MXoN

MONACO (Principality of Monaco) 3 September 2019 – Youthstream and the FIM are very proud to release the entry list for 2019 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, which is set to take place on September the 28^th and 29^th at TT circuit in Assen, Netherlands.

The biggest motocross race of the year is around the corner and the biggest riders have been called to line up at the unmissable 2019 Monster Energy FIM MXoN. 

This edition is bound to be one to remember with a motivated Team Netherlands who is looking forward to lining up to win the first ever Monster Energy FIM MXoN title in front of the home crowd while the defending Team France wishes to keep the Chamberlain Trophy for the 6^th year in a row and a strong Team USA will fly to Assen with the goal to bring home the 23^rd MXoN overall win. Besides the MX2 Champion Jorge Prado will debut in MXGP class, Team Belgium is fully committed to repeat the winning performances as in 2013 and teams such as Team Switzerland and Team Great Britain look stronger than ever.  

34 teams have been entered into the weekend all looking to bring glory to their nation. Full entry list can be found below:

Click HERE to download the entry list in PDF format.

Entry tickets for the event can be purchased HERE and by clicking HERE you can purchase your VIP Gold Skybox pass.

LINKS

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy FIM MXoN Assen

Heading into this weekend’s MXGP of France, set for the undulating circuit of St Jean d’Angely, it isn’t hard to look back at the history of the French motocross riders and feel they have done their share in making the FIM Motocross World Championship a better championship.

Nine Frenchman have tasted victory at the end of a GP season and been crowned FIM Motocross World Champion. The French have picked up 14 titles in total as many of their world champs scored more than one championship in their careers.

Back in 1986 Jacky Vimond became the first ever French rider to win a FIM Motocross World Championship. He did so in the 250cc class, and while Vimond was the pioneer of success for French riders it was Jean Michele Bayle who won 125cc and 250cc titles in 1988 and 1989 and started a frenzy of interest and success for the tri-color riders.

Bayle, who moved to America soon after his GP success in 1988, did still compete in Europe in the winter at the annual Bercy Supercross. Beating the big-name American riders and making a long list of young French kids in attendance wish they could be like the good looking and very marketable Bayle.

It didn’t come straight away though, and while names like David Vuillemin, Stephane Roncada, and Mickael Pichon looked to become the next J.M. Bayle it wasn’t until the summer of 1996 that another amazingly talented Frenchman stole the hearts of the motocross world.

When a 16-year-old Sebastien Tortelli picked up the 125cc World Championship ahead of British rider Paul Malin a new era in French motocross was born. Tortelli added the 250 title in 1998 after a season long battle with Stefan Everts and this opened the floodgates for French success.

Soon to follow came world titles for Frederic Bolley in the 250cc class in 1999 and 2000, Mickael Pichon also in the 250cc class in 2001 and 2002, Mickael Maschio in MX2 in 2002, and Marvin Musquin and Jordi Tixier in the MX2 class in 2009 and 2010 and 2014. Of course, the last Frenchman to be claimed World Motocross Champion was Romain Febvre in 2015 when he won the MXGP Championship.

The French have also won the FIM Motocross of Nations on six occasions, in 2001 at the famous Namur circuit and then they started their domination of the event with wins in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Now in 2019 the French have a couple of riders capable of winning GP races and taking overall victories. Gautier Paulin and Romain Febvre have all scored well in recent years and hold a special place in the hearts of the French public.

You can be sure when the Grand Prix of France fires up on Saturday morning the always large crowd will be standing as close as possible to the circuit to cheer on their local heroes, and you can be sure names like Paulin and Febvre will be wanting more than anything to repay their countrymen with victory come Sunday night.

While the Grand Prix of Great Britain in a weeks time might not have MXGP World Champion Jeffrey Herlings on the start gate, the local fans will have a good share of British riders to cheer. Both in MXGP and MX2 there are a good supply of leading GP riders, capable of top three finishes.

