With the biggest event of the off-season now behind us, focus has switched to Anaheim 1, which is less than two months away! But, now that everyone is knuckling down and attempting to get themselves ready for the American season, the news has slowed down a little bit. But, nonetheless, we’ve gathered every piece of notable news and put it into this MX Vice ‘Weekly Wrap Up’.
Monster Makes Moves:
Prior to the Bercy Supercross, Monster Energy announced that they have signed a deal with the Kawasaki Racing Team (KRT) to become the title sponsor in 2014. In fact, Gautier Paulin was running the graphics at Bercy this past weekend – the factory Kawasaki team is already representing the brand, evidently. Honestly, I am quite surprised that it took them this long to do the deal. It does seem like a perfect fit – Monster Energy is associated with Kawasaki, because of their partnership in the USA. Monster already backs CLS Kawasaki, also. So, it all makes sense! Where this leaves the factory Yamaha effort remains to be seen.
Potentially, the Kawasaki Racing Team could be on for a great year in 2014. With the French duo of Gautier Paulin, and Steven Frossard beneath their tent, they could potentially win a handful of GPs, and be in a position to contend for the title. By sponsoring the KRT team, Monster is presumably trying to challenge Red Bull’s position at the top of the series.
In the official PR, Mitch Covington (of Monster Energy) had this to say:
“We’re really excited to be part of the Kawasaki Racing Team next season, involved with Thierry and the factory effort from Kawasaki. Steven and Gautier are strong riders, they each have good chances in the championship, and we have a very strong team. We are really proud of Gautier’s results this year; he is a young and strong rider who can be there for many years and he fits the Monster Energy image. We also keep Steven in the family; I’m sure he will be very good for the brand and for the team. We have a strong relationship with Kawasaki in both USA and in Europe, and now have a worldwide base.”
Stefan Signs with Fox Racing:
Fox Racing was hinting towards the fact that they had signed a ‘big name’ last week. Well, it was actually revealed at Bercy that both Stefan Everts, and his son Liam, have joined the Fox family. Some questioned the decision, seeing as Stefan no longer races. But, he is still looked at as a legend, and people take notice of his casual wear. The Belgian still does some photo shoots too. So, Fox will get a lot of exposure from him. Of course, Liam is in the public eye a lot also. It is a great deal for Fox, overall, in my opinion. Actually, it’s good for the Everts family as well!
Pellegrini Joins Arenacross UK Lineup!
If you are a hardcore fan of the sport (like myself), you will recognise the name Angelo Pellegrini. Angelo made his name competing in a handful of Monster Energy AMA Supercross rounds. Remember when he crashed with Justin Bogle over the finish line at Toronto in 2012? The Italian is back in Europe now though, as he is getting ready to mount an attack on our Arenacross UK series! Angelo will be a contender for race wins, and the title, undoubtedly. Pellegrini will be on the Buildbase Honda squad. Most recently, he ended second at a supercross in Milan behind Zach Osborne this past weekend.
Maxxis British Championship Format News:
Despite the fact that a lot of the riders, and teams, in the Maxxis British Championship would like to see the format revert back to two thirty minute motos; it has been announced that the series will stick with three twenty-minute motos in 2014. However, the ACU have made some changes, as the mixed MX1/MX2 race has been dropped. Although some are against the decision to keep the three-moto format, it has been implemented to create more excitement for the fans.
Coming Up:
Terex Australian Supercross, Round Six – Toowoomba
Following a handful of weeks off, the Terex Australian Supercross series will resume this weekend, for the final round. The Pro Open class is still wide open, which will certainly make for some interesting racing at Toowoomba. Josh Hill currently leads the standings. However, he has a slim five point lead over Matt Moss, with Jake Moss a further two points back. So, either of those guys could end up walking away with the title. But, the five-point cushion that Hill has will undoubtedly help him out, as he does not have to win the main event this weekend. The Pro Lites class is just as close, with Gavin Faith currently leading by five points over Luke Styke.
Words by Lewis Phillips
Image courtesy of Kawasaki Racing
