MXGP #26 November 2015 by MXGP MAG

#26_NOVEMBER 2015

GP X M 6 1 0 2 ship n o i p m a h World C Calendar

y n e g v E v e h s y r Bob

e s r u o c e h t g n i y a St

RACING CATCH UP

Rider OF THE MONTH Evgeny Bobryshev

07 10 16 18 26 28 30 38 44 48 54 60 62

INDEX

COOL SHOT

MONSTER GIRLS

HALL OF FAME Doug Dubach

MXGP MAG: Chief Editor: Marionna Leiva Photos: Youthstream YOUTHSTREAM Media World Trade Center II Rte de Pré-Bois 29 1215 Geneva 15 Airport Switzerland MXGP Mag #26 November 2015 The articles published in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the official position of Youthstream. Then content of this publication is based on the best knowledge and information available at the time the articles were written. The copying of articles and photos even partially is forbidden unless permission has ben requested from Youthstream in advance and reference is made to the source (©Youthstream).

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

EDITORIAL

Giuseppe Luongo President of Youthstream Group

The 2015 FIM Motocross World Championship was an outstanding season in every aspect. MXGP has never had such television TV coverage as it had in 2015 with many prestigious local TV broadcasters along with Eurosport and MotorsTV for Europe, CBS Sports Network for USA and Canada, FOX Sports for Latin America, Asia and Oceania and BeIN for the Middle East and Africa. The participation of Ryan Villopoto opened the door for American fans to follow MXGP and now America is the number one country in terms of views on the MXGPTV Youtube Channel. All year long the racing has

been thrilling and it was highlighted by Febvre’s astonishing performance leading up to his well-deserved victory. MXGP’s presence on the various social networks is attracting a lot of interest from young fans, and as a result MXGP is becoming more and more popular and requests are coming in for more events in more countries around the world. 2015 was another year of records, not only in terms of TV and social media but also for the spectator attendance at the events; there has been an increase of more than 20% of spectators at the events over the whole season.

We continuously endeavor to improve; for 2016 Youthstream has invested in broadcasting Saturday’s activities live on MXGP-TV, Youthstream will continue its support for the MXGP Academy and other youth organizations to ensure the education and passion of youth in Motocross and MXGP will have 7 events out of the European continent; Qatar, Thailand, Malaysia, Argentina, Mexico and 2 in USA. The motorcycles have tremendously evolved over the last years, especially in terms of suspension and electronics which permit riders to go faster and faster. Likewise the race tracks will

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

evolve and particular attention will be given to the race tracksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; preparation and maintenance leading up to the event and during the race weekend.

tribute to the local organizers, because they are crucial to the success of the Championship and after years of working closely we have together improved the quality of organization, infrastructure, access roads and traffic management, and thanks to this close cooperation and trust from both sides we have reached the current level, and together we will continue on this road.

In cooperation with the FIM, FIM-Europe, Youthstream, organizers, manufacturers, teams, riders, media, sponsors and with the great support received from the MXGP fans today MXGP has become the most popular off-road motorcycle The pyramid system with the championship in the world. European Championship at I would like to pay a special its base and MXGP at the

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

top works perfectly as every year we see many young riders flourishing and then entering in the major series. For that reason Youthstream will start launching similar youth programs in other continents allowing youth from all around the world to be part of the great pyramid and strive to one day be an MXGP World Champion. Youthstream would like to thank the FIM, FIM-E, organizers, riders, teams, manufacturers, sponsors, fans and media who believe in MXGP and supports its growth.

COOL SHOTS

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

COOL SHOTS

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

COOL SHOTS

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

RACING CATCH UP

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

IT’S A UNIFYING FEELING:

THE 2016 MXGP WORLD

CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR As the 2015 season disappears into the rear view mirror of history, our two champions of MXGP and MX2 ponder the forever existential winners choice “to 1 or not to 1, that is the question” and as the merry-go-round of teams and racers gathers pace in the twilight of the year, we here at MXGP mag say, fear not, because it’s less than 4 months until Qatar!

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Yes, that’s right folks, the Christmas tree will barely be dry and brown and the smell of the new year’s champagne will still permeate carpets around the world as we start to gear up for the longest and most globetrotting MXGP World Championship ever!

tainment from February until October.

