MX2

JWR Yamaha Racing is ecstatic to confirm that they have signed six-time Grand Prix winner, Kevin Strijbos, ahead of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship. The 33-year-old is ready to join the squad following an injury-riddled term that left him fourteenth in the final series standings.

Strijbos and JWR Yamaha Racing are committed to all of the European rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship and will also strive to compete at the two Chinese stops, Shanghai and Hong Kong, that will act as rounds five and six. GYTR will support the effort and steed that he will pilot across the globe. Strijbos will also take advantage of the new workshop, based in Belgium, that the squad will have at their disposal.

The 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship is set to begin on March 10 at a location that has not been announced. The series will then tackle events in the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. JWR Yamaha Racing will stay true to their roots when the new season begins too; Kevin Strijbos will chase glory in the MX1 class in the Swedish Championship.

Kevin Strijbos: "I'm really happy to join the JWR Yamaha Racing team. It is a young dynamic team and I will try to help them with my experience if needed. I'm also looking forward to riding the Yamaha 450F, as I have heard a lot of positive things about the bike. I cannot wait to ride it! It seems the circle will close; I started my first MXGP season on a Yamaha 125 in 2001 and it looks like I will also close it on a Yamaha. Of course, I will do my best next year to get the best results possible."

Johan Westermark (Team Manager): "It is a huge step forward for JWR Yamaha Racing to tackle seventeen rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship in 2019 and I cannot think of a better rider to do that with. Although Kevin struggled with injuries this season, it was quite clear that he still has the speed to run at the head of the field and contend for positions inside of the top five. We look forward to giving him the tools to do exactly that."

The 2018 MXGP season was amazing and we are ready to get back into racing and kick off the new season. As part of the preparation Youthstream is proud to launch the sales of the VIP Gold Skybox experience for 2019!

The MXGP VIP GOLD SKYBOX passes will let you experience the FIM Motocross World Championship in style with access to exclusive areas of the venue with the best viewing along with a glamorous breakfast, lunch buffet and continuous refreshments!

The MXGP racing is always epic but 2019 will be a whole new level with Jeffrey Herlings defending his first MXGP title while Antonio Cairoli goes for his tenth world championship and young stars like Pauls Jonass enter the mix. There is no better way to have an amazing weekend than to go as a VIP GOLD SKYBOX guest starting with the simple parking of your car in convenient VIP areas to watching the racing from inside the Skybox alongside the worlds best riders, top industry members and more.

Get your VIP GOLD SKYBOX pass for 2019 now by clicking HERE to enjoy all the services:

• MXGP Paddock access - be where all the riders are during the weekend
• SKYBOX Terrace access - located behind the start gate (front-row views of the Waiting Zone, Starting Grid and podium)
• Beverages and snacks during the whole weekend
• Divine breakfast and gourmet buffet lunch in the SKYBOX Restaurant - with a view of the track from your table
• VIP Gold SKYBOX Car Parking Pass

Make your MXGP Event unforgettable. Be a VIP Gold Skybox Guest! 

The current MX2 World Champion Jorge Prado, and 2004 MX2 Champion Ben Townley have a lot in common. A world championship each, both under the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors and both had a dream to enjoy their racing.

Prado, who rides for the Claudio De Carli team has watched many MXGP races this year, and even more video highlights from the 450 class. He knows one day he will race against current MXGP Champion Jeffrey Herlings, and knows that if he wants to be competitive, he needs to learn from the master.

“Well,” Prado said. “Every time I watch every single rider, I try and get the best out of it. Jeffrey was the best guy this year and that is why he won. He has some things that are very good and I try and learn from those things, because one day I will be racing with him. I don’t know, it is hard to say. I mean, he is strong, very fit guy and his speed is very good. He has the perfect package at the moment and at the moment he is the best guy, so everything he does is good.”

Townley, now retired also watches his share of highlight reels from the MXGP championships as he sits on his couch at home in New Zealand. The former MX2 champion is amazed at what Herlings can do on a bike and is excited any time he watches the Dutchman go around.

“It is incredible,” Townley said. “You don’t see it very often in life where somebody is clearly that much faster at times than what you would call the best riders in the World. It does become fascinating and he is so mentally strong and the diversity at times, to continue to ride at that level and he has done that year after year with injuries and its very impressive what he can withstand with the pain. He obviously has an amazing determination internally. He grew up having such a strength in sand and was very good at that, but now he rides like that over all the conditions. I am sometimes lost for words what he is able to do on a motorcycle. It is very impressive.”

Comparing eras is a dangerous thing, but Townley has raced against the great Stefan Everts, and knows a little more than most about the qualities of the Belgian legend. A wow factor is something Townley has had watching both riders’ race.

