| Australian MX Nationals |

Reed out for remainder of the 2012 Supercross Series

updates — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:54:20 +0000

Carlsbad, California – In a devastating blow for TwoTwo Motorsports Chad Reed, injuries sustained at last weekend’s Dallas round of the AMA Supercross, have forced him to retire from the remainder of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship.
Reed suffered a horrific crash while challenging for the race lead on Lap 7 and was unable to finish the race.

Initial scans have revealed the Australian has torn his anterior cruciate ligament, broken his tibia and fibula, sustained two broken ribs and has a broken T6 vertebrae.
At this point in time doctors are waiting for the swelling on his knee to subside before they conduct surgery.

“To say I am hurting right now would be a major understatement,” Reed said. “I am just trying to figure out what hurts more, th

e injuries or the fact that I am going to be out for a while with knee surgery.

“This is bitterly disappointing, I felt like I had everything in my corner this time. I’ve never felt more comfortable, from the bike and team to my riding.

“I was genuinely in a position to fight for race wins week in week out and expected to be going to Las Vegas for a shot at the title.
“To my sponsors and fans thank-you for your messages of support, they mean a lot. This is a difficult time,” Reed added.
The TwoTwo Motorsports team and sponsors will regroup over the next week and formulate a plan to move forward.

Reed is aiming to return for the outdoor season but that goal will be re-evaluated by doctors post surgery.

Ben Townley signs with SCOTT goggles

updates — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:20:56 +0000

SCOTT goggles are proud to welcome to the team former MX2 World Champion Ben Townley.

Townley has signed to compete in the 2012 Australian MX championships riding for Carlton Dry Honda, with selected races in the US outdoor series in 2012.

“I am loving the new Tyrant frame, it allows you to really mould the goggle to your own face and fit just how you want, using the SCOTT fit system

I’m really looking forward to working with Joel and the Scott crew around the world, they have a great service for their riders at the races” Townley said

“I’m racing this Summer in NZ full time for Honda, it’s being going really well and do far I’ve won every event, we have 3 more rounds to go to finish off the series before Australia starts.

I’m planning on racing some US Outdoor Nationals between rounds of the Australian series in June, I want to get back over there and see where I’m at !”

Joel Ryan from SCOTT Australia “We’re really happy to welcome Ben onboard for 2012. Ben is really specific about what he likes when it comes to his goggles and he has been really impressed with our new Tyrant frame.

Everyone is really looking forward to seeing Ben compete here in the Australian MX championships, it’s looking like one of the most competitive classes in years with so many top guys in the Pro Open class”

It’s awesome to see how fast Ben has been going over in the NZ races already this season, it will be great to see him in action at Round 1 at Conondale in QLD on April 1^st”

To see the full range of SCOTT goggles and other products click: http://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/category/motorsports/

To find out more info about the Australian MX championship jump on their website: http://www.mxnationals.com.au/

Photo: Shayne Rice

Barrabool and Harvey Bay added to 2012 MX Nationals calendar

updates — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:16:40 +0000

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Loch, VIC – Williams Event Management has confirmed that Harvey Bay and Barrabool will return to the MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, calendar in 2012.

Venues for the 10-round series were announced in January, however two were to be advised (TBA) at that point. It’s now been confirmed that Harvey Bay will return to the schedule for the first time in over a decade on 1 July, while Barrabool will also make a welcome return on 15 July.

“We are pleased to confirm Harvey Bay and Barrabool to the calendar for this season,” said WEM boss Kevin Williams. “Both are circuits that will add to the schedule with different types of terrains and it is also important that our expanding number of transporters can fit into the complexes.”

The series will officially commence on 1 April at Conondale in Queensland, where an all-star international line-up will do battle to challenge defending four-time champion Jay Marmont for his premier Pro Open (MX1) title.

The Pro Open (MX1) and Pro Lites (MX2) categories will feature at all 10 rounds during the season, while the Under 19s category will compete at every round except Wanneroo in Western Australia.

Veterans will race at rounds two (Coonabarabran, NSW) and 10 (Coolum, QLD), while the ATV Cup will race at rounds two (Coonabarabran, NSW) and four (Wanneroo, WA).

An Amateur Cup for B- and C-grade riders will race at rounds two (Coonabarabran, NSW) and four (Wanneroo, WA); 13-U16 125cc two-stroke/250cc four-stroke Rookies will race at rounds three (Wonthaggi, VIC) and four (Wanneroo, WA), plus 85cc two-stroke/150cc four-stroke Development riders will race at round three (Wonthaggi, VIC).

Visit www.mxnationals.com.au for further information on the series and structure for 2012.

