MXGP

It’s not Motocross and it’s not Supercross, it’s Supermotocross; taking all the very best from both specialities creating a unique event with a concentration of pure adrenaline and show with the greatest rivals of all time.

All of the fastest motocross riders in the world will be there and ready to go bar to bar inside the floodlit stadium. All 7 manufacturers will take part, KTM, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki and TM. Each brand will line up 3 riders who will compete for a massive cash prize.

Be there October 8th at the Veltins Arena, Germany or watch LIVE on www.mxgp-tv.com!

For many inside the Grand Prix paddock the trips to places like Qatar, Thailand, Argentina, Mexico and America makes the FIM Motocross World Championship just that little bit more special. The 2016 season is filled with exotic stops and amazing cultures.

Not every rider is a fan of flying, and Russian charger Evgeny Bobryshev is one that would rather drive to the races, than fly. Despite this the HRC factory rider does enjoy the far-away places.

“It is a lot of flying,” Bobryshev said. “I hate flying, but I still really like the Qatar/Thailand trip. I enjoy those two rounds and Argentina is also nice, but it’s such a long way and everyone is in the same position. The travel is tough, with the time difference, the weather is different, it makes it really tough, but we have to get used to that.”

Two times World MX2 champion Jeffrey Herlings feels the overseas races are important for the growth of the sport. He also find the whole experience at times tough, but worthwhile.

“It’s a nice calendar,” Herlings said. “It is also nice to go overseas, and to give people in those countries the chance to see us. So going to places like Thailand and Argentina is really cool, they hardly get to see riders of our level. It is tough on the body, and I do my best with that part of it.”

Suzuki factory rider Ben Townley who started his career in GP when there were not any fly away races is looking forward to getting to some of the countries he still hasn’t visited.

“I am looking forward to the culture and experience,” Townley said. “I think a lot of people in the paddock might not like the travel, but I am used to it, I come from the furthest away point on the planet to be here, so I don’t mind the travel and at the age I am I am really looking forward to soaking it up. When I was young I didn’t care about the old buildings and the food. It comes with age I guess.”

Stefan Everts the owner of the Suzuki factory set-up has travelled to maybe more countries than any of the current day riders, and obviously heading to the opening round in Qatar this year means a lot to him.

“I mean, I am very excited to go to Qatar,” Everts said. “We have already made some changes with our overseas set-up, but to do the first GP in the new colors and the new team it’s exciting. Most of the team will be there, also Sylvain, because it’s my first one and he shouldn’t miss that. I am happy we don’t have three overseas in a row, and now the schedule is a lot better. The tracks are good and very different and my personal preference is to end the season in Europe, but we end it in USA, but I am ok and we accept it.”

All in all the long flights, and different foods and changing temperatures might not be for everyone, but for those that enjoy the experience of something new, then the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship calendar is perfect for you.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 27 January 2016 – Youthstream is pleased to release the first time schedule of the year for the opening round of the 2016 FIM Motocross World Championship, MXGP of Qatar, which is set to take place at the world renowned circuit of Losail, Qatar on February 26^th and 27^th.

From now on you will be able to download the time schedule of each event on the event page on www.MXGP.com.

Please find here below the timetable for the MXGP of Qatar and click HERE to download the document.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

MXGP of Qatar

One hundred and twenty-second issue of this bi-weekly motorcycle sport magazine, tackling the latest races and issues in MotoGP, the FIM Motocross World Championship, AMA Motocross/Supercross and World Superbike as well as general motorcycling and accessories with the best blogs and photographs. In OTOR 122: Anaheim Dungeyed; two in a row for the reigning champ while Chad Reeds talks about his resilient start to ’16 and after in almost 190 career gatedrops. Full reaction inside. Peeled; KTM take the unusual and interesting step of throwing open confidential areas of their factory in Mattighofen and Kiska workspace to journalists. See more. In a Russian; OTOR visits Evgeny Bobryshev training hard in California to see how and why the MXGP HRC star thinks he can do better than third in the world in 2016. MotoGP: The important Qs. Steve English fires over the five key questions or issues that MotoGP fans could be thinking about as the testing window comes close to opening for ’16 plus Triumph Street Twin and much more

Read OTOR 122 HERE

Fox Head Inc. is proud to announce the signing of 2015 MX2 World Champion, Tim Gajser into its profile of premier class riders. Coming into the MX World Championship 2016, 19-year-old Slovenian, Tim Gajser, is poised to make his debut in the MXGP class this season. He will riding in FOX racewear and FOX Instinct boots throughout the 2016 championship.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 22 January 2016 – Youthstream and Milestone are pleased to release a new action trailer for MXGP2 – The Official Motocross Videogame which is scheduled for launch on March 31^st 2016 on Xbox One®, the all-in-one games and entertainment system, PlayStation®4, and Windows PC®/STEAM™.

