Inside dirt issue 6 by MX Nationals

TRAINERS CORNER MENTAL ASPECT OF RIVALRIES

MW PLUG CHOP DYLAN WILSON TALKS RECOVERY

pg. 18

pg. 67

MYTH BUSTERS INDOOR VS OUTDOOR SX

SPMX TECH TIP HOW TO ADJUST YOUR SUSPENSION

pg. 34

pg. 46

GLOBAL IMPORTS INTERNATIONAL MEGA STARS PUT AUSTRALIAN SX ON THE MAP! pg. 08

SUPERCROSS ROUNDS 3-5

DIGITAL DESTINATION

ISSUE 6 3.12.15

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Issue number six of Inside Dirt has just

WHATS IN STORE

dropped and we have jam packed a huge three rounds of Supercross action into

Global Imports

MAD Trainers Corner

Hit and Miss

Myth Busting: Indoor vs Outdoor SX

Race Recap Interview Cooper Webb

SPMX Tech Tip

Aus-X Open Inception

6 Questions with Geran Stapleton

Plug Chop - Dylan Wilson

SX Round 3 Highlights

SX Round 4 Highlights

SX Round 5 Highlights

Supercross Rider profiles / reports

this week’s mag.

With so much to cover off,

including the fierce rivalry between Dan Reardon and Matt Moss, the unexpected show down between Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed, as well as the late inclusion of Cooper Webb at round five, this issue of Inside Dirt will get the blood pumping.

As usual, we will have contributions

from our regular columnists, including stories on the racing mental mind games, we find out whether Supercross should be held indoors or outdoors here in Australia, and we also look at the effect that the this year’s international superstar guests have had on the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship.

With only one round remaining

before the Motocross and Supercross season officially wraps up here in Australia, we look at the points tally ahead of round six in Melbourne and check out exactly who is in the box seat to take out this year’s Supercross Championships.

With coverage of every corner of

our sport included in this edition of Inside Dirt, you won’t be able to put this edition down.

So get reading. You’re about

to kick start your digital race update journey, and we couldn’t be more excited for you to find it all, in issue six of Inside 04

ID ISSUE #6

ON PAGE 18: Joe discusses the side effect of a bitter rivalry such as the Reardon vs Moss battle. Someone has to succumb to the pressure and the other will overcome it.

ON PAGE 08: GLOBAL IMPORTS; Decotis, Reed, RC, Webb and Faith all raced in 2015 and together helped put Aus SX on the map!

62 ON PAGE 34: Indoor vs Outdoor Supercross, the recent showing at Sydneys Aus-X open has this debate going viral. We explore the myth!

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GLOBAL IMPORTS INTERNATIONAL MEGA STARS PUT AUSTRALIAN SX ON THE MAP! The international Supercross stars

been plenty of questioning as to

have come out to play for the 2015

whether Australian’s were missing

Australian

season,

out on factory seats in replacement

making this year’s series arguably

for ‘big named supercross stars’,

one of the greatest of all time, and

which in Australian riders defence,

put Australian Supercross back on

appears to be a valid point.

the worldwide radar.

leading

Supercross

With Factory Honda setting

However with Decotis now the

SX2

championship,

the trend in 2015 and opting to

and proving himself to not only

field

international

be one of the fastest guys on the

assault on the Supercross season

track, but one of the most humble,

with

Decotis

genuine and professional athletes

and Gavin Faith, the team initially

out there, Australia has grown

copped what would seem to be a

more and more comfortable with

fair bit of flack from the Australian

the idea of importing big names

motorcycling community. There has

for our events this year. Plus,

completely

Americans

Jimmy

Decotis’ championship hunt

decision to ‘no show’. Not to

alone has seen Australian

mention that close to 16,000

Supercross

fans had bought tickets

some pretty well known,

long in advance after being

high

promised the most epic

coverage

traffic

websites,

international

which

turn

Supercross show down of

has benefited our Aussie

our time, even if it did take

contingent of athletes.

some attention away from

our talented regular Aussie

So when AUS-X Open

promoters that

announced

Australia’s

export

when

Stewart

his biggest rival of all time

time (shock horror), it was

James Stewart were going

to headline one of the

the entire world reaped

biggest Supercross races in

the reward of the Suzuki

Australian history, Australian

rider’s small crash at Lille

fans threw their support

Supercross

behind the event and the

which in truen ruled Stewart

international

and

out of the AUS-X Open. We

WHO?

before long Round five of

lost Bubba, but we gained

the Supercross at Allphones

the GOAT.

AUS- X OPEN HAS LOCKED IN THE GOAT

Arena was sold out in record

time.

who? The AUS-X Open had

Reed,

pulled out for the second

JAMES

Chad

greatest

racers.

and

THAT’S RIGHT,

names,

However, the worldly

recognised Stewart

Reedy

match

huge

surprise

when

France

–

That’s right, James

locked in the Greatest of All

Time, Ricky Carmichael, and

that

to top it off, a later inclusion

guaranteed bums on seats,

19-year-old

American

was thrown in to disarray

superstar Cooper Webb to

when Stewart decided to pull

race in Australia - against

out of the event at the last

our Aussie stars, for a sold

minute (surprise, surprise).

out crowd. Everyone forgot

So in our true Aussie spirit

pretty quickly that Stewart

AUS-X Open promoters flew

was even invited (Oh, and

straight over to the U.S to

we’re tipping he probably

remind Stewart of his legal

won’t be invited again).

commitment to the event,

and help him to understand

Decotis, Faith, Reed, Webb

the consequences of his

and Carmichael had on not

So what effect has

NRGTV CAUGHT ALL THE ACTION LIVE AS IT UNFLODED. Rewatch it all On Demand at nrgtv.com.au

MUCH RESPECT WAS SHOWN BY THE INTERNATIONAL STARS & WHAT A SHOW THEY PUT ON! 11

THE BAR HAS BEEN LIFTED AND THE AUSSIES ARE GIVING ALL THEY HAVE!

only the AUS-X Open but the entire

With Reed not having raced at

Australian Motorcycling Community?

Allphones Arena since the early

Well,

have

you

checked 2000’s and many of the fans at

Instagram and Facebook recently? the AUS-X Open having never had If you’re reading this article then I’m

the opportunity to see Carmichael

tipping that over the course of the race in the flesh at all, both ‘GOATS’ last week your news feed has been had said that they were doing it for 99% dominated by images, videos,

the fans even before the pair went

and content on these five big names.

head to head for three laps on both

Saturday and Sunday. Which in itself

With

Decotis

having

four

rounds, and Faith a few years under is one of the most epic performances their belts to get to know their from two riders in the history of the Australian supporters, the AUS-X sport globally. (I guarantee you’ll be Open was understandably the Webb,

telling your kids about that match up

Reed, GOAT show – and in reality

for years).

‘show’ is an understatement, those

But neither of them stopped there.

guys gave Australia and the entire Although Carmichael had promised world a once in a lifetime experience,

the head to head with Reedy, some

and put Australian Supercross on the signings, and of course a few extra worldwide stage.

bits and pieces, the greatest athlete

From the minute fans arrived in MX/SX racing history decided to

in Sydney, they were treated to not treat Australia (and the entire world only a ‘better than Bubba’ reception,

for that matter) to so much more.

but each of the global imports took

Carmichael participated in SX1

the time to not only get to know practice, qualifying, he threw down their supporters, but allow people to

huge whips, he ran fourth fastest in

walk away with autographs, photos, Superpole, he threw goggles in to memories, and the genuine opinion

the crowd, and there wasn’t actually

that bringing these guys over to race a time that we didn’t see Carmichael was no doubt the best thing to ever behind the gates chatting to riders or happen to Australian Supercross.

watching on in his gear for the entire

Mind you, this was all before weekend. Carmichael gave back to

Carmichael, Webb and Reedy had Australia, made our entire country even thrown a leg over a bike or

forget that there was a world outside

entered the arena.

Allphones Arena, and without a doubt

So it was no shock that when

made every single fan forget that

bikes started, that’s when the real

James Stewart was ever an option to

party got under way.

race.

I don’t think you can compare many

And you couldn’t have scripted the

experiences to what has been

main event better – Dan Reardon

delivered to Australian Supercross

lead from Reedy and Webb, then

fans in the last couple of months. the top three went down, allowing Decotis and Faith have already Lawson Bopping to take over, then proven that they’re top blokes, it was Reed, then Webb and then on could we really get lucky with any

the final lap Webb held off Reedy to

more international stars? You bet ya!

take one of the most exciting race

And when the main events wins of his entire career by less than

kicked off in Sydney, Webb, Reed, a bike length. Phewwww I am out of Decotis, and Faith all lined up breath. alongside our Australian stars with

And once again, not one fan

the utmost respect for our country.

complained that it should have been

an Aussie on the top of the box (we

On the first night, fans were

treated to an epic Chad Reed win didn’t even complain that Webb ahead of Faith and Reardon in had edged out our very own Chad the SX1 class, while Webb took

Reed) instead every single person

his fourth place on the chin, and

in Allphones Arena was upstanding

commended the Aussies on their

cheering on Webb, celebrating his

speed and talent (what a legend).

incredible achievement.

Oh, and Decotis in the SX2

So what exactly has been the

Class? Yeah he won that too! flow on affect since welcoming all And guess what? Not one person

of these big international superstars

whinged about it not being and to our shores? Aussie – instead Decotis thanked

16,000 Australian spectators and

2015

Well,

aside

Australian

from

our

Supercross

shared his appreciation for the Championship now being covered warm welcome we had given him.

by the likes of RacerX, Transworld,

Then on day two of the AUS-X

Vurbmoto, Channel 7 and more, the

Open, with live coverage on 7mate

social media reach from this year’s

and again thousands of fans ready

series has gone through the roof.

for a once in a lifetime experience,

Collectively, these big names

all of the international stars lined up have re-launched our series, our for a second time and put on a show athletes, and our MX and SX events determined to leave Aussie fans onto the world stage. Australia is with some epic lasting memories. 14

no longer that island in the middle

of nowhere, but a country full of crazy the great success of the 2015 Australian motorsport fans, and home to some of Supercross Championship, and are the fastest racers in the business.

already itching for their invite back next

year.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international super

star guests have delivered on their promises supercross

throughout season,

the

they

With a huge depth of talent already

entire in Australia, and now confirmation from provided international stars that us Aussies can

a once in a lifetime opportunity to put on one hell of a show, the entire thousands of Australians, and have put

world is already waiting for the 2016

our sport on the world radar. Reedy, Australian Supercross Championship Decotis, Webb, Carmichael, and Faith to kick off, and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more have individually contributed to some of excited.

