MX2

We're building an epic hybrid style motocross track inside the VELTINS-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, for the first ever indoor motocross race, the Monster Energy SMX Riders' and Manufacturers' Cup that is taking place THIS Saturday night, October 8th.

The pitch of the stadium is built on hydraulic rails therefore it can be easily removed from the stadium. The pitch took four hours to remove before the 12,000 tons of dirt could be trucked in one-by-one. It has been an incredible task, and we have been capturing it day by day. Watch the first two days of construction in the videos below. We will post the third and final video today, followed by the first GoPro lap of the track which will feature KTM’s Ryan Dungey, Honda’s Tim Gajser and Yamaha’s Romain Febvre.

TV Presenter Lisa Leyland speaks to former vice world champion Paul Malin about the Supermotocross track here at the VELTINS-Arena

First day of building the track.

Second day of building the track.

Tickets to the event are still available. Click this link to go to the ticketing page.

Watch it LIVE on www.mxgp-tv.com

GELSENKIRCHEN (Germany), 07 October 2016 - Youthstream is proud to announce that the thirty-seventh issue of the MXGP Mag is now online. It has been an incredible month in the world of MXGP with the final two rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship taking place in the United States of America followed by the success of the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations Presented by FIAT Professional where Team France did the three-peat in front of one of the most electric crowds. As a result, Team France are our cover and the feature article.

In this edition you can also catch up on everything that happened in the USA and at The Nations, while the article on the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup will give you something to look forward to this weekend, October 8^th at the VELTINS-Arena in Germany.

If the golden era is your thing, we have also included a special feature on Graham Noyce and on Harry Everts’ 1975 Puch 250cc. Read all of this and much more. Click here to read the thirty-seventh issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play. The iOs and Android versions contain exclusive videos and several photo galleries, and once the MXGP Mag has been downloaded, the reader does not need to be connected on the Internet to go through the content.

Those users who have already downloaded the other issues on their iOs device can automatically download the thirty-seventh 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 new app: http://bit.ly/IssuuOnAndroid

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP MAG

There is no doubt, this weekend Monster Energy Supermotocross Riders Cup will produce something special. It isn’t often in an International event in Europe that you have a rider list like the one presented at the Veltins Arena on Saturday night.

Names like Ryan Dungey, Jeffrey Herlings, Tim Gajser, Marvin Musquin, Romain Febvre and so many others are the big stars of the world of motocross, and on one night only these men will battle for the biggest prize for indoor motocross in the world.

Team KTM are the big favorites for this event and one of their riders Jeffrey Herlings has been seen this week doing a lot of testing and practice for the event. He doesn’t just want to ride around for fun.

“I am looking forward to it,” Herlings said last month. “I think it will be a fun event and I know KTM are very serious about it. We don’t get to race inside such big stadiums in Europe and I think everyone is looking forward to see how it turns out.”

Not only the flying Dutchman is excited, but also riders like Romain Febvre, who has ridden indoors throughout his career. The Team Yamaha rider knows that he will need to be a little careful, but is looking forward to having fun on the weekend.

“I will ride it the SMX, but indoors is tough. They say it’s not supercross, but it’s inside a stadium so it could be small, we will see, but it’s not like I need to be prepared like I do for a GP. I’ll just have some good time on the bike and enjoy the event.”

Team Kawasaki rider Tommy Searle has a lot of experience indoors and knows that he will need to be on his game to be competitive against the likes of Dungey, Musquin and the other indoor specialists.

“I think the SMX will be good. I am not sure what to expect. David Luongo mentioned it won’t be full supercross, which is nice, because I didn’t want to get there and find it to be supercross and think to myself, what am I doing here? He said it will be motocross inside and hopefully we will have fun. I think it’s a race we all want to enjoy, it’s not for the championship, so it would be nice to enjoy it. Obviously do well at the same time.

So with so many great riders involved, you can be sure that the large crowd will be entertained and the riders will really experience something they have never experienced before.

GELSENKIRCHEN (Germany), 06 October 2016 - The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here! The first ever Monster Energy SMX Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Cup will be taking place inside the spectacular VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany THIS Saturday night. It has been a while since the world has been able to witness a race that pins the best of Europe against the best of the USA, let alone indoors on a unique style motocross track.

This special event is an invitation only race where the manufacturers’ KTM, Husqvarna, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki have selected 3 of their fastest riders from absolutely anywhere in the world, to race for the glory of their brand. The team that wins the Monster Energy SMX Manufacturers’ Cup will be able to take the trophy that was presented at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations presented by FIAT Professional in Maggiora, for twelve months only.  The design of the trophy resembles the event in every facet of its creation. It’s prestigious, it’s modern and it’s unique, just like the event itself. The trophy will be much like the coveted Chamberlain Cup, in the sense that it cannot be kept for longer than one year unless it is won consecutively.

