TEAM HONDA STAR AT MANFIELD


Press Release: Team Honda Star at Actrix Series

Team Honda Racing’s road race squad were more than happy with their results at the third round of the Victoria Motorcycle Club’s Actrix Winter Series, last Saturday (July 25) at Manfeild Raceway, Feilding.

The weather was kinder than it had been at previous rounds; the day started looking like the sun was going to shine, but things cooled off as the day wore on.

New Plymouth’s Hayden Fitzgerald took his Team Honda Racing-Castrol CBR1000RR to a win and a third in the combined F1 Superbike class and a victory in the Superbike only race.
Feilding’s Craig Shirriffs took his Team Honda Racing - Red Black Beauty, to a win and a second in the combined F1 Superbike class, then finished third in the Superbike only race.

The race team are using the Winter Series to continue their development of the CBR1000RR and have been trying different suspension settings as the team searches for improvements for faster lap times.

‘’Our development is going well” said Fitzgerald from his New Plymouth base this week, “It was great to come away with the win for the day,” he added.

"Hayden and I had a pretty good day on Saturday with Honda finishing 1st and 2nd overall in F1. "We both tried a new rear suspension" added Shirriffs.

Both riders are looking forward to Round 4 which will take place 22 August at Manfeild Raceway, Feilding.

Provisional Results
Round Three Actrix 2009 Winter Series
Manfeild Raceway 25 July 2009.

Superbikes only:
Hayden Fitzgerald (New Plymouth) Honda, 1; Sloan Frost (Auckland) Suzuki, 2; Craig Shirriffs (Feilding) Honda 3.

Combined F1 Superbikes:
Race One:
1, Shirriffs; 2, Frost; 3, Fitzgerald.

Race Two:
1, Fitzgerald; 2, Shirriffs; 3, Frost.

Read more...

TEAM HONDA STAR AT MANFIELD


Press Release: Team Honda Star at Actrix Series

Team Honda Racing’s road race squad were more than happy with their results at the third round of the Victoria Motorcycle Club’s Actrix Winter Series, last Saturday (July 25) at Manfeild Raceway, Feilding.

The weather was kinder than it had been at previous rounds; the day started looking like the sun was going to shine, but things cooled off as the day wore on.

New Plymouth’s Hayden Fitzgerald took his Team Honda Racing-Castrol CBR1000RR to a win and a third in the combined F1 Superbike class and a victory in the Superbike only race.
Feilding’s Craig Shirriffs took his Team Honda Racing - Red Black Beauty, to a win and a second in the combined F1 Superbike class, then finished third in the Superbike only race.

The race team are using the Winter Series to continue their development of the CBR1000RR and have been trying different suspension settings as the team searches for improvements for faster lap times.

‘’Our development is going well” said Fitzgerald from his New Plymouth base this week, “It was great to come away with the win for the day,” he added.

"Hayden and I had a pretty good day on Saturday with Honda finishing 1st and 2nd overall in F1. "We both tried a new rear suspension" added Shirriffs.

Both riders are looking forward to Round 4 which will take place 22 August at Manfeild Raceway, Feilding.

Provisional Results
Round Three Actrix 2009 Winter Series
Manfeild Raceway 25 July 2009.

Superbikes only:
Hayden Fitzgerald (New Plymouth) Honda, 1; Sloan Frost (Auckland) Suzuki, 2; Craig Shirriffs (Feilding) Honda 3.

Combined F1 Superbikes:
Race One:
1, Shirriffs; 2, Frost; 3, Fitzgerald.

Race Two:
1, Fitzgerald; 2, Shirriffs; 3, Frost.

Read more...

HARLEY & BUELL WEBSITES UPDATED

Harley & Buell have their 2010 model ranges online now.

Both sites have added a degree of functionality and some funky features.
Causing some early Big Dave drooling are the XR1200X in a great looking Matte black.





Also getting the black heart treatment is the Fat Boy Lo.



Nothing new on the model front from Buell apart from some new colours. They are also featuring a fairing lowers kit that gives the 1125R a more conventional appearance.



Details are at www.h-d.com & www.buell.com

Read more...

HARLEY & BUELL WEBSITES UPDATED

Harley & Buell have their 2010 model ranges online now.

Both sites have added a degree of functionality and some funky features.
Causing some early Big Dave drooling are the XR1200X in a great looking Matte black.





Also getting the black heart treatment is the Fat Boy Lo.



Nothing new on the model front from Buell apart from some new colours. They are also featuring a fairing lowers kit that gives the 1125R a more conventional appearance.



Details are at www.h-d.com & www.buell.com

Read more...

2 NEW MODELS IN 2010 VICTORY LINEUP


The Cross Roads

The Cross Country

2 New Touring Models Announced for the American market.

Motorcycle Daily has the story here:
2010 Victory Lineup Includes Two New Touring Bikes

Pics: Victory

Read more...

2 NEW MODELS IN 2010 VICTORY LINEUP


The Cross Roads

The Cross Country

2 New Touring Models Announced for the American market.

Motorcycle Daily has the story here:
2010 Victory Lineup Includes Two New Touring Bikes

Pics: Victory

Read more...

2010 YZ250F NZ PRESS RELEASE



Early Wednesday morning I blogged a leak from America regarding the release of information surrounding the much anticipated 2010 Yamaha YZ250F. I jumped the gun, a little maybe, but I promise it was only in the interest of my keen attitude to the off road world!

So after an email in the afternoon and a call from Peter Payne of Yamaha NZ everything was revealed in an official release of the brand new machine.

I won’t divulge much on what the release details regarding the machine so as to reserve some important refinements for the when the September issue goes to print in several weeks time.

It’s truly exciting times and I just can’t wait to, with all hope and fingers crossed, swing a leg over one of these beasts next week at a little MX track located in Cessnock, NSW, Australia. If I get time I will even blog the day and upload some images!

If you scroll down below you will begin to appreciate the mammoth task Yamaha has been involved in over the last couple of years as they set out to completely redesign the fabled YZ250F. It would make a very interesting timeline expose now wouldn’t it!

Some initial key modifications to note:

1) New bilateral frame



2) All new valve design



3) New engine with refined character



4) New carburettor settings and funnel shape



5) New modified exhaust port


6) New NZ and AUS specific silencers


7) And both the YZ Blue and YZ White NZ and AUS models now come with black anodised rims.




As for theYZ450F.....who knows Yamaha has been extremely tight lipped but you really can’t help but wonder what’s in store for the official release and unveiling next week in Australia – its headed as the “Yamaha Motocross Launch” – that alone can really only mean one thing, brand new models.



(As with any KR blog simply click the image for a large version)

P.S. If you look around kiwirider.co.nz you may find some competitions or more specifically find a blog on how to win an Olympic Bonneville Watch or a double pass to Christchurch's Boys Day Out gig happening in early September. Dont miss out on the opportunity!!

Read more...

2010 YZ250F NZ PRESS RELEASE



Early Wednesday morning I blogged a leak from America regarding the release of information surrounding the much anticipated 2010 Yamaha YZ250F. I jumped the gun, a little maybe, but I promise it was only in the interest of my keen attitude to the off road world!