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THE MENTAL EDGE Hello everyone and welcome to going undefeated in Championship another edition of the MAD trainers overalls corner.

This

Supercross

through

the

2013-2014

season MX nationals and SX series also

has been nothing short of amazing illustrated this point further, these every round so far with the SX 1 class riders would not be on the elite having been predominantly a battle level they are performing at without between Dan Reardon and Matt complete confidence and self-belief. Moss. With that in mind I want to

Where does that leave us

discuss a side effect of the bitter and however when two great riders with well documented rivalry between the the same mindset square off in a two riders, that being mental strength very public and heavily documented and the head games that come with rivalry? Ultimately the riders take on a rivalry between two champions.

the role of prize fighters vying for a

Both Matt Moss and Dan boxing championship fight, where

Reardon have total conviction in their the back and forth verbal jabs and ability and pedigree as champions. bravado are a precursor for the This could not be more accurately physical fight about to take place in portrayed by Reardonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return from the ringâ&#x20AC;Ś or in our case the Supercross retirement after nearly three years track. away from the sport to becoming

There can only be one winner

a race winner and championship in our sport at each race and finally contender right away. Matt Moss the championship. So when two

REARDON VS MOSS, THE BATTLE BOILS mentally strong riders enter a

will simply slow you down

something

championship as favourites,

and hinder your race both

Round 2, Reardon and Moss

why is

one will

physically and mentally. This

began battling on lap one.

succumb to the pressures

extends into focusing the

Trading blows on almost

and mind games associated

outcome of your race solely

every corner of the first lap

with this kind of rivalry while

on beating ONE other rider

it WAS ON as they say, and

the other will flourish and

and becoming fixated on this.

the fans were loving every

walk away with the #1 at the

In reality a racers job it to beat

minute of it. Unfortunately

end of 2015?

ALL riders he is competing

Moss went down early on in

luck

against and achieving this by

the battle and we never saw it

and the unforeseen racing

riding his own race, lines and

go down to the wire. Chalk up

events that always unfold

controlling the distractions

one win a piece for Moss and

have something to do with

like emotional rivalries such

Reardon and a confidence

end result. A riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability

as this one, to remain in the

boost for Dan. Round 3 is

to navigate these situations

moment and make smart

where things started to sway

mentally will decide

racing choices to come out

in Reardonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favour, another

outcome of his championship

on top.

close win with guest rider

campaign.

So when Matt Moss

Brett Metcalfe in between

Something I always

opened the season with a

himself and Moss and third.

illustrate to my riders is you

race win at Bathurst it was

The visual frustration on Moss

cannot control what other

business as usual for the

was becoming apparent.

riders do or what happens on

#1, a calm last lap allowing

the race track, you can only

Reardon to close up enough

turning into a race report, if

control your riding and your

for Moss to throw him a

we skip to round 4 and J2 it

own race. Any other factors

finish line gesture and in

was again Moss and Reardon

outside of your own lap times,

his mind have control over

out

starts, technique and rhythm

the competition. But then

exchanging

that

Momentum,

the

happened

Without

front

this

from block

article

lap

one

passes

last back to second. The pattern

here

becoming

apparent, when Moss and Reardon battle one on one Matt has either crashed or relinquished the lead to Dan at every occasion since round 1.

I do not wish to sound

biased in this article as both Matt and Dan are amazing athletes and by no means is this a personal attack on any one rider. However if we look at the mental strength analysis of how the series has played out so far, it would be a fair analysis that Dan Reardon mentally has the upper hand at the later stages of the series. After winning three races in a row and battling Moss into either a pass or crash on every occasion, Reardon has a current mental edge. So what can Matt Moss

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

A CHAMPIONS MIND SET do to regain a mental edge

championship situation.

and rattling Dungey on the

over Dan Reardon and take

Unfortunately another crash

race track every time he had

control of his championship

for Matt in the Saturday

the opportunity. Jeff Emig

campaign?

night final at Sydney did

also had a similar approach

We saw a glimpse of

not allow him to expand on

in the 1996 AMA Motocross

the right answer at Sydney

the confidence build from

Championship

where Matt blitzed qualifying

qualifying and likely will be

went on the record saying

with pole position and took

the nail in the coffin to his

he would dominate the final

a heat race win over Chad

championship

motos of the season over

Reed. Matt was focused on

against Reardon.

contention

where

Jeremy Mcgrath to win the

only himself in qualifying and

Championship rivalries

as I listed above, not allowing

between riders is nothing

happened.

any other limiting factors or

new and has been going

distractions such as other

beginning

examples I want to make

riders and rivalries allowed

of the sport. One of the

one thing clear. It is VERY

Moss to show his full potential

most recent in memory is

hard to keep a champion

and

the Jason Lawrence and

and mentally strong rider

the early day proceedings

Ryan

down

like we

the 2008 West Coast lites

Both Dungey and Mcgrath

to seeing. Had Matt Moss

Supercross

championship,

rebounded from these few

employed this same mental

with Lawrence coming out

defeats to become legends

mindset from rounds two,

on top after beating the title

of the sport. Champions take

three and four we may be

favorite Dungey via mind

adversity and find a way to

looking at a totally different

games, open trash talking

better themselves from it.

speed, are

dominating accustomed

since

the

Dungey

battle

for

title, that being exactly what From

It is VERY hard to keep a champion and mentally strong rider down for a long time. 22

for

the

long

above

time.

He we record nt on would saying he the fin dominate a of the l motoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s s That beason, exact eing ly wha t happe ne d

THE WAR REMAINS In closing I want to say that

work on himself over the off

although Dan Reardon may

season reflecting on how

have the current mental

he can come back mentally

edge over Matt Moss in the

stronger, focusing on his own

2015 Australian Supercross

strengths, performance and

series and be very close

following a pre-determined

to a title after Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNF

and scripted race plan in

his head, as opposed to

surprised at all to see Matt

reacting to what happens in

Moss come out swinging in

the battle with a rival where

2016 MX Nationals series

emotional choices can be

and quickly undo all of the

made in a split second that

confidence

will derail a riders race and

Sydney,

that

not

Reardon

has accumulated over the supercross season. A short mental lapse in confidence and concentration will make Matt Moss a stronger rider in the future. He will go to

championship plans.

C H I

WITH JOE STEVENS AND #TEAMMAD PRIVATE TUITION AND GROUP COACHING / SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS. ALL LEVELS OF RIDERS CATERED FOR: PRO RACERS TO BEGINNER RIDERS. CONTACT JOE STEVENS P: 0404059168 E: JOE@MADSPTC.COM

BREAKING NEWS • RACE COVERAGE • BIKE TESTING • LATEST PRODUCTS

/motoonline

@motoonline

HIT& MISS MotoOnline.com.au pulls out the microscope and takes a closer look at some of the talking points that made the AUS-X Open at Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Allphones Arena one hell of a weekend to remember.

HIT. THE HIGHS FROM ROUND 5 OF THE AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS

“YOU FANS WERE AMAZING TO ALL OF US AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT, THANKS FOR MAKING IT FUN” RICKY CARMICHAEL - RCH SUZUKI

challenging track came more crashes and injuries to some of the regular gate-fillers, but when all is said and done, Jimboomba delivered a great night of racing. Jimmy Decotis: Penrite Honda Racing’s US import Jimmy

Ricky Carmichael: Yamaha will be pinching themselves to make sure they aren’t dreaming after a completely dominant showing by the brand in the SX1 class. In Saturday’s main event six of the top seven finishers were aboard YZ450Fs (the only dash of a different colour was Honda rider Gavin Faith’s impressive second place). Backing up that dominant showing, Yamaha riders claimed the top six positions in Sunday’s SX1 main. That’s 11 of the 12 top

Decotis proved yet again why he’s the SX2 red plate holder with a brutal, overbearing performance all weekend. Regardless of whether he had to come through the pack or lead from the gate-drop, Jimmy D was simply on another level and left the rest of the Lites field fighting for the scraps. His lap times would’ve been good enough to run with the top five SX1 racers, which gives you some indication of how wide he was holding it.

positions belonging to the blue brigade over the two nights of racing! Yamaha: Under the eye of promoter Scott Bannan, Jimboomba threw up a monster of a track that had the racers on their toes and the thousands of spectators on the edge of their seats. Based on the St Louis round of the AMA Supercross, Jimboomba was described by many as a ‘man’s track’ that separated the wheat from the chaff. With the more

MISS. THE LOWS OF ROUND 5 OF THE AUSTRALIAN SUPERCROSS

missed out on witnessing Australian racing history. It’s not often the withdrawal of such a high-profile racer actually makes an event stronger, but that’s precisely what happened when Ricky Carmichael and Cooper Webb were flown in last-minute to bolster the starpower of the SX1 class. To see Dan Reardon, Chad Reed and Webb go hammer-andtongs all weekend was something no-one Injuries:

will forget any time soon.

Supercross always thins the herd as a championship

progresses

but

no-one

Matt Moss:

anticipated the sheer number of casualties

Team Motul Suzuki’s defending champion

that Sydney would produce. Adam Monea

bowed out of contention of a third-straight

(wrist), Gavin Faith (multiple injuries), Matt

supercross title on Saturday night when

Moss (thigh), Luke Styke (Achilles tendon)

he washed the front-end twice in different

were all high-profile SX1 non-finishers,

corners in the main event. Although the

while Luke Clout (concussion), Dylan Wills

second crash seemed innocuous, Mossy

(shoulder), Wade Hunter (foot), Luke Wilson

corked his thigh hard and was forced to retire

(wrist) and Jed Beaton (concussion) were

from the race as a result. Moss’s shocker

ruled out of proceedings in the SX2 class.

has now all but given Dan Reardon the 2015

A number of these guys will be back for

championship as the CDR Yamaha rider

Melbourne next weekend, but Sunday’s

finished a hard-fought third place. Dan is now

gates for the heats, semis and LCQs were

31 points clear of his teammate Kade Mosig,

very lean. Interestingly, the FMX Best Trick

who still has a mathematical chance of taking

contest, which is notorious for resulting in

the title next weekend. The odds though are

000 calls, saw all riders walk away uninjured.

heavily stacked in Reardon’s favour.

