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CONTENTS
TAKE TWO I
t’s incredible to think that a full 12 months have passed since we launched the inaugural Road Dirt Digital, but here we are again with the annual 2017 edition released in the lead-up to Christmas. This year has flown by, which I am sure many will agree, and when putting together this type of content it brings back all types of memories from the year that was. There’s been so many great moments and a share of tragedies this year, including the passing of the greatlyadmired Nicky Hayden, a longtime friend of ours who we are proud to include in a number of segments throughout Issue 2. What this magazine is about, more than anything, is celebrating the sport from an Australian perspective. We look back on the racing season in a way that no other publication does and one of the most rewarding aspects about this entire project is the fact that we are able to place top dirt bike athletes alongside the leading road racers in a collective approach. It’s a close-knit industry that we’re in locally and many of us are active across multiple two-wheel disciplines, which makes for a common bond and mutual respect between the different competitions. As for Foremost Media, along with the MotoOnline.com.au and CycleOnline.com.au websites, we’ll continue to push the boundaries in search of raising motorcycle racing’s profile year in, year out. Happy holidays!
IN GEAR 10-11 FOCUSED 12-13 JASON ANDERSON 14-15 ASBK 16-17 DANIEL MILNER 38-39 MX NATIONALS 40-41 JOSH WATERS 42-43 CHAD REED 64-65 DEAN FERRIS 66-67 SYDNEY MOTORCYCLE SHOW 68-69 BROC PARKES FEATURED 18-23 ROAD DIRT AWARDS 58-62 MOMENTS THAT MATTERED INTERVIEWED 32-36 HUNTER LAWRENCE 44-49 JACK MILLER PIT PASS 70-75
/ROADDIRTDIGITAL @ROADDIRTDIGITAL @ROADDIRTDIGITAL
MANAGING EDITOR ALEX GOBERT DESIGN ADAM SPENCE PUBLISHER FOREMOST MEDIA WWW.FOREMOSTMEDIA.COM.AU INFO@FOREMOSTMEDIA.COM.AU
COVER IMAGE SUPPLIED CONTENTS IMAGE FOREMOST MEDIA
IN GEAR BELL RACE STAR HELMET Bell Helmets has introduced its latest Race Star for 2018, which sees the addition of a Bellexclusive Flex liner along with an assortment of new graphics. More than an evolution of its predecessor, it’s a complete rethinking of what a race helmet should be. Pricing starts at $949.00 and more information is available at www.monzaimports.com.au.
IXON SPEEDER BOOT Ficeda Accessories has released the Ixon Speeder boot in both mens and ladies options. A motorcycle boot in disguise, the Speeder combines protection at the controls with a casual, cool style that won’t break the bank. Lightweight and highly-breathable, they’re valued at $129.95 and complete details can be found by viewing www.ficeda.com.au.
100% RACECRAFT+ GOGGLE Serco has released the latest version of 100%’s premium goggle, the Racecraft+, now available at participating dealerships and online retailers. The championship-winning Racecraft was already impressive and now 100% has armed it with several new features to achieve a new level of performance. Costing $119.94, check www.serco.com.au for details.
MOTION PRO DIGITAL TYRE PRESSURE The Motion Pro Digital tyre pressure gauge offers highly-accurate readings and a list of high-end features. With a 0-60psi range, quality components and an anodised billet aluminium body, it also features an LC backlit display for viewing in all conditions. Available now for $169.95, see www.a1accessory.com.au for further information on the Motion Pro products.
SEVEN ANNEX GEAR SET Seven MX has made a return to Australia with an all-new range of gear for 2018, now under the distribution of Steve Cramer Products. This is the brand’s entry-level offering, but boasts advanced engineering, athletic fit and superior function. The jersey is priced at $62.95, while the pant comes in at $179.00, so visit www.stevecramerproducts.com/seven for full details.