So after an email in the afternoon and a call from Peter Payne of Yamaha NZ everything was revealed in an official release of the brand new machine.

I won’t divulge much on what the release details regarding the machine so as to reserve some important refinements for the when the September issue goes to print in several weeks time.

It’s truly exciting times and I just can’t wait to, with all hope and fingers crossed, swing a leg over one of these beasts next week at a little MX track located in Cessnock, NSW, Australia. If I get time I will even blog the day and upload some images!

If you scroll down below you will begin to appreciate the mammoth task Yamaha has been involved in over the last couple of years as they set out to completely redesign the fabled YZ250F. It would make a very interesting timeline expose now wouldn’t it!

Some initial key modifications to note:

1) New bilateral frame



2) All new valve design



3) New engine with refined character



4) New carburettor settings and funnel shape



5) New modified exhaust port


6) New NZ and AUS specific silencers


7) And both the YZ Blue and YZ White NZ and AUS models now come with black anodised rims.




As for theYZ450F.....who knows Yamaha has been extremely tight lipped but you really can’t help but wonder what’s in store for the official release and unveiling next week in Australia – its headed as the “Yamaha Motocross Launch” – that alone can really only mean one thing, brand new models.



(As with any KR blog simply click the image for a large version)

P.S. If you look around kiwirider.co.nz you may find some competitions or more specifically find a blog on how to win an Olympic Bonneville Watch or a double pass to Christchurch's Boys Day Out gig happening in early September. Dont miss out on the opportunity!!

Read more...

US: WIMMER TAKES ATV POINTS LEAD


One for the ATV enthusiasts.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Racing's Dustin Wimmer celebrated an outstanding AMA ATV Motocross victory at the Suzuki Summer Nationals at Pleasure Valley Raceway in Armagh, Pennsylvania at the weekend.

Wimmer not only captured one-one moto finishes to take the overall victory, the defending AMA ATV Motocross Champion also moved into the championship points lead with this result. This victory marks Wimmer's fifth win of the season, which is even more impressive considering he was injured mid-season and had to miss a round.

Adding to the excitement of the weekend, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Doug Gust followed his team mate home in an impressive second place. Gust carded third- and second-place moto finishes to take second-place overall and is Gust's fourth visit to the podium this year.

Dustin Wimmer:

"It feels good to take the win and be back in the points lead. I just need to put in three more solid motos to have the championship wrapped up. There was definitely some good racing going on this weekend. I think this round was the most exciting so far. There was a lot of back-and-forth, so I had to stay focused and fast on my Rockstar Makita Suzuki QuadRacer R450. I'm going to do some extra training for the next round at Red Bud because it can get really rough and I want to be ready for it."

Doug Gust:

"This was definitely one of the best races of the year. My Rockstar Makita Suzuki QuadRacer R450 had plenty of power and got me to the front and there was some really good racing going on. I really like the changes they made to the facility and the track. It's a technical track and requires a lot of throttle control. I've been training hard, I'm still in it and it's not over until the last race."


AMA Pro ATV Motocross Top 10 Finishers:

1. Dustin Wimmer (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
2. Doug Gust (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
3. Josh Upperman (Honda)
4. John Natalie Jr. (Can-Am)
5. Josh Creamer (Kawasaki)
6. Joe Byrd (Honda)
7. Thomas Brown (Yamaha)
8. Cody Miller (Can-Am)
9. Jeremy Lawson (Can-Am)
10. Greg Gee (Honda)

Read more...

US: WIMMER TAKES ATV POINTS LEAD


One for the ATV enthusiasts.

Rockstar Makita Suzuki Racing's Dustin Wimmer celebrated an outstanding AMA ATV Motocross victory at the Suzuki Summer Nationals at Pleasure Valley Raceway in Armagh, Pennsylvania at the weekend.

Wimmer not only captured one-one moto finishes to take the overall victory, the defending AMA ATV Motocross Champion also moved into the championship points lead with this result. This victory marks Wimmer's fifth win of the season, which is even more impressive considering he was injured mid-season and had to miss a round.

Adding to the excitement of the weekend, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Doug Gust followed his team mate home in an impressive second place. Gust carded third- and second-place moto finishes to take second-place overall and is Gust's fourth visit to the podium this year.

Dustin Wimmer:

"It feels good to take the win and be back in the points lead. I just need to put in three more solid motos to have the championship wrapped up. There was definitely some good racing going on this weekend. I think this round was the most exciting so far. There was a lot of back-and-forth, so I had to stay focused and fast on my Rockstar Makita Suzuki QuadRacer R450. I'm going to do some extra training for the next round at Red Bud because it can get really rough and I want to be ready for it."

Doug Gust:

"This was definitely one of the best races of the year. My Rockstar Makita Suzuki QuadRacer R450 had plenty of power and got me to the front and there was some really good racing going on. I really like the changes they made to the facility and the track. It's a technical track and requires a lot of throttle control. I've been training hard, I'm still in it and it's not over until the last race."


AMA Pro ATV Motocross Top 10 Finishers:

1. Dustin Wimmer (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
2. Doug Gust (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
3. Josh Upperman (Honda)
4. John Natalie Jr. (Can-Am)
5. Josh Creamer (Kawasaki)
6. Joe Byrd (Honda)
7. Thomas Brown (Yamaha)
8. Cody Miller (Can-Am)
9. Jeremy Lawson (Can-Am)
10. Greg Gee (Honda)

Read more...

HUSQVARNA WINS IN MEXICO


Double E1 class victory for Meo at GP of Mexico

CH Racing Husqvarna Factory Enduro Team 2009
World Enduro Championship '09 - Round 6, Valle de Bravo, Mexico, 18-19.7.2009

Frenchman Antoine Meo has given Husqvarna its first TE 250 powered World Enduro Championship race victory with a sensational double Enduro 1 class winning result at the GP of Mexico, round six of the '09 WEC series. Agonisingly close to claiming his first WEC victory at the recent GP of Slovakia, Antoine continued his good form in Valle de Bravo to stand on top of the E1 class podium ahead of Mika Ahola on both days. Joining Antoine in enjoying success in the '09 World Enduro Championship's only non-European event was Seb Guillaume. Topping the Enduro 3 class on day one Seb returned to form having struggled to perform at his best in recent events following a crash at the GP of Finland.

Giving himself and the CH Racing Husqvarna team much to be pleased about Meo did on day one what he had been threatening to do at the last two GPs - finish at the very top of the Enduro 1 class. Although winning just five of the first full day's 11 special tests Meo placed no lower than third in class on any test, which ensured he remained in the hunt for victory. In winning the final test of day one by three seconds he secured his first ever WEC victory. On day two Meo found things difficult. Sick for three days prior to the start of the race Antoine became tired soon after the start but knowing that a second race win was within his grasp gave his all to ensure he again arrived at the end of the day fighting for the win. Although not winning any of the special tests on the final lap, Meo's hard work early in the day ensured he claimed his second ever WEC victory.

