MXGP

Belgium is a proud country, not just in motocross, but in life in general, but it is motocross that once carried the Belgians on their shoulders, from one celebration to celebration. One Motocross World Championship after another, starting way back in Rene Baeten in 1957 until Steve Ramon in 2007. 52 World Championship to the country's name and several Grand Prix legends in that list.

While the country continues to see tracks closed and they haven’t had a World Champion since Ramon in 2007, there is a rumbling that this great motocross nation is starting to build momentum. The youngsters are starting to make a noise, and everyone is sitting up waiting for something special to occur for the most successful motocross country in the history of the sport.

Long gone are the days of riders like Roger De Coster, Joel Robert, Harry Everts, Gaston Rahier, Eric Geboers, Georges Jobe, Andre Malherbe, Stefan Everts and Joel Smets, but some young lions are appearing on the scene and it is clear that within the next couple of years, or maybe even in 2023, this proud land, tucked between Holland and France could return to at least part of its past glories.

For the first time in many years, Belgium will have four factory riders in 2023, all in the MX2 class, with 22-year-old Jago Geerts on the Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing MX2 Team, 18 year old Liam Everts and 15 year old Sacha Coenen in the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team and Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing signing Lucas Coenen (also 15 years old) to race the MX2 class.

Of course, back in the golden era of Belgian motocross, be it the 1970s with De Coster, Robert and Harry Everts racing factory Suzuki machinery, or the 1980s with Geboers, Jobe, and Malherbe on the factory Honda machines or even the early 2000’s with Everts and Smets racing for several different factory teams, yes, Belgians owned the major places amongst the teams. Throughout the history of the sport, factory teams were packed with Belgian talent although, since the retirement of Everts and Smets, the numbers have dropped dramatically.

In recent years Geerts has ridden for the Factory Yamaha Team in MX2 and Jeremy Van Horebeek in the Beta Factory Team in MXGP, but outside of those two, numbers were dwindling. In 2022 Belgian riders finished in 13^th and 15^th place in the MXGP points, with Van Horebeek (13^th) making his final season and Brent Van Doninck in 15^th place.

MX2 was a lot better with Geerts fighting for the title until the final round and finishing in second place in the World Championship and Liam Everts climbed into the top ten to finish 10^th in his rookie MX2 season. Again though, from MXGP and MX2, these were the only four Belgians who raced the whole series.

Now, with the Coenen brothers, Geerts and Everts, there is a feeling of fresh air running through the practice tracks in Belgium and Holland as these four youngsters start to build on their nation’s history. There is no surprise to see the name Everts in amongst this group of talented riders and you just know a strong rivalry will begin within the four, first in MX2 in 2023 and then MXGP in the future.

Maybe, just maybe the proud Belgian history can spring back to life, and you just know legends like Harry Everts, Joel Smets and Stefan Everts will be hands-on, willing these four riders to more success and hopefully add that 53^rd number one plate to the countries World Championship list.

Photo copyright: Ray Archer

The Tuscan brand, on the occasion of the launch of the ‘23 collection, writes a new page in its history, continuing a path in constant evolution.

There are many challenges that Ufo Plast is facing in this new path of rebirth.

The real challenge is to look ahead to other visions, to go in the direction that is considered correct. Mainly by radically modifying some habits to preserve its own authenticity in this revolutionary process.

“Another Vision” is the concept of the launch campaign of the 2023 collection and it really wants to inaugurate a new vision, a new path that Ufo Plast intends to undertake after the recent acquisition with a new owner and a its new management.

The new collection, which will be officially presented at EICMA 2022, tells about the change of perspective and gives to the world an anticipation of the new entrepreneurial approach, consolidated during 2022. The brand has, in fact, entered a phase of renewed dynamism, to give a full expression of all the opportunities that the future reserves for the Tuscan company from a global perspective.

The goal is to achieve ambitious goals while also continuing on its usual path of Made in Italy production, thanks to tailored products with high durability, the result of decades of experience in the motocross sector.