“I think there is a difference there, with the WOW factor. Stefan was very calculating with what he did. He made it look so easy at times, with the way he was able to move the bike and his technique was amazing in that time. With Herlings, it’s just raw speed. He just flies past riders. When you talk about that WOW, I remember watching the highlights package from Lommel and he was coming up to lap some top GP riders, some experiences riders, and seeing the difference on how he approached a section and go through it, that was a WOW moment for me. He was able to go through a section with so much ease and that was just talent.”

So now, with an off-season to prepare for 2019, we all know that Herlings will come into the new season even better prepared and an improved version of the 2018 Jeffrey Herlings. Now that is something to look forward to, not just for Prado and Townley, but for all of us.

The 2019 MX2 World Championship is looking like it might have some interesting stories. Jorge Prado will be defending the championship he won as a 17-year-old, and while a handful of leading MX2 riders won’t be in the class next year, there is enough talent to make his job a difficult one.

Prado knows that defending his MX2 championship won’t be easy but taking the approach of just enjoying his racing might take some of the pressure off. Also starting his second full season as a professional should make a big difference for his confidence.

“2018 was my first year being a professional racer,” Prado said. “I could train better and also, I could get some rest. The previous years I was not professional, and that has been a big change. This last season and being 100% professional meant I could train more.”

As for trying to win more GP’s or titles than anyone else, Prado isn’t looking at breaking records, but just having fun at the races.

“I don’t look at records. I just want to ride and that is what I like, if I get some titles, that is great, because I work for that. I try to enjoy it every time I get on the bike, doesn’t matter if its racing or training and if you enjoy it you ride better and its easier and you ride more comfortable. If you are just thinking about having fun there is no pressure. That is true for sure.”

Australian rider Jed Beaton will go into the 2019 season with a lot of confidence. Despite a big injury this year, when he broke both his ankles, the new Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider knows that having a factory bike will change a lot, but still he isn’t getting ahead of himself

“I have my own personal goals,” Beaton said. “The goal now is to be really solid, always in the mix. This year I was sometimes in the mix and then I would get a shit start and not be in the mix and I couldn’t catch up to the lead group. If I got a good start, I could stay with them and some races Jorge was faster than everyone. My goal is to be solid and build on the podiums, that is a goal of mine, to be on the podiums several times throughout the year.

Henry Jacobi from Germany moved into the ride Beaton vacated, with the F&H Kawasaki Racing team. For Jacobi it is also an upgrade in teams, and he thinks he will be at the front once again, just like he was often in 2018.

“I think I will be racing with the same guys,” Jacobi said. “I think it will be like Olsen, Prado, I think the KTM factory have somebody coming up and Jed (Beaton), so there are many guys, the top five will be much the same. Also the Revo Husqvarna guys, Ostlund, there are many in the top ten that will be there in the top five on a good day.”

No doubt many names will appear on the MX2 podium in 2019, from these three, but also names like Thomas Kjer Olsen, Calvin Vlaanderen, and Ben Watson. Whatever happens next year, expect the unexpected.

The eleventh 2018 issue of a monthly motorcycle sport magazine with some of the best interviews, features and Blogs from the heart of MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and WorldSBK as well as tests and reviews of bikes and products from the motorcycling industry. In OTOR #181: The magic ingredient: Confidence

Just how do MXGP riders find confidence, what happens when it vanishes and how important is it for their Grand Prix performance. Goodbye ‘18 MotoGP: Valencia; Fantastic images of the last race of the season, MotoE latest, a farewell to Dani Pedrosa and the first reactions from the opening laps of 2019. Words of a Wonderkid; 21 year old Moto2 World Champion Pecco Bagnaia talks a milestone 2018 season, his Ducati MotoGP future and his VR46 Academy environment. 2018 MX2 Top Five verdict; who made the rundown for 2018 & why? We also take a look at the hottest bikes from EICMA & provide the best Blogs you can find.

Read it HERE

Exciting French youngster Tom Vialle has been chosen to compete for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing alongside World Champion Jorge Prado in the 2019 FIM MX2 Motocross World Championship.

The 18 year old will join Jorge Prado on the factory KTM 250 SX-F after catching the eye with a moto victory, five top-three race finishes and three podiums in the 2018 EMX250 European Championship. Vialle, son of former Grand Prix rider Frederic, was competing in EMX250 from the confines of his own set-up before drafted into the LRT KTM squad in the latter phase of the season.

Vialle will come under the stewardship of Motocross Manager and five times World Champion Joel Smets and MX2 Team Manager Dirk Gruebel as part of the Red Bull KTM set-up and will fill the awning next to MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings for 2019.

Tests and training with Tom have already begun this month.