We’ve got it all, 21 races throughout the season with 19 of the toughest and most varied Motocross tracks in the world hosting Grand Prix events from old stalwarts like Valkenswaard to brand new facilities with all the bells and whistles like the Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina. Throw in the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations at no less a track than Maggiora in Italy and the brand new Supermotocross Riders cup at the hugely impressive Veltins arena in Germany and you won’t be wanting for enter-

The first bit of advice is to pick the round that’s in a country you’ve never been to, really. Look on the list and pick out the ones you’ve never thought of going to before and choose one of them. We know that there is nothing quite like going to your home country’s MXGP round year in year out where you know the routine, where to stay and what to do, but why not mix it up a bit, take a bit of a road trip into the Czech Republic and decide for yourself if the hills at Loket are steeper than they look on TV, or if the small town really did form

Let’s pick out some of the highlights and perhaps point you in the direction of a round that might suit you if you fancy joining the party this year.

the back drop for Casino Royal all those years ago. Hop on a plane to Qatar and get the best access ever to the riders, teams and track at the Losail International Circuit as they unbox brand spanking new race bikes and psych each other out in the side-by-side paddock. Plus you can catch some winter sun to make your friends and colleagues envious. Force your way across the channel tunnel to the United Kingdom for the British Grand Prix, because if you never been at a venue where you can see all of the race track from any spectator viewing area then you haven’t lived. Or cruise through the Baltics to Lativa and the tranquil beauty of Kegums, stay in a plush hotel in the country’s capital Riga, and experience a little bit of the fine Latvian hospitality in May. If sand is your thing and you want a bit more

than the shallow bowl of the Zelta Zirgs circuit then the final weekend in August in Lommel could be more your deal. The only way to truly understand why the Belgian circuit is feared by many riders is to be there and watch as before your eyes the pancake flat surface of Friday becomes a monstrous ocean of peaks and troughs that does its best to sink the spirits of the riders.

wer expected to make waves in MXGP and MX2 next year it could really be a blow out of epic proportions for a country that hasn’t had a World Championship race since 2001 in Roggenburg where Jamie Dobb, Claudio Federici and Marnicq Bervoerts won the three classes. Why so epic? Well from 1957 until 2001 there was a Swiss Grand Prix every single year except for 1960, which has to be some kind of longevity reWith so many epic races to cord for a host country, and the choose from it’s hard to pin down locals will surely be geared up what might be key to the season, for the return of World Champiwhere to go to see the momenonship motocross to their hometous races and feel the true pas- land on August 7th. sion of motocross. Why not take in one of the calendar debutants, If Europe isn’t your home conperhaps Frauenfeld-Gachnang tinent, then the 2016 calendar in Switzerland, just a short hop still caters for your motocross by car from Zurich, or a gnat’s needs. Fans in the Far East have over the border from Germany two choices for next year with and France. With their local stars the Grand Prix of Thailand movValentin Guillod and Jeremy See- ing to a new track in Suphan

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Buri for its 4th iteration, and the state of the art Motosport venue of Sepang joins the off road craze by hosting its first ever Grand Prix in March, so if you like to sweat while watching MX or fancy watching the race then taking a short hop to a tropical island then those are the races for you. South American fans have the fantastic track at Neuquen in Argentina as their stop on the calendar. A favourite for both the riders and teams in 2015 the purpose built track, carved into the lush hillside in Patagonia is a must see place for any die hard fan. It’s quite a long haul, even for the locals, so start planning that one now if you want to bag a spot in one of the fantastic guest houses and hotels that congregate in the outdoor lovers paradise.

As a brief aside and if you are looking for ultimate MX atmosphere then Saint Jean d’Angely may not be new but it is returning after a brief hiatus, and with French riders number 1 and 2 in the world for next year it will be one of those events that you don’t want to miss. A close second in terms of atmosphere may go to the first of the two Italian rounds, Pietramurata ahead of Mantova, but both are fantastic places to visit. The former offers a race that covers under stratospheric cliffs in the heart of wine country, the second will make you a gift of the true Italian summer at a unique sandy “Stadium” of motocross, and both will not disappoint. Lastly to our North American leg of the tour which kicks off with the third edition of the fantastic