People who sold their tickets: If you’re one of the poor buggers who sold your tickets when James Stewart pulled out, we really do feel for you because you

“THERE IS STILL A LOT TO RACE FOR AT THE LAST ROUND.” MATT MOSS - MOTUL SUZUKI

WACTH ALL THE ACTION

LIVE OR ON DEMAND ANYWHERE, ANYTIME, ANY DEVICE

KIRK GIBBS RELIVE THE MOMENTS THAT MADE KG5 YOUR 2015 MX1 CHAMPION

MYTH BUSTING INDOOR vs OUTDOOR SX

In the last two years we have

their areas of distinction.

seen the reintroduction of

look

whether it is extreme heat,

indoor

events

at the traditional outdoor

torrential down pours, or gale

to the domestic calendar.

supercross event. Over the

force winds, they have very

With the final round of the

years outdoor supercross

little control over the external

2014 Australian Supercross

races have been held in

environment. Contrastingly,

Championships

being

environments ranging from

indoor

held inside the Brisbane

rural towns, to the infields

provide

Entertainment

environment,

supercross

Centre,

First

off,

let’s

metropolitan

to brave the unexpected,

sporting

supercross a

events

controlled where

the

and this year’s remarkably

stadiums, to the sides of

elements of temperature,

successful

Moto GP and V8 Supercar

rain and wind for example

being showcased in Sydney’s

raceways

quite

play very little part in the

All Phones Arena, debate

commonly on the interior of

outcome of racing. Is being

has sparked as to whether

speedway circuits. So, what

exposed to the elements

we should see more indoor

do all of these locations

a positive or a negative for

events brought back to the

have in common? They are

Australian supercross? Some

schedule. The only logical

exposed to the elements...

would say that immense heat

way to look at this is to break

Riders,

can separate the dedicated

the event types down into

organisers, and fans have

AUS-X

Open

and

teams,

event

from

the

deconditioned,

and that rain brings the dark

the lap times seem to be

By focusing racing towards

horse riders into the mix for

significantly

than

outdoor events riders have

a more level playing field.

those of outdoor supercross

greater track size, but may

Then others will argue that

races, and additionally gate

suffer from diminished crowd

environment

numbers commonly have

numbers. On the other hand,

removes the unexpected and

to be restricted so as to

if we channel our events to

shows the true champion...

effectively use the limited

indoor facilities we are largely

We then have the

indoor space. So, would you

performing in metropolitan

question of facility size. It is

rather see 12 bikes on a tight,

areas, where there is a much

commonly seen that indoor

cut throat racetrack, or 20

greater population size and

facilities

riders possibly more spread

as a result a much greater

spatial limitations, whereas

out on a larger scale track?

opportunity

most outdoor races have

We also need to factor

amazing sport to the masses.

a much greater capacity

in the location of these events

This kind of mass focus has

for track layout. Whenever

and the relative populations

also been targeted in years

we visit an indoor event,

that can witness the action.

past in aligning supercross

controlled

face

significant

shorter

bring

our

with other sizeable events

associated amenities is quite

such as the Moto GP and

substantial, and then there

V8 supercars. So, should we

is the logistical nightmare of

continue down these â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;piggy

trying building a temporary

backingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pathways, or focus

supercross track in suburbia.

on our stand-alone events?

provided when looking at

In addition to the above

points,

event

stark

comparison

organisers

the significantly decreased

must also consider the costs

costs involved with utilising

associated

running

a rural facility or purpose

their supercross events in

built arena such as that of

Australia. While it may seem

the Jimboomba X Stadium.

favourable to host events in

These low cost locations

large metropolitan sporting

though lead us straight back

stadiums,

to the issues of crowd size

with

the

expenses

involved with doing so often

and weather.

far outweigh the reward.

The cost of hiring out these

into the aspect of crowd

large

size though, it can be seen

facilities

and

their

When delving further

MYTH BUSTED? SHARE YOUR OPINION that event attendance can be successfully managed through the development of an ‘event’ atmosphere rather than a ‘racing’ atmosphere. You only have to take one look at mainstream sport to realise that they market their competitions as events rather than matches or races. We have seen over the years that indoor supercross events generally provide more of a clean event feel, with big screens, pit parties, freestyle demos and permanent vending areas. Whereas, outdoor events have tailored their focus more towards the racing as they have larger scale tracks, and less of an event atmosphere.

Looking at the big picture, I believe for

continual growth and expansion of Australian supercross to occur, it is vital we reintroduce indoor supercross events to the season schedule! In my eyes, a mix of both indoor and outdoor races is required, as we need to provide not only excellent racing and quality tracks, but also consistent exposure to the masses! What do you guys think? We want to know! So be sure to post your comments below and tag anyone that you think might have an interesting take on our topic!

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RACE RECAP - COOPER WEBB AUS-X Open champion on Sunday main event thriller and more. - Powered by motoonline.com.au

Cooper, AUS-X Open night two, Sunday winner, it must feel pretty good to win such an intense main event. Yeah, it was. It feels amazing. To end 2015 on a high note like that is awesome! For me, it’s a huge accomplishment. I grew up watching and wanting to be Chad Reed when I was a little kid, so to be able to race with him is a huge accomplishment. To be able to race him and have it come down to the wire like that was an awesome race. I’m just stoked. Whenever you can win, but especially like that in a fun, crazy main event [is good]. I’m sure all the fans loved it.

There was so much action there, with bikes going everywhere between yourself, Reed, Reardon, even Lawson Bopping, another one of the Australian guys. Take us through the race from your perspective. Yeah [laughs], it was a wild one to say the least. I had a good start, I think I was second there for a bit behind Dan, actually third behind Dan and Bopping, then I took the split to get around Bopping, then he passed me back in split, then I passed him again. And then Chad passed me in the ‘joker lane’ and Dan ended up crashing when we were all 1-2-3 right there. Bopping actually got back into the lead and I passed Chad, then passed Bopping and just tried to run away. Those last two turns were just crazy with me and Chad. It was definitely one of those things where you had to be there to see it in person. 41

What did you think of the fly-by lane? Compared to the Monster Cup, where the Joker Lane is a slower section, this one was kind of a shortcut and faster. I thought it was a good idea, because with the tight track sometimes it’s hard to pass. You could make your pass, but you had to play it right, because if you passed them and they hadn’t taken it yet, they can pass you back. So Chad played it smart and he actually passed me in it, but yeah I thought it was cool being faster instead of slower.

With Chad Reed on your tail in front of the Australian fans, live on national television here, that final lap – especially the last couple of corners and the triple – was really an intense race to the line. You almost crossed the finish sideby-side… Yeah, those last two turns, like I said were definitely different. The lappers were there, I knew Reed was going to be really fast in the whoops, so I kind of protected that line and then that last corner I knew he was going to try and run it in or I wasn’t sure what he was going to do. I had the inside, which was good for me, and I was expecting him to cut down, so it was all good. I thought we tied as well – luckily it was over the finish, not the single before. 42

You’ve had a really busy schedule since you came back during the nationals and you have been racing all over the world. So what’s next for Cooper Webb? Yeah, it’s been really, really busy, but awesome. It’s been an unreal year for me. I was able to get my first ever championship on the west coast. Unfortunately I got hurt at Vegas, but we came back in the outdoors and won some races, got on the podium. After that I got nominated for Motocross of Nations, but even before that I did the US GP. So a podium at the GP, des nations unfortunately we got second, but it was an awesome race there. Went to Japan to race the Japanese national and got second there behind Trey Canard, racing [Romain] Febvre again. Then it was back to supercross and raced Genoa in Italy and was able to win there, the next week was in Lille and got third overall there, felt really good. And then yeah, I got the last minute call to come here to Australia and it’s a place I have always wanted to come to, so I couldn’t turn it down. Saturday night I rode well, but it wasn’t the result I was looking for, so to end 2015 on the sunday night with a win against the legend Chad Reed is a hell of a season so far.

Well, yeah no worries, we all loved it and the crowd loved it. It was a great finish to your year like you said, so thank you for coming out. Thank you and hopefully I’ll be back!

Feel the Performance When you are in a competition and you want to win, you need to be prepared. Lining up is not enough. Off the bike you need to train, fuel your body with the right nutrients, and spend time recovering. On the bike you need to practice your techniques, improve your race fitness and test your motorcycle. The motorcycle that rolls out of your respective dealership needs customising to suit your height, weight and skill level. Whether it's suspension, engine, tyres or the chassis, championship winning technical expert Steve Powell of SPMX can build a bike to suit your requirements. Performance delivered.

03 9786 8848 steve@spmx.com.au

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TECH TIPS POWERED BY SPMOTOSPORT.COM.AU

How to quickly alter your suspension to suit the conditions of the track. So in the last issue we went through the importance of the install of your newly revalved or serviced suspension, this week we will give a brief inside, to some speedy chassis changes that we are likely to come up against in everyday riding, along with clicker changes and there influence over the bike . Almost every motorcycle made in this day and age has adjustable suspension of one type or another. Adjusting your suspension for your weight, riding style, comfort and/or performance can be a tough job. There are screws, clickers and adjusting rings all over the place! What do they all do? Well, that’s a very good question, because if you don’t know what you are doing, it’s very easy to get lost in it all, and be 47

stuck with a terrible handling and

Compression Damping:

uncomfortable motorcycle.

Compression damping adjustments

Before we start the best thing to

influence how the fork will react

do is go and have a look in your

when

owners manual for a standard

compression damping will make it

suspension setting (there are so

more resistant to being compressed;

many different types of suspension

less damping will make it less

now SSF,TAC,4CS , twin cartridge

resistant.

,open cartridge etc). If you can find

is what most people describe as a

this, you have a baseline you can go

fork or shock being “stiff” or “soft”.

back to if you get lost along the way!

Changes in compression damping

If you don’t have this information, we

will affect how a fork or shock deals

will cover another technique in just a

with the front side of bumps that

minute.

you encounter. As the fork or shock

So what do all those knobs and

meets the bump the wheel will

screws do? Let’s go over a couple of

be moved upward. If there is too

basics. There are three main types

much compression damping, the

of changes you can make to your

bump force will be felt through to

suspension (some bikes may not

the chassis of the bike. Not enough

have all the adjustments detailed

compression will make a fork or

here; see your owner’s manual for

shock feel mushy, or “wallowy”.

specific information):

Compression damping, from a rider

compressed.