Competing as the CH Racing Husqvarna team's lone Enduro 2 class rider due to Finn Matti Seistola having to undergo knee surgery, Bartosz Oblucki's GP of Mexico didn't go exactly to plan as a big crash early on day one spoiled his event. Riding extremely well prior to his crash, Bartosz was forced to fight his way through the two days with the help of pain killing injections. Fourth on day one, on day two things got really hard for Bart' but he fought his way to the end of the day and finished eighth.

Finally putting the crash he sustained at the GP of Finland firmly behind him Seb Guillaume enjoyed a near perfect opening day as he piloted his WR 300 to a well-deserved Enduro 3 class win. Enjoying the Mexican event, and the long motocross test in particular, Seb took an early class lead and maintained his position at the front of the throughout the day. Seb's eventual winning margin was 11 seconds. On day two Seb was one of many riders to feel less than 100 per cent. After a long, hard first day Seb was unable to start day two as he'd finished day one but upped his pace as the day wore on and claimed third, ensuring a second, deserved, visit to the podium.

Antoine Meo - Enduro 1: “It's been a fantastic weekend for me. Winning on day one was really special because it was my first ever WEC victory. The Husqvarna team and myself have worked really hard this season and to finally win is really great. I had a really good day on day one. Mika had some problems in the morning and lost 10 seconds but I won by 12 seconds. I rode well all day and felt good. Day two was also good. I was sick for three days before the race and I started to feel really tired half way through the second day. Mika was pushing really hard but I managed to stay ahead of him and win again. I am really happy for Husqvarna and the team. I'm also pleased to give the TE 250 its first WEC victory.”

Bartosz Oblucki - Enduro 2: “I crashed really heavily on the motocross test on lap two of the first day and badly injured my right thumb. It was really difficult after that. I had a good opening lap so I was pushing hard to try and win the day. After my crash I was in fourth, and I had a good lead ahead of the riders behind me, so I am pleased that I was able to finish in that position. Day two was much harder. I had four different pain killing injections during the day, but it was still really hard to hold on because the track was so rough. I just wanted to try and score some points, which I managed to do. I'm happy with fourth and eight place results because it could have easily been a no-point weekend after the crash. I'd really like to thank the event organiser Sergio Diaz and his family and Husqvarna Mexico for their support and help.”

Seb Guillaume - Enduro 3: “The first day was really good for me. I decided just to take things easy on the Super Test and then eased my way into the first day's competition. The motocross test was perfect for me so I pushed really hard and I finished 10 seconds ahead of the other riders. I knew then that I could do well. I pushed hard but I stayed within my limits and although it was close at the end of the day it was great to win. I didn't have any problems or crashes on day one. After the disappointing results in Finland and Slovakia it was good to have a podium result again. Day two was really hard. I didn't have a great opening lap but after that I got stronger. I had a good fight with Samuli Aro on the last lap and managed to finish on the podium again in third.”

Results - 2009 World Enduro Championship
Grand Prix of Mexico - Day 1


Enduro 1
1. Antoine Meo (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.17:22.14; 2. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.17:35.11; 3. Julien Gauthier (Honda) 1.17:46.83; 4. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 1.18:19.50; 5. Simone Albergoni (KTM) 1.18:31.89; 6. Eero Remes (KTM) 1.20:40.73; 7. Michael Goeters (KTM) 1.33:00.51; 8. Jose Rubio (Yamaha) 1.42:21.46; 9. Luis Wahn (Yamaha) 1.45:06.96; 10. Jose Vivanco (KTM) 1.45:09.63; 11. Daniel Vega (KTM) 1.51:30.30

Enduro 2
1. Johnny Aubert (KTM) 1.17:25.96; 2. Juha Salminen (BMW) 1.17:58.68; 3. Rodrig Thain (TM) 1.18:29.14; 4. Bartosz Oblucki (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.18:59.46; 5. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 1.19:42.20; 6. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 1.20:12.93; 7. Homero Diaz (KTM) 1.20:24.94; 8. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.21:01.49: 9. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.21:34.29; 10. Chris Birch (KTM) 1.22:08.77

Enduro 3
1. Seb Guillaume (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.16:21.57; 2. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.16:32.73; 3. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) 1.16:46.83; 4. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.17:26.24; 5. Fabio Mossini (Honda) 1.18:18.01; 6. Nathan Kanney (KTM) 1.20:15.21; 7. Bjorne Carlsson (Husaberg) 1.20:29.71; 8. Marcus Kehr (KTM) 1.20:41.44; 9. Alberto Quijano (KTM) 1.26:26.43; 10. Rayner Caballeros (KTM) 1.20:15.29; 11. Jarkko Vainio (KTM) 1.35:54.50; 12. Oscar Assmar (KTM) 1.41:02.59

Results - 2009 World Enduro Championship
Grand Prix of Mexico - Day 2

Enduro 1
1. Antoine Meo (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.21:05.12; 2. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.21:05.27; 3. Simone Albergoni (KTM) 1.23:02.12; 4. Julien Gauthier (Honda) 1.23:27.11; 5. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 1.23:33.00; 6. Eero Remes (KTM) 1.23:44.69; 7. Luis Wahn (Yamaha) 1.38:55.30; 8. Jorge Aguilar (KTM) 1.39:23.52; 9. Jose Robio (Yamaha) 1.39:25.73; 10. Jose Vivanco (KTM) 1.45:41.94

Enduro 2
1.Johnny Aubert (KTM) 1.21:29.11; 2. Juha Salminen (BMW) 1.22:12.33; 3. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 1.22:58.05; 4. Rodrig Thain (TM) 1.23:16.51; 5. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.23:28.48; 6. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.24:01.26; 7. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 1.24:03.83; 8. Bartosz Oblucki (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.25:18.84; 9. Homero Diaz (KTM) 1.25:37.59; 10. Chris Birch (KTM) 1.28:40.71; 11. Erwin Plekkenpol (Honda) 1.28:57.29; 12. Mike Hartman (Husaberg) 1.29:33.87; 13. Patrick Garrahan (KTM) 1.31:17.57; 14. Jaime Garcia (KTM) 1.32:48.20; 15. Juan Reyes (KTM) 1.33:34.41; 16. Anuar Ruiz (Kawasaki) 1.34:22.58; 17. Jose Vanzzini (KTM) 1.35:15.89; 18. Javier Araya (BMW) 1.36:34.43; 19. Cusi Sanchez (BMW) 1.36:58.61; 20. Patrick Reyes (KTM) 1.38:23.88

Enduro 3
1. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.20:40.74; 2. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) 1.20:59.22; 3. Seb Guillaume (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.21:34.08; 4. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.21:35.19; 5. Fabio Mossini (Honda) 1.22:34.60; 6. Nate Kanney (KTM) 1.28:30.11; 7. Alberto Quijano (KTM) 1.32:18.12; 8. Rayner Caballeros (KTM) 1.37:12.56; 9. Jarkko Vainio (KTM) 1.37:37.18; 10. Antonio Guillen (KTM) 1.47:48.43

Read more...

