing, as well as the final round of the Women’s World Championship.

We look forward to another edition of the Motocross of European Nations as we prepare to crown the 2020 champions!

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FIM Europe

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 20 March 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is pleased to reveal that the FIM Junior Motocross World Championship will be heading to Finland in 2021, as Moto Club Vantaa will host the world’s fastest youngsters in motocross.

Located next to the Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, 18km from Helsinki and all harbours connected to the Baltic countries and Sweden, the hard-pack Finnish circuit offers fantastic facilities for both teams and spectators.

Founded in 1953, Moto Club Vantaa has organised over 40 world level events from the mid 50s to 2011. Former track of the club, Ruskeasanta (translates as brown sand in Finnish) was known as an annual venue for the 500cc Grand Prix back in the day, with the races dominated by some legendary names of the sport, including the likes of Eric Geboers, Georges Jobe, Andre Malherbe and Håkan Carlqvist and Heikki Mikkola. 

The Ruskeasanta track was closed in 1995 following the expansion of the Helsinki Vantaa airport, the club then moved to the other side of the airport and set up a new venue. The current track has been the venue for World Championship races in 1997 (125 cc), 1998 (500 cc), 2006 (JWC), 2009 (MX2), 2010 (MX3) and 2011 (MX3). The latest international race to take place in Vantaa was the 2018 EMX65 and EMX85 qualifiers, with Liam Everts taking his first ever European victory in the 85cc class on Finnish soil.

The first edition of the Junior World Championship was held back in 1999 and since then has seen many of its young winners go on to Motocross World Championship success, including the likes of MX2 and MXGP World Champions, Tim Gajser, Jeffrey Herlings and Pauls Jonass.

In total there are three titles up for grabs, EMX125, EMX85 and EMX65. Riders will not only compete for individual success, but also for their nation as at the end of the weekend a Nation’s winning team will also be determined taking the best three results of its riders in the 65cc, 85cc and 125cc classes.

This will not be the first time that the venue will host the JWC, as it was held at the Finnish circuit before, back in 2006. The club is looking forward to inviting the world brightest stars in the sports as we gear up to crown the 2021 Champions!

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO: "Vantaa is probably one of the most famous and iconic Motoclubs in the world of motocross. The Junior World Championship is the pinnacle of motocross for the future talents. Infront Moto Racing is delighted to bring all the riders that will come from all around the world to this fantastic event in such historical motocross country." 

“More than 15 years ago names like Alessandro Lupino, Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, Harri Kullas, Glenn Goldenhoff and Max Anstie were riding in Vantaa as the top riders in Juniors’ Motocross and now they are among the brightest stars of our sport” says Mr Pasi Jaatinen – President of the motoclub Vantaa. “We are proud to present the future stars again in Vantaa and the 2021 Junior Motocross World Champions will be one of the main sport events in the city of Vantaa. We expect to get lot of spectators to follow the future stars and will give our best performance to create the great event for our passionate MX fans”.

By hosting the Junior Motocross World Championship along with the 2020 MXGP of Finland at the Kymiring circuit, the hope is to expand Finland’s motocross history in the modern world of motocross and bring it back to the worldwide stage by the year 2025.

Interesting Facts related to the 2021 Junior Motocross World Championship:

Organiser: Moto Club Vantaa and Finnish federation SML in co-operation with the city of Vantaa

Official ambassadors of the 2021 Junior Motocross World Championship: 

o   World Champion 1985 Pekka Vehkonen

o   Ex-pro rider and moto winner Mika Kouki

o   2014 Youth World Champion Kim Savaste

Race Track: Vantaa MX Track – Hard pack

Location: Vantaa Finland, 18 km from the downtown Helsinki and few hundred meters from the Helsinki-Vantaa international airport

Hotels and services: several options just 10 minutes from the track

Main Photo: 125cc Start Junior World Championship 2019

Bottom Photos: 1. Liam Everts in Vantaa 2018; 2. Kim Savaste in Vantaa 2019

Copyright: MXGP & Xracing Finland / Mr Jani Hovi

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

The FIM Europe, in cooperation with the FIM, is working on improving the safety and well-being of riders. In order to harmonize FIM Europe rules with the rules of FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, the FIM Europe is extending required protective equipment for EMX65/85/125 classes to include also shoulder, elbow and knee protection.