Compression

damping

point of view, will mostly provide

“CHANGES IN COMPRESSION DAMPING WILL AFFECT HOW A FORK OR SHOCK DEALS WITH THE FRONT SIDE OF BUMPS THAT YOU ENCOUNTER”

the proper feel of compliance when

STEVE POWELL - SPMX

adjustments are almost immediately

adjusted correctly, and reduce the effect of the bumps that are on the track. Rebound Damping: Rebound is the more tricky of the two damping adjustments and the more delicate of the two as well. While compression noticeable, rebound takes a little more thought and experience. As you might imagine, rebound damping

controls how fast or slow the fork or shock extends after being compressed.

This

adjustment

is the real “feel” adjustment. When the rebound damping is correct, the suspension will feel controlled, and predictable. If there is too much rebound, the suspension can move too slowly to recover after each bump, and can “pack down”, causing a harsh and out of control feel. It can also not properly follow the back profile of bumps, resulting in a loss of tyre contact, and yet more unpredictable feel. Too little rebound can cause a wallowy feel, and in forks, make it feel like the triple clamp is “jumping” up at you. These uncontrolled movements will feed right into the chassis as well, upsetting balance and feel, and also affecting a rider’s confidence.

These are the basics of

suspension adjustments. In some of the latest components from HONDA and SUZUKI there are even low and high speed damping adjustments, but we don’t have the room to cover those details here.

In all cases, the next step is

to set the rider sag on your bike. Insert pic of sag adjustment

Rider Sag:

Interestingly, this also could

height, length, and stability.

So the sag is set, now what?

be too much rebound in the

We need to manage this

Well, that’s up to you. Go out

rear, which does not allow

correctly to evaluate what

for a ride on your bike. What

the rear wheel to properly

is needed ie: if we slide the

do you like about the way

track in the back.

fork toward the rider this will

it handles? What don’t you

Your bike runs wide

shorten the bikes length and

like? Write this stuff down so

on the exit of corners on the

height. We use this to make

you can contact us if needed.

gas: This could be too little

the bike turn faster and be

When you make changes,

compression in the rear,

more nimble and easy to

you want to make sure

allowing the rear to squat too

move left to right and put

that you keep the behavior

much, or too much rebound

more pressure on the tyre

you like, and change the

in the front, not allowing the

for traction, although as

behavior you don’t. Look

front wheel to track properly

mentioned earlier there is

at the descriptions above

under acceleration.

always a converse reaction

about

what

the

various

to this change and it may

adjustments do, and apply

Fork Height:

Many riders

be a compromise between

that to your bike. Here are

at an elite or A grade level,

the two settings, it will give

some examples:

that are in tune with their

a great feeling at slower

Your bike feels stiff

bike may ask a lot of their

speed

over bumps, and particularly

suspension, chassis and/or

unstable at high speed.

kicks back through the seat:

tyres. At times, the condition

This is most likely too much

of the ground may make

away from the rider to

compression

damping.

them feel a little uneasy,

lengthen the wheel base

Reduce the compression a

and a rider may need to put

we will get a more solid and

couple of clicks, more at the

more effort into the track

stable bike but the turning

back where it seems to be

than they should. The terms

may be affected, this would

more of a problem. Test ride

unbalanced,

be fine for the faster more

again…

frontend traction, kicking

flowy tracks, sand or mud

in the rear etc may get

tracks or hi speed desert

wallowy under hard braking

thrown

racing.

in a straight line: This is most

job to suggest changes to

likely too little compression

the chassis or suspension.

are a lot of possibilities here,

damping in the fork, allowing

Pulling the fork through

and you may notice that the

the fork to bottom all the

the clamps toward or away

front can affect the rear,

way and not work over

from the rider will have

and vice versa. Everything

the bumps you encounter.

an effect on the chassis

is connected, and a change

Your

bike

feels

pushing,

around.

It’s

our

but

could

feel

If we pull the fork

As you can see, there

in one area can affect many other kinds of

This info is generalized if you require bike

behavior. At the risk of repeating myself (this

specific information, or are looking to

is important though) make lots of notes, and

speciaise your suspension setup for different

don’t be afraid to experiment, but be aware

terrains or disciplines, Sx,Fmx,Enduro,Trail

that changing your settings will change

Riding, Motocross ,Dirt Track, Desert, Super

your handling, so always approach testing

Moto or Adventure

changes with caution until you become

steve@spmx.com.au

familiar with what each change will do. If

this all seems too much, the team at SPMX

That’s a lot of information, but it’s really just

have an onsite service were we can come

one step at a time, and we are only an email,

to the track and watch the bikes behavior

or phone call away.

and very quickly work all this out for you. 52

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AUS-X OPEN INCEPTION

STORY BY: KANE TAYLOR

THE BUILDING OF AUS-X OPEN

The plan to create the 2015 AUS-X Open began in 2013, when AME Management directors Adam Bailey and Ryan Sanderson had a vision to not only reignite Australian Supercross, but create an action sports entertainment spectacle.

Soon after, they embarked on

fortunate that he believed in AME

a 20-hour plane trip to France,

Management and the AUS-X Open,”

ready to watch some of the fastest

commented Sanderson.

Supercross racers in the world

compete for the ‘King of Bercy’

of U.S Open of Supercross – now

crown, in Paris.

Monster Cup) was brought on to

American

duo

Eric

Peronnard

(Founder

Justin

consult and attract the global talent.

Barcia and Trey Canard put on an

Peronnard spoke with many of the

incredible display of racing that

top name riders in the lead up,

year, Bailey and Sanderson left the

eventually acquiring two of arguably

event with even more ideas and

the best Supercross racers ever –

plans on how to not only replicate,

James Stewart and Chad Reed.

but improve on Bercy and bring it

down under.

absolutely vital. He created one of

Realizing the potential for

the most successful stand alone

such an event, a two-year process

supercross events in history via the

of research, evaluation, budgeting

U.S Open, which ran for 13 years. He

and action was required in order

consults with most of the biggest

to ensure the event was up to

events in the world, including the

standard.

X Games and is essentially one of

Johns Lyng Group owner

the most knowledgeable people in

Scott Didier was the third party

international supercross. We knew

involved in the event, providing the

his experience would be absolutely

initial financial backing required in

invaluable and it was.

bringing the AUS-X Open to life.

“Without Scott, none of this

both agreed at the very beginning

would have been even remotely

that we will bring only the best

possible. We’re so thankful and

of the best into the AUS-X Open,

“Bringing

Eric

was

Myself and Ryan [Sanderson]

2015 AUS-X OPEN

as creating a world-class event that put

Australian Supercross back on the map

concept was the importance of bringing

was our number one priority, and Eric is one

it to the comfort of an indoor arena. To

of those people, among so many others.”

get a great view of the track, comfortable

commented Bailey on Peronnard.

seating, easy access to food and amenities

and the ability to completely control the

From there, the duo went to work

“At the root of the AUS-X Open

on the commercial side of the event, acquiring support from government agency Destination NSW, then some of the most respected brands in not only the motorcycle industry, but the world.

“Acquiring

sponsorship

for

our

flagship event was absolutely crucial in order for the AUS-X Open to go ahead. Our plan was to create a spectacle like no other seen before on Australian soil, which made it a little difficult to sell as there was no real proof or collateral to support what we were saying, so the sponsors who came on board simply trusted our vision and for that, we’re forever thankful,” commented Sanderson.

important

environment was absolutely crucial to the

not only to ensure the fundamentals of

overall spectator experience. And as we’ve

Supercross racing (track building, signage,

witnessed in years passed of Australian

riders) were at the highest quality, but at

Supercross, weather is such a variable that

the highest priority was the entertainment

cannot be controlled. For us, outdoors just

values that go with it. Lighting, sound,

wasn’t an option.” commented Bailey.

pyrotechnics and a second to none pit

party (paddock) experience to name a few.

Open was the introduction of FMX Best Trick.

Another massive task was securing a viable

Being defunct from global competition

indoor stadium to host the AUS-X Open – a

since 2013, AME Management thought that

fit AllPhones Arena in Sydney, NSW proved

these incredible human beings and their

perfect for.

phenomenal talent should be showcased

Operationally,

was

Another major factor of the AUS-X

to the world, and went about acquiring an seeing athletes push the boundaries of arsenal of the best FMX talent from all over

possibility and try something that may never

the globe.

have been seen on the planet previously.

X Games gold medalists such as Tom Best Trick was incredible to watch and

Pagés, Jackson Strong and Taka Higashino brought a dynamic aspect to the event all faced off in the FMX Best Trick competition that we’re extremely proud of,” concluded against local talent Ryan Brown.

Bailey.

“FMX Best Trick has always lead

Of equal importance as the event

the innovation of the sport of Freestyle

itself, was ensuring that it would received

Motocross. Once again we went to every

widespread

measure we could – including getting a

coverage, to showcase it in all it’s glory.

quarter pipe, which, logistically wise, was very difficult. 60

“We

national managed

and to

international secure

some

incredible coverage. Getting on primetime

There is nothing more exciting than programs like Sunrise along with the news

was fantastic for the AUS-X Open and and Copper Webb; spectators were perhaps supercross in general. And then obviously

even more thrilled to see them.

locking down the broadcast with 7mate

was huge for us, our partners, and the sport

two (Carmichael & Webb) for taking this

in general,” stated Sanderson.

trip on such short notice. They were both

the

month

It’s an absolute testament to those

November

fantastic guys to work with, and went

commenced, a huge curveball was thrown

above and beyond not only for us, but most

AME Managements way, when star athlete

importantly for the fans who travelled from

James Stewart injured himself during the

all over Australia and internationally also,”

Bercy Supercross, and was forced to cancel

commented Bailey.

his Australian appearance.

absolutely phenomenal. Both the SX2 and

“That whole James Stewart situation

From a racing perspective is was

was really difficult. I think the incredible thing SX1 classes were amazing to watch. This was, with the inclusion of Ricky Carmichael

coupled with the FMX Best Trick contest, 61

Story by: Kane Taylor

back to back for 3.5 hours – there was never dedicated workers at AME Management, a dull moment.

we’re a small but incredibly passionate

team. This event and all it’s success is as

“Looking back on the event, and the

journey it has been to get to this point is just much there’s, so thank you all. surreal. To have it run so seamlessly and see so many fans of all ages, so happy was We’ll see you in 2016!” exclaimed Bailey. just awesome. Those guys spent their hard earned money to travel from all over the AME Management staff: world to be there.

Myself and Ryan both have to

Adam Bailey – Director

thank Scott for believing in us from the Ryan Sanderson – Director beginning, we are extremely grateful. Also

Kane

Taylor

–

Marketing

and

Events

Destination NSW for being so supportive

Assistant

of the AUS-X Open concept from day one

Matt Smith – Event Operations Manager

all of our fantastic sponsors, again who

Natalie Cerocchi – Major Events and

jumped on board, based on a vision only.