The innovative new concept has attracted the biggest names in motocross from Europe and in supercross from USA. RYAN DUNGEY, the FIM Supercross World Champion will take on the MXGP and MX2 World Champions TIM GAJSER and JEFFREY HERLINGS for the first time this year. He will also be racing the former MXGP World Champion ROMAIN FEBVRE, and the former MX2 World Champions MARVIN MUSQUIN and JORDI TIXIER. Fellow American’s ZACH OSBORNE and JAKE WEIMER have also jumped the ditch in attempt to make history as the first ever Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup winner. There is a lot to look forward to, so without further ado, here is a little preview of the teams.

KTM

• Ryan Dungey
• Marvin Musquin
• Jeffrey Herlings
• JOKER: Jorge Prado

Looking past KTM’s line-up is not an option. Ryan Dungey is one of the greatest of all time in supercross. Marvin Musquin won back-to-back titles in the FIM Motocross World Championship before jumping the ditch to flaunt his insane dirt bike skills Stateside where he added a supercross title to his resume. And last but not least, Jeffrey Herlings, the greatest MX2 rider of all time with three MX2 world titles, and sixty-one grand prix wins.

Between those three riders, they have four MX2 world titles, one AMA Motocross Lites title, three AMA Supercross 450 titles, three AMA Motocross 450 titles, two AMA Supercross 250 titles and four wins at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Honda

• Tim Gajser
• Gautier Paulin
• Evgeny Bobryshev

Obviously the 2016 MXGP World Champion Tim Gajser is one of the most anticipated entries as one of the most stylish and talented riders in the world. Tim has had an incredible year with mind-blowing results and it’s going to be epic to see him face off against the likes of Dungey and Herlings for the first time this year. Tim has also confirmed that he will be racing the all-new 2017 CRF450RW. Gautier Paulin will be coming in fresh off of his third consecutive MXoN title. He is also no stranger to indoor racing as a rider that has done a couple of stints in the USA in the past, while it will be a bit more of a learning curve for Evgeny Bobryshev, but as one of the most determined riders in the world he’s bound to step up to the plate.

Yamaha

• Romain Febvre
• Brent Van Doninck
• Yannis Irsuti

The 2015 MXGP World Champion Romain Febvre is another great talent to look out for. He has also proved to be very versatile, and this weekend that versatility will be put to the ultimate test. As for his teammates, Brent Van Doninck and Yannis Irsuti, they may have to graft their way through; although a smaller and tighter track could actually work in favor of the MX2 bikes.

Husqvarna

• Zach Osborne
• Christophe Charlier
• Thomas Covington

Husqvarna’s pair of Americans Zach Osborne and Thomas Covington should be pegged to shine on the man-made indoor circuit. Osborne because he is one of the world’s best supercross riders in the lites class, while Covington could be a threat as a rider that excels on man-made tracks. Both riders will be on MX2 bikes this weekend which means they are in the running for the €10,000 payday if they finish the event as the best placed MX2 riders. They will be joined by Christophe Charlier who will be returning for the first time since the MXGP of Belgium at the start of August where he injured his groin.

Suzuki

• Jake Weimer
• Jeremy Seewer
• Arminas Jasikonis

Suzuki will have a dark horse in the form of Jake Weimer, who may be able to mentor their two youngsters Jeremy Seewer and Arminas Jasikonis. Team Manager Stefan Everts said, “the line up looks really good and it’s gonna be a real mini Motocross of Nations in some ways. Jeremy has his little supercross track at home so he’s been riding a little bit on that. As for Jasikonis we have been testing with him already for next year so there will be no time for him to ride anything like this before and then Jake Weimer, yeah, his background is supercross so I am quite confident on that side.”

Kawasaki

• Jordi Tixier
• Tommy Searle
• Vsevelod Brylyakov
• JOKER: Filip Neugebauer

When it comes to jumping, there are two riders who could surprise a lot of people. Tommy Searle is always seen getting sideways on jumps, his style is amazing and is bound to have a heap of fun out here. Jordi Tixier has also made some appearances indoors in the past and should be fast. As for Vsevelod Brylyakov, the Russian just loves riding dirt bikes in general and indoor track will be paradise for him.

WILDCARD

• Dennis Ullrich

Ullrich is the only German on the line this Saturday, and will be able to feed off of the energy his home crowd put forth.

How it works:

- Each manufacturer, KTM, Honda, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki will have a team of four riders. Three main riders and one ‘Joker’. The Joker can replace any rider on the team at any time.