Grand Prix of Leon in Mexico. The city itself is a hub of bars, nightlife and a beautiful historic centre, and it certainly doesn’t lack for some Mexican atmosphere come the race weekend. Perhaps you live a bit too far north to make that trip, then worry ye not for if one Grand Prix in the USA in 2015 was enough to whet your appetite for racing then get set for a fantastic double header as we go to the heart of motor racing country in North Carolina for a totally new event at a legendary motor racing facility, the Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you have your questions as to just how this might work then take a look at the excellent event from 2015 at the TT circuit in Assen to get a glimpse of what MXGP will be doing in North Carolina in that Saturday night in September. If however you do have a han-

kering for the more traditional form of Motocross, the type that runs up and down the side of hills and deforms the natural terrain, then why not round out the season with our California stop in Glen Helen for the Monster Energy MXGP of the USA, 2015 was a fantastic event, 2016 will be even bigger and better. That’s the ethos behind the calendar for next year, bigger and better, more venues, more chances for people to see the sport they love in real time and more opportunities for the best riders in the world to challenge the best and most varied tracks in the world. And remember if you can’t get to all the races you want to then make sure you log on to MXGP-TV.com and get a hold of a season pass so you never miss a thing.

FIM Motocross World Championship

2016 calendar

Total minutes watched on Youtube MORE THAN 90 MILLION

55,000 people

subscribed from 235 countries

Total Views

28 million

15.254.253 only in 2015 season 24

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

MXGP SOCIAL

TWITTER, FACEB IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP @zatyzulaikha‬‬ Next year? FIM Motocross World Championship in Malaysia? Seriously? I can’t wait! @ mxgp

@ jac_malins Already missing the @mxgp at the weekends! Isn’t time for the new season yet!

@moto_mom213‬ ‬‬ @WilHahn_ @mxgp kinda wish I hadn’t told my 8 year old already,it’s all I’ll hear from now until then,he’s beyond excited!

@camreimers21‬‬‬‬ An @mxgp race at Charlotte Motor Speedway next year????? So sick!

@wilhahn_ Cool to see @mxgp coming to Charlotte next year.... For sure huge for our sport.... Sounds fun to race the last two...

@mrbinkels‬‬ @DavidVuillemin totally worth it. Great drama!!! @ mxgp

One of Romain Febvre’s most defining moments on his way to claiming the 2015 MXGP world title:

@mthugggg‬‬ ‬‬ When my boyfriend doesn’t answer me I know he’s playing @mxgp ‬‬ @ritsguerreiro‬‬ ‬‬ I wish some good luck to all the KTM family next season. They deserve it. go @ Antoniocairoli and @JHerlings84 #cantwait @mxgp ‬‬ @choquet_charles @mxgp you can’t see the atmosphère growing ! Just UNFORGETABLE ‬

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

WATCH the biggest crashes of 2015 here

BOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOUTUBE

@24mxhonda There’s something magical about @mxgp at this place! We’re definitely looking forward to return to Arco di Trento next year

@koolpx98 Hard work pays off@elhombre_21 @mxgp #fbf

@motochris @jnazoozke533_ in the zone. Excited about next year! #team33 @ mxgp#mxgp #emx250 @ ktmfactoryracing

@rynoglobal Took a cycle down to Pala to see the @mxgp world champ@romainfebvre ride and bumped into my old rival and long time friend@jeremymcgrath2 - was cool seeing two champions.

@teamwideopenracing @mxgp will be hosting a round at Charlotte Motor Speedway next year! Yes please!

IN THE WORLD OF #MXGP 29

RIDER OF THE MONTH

In the down time around new yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eve in 2012 before the season kicked off, the paddock stirred to rumours that something big was coming, something that would break up the established order, someone that could make huge waves in the sport.

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Evgeny Bobryshev: Staying the course

SPECIAL FEATURE

In two back to back races in July of that year the waves hit the shore as the instantly recognisable #777 of Russia’s Evgeny Bobryshev took its place first on and then on top of the MXGP podium in Sweden and Germany. In the sweltering summer heat that blessed the Teutschenthal track Bobryshev took his Honda to a hugely impressive double moto win ahead of Antonio Cairoli and Clement Desalle, and in the process posted a lap time 2 seconds faster than his closest challenger, just to make sure everyone got the point. Come seasons end he had taken another 3 moto podiums and a moto win to take him to 4th overall in the World Championship, far better than his previous best of 10th the year before on the CAS Honda and it seemed like the then Hon-

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

da World Motocross team had found its golden boy for 2012. Sadly that was not the case. Bobryshev spent the next 3 years roaming in a wilderness of injury and frustration, with race speed that never rose to its previous heights and a growing sense that he was living off of the 2011 results, he was looking like a rider who had missed his chance in another heart wrenching example of how timing can be a cruel mistress for motocross stars. In almost any other team that could have been the case but as the Honda Martin team morphed into the full blown HRC factory team that we see today they kept the faith and hung onto the big Russian, despite plenty of rumours and gossip that had him running towards the end of his tenure with the big red brand.

