After attending nineteen events on different continents thus far this year, we have acquired answers to a lot of questions that you may have. That is why we thought that we would open things up in this new feature! If you have something on your mind and want to be featured, email [email protected] or get in contact via our various social media channels.
“What options do you see for Tommy Searle? He will not get a factory ride, but will Kawasaki step in and stump up some cash to keep him with Steve Dixon?” asked Eel Nagrom on Facebook.
Although most negotiations are now well underway, it is difficult to know where Tommy Searle will end up. The rumours are not really going to develop until he has some reasonable results beneath his belt. There were some alarming quotes within the exclusive interview that we completed at the end of June, like when he stated that he is not ready to focus solely on the domestic scene. It seems that this thing is just going to work itself out, however, as there have been some glimmers of hope.
Tommy Searle was linked to a seat on the Monster Energy KRT team earlier this year. Although those rumours have diminished somewhat, as Benoit Paturel is now the favourite to take that deal, it does show that there is still a lot of interest in him. The raw speed that he had on all surfaces last year is often overlooked, but the times that he posted at each round really were encouraging. A bit of luck was all that he needed! Hopefully he has that in his arsenal from this point on. – @_LewisPhillips
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ConwayMX
“Do we have any young riders from the UK looking to step up to the GPs in the near future?” asked DiveMX on Twitter
This is a hot topic on social media currently. Who is the next rider in line after Conrad Mewse, Ben Watson and Adam Sterry? Todd Kellett is attracting the most hype at the moment, especially after that win at Blaxhall, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be able to make a name for himself at the highest level. This deal with Hitachi KTM UK will undoubtedly strengthen his charge on the international scene. Lewis Hall deserves recognition as well, but it is of vital importance that he ventures out of the bubble that is the UK. – @_LewisPhillips
“Where is Steven Clarke? I heard that he went abroad, but is he still racing?” asked Harry Leverett on Facebook.
A lot of people have probably asked this question. Steven Clarke has opted to race in the USA aboard a KTM, but a shoulder injury forced him to miss the start of the 250SX East series. Clarke returned in St. Louis and almost holeshot the main event, but he then faded to twenty-first. How has he fared in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross? Much better, as he has managed to score points in four of the six motos that he has completed. A thirteenth in the first moto at Southwick is his best finish at the time of writing. – @_LewisPhillips
“What is happening with Chad Reed and Dan Reardon for the upcoming Monster Energy Supercross season?” asked John Fannin on Facebook.
Good question. Both Chad Reed and Dean Reardon are eager to race again, but it all depends on what opportunities arise. Reed is currently linked to Red Bull KTM, JGR AutoTrader Suzuki and Monster Energy Yamalube Chaparral Yamaha Financial Services Yamaha. It seems that he’ll land on one of those teams. Reardon, on the other hand, will more than likely have to wait for a fill-in ride to open up in the United States. A deal with Mega Bulk Fuels Monster Energy Kawasaki has already been secured for the 2017 Australian Supercross series though. – @_LewisPhillips
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Monster Energy/Ryne Swanberg
“Who will fill the other seat next to Cooper Webb at Monster Energy Yamalube Chaparral Yamaha Financial Services Yamaha next year?” asked Oli Pumfrey on Facebook.
That is still to be decided. Chad Reed could still return to the factory squad, as mentioned in the previous answer, but that would not necessarily be his first choice. Rumours suggest that Aaron Plessinger may end up alongside Cooper Webb, but his 250F contract is not going to expire until the end of the next year. Who else is available? There are not many options out there, especially in the premier division, unless they take a gamble on a guy like Justin Hill. It is going to be interesting to watch this one unfold! – @_LewisPhillips
“Who do you think should represent Team Great Britain at the Motocross of Nations?” asked Scott Walker on Facebook.
I think that Max Anstie (MXGP), Tommy Searle (MX2) and Dean Wilson (Open) should represent Team Great Britain at Matterley Basin. The fact that Shaun Simpson is not going to race until September makes this decision much easier, in my opinion, as Searle will be back to his best by that point. Ben Watson deserves to be in the mix, but the fact that his machine is so unreliable is worth considering. Either way, I think that Team GB are going to have a great shot at finishing on the box on October 1st. – @_LewisPhillips
Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Husqvarna/J.P Acevedo
