MERRIMAN WINS NSW ENDURO SERIES

WR450F mounted Stefan Merriman certainly didn’t have it all his own way though after his team-mate, Jarrod Bewley took over the lead of Saturdays round in the final moto special tests at Dungog showgrounds, late that afternoon. Merriman led early on after taking the outright wins in the first 5 special tests, but 2 bad starts in the stadium cross type races, was all it took for the hard charging WR450F mounted Jarrod Bewley to jump into the lead for day.

Although Stefan praised the whole event that was run by the Dungog club, it was the “fun, but hard to pass all in Pro motos, that had me a bit behind the leaders. I was hoping for a better 2nd race start, I tried to anticipate the gate and it all went wrong, and again I found myself at the back trying to push forward. Anyway it was a great event and I know there’s a bit of history in this area, and this club with them running one of the biggest enduro’s in the early days from around the mid 70’s; the ‘Forrest 300’. It was a good enduro out there in the bush and the tests where excellent. The final round and Sunday went better for me, and I was pleased to take that win.” ‘That win’ ended up giving Merriman his 3rd overall for each of the 2 Day series, and the overall NSW title.

Josh Ballard also rode this weekend finishing well, but just off the podium. He had 2 strong moto’s in the showgrounds running up front and even challenging Bewley for the lead on one occasion, plus also had fast times in all the grass track tests, which is definitely his strong point.

From here the whole Ballards Wellard Yamaha team will be on board for the final 2 rounds of the AORC series in Young NSW, 2 weekends from now. With the team leading outright in the Pro class (Merriman),the Juniors (Burrell) and the seniors ‘Masters’ (Ballard), plus other ‘in class’ hi-placings for all other team riders, it should be a very exciting final two rounds.

BRIDGESTONE AND KAWASAKI UNITE

31 August 2009

Bridgestone and Kawasaki Unite

Bridgestone is proud to announce the addition of Kawasaki’s FLY Team Green to the Bridgestone Off-road Motor sport Family. Both the Junior and Senior teams will be running Bridgestone tyres for the upcoming New Zealand Moto-cross and Super-cross Championships, as well as all the major 2 day events in New Zealand. A leading tyre producer Bridgestone is excited about the partnership, FLY Team Green promotes the sort of image Bridgestone wants to be associated with. They area tight knit team with a good work ethic and strong team values, similar to the team here at Eurotred. They have the same core values as we do, and we see this being a long lasting and successful partnership.

As an official tyre sponsor of FLY Team Green, Bridgestone will be supporting senior riders Nick Saunders, Mason Phillips, and Mike Cotter. At the recent FIM Junior World MX Championships held in Taupo, Kawasaki Junior riders Haki Waller, John Phillips and now World Junior No.3 Hamish Dobbyn were all using Bridgestone tyres.

John Phillips had this to say “This is my first proper tyre deal and I couldn’t think of anyone better than to get it from. They come standard on my Kawasaki, and
Bridgestone’s definitely hook up sweet”.

Senior rider, Nick Saunders reaction to the new deal was “Dude, that’s awesome, Bridgestone tyres are sooooo good. They last ages and work awesome in the mud”.

The team will not only be using Bridgestone tyres but also Bridgestone’s quality 4mm Heavy Duty tubes to ensure that no punctures happen while racing on the track.

Look for the senior FLY Team Green and their Bridgestone tyres at the front of the pack come the NZ MX Nationals starting 11th October.


About Bridgestone

Bridgestone is a world wide leader in the manufacturing of motorcycles tyres and motorcycle tubes. With the best materials and latest technologies used in their production, only the best tyres come with the Bridgestone logo on them. With a full compliment of tyres for both road and off road motorcycles, Bridgestone is the only motorcycle tyre you will ever need.

About Eurotred

Eurotred is the Bridgestone Motorcycle Tyre Importer for New Zealand. With a full range of tyres and containers arriving monthly, good stocks are at hand all the time. Eurotred also imports Putoline Oils, Gold Fren Brake Pads, Power Volt batteries, Viper tires and quality quad tires. For more information on these products, contact the sales department on 09 4433111 or sales@eurotred.co.nz

2 x STUNT RIDERS NEEDED

WILDCARD ENTERTAINMENT - HIRING NOW



Newly formed with two Holden utes fully worked to perform drift stunts Wildcard Entertainment are looking for Motorcycle stunt riders to join the stunt team riding supplied stunt machines alongside their drift utes. The job will vary across New Zealand with an aim to attend all major motorsport events and logged promotional gigs. It will not disappoint.

If you think you have or know of someone that has what it takes to confidently pull a range of stunts on a motorcycle in front of large crowds you should get in contact with James Urquhart at Wildcard Entertainment on 021 795 691. James is keen to hear from anyone that has the experience and skills necessary.








Note: The ute driver positions have been filled.