Tom Vialle: “I want to thank all the people who have helped make this opportunity with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing possible. It is a great to be joining the best team in the world for my first year in MX2! Being next to champions and race winners like Jeffrey Herlings, Tony Cairoli and Jorge Prado doesn't bother me because I know it is a perfect chance to be learning from the fastest. I cannot wait to get started and to progress as much as I can.”

Joel Smets, Red Bull KTM Motocross Manager: “We keep a close watch on the EMX125 and 250 series’ and to see who might be the next outstanding talent to come through in the way Jeffrey and Jorge have in the last years. We felt that Tom was one of the brightest from that EMX250 ‘pool’ this season. We initially spent two days working together and I was convinced that this kid has potential both with his technical skills and bike handling as well as his physical possibilities to show us something special. A factory ride is just the start ‘of the journey’ but we’re excited about what we could see in 2019 with Tom as part of the team.”

Copyright: Photo: KTM Racing

FOX RACING, the global innovation leader in motocross racewear product is proud to announce the extension of their partnership with Team HRC for competition in the FIM Motocross World Championship MXGP & MX2 Classes. HRC’s riders including Tim Gajser, Brian Bogers and Calvin Vlaanderen will use FOX products from head to toe, including the V3 Helmet, Instinct Boots, VUE Goggles and an assortment of premium Flexair and 360 Racewear. In addition the entire Team Staff will continue to use Fox’s Red Plate pitwear collection.

FOX first aligned with the factory Honda effort in Europe in 2014, and the two industry heavyweights have enjoyed a great relationship with much success ever since. The program was elevated with the addition of HRC support in 2015, then celebrated an MXGP World Championship with Tim Gajser in 2016.

The long-term extension of this partnership further solidifies the relationship and goals of both brands and they look forward to sharing many more victories together.

“We are super excited to continue our partnership with FOX for the coming years. Since 2014 we have really grown together as a single unit and experienced a lot of success along the way. Fox is always working to maintain their position as apparel & protection side, just like we are with our racing efforts. So to work together is as natural as it comes.” – Marcus Pereira de Freitas, HRC General Manager – MXGP

Having worked together with FOX for several years already, it is a great pleasure to be able to announce the extension of our agreement. The goals of our two companies are very similar, which makes the association very strong and even stronger for the future.” – Roger Harvey, HRC Motocross Advisor

“We are extremely proud to have had the FOX name associated with the very premium HRC brand for many years. We share a common vision of excellence and performance, and our partnership goes far beyond the supply of racewear and team equipment. We test, develop and vet our products with the HRC team and Athletes. It has been a mutually beneficial collaboration for many years already, which makes the extension of our agreement very exciting.” – Matthieu Bazil, FOX Executive Vice President Global Regions, Product & Marketing.

About Fox Racing: For over 4 decades, Fox Racing has been the global leader in motocross and mountain biking gear and apparel. Fox outfits the world’s best competitive action sport athletes and enthusiasts with products that combine innovation and style, rooted in the brand’s original competitive motocross spirit. The company is based in Irvine, California, with offices, retail stores, and an international roster of sponsored athletes, located around the world.

Copyright: Photo: FOX Racing

Following a successful display of speed, skill and determination, paired with a fantastic attitude off the track at the 2018 bLU cRU Masterclass, Yamaha Motor Europe is pleased to announce that 14-year-old Swiss rider Kevin Brumann is the winner of the 2018 YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup and will join Florian Miot and Luca Diserens on the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team where the trio will contest the 2019 EMX125 Championship onboard GYTR kitted YZ125 machines.

Brumann was one of five bLU cRU Masterclass graduates who won his chance to attend the 2018 bLU cRU Masterclass after a dominant performance at the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup SuperFinale, which took place at the on the world stage at final motocross Grand Prix of the year in Imola, Italy on the weekend of September 30th, where he won both races in spectacular style.

The Masterclass took place on November the 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Latina, Rome. Similar to last year’s Masterclass, it was an exclusive event that brought together a group of bright young Yamaha Racing talents from both on and off-road racing disciplines. The event ran to a schedule that has been mindfully designed to encourage, nurture and develop aspiring professional riders. It also offered representatives from Yamaha Motor Europe, and the already acclaimed bLU cRU Ambassadors such as Arnaud Tonus, Kiara Fontanesi, Michael van der Mark and Niccolò Canepa, the chance to observe the promising young riders for more than just their talent and flair on a motorcycle.

After exposing an impressive skillset on the bike, showing maturity in media interviews and exhibiting a polite and friendly attitude off-the-bike, Kevin Brumann has been chosen as the lucky winner of the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup where he will receive support from the MJC Yamaha EMX125 team, Yamaha Motor Europe and the entire bLU cRU in 2019.

The YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup is an official European project designed to support young teenagers with a passion to race. Riders aged between 12 and 16 years old that race a YZ125 in one of the fifteen FIM-approved national championships may enter. The top-scoring riders registered for the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup in each national championship will be invited to the 2019 SuperFinale which will take place at the most prestigious event of the year, the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Assen, The Netherlands on the weekend of September 29th.

In addition to the YZ125 FIM Europe bLU cRU Cup and following the amazing reaction and enthusiasm for the all-new YZ65 and updated YZ85 earlier this year, the 2019 bLU cRU program has expanded and from 2019 onwards will be made up of three classes, YZ65, YZ85 and YZ125 where one rider in each class will support from Yamaha for the following year. All three classes will line up for the SuperFinale at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

For more information on the YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup click here.

Kevin Brumann, 2018 YZ125 bLU cRU FIM Europe Cup Winner: "I am so happy to have won this cup. It is so exciting, I really want to race the EMX125 Championship and I am looking forward to that. My goal will be to finish inside the top-10."

Maartin Brumann, Kevin Brumann's Father: It is great to have received this news. At first it need to sink-in and then it was like my heart stopped, it was incredible. I have to thank everyone for the support from Yamaha, from the bLU cRU, the MJC team and from everyone. It was an incredible weekend in Latina at the Masterclass, it was fantastic for learning, even for me, I learned a lot watching other kids and their parents and how they are working with their children. I look forward to watching Kevin grow in his career. For me school is still very important, so I would like him to finish school and then from that moment, it would be nice if he has a career in motocross, but we will see what happens. Again, I want to say a big thanks to the bLU cRU and everyone at Yamaha."

Alberto Barozzi, bLU cRU Racing Manager Yamaha Motor Europe: "Focus, determination, effort and education have been the keys to the 2018 bLU cRU Masterclass and the pure essence of the incredible atmosphere we had there at the event. A lot is also attributed to the incredible job of our bLU cRU ambassadors Arnaud, Kiara and Loic, the MJC Yamaha team principal and the support they gave all of the bLU cRU Masterclass finalists. In the end, it was not easy to choose only one winner, especially with such a strong group of riders. All of the five bLU cRUboys showed good skills and progression, but it was Kevin that caught the title and opportunity to take a part in the Official Yamaha team for the next EMX125 season where he will start his experience in the European field on the world stage and will be supported by us in order to give him the confidence to succeed in true bLU cRU spirit. I would like to compliment and thank all that were involved."

Loïc Le Foll, MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team Owner: This was the third Masterclass and I have to say that the level this year was fantastic. It was a great pleasure to work with the whole group of riders and their families and I would like to thank them all for their time and presence at the Masterclass. Kevin had already impressed me at the SuperFinale which took place in Imola, Italy, with his determination and attitude. Sometimes it's hard to see what a rider really offers on race day which is why we set-up the Masterclass to get some better insight on the riders technique, speed and focus, but also to see what the rider is like off the bike, the way he works with his family and peers. We were happy with what we saw in Kevin and I am happy that we have selected him to join my team where we will work hard together to succeed next season. I cannot wait to start working with him. "

Copyright: Photo: Redeye

Tim Gajser has had the final surgery on the jaw injury that, to a greater or lesser extent, troubled him throughout his 2019 MXGP campaign with Team HRC.

Gajser suffered the double lower jaw fracture just two weeks before the start of the Grand Prix season. With a period of enforced rest he missed the opening round of the season in Argentina to return in Valkenswaard, but had missed crucial pre-season training time.

The injury continued to play a part in his season, coupled with the disadvantage of starting on the back foot, but in typical gritty Gajser fashion he soldiered on to bring home podium finishes on the #243 CRF450RW.

In Slovenia on 6 November 2018, Gajser had the final surgery to remove the titanium plates and metalwork that had been providing strength to his jaw since February, paving the way for a return to full strength for the 2019 MXGP season.

As of today, Friday 9 November, he has been medically cleared to start riding again immediately.

Tim Gajser: “It’s good to have had the final surgery to remove all the metalwork from my jaw – I don’t think people realised I had that many brackets and screws holding my jaw together all season! It was a big crash in Mantova so I feel lucky to have got away with it with just the jaw, but it was still a big injury that did affect me all season – we started by losing training time and time on the bike in the pre-season and then missing Argentina, and that had a knock-on effect throughout the season. For a long time I couldn’t even eat properly, so I suffered that way too. 

“Now I have had this operation it will take a little time for me to return to normal because there is some pain in the jaw, which is normal after such surgery, but I’m so pleased that it all went well and we can now leave it totally behind. By doing it now we have time to make sure we’re back to 100 per cent on the bike for next season, and I can’t wait.”

Copyright: Photo: Honda Racing