2012 MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, Calendar:
Rd1 – 1 April – Conondale, QLD
Rd2 – 14-15 April – Coonabarabran, NSW
Rd3 – 28-29 April – Wonthaggi, VIC
Rd4 – 12-13 May – Wanneroo, WA
Rd5 – 20 May – Murray Bridge, SA
Rd6 – 1 July – Harvey Bay, QLD
Rd7 – 15 July – Barrabool, VIC
Rd8 – 29 July – Appin, NSW
Rd9 – 19 August – Moree, NSW
Rd10 – 25-26 August – Coolum, QLD

About the MX Nationals:

The MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, is the leading motocross series in Australia. The series is promoted and operated by Williams Event Management (WEM), a Victorian-based event management company whose goal is to raise awareness of the sport nationwide.

The series is sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia (MA), the premier professional motorcycle racing organisation in Australia.

Dominant Townley adds another win for Carlton Dry Honda Racing

updates — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:11:57 +0000

For immediate release: 13 February, 2012.

Carlton Dry Honda Racing has ticked another box in its preparation for the Australian MX Nationals, with new signing Ben Townley dominating proceedings in the opening round of the New Zealand MX Championships in South Canterbury over the weekend.

Townley won all three races in a convincing display, verifying the factory Honda team’s development path as the clock ticks down towards the MX Nationals April start date.

His victory over countryman and leading contender Josh Coppins sends a warning to rival riders that he is in championship-winning form.

“There is no better training than racing. It’s difficult to simulate the intensities of a race in practice, so this type of preparation is priceless,” said Townley.

“We started testing early near the team’s base in Carrum, Victoria. The team put in a big effort prior to Christmas and it shows.

“I have so much confidence in my 2012 CRF 450R, it’s a completely different bike to the 2010 Honda I raced in America.

“Honda has really done a great job balancing the bike out and I am feeling at one with it.”

The motorcycles Townley will race on for the remainder of the New Zealand championship are identical to those being built in the team’s Australian workshop.

The experience and race data gained will aid in the development of the Open class machine, which is undergoing rigorous testing on home soil with British champion Brad Anderson on board.

Carlton Dry Honda Racing’s 2012 campaign will be boosted by a technical alliance with Chad Reed’s TwoTwo Motorsports outfit, which races with the factory backing of Honda in the ultra-competitive AMA Pro Motocross and AMA/World Supercross Championships.

The teams will work closely to ensure the Honda CRF 450R is at its competitive best.

Townley’s next outing will be in a fortnight at Patetonga, with Team Manager Mike Landman saying good gains had been made from the opening round.

“Blue Wing Honda in New Zealand, Honda Australia and the Carlton Dry Honda team are working together in an effort to give Ben the opportunity to race competitively in New Zealand,” said Landman.

“We have built him two identical race bikes to the ones he will race with in Australia with the help of his New Zealand mechanic Blair and suspension technician Jimmy.

“We have learned more about the bike this weekend and will continue refining it.”

Ford Dale confirmed as Honda’s Lites rider

updates — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:56:24 +0000

For immediate release: 10 February 2012

Carlton Dry Honda Racing today confirmed Ford Dale to its 2012 rider line-up to contest the Lites class in both the Australian MX Nationals and Supercross championships.

Dale completes the factory teams’ rider roster, which includes internationals Ben Townley and Brad Anderson.

After enjoying a successful 2011 season with American Gavin Faith, who finished runner-up in the Supercross Lites class, Carlton Dry Honda Racing sought a serious contender for both Motocross and Supercross in 2012.

Honda Australia’s General Manager of Motorcycles, Tony Hinton said he is excited by the new signing and looks forward to supporting Dale in the highly competitive Lites class.

“Our CRF250 is strong, Eli Tomac is clear proof of this with his dominating performance in the AMA Supercross 250 class,” said Hinton.

“Ford is a very capable rider. Together I know we can contend for the championship.

“We had a good result last year with Gavin Faith finishing second in the 2011 Supercross Lites Championship, hopefully we can go one better in 2012,” Hinton concluded.

The Queenslander, whose 2011 season was cut short due to an injury sustained whilst racing the MX Nationals, is fit, focused and poised going into the 2012 season.

Dale has spent the past week testing the CRF250 and riding with teammate Brad Anderson on a number of tracks in Victoria.

“I was sidelined with a knee injury last year which was really disappointing as I was riding well, feeling strong and fast enough to contend for the championship,” said Dale.

“I really need to win this year; I have had many chances in the past. I feel I have matured as a rider and I am as strong and fit as I was when I took the final round win in 2010.

“Testing has gone very well, it has been fantastic to ride with Brad. Everything is falling into place I am with a great team, my bike is fast, so it is now it is up to me to get the results,” he acknowledged.

As Dale, Anderson and Townley prepare for the 2012 season, Team manager Mike Landman is confident that the team is in a good position to do well.

“We started testing late last year and haven’t stopped,” Landman explained. “Our approach to testing this year is very different to years gone by.

“Honda Motorcycles have been fantastic, they have provided some great resources and the camaraderie within the team is strong.

Dale’s first event for the Carlton Dry Honda Racing Team will be will Round 1 of the MX Nationals in Queensland on April 1.