And HRC, it turns out, were right. MXGP Mag sat down with Bobryshev outside his camper van between practice sessions at the MXGP of Latvia, shortly after his 2016 deal to stay with HRC had been announced, to chew the cud with “Bobby” and see what sort of rider he has become. MXGP Mag: You’re on baby sitting duty right now it seems, but you’ve been on Honda’s for longer than you’ve been a father, when was the last time you rode a different bike? Evgeny Bobryshev: I don’t know but I’m really happy, it’s a good team, it’s nice to be there with a good crew and it’s like, I don’t know, every year the same team and I feel really quiet you know, because I know everybody on the team for some time, it’s quite nice, we need a bit more luck in racing but it’s good.

MXGP Mag: You have a different approach to racing this year, what is that and did that have a part to play in you signing with Honda for another year, what did you put into securing your future and what did Honda, is it a bit from both sides? Bobryshev: “Yeah a bit of both, I changed my view for racing because the last years have been really heavy and difficult years with injuries, I couldn’t grow, I couldn’t show my potential and the results that I wanted because of injury. The crash that happened, the broken leg injury, then my back and then my wrist, you know, and so this time I don’t want to rush so that’s what has been happening. I was growing in myself every weekend, every race and my gaol was to not get a zero point score but unfortunately it happened in Sweden, but that’s racing you know. It was a technical

problem because of my little mistake, the crash, and I was really sad about that. MXGP Mag: Do you think Honda and the team have appreciated how you’ve approached this year? Bobryshev: Yes, but it’s better to ask the question to them, but I think so because they have been really happy with me and with my mind and my view of racing and the racing plan that I have been doing for weekends. I think that’s what has become another reason for another year with them. At that moment his toddler daughter came bursting out of the camper van demanding a bit of attention from her Father. Conversely attention is something that Bobryshev has needed a bit of himself this year and it has come in the form of the HRC Sporting Manager Jean-Michelle Bayle

MXGP Mag: How have things worked with Jean-Michel Bayle this year, it’s been a new experience for everyone? Bobryshev: It’s good, for sure it’s good to work with a guy like that, he has a big experience, he is a big name so it’s really that you can learn from him and every weekend we work together, analysing everything, so for sure there are many things to take from him, which is good and helpful for us for strategy, for racing, for everything. We’ve worked on my technique with little things that we’ve changed, which has been helping and I wasn’t thinking to do that but he told me “try it like that”. That has helped me when he saw a few things that I’ve never thought about but when he told me it has helped. For sure from the outside he is like a pro, he can see what is better to change and to do.

SPECIAL FEATURE

MXGP Mag: So what about the all important work life balance, is it a bit easier now your daughter is getting older? Bobryshev: Yeah sure, way easier, she is like a real human now, but my wife does a lot of things so I can stay concentrated for my trainA crash behind us signified ing and racing, but for sure that his daughter Eva had I have time to spend with encountered the side of the my baby because it’s really camper van as she played good as you are away from with her tricycle and needed problems because you have her father’s help to extricate another life, it’s nice. It’s not herself from the wreckage, so easy for sure, many people but doing press requests and say “oh it’s easy” but it’s not looking after his daughter true for sure, it’s not easy was something that Bobrybut it’s fun, really fun. shev seemed to take in his stride, unflustered and seem- MXGP Mag: Could you ever ingly relishing the distracimagine having a life outtions that a rambunctious side all this, the camper, the toddler can provide. paddock the travelling, away from Motocross? That happened at the beginning of the year, we changed my technique and like now at the weekend he does really good analysis which helps a lot for analysing the race, for after the race and for next weekend and to have a strategy which is good.