As stated in the FIM Europe motocross rules for 2020, paragraph 01.2.8.3:

• riders must wear unmodified, commercially available, full upper body protection (back and front) at all times whilst on the track;
• riders in EMX65, EMX85 and EMX125 must wear commercially available, unmodified shoulder, elbow and knee protection at all times whilst on the track;
• riders in all other classes including quad riders and sidecar drivers and passengers are recommended to use shoulder, elbow and knee protection at all times whilst on the track.

The change is already active and riders will be checked upon entering the track during FIM Europe meetings.

Click here for FIM Europe motocross rules.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 18 March 2020 – Following a successful 2019 season, Infront Moto Racing and Automoto La Chaine have renewed their agreement for the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship season and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. 

This season, the French TV channel will broadcast the MXGP & MX2 races either LIVE or on a delayed schedule. This is good news for the French motocross fans who will receive even more coverage of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship.

AUTOMOTO, LA CHAÎNE is the leading channel dedicated to motoring in France. Bringing together experts and automotive superfans, AUTOMOTO, LA CHAÎNE offers the best competitions, original lifestyle TV shows and premium documentary series.

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Infront Moto Racing

FIM

Automoto La Chaine

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 18 March 2020 – Infront Moto Racing would like to inform that there have been further changes made to the 2020 MXGP racing calendar.

The MXGP of Italy, taking place at the legendary Maggiora circuit, will now be rescheduled from the 17^th of May to the 5^th of July. Alongside, the MXGP of Germany in Teutschenthal will move from the 24^th of May to the 9^th of August.

With the current pandemic of the coronavirus, these changes have been vital in order to ensure the health and safety of the staff, teams, riders and fans. Infront Moto Racing along with the FIM, FIM Europe and the local organisers are working hard in order to preserve the FIM Motocross World Championship calendar as much as possible.

The FIM Motocross World Championship is planning to return with the MXGP of Russia taking place at the impressive Orlyonok venue on the 7th of June 2020. We would like to thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time.

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FIM

FIM Europe

Enjoy the ultimate trip down memory lane, as we take a look back on the FIM Motocross of Nations over the last two decades and re-live the best moments that shaped the history of our sport.

During this break from the races, we are offering all MXGP fans the chance to witness the best moments in the history of the Motocross of Nations as we bring them past videos from the events, starting off with the legendary 1997 Motocross of Nations in Belgium!

Watch the likes of Stefan Everts, Joel Smets, Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Ken Roczen, Gautier Paulin, Glenn Coldenhoff plus more, dominate the prestigious motocross event as they bring victory to their nations!

Missing the races? We have plenty more content to keep you fuelled throughout this time, available on the MXGP-TV YouTube channel, click HERE to check it out! Subscribe today and don’t miss a moment from MXGP!

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 16 March 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is very proud to announce that FOX and MXGP have extended their partnership for a further three years, as the popular brand continues to be part of the FIM Motocross World Championship!

FOX and MXGP have a long-standing relationship that has been very successful over the years and is because of that, that FOX will continue as MXGP’s global partner, sponsoring the popular FOX Holeshot competition, as well as continuing as the official apparel partner providing awesome uniform to all the Infront Moto Racing staff.

In 2020, FOX will continue their support for three of the best teams in the motocross world championship, including Team HRC with the defending MXGP World Champion, Tim Gajser, as well as the teams newest recruit Mitch Evans, who has already shown impressive skills during pre-season as well as at the opening round of the championship in Matterley Basin.

Also wearing FOX this season will be Rockstar Energy Husqvarna MX2 rider Thomas Kjer Olsen, who is considered as one of the the main title contenders in the MX2 class, alongside Jed Beaton, who is looking stronger than ever and currently sits third in the championship standings after round two, and the third rider, the young gun Kay De Wolf, who will be taking on the EMX250 class this season. The newest GasGas Factory team, DIGA-Procross GasGas Factory Juniors will also be seen in FOX with riders Simon Längenfelder and Jeremy Sydow, who have already had a positive debut in the super competitive MX2 class.

Both MXGP and FOX are excited for the years ahead, as the FIM Motocross World Championship continues to reach new heights every season. 

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FOX