Max Anstie, Shaun Simpson, and Tommy Searle are all multiple GP winners. Tommy Searle with 14 in the MX2 class, Max Anstie with six also in MX2, and Shaun Simpson with four in the MXGP class.

Currently ranked seventh (Searle), eighth (Simpson) and thirteenth (Anstie) in the MXGP points, the three 450 riders have some good form, and all three are capable of a podium at Matterley Basin. Who knows, with a little luck, and some home fan support, a victory isn’t out of the question.

Just ask Anstie, who turned the circuit on its head at the 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. On that wet and muddy day back at the end of 2017, the young British rider shocked the world to go 1-1 at Matterley Basin, and it is a memory he will never forget helping Team GB onto the podium.

“It was unbelievable,” Anstie remembered. “I felt like the last part of that season with my team every week we are pushing and pushing and getting stronger, I always had it in the back of my head with the last few GPs getting on the box (at the MXoN). It was awesome, the first race was something special, the crowd were so loud, and I had too much time to think. The guys rode amazing, I have to give it up to Mark Chamberlain, the whole week was stressful, probably the most stressful week of all of our lives. But we made the best of it, we kept solid and it’s an amazing feeling to be on the podium.”

As for Simpson, the lone Brit to win in the premier class knows that this season could be a special one, and as he has shown in the past, winning a Grand Prix can come at any time.

“I feel so relaxed on the KTM,” Simpson said. “The bike suits me and we haven’t squeezed everything out of it yet and I don’t think we are far off, and once we do that, it will just be about clocking laps off. I feel I can get a bit faster on it, and the key to my season will be starts and we need to work on those starts. If I can start in the top five, some weeks I might lose some places, but if I can start top five on a track I am enjoying, then I can be pushing up to second or third. Romain is out, Jeffrey is out, and sure Antonio is there, but guys like Desalle, Paulin, myself, we are thinking, you know what, there is a shot at a championship, a GP win or a podium. Jeremy Van Horebeek is also riding well. I know, I am a top class motocross rider and on my day I can race with anyone in the world.”

When you add the names of MX2 riders Ben Watson, Adam Sterry, and Conrad Mewse a again, three riders capable of getting on the podium, or even getting a surprise victory. In the MX2 points these riders are ranked sixth, ninth, and eleventh similar to the MXGP boys.

Photo Copyright: Elliot Spencer

The Grand Prix of Great Britain is one of the longest running GPs on the calendar. Starting way back in 1957, the first official year of the Motocross World Championships. It was Hawkstone Park where that first GP was held, and the event was won by British legend and two-time World Motocross Champion Jeff Smith riding a BSA.

Since that very special day nearly 60 years ago the British GP has visited many amazing circuits and seen some very special GP winners.

Hawkstone Park was the mainstay for the 500cc Grand Prix after that 1957 debut, and for eight years the best big bike riders competed around the tough sand track. Riders like Bill Nilsson and Rolf Tibblin scored victories at Hawkstone, but it was Smith who finished that early Hawkstone Park era with wins again in 1963 and 65 (no British GP was held for the 500s in 1964).

Hawkstone Park would drift in and out of the FIM Motocross World Championship series, and in-between the 500cc class, circuits like Farleigh Castle and Dodinton Park were visited. Many legends have won at these circuits, but none more popular than the British legend and three time 500cc World Champion, Dave Thorpe.

Thorpe would win GP’s at home in 1984, 1988 and 1989, although one of his greatest performances was in 1985 when he didn’t even win the GP. Crashing in the first corner with Merv Anstie (father of current MXGP rider Max Anstie) Thorpe got up in last place and rode all the way to first. Completely worn out from the charge he was eventually repassed by Andre Malherbe won went on the steal the GP victory.

The 250cc class was also loaded with memorable moments, from the first victory at the Ipswich circuit by Dave Bickers in 1962, to Stefan Everts dominating at the Foxhills circuit in 1995, 96 and 97.