REED WINS CHAMPIONSHIP - CODY COOPER CURRENTLY 8th

22 becomes 1 - Chad Reed AMA Motocross Champion

Australia’s Chad Reed delivered another dominant performance at Saturday’s Budd’s Creek round to wrap up the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship with four motos still to run.
The 27-year-old from Kurri Kurri in New South Wales entered round 10 of 12 with an 82-point lead and needed to leave with over 100 points in the bag to secure the 450cc crown.
He overcame a slow start to the opening moto to claw his way back to second place, missing the win by a matter of metres.
The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider left nothing to chance in moto two, battling for the lead into the first corner and emerging with the advantage which would rarely be challenged.
The 2-1 result saw him take his fourth overall win in a row and more importantly, stretch his lead to an unbeatable 104 points.
An emphatic Reed proudly gestured towards the #22 plate as he greeted the chequered flag, wrapping up his first ever professional motocross championship after years of Supercross success.
"I feel like (my career) is complete," said Reed.
"I also feel like I got a lot more fight in me, but it's a step in the right direction. This is what hard work is all about.
“I want to thank everyone at Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki for putting this together.
“It was a last minute deal and just like in all racing, we had our ups and downs but came out on top in the end."
The title win adds another trophy to the mantle for Reed, who has won two AMA/World Supercross championships amongst many others.
The round victory also saw Reed wrap up the Monster Energy Triple Crown, an additional reward for wins at High Point Raceway, Red Bud and Budds Creek.
A full recap of the Budds Creek event can be view at allisports.com: http://www.allisports.com/videos/450-racer-x-post-show-budds-creek

450 Class (Moto Finish)

Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki (2-1) 

Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (1-6)

Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda (5-3)

Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Yamaha (4-4) 

Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki (12-2) 

Michael Byrne, Australia, Suzuki (6-5) 

Timmy Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki (9-8) 

Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda (7-10) 

Matt Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Yamaha (3-27) 

Jimmy Albertson, Ozark, Mo., Yamaha (11-12)

450 Class Championship Standings
Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki, 434
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 330
Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 322
Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 280
Michael Byrne, Australia, Suzuki, 276
Thomas Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki, 229
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 201
Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Yamaha, 176
Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha, 176
Jimmy Albertson, Ozark, Mo., Yamaha, 150

BAYLISS TO V8s

Troy Bayliss confirmed to co-drive with Dean Fiore at Phillip Island and Bathurst

For Immediate Release: Thursday August 20, 2009.

Fluid PR is pleased to announce that current and three-time World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss will join Dean Fiore in a Paul Morris Motorsports prepared Triple F Racing Commodore at this year’s L& H 500 and Super Cheap Auto Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar events.

Since securing his third world title less than 12 months ago Bayliss has made the successful transition from the premier two wheel class to securing a main game drive in what are arguably, two of the toughest touring car races in the world.

The multiple World Champion, had his first taste of V8 Supercars back in June when he tested Craig Lowndes’ TeamVodafone V8 Supercar at Queensland Raceway. Incredibly, he set a time that was just three tenths of a second off Lowndes’ fastest lap of the day.

Since then Bayliss has explored his options with a number of V8 Supercar teams including Paul Morris Motorsports and Kelly Racing before accepting an invitation to race alongside Fiore.

Bayliss, who will take part in tomorrow’s 35 minute opening practice session at Queensland Raceway, said he was looking forward to the challenge of switching from two to four wheels.

“It has been a long time coming and now the deal has been put together,” Bayliss said. “I am really excited to be making my debut in the V8 Supercar Series.”

“It’s going to be a huge challenge but it is something that I’ve longed to do for some time. It’s going to be a massive test for me, especially at Bathurst, where my first priority will be to finish and then we’ll see where it may lead to for next year.

“I know the Phillip Island track quite well, I have had a lot of success there on a bike but it’s going to be different when I go there next month in a V8 Supercar. I have watched Bathurst on the couch since I was a kid, I can’t believe I am actually going to be there driving the mountain.”

Fiore, who is also contesting his first full season behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar, said he was looking forward to racing with Bayliss.

“To race alongside Troy [Bayliss] is an absolute honour,” Fiore said, “While he is fairly green to the world of V8 Supercar Racing, the way conducts himself with such professionalism is certainly something which I draw on and learn from.”

“Troy [Bayliss] has achieved so much throughout his career and in a short time he is showing signs that he will be a great co-driver.”

CRC Industries Australia will also support Bayliss’ debut into V8 Supercars through their Kitten Car Care brand with the company’s National Marketing Manager, Ian Maidens saying it is a privilege to be associated with the multiple World Champion.

“We are happy to have Troy Bayliss on board for Phillip Island and Bathurst,” Maidens said, “He is an Australian motor racing icon and it will be great to see him behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar at both Phillip Island and Bathurst.”:

The #12 Commodore will carry the livery of Kitten Car Care Products this weekend at Queensland Raceway before receiving a striking new design for Phillip Island and Bathurst.

The L&H 500 at Phillip Island will take place on September 11 – 13 ahead of the Super Cheap Auto Bathurst 100 at the hallowed Mount Panorama circuit on October 8 – 11.