MACNA EVENT JACKET European brand Macna has released this Event jacket, which is a summer jacket that has loads of mesh, is lightweight and easy going. A sports fit, safe and cool from every angle, the construction’s premium materials, zips and armour are reflected in the superb fit and feel. Retailing at $199.95 between sizes S-3XL, visit www.linkint.com.au for further information.
NEKEN RADICAL DESIGN HANDLEBAR Featuring a variable diameter with conical design, the Neken Radical Design range is available in multiple colour and design options, constructed using 7010 T6 aerospace quality aluminium. They’re high-tech handlebar with a variety of useful features that retail for $149.95 locally. Head to www.gasimports.com.au for added details on the products.
FOCUSED
JASO
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merican import Jason Anderson entered this year’s AUS-X Open Sydney with the tag of preevent favourite and he didn’t fail to deliver. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider rebounded from a first turn crash to finish second on night one, before dominating the second evening to be crowned the event’s overall winner. It’s that type of grit that has him a favourite for the US crown in 2018.
ON ANDERSON IMAGE: AUS-X OPEN
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ASBK IMAGE: KEITH MUIR
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he Yamaha Motor Finance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul Pirelli continues to strengthen under the leadership of Motorcycling Australia. With packed grids, competitive on-track action and a stellar group of talent emerging in the lower tiers, national road racing appears to be on the rise once and for all following a turbulent past.
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DANIEL MILNE
H
e came, he saw, he conquered. How good was Daniel Milner in 2017? Upon return home to the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship with KTM Enduro Racing Team following a number of seasons in America, Milner put forward an elusive perfect season and further established himself as one of the all-time greats in domestic off-road competition.
ER IMAGE: JEFF CROW
FEATURED
W A R D S A
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Annual awards feature highlights the winners and events of the year gone by. Reflect upon the great national and international happenings of motorcycling that took place in 2017, in this annual awards feature exclusive to Road Dirt Digital. A staple at Foremost Media - formerly published on MotoOnline.com.au and CycleOnline.com.au - these honours have become some of the most influential in the sport and wider industry at a domestic level.
IMAGES: KEITH MUIR/FOREMOST MEDIA/MXN/AUS-X OPEN/RED BULL
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W A R D S
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NATIONAL RIDER OF THE YEAR: JOSH WATERS Back on track full-time following a 12-month hiatus, it wasn’t expected that Josh Waters would capture a third-career YMF Australian Superbike Championship title. But that’s precisely what he did on debut with Team Suzuki Ecstar aboard the impressive new GSX-R1000R. INTERNATIONAL RIDER OF THE YEAR: MARC MARQUEZ Claiming no less than six world championships by the age of 24 is a remarkable feat of Marc Marquez, the Repsol Honda rider who will go down as an all-time great. This year marked his fourth MotoGP championship win and he’ll be odds-on favourite for more to come! ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: JOHANN ZARCO
PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: JACK MILLER
As a double Moto2 world champion and after signing with Monster Yamaha Tech3 for his move to MotoGP, French charger Johann Zarco was always going to be good this year. In the end he had racked up three podiums, two poles and three fastest laps for sixth in the standings.
You’ve gotta appreciate the raw approach Jack Miller takes to his profiling, never afraid to be himself regardless of the situation. It’s clear to see he’s enjoying every step of his MotoGP career and it’s refreshing to see from this Aussie larrikin of sorts.
SERIES OF THE YEAR: MOTOGP After dominating testing and then winning the opening two races of the year, it appeared Yamaha newcomer Maverick Vinales was going to run away with the title. But that all changed and it ended up being a dynamic battle for the crown between Marquez and Andrea Dovizioso. MOST ANTICIPATED MODEL: 2018 KAWASAKI NINJA 400 For street riders and racers alike, the new Ninja 400 to be released is an exciting addition to Kawasaki’s range. Lighter and with a larger engine capacity that results in added power, the latest generation in smallbore supersport machinery is a winner.
HOTTEST TOPIC: TWISTS AND TURNS OF ASBK We saw all kinds of upsets and surprises through the YMF Australian Superbike Championship. In some ways, it was like the top riders didn’t want to win the title! Daniel Falzon, Troy Herfoss and Wayne Maxwell all took turns in the points lead, but it was ultimately Waters on top when it counted.