- The riders can ride any bike they want between 245cc to 450cc, regardless of their age. It also doesn’t matter if the engine is 4-stroke or 2-stroke.

- Each team will have ONE team captain, and that rider will race the ‘Superpole’.

- The Superpole, which defines the position on the starting grid is a 2-Lap sprint. Only six riders enter, one from each brand.

- Three main races will be raced. There will be three riders per team. The team with the lowest score at the end of the event will win.

- Prize money is foreseen for the individual overall winner, for the winning manufacturer and for the best MX2 rider

- The riders and manufacturers points system is like: one point for 1st, two points for 2nd, three points for 3rd etc.

- There will be nine scores from each team on the board. The seven best scores are counted. The worst two results are dropped.

- In addition to the main events, there will be two junior classes in the form of the SMX125cc and a YZ125 Cup which is an invitational race for Yamaha riders, arranged by Yamaha and the national federations across Europe.

Click HERE to download the Timetable of the Event

All the photos of the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup will be available HERE

LINKS

Youthstream

Monster Energy SMX Riders' Cup

The Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup is set to take place at the famous VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany this Saturday 8th October.

It’s the only opportunity this year where you will see RYAN DUNGEY, TIM GAJSER, MARVIN MUSQUIN, JEFFREY HERLINGS, ZACH OSBORNE, JEREMY SEEWER, ROMAIN FEBVRE go head-to-head, and that is just to name a few of the BIG names.

Being a VIP guest at the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup will be your best bet at having the ultimate night out! As a VIP guest you will have access to the venue AND the paddock where all the teams will be preparing their bikes (there will also be plenty of action and activities happening inside the paddock throughout the day and the night on Saturday the 8^th). You will also have access to the Paddock VIP Restaurant for a gourmet buffet style lunch between the hours of 12pm and 3pm. From 1pm to 6pm you can enjoy drinks at the VIP Stadium Lounge Blauer Salon before sitting down to another gourmet dinner, which can be enjoyed at anytime after 6pm until the end of the event.

As a VIP guest you will also have the chance to meet the riders in a ‘Meet & Greet’ scenario, which will take place at 17:45 and 23:30 at the Blauer Salon.

VIP Tickets to the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup are now available for purchase here: http://smxschalke.motocross-viptickets.com/en/13661-smx/

Click HERE to download the official timetable of the event.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 5 October 2016 – Following FMF Racing’s first year partnership with Youthstream as the MXGP official performance exhaust system and the presenting sponsor of the two-stroke European Championships EMX125 and EMX300, such partnership has been now extended to the upcoming Monster Energy SMX Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Cup which will take place next Saturday, October 8^th at the VELTINS-Arena, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. At this event FMF Racing will be in fact official performance exhaust system and presenting sponsor of the European SMX 125 Cup, which is the two-stroke youth category and support class of the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ and Manufacturers’ Cup.

FMF Racing has been a powerhouse sponsor of two factory teams in the premier series’, MXGP and MX2, as the official exhaust provider for Team HRC and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing with riders, Gautier Paulin, Evgeny Bobryshev, Max Nagl, Christophe Charlier, Max Anstie, Thomas Covington and Conrad Mewse. Four of the seven riders named will be racing for their brands on FMF Racing powered machinery at the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup, Paulin and Bobryshev on Honda, and Charlier and Covington on Husqvarna, with the addition of American talent Zach Osborne who will also have the wind of FMF Racing.

Both Youthstream and FMF Racing believe that two-stroke motorcycles play a vital role in the development of riders, especially young riders, which is why both companies are proud to offer young talented 125cc 2T riders the opportunity to race the first ever Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup along side their heroes in the European SMX125 2T class presented by FMF Racing.

Donny Emler Jr FMF Racing’s Marketing Director: “FMF Racing has always enjoyed helping take our sport to the next level.  This new SMX event concept helps place riders and the manufactures in front of a world stage and FMF is excited to be the Official Exhaust Performance partner of the 2016 Monster Energy Riders' and Manufacturers' Cup”. 

LINKS

Youthstream

Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup

FMF Racing

The wait is over! The best Motocross and Supercross riders from America, Europe and the rest of the world will be squaring off against each other in a battle of pride and glory on October 8th, inside the VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany at the first ever Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup, a race where the manufacturers’ KTM, Husqvarna, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki select their fastest riders from absolutely anywhere in the world to represent their brand.

The VELTINS-Arena, is only 30 minutes from Dortmund Airport, 40 minutes from Düsseldorf International Airport, 2 hours from Frankfurt and less than one hour from the Dutch and Belgian borders.