Together with the action trailer also the 2015 riders’ riding gear is unveiled.

Main elements are the tracks of MXGP of Patagonia Argentina, MXGP of Trentino, MXGP of Czech Republic and MXGP of Spain. But the news also includes the 2015 riding gear of the riders that were on the official roster as well.

“This year thanks to new technologies and a precise work on the reference side, we’ve improved a lot the final look of the tracks and the riders. This trailer represents the work we’ve made this year for the artistic side of the game”, affirms Elisa Consolini, Lead Artist Milestone. “The high quality of texture placed on the riders’ 3D models and to the tracks, with an amazing work in replicate the silhouette of the track, and great lighting effects will offer a pleasant experience to all the players”, concludes Consolini.

MXGP2 – The Official Motocross Videogame is developed by Milestone S.r.l., Italy’s leading videogame developer for consoles and PC, and the world’s foremost developer of videogames dedicated to the world of motorcycling.

Follow us on Facebook, on the official YouTube channel, check out #MXGPVideogame, or visit the site www.mxgpvideogame.com.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Milestone

Check out the latest issue of Motocross Illustrated with stories on Romain Febvre, Chad Reed, Evgeny Bobryshev, Ben Townley and much more.

MONACO (Principality of Monaco), 20 January 2016 – Youthstream president Mr. Giuseppe Luongo and Youthstream Director Mr.David Luongo were invited to Concord, North Carolina, USA, to attend the national media presentation of the Monster Energy MXGP of Americas, which is set to take place at the famed Charlotte Motor Speedway stadium in Concord on September 2-3 2016. Both Mr. Giuseppe Luongo and Mr. David Luongo were very pleased to be there especially because it is the first time MXGP, the world’s premier international motocross championship, will go to Charlotte and ZMAX DRAGWAY. 

At the presentation they had the opportunity to meet the Monster Energy MXGP of Americas’ event organisers, Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc., and the Motocross Champion Jeremy McGrath as well as many of the major national media representatives.

During the presentation it was also announced that Monster Energy will be the title sponsor of the MXGP of Americas in addition to the Monster Energy MXGP of The USA, the season finale, which will take place at the amazing Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, America.

With the extra support from Monster Energy, a leading manufacturer of energy drinks and a worldwide marketing giant, the Monster Energy MXGP of Americas and with the knowledge that North Carolina is a prominent area of motorsport in the USA, mostly due to its epic rounds of Nascar, it is obvious the motocross grand prix has great potential to attract a wide and enthusiastic audience and is bound to be a great success.

Giuseppe Luongo, President of Youthstream said “It’s a pleasure and honor to work together with Speedway Motosports Inc. and to bring MXGP to this outstanding venue. The area of the ZMAX Dragway is perfect to build a spectacular race track where the best motocross riders in the world can race in front of thousands of spectators who will be seated comfortably in the grandstands. The event will be followed live worldwide by a massive TV audience. We want to thank Monster Energy for their support, the cooperation with SMI is fantastic, so I am sure that all together we will organize an event which will remain in the memory of all the fans”.

“At Speedway Motorsports, Inc., we are always committed to bringing world-class events to our facilities, and there is no bigger motocross event in the world than the Monster Energy MXGP of the Americas,” said Marcus Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Inc.  “Youthstream, the owner of MXGP, is an excellent partner with a grand vision.  Not only will we have an opportunity to host competitors and fans from three continents and 16 countries, we’ll be able to showcase our facility and Charlotte on the world stage with the Monster Energy MXGP of the Americas.”

The unique race course will be built across the four lanes of zMAX Dragway, giving spectators an up-close view of the daredevil action. It will take several tons of dirt and gravel to build the foundation of the course, which will begin following the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals April 22-24, 2016.

The one-mile course, built by Youthstream’s best know how, features 15 jumps that will send riders soaring 25 to 30 feet in the air, 12 tight turns and seven switchbacks that can deliver spills and lead changes, and straightaways where riders’ speeds will top 55 MPH.

“It’s going to be an amazing race course and an amazing weekend,” said Motocross Legend Jeremy McGrath. “The course is going to be tough and tight, fans are going to see those crazy jumps out there. If they’ve never been to a motocross event, this is one to see!  And, it will be cool to show off Charlotte to the world circuit.”

Tickets for the Monster Energy MXGP of the Americas begin at $59 for weekend tickets and two-day paddock passes.  Special hotel offers for the Monster Energy MXGP of Americas are available and camping is available in adjacent lots with ticket purchase. Visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets/mxgp/ for weekend details, hours and to purchase tickets.

