MXGP

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands) 6 March 2020 – Good news, race fans! The 79^th issue of the MXGP Magazine is available to read online! In this month’s edition, you will find Standing Construct GasGas Factory Racing on the cover, with a special feature on the new manufacturer and the team inside. Also, our racing catch-up takes us back to the MXGP of Great Britain alongside a special piece about the newly unveiled MXGP Trophy.

Additionally, you can read about the 2020 FOX Holeshot competition, as well as take a trip down memory lane, and read about Neil Hudson’s 1981 Yamaha 250 and Rolf Dieffenbach who is highlighted in our MX Hall of Fame!

Click HERE to read the seventy-ninth issue of MXGP Mag or download it for FREE on Apple Store or Google Play.

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

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MXGP Mag

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 6 March 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is proud to announce that the MXGP of China will once again return to Shanghai for the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship, on the 12^th – 13^th of September, to host the penultimate round of the 2020 MXGP season.

The Chinese GP made its debut in Shanghai in 2019, showcasing some fantastic races in both MXGP and MX2. Following the huge success of the event, the Chinese round is back for more in 2020, promising to provide with more action than previously during this exciting year of the motocross world championship.

Last season, the Chinese GP surprised the MXGP paddock with their impressive facilities and events planned over the weekend, to welcome the motocross world championship to China. In terms of racing it was the Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings who was victorious in MXGP, while fellow KTM Factory rider Jorge Prado took the overall in the MX2 division.

Infront Moto Racing and local organizer are working closely together in order to make the 2020 MXGP of China possible.

Please find here below the updated 2020 Calendar while you can download it HERE!

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MXGP of China

Three Australian riders put their best foot forward last weekend at the opening round of the MXGP and MX2 championships for 2020. Mitch Evans in MXGP, and Jed Beaton and Nathan Crawford in MX2 worked hard all weekend, with both Evans and Beaton close to making the top three in their classes and Crawford fought against the best MX2 riders in the World to finish top 15 overall.

Mitch Evans racing for the HRC factory put on a solid performance with 3-7 results for fifth overall in the 450 class. Having chased Jeffrey Herlings in the opening race, Evans had to deal with a last place start in the second race, making a charge through the field and finally putting together two solid results.

“It was a good weekend,” Evans said. “Excluding the start of that second race. Everything else went really well. In the first race I had a good start, avoiding some of the early race carnage and made my way into second. Unfortunately, I struggled with my breathing a bit because of my chest infection and finished third. I felt a lot better in the second race although I had to push throughout the race because of the bad start. I used a lot of energy to get around guys as fast as I could, and I hit a bit of a wall with eight minutes to go. Overall, it was a good weekend though, I’m happy with my MXGP debut and now I get ready for Valkenswaard next weekend.”

In the MX2 class, it was a similar story for fellow Aussie Jed Beaton went 2-6 for fourth overall. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider looked brilliant as he finished second to Jago Geerts in the opening race and after a bad start in the second race worked hard to finish with his sixth-place result.

“It was a good weekend for me,” Beaton said. “Fourth overall is a great result for the first Grand Prix, although I’m a little disappointed to miss the podium because of a small crash in the second race. In the first race I had a good start, found some nice lines and came from eighth to second, which was great. I felt good and, yeah, it was good to get that result in the books. Second race, it took a while to settle into a rhythm and then I just washed the front wheel out in a corner, losing a few places and I finished the race in sixth. For the upcoming rounds I just need to be a little more patient. Overall, it’s been a great day and there are plenty of positives to take into round two next weekend.”

Nathan Crawford scored 18-10 results for 14^th overall, and while that 18^th place in the first race ruined any chance of a great MX2 debut, his 10^th place in the second race really showed his potential.