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GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT: JORGE LORENZO It wasn’t a straightforward decision to label Jorge Lorenzo’s first year at Ducati a disappointment, but when you consider the facts - the money he’s on, finishing over 100 points behind his teammate and his past success at Yamaha - this year was considerably underwhelming.
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TOP TEAM: KAWASAKI RACING TEAM The factory Kawasaki Superbike World Championship squad scored the elusive triplecrown this year, as Jonathan Rea soared to a third-successive Riders’ crown. Collectively on top of that, he and Tom Sykes also delivered the Manufacturers’ and Teams’ championships in 2017. BEST EVENT: AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX Phillip Island produced an incredible MotoGP race in October, led by local hero Miller in the early laps as an all-out war was simmering in the background. Eventually it was Marquez who won, in a race that was more comparable to Moto3 than the premier class. MOST SURPRISING MOMENT: RECOVERY OF ROSSI Just three weeks after badly breaking his leg, 38-year-old Italian Valentino Rossi made a miraculous return to racing at Aragon. He went on to qualify in third position on the grid and then finished fifth in the race. His desire to race can never be questioned, that’s for sure. SOCIAL STANDOUT: YAMAHA MOTOR AUSTRALIA Historically we have selected riders for this particular award, but we couldn’t go past Yamaha Motor Australia for 2017. Whether it’s covering their events, model line-up or teams - including off-road disciplines - the bLU cRU excels.
SPECIAL MENTION: RIDE ON NICKY The impact that Nicky Hayden’s death had on the industry and fans of motorcycle racing was immense earlier this year and rarely does a day go by that we’re not reminded of his contributions to the sport. As an athlete, role model and human-being, the Kentucky Kid was one of a kind.
NATIONAL RIDER OF THE YEAR: DEAN FERRIS Winning nine of 10 rounds on his way to a second MX Nationals MX1 championship was an amazing effort from CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris, effectively unstoppable and also once again showcasing his talent in supercross by claiming third in the final SX1 standings. INTERNATIONAL RIDER OF THE YEAR: ANTONIO CAIROLI It’s been over a decade since Italian icon Antonio Cairoli won his first world championship and in 2017 he claimed a ninth-career title. Scoring six GP wins and controlling the series, the 32-year-old was unmatched despite coming off two of the more challenging seasons he’s experienced. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: HUNTER LAWRENCE
PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: JACKSON RICHARDSON Whether he’s celebrating another SX2 class supercross championship or filling in the gaps between rounds, there’s a lot to like about Jackson Richardson. If you’re not a fan of ‘Jatz’ already, jump on his social media accounts and you’ll be laughing with him every step of the way.
We may be slightly biased in this one, but we’re going to hand top rookie honours to Queensland export Hunter Lawrence, who starred in the back-half of his first MX2 World Championship campaign. He’s highly-rated and will be in the frame for the number one plate next year. SERIES OF THE YEAR: AMA SUPERCROSS The 450SX championship went right down to the wire in Las Vegas this year, as a fourthplace finish enabled the retiring Ryan Dungey to win a third-consecutive championship. It was an eventful season that saw Dungey edge out Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac by only five points. MOST ANTICIPATED MODEL: 2018 KTM 300 EXC TPI Everyone loves a large-capacity two-stroke and for 2018 KTM has introduced its 300 EXC TPI model (alongside a 250 variant). Fuel-injected and boasting all the latest tech, we were able to test them at Erzberg at the world media launch in June and they’re seriously impressive!
GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT: K-ROC INJURED You’ve probably seen it time and time again, but Ken Roczen’s huge crash at Anaheim 2 was ultradifficult to watch. Left with a badly-broken arm, Team Honda HRC’s great hope was forced out at round three, which left a major hole in the field. Needless to say, he’ll be a welcome addition in 2018. HOTTEST TOPIC: RONNIE MAC
TOP TEAM: RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
Not everybody enjoys what Ronnie Mac brings to the sport, but let’s face it - he has one heckuva following! With near half a million followers on Instagram alone, the Oklahoma product played a starring role in the Straight Rhythm and AUS-X Open Sydney.
