MX2

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Thomas Kjer Olsen sure put a smile of the faces of their bosses in Austria last weekend.

While one was on an orange bike and the other a white bike, it’s the people in Mattighofen, from the staff on the factory floor, to the CEO’s, the Latvian Grand Prix was something to celebrate.

One with his 62^nd Grand Prix victory, and another with his first. Both with outside chances of winning their respective MXGP and MX2 titles, but at the moment just happy to reach their milestones.

When the 2017 season began and Jeffrey Herlings had a hand injury, it was never expected he would struggle as he did in the opening five rounds. In his home Grand Prix in Valkenswaard he showed signs of his old self, and in Kegums, Latvia, it was all systems go for the Flying Dutchman.

“It’s been so long since I was winning,” Herlings said. “So long I can’t even remember. We were pretty good all weekend long, obviously having inside gate you had a big advantage. No excuses, we made it happen. This class is tough and where we came from we made some big steps, and we keep building. The championship is kind of over, but we keep working, but to learn things and I am very surprised how things are going and I keep learning and progress is coming.

His Saturday qualification race set-up the perfect weekend. Finally working out his starts and doing a catch-up job on early leader Max Nagl.

“I had arm pump in the start of the race, it started going away at the end of the race. I just need more riding tomorrow and it will be ok. I have nothing to lose, the championship is over, so I have nothing to lose. Obviously, a lot of races to go, so anything is possible, and it isn’t over until the fat lady sings.”

As for Kjer Olsen, he had shown signs of being a GP winner with two qualification race wins, but as a rookie in the class, a GP victory has come rather early in his career.

“I am just happy how the weekend came together,” Kjer Olsen said. “I was in the top five all weekend, with warm-up, pre-qualification, and qualification. I am happy with that, just being steady and being up front. For sure it really is in my career (a milestone). I was not sure if I was ever going to get here. There is always hope and you always trying your best but you never know if it’s good enough. To do this in my rookie year is really an amazing feeling. Not many guys have come from the EMX and done so well.”

Now the two factory riders head to Germany, where a tougher circuit awaits, and another chance to improve on their 2017 season.

Copyright: Photo: Husqvarna Racing

Here we are! One of the most awaited moments of the week: MXGP in collaboration with Monster Energy has the pleasure to interview a Monster Girl at every GP. The feature will go up the week after the event.

At the MXGP of Latvia which was held in Kegums the last weekend we cought up with the Soanish Monster Girl Barbara. Here what we asked:

What made you want to become a monster girl?

I was actually one of the Monster Girls found in the “Monster Girl Search” in Europe. I applied because I love the brand, the girls and the sport! It all looked like so much fun I couldn’t wait for my first event.

How do you spend your time off?

On the beach with my Dog! Nothing makes me happier than spending time in nature with animals.

What is your favourite part of the race weekend?

The startline, doesn’t matter what event it is so exciting! All of the anticipation, I love it.

What do you do to get ready for the races?

The gym! Monster Girls have to keep in shape so I love working out with the girls.

To get to know more about your favorite Monster Girl, check out our Monster Girls section on http://www.mxgp.com/ or click HERE, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

One hundred and fifty-fourth issue of this re-designed bi-weekly motorcycle sport magazine, tackling the latest races and issues in MXGP, MotoGP, AMA Motocross/Supercross and World Superbike as well as general motorcycling and accessories with the best blogs and photographs. In OTOR 154: Unlikely Alliance: USGP; we exclusively chat to the ‘Davids’ – Coombs and Luongo – on the joint effort to make the MXGP USGP as successful as it is anticipated. Special feature! Finally pinned! MXGP; Jeffrey Herlings produces the goods at what was a tough weekend for some at a bumpy Kegums for the Grand Prix of Latvia and round seven of MXGP. Pedrosa packs-it: MotoGP; bumper race coverage, pics and Blogs starts with the first European MotoGP outing of the season and a Spanish sweep in the slippy heat of Jerez.  Just wow! AMA SX winds up; Steve Matthes bravely attempts to offer some explanation and thoughts on a sensational finale to the 2017 Supercross season in Vegas: full reaction inside.