“Qualifying was a really challenge,” Crawford said. “Especially for me coming from Australia. I’ve never raced in condition that cold. It was definitely something that I hadn’t been through before. We tried to prepare for it and did our best in the tough conditions. In race one I got a mid-pack start but made some good passes on lap one. I was hovering around 10th position and then had a big crash and after that I was just surviving and trying to get through the race. In race two it was an OK start, but not great - so I set about battling my way through and ended the race in 10th place. The second trace was definitely better for me and that gives me something to build on.”

The three Aussies will now head to Valkenswaard, where they can expect some deep sand and another tough introduction into the 2020 season.

Copyright: Photo: Husqvarna

Don’t forget to log onto MXGP-TV.com this weekend and watch the MXGP of the Netherlands LIVE this Saturday and Sunday!

For the second stop of our busy MXGP racing schedule we head to the deep sand of Valkenswaard for round two of the FIM Motocross World Championship. Considered to be the crown jewel in MXGP’s glistening history, Valkenswaard’s saga in the motocross world championship began in 1974. That same year, it was Sylvian Geboers who topped the 250cc class of the Dutch Grand Prix but when it comes to the most wins at the venue, it’s Red Bull KTM Factory’s Jeffrey Herlings who stands first with 8 GP victories (7 MX2, 1 MXGP) – can he add another win at his home GP this season? Tune in to find out!

Enjoy all the races LIVE including Saturday’s MXGP and MX2 Qualifying races plus the 4 races of the EMX250 and WMX classes with commentary from MXGP’s very own Paul Malin.

Who will be victorious in the Netherlands? Watch to find out as we bring you LIVE coverage throughout the weekend.

You can also watch the exclusive LIVE Studio Show hosted by Paul Malin and MXGP-TV presenter Lisa Leyland with special guests, F&H Kawasaki’s Mikke Haarup, Clement Desalle of Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team and Hans Corvers, Team Owner of Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2! The Studio Show will also be available LIVE on the MXGP Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mxgp/

MXGP of the Netherlands MXGP-TV Schedule

Click HERE and Watch the MXGP of The Netherlands LIVE

VALKENSWAARD (The Netherlands) 4 March 2020 - The next stop on the FIM Motocross World Championship schedule is the MXGP of the Netherlands, held at the historic Valkenswaard circuit. The Dutch circuit is considered a crown jewel in MXGP’s history dating back to 1974 when the sandy track first made its motocross world championship debut.

Back in 1974, it was Sylvian Geboers who topped the 250cc class of the Dutch Grand Prix, but when it comes to the most wins at the venue, it’s Red Bull KTM Factory’s Jeffrey Herlings who stands first with 8 GP victories (7 MX2, 1 MXGP) followed by fellow Red Bull KTM Factory rider Antonio Cairoli who has 7 GP victories at Valkenswaard to his name, including his first GP win there in 2007, the only one he won in MX2 class here.

Since 1992, the sandy venue has been present on the MXGP calendar, almost every year, only to miss out in 2005 and 2006, making it one of the most historic venues of the motocross world championships glistening story.

The MXGP of the Netherlands can be considered a ‘home’ Gran Prix for many of the top riders, as the majority of the live in either Belgium or Holland, with the countries known to be as the centre of motocross in Europe and it is fair to say that most riders have spun plenty of laps around the Dutch sand-track.

This weekend the MXGP and MX2 riders will once again will be joined by the Women’s World Championship which saw the 2019 WMX Champion DRT’s Courtney Duncan winning the first round, as well as the EMX250 division, who will begin their 2020 campaign this weekend with big names lining up such as Husqvarna Junior Racing Maddii and 2019 125cc Champion Mattia Guadagnini as well as 2019 EMX125 Presented by FMF Racing red plate holder KTM Liamski’s Liam Everts among many others.

This weekend the MXGP of the Netherlands is set to provide much different challenges than that of Matterley Basin and one rider who can we expect at the forefront of it all is Red Bull KTM Factory’s Jeffrey Herlings. Not only is this his home GP, he also boasts an impressive 8 wins at the venue, not to mention that he is considered to be one of the fastest riders in the world and especially when it comes to riding in the sand. In addition, his overall victory last weekend at Matterley Basin, is just a sneak peek of what we can expect of the Dutch rider as he returns to winning ways.