Many products are the result of this new vision, starting with the line of monochromatic suits for adults and children, in six different colors with a minimal approach to the design of technical garments. Novelties, not to the sector, but certainly for Ufo Plast.

State-of-the-art protections, designed using materials and production techniques that fully satisfy the needs of athletes, such as: the use of the new Sensitive® fabric that guarantees freshness and breathability, Sas Tech® and Impact Tech® way more comfortable protective inserts, silicone details and customized piping for optimal comfort.

Great anticipation for the “Echus” helmet with a unique design, made of fiber, with headline flush with the shell, new padding and quick safety release system, level 6 approved.

An extended range of helmets for urban purpose has been created in addition to the “Sheratan” model which is the company’s evergreen in 8 colors.

Ufo Plast also presents a new range of travel gears, renewed in products and in graphics to adapt to daily needs on and off the track.

A new beginning is traced for this Italian company that aims to consolidate existing markets and look to new markets to strengthen its presence of “Made in Ufo Plast” all over the world, witnessed by the release for the first time of the entire collection of clothing also on the American market.

The company has in fact worked to develop a highly efficient logistics service based in Italy that can ship anywhere in a short time.

“Another Vision” marks a new era for Ufo Plast which anticipates a gradual introduction of products throu- ghout the year, to offer sportspeople from all over the world continuous innovations, in response to the new dyna- mics of the market, and with the aim of consolidating its position among the most important world players in the sector.

By sharing its new corporate vision, the company is ready to welcome experts and enthusiasts who are willing to carry out concrete growth projects together with Ufo Plast.

Ufo Plast’s vision is to always be by the side of anyone who wants to seriously explore their passions.

Copyright Photos: Ufo Plast

MXGP is delighted to share that the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship season review is now available FOR FREE on www.MXGP-TV.com!

Take a moment to remember some of the best moments of the 2022 season, featuring some close battles, awesome victories and of course the crowning of the World and European Champions – all in the 52-minute special!

The season review takes an in depth look at Tim Gajser’s journey to his fifth world title, along with the close fight for the crown in MX2 between Tom Vialle and Jago Geerts then went down to the final chequered flag of the season and of course the unforgettable 75^th Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations!

Join us, as we take a look back on another fantastic year of MXGP! All you need to do is register/login to MXGP-TV.com to enjoy the 52-minute special. 

CLICK HERE & ENJOY! 

The MXoEN made its return this year in Talavera de La Reina where riders from all over Europe represented their Nation in EMX125, EMX250 and EMX85 classes.

The MXoEN Behind the Gate features the main actions from the event as Team France was crowned Champion as well as exclusive interviews, GoPro Lap, teams presentation and atmosphere footage and much more.

The 26 min Behind the Gate from the MXoEN is available for free on MXGP-TV.com and on MXGP-TV Youtube page.

Click HERE and get all the exclusive footage from the 2022 Edition of the MXoEN.

Eager to build on a positive term in the 2022 FIM Motocross World Championship, Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing has taken a step forward and improved the team structure ahead of the new term. Jorge Prado and Simon Langenfelder earned bronze medals in their respective classes this season, whilst Mattia Guadagnini made big steps in the premier division, and have their sights set on achieving so much more in the not-too-distant future.

·       Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing eager to get on the gas in 2023.

·       Davide De Carli prepared to move into the role of team manager.

·       Jorge Prado, Mattia Guadagnini and Simon Langenfelder to return.

The knowledge underneath the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing awning is only going to grow in the coming months. Claudio De Carli is set to oversee the on-track efforts at GASGAS, as well as KTM, in his new position as the Motocross Race Director. The success that De Carli has experienced in the Grand Prix paddock speaks for itself – he was heavily involved in Antonio Cairoli's career from start to finish. Davide De Carli steps into the position of Team Manager at Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing and, in addition, Peter Tillerkvist's set to become the team's Technical Co-ordinator.

Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing will field the same three riders in 2023. Jorge Prado and Mattia Guadagnini (MXGP aboard MC 450F machinery) will be joined by Simon Langenfelder (MC 250F) beneath the team tent when the new season begins. The 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar starts with the Grand Prix of Patagonia-Argentina on March 12.

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsports Offroad: "Following a successful season in the FIM Motocross World Championship, it is brilliant that we have been able to make additional steps forward beneath the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing awning. The GASGAS team consists of some of the most brilliant minds in the Grand Prix paddock and the riders will benefit from this for years to come. I want to thank all of the staff involved for getting behind the plan and how we will head into the world championship in the coming years."

Claudio De Carli, Motocross Race Director: "Pit proposed this new role, reconstructing the motocross division in the KTM group. It is a real pleasure to be able to co-ordinate the job of two guys who have been under my guidance for years: My son, Davide, and Tony Cairoli. Davide has helped me in the past two years and I think that he is now ready for this new commitment. The group is ready to restart – we are already working here in Rome. We have a second base in Belgium, which is very important, and we are planning for the new season with great enthusiasm. I really want to thank Pit, Robert and the entire KTM group."

Davide De Carli, Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing Team Manager: "I am super happy to be able to fill this position. It is an absolute honor! I have been working alongside my father for many years now and think that this is the perfect time to step up. I am motivated for the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship and excited to work with the incredible people that I have by my side. We are a strong team and will bring home good results."

Photo copyright: Lucio Buselli

With the new 2023 provisional calendar out, we again notice that one thing that makes the MXGP series so special are also the  exotic locations, covering the whole World. While the FIM Motocross World Championship has always had a strong relationship with Europe and for many years the Motocross World Championship was mainly based in Europe, as the sport grows, so too do the destinations.

Travelling to countries like Argentina, Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, South Africa and many others always gave the series a special look and when the 2023 calendar was recently announced, we again saw some interesting additions.

Back in 2005, the FIM Motocross World Championships headed to Japan, and while the Grand Prix series had travelled to Asia in the past, Japan and Indonesia in the 1990s, when the series visited Thailand back in 2013, it opened up a whole new relationship between Asia and MXGP, one that has continued to grow up in the last decade.

As mentioned, Thailand was added to the calendar and remained for a handful of years, visiting places like Si Racha on the outskirts of the major tourist destination Pattaya. We returned to Si Racha in 2014 and then in 2015, we travelled to the small village of Nakhonchaisri, before heading to Suphan Buri in 2016. Every time the country supported us with friendly faces and large crowds.

When one door closed in Thailand another opened in Indonesia and in 2017 the MXGP paddock travelled to the small island of Pangkal Pinang. This cozy little destination held GPs in 2017 and 2018 and in 2018 we also ventured to Semarang on the mainland of Java, which produced a brilliant race track, large crowds, and an unbelievable atmosphere. Promotion of this event in Semarang was something many of us had never seen before, with large billboards and streets filled with posters of the Grand Prix heroes.

The Asian adventure didn’t end there though as in 2019 we had two venues in Indonesia, Semarang again and Palembang, not to mention one in China. The Chinese Grand Prix was sensational, again a brilliant racetrack and huge interest from the Chinese government and people. A stand-out round of the 2019 MXGP and MX2 championships.

We returned to Indonesia this year after the pandemic at the magnificent Samota-Sumbawa circuit, the whole motocross World was excited and once again, Asian fans came in big numbers to enjoy this brilliant sport.

Nobody was disappointed with this event as a large crowd attended and the whole island of Sumbawa celebrated our return, similar to Semarang, the promotion of this event was first class. Now with 2023 getting closer and closer, we will return to Sumbawa to celebrate our sport once again, with the neighboring island of Lombok (in Indonesia) being involved and another new destination with Thanh Hoa in Vietnam.

So, as we sit through the European winter, and the Grand Prix riders take a short break before re-starting their preparation, we can all once again be excited as we are once again set to visit the continent, which has long been home to the majority of the human population, was the site of many of the first civilizations and of course is an area that means so much to motorsport in general.