Marketing Assistant

All the contractors we brought in from Eric,

Lachlan Russell – Senior Digital Content

the track workers and our laborers, Kevin

Producer

Williams and his entire WEM crew guys did Jarryd English – Digital Content Producer an absolutely amazing job and RACESAFE Ben Williams – Site Operations Manager for keeping our riders safe. Finally, our

Daniel Buccella – Track Operations Manager

QUESTIONS WITH GERAN STAPLETON

Where did you get the nickname Banga? I used to work for Yarrive at Honda back in 2010 and 2011 as the truck cleaner, factory cleaner, floor sweeper and Yarrive’s personal car detailer, and it was when Brad McAlpine was the Honda team manager and he started calling me G-banger (Ha, get it?), which then obviously got shortened to Banga. Tell us about the track at AUS-X Open The track was the best finished off track we’ve had. That one rhythm section after the first turn tested a few of us though. The whoops held up really well and the ramp was just something to look forward to every lap – even though I cased the crap out of it in practice. I couldn’t get the quad, which was so annoying - If you got the quad, the rhythm section was really easy but I could only triple on and I didn’t want to crash (laughs). I tried but I was no good. Motocross or Supercross? Supercross. Because you don’t get dirty, and usually the roost doesn’t hurt as much. You don’t go through as many air filters, the bike is easier to clean and maintain, and it’s fun to go to the track and ride because it’s not some ratty motocross track. The only hard part is actually trying to find Supercross tracks to ride on (laughs). Oh and there’s usually an 64

after party after every round – I haven’t been to one yet this year but you can guarantee I will be all over the dance floor at the after party in Melbourne this weekend. First car? My first car was a Ford Transit van, and we had so many girls in there (laughs). I hadn’t discovered the drive in’s when I had that car which was a bit of a bummer – girls love the drive in’s. But I have a missus now so I behave these days. It was white with many other cars colors all over it because it had been crashed so many times. I actually eventually wrote it off on the M1 – I hit a parked car at about 80kms and hour. Good times. Favorite Australian track and why? Probably Wanneroo. It gets gnarly and rough and growing up in Rosebud I really enjoy riding the sand. Most embarrassing racing moment? That’s pretty easy, German Supercross last year. I went out and did a front flip in the whoops during the first practice, and then cartwheeled on the triple in the second practice and then cartwheeled again in the heat race. I went through two helmets that day. The European career went quite well – I really threw myself in the deep end on the 450. Least favorite rider to race? Probably anyone who’s your team mate. I remember back in the day when I raced Ryan Marmont and we were on the same team and he was so hard to pass, and I couldn’t punt him because I’d be dead if I came back into the pits after that. It’s not like you want to punt them, but if you do punt them accidentally you’re in big trouble. 65

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TA R G E T :

DY L A N

W I L S O N

Eight months on since nearly losing his life racing at Horsham, we catch up with Dee Wilson, to hear what life looks like now since his crash, and what the chances are of seeing him back on a bike.

On March 29th 2015, you were close to losing your life after crashing at round one of the MX Nationals in Horsham which ended up leaving you in a coma and fighting for your life - what has your world been like since that day? It’s different. Before my crash at Horsham, I had put a lot of work in on the bike during the pre-season to be ready for the Nationals, and I had planned to work throughout the season laboring so I could keep racing every weekend. I was hoping this year I could have a real crack at racing, and I felt really confident knowing that I could do well. Then after my result in moto one in Horsham, I guess I believed a bit more that I was actually a championship contender. Now it’s sort of weird. Before my crash I had a lot of routine, I knew what I was doing every day, I knew where I was riding and I guess I didn’t have to do a whole lot of thinking to be honest. Life is different now, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s made me look at the bigger picture in life, and realise that there’s more to it than just racing.

For those who don’t know, can you explain exactly what your injury was? The random reading this right now would probably know more about my injury than what I do (laughs). From what I understand I hit my head really hard, my family got a month’s holiday in Melbourne and I got a helicopter ride. In all seriousness though, basically when I crashed I hit the back of my head that hard that caused damage to the frontal lobe of my brain and my body began to shut down. I think they call it brain trauma. Most people don’t know I actually broke my collarbone and ribs too. Since your crash, you have made a remarkable recovery, especially given that the prognosis you received when you initially crashed was pretty grim. Did you think that you would be back on your feet this quickly? Actually all I remember is being on my feet (laughs). I don’t really remember anything from the crash, or 68

much afterwards to be honest. From what I’ve been told when I crashed things weren’t looking good, and no one really knew what to expect in terms of my recovery. I do feel pretty much back to myself now though which apparently is a lot more than what anyone could have ever expected. What are the main things that have changed for you since March? At the start once I got home from hospital in Melbourne it was waking up every day and not really knowing what to do. I didn’t have to go to work, and I couldn’t ride so I was bit bored. Once time passed and I started getting better, I was able to go to the track with Jay and get out of the house a lot more. Then MXStore were actually good enough to give me some work in the warehouse which is part of the ‘road to work’ program for people with brain injuries. Mick Sinclair played a big part in getting me in contact with those guys, which was awesome. Since then things have started to feel a lot more

normal. It’s also been different being on the other side of the fence at the races this year. I’ve had the chance to help Jay a lot – I’ve worked on his bike, I’ve gone to the track during the week and pit boarded for him, and it was a massive reward after this year to see him win the MX2 championship, so although I haven’t been able to get back on the bike myself, there have been a lot of positive things that have happened. What has been the hardest thing to deal with since your injury? I’ve raced since the age of four, and I’ve been on my bike pretty much every weekend since I started riding so it’s been really hard having so much time off. It’s also hard for me to accept that I’ve suffered such a bad injury because I think that I feel fine and I just want to do normal things, when there are times that my body doesn’t really cooperate. The other hard thing has been that my crash has affected the people around me in a different way that it’s effected me. For me, it was just that I had a long sleep, whereas for my family and my friends the whole experience was understandably very hard and that’s been a tricky thing to deal with. What has surprised you most since your crash? Instagram followers. Literally if you have a massive one, you can gain a thousand followers in a week. I wouldn’t recommend it though. The other thing is that people are still genuinely shocked that I’m still the same person since my crash. I’ve just got a few more followers these days. I’ve heard you’ve been thinking about getting back on the bike; do you have plans to jump back on anytime soon? Yeah of course I’m planning to get back on the bike. Like I said, I’ve been doing it since I was four years old, so it’s what I do. A lot of people are probably shocked to hear that, but it’s all I know. I’m not sure to what level I’ll ride at, and I don’t know how serious I will be about racing, 69

but once the 12 month mark is up, and a doctor will let me back on a bike, I’ll be straight to the track. Do you have any fears about riding again? No. I’ve seen plenty of guys have similar injuries and come back and be competitive. I don’t see why I would be any different. So what next? I’ve actually been spending a little bit of time in Melbourne seeing some of the places that I don’t remember seeing which has been cool (laughs). From now on though the plan is just to keep working and then by the time March rolls around next year hopefully be back on the bike. This year has been a real journey and now for me, life is about having fun and enjoying myself. Thanks for the chat Dee, it’s good to have you back! No worries at all, thanks heaps. 70

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ROUND 3

WAYVILLE After

seven

year

display lit the night sky to

However both Reardon and

absence, supercross made

cap a memorable night’s

Decotis had to work hard

entertainment, CDR Yamaha

to take their victories, each

Adelaide Showground with

rider

and

having to stage dramatic

tonight’s Energy Logistix third

Penrite

Racing’s

come from behind rides to

round of the 2015 Australian

Jimmy Decotis wore the

grab the chequered flag in

Supercross

biggest smiles of all after

races that had the Adelaide

presented by Penrite Oil.

capturing the SX1 and SX2

crowd on their feet and

finals respectively.

cheering .

triumphant

return

Championship

As a huge fireworks

Dan

Reardon

Honda

In the SX1 class, championship leader Reardon marked his turf from the outset of the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action, winning both SX1 heat races and the Dash for Cash shoot-out to firmly stamp his favourtism for the final.

But when the gate dropped on the

SX1 main event it was NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing rider Adam Monea who grabbed the holeshot and lead the opening laps before Reardon steamrolled past.

Soon after, however, Reardon stalled

his bike in a corner, allowing Monea and reigning champion Matt Moss (Team Motul Suzuki) through to set the stage for a threeway battle for the lead as a fast-restarting Reardon set sail after them.

Moving into the mid-stages of the race,

Moss made the front running as Reardon charged closer and closer in second, the arch rivals ultimately banging bars once again, just as they did at the previous round of the championship at Jimboomba two weekends ago.

Reardon eventually gained the upper

hand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as he did at Jimboomba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with Moss holding tight in second, as hometown favourite and special guest competitor for

the event, Brett Metcalfe (SD3 Husqvarna)

win, and in the process firmly keep hold of

turned on a stunning late-race charge that

the red number plate as Championship

saw him move ever closer to the front running

leader ahead of Moss.

duo.

Meanwhile

the

SX2

category,

In the end, Metcalfe made his move

American star Decotis might have snared his

past Moss for second, as Reardon held sway

third straight win in as many rounds, but the

at the front and took his second straight

Adelaide victory was his toughest one yet.

round win, with Metcalfe second and Moss

completing the podium. Behind the front

holeshot the SX2 final, but Serco Yamaha

running SX1 trio, Kade Mosig (CDR Yamaha)

gun Luke Clout was soon able to take over

and Monea rounded out the top five finishers.

the front running, and held the lead through

the first half of the race.

For Reardon, the Queenslander was

obviously rapt to snare such an exciting race

Local SD3 Husqvarna rider Luke Arbon

Behind Clout, Decotis was making

his move through the pack, the American passing Penrite Honda Wilson MX rider Jackson Richardson to take second and then set off after the leader.

Pouring on the pressure, Decotis

ultimately made a pass stick and slipped by Clout in the latter stages of the race, to go on and maintain his unbeaten streak in the championship. Clout finished second with Richardson third, while Dylan Wills (Newcastle KTM) and Arbon rounded out the top five SX2 placings. 75

In the SXD class, the Adelaide event saw Brock McLeary (Raceline Suzuki) take the round win, ahead of round one winner Mitch Evans (GYTR Yamaha) and Trent Wheatley (Mathews Motorcycles Honda).

With

the

2015

Australian

Supercross Championship now reaching its halfway stage, the remaining three rounds will be absolutely critical, kicking off with round four back at Jimboomba, Queensland, on 21 November.