Of course, as usual we can expect to see him challenged by Red Bull KTM Factory’s Antonio Cairoli, who has also won at the circuit on many occasions. While he may not be feeling 100% just yet, he was however able to pull off a podium at the British GP, so what’s to stop him going after the win in Valkenswaard?

Team HRC’s Tim Gajser will be looking to carry on with the momentum from Great Britain, where he finished second on the podium. Also let’s not forget that Gajser was the overall MXGP winner at the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations held in the deep-sand of the Assen circuit, as well as also winning the MXGP of Belgium in Lommel, a track that is considered to be one of the toughest tracks in the world. So, it’s fair to say that the Slovenian can ride in the sand and would be a strong contender for race wins, should he stay out of trouble.

His team-mate Mitch Evans is also arriving in Holland with a fresh dose of confidence. He finished 5^th overall in GB among some established names and his strong form during the off-season races, in the sand, have also shown that the Australian could once again be locked in battle at the top end of the field.

Standing Construct GasGas MXGP rider Glenn Coldenhoff is another rider who can surprise us, as he heads into his home GP knowing that the fans will turn-up by the masses to support the Dutch riders. With his epic double race win in the Open class in Assen for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, you can expect to see Coldenhoff flying round the twisty sand track of Valkenswaard.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory rider Arminas Jasikonis finished 5^th overall last year in Valkenswaard with two 4^th place finishes. He was also the second fastest rider in the Time Practice session, behind Cairoli, so speed around the sandy circuit will not be a problem for the tall Lithuanian while his teammate Pauls Jonass will arrive in Valkenswaard full of expectations after a British GP that did not go as he expected with a 12^th place in race 1 and a DNF in race 2.

Also showing some speed last season was Team Honda SR Motoblouz Jeremy Van Horebeek who not only placed third in Time Practice, showing that he has the speed, but he also tied on points with Tim Gajser and Arminas Jasikonis for the third step on the podium, finishing 4^th overall on 36 points.

Meanwhile Monster Energy Kawasaki MXGP rider Clement Desalle and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider Gautier Paulin are a pair that we could see on the podium. Last year Desalle finished second overall in MXGP following a 2-5 result and this year will be no different as the Belgian rider makes his comeback after a tough injury while his team-mate Romain Febvre missed the MXGP of Great Britain due to a former injury which caused him pain but might be back onboard in Valkesnwaard.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP rider Jeremy Seewer had a good ride in GB last weekend, with a FOX Holeshot and a second place finish in the opening race, so if he carries this momentum into this weekend, we could see the Swiss make his first MXGP podium of 2020.

Shaun Simpson of SS24 KTM MXGP is also another rider that could impress this weekend. Known to be strong rider in the sand, Simpson finished 9^th overall last year, with a 9^th in race one and an 8^th in race two and could be expected to repeat these results again this year.

While MXGP rookie, Jorge Prado of Red Bull KTM Factory could also play a part in this weekend’s races. He won the Dutch MXGP last season while in MX2 and although he is still on the mend from his recent injury, there’s still a possibility that we could see the young Spaniard push for top positions to salvage some important championship points.

SM Action M.C Migliori – J1 Racing pilot Henry Jacobi put on an impressive performance in Great Britain for his MXGP rookie debut, as he claimed a FOX Holeshot in the second MXGP race, as well as a 9^th overall during the weekend, going to show that he is strong enough to run with the leaders.

MXGP Championship Top 10: 1. Jeffrey Herlings (NED, KTM), 47 points; 2. Tim Gajser (SLO, HON), 38 p.; 3. Antonio Cairoli (ITA, KTM), 38 p.; 4. Jeremy Seewer (SUI, YAM), 35 p.; 5. Mitchell Evans (AUS, HON), 34 p.; 6. Gautier Paulin (FRA, YAM), 32 p.; 7. Clement Desalle (BEL, KAW), 32 p.; 8. Glenn Coldenhoff (NED, GAS), 30 p.; 9. Henry Jacobi (GER, YAM), 23 p.; 10. Jorge Prado (ESP, KTM), 21 p.