HUSQVARNA WINS IN MEXICO


Double E1 class victory for Meo at GP of Mexico

CH Racing Husqvarna Factory Enduro Team 2009
World Enduro Championship '09 - Round 6, Valle de Bravo, Mexico, 18-19.7.2009

Frenchman Antoine Meo has given Husqvarna its first TE 250 powered World Enduro Championship race victory with a sensational double Enduro 1 class winning result at the GP of Mexico, round six of the '09 WEC series. Agonisingly close to claiming his first WEC victory at the recent GP of Slovakia, Antoine continued his good form in Valle de Bravo to stand on top of the E1 class podium ahead of Mika Ahola on both days. Joining Antoine in enjoying success in the '09 World Enduro Championship's only non-European event was Seb Guillaume. Topping the Enduro 3 class on day one Seb returned to form having struggled to perform at his best in recent events following a crash at the GP of Finland.

Giving himself and the CH Racing Husqvarna team much to be pleased about Meo did on day one what he had been threatening to do at the last two GPs - finish at the very top of the Enduro 1 class. Although winning just five of the first full day's 11 special tests Meo placed no lower than third in class on any test, which ensured he remained in the hunt for victory. In winning the final test of day one by three seconds he secured his first ever WEC victory. On day two Meo found things difficult. Sick for three days prior to the start of the race Antoine became tired soon after the start but knowing that a second race win was within his grasp gave his all to ensure he again arrived at the end of the day fighting for the win. Although not winning any of the special tests on the final lap, Meo's hard work early in the day ensured he claimed his second ever WEC victory.

Competing as the CH Racing Husqvarna team's lone Enduro 2 class rider due to Finn Matti Seistola having to undergo knee surgery, Bartosz Oblucki's GP of Mexico didn't go exactly to plan as a big crash early on day one spoiled his event. Riding extremely well prior to his crash, Bartosz was forced to fight his way through the two days with the help of pain killing injections. Fourth on day one, on day two things got really hard for Bart' but he fought his way to the end of the day and finished eighth.

Finally putting the crash he sustained at the GP of Finland firmly behind him Seb Guillaume enjoyed a near perfect opening day as he piloted his WR 300 to a well-deserved Enduro 3 class win. Enjoying the Mexican event, and the long motocross test in particular, Seb took an early class lead and maintained his position at the front of the throughout the day. Seb's eventual winning margin was 11 seconds. On day two Seb was one of many riders to feel less than 100 per cent. After a long, hard first day Seb was unable to start day two as he'd finished day one but upped his pace as the day wore on and claimed third, ensuring a second, deserved, visit to the podium.

Antoine Meo - Enduro 1: “It's been a fantastic weekend for me. Winning on day one was really special because it was my first ever WEC victory. The Husqvarna team and myself have worked really hard this season and to finally win is really great. I had a really good day on day one. Mika had some problems in the morning and lost 10 seconds but I won by 12 seconds. I rode well all day and felt good. Day two was also good. I was sick for three days before the race and I started to feel really tired half way through the second day. Mika was pushing really hard but I managed to stay ahead of him and win again. I am really happy for Husqvarna and the team. I'm also pleased to give the TE 250 its first WEC victory.”

Bartosz Oblucki - Enduro 2: “I crashed really heavily on the motocross test on lap two of the first day and badly injured my right thumb. It was really difficult after that. I had a good opening lap so I was pushing hard to try and win the day. After my crash I was in fourth, and I had a good lead ahead of the riders behind me, so I am pleased that I was able to finish in that position. Day two was much harder. I had four different pain killing injections during the day, but it was still really hard to hold on because the track was so rough. I just wanted to try and score some points, which I managed to do. I'm happy with fourth and eight place results because it could have easily been a no-point weekend after the crash. I'd really like to thank the event organiser Sergio Diaz and his family and Husqvarna Mexico for their support and help.”

Seb Guillaume - Enduro 3: “The first day was really good for me. I decided just to take things easy on the Super Test and then eased my way into the first day's competition. The motocross test was perfect for me so I pushed really hard and I finished 10 seconds ahead of the other riders. I knew then that I could do well. I pushed hard but I stayed within my limits and although it was close at the end of the day it was great to win. I didn't have any problems or crashes on day one. After the disappointing results in Finland and Slovakia it was good to have a podium result again. Day two was really hard. I didn't have a great opening lap but after that I got stronger. I had a good fight with Samuli Aro on the last lap and managed to finish on the podium again in third.”

Results - 2009 World Enduro Championship
Grand Prix of Mexico - Day 1


Enduro 1
1. Antoine Meo (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.17:22.14; 2. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.17:35.11; 3. Julien Gauthier (Honda) 1.17:46.83; 4. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 1.18:19.50; 5. Simone Albergoni (KTM) 1.18:31.89; 6. Eero Remes (KTM) 1.20:40.73; 7. Michael Goeters (KTM) 1.33:00.51; 8. Jose Rubio (Yamaha) 1.42:21.46; 9. Luis Wahn (Yamaha) 1.45:06.96; 10. Jose Vivanco (KTM) 1.45:09.63; 11. Daniel Vega (KTM) 1.51:30.30

Enduro 2
1. Johnny Aubert (KTM) 1.17:25.96; 2. Juha Salminen (BMW) 1.17:58.68; 3. Rodrig Thain (TM) 1.18:29.14; 4. Bartosz Oblucki (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.18:59.46; 5. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 1.19:42.20; 6. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 1.20:12.93; 7. Homero Diaz (KTM) 1.20:24.94; 8. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.21:01.49: 9. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.21:34.29; 10. Chris Birch (KTM) 1.22:08.77

Enduro 3
1. Seb Guillaume (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.16:21.57; 2. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.16:32.73; 3. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) 1.16:46.83; 4. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.17:26.24; 5. Fabio Mossini (Honda) 1.18:18.01; 6. Nathan Kanney (KTM) 1.20:15.21; 7. Bjorne Carlsson (Husaberg) 1.20:29.71; 8. Marcus Kehr (KTM) 1.20:41.44; 9. Alberto Quijano (KTM) 1.26:26.43; 10. Rayner Caballeros (KTM) 1.20:15.29; 11. Jarkko Vainio (KTM) 1.35:54.50; 12. Oscar Assmar (KTM) 1.41:02.59

Results - 2009 World Enduro Championship
Grand Prix of Mexico - Day 2

Enduro 1
1. Antoine Meo (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.21:05.12; 2. Mika Ahola (Honda) 1.21:05.27; 3. Simone Albergoni (KTM) 1.23:02.12; 4. Julien Gauthier (Honda) 1.23:27.11; 5. Thomas Oldrati (KTM) 1.23:33.00; 6. Eero Remes (KTM) 1.23:44.69; 7. Luis Wahn (Yamaha) 1.38:55.30; 8. Jorge Aguilar (KTM) 1.39:23.52; 9. Jose Robio (Yamaha) 1.39:25.73; 10. Jose Vivanco (KTM) 1.45:41.94