T H E R E S U LT S SX1 Main Event Results: 1.

DANIEL REARDON

BRETT METCALFE

MATT MOSS

KADE MOSIG

ADAM MONEA

LAWSON BOPPING

DANIEL MCCOY

LUKE STYKE

JAMES BOOTH-ELLIOTT

10.

DANNY HAM

SX2 Main Event Results: 1.

JIMMY DECOTIS

LUKE CLOUT

JACKSON RICHARDSON

DYLAN WILLS

LUKE ARBON

JOEL WIGHTMAN

GERAN STAPLETON

WADE HUNTER

LEWIS WOODS

10.

JACK SIMPSON

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ROUND 4

JIMBOOMBA CDR Yamaha’s Dan Reardon

Reardon to streak to his

Moss, second CDR Yamaha

extended his 2015 Australian

third-straight win.

rider Kade Mosig rode strong

Supercross

Championship

While Reardon sailed away

all race to nail down a solid

lead

out

determined

third place finish, while NPS

performance from Moss saw

Monster Energy Kawasaki

evening

him climb to second, ahead

Racing’s Adam Monea and

after what was a dramatic

of Reardon’s factory Yamaha

DPH

start to the main event.

teammate

Stevens Yamaha’s Lawson

with

assertive

victory at Jimboomba Queensland,

this

Reardon

rival

Matt

and

front,

Kade

Mosig,

Motorsports

Peter

arch-

completing the podium in

Bopping filled the top five.

(Team

third at round four. The top

Motul Suzuki) traded the

five was completed by Adam

podium, Reardon was once

lead multiple times in the

Monea (NPS Monster Energy

again

opening corners of the 20-

Kawasaki)

Lawson

another Jimboomba win for

lap main event before a

Bopping (Peter Stevens DPH

the south east Queensland

crash from Moss put him

Yamaha).

fans, who again turned out

out of contention, enabling

in force, despite roasting

Moss

and

Behind Reardon and

Atop

the

delighted

post-race to

get

temperatures

approaching

degrees

through the afternoon.

“This one is a really critical round in

the championship, so I’m rapt to get the win for all the fans here in Queensland that have come out to support me, as well as keep the momentum and open up a few more points lead in the series,” Reardon explained.

“We’ve got two more rounds to go

in the Championship and the next one next weekend at Sydney is indoors at the AUS-X Open event, which I’m really looking forward to. My plan is to keep doing whatever it takes to get this championship won.”

Meanwhile a clearly dejected Moss

was disappointed in the race, despite coming through from so far back after his fall to finish runner-up: “That’s three straight rounds I’ve been on the ground and when you’re racing for a championship, you can’t afford to do that. But I’ve just got to cop it on the chin and come back stronger at the next one.”

In SX2 at Jimboomb, the win streak

of American invader Jimmy Decotis (Penrite Honda Racing) was finally broken, and it was Victorian rider Lewis Woods from the Davey Motorsports KTM team who took the prized victory.

Woods used a blistering start in the SX2

proved his mettle and kept making the front

main event alongside fellow KTM Newcastle

running, despite Decotis moving ever closer,

runner Dylan Wills to quickly open a gap over

but this time around the American couldn’t

the pack, while a crash just off the elevated

pull off one of his come from behind wins,

start line that involved SX2 Championship

and instead had to settle for runner-up

runner-up Luke Clout (Serco Yamaha) left

behind the KTM rider.

him at the back of the pack.

Woods set a cracking pace at the front

SX2 win, which came after he earlier in the

of the field, as all eyes looked for Decotis,

night won the Best Whip contest: “It’s been

who was running top five in the opening

a great night. Getting a great start in the final

laps and slowly but surely making his way

makes all the difference and then all I had

forward until catching second placed Wills,

to do was get into a rhythm and just keep it

when the pair tangled. Decotis managed to

going. I knew late in the race Jimmy would

keep his place, while Wills had to fight back

be coming, because that’s what he does, but

to an eventual fifth place finish.

I just kept at it and that’s what got me the win

and it feels awesome.”

In the closing laps of the race, Woods

An elated Woods was rapt to take the

For runner-up Decotis, the pint-size

American ace was gracious in taking his first defeat of the series, giving Woods full credit for his performance: “Lewis rode so good tonight. I got close there at the end but not close enough, simple as that. Second tonight keeps me right at the top of the championship and I’m happy with that, but that’s not to take anything away from Lewis, as he absolutely earned that win tonight.”

Behind Woods and Decotis, South 81

Australian

SD3

Husqvarna

rider

Luke Arbon turned in another solid performance to finish third, while Penrite Honda Wilson MX’s Geran Stapleton, Wills and CRF Honda Racing’s Joel Wightman filled out the top six placings.

As for Clout, he staged a valiant

comeback

from

his

early mishap

with DPH Motorsports Peter Stevens Yamaha rider Wade Hunter to get back up into the top five, before crashing again and not finishing.

T H E R E S U LT S SX1 Main Event Results: 1.

DANIEL REARDON

MATT MOSS

KADE MOSIG

ADAM MONEA

LAWSON BOPPING

LUKE STYKE

DANIEL MCCOY

GAVIN FAITH

DANNY HAM

10.

JOEL NEWTON

SX2 Main Event Results: 1.

LEWIS WOODS

JIMMY DECOTIS

LUKE ARBON

GERAN STAPLETON

DYLAN WILLS

JOEL WIGHTMAN

LUKE WILSON

TOMAS RAVENHORST

JESSE MADDEN

10.

JACKSON RICHARDSON

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ROUND 5

AUS-X OPEN International megastar Chad

Reed in a popular victory

check, crossing the line six

Reed has claimed a stunning

upon return home for the first

seconds in arrears, while

victory

inaugural

time in three years, using the

third for Dan Reardon (CDR

AUS-X Open tonight ahead

fly by lane early on to sprint

Yamaha) saw him extend

of a sell-out Allphones Arena

away, but he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have it all

his lead to 31 points in the

crowd at Sydney Olympic

his own way.

championship.

Park.

the

Arenacross

That came after Matt

The SX1 main event

number three Gavin Faith

Moss (Team Motul Suzuki)

was

all Yamaha-mounted

(Penrite Honda) kept him in

crashed out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he went 87

down in the early stages, then again more heavily and was carted out of the arena by RACESAFE.

Cooper Webb (Star Racing Yamaha)

sliced his way to fourth from second last on lap one, overcoming Daniel McCoy (SFC Racing Yamaha) and Lawson Bopping (DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha), while Kade Mosig (CDR Yamaha) rebounded from an opening lap crash for seventh.

The field was rounded out by Kale

Makeham (Team Motul Suzuki), Cheyne Boyd (Park4MX Yamaha), Luke Styke (KTM Motocross

Racing

Team)

and

Robbie

Marshall (Honda), who amazed onlookers with a back-flip over the finish line mid-race.

American ace Jimmy Decotis (Penrite

Honda) took the inaugural AUS-X Open SX2 victory in Sydney, crossing the line five seconds ahead of Wade Hunter (DPH Peter Stevens Yamaha) and Jackson Richardson (Penrite Honda Wilson MX) following a frantic main event.

Luke Clout (Serco Yamaha) led out of

the blocks, then Hunter passed using the fly by shortcut, before Clout went back by the

next lap, however pressure from Hunter saw

Ravenhorst (KTM).

Clout eject through the first rhythm straight

afterwards.

Reed vs. Ricky Carmichael head-to-head

Decotis then soon used the shortcut

battle and while they probably werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going

to take the lead and was never headed.

at full race pace, Carmichael managed to

He won over Hunter, Richardson, Geran

keep the 22 honest.

Stapleton (Penrite Honda Wilson MX), Lewis

Woods (Davey Motorsports KTM), Jack

a look at him in turn one, then they ran in

Simpson (Davey Motorsports KTM), Joel

formation for much of the three laps. A late

Wightman (CRF Honda Racing), Luke Wilson

surge from the 4 did allow him to challenge

(Davey Motorsports KTM), Clout and Tomas

Reed to the end, but in the end that was the

An appreciative crowd soaked up the

Reed led out of the gates, RC took

way they finished.

It was New South Wales wildman

Jackson Strong who stomped a one-handed front-flip to score a perfect 10 from judges in the FMX Best Trick, taking home $20,000 for his efforts.

Strong won ahead of Taka Hagashino

(rock solid flip) and Rob Adelberg (California roll to no-hander). Fourth was Ryan Brown (ruler backflip) and fifth Tom Pages after he crashed his first attempt at a alley-oop flair. The second one he did land didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count.

T H E R E S U LT S SX1 Main Event Results: 1.

Chad REED

Gavin FAITH

Daniel REARDON

Cooper WEBB

Daniel McCOY

Lawson BOPPING

Kade MOSIG

Kale MAKEHAM

Cheyne BOYD

10.

Luke STYKE

SX2 Main Event Results: 1.

Jimmy DECOTIS

Wade HUNTER

Jackson RICHARDSON

Geran STAPLETON

Lewis WOODS

Jack SIMPSON

Joel WIGHTMAN

Luke WILSON

Luke CLOUT

10.

Tomas RAVENHORST

FMX Best Trick Results: 1.