MXGP of The Netherlands MXGP Top 3:

1. Antonio Cairoli

2. Clement Desalle

3. Tim Gajser

Main Photo: MXGP Start - Valkenswaard 2019

Bottom Photos: 1. Jeffrey Herlings; 2. Antonio Cairoli

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MX2 rider Jago Geerts heads into the Dutch Grand Prix with confidence as the championship leader. Last year the Belgian rider finished 3^rd overall and has always been impressive in the sand – prime example: the MXGP of Belgium, where he rode from dead last to within the top 3, so even if his starts don’t go to plan this weekend, we can still expect him to make his way through the field and challenge for race wins.

His team-mate Ben Watson didn’t have the best home GP last weekend and will, without a doubt, arrive in Valkenswaard with a fresh mind and a clean slate, ready to go again. In 2019, he placed 6^th overall at the MXGP of the Netherlands, just 4 points shy of the podium. He is another rider who is capable in the sand and could be one of the riders mixing it up in the top end of the pack.

MX2 title favourite, Thomas Kjer Olsen of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory MX2 didn’t have the best start to the season in Great Britain, as he struggled with a combination of his hand injury and bad luck. But coming into this weekend knowing that this is a track he has been successful at in the past, could be the confidence boost that he needs. He finished second overall in 2019, behind Prado who has now moved up into the MXGP class, meaning that the door is open for Olsen to claim that victory. 

Fellow Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory’s Jed Beaton has a chance at a podium in Valkenswaard, as he was very close to doing so in Great Britain. He finished 4^th at Matterley Basin, just 3 points shy of the podium and this weekend will without a doubt be pushing to get closer to his first MX2 podium of 2020.

Two riders that we can expect to in the lead at some point during the weekend are Red Bull KTM Factory’s Tom Vialle and Rene Hofer. Both riders were flying out of the starts all weekend with both Vialle and Hofer getting a taste of what it means to lead an MX2 race. Vialle being a little bit more experienced than Hofer, may find it easier around the Dutch circuit, but either way, these two young riders are definitely strong contenders for the podium.

Let’s not forget F&H Kawasaki Racing’s Mikke Haarup, Roan Van De Moosdijk and Mathys Boisrame who were all impressive in GB. There is no arguing that F&H Racing are doing something right, as they are among the top teams in MX2. Haarup secured his career first MX2 podium as he finished third overall last weekend in Matterley Basin and is more than capable of repeating it again. Also, we could see Van De Moosdijk make a podium appearance during his home GP knowing his sand skills.

It is worth mentioning that Alberto Forato of Team Maddii Racing Husqvarna finished 6^th overall last weekend in Great Britain and 7^th overall last season in Valkenswaard, so it is safe to say that he will once again battle within the top 10. Hitachi KTM fuelled by Milwaukee rider Conrad Mewse is also another rider who fought at the forefront last weekend and could easily do the same again in Valkenswaard.

MX2 Championship Classification Top 10: 1. Jago Geerts (BEL, YAM), 43 points; 2. Tom Vialle (FRA, KTM), 40 p.; 3. Mikkel Haarup (DEN, KAW), 40 p.; 4. Jed Beaton (AUS, HUS), 37 p.; 5. Rene Hofer (AUT, KTM), 35 p.; 6. Alberto Forato (ITA, HUS), 28 p.; 7. Thomas Kjer Olsen (DEN, HUS), 26 p.; 8. Roan Van De Moosdijk (NED, KAW), 22 p.; 9. Conrad Mewse (GBR, KTM), 22 p.; 10. Mathys Boisrame (FRA, KAW), 21 p.