The 250 class ran at several different circuits between 1962 and the late 1990’s, with Donington, Hawkstone Park and Foxhills being the three circuits that brought big crowds and an exciting atmosphere.

The 125cc class didn’t see a Grand Prix until 1975, and it was Belgian legend Gaston Rahier who won at the Pembrokeshire circuit. Several different riders won in the class between 1975 and 1999, but one of the biggest wins was that of local rider Paul Malin who took victory at the Foxhills circuit in 1995. A massive crowd arrived at the circuit and the win by Malin was the only time a British rider won a GP in that era.

In the new millennium the British GP spent a few years trying to find a home. Foxhills had aged out and was no longer a GP facility while Hawkstone Park had also disappeared from the GP calendar. Sure, some cool events at places like Isle of Wight, Matchams Park, Donnington Park, or Mallory Park were in, but it wasn’t until Steve Dixon built a circuit at the Matterley Basin facility in 2006 that the British GP came into its own again.

Since 2006 Matterley Basin has been the home of the British Grand Prix where names like Antonio Cairoli, Jeffrey Herlings, Clement Desalle, Tommy Searle, Glenn Coldenhoff, Tim Gajser, Valentin Guillod, and Pauls Jonass have all had success.

Not to mention the circuit also held the 2006 and 2017 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations event, the first was where Stefan Everts had his swansong from the sport with a victory over James Stewart and of course just over a year ago when Max Anstie shocked the world and went 1-1, putting Great Britain on the podium.

One of the biggest shocks of the opening round of the MX2 class was a young Australian named Mitchell Evans. Evans making his MX2 debut, with Honda 114 Motorsports, claimed a podium spot and looked comfortable in doing so. Even after racing the 2016 and 2018 Motocross of Nations little could prepare Evans for the fast speeds and high tempo of the Grand Prix in Argentina. Funnily enough, it wasn’t so much the racing that caught him out, but actually climbing the podium on Sunday afternoon.

“Honesty I didn’t know what to expect (when climbing the podium),” Evans said. “I was more nervous standing on the podium than I was on the start line for the races. I remember racing MXoN in 2016 and I was on the line and the crowd was amping up the crowd and the same thing happened in Argentina. I remember saying to myself in 2016 that this is where I wanted to be, and for that to come true, three years later is amazing. I was speechless and tried to enjoy every moment of it.

Despite little International experience, the Aussie knew that MXGP was a place he wanted to be, and worked hard in Australia to make his goal happen. The MXoN held at the Maggiora circuit proved to be the right place to get his juices flowing for a move to Europe.

“In 2016, it was an eye opening, I was going to school at the time and had never raced a 30-minute race and I was not prepared. That moment made me put a plan together and three years later we achieved our goal and we are here. It is pretty cool that it came together.”

What is impressive about Evans that he gave up a chance to defend his Australian MX2 championship in 2018, so he could be picked in the Australian team for the MXoN event in America.

“1 big reason I moved to the MX1 class for 2018 in Australia, was so I could make the Australian team for the Motocross of Nations at Redbud. A lot of people doubted us going into the weekend, but we knew we had a solid team and I was stoked with my riding, it wasn’t the greatest, but I still put in some good results and battling with Ken Roczen in the second race was a huge confidence booster.”

And now, after a top three in Argentina, Evans is looking forward to heading back to Europe with circuits like Matterley Basin and Valkenswaard. Exciting times for the young Australian rider.

“I am looking forward to Matterley Basin, some big jumps there and I am looking forward to some deep ruts too. We have deep sand tracks in the Southwest of France, but everyone tells me it isn’t like Valkenswaard. I used to struggle in the sand and I worked on it last year and this pre-season. If we get good starts and I can run with the front boys, then I should be able to get better throughout the weekend.”

So be prepared world, this young kid from Cairns in Australia has now set his goals on a GP victory and a very consistent season in both Europe and around the world.

