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MXGP World Championship

Chatter Box: Dylan Walsh

Dylan Walsh looks for a deal.

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Dylan Walsh has really carried the JM Honda Racing team through their maiden season in the FIM Motocross World Championship, despite jumping on as a fill-in rider in late August. ’53’ has led laps, set some impressive times and opened some eyes since then though. Has that helped him secure a full-time deal in the premier class for the new season? Not yet! Walsh talks about needing a ride, his progress in the sand of Lommel and more in this exclusive MX Vice interview.

MX Vice: First of all, on the week as a whole, you were a little loose to start with, which some people thought was going to happen here. Since then you have straightened out, put in some consistent laps and proven that you can ride anything on a 450F. You have answered people’s questions this week, I think.

Dylan Walsh: Yeah. Well, obviously Lommel has not been so good to me in the past. It started out rough in the first one, but ended up with two solid fourteenths. I turned it around and I feel like I have got better each time. I just tried to make the most of being up front while getting adapted more and more to it.

Can we go back to last Sunday and talk about that holeshot for a second? I genuinely thought Tim [Gajser] had the most perfect start of his life and then, out of nowhere, this Seven gear just came flying around the corner. I feel like that may have been the loosest, sketchiest and bravest holeshot going.

Yeah. I got out of the gate really well. I actually had [Antonio] Cairoli to the right of me. We got out and he went to turn left without looking and didn’t realise that I was half a bike length in front: He hit me and I was like, “I’m not even going to look. I’m just going for it.” I just flung around the outside and pulled the holeshot. I was like, “Oh sh*t.” Leading in Lommel, in that first moto, was a cool experience, but maybe it was not such a good idea. I almost had the second one too, but there was a little bit too much Tokyo Drift going on. My starts are really good. It just shows I can start anywhere, so always good.

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Ray Archer

I feel like the championship guys in this class need to learn about you a bit, because you know how it goes… Whenever the leading guys qualify worse, they put themselves around guys that they reckon they can drop out of the gate. I feel like guys now realise that lining up next to you is not ideal – they cannot beat you out of the gate.

No. It’s good. Mentally I know I can start next to anyone also and get a good start, so I’m not worried about that. Normally you cannot get such a good start from out wide at an MXGP round, but I’ve been doing it lately. I need to get my qualifying a lot better. It’s something that I’m not so good at, but we are getting better. 

I do not actually understand why you are not good at qualifying. You proved that you can run the pace at Mantova, so what’s the difference between that and time practice?

I think I put too much stress on myself, because the majority of the time my first moto lap times are faster than my qualifying times. Then if we go to a practice track, my speed compared to everyone is really good. I think I put too much stress on myself on that one lap. I just need to calm down.

After the hectic first Lommel, did you have a little word with yourself about how you need to straighten this out and prove something this week?

Actually, I was feeling quite bad after the first Lommel. I went into the second Lommel already hurting. I was like, “It’s going to be a long week.” I just tried to calm down and be consistent at the end of each moto. I knew it was going to be a lot better for me. I feel better now. I actually feel better now after the third one than I did the first one, so it’s ended up pretty good.

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Ray Archer

You need a ride for next year. I genuinely don’t know what more you need to do. You have proven you can lead laps. In America, if you can lead laps then you are golden. That is what every team wants! You have proven you can be consistent all surfaces too. This should have been the worst week for you by far, but again you proved that you can do it. Let’s not forget that everyone in this paddock spent the winter training here. I don’t know what you need to do.

I’m trying to do everything in my world to get a ride for next year and obviously it’s not so easy at the moment. Obviously, this week was going to be tough for me with no winter here especially with the track being so much like winter here. It is just so wet and deep. I’m trying to talk to as many people as I can. I guess it’s my rookie season, but it’s actually only my second season doing GPs. I think there’s a lot I can improve on for the winter and in testing. I’m not so sure what I need to do to get a ride, but I’m trying.

I think this is the thing. I feel like everyone just presumes that you have been here all year and before COVID, but we need to remember that you jumped in halfway through a season. We have had so many back-to-back races that you have not really had a chance to sit down, practice, test things and do all of that stuff. There’s a lot of stuff that could be better if you get a proper base for next year.

Yeah, exactly. That’s been tough not being able to test and not being able to build. Essentially it is race, race, race, recover, race, race and race again. That’s just how it’s been. It’s been really difficult in that part. It shows that there’s a lot of easy things that I can do for next year that’s going to make me a better rider and better results.

I guess we should end this interview, as I’ve shouted a lot, so let’s end it on this note. We are going to Trentino and hard pack. That should be a good place for you.

Yeah, definitely. I’m looking forward to the last three. Hopefully I can end it with a bang and hopefully do something good enough to come back next year.

Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: Ray Archer

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MXGP World Championship

Stark Speaks! Stark believes MXGP should reconsider electric bike inclusion.

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Following numerous questions, comments, and opinions, Stark Future would like to offer its take on the recent Press Conference held at VILLA LA ANGOSTURA (Argentina) on 8th March 2024, during the first MXGP event of the season.

Stark Future, a prominent innovator in motocross, firmly opposes MXGP/ Infront’s proposal to introduce a separate Electric Support Class alongside MXGP events. While recognizing the goal of driving technological advancements, Stark Future believes that segregation is not the solution. Instead, seeing integration as an opportunity for all sides to thrive. By embracing new technologies at the highest level of racing, Stark Future envisions making racing more captivating for fans while fostering the strongest technological improvements across the board.

With a commitment to pushing the boundaries of motocross performance and innovation, Stark Future firmly believes in true competition and integration, where the fastest machines go head-to-head, driving innovation and pushing the sport to new heights. The vision of Stark Future is to build the fastest motocross bike in the world and demonstrate that Electric is not a compromise but a formidable contender.

“As CEO and Founder of Stark Future, I firmly believe that segregating electric bikes into a separate class undermines the essence of true competition in motocross. Our mission is to break barriers and showcase the potential of electric technology on equal footing with internal combustion engines, Motocross thrives on innovation and pushing boundaries, and segregation only hinders our collective progress towards a more inclusive and dynamic sport. World Trials have done a great job on including Electric with combustion and have shown that when the platform is competitive it has it´s place amongst combustion counterparts”

Stark Future understands The creation of a separate class for electric bikes, as proposed by MXGP, compromises the essence of competition and risks stifling progress. Instead of fostering innovation, this approach fragments the championship and dilutes the level of competition. Stark Future advocates for the integration of electric bikes into the existing MXGP grid framework, which would promote innovation and benefit the broader motocross community while offering better viewing figures for MXGP programs.

Stark Future recognizes the importance of innovation in the future of motocross. Integrating electric bikes into MXGP would revitalize innovation within the sport and address challenges such as noise pollution, maintenance costs, and accessibility.

In conclusion, Stark Future urges MXGP/ Infront to reconsider the proposal for a separate Electric Support Class and explore avenues to seamlessly integrate Electric bikes into MXGP and MX2 grids. Stark Future is ready to embrace this challenge, and invites industry stakeholders to join in promoting innovation and ensuring that motocross continues to thrive for generations to come.

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Features

Stat Attack: MXGP of Patagonia – Argentina

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With the first round of MXGP in the books, statistics maestro Paul Pearcy has provided MX Vice with some brilliant numbers to tuck into from what was a great round of action. Enjoy

MX2

Timed Practice

  • Top 3
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1:42.114
  2. Kay de Wolf: 1:42.454
  3. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 1:42.895

Qualifying Race

  • Top 3
  1. Lucas Coenen
  2. Kay de Wolf
  3. Andrea Adamo
  • Laps Led
  1. Andrea Adamo: 11
  2. Lucas Coenen: 2
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Kay de Wolf: 1:44.697
  2. Lucas Coenen: 1:45.272
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 1:45.342
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1:46.123
  2. Kay de Wolf: 1:46.369
  3. Thibault Benistant: 1:46.976
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1.832
  2. Quentin Marc Prugnieres: 2.173
  3. Andrea Bonacorsi: 2.511

Race 1

  • Top 3
  1. Simon Laengenfelder
  2. Kay de Wolf
  3. Thibault Benistant
  • Laps Led
  1. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 11
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 5
  3. Thibault Benistant: 2
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 1:46.688
  2. Thibault Benistant: 1:46.917
  3. Simon Laengenfelder: 1:47.243
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Simon Laengenfelder: 1:48.666
  2. Kay de Wolf: 1:48.734
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 1:49.257
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Mikkel Haarup: 3.139
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 3.372
  3. Jack Chambers: 3.337

Race 2

  • Top 3
  1. Kay de Wolf
  2. Mikkel Haarup
  3. Lucas Coenen
  • Laps Led
  1. Lucas Coenen: 7
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 6
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 4
  4. Kay de Wolf: 1
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Lucas Coenen: 1:48.402
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 1:48.617
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 1:48.924
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Kay de Wolf: 1:50.323
  2. Mikkel Haarup: 1:50.655
  3. Lucas Coenen: 1:51.021
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Hakon Fredriksen: 2.538
  2. David Braceras: 2.67
  3. Thibault Benistant: 2.897