It’s pretty incredible to think of the success that KTM achieved this year, including winning AMA Supercross with Dungey, MXGP with Cairoli, MX2 with Pauls Jonass, Enduro2 with Josep Garcia and Dakar with Sam Sunderland, just to name a few milestones.
BEST EVENT: AUS-X OPEN Every year that we turn up to AUS-X Open in Sydney we know we’re in for something special. The way the organisers go about their business is second to none and this year, for the third time in a row, we were left blown away with the show that was delivered. It’s a must-see event globally. MOST SURPRISING MOMENT: FERRIS IN USA To see Australia’s Ferris head to the High Point round of Pro Motocross and challenge for a race victory on his way to P2, it proved just how strong he currently is outdoors and how competitive the Australian MX Nationals are. It was mega to see!
SPECIAL MENTION: DUNGEY RETIRES There were some indications that Red Bull KTM’s Dungey would retire following a hard-fought supercross defence, but it still came as somewhat of a surprise. And, as he does, it was a professional press conference at Angel Stadium in which he confirmed he’d be bowing out.
SOCIAL STANDOUT: TOBY PRICE Having to deal with an ongoing leg injury after crashing out of his Dakar Rally defence, you couldn’t blame Red Bull KTM’s Toby Price if his posting was somewhat limited this year. Instead, he’s kept fans in the loop all year long and as of now he’s all set to be back for January’s edition.
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SCOTT MX550 HELMET
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MX550
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INTERVIEWED
With GP podiums, an MXoN class win and a long-term Honda contract signed, Queensland teenager Hunter Lawrence has emerged as the next big thing in motocross globally. WORDS: ALEX GOBERT IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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s a rookie in the MX2 World Championship with Team Suzuki this year, Queenslander Hunter Lawrence became one of the stories of the season to establish himself as a legitimate threat for round wins and a title in the future. With overall podiums in Germany, the United States and France - including a moto victory at the final round - alongside a glowing performance for Team Australia at the Motocross of Nations where he won the MX2 class, it was an impressive season for the incredibly talented and dedicated 18-year-old. Next year he will transfer to Team Honda 114 Motorsports for a final year in Europe prior to moving to America with Geico Honda in a multi-year deal that will see him ride red through 2021. Road Dirt Digital recently spoke with
We in Australia have been well aware of Hunter Lawrence for a lot of years now, but last year was your first in Europe riding EMX250 and this year you built upon that in MX2. What’s life been like to now be on the It was good, you know. It definitely had it’s international radar, to be really popular here ups and downs, I learnt a lot and it was good. in Australia and well-respected globally as We had some good results, three podiums, well? It must be a bit of a buzz after chipping so that was cool and a good little reward away at it and now really beginning to ‘arrive’ or something that keeps you going after a in some ways. while, when you’re working so long and not getting results out of it. It gets tough, so to get Yeah, thanks. Like, it’s cool and, I mean, my them little pick-ups through the season, it was name is slowly getting bigger, but I don’t think good just to get the fuel burning. We made of that - it never crosses my mind. As far as I’m our rookie mistakes and my back injury was concerned, I’m still a nobody and I haven’t also just part of a mistake on my behalf, so I made something of the sport yet. I may be a was out five weeks with that. We didn’t get rising talent or something, but I’ve still got a through the whole season uninjured, had that long way to go and I just like to keep my feet time off, but I think we recovered quite well planted to the ground. You don’t want to and even better than some thought maybe. pull up at the practice track and try to puff I’m happy with it though, the mistakes I made your chest out because you’re some name this year I don’t think we will be making next or whatever, because I just love to have fun year, so that’s good and obviously we still and race my dirt bike. This year, from round have more to learn. All in all it was a good six onwards, I was just enjoying it and that’s rookie season, which of course, could have all I want it to be next year as well. I’ll get my best results from that and, yeah, what we’re been better, but you know. working for is to be someone in the sport, If you had to pick out one, what would you but I never really think of myself having a big name. I have got a lot more supporters over say was a particular highlight? here in Europe since last year, but I try to treat One highlight for me, I think, would have to them like normal people and not like fans by be... in all honesty, there are two. The two putting them on a level below or something were Indonesia and Russia, because they like that. I try to walk in the same shoes that I were the most muddy GPs and the ones came over to Europe with. where I learned the most. They weren’t the best results, but two rounds that were a big learning curve for me, and out of the whole season, those were the races that I got the most out of - I sort of needed them to build myself as a rider. They really helped and will help in the future to be a better racer. To start with we’ll look back on the season - your first in the MX2 World Championship - and it was a really strong one. How would you sum up your year?