In addition to the epic racing which is starting at 7 p.m., there will be a lot of paddock activities taking place throughout the day on Saturday, from 10am till 6pm, Drift King Steve ‘Baggsy’ Biagioni will be doing smoke shows, and Fred Crosset will be flaunting his skills on a trial bike. There will be music, Monster Girls, Monster Riots. It will be the most epic event of the year !

Don’t miss it!

Click HERE to purchase your ticket in advance!

Click HERE to download the official Timetable of the event.

As a special offer anyone who buys a ticket to the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup will receive FREE admission to one of the world’s most popular motorcycle exhibitions ‘INTERMOT’ which will be taking place less than one hour away, in Cologne, Germany*.

*spectators attending the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup will need to get their ticket stamped at the Intermot desk in the stadium in order to access Intermot on Sunday by showing that stamped ticket

Copyright: Photo: Karsten Rabas

With injuries to their three riders during the past year, the team had a tough season after a promising start with Grand Prix podiums, a European series win and a GP win just before Dylan Ferrandis was injured. As Dylan moves to USA, the team has built a new line up alongside Petar Petrov, who will enter his third season with the Monster Energy Kawasaki MX2; it will be his final MX2 campaign as he will turn 23 next year. Alongside the experienced Bulgarian, who started racing the GPs six years ago, the team has reached agreement with two young talented riders: Britain's Adam Sterry (20 years old) and French teenager Stephen Rubini (17 years old).
 
On the podium of the EMX250 in 2015, Adam Sterry moved to the MX2 world series this season, but unfortunately was injured during the opening round in Qatar. Scoring regular top ten results after his comeback, he ended the season by winning the British MX2 title and will soon start testing on Kawasaki machinery. Stephen Rubini will have to wait a few more weeks, as the talented Frenchman is still recovering from a wrist injury which ended his season. Before this incident, Stephen was the most successful rider in the EMX125 series, working closely with former Kawasaki world champion Michael Maschio.
 
The team will not only have new riders next season, but also new staff members as Michael Maschio and French technician Fred Lavergne joined Jean Jacques Luisetti at the new workshop, located in southern France. Fred has already been working for several weeks on the development of the new KX250F Kawasaki, while Michael will take care of the riders' training programme during the week and will follow all the races as sport manager.
 
Adam Sterry: “It’s special to join a factory team such as Kawasaki, and it will be my first time on green bikes. Every weekend I saw the results from the team, and when I got their offer I had no questions about the team and knew that it would be good. It’s a dream team, and that’s been a dream since I was a kid! To get this opportunity is really special; finally my hard work is paying off and I can’t wait to ride the Kawasaki.”
 
Stephen Rubini: “I’m so happy to move to MX2 GP next year, and to reach this agreement with Monster Energy Kawasaki. I had a good season in the European 125, and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to move straight to the world championship even if the level is much higher than in the European series. I’ve been working with Michael Maschio for several months; he will be alongside us next season and I will have all the tools to get good results.”
 
Petar Petrov: “A few days ago I started doing some exercises and cycling, of course slowly at first as I follow the advices of my doctor. I will visit him in two weeks, and of course my goal is to be back riding and testing as soon as possible. But we all know that it normally takes three months to recover from a shoulder injury, so I will be really happy if I can start riding at the beginning of November..”
 
Jean Jacques Luisetti (Team owner): “I’m really pleased to welcome to the team two young riders who have already shown their potential this season. Stephen was impressive in the 125 European series, and Adam got some strong results during his first GP season and also in UK where he claimed the title; I’m sure that with the experience of Petar we have a very strong and promising line-up. The team just moved to southern France in a brand new workshop, where I will be on site most of the time as I want to be regularly with my staff. I was working that way in my previous business and it was successful. Of course I’m also very pleased to have Fred Lavergne as technical manager and Michael Maschio as sport manager back in the team. We have known each other for many years and I’m sure that 2017 will be a successful season; thanks to Kawasaki, Monster Energy and all our sponsors for their great support through the years.”
 
Michael Maschio (Sport manager): “I was back this year alongside Stephen Rubini in the sport, and during the season we started talking with Jean Jacques about the future. I always had a great relationship with him, and I will soon start working part time for the team as sport manager for the riders. I will also help the team to develop the bikes, as I never stopped training and it’s great to be back in the Kawasaki family where I spent most of my career.”

Copyright: Photo: Stanley Leroux / Pascal Haudiquert

Former star of the UEFA Champions League Sami Hyypiä is a sporting hero that has a huge interest in motocross. You often see the football icon lurking around the MXGP paddock, which is why we decided to have a word with him and see what he thinks about the all new Monster Energy SMX Riders’ and Manufacturers Cup’ that will be taking place inside one of the most spectacular football stadiums in the world, the VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany on October 8th.