2019 MXGP of The Netherlands MX2 Top 3:

1. Jorge Prado

2. Thomas Kjer Olsen

3. Jago Geerts

Main Photo: MX2 Start - Valkenswaard 2019

Bottom Photos: 1, Jago Geerts; 2. Roan Van De Moosdijk 

See the action unfold this weekend and make sure you tune-in and watch the MXGP of the Netherlands LIVE on MXGP-TV.com!

TIMETABLE in Local Time (GMT/UTC+1)

SATURDAY: 07:50 WMX Free Practice, 08:15 EMX250 Group 1 Free Practice, 08:40 EMX125 Group 2 Free Practice, 09:05 WMX Qualifying Practice, 09:50 MX2 Free Practice, 10:20 MXGP Free Practice, 11:10 EMX250 Qualifying Practice, 11:45 EMX250 Qualifying Practice, 12:25 MX2 Time Practice, 13:00 MXGP Time Practice, 13:45 WMX Race 1, 14:30 EMX250 Race 1, 15:15 MX2 Qualifying Race, 16:00 MXGP Qualifying Race.

SUNDAY: 08:45 WMX Race 2, 09:25 MX Warm-up, 09:45 MXGP Warm-up, 10:30 EMX250 Race 2, 12:15 MX2 Race 1, 13:15 MXGP Race 1, 15:10 MX2 Race 2, 16:10 MXGP Race 2.

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

FIM Europe

MXGP of the Netherlands

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 4 March 2020 – Infront Moto Racing is happy to announce that MXGP and ProX Racing Parts will again partner for the next 3 seasons up to 2022. Now on its fourth year as a partner of the FIM Motocross World Championship, ProX Racing Parts has renewed a 3-year contract agreement.

Headquartered near Amsterdam, The Netherlands and founded in 1975, ProX Racing Parts is now a global company with its products distributed worldwide. Dealers and distributors both National and International rely on the facility in The Netherlands, which is conveniently located in the city of Nieuw Vennep, 30 minutes from the Dutch capital.

ProX Racing Parts specializes in high quality engine components such as pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts and valves. However, ProX Racing Parts continuously works to expand its product lineup and invest in other categories. ProX products are made available through its dedicated sales networks supplying distributors and dealers in more than 70 countries around the world.

David Luongo, Infront Moto Racing CEO: “Infront Moto Racing is delighted to continue to develop its relationship with ProX by adding three more years of contract duration. MXGP is becoming more and more global and gives fantastic opportunities of development for the motorsports brands. MXGP’s young audience and the fantastic dynamic of MXGP’s Social Networks are giving a direct access to the fans from the industry.”

Mattijs te Riele, ProX Racing Parts Representative: “We’re excited to strengthen our partnership with the MXGP Series, which give us great visibility worldwide. Our brand is growing in many regions of the world and due to the fact that the MXGP Series hit countries like Turkey, China and other Asian countries, we are sure we can grow the business in this part of the world as well. Motocross is the core of our business and this sport is part of the great passion we have for motorsports.

ProX Racing Parts quality products are used by many teams, like F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team, Bud Racing Kawasaki, Honda 114 Motorsports and DRT Kawasaki. They really like our products and give them the reliability to finish and win races.”

LINKS

Infront Moto Racing

FIM

ProX

Coming into the 2020 season, we all spoke about the big four, defending MXGP champion Tim Gajser, 2018 MXGP champion Jeffrey Herlings, 2017 MXGP champion Antonio Cairoli, and the current MX2 champion Jorge Prado. Combined a total of 18 World championships and more than 200 Grand Prix victories between them.

Of course, Prado struggled a little in Matterley Basin, coming off his femur injury, and will no doubt improve as the series heads into the middle rounds, but the other three made sure to give a very classy look on the first podium of the season.

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Jeffrey Herlings scored 1-2 results for the overall win, and heads to his home Grand Prix at Valkenswaard with the red plate.

“The first race out of twenty and I was consistent,” Herlings said. “Two good starts, led the whole first race, got into third pretty quick behind Tony and took second. It is still that time of the year where it gets dark quite early, I didn’t want to take any risks and I was happy with second. It was a good weekend and I think we improved the bike over the winter because this was the first real test, let’s say. I am looking forward to Valkenswaard now and my home GP.”