About Charlotte Motor Speedway

For more than 50 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard for motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages.

Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles such as the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America 500; take behind-the-scenes speedway and race shop tours; explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame; and drive an 800-horsepower stock car.

Through every event and every decade, Charlotte Motor Speedway puts FANS FIRST with a never-ending commitment to enhance the fan experience. That tradition continues with unmatched value through affordable season tickets, unparalleled prerace entertainment and more opportunities for fans to see their favorite riders or drivers.

For all the latest news and information visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or download the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy

Monster Energy MXGP of Americas

Charlotte Motor Speedway

Picture from left to right: Coy Gibbs (JGRMX Motocross Team Owner), Giuseppe Luongo (Youthstream President), Jeremy Mc Grath (Motocross Champion) and Marcus Smith (President/CEO SMI, President and General Manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway)

Copyright: Photo: CMS/HHP Photo - Charlotte Motor Speedway

A year ago they were saying that the MXGP class had the toughest field of riders ever, well guess what, 2016 is even tougher. This year’s MXGP championship is massive in the context of depth. Six former or present motocross world champions in the class, and a lot of young riders coming through to try and seek their own glory.

I doubt anyone would be willing to bet who is going to win the season opener in Doha, Qatar in five weeks’ time, and I know for sure picking the winning is nearly impossible. Names like Febvre, Cairoli, Desalle, Paulin, Nagl, Gajser, Guillod, Townley, Strijbos, Bobryshev and Tixier make this the most demanding motocross series in the sport and one that is producing the most amazing racing.

We thought we would look at five riders we think will make a big splash in 2016.

Romain Febvre: The defending champion and possibly the future king of this class. With a year of experience, and a world title already in his pocket the smiling, quiet Frenchman must be in a good place. Another year on his factory Yamaha 450cc machine and a new deal with clothing giant Alpinestars and you can bet Febvre will look the goods this season. 

Antonio Cairoli: Still seems weird putting his name behind anyone’s, as he has been the master of the class for a bunch of years now. His determination to come back from an injury riddled 2015 season would seem enough to make him a heavy favorite to regain his MXGP title. The years are catching up with the legendary Italian, but riders like Cairoli always pull something special out of their pocket and 2016 might just see him claim world title number nine.

Gautier Paulin: Preparing in America with famous American trainer Aldon Baker sounds like the second of the leading French riders is more serious than ever with his efforts. Paulin shows consistency in 2015, and although his speed was down somewhat compared to 2014, he will have learnt more about his HRC machine and figured out some bugs he might have had. He is also recovered from his knee injury.

Clement Desalle: The tough Belgian rider lines up with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, and while the team still probably has nightmares about their 2015 season, Desalle will make sure this bad dreams end quickly. One of the most determined riders in the world and a multiple GP winner. Can the Belgian win his country their first world motocross championship in nine years?

Tim Gajser: Throwing the youngster under a bus here. Coming into the toughest series in the world after his MX2 championship success is going to be difficult. He has the style to move nicely into the big boy class, and with HRC backing his every move he has the right support. If he can handle the rough and tumble of the MXGP class, then his natural talent will shine. Hopefully some strong results in Qatar and Thailand, will give him the confidence to run up front often.

After the winter stop, the wait is finally over; Yamaha will be back in action with the strongest team and rider selection in its over 60-year racing history. Yamaha today launched their official 2016 racing teams across multiple classes both on- and off-road. The 2016 Yamaha Racing Global Press Conference took place at the Diagonal 00 in Barcelona, Spain at the headquarters for Telefónica, who's Movistar brand is the Factory Yamaha MotoGP team's main sponsor. The event was hosted by MotoGP commentator Gavin Emmett and saw an impressive twelve teams share the podium to show their 2016 racing colours.

Before Yamaha's road and off-road challengers were revealed, the President of Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Mr Hiroyuki Yanagi shared a few words on Yamaha's racing spirit. He was then joined by the Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. General Manager, Motorsports Division, Kouichi Tsuji to discuss the 2016 road racing strategy.

After reminiscing on the successes booked in 2015 including the Triple Crown in MotoGP, the stunning Suzuka8H endurance win and the MXGP title, all in Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.'s 60th anniversary year, Yamaha Motor Europe Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Eric de Seynes took the stage to present Yamaha's 2016 off-road racing strategy.