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Bobryshev: No, not really because since I was young I’ve done this with my family, in the beginning with my parents, now with my own family. I like this a lot, it’s great, you travel around the world, you meet other people you see other countries, it’s cool staying in the camper, and I like it, not much more I can say. MXGP Mag: What about other Russian riders, have you opened the door a bit or do you feel there are more Russian riders who can come and do things in Motocross? Bobryshev: For sure I gave them more motivation, since 2010 when I started showing the results in the World Championship, I could show them that it’s possible because I’ve come also from

SPECIAL FEATURE

the level that they have now, so I think they have great motivation and at the moment we have great riders like (Aleksandr) Tonkov and (Vsevolod) Brylyakov showing great results, and for sure we have other riders who do the European Championship 85cc, little kids who I think will grow in the future and replace us.

was fast, like really fast in the beginning but in the end I would slow a lot because I was tired, but now I am more consistent in the races from beginning to the end. I can, for example, do my best time at end of the race which is showing good condition, before I was 5 seconds slower in the last ten minutes!

MXGP Mag: Finally, what do MXGP Mag: Talking about re- you want to get out of the placing, you’re 28 now, time year, what would be a job is going so fast, the year has well done? just seemed to go so quickly Bobryshev: For sure I want … to get one of the medals, Bobryshev: Yeah, time flies I bronze or silver, gold is diffiknow but I don’t feel like it. cult but I want top three, but I’m healthier than ever. like I said anything can happen any weekend so to say MXGP Mag: Are you much “I want to be there” I think different from the youngit’s not right you just have to er Bobryshev who came to work every weekend and then Europe and made such a big hope that you will get good impact? luck this weekend and be Bobryshev: Different and thankful after the weekend a bit faster for sure, more that everything went well. consistent, I mean before I For me at the moment that’s really important.

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Come the end of the regular season at the Monster Energy Grand Prix of the USA he got what he wanted, wrapping up third in the title chase, third in the world just 25 points behind his illustrious team mate Gautier Paulin, plus the runner up spot in the MXGP class behind Justin Barcia at the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations, a result somehow overshadowed by the France vs USA rivalry in September. They were fitting rewards for a year that may well define the start of a new period of appreciation for the talent and skill of one of the paddock’s most affable stars. For Bobryshev this is now a starting point, 2015 was all about getting to the end in one piece, let’s see what he can do with another full winter of training behind him to move forwards into the new season, as without a doubt once the big Russian gets a head of steam there is not much that can stand in his way.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Empirelogomats; the Environmental Mat Riding a dirt bike is one of the best ways someone could experience the great outdoors. It is basically the door to freedom, just a rider and their motorcycle, ripping through the open air, adrenalin pumping, watching the world go by at speed.

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

The thought alone is enough to make you smile. The bittersweet thing about riding a motorcycle is sometimes it can harm the one thing you are trying to enjoy, the outdoor environment. Although this is common knowledge and is to some extent inevitable, there are lots ways that you can help prevent any undue damage to the environment. A good starting point is an environmental mat. Since 2009 the rule for Environmental Mats was introduced to all FIM sanctioned events, the FIM rule states, “An Environmental Mat is compulsory for all disciplines. It must be composed of an absorbent part and an impermeable part. Its use will be compulsory everywhere where work

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

on motorcycles is allowed.” The purpose of an Environmental Mat is to protect the earth by preventing fuel, oil, coolant or any harmful substance from making contact with the ground. How it works is by laying a carpet underneath the bike or in any work place where chemicals may be spilt. The carpet has a rubber/ PVC base with a thick and absorbent layer of Nylon on top. The Nylon absorbs the chemicals while the rubber and PVC base works as a barrier of which the absorbed substance cannot seep through. While it may seem like a hassle having to carry a carpet with you to the track, it is actually worth it. First of all, you are protecting the environment

which will work in your favor in the long run since it will help in keeping riding locations open. Secondly, carpets are not ugly these days, in fact they have fast become one of the best things to have in your pit area as they make teams look more professional, clean and tidy and have become a prime advertising space too. How so? One company name springs to mind… Empirelogomats. Empirelogomats was founded at the end of 2009 by a Belgian couple, Luc Goffin and Christel Deneve. Luc and Christel are both avid fans of motocross and have followed the FIM Motocross World Championship for many years. In the winter of 2009, Luc and Christel came up with the idea of