Points

  • Qualifying Points Top 10
  1. Lucas Coenen: 10
  2. Kay de Wolf: 9
  3. Andrea Adamo: 8
  4. Simon Laengenfelder: 7
  5. Thibault Benistant: 6
  6. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 5
  7. Hakon Osterhagen: 4
  8. Andrea Bonacorsi: 3
  9. Sacha Coenen: 2
  10. Ferruccio Zanchi: 1
  • Race Points Top 10
  1. Kay de Wolf: 47
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 43
  3. Mikkel Haarup: 38
  4. Thibault Benistant: 34
  5. Andrea Adamo: 29
  6. Ferruccio Zanchi: 27
  7. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 27
  8. Sacha Coenen: 26
  9. Camden Mc Lellan: 25
  10. Rick Elzinga: 23
  • Total Points Top 10
  1. Kay de Wolf: 56
  2. Simon Laengenfelder: 50
  3. Thibault Benistant: 40
  4. Mikkel Haarup: 38
  5. Andrea Adamo: 37
  6. Marc-Antoine Rossi: 32
  7. Lucas Coenen: 30
  8. Ferruccio Zanchi: 28
  9. Sacha Coenen: 28
  10. Camden Mc Lellan: 25

MXGP

Timed Practice

  • Top 3
  1. Romain Febvre: 1:41.071
  2. Pauls Jonass: 1:41.412
  3. Tim Gajser: 1:41.447

Qualifying Race

  • Top 3
  1. Tim Gajser
  2. Romain Febvre
  3. Pauls Jonass
  • Laps Led
  1. Tim Gajser: 13
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Tim Gajser: 1:44.173
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:44.571
  3. Pauls Jonass: 1:45.478
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Tim Gajser: 1:46.294
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:46.738
  3. Pauls Jonass: 1:46.757
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Jeffrey Herlings: 1.9
  2. Ben Watson: 3.044
  3. Valentin Guillod: 3.487

Race 1

  • Top 3
  1. Jorge Prado
  2. Romain Febvre
  3. Pauls Jonass
  • Laps Led
  1. Jorge Prado: 18
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Jorge Prado: 1:46.699
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:46.750
  3. Maxime Renaux: 1:47.151
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Jorge Prado: 1:48.446
  2. Romain Febvre: 1:48.807
  3. Paul Jonass: 1:49.149
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Kevin Horgmo: 2.908
  2. Ben Watson: 3.128
  3. Jeremy Seewer: 3.728

Race 2

  • Top 3
  1. Tim Gajser
  2. Jorge Prado
  3. Romain Febvre
  • Laps Led
  1. Tim Gajser: 18
  • Fastest Lap Times
  1. Jorge Prado: 1:47.787
  2. Tim Gajser: 1:47.980
  3. Romain Febvre: 1:48.319
  • Best Average Lap Times
  1. Tim Gajser: 1:49.097
  2. Jorge Prado: 1:49.587
  3. Romain Febvre: 1:50.050
  • Most Consistent Lap Times (Least difference between fastest and slowest lap times)
  1. Glenn Coldenhoff: 3.222
  2. Jeffrey Herlings: 3.259
  3. Jeremy Seewer: 3.371

Points

  • Qualifying Points Top 10
  1. Tim Gajser: 10
  2. Romain Febvre: 9
  3. Pauls Jonass: 8
  4. Jorge Prado: 7
  5. Maxime Renaux: 6
  6. Jeffrey Herlings: 5
  7. Jeremy Seewer: 4
  8. Ivo Monticelli: 3
  9. Calvin Vlaanderen: 2
  10. Valentin Guillod: 1
  • Race Points Top 10
  1. Jorge Prado: 47
  2. Romain Febvre: 42
  3. Tim Gajser: 41
  4. Pauls Jonass: 38
  5. Maxime Renaux: 33
  6. Jeremy Seewer: 30
  7. Glenn Coldenhoff: 28
  8. Jeffrey Herlings: 27
  9. Calvin Vlaanderen: 24
  10. Kevin Horgmo: 20
  • Total Points Top 10
  1. Jorge Prado: 54
  2. Romain Febvre: 51
  3. Tim Gajser: 51
  4. Pauls Jonass: 46
  5. Maxime Renaux: 39
  6. Jeremy Seewer: 34
  7. Jeffrey Herlings: 32
  8. Glenn Coldenhoff: 28
  9. Calvin Vlaanderen: 26
  10. Valentin Guillod: 21

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MX Vice Podcasts

Between The Races Podcast: Jeffrey Herlings Fanpage

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The Between The Races podcast returns with Geert from Jeffrey Herlings Fanpage and Ed Stratmann, as they talk all things Jeffrey Herlings following the MXGP opener.

The Between The Races podcast is always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Fly Racing, Fox Racing, Parts Europe, Scott, AS3 Performance, Kawasaki UK, KTM UK and Even Strokes for supporting the show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Lead Image: Ray Archer/KTM

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