Photo Copyright: Bavo Swijgers

When news came out that defending MXGP Champion Jeffrey Herlings had been involved in an accident training in Spain, the whole motocross world went into overdrive. Rumors came from every corner, his time out of racing was unknown, and it seemed every person I talked to had a different answer from some insider. We caught up with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager Dirk Grübel and Red Bull KTM Trainer Joel Smets, who told us what Jeffrey thinks the outcome will be and what to expect in the coming six weeks.

“The surgery is done,” Dirk Grübel said. “Everything is in place, but we just need to wait and see how the healing process is, like when he is going to heal up. I mean before he has surprised us many times. With other injuries, some said he won’t be back for three months and he comes back after two months, or his collarbone injury, we wondered if he could ride, and he wins the GP. That is typical Jeffrey, but hard to make a prediction.”

Five-time Motocross World Champion Joel Smets, who also helps train Herlings, was in Spain at the time of the accident, and travelled back to Holland with the Dutchman where the operation was performed.

"Where does he have to go with his energy at home on the couch,” Smets said. “Can you imagine, he is used to riding with his body every day, and now he is bored and thinking of everything? Jeffrey has of course counted for himself that he will not be recovered for the first Grand Prix."

So the question still remains, when will the four time World champion be back? For now though, while the rest of the MXGP competitors line up for the pre-season races, all Herlings can do is sit and watch, wonder how his rivals will progress, and wait to come back in another Houdini act to pull victory out of the jaws of defeat.

Photo Copyright: Ray Archer

MXGP has seen many great riders over the years, but as of tonight it also has a Knight! 2018 MXGP FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings, from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, has become a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.

This honor is exclusively awarded in the Netherlands to people with outstanding achievements. A requirement which Jeffrey Herlings fits perfectly, after becoming 2018 MXGP World Champion, dominating the Dutch Masters of Motocross, and taking third as a part of the Dutch team at the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations.

Jeffrey: “What a night… amazing. To receive this honor is something very special. One of the greatest things that has ever happened to me. I wasn’t prepared and didn’t see this coming. I’m speechless but will go home tonight with a big smile on my face.”

Herlings received the Royal decoration at the Motorsports gala of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Federation (KNMV) from Dutch Minister of Sports Bruno Bruins who had nothing but kind words:

“You’re a great champion and an inspiration to others. You’re an example of what it takes to be a true sportsman. Our king could not attend the Grand Prix in Assen but is well aware of your achievements. He’d like to honor you with this decoration.”

At the same event Jeffrey was also awarded the highest Dutch award in motorsports: the Hans de Beaufort trophy. KTM Motorsport’s Director Pit Beirer handed this to him saying:

“This is for being an outstanding rider and a fighter for your country. You deserve it for being an ambassador of the sport and turning over your knowledge to young riders.”

Herlings enjoyed the night but he is fully focused on the upcoming 2019 MXGP FIM Motocross World Championship season kicking off on the 2^nd and 3^rd of March in Patagonia-Argentina. We just might have to call him ‘sir’ from now on…

Photo: Marvin Duiker / KNMV

REDBUD (Michigan, USA) 03 October 2018 - The 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations is upon us at “America’s Motocross Track” RedBud! Perhaps the most patriotic track in the country, located in Buchanan, Michigan, will host the 72^nd Edition of the single biggest motocross event of the year where countries from around the world will converge this weekend.

A sea of thousands upon thousands of motocross fans will also invade the now tranquil hillsides of the circuit to see the highest competition levels in years with nearly every top rider in the world racing. Each country will have 3 talented riders representing their nation in a fight for glory and pride.

Among the 31 teams represented will be arguably the strongest American team in years managed by motocross legend Roger Decoster and led in MXGP by American motocross and supercross Champion Eli Tomac on his Monster Energy Kawasaki with 2018 250 American supercross and motocross champion Aaron Plessinger in MX2. Joining the pair of top American riders is Monster Energy Yamaha Factory racing’s Justin Barcia, a 4-time team USA rider. Tomac is a three-time member of the team and a multitime champion in the US while Plessinger will join the team in his first MXoN appearance. Team USA is the winningest team in history with 22 Motocross of Nations victories but the home team’s last win came in 2011 and this weekend riders nor fans will accept anything short of a victory.