Enduro 2
1.Johnny Aubert (KTM) 1.21:29.11; 2. Juha Salminen (BMW) 1.22:12.33; 3. Cristobal Guerrero (Yamaha) 1.22:58.05; 4. Rodrig Thain (TM) 1.23:16.51; 5. Joakim Ljunggren (Husaberg) 1.23:28.48; 6. Valtteri Salonen (Husaberg) 1.24:01.26; 7. Alessandro Belometti (KTM) 1.24:03.83; 8. Bartosz Oblucki (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.25:18.84; 9. Homero Diaz (KTM) 1.25:37.59; 10. Chris Birch (KTM) 1.28:40.71; 11. Erwin Plekkenpol (Honda) 1.28:57.29; 12. Mike Hartman (Husaberg) 1.29:33.87; 13. Patrick Garrahan (KTM) 1.31:17.57; 14. Jaime Garcia (KTM) 1.32:48.20; 15. Juan Reyes (KTM) 1.33:34.41; 16. Anuar Ruiz (Kawasaki) 1.34:22.58; 17. Jose Vanzzini (KTM) 1.35:15.89; 18. Javier Araya (BMW) 1.36:34.43; 19. Cusi Sanchez (BMW) 1.36:58.61; 20. Patrick Reyes (KTM) 1.38:23.88

Enduro 3
1. Ivan Cervantes (KTM) 1.20:40.74; 2. Christophe Nambotin (Gas Gas) 1.20:59.22; 3. Seb Guillaume (CH Racing Husqvarna) 1.21:34.08; 4. Samuli Aro (KTM) 1.21:35.19; 5. Fabio Mossini (Honda) 1.22:34.60; 6. Nate Kanney (KTM) 1.28:30.11; 7. Alberto Quijano (KTM) 1.32:18.12; 8. Rayner Caballeros (KTM) 1.37:12.56; 9. Jarkko Vainio (KTM) 1.37:37.18; 10. Antonio Guillen (KTM) 1.47:48.43

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YAMAHA 1-2-3 AT RELIABILITY TRIAL

Yamaha Press Release will interest the blue crew.
-----------
Yamaha finishes 1-2-3 in world's longest-running reliability trial
Yamaha riders have swept the top three finishing positions for the first time ever at the 2009 Yamaha 24 Hour Trial in Eudunda, South Australia.

Established in 1924 and run every year thereafter, the event is the ultimate reliability test for motorcycles, requiring riders to complete up to 700km over the duration.

Riders cover a variety of terrain throughout the event, contrasting from open grass paddocks to dry creek beds to axle-deep mud.

As well as challenging the reliability of the motorcycle, the event also tests riders' physical strength and mental focus.

Mechanical aptitude is a must - running repairs can only be made by the nominated rider and can only be carried out using tools carried aboard the bike.

The rally-style event pits riders against the clock - each second that passes sees a point added to the lap total.

An outright win had eluded Yamaha in the past, but the manufacturer certainly made up for it in 2009, with the top three finishers coming home aboard blue bikes.

Winner Sean Throup rode his WR450F to outright victory, finishing the event on 16919 points. He won two of the four competitive laps.

This year marks the 21-year-old's sixth entry into the 24 Hour Trial.

A WR450F-mounted rider also claimed second place. Christopher Power finished up the event on 16940 points, putting in a consistent performance which included a win on lap 3.

Rounding out the podium finishers was the WR250F-mounted rider, Tom Oye.

Oye finished on 17160 points, a score bolstered by a win on lap 2.

Yamaha Motor Australia Manager, Motorsports Division, Ray Howard congratulated the Yamaha placegetters on their dominant performance.

"The Yamaha 24 Hour Trial is a long-standing event and one of the toughest of its kind in the world," said Howard.

"For Yamaha riders to finish 1-2-3 is an impressive achievement. Not only does it highlight the incredible skill and focus of the riders involved, it also demonstrates just how capable and reliable the WR450F and WR250F machines are.

"We are proud to be leading the way in a variety of competitive events and series, with WR machines currently dominating the Australian Off Road Championship and also lining up as an outright favourite at the upcoming Australasian Safari.

"The 24 Hour Trial result is a strong representation of the performance that Yamaha's fleet of off-road motorcycles continue to deliver."

Read more...

YAMAHA 1-2-3 AT RELIABILITY TRIAL

Yamaha Press Release will interest the blue crew.
-----------
Yamaha finishes 1-2-3 in world's longest-running reliability trial
Yamaha riders have swept the top three finishing positions for the first time ever at the 2009 Yamaha 24 Hour Trial in Eudunda, South Australia.

Established in 1924 and run every year thereafter, the event is the ultimate reliability test for motorcycles, requiring riders to complete up to 700km over the duration.

Riders cover a variety of terrain throughout the event, contrasting from open grass paddocks to dry creek beds to axle-deep mud.

As well as challenging the reliability of the motorcycle, the event also tests riders' physical strength and mental focus.

Mechanical aptitude is a must - running repairs can only be made by the nominated rider and can only be carried out using tools carried aboard the bike.

The rally-style event pits riders against the clock - each second that passes sees a point added to the lap total.

An outright win had eluded Yamaha in the past, but the manufacturer certainly made up for it in 2009, with the top three finishers coming home aboard blue bikes.

Winner Sean Throup rode his WR450F to outright victory, finishing the event on 16919 points. He won two of the four competitive laps.

This year marks the 21-year-old's sixth entry into the 24 Hour Trial.

A WR450F-mounted rider also claimed second place. Christopher Power finished up the event on 16940 points, putting in a consistent performance which included a win on lap 3.

Rounding out the podium finishers was the WR250F-mounted rider, Tom Oye.

Oye finished on 17160 points, a score bolstered by a win on lap 2.

Yamaha Motor Australia Manager, Motorsports Division, Ray Howard congratulated the Yamaha placegetters on their dominant performance.

"The Yamaha 24 Hour Trial is a long-standing event and one of the toughest of its kind in the world," said Howard.

"For Yamaha riders to finish 1-2-3 is an impressive achievement. Not only does it highlight the incredible skill and focus of the riders involved, it also demonstrates just how capable and reliable the WR450F and WR250F machines are.

"We are proud to be leading the way in a variety of competitive events and series, with WR machines currently dominating the Australian Off Road Championship and also lining up as an outright favourite at the upcoming Australasian Safari.

"The 24 Hour Trial result is a strong representation of the performance that Yamaha's fleet of off-road motorcycles continue to deliver."

Read more...

HARLEY CUTS 1,000 MORE JOBS

Harley-Davidson have cut a further 1,000 jobs on the back of a fall of 91% in second quarter income.

The full story is on google news

Read more...

HARLEY CUTS 1,000 MORE JOBS

Harley-Davidson have cut a further 1,000 jobs on the back of a fall of 91% in second quarter income.

The full story is on google news

Read more...

BMW TAKES SPANISH XTREME RACE



Dani Gibert and BMW win La Gordexola Xtreme 2009.

On the 4 of July in the Biscay region of the Basque Country, BMW G 450 X rider Dani Gibert celebrated victory in the third edition of the Gordexola Xtreme enduro.