Jackson STRONG

Taka HAGASHINO

Rob ADELBERG

Ryan BROWN

Tom PAGES (crash)

OR F E

EE R F

D A O NL

Y R E

S IS

W O D

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DAN REARDON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

29 Gold Coast Aiden Meltzer Win the Australian Championship 4 x National Titles Surfing, Shooting

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KADE MOSIG Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

25 Pearcedale Mike Landman To be the Australian MX and SX Champion 3rd 2008 MXN, 3rd 2012 SX, Rd 7 winner 2014 MXN Surfing, Cycling, Fishing

YAMAHA YZ450F

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CLASS: MX1

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CDR YAMAHA Reed races to victory as Reardon closes in on ASX championship

The inaugural running of the Aus-X Open in front of a capacity crowd at All Phones Arena, Sydney, saw Yamaha mounted Chad Reed race to a popular victory while CDR Yamaha’s Dan Reardon is just a handful of point away from securing the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship after an enthralling nights racing. There was no question the night belonged to Reed and the crowd roared their approval every time he hit the track. He qualified comfortably through to the 20 lap main event and with a perfectly timed start, he instantly took control of the final. He led the field out of the first turn and was never headed as he showed the kind of skill and speed that has seen him race to world and US championships during an illustrious career. He continued to stretch his lead during the middle stages of the race and then rode sensibly home to take the race win with a trademark Nac that had the crowd in full voice cheering their approval. “The last time I raced here was in 2002, so it’s been a while and it’s so good to see so many people turn out to watch supercross again in Australia,” Reed said. “The atmosphere has been amazing all night and I thank the people of Sydney for turning up and hope they enjoyed the racing. “Thank you to the promoters of the event as well as Yamaha Australia and CDR Yamaha for their assistance. I had a blast working with them and it brings back lots of great memories of my time here,” Reed ends. While Reed may have won the night, it was Daniel Reardon that really gained the

most in what has been a battle of attrition throughout the series. After four rounds, Reardon and Matt Moss have been locked in battle for championship honours with just 10 points separating the pair entering the Aus-X Open round. Reardon again came up with the goods to take an impressive third place finish in the in event, behind us imports, Reed and Gavin Faith. Combine his good points haul with a DNF from rival Moss and Reardon is now well clear in the championship chase and just needs to finish inside the top 10 at the final event in Melbourne next week to secure the 2015 Australian SX1 Championship. “I got off to a great start in the heat tonight and had a confidence boosting win. I thinks it’s important to set a good tone early at events like this and it also gives you a good gate pick for the main event. “Because of the indoor style track, there were no pit boards allowed so I really didn’t know what was going on behind me and things were pretty hectic in the opening laps of the final. It wasn’t until I saw Matt had crashed and not re-entering the race that I knew what had happened. “Thirds not great, but it’s just what I needed for the championship so my goal is to keep doing what I’m doing and finish the last round strongly,” Reardon ends. Kade Mosig posted a seventh place finish in the star-studded field but with the DNF from Moss, Mosig has now leapfrogged his way into second place in the championship with one round remaining.

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Jay Foreman

MATT MOSS Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

26 Sessex Inlet Jess Foreman Win the MX1 Championship 2013-2014 SX1 and MX1 Champion Fishing

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21 Koondrook Brad Redman Get on the Podium and learn from this year. 2012 U19 SX Champion, 2nd 2013 MX2 Pro-Lites Wakeboarding, Jetski, Mountain biking

CLASS: MX1

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@Mossy102

M0TUL SUZUKI Mixed fortunes across the weekend for Team Motul Suzuki

Team Motul Suzuki riders Matt Moss and commented. Kale Makeham are both on the mend after

“The heat race win in front of that

a tough outing at the inaugural AUS-X Open massive crowd was an amazing feeling and held in Sydney on Saturday the 28th and 29th at that point I knew if everything went to plan of November

we could take the win later in the night when

Matt Moss entered Saturday’s event it counted.”

which doubled as the fifth round of the 2015

“Obviously things didn’t go to plan in

Australian Supercross Championship sitting the main event, that second crash left me second in the series standings.

pretty beat up and unable to continue.

Moss fired his number one plated

Suzuki RM-Z450 to the top of the time sheets

“I banged my head pretty bad, but that

is feeling all right now. The leg is still very

in both practice and qualifying, before taking sore at the moment, I will have physio every it to Chad Reed and the rest of the field

day this week and will hopefully be ready to

in his heat race, beating the former AMA race on Saturday.” Supercross champion with a faultless ride

“The championship is out of reach for

from start to finish.

us now, but it would be great to finish my time

When Saturday nights main event got

with the team with a round win and we are

underway things took a turn for the worse

still in a position to finish second in overall.

for Moss when an early race crash left him

There is still a lot to race for at the last round.”

at the rear of the field. Though able to re-

Moss added.

join the race quickly, a second crash left

Team-mate Kale Makeham had his

the reigning supercross champion in the most positive round of the series on Saturday hands of Racesafe with his night over and

evening.

championship hopes dashed.

Suffering a heavily corked leg and a

injury suffered at round one, Makeham

big head knock Moss was forced to sit out

qualified in 12th position before finishing 5th

the second day of racing action in Sydney on

in his heat race forcing him into the semi final

Still riding with the pain of an ankle

Sunday, but is hopeful of a return to action round of racing. at the final of the 2015 championship this

A solid ride in his semi had the Victorian

Saturday night in Victoria.

crossing the line in 3rd position, sending him

to the nights main event where he posted a

“The day could not have gotten off to

a better start, we were the fastest in practice series best result with an eighth place finish. and qualifying and I was feeling great.” Moss

Team

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#33

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Team Members: Chris Tisdale, Chris Woods, Jesse Wallace, Rhys Carter, Jesse Madden

RACELINE SUZUKI Mcleary and Madden take lessons from an action packed AUS-X Open

Raceline Pirellli Suzuki’s Jesse Madden and

“It was disappointing not to make the main

Brock Mcleary have used round five of the

after all of the hard work we have all put in,

2015 Australian Supercross Championship but it was a great experience racing indoors in Sydney as a learning experience after a and seeing the best guys in the world race. challenging weekend of racing.

racing

With round five marking one of the

“Sunday was much better despite not

contributing

towards

the

biggest races on this year’s Supercross championship. I managed to get a Semi Final calendar, both Madden and Mcleary lapped

win and then sixth in the main, so it was a big

up the rare opportunity to race indoors – improvement. putting on a huge performance for thousands of spectators.

“The Raceline guys put in a lot of work

to get the bike prepped and ready and to

Despite arriving at round five with keep me confortable for the whole weekend,

the best intentions to put solid results on

so although the results don’t show on paper

the board, both Madden and Mcleary were this weekend, I’m very appreciative of all the absent from the main event on Saturday help and support. Now bring on Melbourne!” night. Both SX2 riders were unfortunately narrowly eliminated in their heat races, with Brock Mcleary SX2 the final SX2 race format allowing for only 12

riders.

days I came out where I wanted to be, and

“The weekend was tough. Neither

However despite the second day unfortunately I wasn’t able to make the main

of racing on Sunday not contributing to

events,” he said.

the overall championship standings, both

Madden and Mcleary took the opportunity to

some mistakes on my behalf, but I’m happy

take to the track once again, where Madden

to walk away uninjured for next weekend’s

eventually concluded the day’s racing in an

final round in Melbourne.

impressive sixth position.

“It was due to some bad luck and

“I’m focused on winning the SXD

championship now, so at the end of the Jesse Madden SX2

day it was a good experience gaining that

“Saturday night didn’t go too well for SX2 wildcard entry and I had a lot of fun, so

me – I did manage to get a fourth in the first

onwards and upwards.”

heat, but from there I just didn’t quite have the starts and I had to fight from the back every race,” he said.

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Yarrive Konsky

#49

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#17

CLASS: SX2

/decotis613

@jimmydecotis

GAVIN FAITH Age: Hometown: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF 450R

FOLLOW ME Team Members:

24 Peabody, Massachusetts Finish every race and Win a Championship. Featured in Moto 5 & 6. Rode for factory teams Hitting ramps and riding 2 strokes.

23 Fort Dodge, Iowa Finish every race and Win a Championship. SX2 Champion Riding mostly

CLASS: SX1

/gavin.faith

@gavinfaith

Steve Powel - Blair Myer - Daniel Kersnovske - George Rawling - Robert Wayne Hacker Martine Cousins - Darlene Van Slooten - Kasie Powel

PENRITE HONDA Dual podiums for Penrite Honda Racing in Sydney Supercross thriller

Penrite Honda Racing’s Jimmy Decotis has with a solid second place finish behind Reed. extended his lead in the Australian Supercross

“I am stoked, to finally get a great start

SX2 Championship, claiming his fourth round and put together 20 solid laps feels really win from five events at the AUS-X Open in

good,” said Faith.

Sydney last night.

“It has been a while coming and I’m

Teammate Gavin Faith claimed the just rapt for the Penrite Honda Racing team,

team’s second podium of the night, with a who have stuck by me and kept working so sensational second place finish behind global hard to achieve the result we all knew was Supercross star Chad Reed in the premier possible.” SX1 final. Decotis, who qualified first and

“In the final I made a mistake on the

won his heat race, now holds a commanding second lap and came up real short in the lead in the SX2 Championship ahead of next

rhythm section and Chad pulled a small gap,”

weekend’s season finale at Melbourne’s

Faith continued. “Once I recouped I was able

Knights Stadium.

to maintain a strong pace.

“This is one of the most exciting

“I am looking forward to this afternoon’s

events I have been a part of,” said Decotis.

event, this is perfect preparation for next

“Sydney really turned it on and the crowd

years Arena X series in America.”

was incredible.

Team Principal Yarrive Konsky praised

“I got a bad start in the final but there his team for their relentless pursuit of success.

was a lot of grip and the Pirelli tyres hooked

“I couldn’t have asked for a better

up great. I felt like I rode strong all race and

finish tonight,” Konsky said. “Winning the SX2

once I got in front, I kept at it, rode clean and

final and finishing second in the SX1 class in

smart and brought it home.

front of a sold out crowd was overwhelming.

“Everyone at Penrite Honda Racing

The entire team has worked so hard

have been working so hard to make this

and they are relentless in their pursuit to give

possible and I just hope I can wrap up the

back to our partners.

title for them at the final round in Melbourne next weekend,” Decotis continued.

“Personally for my staff and sponsors

to be a part of this was reward enough.

Gavin Faith qualified third and finished To see their smiles was priceless. I also

second in his heat race to advance directly want congratulate the team at AME for a into the 20-lap SX1 final. Bad luck has

sensational event,” he added.

thwarted the American in previous events but he turned his debut SX1 season around

101

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Neale Wilson

#15

LUKE WILSON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF250R

FOLLOW ME

#14

25 Gold Coast JCR Top 10 Finishes 9th 2014 SX, 15th 2014 MXN, 2nd Indonesian SX Skateboarding and Wakeboarding

CLASS: MX2

/luke.wilson.5876

@__lukewilson15

GERAN STAPLETON Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HONDA CRF250R

FOLLOW ME

22 Cape Schanck JCR Podium Finishes 2nd P.Island SX 2012, 2nd 08 junior Aus titles Racing Bikes

CLASS: MX2

/geran.stapleton

Team Members: Luke Wilson, Geran Stapleton, Jason Corney, Matt Wilson

@geran14

WILSONS HONDA Podium finish for Richardson and Penrite Honda Wilson MX at AUS-X Open

Penrite Honda Wilson MX wrapped up Jackson Richardson SX2 – 3rd Overall round five of the 2015 Australian Supercross

“It was a solid weekend for me, and I’m

Championship in spectacular fashion on the stoked that I could finish on the podium both weekend, with Jackson Richardson taking

days for the Wilson MX guys,” he said.

third step on the SX2 podium.