SPECIAL FEATURE

printing onto carpet, just as you would onto a poster, to that same high definition standard. At the start of 2010 printing was in progress and Empirelogomats were in high demand. Since day zero, Empirelogomats have partnered with Youthstream and the FIM Motocross World Championship and their carpets are found in many areas of the MXGP paddock from the offices, right through to the podium, SkyBox and Restaurants. By the end of 2010 Empirelogomats were found in most of the factory teams and soon throughout the satellite team pit areas too. Empirelogomats are able to print absolutely anything

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

onto carpet and to a standard that is second to none. By doing this it’s like an extra poster within the paddock and what better place to lay a poster than underneath the bike itself where everyone is looking. What this provides, as well as protection to the ground, is premium advertising as the motocross bikes alone are one of the main attractions. “We love motocross” Mr. Goffin, Empirelogomats Owner, said, “we, Christel and I and our daughter Jaina, travel to all the GP’s. It’s really good because we can speak to all the teams and people who use our carpets”. As well as their commitment to the FIM Motocross World Championship Empirelogomats are always

willing to give to charity or to support good causes. “We will always help out where we can” Mr. Goffin continued, “we have made mats for cool events such as the Everts and Friends Charity Race which takes place in our home nation of Belgium.” The true blue motocross passion from a family run business mixed with a high quality product is what has made Empirelogomats the best in the business. Their product is widely used and next level awesome, so next time you are in the paddock, check out the team tents and see for yourself. In the meantime you can check out their facebook page: Empirelogomats Milieumatten.

MONSTER GIRLS

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

MONSTER GIRLS

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

The Prado parade The 125cc class in the European Championship usually puts a spotlight on the next big name in motocross. In fact both of the 2015 FIM Motocross World Champions and vice-world champions Romain Febvre, Gautier Paulin, Tim Gajser and Pauls Jonass have all won the EMX125 championship on their paths to motocross supremacy.

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE

This year, the EMX125 class was extremely intense with the championship being decided at the final round with two riders vying for the title, Jorge Prado Garcia and Josiah Natzke separated by only one point. While both of the bright young stars threw everything at the coveted gold plate, this year it was Jorge Prado, the youngest rider in the class that came away as the 2015 European EMX125 Champion. Prado was born in Lugo, Spain in 2001; yes you read that right, 2001. At the age of three, the tiny Spaniard got his first motorcycle and from that

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

there was no looking back. By the time he was seven it was already obvious that Jorge was going to be an exceptional talent and he was winning almost everything in Spain and beginning to make waves on the world scene. In 2011 Prado raced in, and won, the European EMX65 Championship and later in the same year was crowned the 65cc Junior World Champion. After ruling the world on his 65cc, Prado jumped up to the 85cc class where he experienced similar success and was pinned to win the 2014 European Championship and FIM Junior World Championship 85cc

but that dream was quickly over when he was unable to race due to a broken leg. Once Prado had recovered from his broken leg he decided to jump straight to the 125cc bike, a move that was deemed by most as crazy considering his age and diminutive stature. As the youngest contender in the 2015 European EMX125 Championship at 14 years old and with little experience on the 125cc bike, Prado was expected to be fast but not a title threat. That all changed at round two in The Netherlands where the youthful super-talent took the red plate for the first time with

SPECIAL FEATURE

a win and a second place for 2nd overall on the day. Once the red background was on the number 61 machine, he chose the 61 for the simple reason that “it’s cool”, it stayed in place for most of the season. It was after briefly losing the red plate at the sixth round of the nine round championship in Maggiora, Italy, that Prado refused to back down and he bounced back immediately at the following round in Lommel, Belgium to reclaim the championship lead with one round to go. Heading into the final round, which ran along side the MXGP of The Netherlands at the amazing Dutch TT circuit in Assen,

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Prado had a 1-point advantage over teammate Josiah Natzke of New Zealand. Despite the immense pressure that was magnified by the massively animated crowd in Holland, Prado showed all the signs of a true champion, held his composure and put in one his most impressive rides of the season to win the first race. With Natzke having a shocker in the first moto at the final round, Prado extended his lead to 18 points for the final race of the season and was able to cruise home to take claim of his second European Championship title. Midway through the season the Spanish prodigy was signed by one of the most

dominant brands in motocross for 5 more years. KTM Motorsports Director Pit Beirer said “KTM aims for excellence not just in the current season but in the long-term, so the nurturing of riders of the caliber of Jorge Prado is an essential part of our planning. We have known for some time that he is an outstanding rider for his age and we are very happy that we can work together to build on the next steps of his career.” These words alone validate Prado’s bright future; he is definitely one rider we look forward to watching in years to come.

