MX2

Three riders from USA will compete in the MX2 World Championship, those being Marshal Weltin, Thomas Covington and Darian Sanayei.

The opening round in Argentina gave all three riders issues, due to machine problems, or lack of time on the bike, they finished 8^th, 15^th and 31^st.

Sanayei showed the most promise with his 8^th overall, and had it not been for DNF in the opening race of the Sunday, where he was running in fourth after leading the first two laps, he would have finished on the podium. His second race third place a clearer picture of what he was capable of.

“I felt pretty good coming to this GP,” Sanayei said. “We had some issues in the first race but overall I’m happy with what we did with our new bike. I was riding well in the first race, and was leading for a few laps, which was great, but then I had to retire. In the second race I was around fifth at the start and finished third, which is my best ever race finish and that’s really positive.”

Covington has won Grand Prix races and overalls before, and while his winter was about recovering from an injury at the 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, he still gave it his all in Argentina. His 10-18 for 15^th overall is a long way from what we can expect from him moving forward in the championship.

“Things did not go our way on the weekend,” Covington said. “I will do my best to come back stronger as we return to Europe. I struggled to get a good feeling throughout the weekend and I felt tired quite soon in the races. In the opening race I battled from a not so good start to finish inside the top 10. Then in race two my start was a lot better and I could battle with the leading group of riders for a few laps. Unfortunately, I felt tired quite fast so could not hold on to a good pace. I now have a week to recover so I’m hoping I can be back fighting for the top spots at the next GP.”

Weltin rode his first ever Grand Prix at the Grand Prix of Americas at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, back in 2016. He might have finished down the order with 18-12 results, but it was enough to make him want to do more.

In Argentina at the opening round of the MX2 world championship he once again finished down the order, but that doesn’t stop his motivation for the rest of the series.

“Facts are, I went 21-dnf. Doesn’t look great on paper obviously. First race I felt my riding was decent, not quite to my full potential. And at the end my times faded a bit. Lost my focus. Second race I for sure had some vengeance, unfortunately it ended on lap one due to a minor bike malfunction. I had about 40 hours of travel back to Europe to think about the weekend, so it was a long trip.”

Now onto the sand of Valkenswaard and you can be sure many American fans will be watching and hoping that their countrymen perform to their potential.

Copyright: Photo: Ray Archer

The first Round of the 2018 MXGP season to take place on European soil is coming up this weekend, 17th and 18th March at the Valkenswaard Netherlands circuit for the MXGP of Europe.

At each and every European Round of the FIM Motocross World Championship plus the MXGP of Turkey there will be the occasion to make your MXGP Experience unforgettable as a VIP GOLD SKYBOX guest.

The VIP GOLD SKYBOX package includes admission to the venue, MXGP Paddock, and access to exclusive areas such as the VIP Hospitality, the Skybox Terrace, the structure built directly behind the starting gate and VIP Parking.

The Skybox Terrace offers stunning views of the track, the best view of the start, as well as snacks and drinks. As a VIP GOLD Skybox guest you will be provided a divine breakfast and a gourmet buffet style lunch inside the Skybox Restaurant. The VIP GOLD SKYBOX package has the option of a weekend pass which will give these advantages on both days, Saturday and Sunday.

Besides the VIP CAMPING MXGP pass allows you to park your camper/motorhome in the living area or another privileged position nearby the paddock at the selected MXGP race.

The experience of a VIP GOLD SKYBOX guest at the MXGP of Europe is truly unforgettable, so don’t miss out!

Click HERE to have more information and to purchase your VIP GOLD SKYBOX package for your favorite event!

Follow this link to check out our Video: https://youtu.be/UZiVHSH2-n4

With this weekend’s second round of the MXGP world championship, set for the Valkenswaard circuit in Holland, you can be sure interest from the local fans will be huge.

Dutch motocross has many riders who have had major success on the FIM Motocross World Championships. From the 1970’s until current hero Jeffrey Herlings the Dutch fans have had something to cheer about. From Gerrit Wolsink in the 1970’s the Dutch Motocross history began to grow. A handful of Motocross World Championships and more than a hundred GP victories have led the Dutch to the forefront of world motocross on many occasions.

Gerrit Wolsink was the original Dutch hero, winning 13 GP’s in one of the toughest eras of the 500cc class. Racing against names like Roger De Coster, Heikki Mikkola and Brad Lackey, Wolsink finished third in the 1975 and 1977 World 500cc championships and second in 1979. He was also known as the King of the 500cc USGP held at the Carlsbad circuit in America, winning four times at the famous circuit.

Kees Van Der Ven was the big bike rider in Holland in the 1980’s. While he never won a motocross world championship he did win 18 GPs and finished second in the 1980 250cc championship behind Georges Jobe, then backed that up with third in 1981, 1982 and 1983, he then backed that up with third in the 125cc world championship in 1984. He also finished third in the 500cc championship in 1987.