HRC rider Tim Gajser had some problems in the opening MXGP race of the 2020 season but came back with a flag to flag win in the second race, showing even more speed than he did to win his championship last year.

“I’m happy with how this first round of the season went,” Gajser said. “Just I had a couple of crashes in the first race, with one right at the beginning of the race which meant I started from dead last. I worked my way through the field to finish eighth, after the second crash right at the end dropping me one spot. In the second race I was hoping to get a good start and show my riding a bit better and that’s what happened. With the low sun and the ruts, the track was really quite tricky, but I felt good and the race felt comfortable. Second overall isn’t too bad after my first race so now we move onto Valkenswaard for a new challenge.

As for the other Red Bull KTM Factory rider inside the top three, Tony Cairoli isn’t anywhere near 100%, but again showed that his fighting qualities are never going to disappoint as he chased Herlings and Gajser in that second race.

“It is nice to be back on the podium after so many months without racing,” Cairoli said. “My shoulder has improved a lot in recent weeks but last week in Belgium I twisted my right knee and heard a crack. I went to the doctor and he confirmed a second-degree PCL tear. I taped the knee very hard last weekend. I just need to work as much as possible on the muscle to make it as stable as possible. So, to be on the podium at this track and these conditions is amazing and I’m motivated again to work really hard and try to build it up. We will see what we can do next.”

Now onto the sand of Valkenswaard, where Jeffrey Herlings seems nearly unbeatable, but lets not forget Tim Gajser own the MXGP overall at the 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, and also won the Lommel GP last year, so he will be confident of battling the Dutchman on home turf. As will Cairoli who has his own success in the sand of Valkenswaard.

The MXGP Special edition brings immediate coverage and features from the opening round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship. Here are some of the highlights: Photos, news, views, words and events from the British Grand Prix and the first cut-and-thrusts of the MXGP calendar. Sharpening the tools; what goes into the factory Red Bull KTMs of Cairoli, Herlings and Prado? We decided to find out just how different the 450 SX-Fs are to stock. Made of tough stuff; Jed Beaton is back to fitness and form and ready to play a major role in re-establishing Australia as the most exciting burgeoning nation in MXGP. #14 talks. Remembering the first; Just how vital is the opening episode of a championship? Confidence-boosting or potential to shred? We asked a host of MXGP stars.

READ IT HERE

The FIM Motocross World Championship is fast approaching to the second round of the 2020 Calendar as the MXGP Paddock is now traveling to Valkenswaard for the MXGP of The Netherlands. 

Timetable & Entry List for the event can be downloaded here below:

TIMETABLE

MXGP Entry List

MX2 Entry List

WMX Entry List

EMX250 Entry List

You can now login to MXGP-TV.com and go behind the gate at the MXGP of Great Britain with our first episode of the 26 Min Behind the Gate special from the opening round of the 2020 FIM Motocross World Championship!

Hosting the first round of the Motocross World Championship for the first time in Europe since 2012, Matterley Basin home of the MXGP of Great Britain provided fans with some awesome race actions in both MXGP and MX2.

The Episode 1 of the 26 Minute Behind the Gate Magazine of the season features plenty of unseen content and images from around the paddock with our GoPro Life segment, as well exclusive interviews with the Team Manager, Rasmus Jorgensen of Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, as well as F&H Kawasaki Racing rider Mikkel Haarup who had made an impressive season debut in the MX2 class.

You can also watch the MX2 and MXGP team reports, discussing the main protagonists of the new season and of course the best race actions from both MXGP and MX2 races in an ALL brand new movie format which will make you witness the real atmpshere of the MXGP of Great Britain from home!

Don’t miss out, log on, and be sure to see all the action of the MXGP of Great Britain at Matterley now by clicking HERE!

We’ll see you next weekend in Valkenswaard for the MXGP of the Netherlands!