D 54 Photo: MEYER

MXGP MAG 2015 2013 MXGP.COM

HALL OF FAME

Doug Dubach

A Life of Motocross

American racer Doug Dubach is very much a person who just loves motocross in all its forms. Having raced all over the world in his professional career, and having had the chance to race major events in Europe, such as the Masters of Motocross, Japan, Australia and of course back home in America he knows the true value of the sport. Dubach returned to Europe for the first time in a while in September of this year to made the trip to Ernée for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations. It was a poignant trip for Dubach as it was 30 years since he had raced on the Ernée track against some of the leading French riders of that time. “Going to a place like Ernée, it was just amazing, with the amount of people and the facility, the whole program, it makes you want to race. The track looked perfect, I would have ridden for any country to be able to ride that track. I guess it was funny, but back

when I raced I didn’t get the chance to race in Europe for the Grand Prix’s. I mean, I raced a lot of International races in Europe and I had ridden Ernée back in 1988. I am friends with a lot of European riders like Jacky Vimond and Jean-Michel Bayle, and I wanted to get back to Ernée and I wanted my boy to see the crowd, I knew he would be blown away from that event.” For Dubach the sport that attracted him at a very young age remains in his blood, and thanks to a father who saw the joy in motorcycle riding, the young Dubach got to experience riding a bike in 1971. “My father and I headed out to the grocery store back in 1971 to grab some last minute items for my mom’s family gathering. Somehow, we ended up bringing home my first mini-bike instead of the salad dressing we were asked to get. In retrospect that random act of convincing

my dad to buy a three horse power Cat mini-bike from a grocery store laid the foundation for my career in the motocross industry as a racer, test rider and entrepreneur. We rode up and down my street at eight or nine years old on that mini bike, just a little lawnmower engine in a frame basically.” As far as racing, Dubach didn’t get into that as quickly as a lot of the young motocross talent in USA, but after enjoying riding around the local area for a while he decided to go racing and has never looked back. “My first real bike was a 1978 YZ80 and my first race was also in 1978. I was a late starter, I started racing when I was 15, and I quickly moved through the ranks. I went from an 85cc novice to a 125cc professional in about a year and a half and I was just always excited about riding. The very first day I rode pro I forgot my pants and jersey, I left them at home so I had

to ride practice in jeans and a t-shirt. My dad brought my clothes, but by the time I got dressed I had missed the first moto start. I began half a lap late but I caught up and got third. And I won the second moto, so I won the overall in my first pro race. With not so much money in the family I usually raced locally, but then in 1984 I went to a national and I was 10th in my first attempt. I had a lot of bike failures then I had a lot of injuries and that slowed me up a little. I then got some support from Yamaha in 1987 or 1988 I think. I was beating a lot of the factory riders and got a factory ride and rode for the Yamaha factory for five years. I won a Supercross, and I was always the father of the

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

team, a good test rider and there was often younger guys like Jeff Emig or Damon Bradshaw that I helped a bit.” Despite being known as a good professional racer it was after his factory career that Dubach really came into his own, this time as a veteran racer, well not just any veteran racer, probably the best of his era. “While I had a good pro career it is my veteran career that helped me out and got me a lot of attention. I love riding and there are lots of guys who still race at local meetings and do it for the passion of racing a dirt bike. I also raced in Australia and actually won their series one year. You know you can never appreciate those types of trips and what impact it makes in your life. I mean for

me, I feel lucky to be able to do something I love and have all this knowledge and it has been a great life for me.” Back in 2010 Dubach had the chance of a lifetime to race the VMX round of the Veterans World Cup at the Glen Helen circuit. He would win the round and return a year later in 2011 to finish second overall with 1-3 results. “Somebody asked me if I wanted to race the veteran races in Europe when they first started, and I wanted to go so bad and it was so popular they were turning guys away, the gates were really full. They told me that the USGP in 2010 was coming and that it was being run on the weekend of my birthday, and to top things off they would be running a veter-

ans class. I thought that was pretty cool, they would run a race and it was in my backyard at Glen Helen. It was pretty cool and the time was important for the USGP, but they still put the veterans in there.” Racing, travelling and enjoying the sport he found more than 40 years ago continues to keep Dubach young and he knows that he should make the most of his life experiences. “You know, I am so lucky I got into racing and have been able to race all over the world and do so much travelling. I know people all over the world and have good friends in like 25 different countries, and that is pretty cool to be able to say that. If I turn up in a place like England I have a place to stay and its people like that I really enjoy their company.