The event, known by many as a Spanish 'Erzberg', is the ultimate test of enduro riders and their machines, and Dani Gibert's achievement on the top step of the podium was the first national success for BMW Motorrad in a Spanish extreme enduro. Rounding off the podium was Gas Gas rider Melcior Faja, who was just 27 seconds adrift after the seven-hour gruelling race, and Xavi León, who put in a gutsy performance on another Gas Gas machine to finish just over two minutes later.

The weather forecasters had predicted a dry race but on the day it turned out to be grey and rainy, which made course conditions treacherous for the 93 competitors that started the event, which consisted of two laps of 65 kilometres each in the morning and another 60 km lap in the afternoon. As the weather conditions worsened, the competitors - who had come from all over Spain - were grateful for the assistance of the spectators, who were strung out along the length of the course and helped drag, lift and pull riders and their machines out of difficulty.

In the morning laps, it was 2008 runner-up Melcior Faja, who was immediately on the pace - so much so that only Husaberg rider Borja Nieto, BMW G 450 X rider Dani Gibert and Honda-mounted Jon Aguirrebeitia were able to follow, although at a safe distance. Another one of the favourites, Xavi León, was suffering from technical problems on his Gas Gas 300, as his chain kept jumping off the rear sprocket under hard acceleration. His brother, Sergi León, stayed to support him from the first lap right until the finish.

Of the two laps undertaken in the morning, competitors found the first one excessively difficult, as the rainwater and mud had rendered about three quarters of the course almost impassable. Up until the fourth checkpoint there were climbs that were fairly achievable, as they hadn't been so affected by the rainwater but from then on, right until the end at checkpoint 12, the extreme nature of the mountainous terrain and the effect of the weather made life difficult for most of the riders. As it turned out, only 47 riders of the 93 who started the event were able to finish a lap - and only nine of these actually completed the lap in less than three hours!

Already onto their second lap, the faster riders such as Faja had already passed the first checkpoint, with Jon Aguirrebeitia just three minutes behind him and Dani Gibert five minutes adrift on the BMW G 450 X. As the extreme physical nature of the course began to take its toll on the riders, the pace slowed accordingly, and when the three leading riders arrived at checkpoint nine, they were confronted with their biggest challenge yet - a steep slope cut through a mountainside with a surface that was as slippery as soap!

This was tougher than anything they had previously encountered during the day but they all got through, and after four hours and 38 minutes of extreme riding with no chance of a rest, it was Faja who arrived first at the finish, with Aguirrebeitia second and Gibert third on the BMW. A total of 37 riders completed the first lap but only 15 completed both laps, showing just how tough this course was.

Morning classification

1. Melcior Faja (Gas Gas) - 4:38:11
2. Jon Aguirrebeitia (Honda) - 4:45:20
3. Dani Gibert (BMW) - 4:48:13

4. Borja Nieto (Husaberg) - 5:02:44
5. Vicente Soldevilla (KTM) - 5:17:47
6. Carles Figuerola (KTM) - 5:34:58
7. Iñaki Iturbe (Suzuki) - 5:41:27
8. Alex Larrañaga (KTM) - 5:48:56

Súper final

At six o'clock in the evening - nearly four hours after the arrival of the first rider to complete the two morning laps - the Super final race started. Every 30 seconds, riders would leave the start line in the same order that they finished the morning stages, so it was Melcior Faja who was first to leave, followed by Jon Aguirrebeitia and Dani Gibert on the BMW G 450 X.

It was Jon Aguirrebeitia who took the early lead, although Faja would overtake him a little later on the descent to the river, as would Dani Gibert on the BMW. As the final neared its conclusion, it was Melcior Faja who was first to arrive at the penultimate stage before the finish. Having put in a superhuman effort up to this point, he found himself leading the race and surely destined to win this competition that had eluded him on previous occasions. But with just 50 metres to go, bad luck struck and his chain came off in exactly the same place that it had come off the previous year, losing him precious seconds.

Having put his chain back on and overcome the difficult terrain of the river area, he arrived right at the finish area, which was a near vertical seven-metre wall that had to be negotiated in order to win. Having prepared himself for this final obstacle, he started to accelerate, but the chain on his bike came off, rendering him unable to move. The watching crowds, caught up in the moment, helped to lift up his bike but just as he got to the summit, Dani Gibert appeared on the BMW G 450 X, jumped up to the final ramp to cross the finish line, winning the race by 27 seconds from Faja. Xavi León came a well-deserved third after an amazing effort, following his disappointing laps earlier in the day when he'd encountered machine problems.

Final classification:

1. Dani Gibert (BMW) - 1:52:37.25
2. Melcior Faja - 1:53:04.34
3. Xavi León - 1:54:47.75
4. Jon Aguirrebeitia - 1:59:40.58
5. Carles Figuerola - 2:26:52.43

Bikedeadline.

Read more...

BMW TAKES SPANISH XTREME RACE



Dani Gibert and BMW win La Gordexola Xtreme 2009.

On the 4 of July in the Biscay region of the Basque Country, BMW G 450 X rider Dani Gibert celebrated victory in the third edition of the Gordexola Xtreme enduro.

The event, known by many as a Spanish 'Erzberg', is the ultimate test of enduro riders and their machines, and Dani Gibert's achievement on the top step of the podium was the first national success for BMW Motorrad in a Spanish extreme enduro. Rounding off the podium was Gas Gas rider Melcior Faja, who was just 27 seconds adrift after the seven-hour gruelling race, and Xavi León, who put in a gutsy performance on another Gas Gas machine to finish just over two minutes later.

The weather forecasters had predicted a dry race but on the day it turned out to be grey and rainy, which made course conditions treacherous for the 93 competitors that started the event, which consisted of two laps of 65 kilometres each in the morning and another 60 km lap in the afternoon. As the weather conditions worsened, the competitors - who had come from all over Spain - were grateful for the assistance of the spectators, who were strung out along the length of the course and helped drag, lift and pull riders and their machines out of difficulty.

In the morning laps, it was 2008 runner-up Melcior Faja, who was immediately on the pace - so much so that only Husaberg rider Borja Nieto, BMW G 450 X rider Dani Gibert and Honda-mounted Jon Aguirrebeitia were able to follow, although at a safe distance. Another one of the favourites, Xavi León, was suffering from technical problems on his Gas Gas 300, as his chain kept jumping off the rear sprocket under hard acceleration. His brother, Sergi León, stayed to support him from the first lap right until the finish.

Of the two laps undertaken in the morning, competitors found the first one excessively difficult, as the rainwater and mud had rendered about three quarters of the course almost impassable. Up until the fourth checkpoint there were climbs that were fairly achievable, as they hadn't been so affected by the rainwater but from then on, right until the end at checkpoint 12, the extreme nature of the mountainous terrain and the effect of the weather made life difficult for most of the riders. As it turned out, only 47 riders of the 93 who started the event were able to finish a lap - and only nine of these actually completed the lap in less than three hours!

Already onto their second lap, the faster riders such as Faja had already passed the first checkpoint, with Jon Aguirrebeitia just three minutes behind him and Dani Gibert five minutes adrift on the BMW G 450 X. As the extreme physical nature of the course began to take its toll on the riders, the pace slowed accordingly, and when the three leading riders arrived at checkpoint nine, they were confronted with their biggest challenge yet - a steep slope cut through a mountainside with a surface that was as slippery as soap!