Read it HERE

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Max Nagl is really struggling with form at the moment. Despite a good Saturday in Latvia, where he finished a strong second to Jeffrey Herlings in the MXGP qualification race, the German rider crashed and had poor starts on Sunday, resulting in a top ten result, but not close to where he wants to be.

With his home Grand Prix up next, Nagl knows that he needs to turn his season around as he gets close to looking for a new team, or hopefully signing with his current team.

We caught up with the always friendly rider to ask him about Latvia and also what he expects from the Grand Prix of Germany.

Q: It’s good to see you back to speed. Can you tell me how you felt Saturday and Sunday?

Nagl: The last two weeks we put in a lot of effort. Trained hard and changed something. I had a great Saturday, good warm up, good qualification and good race, leading the race until the last lap, finishing second. Sunday though was a disaster. I didn’t get the start and crashed in the first race. Lost positions and had to come back to the middle. The second race I had a good start, but I can’t remember, something happened and I got stuck with a rider in the handlebars and I lost many positions and was 18^th on the first lap, and finished eighth. I mean the riding is ok, but 12-8 is not what I want. I keep working and one day it will come.

Q: Next round is your home Grand Prix in Germany. You usually do well there. How do you go into that race?

Nagl: I mean, home GP is always something special and everyone wants you to be on the podium of course. This year it’s a different story, of course I will try my best, but it doesn’t go so well at the moment and a podium is a long way away from the results I am having. I will try my best at my home GP, but it’s going to be difficult there.

Q: Obviously, you are a veteran. Not getting results and not having a contract for next year. Does that play on your mind?

Nagl: Of course, that is on my mind. I mean end of contract you should be riding decent and that isn’t how it is going for me at the moment. I think this is the worst season I have had in many years, and I am out of contract. It’s a lot of pressure, just from myself, not from anyone else. For sure I want to ride better and stay in this team or get another team. You need good bikes in this class to be competitive.

Copyright: Photo: Husqvarna Racing

The Fox Holeshot award runs across the entire MXGP season. The way it works is 1 point is awarded for each race holeshot. He, who has the most points in MXGP at the end of the season will win the grand prize of €10,000 while he with the most points in MX2 will win the grand prize of €5,000.

At the 7th round of the 2017 FIM Motocross World Championship which was held in Kegums, Latvia, Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing’s Team’s Clement Desalle and Suzuki World MXGP’s Arminas Jasikonis took the FOX Holeshot in MXGP Class race a and race 2 respectively.  

Meanwhile in MX2 it was Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jorge Prado who took both FOX Holeshots.

Watch the MXGP of Latvia ‘Fox Holeshot’ films here below.    

MXGP of Latvia FOX Holeshot MXGP Film

MXGP of Latvia FOX Holeshot MX2 Film

Round seven of the FIM Motocross World Championship that took place on the sand circuit of Kegums, Latvia, on Sunday 7th May, was a day of highs and lows for Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP riders Shaun Simpson & Arnaud Tonus. Both riders were phenomenal in the opening race of the day with Simpson challenging for a podium finish - but finishing 4th, while Tonus charged through the field for an honorable 8th after a DNF in Qualifying putting him last in the starting order. In the final race of the day, both riders fell foul to the choppiness of the circuit with Simpson crashing out on lap 11, and Tonus on lap 12.

Tonus was seen to by the track-side medical crew for precautionary examination after falling heavily on his back and neck. The Swiss rider was cleared and should be fit to resume training in a week's time.

Simpson was less fortunate and suffered a broken hand which required surgical intervention. The Scot flew back to Belgium for an appointment with a hand and foot specialist who repaired the bone with a plate, five screws and two nails. After a successful operation, he was discharged from Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Herentals, Belgium, late Monday night.

Simpson hopes to make his Grand Prix return at the MXGP of Lombardia in Italy on the weekend of June 25th.