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Going to England last year for a veteran race was also really cool, I hadn’t seen Jean-Michel Bayle in a while and when he raced in America we got on really well, in fact I was one of the few people who he called a friend. He has always been a good guy and any competitor you could learn from was someone I wanted to get to know, and he was something else on a motorcycle.” Dubach is a fan of motocross and his visit to his local track at Glen Helen for the 2015 USGP this year blew him away. He had of course ridden the circuit before but this year he saw something very special. “I went to the USGP at Glen Helen and it was a fun event and sometimes I think the American public don’t really appreciate the global talent of the GP guys. American fans can be narrow minded sometimes and my boy and I had such

a great time there and Romain Febvre was just amazing and Glen Helen isn’t an easy track to come to and I hope the Americans embrace the two USGP’s in 2016. You know, it is like anything, everyone shares something at the top and I think American riders dominated for a while, but now it’s very close, and I wish more people would be like Carmichael, he would race for their country, he would ride no matter what and the Motocross of Nations deserves 100% respect, it’s an amazing event. One thing is for sure, Dubach will be in the crowd at the two USGP’s in 2016, smiling and remembering his time as one of the best, but more importantly enjoying watching the sport that has given him so much success and pleasure. Text: Geoff Meyer Photos: Joe Bonnello

PADDOCK TALKS

Paddock Talks 01/The popular Belgian Ken De Dycker has inked a deal with 24MX Honda for 2016 02/Congratulations Xavier Boog on your marriage 03/Romain Febvre on slicks in Mettet 04/Tony Cairoli is not only talented on two wheels, he also knows how to tear up a track with four. 05/MXGP 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our videogame sequel was a hit at Paris games week

03 05

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Paddock Talks 06/Gautier Paulin is on the road to recovery after knee surgery. 07/Tommy Searle makes his return to Kawasaki with British team Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki 08/Youthstream Director Mr. David Luongo and Youthstream CEO Mr. Didier Henroid were proud to have the MXGP World Champion Romain Febvre join them for Sportel 2015. 09/Max Nagl and Kevin Strijbos look forward to a quick get away before preparation for 2016 begins. 10/Jordi Tixier has been out burning a different kind of rubber.

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR

QUESTIONS TO THE EDITOR Hey guys, I had the news MXGP-TV will show LIVE the Qualifying races too next year. When can we start purchasing the 2016 Package? Thanks, Bob Dear Bob, Thank you for your email. The 2016 Package will be available very soon. MXGPTV will send a newsletter to inform once online. Regards MXGP Hi MXGP, I’m a journalist from France and I wish to attend some events next year for the Magazine I work for. Can you please let me know how to proceed? Thanks, Jean-Paul Hello Jean-Paul, Thank you for your interest in MXGP events. In order to be accredited as a journalist you should send an email to media@youthstream.org 2 weeks before the event you wish to attend. Looking forward to seeing you next season! All the best, MXGP

MXGP MAG 2015 MXGP.COM

Hi MXGP I’m Sandra from Italy and I was wondering where I could watch the races in Italy next year. Thanks, Sandra Hi Sandra As in 2015 you will be able to watch the Sunday Races LIVE on Mediaset. For more details a complete list of broadcasting networks covering the 2016 season will be available shortly on mxgp.com. Regards MXGP Hi MXGP Will there be EMX300 in Matterley Basin in 2016? Thanks, Alex Hello Alex, YYes, during the British MXGP there will be an EMX300 race, as well as an EMX250 and an EMX125. You can check the full EMX calendar on www.mxgp.com Best Regards MXGP

Hi MXGP Where can I watch the race replays from MXoN? Thanks, Patrick Hello Patrick, You can watch the MXoN replays OnDemand on www. MXGP-TV.com Best Regards MXGP

MXGP MAG 2013 MXGP.COM