Dear MXGP Friends,

What a month! We just came back from the fantastic Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations in Red Bud – USA. It will for sure remain in the memory of all the motocross fans. After 11 years of waiting period, the American fans were able to celebrate again U.S riders after their strong victory on one of the most beautiful track of the USA for the most awaited Off-Road event of the year.

Once again, the weather brought some drama, but the conditions were much better than in 2018. The crowd showed up and the venue was fully packed by motocross lovers for the 4 days of show.

As usual the Monster Energy FIM MXoN is unpredictable, and after the ballot for the gate attribution on Friday, it was still difficult to really have a favorite. But USA put together 6 strong results, Tomac, Sexton and Cooper were on top of their game. In front of a fantastic public who was already present on the track for the Team and rider parade on Friday, they deserved their victory. Australia and France were also favorite and can be proud of their results. Here we have our top 3, which is already giving us a lot of excitement for the comeback of the event on French soil in 2023, on the terrific circuit of Ernée! Jett Lawrence won the Carmichael trophy as the fastest youngest rookie of the MXoN. It is very rewarding for us to see the talent and the speed of Jett and Hunter, as both of them went through the European Championship some years ago! Mitch Evans, who just announced his signature with Kawasaki Factory Team for the next year is also a fantastic rider for the MXGP Australian fans! Maxime Renaux made also the history by winning the MXGP class for his first ever participation to the event!

I would like to thank Amy and Tim Richie for their fantastic work as organizer. Like in 2018, their team collaborated in a perfect way with Infront Moto Racing staff and together, we delivered a first class event. Then, I would like also to thank Carrie and Davey Coombs from MX Sport for their support. For years, we have exchanged on how to improve and increase our collaboration in putting together great races in the U.S. and every year we are making new steps in this direction. The American Motorcycling Association played also a very important role in the organization of the event. Finally Dave Prater, Director of Operations of Feld gave also a great support to the event. We really felt this weekend as a real celebration of Motocross and for all of us, who love deeply this sport it was a fantastic feeling!

Talking about next year already, this week, we released the provisional calendar for 2023, and it looks very strong. Infront Moto Racing will continue its efforts to establish MXGP as a global championship, to touch new fans and to open new markets around the world. As a very strong base, the European classic Grand Prix will be present with Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Latvia, Czech Republic, Belgium, Great Britain, Finland, Sweden. We are very happy to see the comeback of The Netherland that was missing last year. After the very popular Grand Prix in Sumbawa, the FIM World Championship will continue to build its strong presence in Indonesia with a second race in Lambok. The Argentinian fans will cheer for the best riders in the world for the opening round of the season and Türkiye will continue to host the GP in Afyonkarahisar. There are still 3 GP to be announced and we will communicate on the venue in the upcoming weeks.

Finally, I would like to thank all our partners, who were next to us during the last challenging years and who are still with us, now, that the world is opening again. The FIM, which is always collaboration and supportive, all the organizers that put together with us a great championship, all the riders, teams, manufacturers for these great championships from EMX to MXGP! The media, TV and press and photograph who cover the season and give a great coverage to the MXGP. And last but not least I would like to thank all our fans and the motocross enthusiasts that enjoyed again the racing live, onsite and lived the Grand Prix with us this season!

I wish you a great off-season!

David Luongo

CEO of Infront Moto Racing

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing have made several strategic changes to their FIM MXGP World Championship structure that will funnel into their bids for success in 2023 Grand Prix. Chief among those is a fresh role for MXGP and KTM legend Tony Cairoli, who will front the squad as Team Manager.