What I noticed was, especially when MXoN was on, the Aussie support you have generated was really evident. How did you enjoy that event, which was obviously a really, really impressive showing from yourself?
other level and the atmosphere makes you pumped to race for your country as well. It’s awesome, so I hope I get the chance to race for Team Australia again.
Does that type of experience make all the sacrifices worthwhile, not only of your own, The Nations was awesome and such a crazy but your family’s as well? event. It would have to be one of the coolest races of the year and I was really surprised Oh yeah, for sure. For sure. As far as living how much Aussie support we had at the situations go, in Belgium here it’s not the event also - it was unreal. It’s a long way best. It’s never really great weather and from Aussie and next year’s at RedBud, so I everything is so different to Australia, but know a lot of Aussies love going to the States the motocross is what we’re here for and and I hope we can have a massive turn-up the motocross is everything at the moment. there of Aussies! It’s cool to race for your So yeah, when you have a great weekend country, was good to catch up with Gibbsy like that, when you’re working hard and [Kirk Gibbs] and Deano [Dean Ferris], plus all getting out what you put in, it’s everything. the guys that came with them. It was a lot of It’s extremely rewarding and all of the hard fun and for me it was quite relaxed, because times and struggles disappear at that time, I’m an easy-going and relaxed guy, so that because you’re just so pumped on what was a real fun weekend. We had such a you’ve been working so hard on, like you cool track and, yeah, maybe the rain had get it. It’s not from relying on someone else a bit to play in it [laughs], but all in all it was or... it’s on your shoulders, putting in the hard awesome. Having the support of Australia hours during the week and your mechanic is means the world and, when they talk stoked because of what he’s putting in, so it’s about Nations, people say some riders go just so rewarding for everybody in your little even faster, which makes you think how it’s circle of people, involved in your program. even possible. Every time you’re on the bike It’s just as rewarding for them as it is for you. you are trying to go fast, but it was a whole
The big news recently has been that you’ve done a multi-year deal with Honda into the future, so sitting here at the base of that, it is a good challenge ahead and a nice structure to be in after Suzuki withdrew its MX2 team.
For sure. After knowing what I was capable of in my rookie year, at the end of the season when things started to click and we got the program rolling, I know what I am capable of. Yes, it’s a big ask for a second year, but it’s possible and not impossible. I just have to figure out what I need to do with myself, mentally and physically to make it happen. That’s what I’m going for, mentally I’m not putting pressure on myself because it is what it is, but I’m just going to ride the best I can and whatever the results are, they will be. So, that’s my mental state of mind at the moment and obviously it might change by round one, but I want to keep it in my head that we’re going to have fun and race my dirt bike around a track. That’s all it is at the end of the day when you simplify it.