The top spot will however be heavily contested this weekend!

Team Netherlands is one of the favourites with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s 2018 FIM Motocross World Champion Jeffrey Herlings who will be pushing to prove he is indeed the fastest rider in the world. Herlings is backed up by fellow Red Bull KTM rider Glenn Coldenhoff in the Open class and Team HRC’s Calvin Vlaanderen in the MX2 division. The Dutch team took 2nd the past two runnings of the event but the momentum of Herlings and his amazing season could push the team to new heights.

Team France will again return as the defending champions after hoisting the Chamberlain trophy the past 4 consecutive years. The country has competed in the event since 1947 and accomplished 15 podiums and 5 wins along the way. MXGP will contested by the veteran Motocross of Nations rider, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Gautier Paulin, with Dylan Ferrandis in MX2 and former MX2 World Champion Jordi Tixier in the Open Category after a crash took the originally selected Romain Febvre out of the competition.

The German team will see the return of Team HRC’s Ken Roczen in MXGP and TM Racing Factory Team’s Max Nagl in Open who won the event in 2012 at Lommel with Roczen last participating at Teutschenthal in 2013. Adding to the talent of the 450 riders is STC Racing Husqvarna’s Henry Jacobi in MX2. Roczen is a well known name and a favorite of many who is also MX2 FIM Motocross World Champion, a former AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross.

Team Belgium adds even more competition to the podium fight with Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team’s Clement Desalle, Kemea Yamaha Official MX2’s Jago Geerts, and Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Jeremy Van Horebeek taking the up the opportunity to represent their country.

Not to forget is the British team of Tommy Searle, Ben Watson, and Max Anstie. Searle and Anstie were both part of last year’s second overall team but Watson will make his debut just after finishing up the strongest MX2 season of his career.

Other notable contenders include team Italy and team Spain. Italy will be lead by the 9-time World Champion and 2018 MXGP vice-champion Antonio Cairoli from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing with Gebben Van Venrooy Kawasaki Racing’s Alessandro Lupino in Open and Yamaha SM Action MC Migliori’s Michele Cervellin in MX2. Spain will feature the new MX2 FIM Motocross World Champion Jorge Prado from Red Bull KTM Factory Racing plus Marchetti Racing Team KTM’s MXGP veteran Jose Butron and former MX3 World Champion Carlos Campano.

Also noteworthy is Team Australia and Team Puerto Rico, Australia will have last year’s MX2 overall champion Hunter Lawrence along with KTM Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs riding in MXGP and Mitch Evans in the Open class while former top rider Micheal Byrne will serve as the team manager. The Puerto Rican team will be followed by many as Travis Pastrana makes a return to racing along with the previously retired Kevin Windham and former factory AMA Motocross/Supercross rider Ryan Sipes. With the main goal of raising funds for the hurricane victims in Puerto Rico the team are still racers at heart and will surely come out swinging this weekend led by Ricky Johnson as the team coach.

TIMETABLE Local Time (EST/GMT-4)

Friday: MXoN Teams Presentation to the Crowd 17:00 

Saturday: Ballot 09:00; Free Practice MXGP 10:00; Free practice MX2 11:00; Free Practice Open 12:00; Qualifying Heat MXGP 14:30; Qualifying Heat MX2 15:30; Qualifying Heat Open 16:30

Sunday: Warm-up B-Final 8:45; Warm-up MXoN Group 1 9:15; Warm-up MXoN Group 2 09:45; B-Final 11:00; MXoN Race 1 (MXGP+MX2) 13:10; MXoN Race 2 (MX2+Open) 14:40; MXoN Race 3 (Open+MXGP) 16:08.

Links:

Youthstream

FIM

Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations RedBud