This was tougher than anything they had previously encountered during the day but they all got through, and after four hours and 38 minutes of extreme riding with no chance of a rest, it was Faja who arrived first at the finish, with Aguirrebeitia second and Gibert third on the BMW. A total of 37 riders completed the first lap but only 15 completed both laps, showing just how tough this course was.

Morning classification

1. Melcior Faja (Gas Gas) - 4:38:11
2. Jon Aguirrebeitia (Honda) - 4:45:20
3. Dani Gibert (BMW) - 4:48:13

4. Borja Nieto (Husaberg) - 5:02:44
5. Vicente Soldevilla (KTM) - 5:17:47
6. Carles Figuerola (KTM) - 5:34:58
7. Iñaki Iturbe (Suzuki) - 5:41:27
8. Alex Larrañaga (KTM) - 5:48:56

Súper final

At six o'clock in the evening - nearly four hours after the arrival of the first rider to complete the two morning laps - the Super final race started. Every 30 seconds, riders would leave the start line in the same order that they finished the morning stages, so it was Melcior Faja who was first to leave, followed by Jon Aguirrebeitia and Dani Gibert on the BMW G 450 X.

It was Jon Aguirrebeitia who took the early lead, although Faja would overtake him a little later on the descent to the river, as would Dani Gibert on the BMW. As the final neared its conclusion, it was Melcior Faja who was first to arrive at the penultimate stage before the finish. Having put in a superhuman effort up to this point, he found himself leading the race and surely destined to win this competition that had eluded him on previous occasions. But with just 50 metres to go, bad luck struck and his chain came off in exactly the same place that it had come off the previous year, losing him precious seconds.

Having put his chain back on and overcome the difficult terrain of the river area, he arrived right at the finish area, which was a near vertical seven-metre wall that had to be negotiated in order to win. Having prepared himself for this final obstacle, he started to accelerate, but the chain on his bike came off, rendering him unable to move. The watching crowds, caught up in the moment, helped to lift up his bike but just as he got to the summit, Dani Gibert appeared on the BMW G 450 X, jumped up to the final ramp to cross the finish line, winning the race by 27 seconds from Faja. Xavi León came a well-deserved third after an amazing effort, following his disappointing laps earlier in the day when he'd encountered machine problems.

Final classification:

1. Dani Gibert (BMW) - 1:52:37.25
2. Melcior Faja - 1:53:04.34
3. Xavi León - 1:54:47.75
4. Jon Aguirrebeitia - 1:59:40.58
5. Carles Figuerola - 2:26:52.43

Bikedeadline.

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HAMPTON DOWNS NEWS

The latest news from Hampton Downs Ride Days.

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HAMPTON DOWNS NEWS

The latest news from Hampton Downs Ride Days.

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BEL-RAY SERIES TV COVERAGE SUNDAY


News Just in from the Production Company.

'Great news, the first of the two programmes featuring the Bel-Ray Cross Country Series will be screened this Sunday on TV 3 just before the 06h00 news!

We hope that the second one will be the following Sunday.'

Here's some of the KR Coverage.

Round 3 Report
http://www.kiwirider.co.nz/belray/belray3.html

Slideshow:

Read more...

BEL-RAY SERIES TV COVERAGE SUNDAY


News Just in from the Production Company.

'Great news, the first of the two programmes featuring the Bel-Ray Cross Country Series will be screened this Sunday on TV 3 just before the 06h00 news!

We hope that the second one will be the following Sunday.'

Here's some of the KR Coverage.

Round 3 Report
http://www.kiwirider.co.nz/belray/belray3.html

Slideshow:

Read more...

AMA: SUZUKI SWEEPS LAGUNA SECA


Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Mat Mladin picked up his 82nd AMA Superbike victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, on Sunday.

The six-time AMA Superbike Champion rode flawlessly and battled with his team mate Blake Young for much of the race, which was abbreviated due to earlier crashes that drew a red flag. Young followed Mladin home in a close second place after having led multiple laps of the race on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Joining Mladin and Young on the podium and creating a Suzuki Superbike podium sweep was Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates, who finished in third place.

Unfortunately, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Tommy Hayden suffered some bad luck at Laguna Seca: Prior to the red flag, Hayden jumped the initial start and received a stop-and-go penalty. As a result, once the race was underway, he had to pull into the pits while he was running in second place. He rejoined the fray in ninth place and finished up in eighth place.

Mat Mladin:

"It was a good race for us today. Most importantly, it's good to have the three Suzukis up here on the podium. That's what we're here to do; to try and get Suzuki up on top of the box. Today it was good to fill the podium."

Blake Young:

"I feel really good about the weekend. We got off to a really great start on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 and got to lead some laps. I think that's the most amount of laps I've led so far in a Superbike race, so I feel really good about that. The crew worked really hard for me this weekend. I really want to thank them; it's been a little rough around the shop but some guys stepped in and stepped up and filled some shoes and took care of business and got us up on the podium today. So I really want to give this one to the guys back at the shop and thank them very much for everything. It was a good race for us; we ended up second today and I'm really happy with it."

Aaron Yates:

"We got a really good start in the first get-go. I was running along, hoping to see how things were going to pan out. In the second start, I didn't get off as good as I'd wanted, but I managed to get up to turn one and get past a couple guys. I just kind of fell in the pace, and couldn't get going any better though I thought we could go faster... then I kind of got stuck in a little group. The guys up front got going and they were going fast. I think I was matching their pace but I just couldn't make any ground on Blake and Mat. I'm just happy to bring it home for the Jordan Suzuki team; they worked hard this weekend and made it on the podium."

Tommy Hayden:

"Aside from the start, which was a cluster, I thought I saw the lights flash and I took off way too early. I'm not sure what happened as it all kind of happened fast. Aside from that, I'm pretty happy with how the race went. I had some good speed and the Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 was working awesome today. I'm pretty disappointed to have let a good result slip away. But I guess I can take away the positive that we had a pretty good weekend and I was fast enough to run up front, but it just didn't work out."

AMA Superbike Top 10 Finishers:

1. Mat Mladin (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
2. Blake Young (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
3. Aaron Yates (Jordan Suzuki)
4. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
5. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha)
6. Neil Hodgson (Honda)
7. Jake Holden (Honda)
8. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
9. Geoff May (National Guard Jordan Suzuki)
10. Larry Pegram (Ducati)

Suzuki.

Read more...

AMA: SUZUKI SWEEPS LAGUNA SECA


Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Mat Mladin picked up his 82nd AMA Superbike victory at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, on Sunday.

The six-time AMA Superbike Champion rode flawlessly and battled with his team mate Blake Young for much of the race, which was abbreviated due to earlier crashes that drew a red flag. Young followed Mladin home in a close second place after having led multiple laps of the race on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000.

Joining Mladin and Young on the podium and creating a Suzuki Superbike podium sweep was Jordan Suzuki's Aaron Yates, who finished in third place.