Yeah, that’s really cool, you know. I have the opportunity to stay here in Europe next year, get a year on the Honda - we’re testing for each-other a little bit so that information is great for all of us - and then after next year in 2019, ‘20 and ‘21, we’re with Geico Honda in America. It’s really awesome and I’m stoked because, as a kid growing up in Australia, everyone wants to go to America. We looked at how to end up there, looked to what goals we wanted to achieve, so we took the route that we believed we had to take to make that step, so to see it all sort of panning out is really cool. I’m super-pumped. That’s definitely true. Well thank you mate, good to chat and hopefully we will be I know you don’t want to be stacking on the speaking to you again early next year! pressure before the one last season in Europe, but it’d be nice to get a world championship No worries, yeah thank you, looking forward before heading to the US, wouldn’t it? to it.
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MX IMAGE: MXN
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onsistency is key when it comes to the Motul MX Nationals and, as we’ve become accustomed to, private promoter Williams Event Management delivered a reliable Australian Motocross Championship across 10 hard-fought rounds. It’s this series that has proven to be the most constant platform in the sport locally and it’s gearing up for a captivating season in 2018.
NATIONALS
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fter sitting on the sidelines for the majority of the year before, to see Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Josh Waters capture a third-career YMF Australian Superbike Championship title in 2017 was an absolute mega result aboard the brand new GSX-R1000R. Few thought Waters would be in the race for the number one plate, but following all kinds of twists and turns he got it done.
JOSH WATERS IMAGE: KEITH MUIR
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CHAD REED IMAGE: SUPPLIED
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t’s been no secret that Chad Reed struggled through much of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series, eventually carding ninth in the standings and left visibly frustrated at year’s end. His lone podium came in a breakout showing in Phoenix, however aside from that it was a quiet year for the Aussie icon and he’s already planning to come out swinging in January.
INTERVIEWED
Following three years at Honda, a change to Ducati beckons for highly-rated Aussie Jack Miller next season and, judging by his form in testing, this step is a pivotal one for his career. WORDS: ALEX GOBERT IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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t 22 years of age and with three seasons of MotoGP to his credit, Jack Miller is poised to take the ‘next step’ in 2018. In signing a factory contract direct with Ducati for a single season, Miller has been placed within the top-level Octo Pramac Racing satellite squad for next year and appears to have his best shot yet at consistent premier class success. Following an inspiring first appearance on the Desmosedici GP during the post-season Valencia test where he was seventh overall on the time-sheets, Road Dirt Digital spoke to Miller about the challenge ahead and also the season that was.
KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R
PURE, RAW AND PROUDLY EXCESSIVE
Do not attempt to imitate illustrated riding scenes. Always wear protective clothing and obey road traffic regulations. Overseas model illustrated. Illustrated motorcycle may vary in selected details from the production model. Illustration includes optional KTM Powerparts which are available at an additional cost.
Photo: R. Schedl
Packed with gut-wrenching performance and evil looks, the new KTM Super Duke 1290 R is not for the faint hearted. If you think you have what it takes, challenge yourself to see what real power and precision feels like. The V-Twin power plant produces 177 hp and is the most powerful engine we have ever muscled into a street bike. The new KTM Super Duke 1290 R is one hell of a ride.
Obviously it’s been a big couple of days for you, but it all went really well in your first time out with the Pramac team and also on the Ducati. Tell us about that. Yeah, it felt like a glove, you know and it was perfect. The bike, as soon as I sat on it in the garage I felt really comfy and yeah, especially even on the first lap, I couldn’t really feel like I was on a strange bike - I felt comfy and even the handlebars and the seat position felt right. The team were really great to work with, my crew chief has a lot of experience. The bike - the GP17 - seems to be working really well and, you know, we have a lot of support coming in from Ducati, so it really gives you say back-up or support as rider to know you have the support of the factory behind you.
the Ducati, because you know, we’ve had some really good form in the last few races especially in the dry. I feel like I’ve really got my feet on the ground in the MotoGP class now, I can really start to do things like I did before in Moto3 with my own sort of riding style and stuff like that. To hit the ground running with a new team is always good, because obviously if you start off with some struggles or whatever, it’s never nice. To hit the ground running with them was really good, we’ve got another two-day test coming up next week - a week from today - so we’ll head down to Jerez for that. I’m super-excited to get back on it because it just felt so good, How important is it to get off on the right foot and we saw at Valencia on the weekend when gelling with a new team on a new bike? that the Ducatis weren’t particularly working the best, so I’m looking forward to getting to It’s definitely good. I think the last three races a track where they went really well this year have really helped the lead-up to step onto where Lorenzo did good and Dovi as well.