Dave Strijbos won his motocross world championship in the 125cc class in 1986, he was in fact the first Dutchman to ever win a world title and along with John Van den Berk led the golden era of motocross in Holland. He won 27 Grand Prix’s and Strijbos also finished top three on many occasions. Second in the 125cc class in 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1992 and third in 1993.

John Van Den Berk picked up two motocross world championships, taking his first in 1987 in the 125cc class, and then following that up with victory in the 250cc title in 1988. Van Den Berk also won nine GP’s, seven in the 125cc class and two in the 250 class. Like his fellow countrymen he finished with consistent results in world championship battle. Second in the 125cc class in 1986, followed by first in 1987 (125cc) and 1988 (250cc), and third in the 250cc class in 1989 and 1990.

Pedro Tragter scored his 125cc world championship in 1993. The blonde-haired rider was very consistent at the start of the 1990’s, finishing third in 1991, third in 1992 and third in 1994. Tragter won seven GP’s in his career.

Current king of Dutch Motocross Jeffrey Herlings with 68 Grand Prix victories and three world MX2 championships is very much the most successful Dutch motocross racer ever. His 2017 form and 2018 victory at the opening round of the MXGP world championship will put a lot of pressure on the home hero this weekend in Valkenswaard.

Of course, also wanting to put their best foot forward for Holland this weekend will be Glenn Coldenhoff, and Davy Pootjes, set to continue the fine record of Dutchmen in the FIM Motocross World Championship.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 12 March 2018 - Youthstream is proud to announce that the fifty-fifth issue of MXGP Mag is now online. In the newest issue of MXGP Mag we feature the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MXGP star Jeffrey the “Bullet” Herlings and talk to him after winning the 2018 season opener. Also included in Issue #55 we give a look at the mental side of racing at the top level of the FIM Motocross World Championship, get you caught up on all the action from the season opener in Patagonia Argentina, and afterwards we throw it back to the past with a write-up on Hakan Carlqvist’s 1983 Yamaha 500 and Motocross Hall of Famer Bob Moore.

Click here to read the fifty-fifth issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

Those users who have already downloaded other issues on their iOS device can automatically download the new issue by opening the News Stand and clicking on the cover of the MXGP Mag. Whereas those readers using an Android device will be able to download the magazine for free thanks to this app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP MAG

Following the closing of registration, Yamaha Motor Europe is proud to announce more than 87 talented under 16-year-olds from 17 different nationalities will be in the running to win a professional contract that will allow him or her the opportunity to race a GYTR kitted YZ125 inside the 2019 EMX125 Championship with support from Yamaha Motor Europe and the MJC Yamaha Official EMX125 Team.

So how does it work? The YZ125 bLU cRU Cup pans Europe. 15 National Championships have been approved, and will be watched carefully by a panel of judges at Yamaha Motor Europe. Based on the results of the authorized series' 40 of the best performing riders, that are racing a YZ125 with the new bLU cRU sticker kit, will receive an invitation to contest the YZ125 bLU cRU Cup Superfinale, which will be held on the 29th and 30th September at the final round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Imola, Italy. The riders that finish inside the top-three at the Superfinale, plus two wildcard riders selected by a jury, will be invited to attend the bLU cRU Masterclass at the end of the season.

What is the Masterclass? The Masterclass is a 2-3 day event designed by experts to inspire, educate and develop the next generation of motocross riders by providing an exclusive insight as to what it takes to be a champion. It will be run by a highly acclaimed bLU cRU ambassador and will take place over three days where a panel of assessors will select and reward one lucky rider who has demonstrated a unique talent, motivation and desire to be something great.

Yamaha Motor Europe would like to wish all of this years' YZ125 bLU cRUCup riders the best of luck in their championships, and for those that missed the deadline to enter, be sure to follow Yamaha Racing on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or check back to Yamaha-Racing.com for news on how to enter next years' YZ125 bLU cRU Cup.

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing

MXGP is back in Europe for the second stop of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship and the first one on European soil set to take place in Valkenswaard on March 18^th, 2018.

MXGP is pleased to present the complete Entry Lists for the MXGP of Europe corresponding to the MXGP and MX2 Categories as well as the entries foreseen for the first round of the European Championships EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing and EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing. The first round of the European Championships will feature the attendance of more than 90 riders in 125cc class and 50 riders in 300cc class.

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing Entry List

EMX300 Presented by FMF Racing Entry List

Back again in 2018! MXGP is happy to keep running the FOX Holeshot competition trough the 19 rounds of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship season together with MXGP Partner FOX.

The way it works is that 1 point is awarded per MXGP or MX2 championship race. The first rider who cross the white line painted on the ground at the exit of the first corner will be given a point. At the end of the season, the 2 riders – one per category - with the most FOX Holeshot points will win a mega prize.

At the MXGP of Patagonia Argentina taking place on March the 4th in Neuquen Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli took both FOX Holeshots in MXGP, while in MX2 the Aussie Sensation 114 Motorsports Honda’s Hunter Lawrence took the FOX Holeshot in race 1 and LRT KTM’s Davy Pootjes was able to grab it in race 2. Watch the FOX Holeshots Films HERE below.