Following this interview it became evident why Sami Hyypiä is the official Ambassador of the star-studded Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup.

MXGP: Motocross inside a football stadium! That must be exciting for you as a football star, what are you looking forward to most at the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup?

I’m looking forward to the Monster Energy SMX Riders' Cup a lot because it’s a new interesting concept, the race will be held at the football stadium! I’ve been to many races in the MXGP series and it is always amazing to see great racing. I think it will be even better with the American riders coming here to Europe and competing against the MXGP stars.

MXGP: What do you like about motocross?

I’ve always been a motorsport fan. My interest for motocross started when I was a child; my neighbor was riding motocross. I went to see him training and racing, but I didn’t get to ride the mx bike myself. My neighbor stopped riding for a while, but he bought a bike again and started to ride, then one summer I tried his bike in Finland and it felt so good that I wanted to buy one too. Now motocross is a great hobby for me, of course it’s a way to stay fit too. I’ve met a lot of amazing people in motocross and I love the atmosphere. That’s a credit to all of you who are involved with motocross.

MXGP: What are your thoughts about having a motocross race inside the VELTINS-Arena?

To have the event at the VELTINS-Arena is superb cause it’s a great venue for something like this. I’ve played there for Bayer Leverkusen and for my country, and have been there as a coach of Bayer Leverkusen. I hope the stadium will be full on the 8th of October.

All the fans are able to see the whole track and they wont miss any action during the race. It will be awesome.

MXGP: Do you know many footballers or other athletes that ride motorcycles or enjoy motocross?

I think there are many footballers and athletes who are motorsport fans, but actually to ride a motorcycle is another matter. For example in football the contract will not allow you to do any other sport, and riding a motorcycle is anyway a bit dangerous. Over the years I’ve met a lot of other athletes at the MXGP races and it’s always nice to chat with them. 

MXGP: Who do you think will win? Who do you want to win?

I hope that Husqvarna will win and I think they have a good chance to do that as well. But all the manufactures have great riders competing, racing will be amazing and I know the best will win!

MXGP: What do you admire about motocross athletes?

I think motocross is one of the toughest sports in the world. Physically you need to be very fit to compete at the top level and mentally its also very demanding. It amazes me every time when I come to see motocross how easy the riders make it look. To realize how difficult it really is, you would need to jump on the bike and have a go!

Thanks for the chat Sami, we look forward to seeing you there!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE MONSTER ENERGY SMX RIDERS’ CUP, VELTINS-Arena OCTOBER 8th

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 29 September 2016 - Following the events at last weekend’s Monster Energy Motocross of Nations presented by FIAT Professional in Maggiora, Italy, in which both Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson and Max Nagl were sidelined from racing, Youthstream and Husqvarna Motorcycles wish to announce a significant change to the Husqvarna rider line-up for the upcoming Monster Energy SMX Rider’s Cup which will be held inside the famous VELTINS-Arena, Gelsenkirchen, Germany on October 8th.

Due to injuries sustained by Jason Anderson and Max Nagl, Christophe Charlier and Thomas Covington will compete alongside Husqvarna’s team captain Zach Osborne at the Monster Energy SMX Riders’ Cup; Osborne and Charlier will aboard the FC 450 machinery with Covington racing on a FC 250.

Now back in the States after he was released from his brief hospital stay in Italy, Jason Anderson underwent minor surgery to stabilize the fracture in his right foot, which he sustained when he crashed during the qualifying race on Saturday. In order to ensure no further problems Jason will require a period of rest that will rule him out of both the Monster Energy SMX Rider’s Cup and the Monster Cup in Las Vegas. Thankfully, Jason suffered only a mild concussion as a result of the incident right after his MXoN race victory.

Meanwhile Max Nagl is well on the road to recovery but unable to race after his qualifying race crash at the Monster Energy FIM MXoN presented by FIAT Professional; the German will spend the upcoming weeks resting and undergoing physiotherapy before returning to pre-season training and testing.

Robert Jonas, Vice-President Husqvarna Motorsport: “Despite the unfortunate injuries to two of our main riders, we can say that we’re still very happy about our rider lineup for the SMX Riders and Manufacturers Cup. We fully trust and support the event and are looking forward to a great night of racing. We believe it can be the first step towards further growth of our sport. We look forward to the competition and meanwhile we wish a very quick and full recovery to both Max and Jason.”

LINKS

Youthstream

Monster Energy SMX Riders' Cup

Copyright: Photo: Youthstream & Husqvarna Motorcycles