For 2023 KTM are pleased to announce that nine-times world champion Tony Cairoli will become Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager. The 37-year-old, who was still competing at the highest level with AMA Pro National appearances this summer, won six of his championships with KTM SX-F technology and has been a Red Bull KTM factory rider since 2010. Tony boasts exceptional knowledge of not only the sport but also KTM’s racing culture and philosophy. He will sync with fellow former multi world champion Joel Smets who will train and coach a selection of Red Bull KTM Factory racing riders and other athletes in the group.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing recently celebrated their fourteenth title in the MX2 division since 2004 and with the KTM 250 SX-F thanks to Tom Vialle’s thrilling last round victory of the 2022 campaign in Turkey. Except for the 2015 season, the crew have claimed at least one MXGP or MX2 crown each year since 2010. Smets has been instrumental in Vialle’s development and two crowns since 2020.

On the technical side Vialle’s well respected and experienced mechanic Harry Norton – who helped refine two versions of the title-winning KTM 250SX-F, the 2020 edition and the brand new 2023 model - will take over the role of Team Technical Co-ordinator while long-standing leader Dirk Gruebel will assume the position of Project Manager for Motocross Development.

Claudio De Carli, the man who guided Cairoli to the six championships between 2010 and 2017, will now oversee KTM racing efforts as the new Motocross Race Director. The Italian forged an incredibly strong bond with KTM at the start of the last decade when he helped deliver the factory’s first premier class distinction in MXGP.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will launch into 2023 with Jeffrey Herlings (MXGP, KTM 450SX-F) and Andrea Adamo and Liam Everts (MX2, KTM 250SX-F).

Tony Cairoli, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “2022 was a change for me and now this is another chapter! It was great to race again this year but it was also positive to take a small step back from racing and see things in a different way. I really hope I can bring as much knowledge and passion as possible to this new role. I will have some learning to do but I also worked with some amazing people in my career, so I expect to use this experience. We are already thinking about our goals for 2023.”

Robert Jonas, Head of Motorsports Offroad: “It is very satisfying to see how we were able to reorganise and clarify the positions of important people for Red Bull KTM and other projects. I think there is some exciting potential because there is so much priceless experience; both on the ground at the track and back in the workshops. If Tony can bring the same enthusiasm for motocross and learning as he did when he was a rider then this next challenge should go very well for him and be of a big benefit for the team. I want to thank all of the staff involved for getting behind the plan and how we will head into the world championship in the coming years.”

Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director: “This is the next step in our race department vision for motocross and for the way we want to keep the brands and organise the best potential in the paddock. It was clear that Tony’s experience and never-ending passion for the sport was something we could count on, just like we did in 2009 when we first started talking. The De Carli connection has been one of the big success stories for us and I’m pleased that it can progress and continue. It’s great to have Joel in his development role still and Harry and Dirk taking on different tasks. We have some great riders and some excellent staff for 2023 so I’m sure we’ll have plenty more exciting times.”

Claudio De Carli, KTM Motocross Race Director: “It feels very special to have this new position and to continue my story with Pit, Robert and the whole KTM group. As many people know we started our partnership well over ten years ago now and it was strong mutual trust that allowed us all to succeed right away and then to carry on winning in MXGP. We are now in transition to the next generation but we have the best possible foundations. I hope we can keep the motocross division as one of the most prolific for KTM and the race department. We’ll push to the maximum to make it happen across the categories.”

Copyright photo: KTM Racing

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 18 October 2022 – Infront Moto Racing is pleased to share the October issue of the MXGP Magazine!

The 110^th edition of the monthly magazine features the winners of the 75^th Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, Team USA, as the cover story, as we take a closer look at the history of Team USA at the Monster Energy FIM MXoN and their journey back to the top step after an 11-year wait!

The rest of the magazine includes our monthly Racing Catch-Up which takes a look at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations action from RedBud, along with the winners of the Fox Holeshot Award.

This month’s special feature takes a look at the Motocross of European Nations which took place in Talavera de la Reina.

You’ll also find the Vintage Bike section, which includes Greg Albertijn’s 1993 Honda CR250

while in this month’s Hall of Fame we learn more about the career of Fred Vialle.

You can find all this plus more in the 110^th issue of MXGP Mag, which you can download for FREE on the Apple Store or Google Play. Read it HERE!

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

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

MXGP Mag 110