Yamaha's off-road racing teams were the first to make an appearance in the spotlight. The Monster Energy Yamaha MXGP Factory Team taking the stage. 2015 FIM MXGP Motocross World Champion Romain Febvre, together with 2014 MXGP runner-up Jeremy Van Horebeek will strive for the golden plate again in 2016 with the YZ450FM. They will be joined in the premier class by Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team's Valentin Guillod, who moves up from the MX2 class and will be guided by Team Manager Marnicq Bervoets. In 2016 Yamaha will continue to be represented in the MX2 class by two strong teams: Kemea Yamaha Official MX Team with riders Benoit Paturel and Brent Van doninck and the Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha Official MX2 Team with riders Aleksandr Tonkov and Julien Lieber. They are all set to kick off the new season in style on the Yamaha YZ250F.

Though all of Yamaha Motor Europe's teams had been revealed, there was one more surprise in store. At the end of the presentation all of the on-road and off-road teams were joined on the podium by Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team's Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi for a unique moment and a photo to showcase Yamaha's entire racing strategy from the bottom to the top.

With this new strong line-up Yamaha is set to prove once again its challenging spirit and share the success that will come with sponsors, partners, fans and a worldwide fan audience captivated by the thrill of motorsport.

President of the Yamaha Motor Company, Mr Hiroyuki Yanagi explains: "The Yamaha Motor Group racing activities follow three basic principles. The first is to build the value of the Yamaha brand; our 'Revs Your Heart' slogan is an expression of our desire to deliver ever greater excitement to the hearts of people everywhere, like the rising revs of our engines. We truly believe that our motorsports activities are at the heart of this message.

"The second principle is to take the technology we develop in our quest for victory on the racing circuit and use it to develop the best possible products for our customers.

"The third is of course to share with as much of the world as possible the joy of taking part in, or watching motorsports at all levels across the globe.

"We arrive now at a new racing season, as committed as always to stand on these three principles, to push for nothing less than victory in all classes we enter and to continue to drive our racing technology forward so that we can in turn continue to deliver class leading products that set new standards in the market.

"In the 60 years we have been racing, we have written history through our incredible number of successes and we strongly believe that this new year will be no different. We look forward to sharing it with you. We want to thank our fans, the media, the sponsors and the partners for their continued support and enthusiasm for creating 'kando' with Yamaha for all."

General Manager Motorsports Division for the Yamaha Motor Company, Mr Kouichi Tsuji, stated: "For 2016 we continue to build on our vision for a successful Motorsport strategy, building on our brand reputation and also the renovation of our product line in order to satisfy, in an innovative way, the needs of many enthusiast riders.

"At the very top of our racing pyramid is our MotoGP project that gives our brand global recognition and promotion across the world with our position at the top of the premier class championship.

"Through this MotoGP activity our strategy is to continue to innovate and feed back to our production models, bringing championship winning technology such as the crossplane crankshaft to benefit the production racing machines, and ultimately also our consumers. In particular we have considerable focus on our "race blu" machines; the new generation YZF-R1 for example, supporting our re-entry into the WorldSBK championship to show how the challenging spirit and innovation of Yamaha is stronger and more committed than ever. We will also of course return to Suzuka with a Factory effort, determined to build on our historic success of 2015.

"Our racing strategy for off-road also reflects our road racing vision. The positive technological advances gained from our premier class of motocross racing in MXGP transfer down through the production race classes and ultimately to our customers.

Our championship winning YZ technology for example, which dominated the MXGP championship in 2015, can be seen in the all new WR450F which is not only now available for our customers, but has also taken our

Dakar official riders through the toughest race on earth and will complete the returning to the Enduro World Championships in 2016, the perfect breeding ground for development and also to find new talent for the future."

Yamaha Motor Europe Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Eric de Seynes added to this: "For us 2016 is looking to be an impressive season with possibly our strongest line up ever across all classes. It is also a special year for us as we welcome back an important partner to our motocross activities.

"Personally I'm really very excited to see Monster Energy joining us again. As a brand they share our vision and values and they will support us as Title sponsor on MXGP Factory Team as well as main sponsor on all MX Official Teams to nurture and support from the bottom to the top of the sport so there really is no better partner for us to begin this exciting season with.

"The same goes for our WorldSBK activities. We arrived at the beginning of last year with a totally new YZF-R1, which we really believed was a game-changing machine. We went straight into racing activity across the world in numerous classes and were immediately able to be successful wherever we raced.

"However, the bike arrived quite late last year so it was impossible to start immediately WorldSBK without the valuable year of development, racing data and experience we have built.

"Now we think we cannot wait anymore to bring back YZFR1 to the challenge it was born for. We know it will be a new and challenging adventure, and this is the reason why we have carefully selected all the persons and the partners that will be with us, including the new title sponsor Pata, who make an important contribution to the project. Working with the PATA Yamaha Official WorldSBK Team we believe we are ready to make a big push and start fighting from the first race."

Copyright: Photo: Yamaha Racing