Shaun Simpson: Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Rider: "It was a bummer to be riding so well and make a small mistake which has resulted in a big disaster for the season. I was just starting to pick up the pace and we were making some good progress, so I am disappointed especially because I didn't even crash, I just made a mistake and hit the ropes on the side of the track and broke my hand.

I've seen the X-Ray's following the operation and the bone looks good. I am not in too much pain. I am optimistic that in four or five weeks I can start training 100% and even be back on the bike. For now my main focus is to try and be back for Ottobiano so that will mean that I will definitely miss three GP's. I am feeling pretty optimistic given the circumstances and I am happy to have finished fourth in the first race, so that secured the feeling that I can still run the pace. I have a lot of good people around me and that has really stood out over the last two days. I will continue my physical training as much as I can, and I will try to be back as fast as possible."

Erik Eggens, Yamaha Motor Europe Off-road Racing Manager: It's a pity to lose Shaun for some of the races. He has had  great results this year and in the first race in Latvia he showed good speed and consistency, he pushed the top three and showed what he is capable of achieving. To have an injury like this which was caused without crashing is very unlucky and unfortunate for him, the team and for Yamaha. He is a positive guy and I am sure with this attitude and with his work ethic and determination that he will be back quick. Right now the focus is for him to heal up 100% and to take the time necessary to make a good recovery."

Louis Vosters, Wilvo Yamaha Official MXGP Team Manager: "I was really happy with the first moto, both riders rode really well. What happened in the second race, I was shocked. To lose two riders in the space of two laps, it was a nightmare. It was really unfortunate to have this happen, especially for Shaun, he didn't even crash and now he has a broken hand. On the positive side, I am sure Shaun will come back strong and as fast as possible, and I think we can expect to have Arnaud back in Teutschenthal at the MXGP of Germany."

On Sunday 7^th May during the second MXGP race at the Latvian MXGP Tim Gajser crashed out in the second race.

Following the accident, he was checked out by the medical staff at the track and then flew home to undergo further checks by his doctor at home in Slovenia.

From the examination, we are pleased to say that he has not sustained any injuries from the crash other than bruising which is still very sore.

Gajser is now back in Slovenia where he is resting and recovering and he has confirmed that he will be back to race in Germany in two weeks.

(KEGUMS) Latvia, 09 May 2017 - Over the weekend a press conference was held at the MXGP of Latvia where Youthstream Vice-president David Luongo, 2017 Junior Motocross World Championship Organizer Lauri Roosiorg and 2017 Junior Motocross World Championship Press Officer Margus Kiiver were on stage in order to present the 2017 Edition of the Junior Motocross World Championship to both international and Latvian national media.

With a venue that is 6 km from the city of Tartu, Estonia and very close to Latvia the 2017 Junior Motocross World Championship, which will be held on July the 30th is destined for success. The local Organizer, Mr. Roosiorg, has done an excellent job with the development of the Lange motocenter since its opening in 2012. The goal of ‘Lange’ is to host more international title events in the future. 

David Luongo, Vice President and Head of Operations for Youthstream: “Youthstream is very happy to have the Junior Motocross World Championship at this new venue. The Organizer has been working a lot on the track and in fact it is very well designed. Many riders will be attending this event not only from the Baltic countries but from all over the world so I’ll invite everybody to go there.”

Lauri Roosiorg, 2017 Junior Motocross World Championship main Organizer: “The Junior Motocross World Championship in Estonia, in Lange motocenter is a big thing for Estonian motorsport. It has been a good cooperation between us, the promoter Youthstream, and the Estonian Motorcycling Federation. It shows the strength of Lange motocenter and we have already put in a great effort to organize a great event for both the competitors and spectators. It is a big honor and responsibility to host the young riders from more then 30 countries.”

Margus Kiiver, 2017 Junior Motocross World Championship press officer: “The track of the Lange motocenter is very challenging and perfect for the Junior Motocross World Championship 2017. Motocross is very popular in Estonia and our riders have proven themselves at the international level starting with Tanel Leok who is also a Junior Motocross World Champion. We’re expecting fans, families, spectators and riders from all over the worlds and I suggest to take some free time to discover Estonia before or after the competition in Lange motocenter. It is definitely worth it.”