Looking back at the season that was, like you said it was a strong finish to the year and the last three races were especially good. How would you rate the season for yourself looking back? My goal was to be top 10 for the season, but we didn’t quite achieve that - we missed it by two points, but it was a pretty optimistic goal coming into the season. We went through some rough patches there at the middle point of the season where they changed the front tyre. I had to try and set myself up to ride that tyre, but once we got rolling with it, it was more or less a turning point, but then we missed the Japanese grand prix, which was a bit of a pain in the arse. In the last three races I really gelled with the bike and the tyres, and yeah, a strong finish. Also a strong start to the season on the other type of tyre, we started out with a few top 10s and had some really good pace at the start of the year. I’m looking forward to trying to do the same next year, but putting consistencies together and I believe enough in that bike and we saw what Dovi could do on it this year. I’m not saying I’m going to do anything like him, but I can try put together a couple of pieces and really get inside that top 10, if not even closer.
A strong season in 2018 - it’s a long way away yet - but it could potentially put you in the frame for a factory ride, which is a goal for everyone isn’t it? Definitely. You know, with things changing in the next year, we had to do a one year contract and that’s what we’ve done. We’re going to need to put in a solid year, but I believe with the package I’m getting from Ducati and the support I’m getting from them, I believe I’ll be able to do a solid season. It’s definitely good to see and always good to catch up, and yeah, just an awesome start on the Ducati, it’s really impressive. Thank you mate. We’re just going to try keep our feet on the ground and hit the next season running, but first of all I need to be 100 percent healthy, so I’ll try not to do anything too stupid in the off-season where I could start the season on the back-foot like I’ve done so many times before!
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Disclaimer - Repayment amount of $57.71 is the weekly equivalent of the monthly instalment, available to approved personal applicants of Yamaha Motor Finance to purchase the Yamaha YZ450F and Yamaha PW50 at a ride away price of $14,348 less a deposit of 3,064.73 and 60 instalments in arrears with a final balloon payment of $0. Based on an annual percentage rate of 10.60%. Conditions, fees and charges apply including an application fee of $325. Offer valid until 31/12/2017. Comparison rate is based on a 3-year secured fixed rate consumer loan of $10,000. WARNING: The Comparison Rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees charges, terms and conditions apply. Yamaha Motor Finance Aust. Pty Ltd. ABN 29 101 928 670. Australian Credit Licence 394553.
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Season 2017 was a mega one throughout the sport, with champions crowned and all kinds of action along the way. WORDS: ALEX GOBERT IMAGES: MXN/AUS-X OPEN/JEFF CROW/RUSSELL COLVIN/SUPPLIED
F
ollowing a thrilling schedule of racing globally, it was always going to be difficult to narrow down the most topical points that we witnessed in 2017 from an Australian standpoint. From MotoGP to AUS-X Open, the MX Nationals to WorldSBK, here are a selection of moments - in no particular order - that had us talking during the year.
LAWRENCE STARS
REA’S TRIPLE CROWN
We’ve got a huge amount of respect for Hunter Lawrence and his entire family for packing up and moving to Europe in search of motocross glory. As a rookie in MX2, Lawrence proved he is world-class by winning a GP moto, landing overall podiums and taking individual class honours at MXoN.
Irishman Jonathan Rea has been unstoppable since joining Kawasaki Racing Team in 2015, going on to win three-straight Superbike World Championship titles and etching himself in the history books as one of the series’ best ever. At this stage it’s difficult to see his dominance being broken.
ROCZEN INJURED Newly-signed to Team Honda HRC in the US aboard the latest CRF450R, Ken Roczen’s hopes came to a crushing halt at Anaheim 2, just three rounds into AMA Supercross. That saw him sidelined for the year with severe arm injuries, but thankfully he will return in time for next season.