Unfortunately, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Tommy Hayden suffered some bad luck at Laguna Seca: Prior to the red flag, Hayden jumped the initial start and received a stop-and-go penalty. As a result, once the race was underway, he had to pull into the pits while he was running in second place. He rejoined the fray in ninth place and finished up in eighth place.

Mat Mladin:

"It was a good race for us today. Most importantly, it's good to have the three Suzukis up here on the podium. That's what we're here to do; to try and get Suzuki up on top of the box. Today it was good to fill the podium."

Blake Young:

"I feel really good about the weekend. We got off to a really great start on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 and got to lead some laps. I think that's the most amount of laps I've led so far in a Superbike race, so I feel really good about that. The crew worked really hard for me this weekend. I really want to thank them; it's been a little rough around the shop but some guys stepped in and stepped up and filled some shoes and took care of business and got us up on the podium today. So I really want to give this one to the guys back at the shop and thank them very much for everything. It was a good race for us; we ended up second today and I'm really happy with it."

Aaron Yates:

"We got a really good start in the first get-go. I was running along, hoping to see how things were going to pan out. In the second start, I didn't get off as good as I'd wanted, but I managed to get up to turn one and get past a couple guys. I just kind of fell in the pace, and couldn't get going any better though I thought we could go faster... then I kind of got stuck in a little group. The guys up front got going and they were going fast. I think I was matching their pace but I just couldn't make any ground on Blake and Mat. I'm just happy to bring it home for the Jordan Suzuki team; they worked hard this weekend and made it on the podium."

Tommy Hayden:

"Aside from the start, which was a cluster, I thought I saw the lights flash and I took off way too early. I'm not sure what happened as it all kind of happened fast. Aside from that, I'm pretty happy with how the race went. I had some good speed and the Rockstar Makita Suzuki GSX-R1000 was working awesome today. I'm pretty disappointed to have let a good result slip away. But I guess I can take away the positive that we had a pretty good weekend and I was fast enough to run up front, but it just didn't work out."

AMA Superbike Top 10 Finishers:

1. Mat Mladin (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
2. Blake Young (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
3. Aaron Yates (Jordan Suzuki)
4. Josh Hayes (Yamaha)
5. Ben Bostrom (Yamaha)
6. Neil Hodgson (Honda)
7. Jake Holden (Honda)
8. Tommy Hayden (Rockstar Makita Suzuki)
9. Geoff May (National Guard Jordan Suzuki)
10. Larry Pegram (Ducati)

Suzuki.

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UK SBK: POINTS ALL ROUND FOR HONDA

SMT Honda riders Jason O'Halloran and Adam Jenkinson scored points in all four of their races at Knockhill on Sunday where they were competing in the lastest rounds of the British Superbike and Superstock Championships. However, the team find themselves very much at the crossroads in the 2009 season with a lack of funds meaning they may not be on the grid for the second half of the year.

Riding at the short 1.3-mile circuit for the first time, Australian ace O'Halloran found the going tough in qualifying and, with the bike developing a fault, he found himself down in 20th on the grid. However, he again showed his racer's instinct with two excellent rides in the two races. In the first 30-lap affair he fought his way through the pack for a superb 10th place, no mean feat given how difficult it is to pass around the Knockhill venue, and he backed this up with 12th in the second race. Those 10 hard-earned points also saw him move back up a place to 13th overall in the Championship.

With two rounds being held for the Superstock Championship, Jenkinson was hoping to build upon his recent top six results but he struggled all weekend with the gearing on his Honda Fireblade. He fought hard in both races though and managed to claim 12th and 13th for seven more championship points and now lies in 7th place in the Championship table.

Speaking later, team owner Robin Croft said:

"I'm delighted with our race results in the Superbike class given our qualifying position and we've got to be happy going from 20th to 10th and 20th to 12th in the two races. Jason struggled to find a good set-up with the suspension whilst he'd never even seen the circuit before Friday so there was a lot to contend with. The bike then developed a misfire in qualifying so we were pretty disappointed on Saturday night but we got stuck in on race day and gave it a good go so 10th and 12th is pretty pleasing. In the Superstock class, Adam struggled with the gearing and it's fair to say both rider and team are disappointed with 12th and 13th place finishes - we all know he's a better rider than that."

"As I stand here now though, this could well be our last meeting of the year as we're desperate to find a main sponsor that will see us through the second half of the season. In my heart of hearts I want to be at the next round at Mallory but I don't want to get in to a position of debt to be there so if anyone can help us financially, in whatever shape or form please contact me on 07920 482233. As a team, we know what we're capable of achieving and we're desperate to keep our season going so, hopefully, we'll get the finance we need."

The next round will be held at Mallory Park, Leicestershire on the weekend of July 17-19 and everyone connected with SMT Honda will be hoping that they'll be able to take their place on the grid that weekend.

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UK SBK: POINTS ALL ROUND FOR HONDA

SMT Honda riders Jason O'Halloran and Adam Jenkinson scored points in all four of their races at Knockhill on Sunday where they were competing in the lastest rounds of the British Superbike and Superstock Championships. However, the team find themselves very much at the crossroads in the 2009 season with a lack of funds meaning they may not be on the grid for the second half of the year.

Riding at the short 1.3-mile circuit for the first time, Australian ace O'Halloran found the going tough in qualifying and, with the bike developing a fault, he found himself down in 20th on the grid. However, he again showed his racer's instinct with two excellent rides in the two races. In the first 30-lap affair he fought his way through the pack for a superb 10th place, no mean feat given how difficult it is to pass around the Knockhill venue, and he backed this up with 12th in the second race. Those 10 hard-earned points also saw him move back up a place to 13th overall in the Championship.

With two rounds being held for the Superstock Championship, Jenkinson was hoping to build upon his recent top six results but he struggled all weekend with the gearing on his Honda Fireblade. He fought hard in both races though and managed to claim 12th and 13th for seven more championship points and now lies in 7th place in the Championship table.

Speaking later, team owner Robin Croft said:

"I'm delighted with our race results in the Superbike class given our qualifying position and we've got to be happy going from 20th to 10th and 20th to 12th in the two races. Jason struggled to find a good set-up with the suspension whilst he'd never even seen the circuit before Friday so there was a lot to contend with. The bike then developed a misfire in qualifying so we were pretty disappointed on Saturday night but we got stuck in on race day and gave it a good go so 10th and 12th is pretty pleasing. In the Superstock class, Adam struggled with the gearing and it's fair to say both rider and team are disappointed with 12th and 13th place finishes - we all know he's a better rider than that."

"As I stand here now though, this could well be our last meeting of the year as we're desperate to find a main sponsor that will see us through the second half of the season. In my heart of hearts I want to be at the next round at Mallory but I don't want to get in to a position of debt to be there so if anyone can help us financially, in whatever shape or form please contact me on 07920 482233. As a team, we know what we're capable of achieving and we're desperate to keep our season going so, hopefully, we'll get the finance we need."

The next round will be held at Mallory Park, Leicestershire on the weekend of July 17-19 and everyone connected with SMT Honda will be hoping that they'll be able to take their place on the grid that weekend.

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NOW THAT IS A BIG BIKE!

Monster Bike Video


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