“I felt quite comfortable out there and

With the Allphones Arena in Sydney my speed was good all weekend – it sort of

jam packed with close to 15,000 supercross felt like I was back in America (laughs). fans, the Wilson MX four-man crew put on a

“For Aussie fans and for us as Australian

show for a sold out crowd on Saturday night, riders, it was an awesome event and hopefully banging bars with the best in the business.

we can back it all up next weekend for the

With the tight indoor circuit testing final round in Melbourne.”

riders across all classes, racing was action packed, with Wilson MX riders Richardson

Geran Stapleton SX2 – 4th Overall

and Geran Stapleton topping the results with

“It was a good weekend for me. I was

Richardson concluding the night in third, and happy with fourth on Saturday night and the Stapleton in fourth.

tight track seemed to suit my style of riding

For fellow SX2 pilot Luke Wilson, quite well,” he said.

round five provided the Queenslander with

“Obviously it would have been good

the opportunity to snatch up another top to get on the box and grab a few extra ten result – concluding Saturday night’s championship points, but I’m happy to be proceedings in ninth position.

Despite

Sunday’s

walking away healthy because that track racing

not definitely tested us all out.

contributing to the overall championship

“On Sunday it was awesome to have

standings, all Wilson MX riders once again

that battle with Richo in the main, and it was

took the opportunity to race indoors and get

so good to hear the fans cheering us both on

LIVE airtime on 7 Mate.

and take it down to the last turn.

And for the Honda backed team,

“It was cool to have two Wilson MX

Sunday’s AUS-X Open provided some of guys on the podium especially with live TV the most action packed racing of the series

coverage.”

with Richardson and Stapleton going head to head in the SX2 final to eventually take second and third positions on the podium.

103

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Rob Twyerould

KIRK GIBBS Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: KTM 450 SX-F

FOLLOW ME

#26

26 Mt Gambier SA Kyle Blunden Stay fit, healthy and get the MX1 plate Runner up MX1 2014 MX Championships MTB, Paddle board, Beach

CLASS: MX1

/KTMAustralia

@KTM.Australia

@KTMAustralia

LUKE STYKE Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: KTM 450 SX-F

FOLLOW ME

23 Jervis Bay NSW Jordan Yeo Top 3 MX Championship MX2 MX & SX Champion 2013 Golf, Fishing

CLASS: MX1

/KTMAustralia

@KTM.Australia

@KTMAustralia

Team Members: Rob Twyerould, Kirk Gibbs, Luke Styke, Kyle Blunden, Jorden Yeo, John DiStefano and Gary Bradford

KTM RACING KTM’s Styke may go under the knife as early as tomorrow

KTM Motocross Racing Team rider Luke Styke Luke Styke – “We’re seeing the specialist may have surgery tomorrow or Wednesday today and if we need to operate, I’ll be on a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered at

pushing for it to happen either tomorrow

the fifth round of the Australian Supercross

night or Wednesday morning, but there are

Championships in Sydney at the weekend, also some new treatments now where an pending the results of a visit to the specialist operation may not be necessary and will today.

discuss option A, B and C shortly.I think I The

promising,

KTM

450

SX-F-

was about fifth or sixth in the main and riding

mounted SX1 rookie got out of shape during fairly good, then on about lap 10 I got a bit the main event and came up short on a jump squirly in the whoops and I crashed and bent with just the very front of his boot on the

my bars up. I got going fairly quick but just

footpeg, tearing his Achilles tendon.

tagged the backside of a fairly big jump and

fell into the upramp of the next one. When I

Race Safe medics quickly treated and

provided a preliminary diagnosis of the injury, hit I felt it pop. I knew I’d done something.It’s which will relegate Styke to the sidelines for a bummer to not be racing next weekend but the time being, alongside team mate Kirk the team and Gibbs and I will move on and Gibbs, who suffered a fractured pelvis during concentrate on 2016. training in late October.

It took me a while to gel with

New treatments exist however, which supercross on the 450 – missing last year I

could potentially alleviate the need for hadn’t ridden supercross for two years and surgery, and Styke will discuss these options it was a bit of a slow start but we got the ball with his specialist to determine the best

rolling. It seems like 80% of the riders are hurt

course of action back to the racetrack.

now and I put that down to a lack of public

tracks and pre-season testing – very few

Round five of the Australian Supercross

championship went to Chad Reed ahead of guys are fully prepared, which increases the Gavin Faith and Daniel Reardon.

risk factor, and it definitely shows. Gibbsy and

In SX2 racing, Davey Motorsports team I have got some big plans for supercross up

mates Lewis Woods and Jack Simpson rode in Queensland next year. We are going to to fifth and sixth places respectively in the

outlay some money, and do our pre-season

main, which was won by Jimmy Decotis, from properly so it decreases the risk of getting Wade Hunter and Jackson Richardson.

hurt and so I can be more of a title contender from the start.”

105

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Tam Paul

JESSE DOBSON

#414

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

18 Brisbane QLD Mick Dobson Podium MX Nats & SX 5th SX1 2014 Rookie year Gym, Cycling and MTB Riding

BIKE: HUSQVARNA FC 450

FOLLOW ME

CLASS: MX1

/Husqvarna Motorcycles

@jessedobson414

NATHAN CRAWFORD

#199

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

17 Brisbane Mick Crawford MX2 Champion 2015 MX2 Wildcard win at Swan Hill 2014 Fitness Training & Jetski

BIKE: HUSQVARNA FC 250

FOLLOW ME

CLASS: MX2

/Husqvarna Motorcycles

LUKE ARBON

#54

Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: HUSQVARNA FC 250

FOLLOW ME

@_nathan199

Team Manager: Stephen McKinnon

22 Gawler SA Andrew Pringle Win the MX2 Championship 3rd MX2 2014 MX Nationals MTB & Travelling

CLASS: MX2

/Husqvarna Motorcycles

@lukearboon54

HUSQVARNA Arbon’s Supercross season ends early

SD3 Husqvarna racer Luke Arbon’s exciting him a share of second overall coming into 2015 season has drawn to a close with the

the weekend’s penultimate round. Arbon will

South Australian rider sustaining a broken return with Husqvarna in 2016, though he is ankle at the fifth round of the Australian yet to decide whether to compete in the MX1 Supercross championship in Sydney.

or MX2 categories.

The Husqvarna FC 250 rider, who

Luke Arbon – FC 250: “My ankle is

shared second place in the SX2 championship broken on the inside, we’re just not sure how entering the round, had an awkward fall in a

bad or good everything is yet. We’ll have a

triple/tabletop combination section during much clearer picture today or tomorrow after qualifying and dabbed a foot in at an awkward CT scans. I think it’s similar to what I’ve done angle, causing the bone to break.

a few years back, so maybe it will be good

X-rays confirmed the fracture, however to go in six weeks. The obstacle had a triple

CT scans are required today or tomorrow in on and off and as I’ve seat-bounced it and order to understand the extent of the injury hit it with a bit of pace, I bottomed the shock and possible recovery projections.

which kicked me forward and dropped the

The injury ends season 2015 end a

front end down. I was trying to bring it back,

week earlier for the resident of Gawler, SA,

but I’ve come up a little bit short and clipped

who established himself as one of the rising the end of the tabletop. That sent me off a bit stars of the sport in 2014 off the back of a

dodgy and I went to the right a bit – it could

swashbuckling mid-season MX Nationals win have been a lot bigger – but as I have gone streak when he took wins in six consecutive

to the right I’ve put my foot out and stabbed

MX2 rounds and finished third overall.

into the upramp.

The SD3 Husqvarna rider was expected

to fight for top honours in this year’s motocross

It’s devastating for my supercross

season to come to an end prematurely, I

championship but a chronic fatigue condition definitely felt like I was back to myself and known as “Leaky Gut Syndrome”, prevented was having fun riding up the front again. It the 22-year-old from gaining any momentum, was awesome to get two podiums and be until it was treated and cured.

second in the points coming into this round.

The last two months have seen Arbon It was also a big thing for me to show myself

return to rich form, with a podium finish in

that the fatigue issue was history. When

the high-profile Mountain Man Motocross in you’ve got something holding you back for Toowoomba, and two podium finishes in the

so long, it begins to kick in a little bit in the

Australian Supercross Championship earning

back of your mind, so it was good to be back.

107

TEAM PROFILE Team Manager: Troy Carroll

ADAM MONEA Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: Kawasaki KX450F

FOLLOW ME

#117

Team Members:

CLASS: MX1

/KawasakiAustraliaMXRacingTeam

DYLAN LONG Age: Hometown: Bike Mechanic: Goals for 2015: Past Achievements: Other Hobbies:

BIKE: Kawasaki KX450F

FOLLOW ME

26 Koo Wee Rup, VIC Paul Teasdale Win MX and SX Championship 2014 2nd Aus SX, 2014 4th MX Nationals Cycling

20 Benalla, VIC Aaron Clout Place within the top 5 overall in the MX Nationals 2009 3rd FIM World Championship 85cc, 2012 2nd MXD Filming and riding BMX

CLASS: MX1

/KawasakiAustraliaMXRacingTeam Troy Carroll (Manager), Michael Marty (Crew Chief)

N P S M O N S TER K AWA SA K I Adam Monea sidelined after AUS-X Open crash

Kawasaki Motors Australia regret to announce are confident that he will quickly return to that factory Motocross and Supercross

take his rightful place amongst Australia’s

rider, Adam Monea, has sustained serious greatest Motocross and Supercross racers. injuries after a crash in round five of the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship.

Adam Monea will sit out the final round

of the Australian Supercross Championship as he recovers from his injuries which include a fractured wrist and possible ligament damage in his other wrist and ankle.

Team

Motocross

Manager Legend,

and

Troy

Australian

Carroll,

said,

“Adam was riding so well and the team was confident that we were in for a podium. The crash happened during Qualifying. Adam over-jumped a section and to be honest we expected worse because it was a really big cash,” Troy commented.

“Adam will be released from hospital

today after the surgery on his wrist that he received yesterday and he will be having his other wrist and ankle checked out for suspected ligament damage in due course.”

“The NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki

Racing Team won’t be in attendance at the last round of the Supercross as it is too late in the season to find a suitable rider. Moving forward, we are excited to begin preparing for the upcoming Motocross season,” Troy said.

Kawasaki Motors Australia and the

NPS Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team are wishing Adam a swift recovery and we

109