MILLER MOVES ON Following three years as a Honda Racing Corporationcontracted racer in MotoGP, Queensland gun Jack Miller has signed a one-year deal with Ducati that will see him ride for Pramac Racing in 2018. Already in testing he has been impressive and we’re tipping a true breakout campaign.
MILNER TAKES ALL
COCHRANE CHAIRS AUS-X
In his return home to the Australian Off-Road Championship with KTM Enduro Racing Team, former national champion Daniel Milner went unbeaten in the AORC series during 2017. It was an unbelievable homecoming after a number of years in America and he’s in the prime of his career.
In one of the biggest announcements all year, AUS-X Open organisers announced on the Saturday afternoon of this year’s event that longtime Supercars supremo Tony Cochrane would be heading up the organisation as chairman. We’re excited to see where his appointment leads for the sport.
DOVIZIOSO ARRIVES
WATERS WINS AGAIN It was only late in the pre-season that Josh Waters and Team Suzuki Ecstar paired up to enter the striking new GSX-R1000R in the Australian Superbike Championship. However, when all was said and done at Phillip Island’s finals, he clinched a third-career ASBK crown in a phenomenal result.
With a full decade competing in the premier class of MotoGP, 31-year-old Andrea Dovizioso made his mark once and for all in 2017 to claim second in the championship. In picking up six wins along the way aboard the much-improved Desmosedici GP17, the Italian put up the fight of his career.
FERRIS ALMOST PERFECT DUNGEY’S RETIREMENT We knew the combination of Dean Ferris and CDR Yamaha was exceptional last year, however in 2017 they clicked another gear to dominate the MX Nationals, winning nine of 10 rounds. We also saw him shine in a one-off Pro Motocross appearance, plus finish third overall in AUS Supercross.
You could tell that the AMA Supercross series was a taxing one for Ryan Dungey this year, but few expected he would hang up the helmet once the season concluded. With four 450SX championships to his credit - three of those in a row - he will go down as one of the all-time greats.
MARQUEZ UNMATCHED It’s incredible to think that, at only 24 years old, Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez has six world championships in his trophy cabinet. He’s won four of those in five attempts at the MotoGP level and this year was a stunning one, overcoming a number of challenges to defend his crown.
NICKY HAYDEN 1981-2017
A
merican fan favourite Nicky Hayden’s passing in May at just 35 years of age sent shockwaves through motorcycling and motorracing in general. The 2006 MotoGP world champion was struck by a car while cycling in Italy and, sadly, he didn’t survive his injuries sustained in the incident. Forever to be remembered as one of motorcycle racing’s all-time good guys and true competitors, the ‘Kentucky Kid’ Hayden’s legacy will live on for generations.
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DEAN FERRIS IMAGE: MXN
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ith nine round wins of the 10 contested, this MX Nationals season was the best yet for CDR Yamaha’s Dean Ferris. They say defending a championship is even harder than initially winning one, however that wasn’t the case for former MXGP export Ferris. And then on top of that, he proved his international might by finishing second in an AMA moto at High Point!
FOCUSED
SYDNEY MOTORCYCLE SHOW IMAGE: ALEX GOBERT
D
arling Harbour’s brand new International Convention Centre was the home of this year’s Sydney Motorcycle Show and proved to be one of the most popular on record. With the majority of manufacturers in attendance, an assortment of smaller exhibits and all kinds of action-packed entertainment, there was plenty to experience for two-wheel enthusiasts.
FOCUSED
BROC PARKES IMAGE: SUPPLIED
T
here’s a lot to like about experienced international Broc Parkes, who finished third in the 2016/2017 Endurance World Championship with the YART Yamaha Official EWC Team. It wasn’t the crown they were ultimately capable of, however a fifth at Suzuka’s finale signified their strengths and his hard work was rewarded with a one-off MotoGP ride at Phillip Island.
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