3 former Junior Motocross World Champions also attended the conference where they stressed how important this event was to their career, Tanel Leok, Pauls Jonass, and EMX250 rider and 2016 125cc Junior World Champion Jago Geerts.

Estonian MXGP rider Tanel Leok, a two time Junior World Champion from 2000 and 2001, added: “The Junior Motocross World Championship is like a dream. You can really achieve something after winning this Championship. I wish to give a big thanks to Lauri who makes it all happen. It’s fantastic to have such an event in Estonia.”

Pauls Jonass, the MX2 points leader from Latvia won in 2011 and 2013, “The Junior Motocross World Championship is a one day championship so you need to give your best and I did. For me it was really important to win it… I have never seen the track but I heard it is one of the best tracks in the area. I think it’s going to be a great event especially because the Estonian fans are really fantastic”

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

FIM Europe

TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper of the FIM Motocross World Championship since 2014 and together with MXGP are running a fastest lap competition across the season, with the #DontCrackUnderpressure spirit.

The way it works is: at each and every round of the MXGP season, the rider that sets the best lap time in each class, MXGP and MX2, will receive 1 point in the TAG Heuer competition. The rider that has set the fastest lap at the most rounds throughout the season in MXGP and MX2 classes, and has the most points, will be awarded.

At the MXGP of Latvia which was taking place in Kegums this weekend the GP winners Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Jeffrey Herlings and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Thomas Kjer Olsen set the fastest lap time for the weekend in MXGP and MX2 respectively.

Please find here below the details for both riders:

Jeffrey Herlings: 1:54:223 at Race 1 Lap 5

Thomas Kjer Olsen: 1:54:676 at Race 1 Lap 4

Check out MXGP.com home page for the Top 3 TAG Heuer Best Lap competition’s ranking.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 8 may 2017 - Youthstream and Milestone are proud to release a even-more extreme rider and bike customization modes and many incredible technical improvements for the new MXGP3. Over the past few years, Milestone has started a real technological evolution thanks to the acquisition of a new graphics engine, enabling its games to achieve results that will leave even the most demanding gamers speechless.

Now you can finally feel like a real motocross star. Choose from 300 official components, 40% more customizable parts than were available in the past edition, and over 75 brands that will let you customize riders and create unique setups for your bike and custom team.

Once you have created your rider and bike, you can get out on the track and do your best to climb the rankings, increase your reputation and be invited to join the team of 12 Official Motocross Championship partners available in the game. You can choose to continue racing with your own custom team, or with one of the official race liveries designed by Milestone’s artists, right down to the finest detail, in collaboration with the sponsors themselves.

And the surprises don’t stop there: MXGP3 has been developed using Unreal® Engine 4, taking the game experience to the next level. Graphical improvements and unprecedented gameplay will ensure amazing texture quality, spectacular particle effect and improved lighting that will affect the rider’s visibility and change according to weather and ground conditions. On top of all this, enhanced physics and, to fulfill all motorcycle fans’ wishes, a new sound recording and reproduction system (REV) will allow players to fully appreciate the ultra-realistic rumble of motorcycle engines. Get straight to the race action like never before!

These are key elements of the new video game dedicated to one of the world’s most adrenalin-packed, engaging championships. Lots of new and stunning features are set to fuel the dreams of Motocross fans, as well as many others.

Watch the official trailer HERE

MXGP3 - The Official Motocross Videogame will be available from 30 May 2017 in digital and physical stores for PlayStation®4 and Windows, Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system, and PC®/STEAM™.

MXGP3 – The Official Motocross Videogame is developed by Milestone S.r.l one of the most successful racing video game developers in the world.

Follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MXGPVideogame, Instagram www.instagram.com/MXGP_The_Official_Videogame/, on the official YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/MXGPVideogame, check the #MXGP3 hashtag or visit www.mxgpvideogame.com

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Milestone