MXGP FOX Holeshot Film

MX2 FOX Holeshot Film

Log on to MXGP-TV.com and watch the first episode this season of MXGP exclusive series ‘Behind the Gate’ where we go inside the paddock at the first stop of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship in Patagonia – Argentina giving a preview on what to expect for this season! The Behind the Gate from the MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina includes the MXGP and MX2 teams presentations, the best moments of the stunning weekend in Neuquen as well as the Presentation of the track done by MXGP Commentator Paul Malin with a special GoPro point of view and the highlights of the Races where Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings won in MXGP Class after a terrific battle with 9-time World Champion Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli.

In MX2 Class too the racing was nothing less than glorious as 2017 MX2 World Champion Pauls Jonass took the first red plate of the season.

Don’t miss any of the actions from the first GP of the season! Watch all this and more by clicking HERE!

A special edition of this free monthly motorcycle racing magazine delving into the first round of the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship from Neuquen, Argentina. Inside: Get close to Argentina MXGP; full photo gallery from Neuquen and where the 2018 FIM Motocross World Championship leapt into life for the first round of nineteen. Perspective, opinion & quotes; what’s the deal with Herlings & Cairoli? Who made a milestone or two at Neuquen? Will MXGP go back? Read the news inside!

Read OTOR Special Edition HERE

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 March 2018 – Youthstream is pleased to announce that Akrapovič, high-quality performance exhaust manufacturer, has joined as official partner for the MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship and the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations for the next three years.

Akrapovič has a distinguished heritage in motocross and, following its participation as sponsor of selected events in past years, the Slovenia-based company has decided to increase its commitment by signing a new agreement, which will see it have a full-season association with Youthstream for the MXGP championship and MXoN until 2020.

The MXGP championship is the premier off-road class for two-wheeled machines and is befitting of a company such as Akrapovič due to its racing DNA and wide selection of products for motocross bikes. Many teams in the MXGP championship, including factory outfits Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team, and Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team, already benefit from the performance and competitive edge that Akrapovič brings to the sport. It is this technology and involvement in the racing world that has led the company to a total of 119 world champions in various categories in motorcycle and car racing, including many titles in the MXGP, MX2, MX3, and WMX categories – with the first FIM Motocross World Championship title for an Akrapovič exhaust–equipped motorcycle being won by Joel Smets (KTM) in 2003. This strength is highlighted by the fact that all of the defending 2017 world champions will continue racing with Akrapovič exhausts this season: Antonio Cairoli (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in MXGP, Pauls Jonass (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in MX2, and Kiara Fontanesi of FontaMX Yamaha Official WMX in the WMX class. With high-grade lightweight titanium alloys and other advanced materials used in the construction of its products, an Akrapovič exhaust system for the Factory MXGP and MX2 teams – and their close relatives – is one of the best that anybody can buy.

David Luongo, Youthstream’s Vice President said: “After being partner with Youthstream and the MXGP World Championship on selected events for many years, we want to thank Akrapovič for having decided to make a further step by joining us for the full season being present worldwide for the next 3 years. This step forward is again a great proof that the MXGP series is gaining in popularity. We are very proud to have next to us such respected and popular company helping us to take motocross to higher level.”

Alojz »Slavko« Trstenjak, Head of Racing R&D at Akrapovič explained: “Akrapovič is the pioneer in high-class premier exhaust systems for the motorcycle and performance car world. Its innovative use of materials and design strategies has seen it consistently push the boundaries of exhaust technology. Since its inception in the early 90s, when former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovič launched the company, it has gone from strength to strength. The brand now represents the highest level of production and performance in the exhaust industry, and this attention to detail is allied to a distinctive Akrapovič sound. Manufactured at state-of-the-art facilities in Slovenia, the company produces pioneering products through a passionate and highly skilled workforce of over 1,100 employees, who use the latest technology, processes, and premium materials to produce the finest exhaust systems and associated products in the world. Akrapovič is still the only exhaust manufacturer with its own in-house titanium foundry, where it can produce intricate and bespoke items to provide complex solutions for its customers in over 80 countries across the globe. It is this attention to detail that makes Akrapovič stand out from the rest on the track and on the road.”

About Akrapovič

Founded in Slovenia 27 years ago by former motorcycle racer Igor Akrapovič, the brand has grown to international prominence through its successful support of leading motorsport teams.

To date, more than 110 world champions in two- and four-wheel motorsport have achieved success using Akrapovič exhaust systems. The company operates from state-of-the-art factories in Slovenia, employing over 1100 staff and distributing its products in more than 80 countries.

Follow Akrapovič on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:

www.facebook.com/akrapovic

www.instagram.com/akrapovic

www.twitter.com/myakrapovic

To learn more about Akrapovič or its products check their website by clicking HERE

Links

Youthstream

FIM

Akrapovič