Carlton Dry Honda Racing choose Pirelli for 2012

KW — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:14:27 +0000

Carlton Dry Honda Racing choose Pirelli for 2012
For immediate release: 9 February 2012

Carlton Dry Honda Racing today announced a new partnership that will see the factory outfit run Pirelli tyres for the 2012 Australian Motocross and Supercross seasons.

The move ensures that riders Ben Townley, Brad Anderson and Ford Dale have access to the best product available in their quest for 2012 championship success.

Pirelli boasts 56 world titles in motocross and their commitment to racing at the elite level is unmatched.

The tyre giant is the official supplier to F1 and the FIM Superbike World Championship, they are also a dominant force on the world motocross stage and now the coveted AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross championships with James Stewart and the Joe Gibbs Racing Team.

Pirelli’s proven commitment to motorsport gives Carlton Dry Honda Racing faith in their choice of tyre for 2012.

Honda Australia’s General Manager of Motorcycles, Tony Hinton acknowledges the need to have tyres capable of winning.

“The level of competition around the world is high and it’s the same in Australia,” Hinton stated.

“We needed a tyre that was capable of winning and Pirelli have proven their capabilities worldwide.

“It is great to be working with a company so proactive in elite motorsport. Honda welcomes Pirelli to the team and looks forward to a successful relationship,” he added.

The Carlton Dry Honda Racing Team has already competed twice with Pro Open rider Ben Townley in New Zealand.

Townley, who has made a great start to the season with two victories, was adamant prior to signing with the team that they had non-genuine parts that performed and that included tyres.

“I spoke with Yarrive and I needed to know that he was going to use products that worked, products that were capable of winning and performing at the level we are now racing at,” Townley explained.

“I am glad Honda went with Pirelli, they are proven performers and are continually developing in an effort to stay at the front.

Acknowledging Pirelli sell what they race, Brendan Stoeckert, General Manager Link International (Official Pirelli Moto Importers) said the tyre company was extremely excited to align themselves with Honda Racing in Australia.

“When the team called we were pleasantly surprised,” said Stoeckert.

“This is a great alignment and sponsorship for Pirelli. The team has three amazing riders and we look forward to the newly formed relationship.

“Working with a team that has chosen to ride with our product is gratifying and all involved look forward to a successful season,” he concluded.

The team’s first appearance together in Australia will be in Queensland on April 1 for the first round of the Australian MX Nationals.

2012 Frequently Asked Questions

KW — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 03:41:55 +0000

2012 MX Nationals FAQ

Where are the rounds?
Round 1 Conondale QLD April 1st
Round 2 Coonabarabran NSW April 14th & 15th
Round 3 Wonthaggi Vic April 28th & 29th
Round 4 Wanneroo WA May 12th & 13th
Round 5 Murray Bridge SA May 20th
Round 6 Harvey Bay QLD July 1st
Round 7 Barrbool Vic July 15th
Round 8 Appin NSW July 29th
Round 9 Moree NSW August 19th
Round 10 Coolum QLD August 25th & 26th

What Classes are where?
Pro Lites (MX2) and Pro Open (MX1) are at all 10 rounds.
Under 19’s (MXD) 9 rounds, they don’t do the WA Round
Vets will be at rounds 2 and 10.
Quads will be at rounds 2 and 4
B and C grade Amateur cup rounds 2 and 4
Rookies 13 to under 16 up to 125 to 150cc 2 stroke and 250cc 4 stroke rounds 3 and 4
85cc 2 stroke 150cc 4 stroke round 3

Entries
Entries will be online February 15th
Series entries will be guaranteed acceptance
Round entries will be accepted to 53 entries and qualifying will take place at each round for all entries, the top 10 in the championship will be guaranteed a position.

Transporters
Anybody with a larger than normal vehicle, must book it with WEM.

LKI becomes Official Casual Wear of MX Nationals series

JR — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:48:28 +0000

Williams Event Management has announced a three-year deal with LKI as the Official Casual Wear of the MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship. Its sponsorship has been extended to assisting the clubs and the huge volunteer workforce at the rounds, with marshals receiving LKI MX Nationals tee shirts. “We are excited to be working with Jason and his team,” said WEM boss Kevin Williams. “Their brand has come from a love for motocross and their dedication to the sport and its overall growth is partly why we have partnered with them.” LKI director Jason Daniel is also pleased with the brand new partnership ahead of the 2012 season. “I am stoked to be onboard with WEM for the 2012 MX Nationals and the next three years,” added Daniel. “And with the plans we have to help the sport grow with them will mean big things in the future of motocross and LKI.” LKI is a rapidly growing Australian action sports brand based out of Queensland. To see LKI’s complete range online, visit www.loosekid.com. The 2012 MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship, will commence at Conondale in Queensland on 1 April.

MX Insider, Talks with Kade Mosig

KW — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:25:45 +0000

Kade Mosig

We catch up with Kade, whilst practicing at Wonthaggi

MX Insider, Talks With Cheyne Boyd

KW — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:22:54 +0000

Cheyne Boyd

We Talk to Boydy, about being a Privateer.