BIRCH ROMANIACS RUNNER UP

Words: Todd Sutherland

The final day proved brutal with Kiwi Chris Birch unable to beat BMW hotshot Andreas Lettenbithler. The German a surprise winner.
Birch did well to recover from having to remove a wheel and disc earlier in the event. The KTM300 performed well but Birch, it is understoond had to remove the front wheel and disc, to get out a cable that had become entangled in the machines workings.He also suffered with a few GPS problems.
Birch pushed on to overpower french legend Cybril Despres (also on a KTM) on the final day.
Results
The event winner Andreas Lettenbithler, rode in Auckland's inaugral City Scramble eariler this year. Lettenbithler is a full time professional racer, riding for BMW.

TRIUMPH STREET TRIPLE BAGS NET AWARD

Motorcycle.com awards.

Motorcycle.com has just announced their 'Bikes of the year' awards: Triumphs Street Triple 'R' took out the overall 'Bike of the Year' award.

"Triumphs Street Triple R is a fantastically versatile sporting package with one of our favourite engines of all time. It's an elemental motorcycle but with major league performance built in, and it's fun-to-ride quotient is sky high, earning our MoBo Motorcycle of the year award for 2009". (motorcycle.com).

And the new Thunderbird took out the 'Best Cruiser award.

"Triumphs Thunderbird twists the cruiser mold by eschewing a V-twin powerplant in favour of a character-rich power-twin that retains a link to Triumphs of yore. Clean lines that were penned by an American designer are attractive without being too derivative and a stout chassis that encourages riding on twisty roads instead of avoiding them". (motorcycle.com).

Follow the link below to see what else they had to say about these awesome bikes.

Click Here

Bikedeadline.

BIRCH DROPS TO 3RD ON 3RD DAY

Words: Todd S
KTM's Chris Birch has dropped to 3rd place in the Red Bull Romaniacs extreme enduro. Birch suffered after having to dismantle his bikes wheel assembley when a cable is understood to have become entangled.

Frenchman Cyril Despres now leads,with Chris hoping to close in on the final day.

http://www.redbullromaniacs.com/results/results-2009/day-3-overall/

AORC: NOT GOOD FOR MERRIMAN

Words & Pics - Yamaha.
AORC Series Rounds 7 and 8 in Qld were not good for Yamaha’s Stefan Merriman, but he still holds the outright lead, with just the final 2 rounds to go!

After blitzing rounds 5 and 6 in South Australia, Merriman was stuck for an answer from his off the pace ride this weekend. “I just didn’t come to grips with the course, and Toby was the opposite and everything clicked just right for him. Sometimes it goes that way!” A 6th and 5th outright and 3rd both days in the E2 class has left Merriman with a 13 point lead in the E2 championship class, but just 5 points clear in the outright title chase ahead of Kawasaki’s Toby Price. Sitting just 4 points behind him is Ballards Wellard Yamaha’s other E2 class hard charger Jarrod Bewley. Jarrod pushed his WR450F into 2nd both days in the tough E2 battle and maintained his podium spot in the outright hunt with 158 points to Toby’s 164 and Merriman on 169.

In the Pro E1 class, Kirk Hutton came out flying, with consistently strong runs over both days for his best outright performance aboard his WR250F, with a 4th and 3rd outright, and 2nd and 1st in E1. He felt at home in the tough and dry conditions and was thrilled to gain some valuable points in the championship chase, saying “I’m still in the hunt “with now182 points to Kearney on 189.

Pro E3 class contender Josh Ballard pushed his WR480F into 8th and 7th after a ‘hard day at the office’. ‘’I’m not too sure what it was with the course, but I struggled a lot in the dry and dusty conditions and something just wasn’t gelling for me”
Josh now sits in equal 5th place on 117 points with Lloyd in 4th on 134.

Wellard support rider and E1 Expert hard charger Liam Robertson came back from a severe dose of the flu to push his WR250F into 8th and 5th for the weekend, but still maintains 3rd and is on the podium for the E1 championship on 98 series points.

Junior sensation Ben Burrell was back to his usual form with 2 flawless days of racing heading him towards another outright Junior title with 50 more points from 2 wins, and is heading both the junior lites and outright honors with 175 points.

Geoff Ballard again ‘did his thing’ on his WR450F in the Masters class with 2 more wins to make it 8 out of 8 for a maximum of 200 points.

The final 2 rounds of the AORC are just a month off in Young NSW and its certainly shaping up to be a battle for the outright title with Ballard’s Wellard Yamaha E2 big guns in 1st and 3rd overall. Stay Tuned!

KIWI BIRCH LEADS RED BULL ROMANIACS

words: Todd S
Chris Birch is leading after the first day at the Red Bull Romaniacs with off road legend Cyril Despres in second. Follow Birch's progress on his KTM300 via the attached link.

MOTOMART GOES BMW

BMW Motorrad spreads its wings in New Zealand.

BMW Motorrad is pleased to welcome Motomart to their New Zealand dealer network.
“We are very fortunate to have Motomart as one of our leading BMW Motorrad dealers in New Zealand. With the breadth of experience and acute knowledge of the motorcycle industry I have no doubt we have a long and loyal business relationship ahead of us,” said Cameron Cuthill, General Manager BMW Motorrad Australia and New Zealand.
In a response to satisfy the increase in customer demand, BMW Motorrad has assigned one of Wellington’s premier motorcycle dealers to wear the legendary roundel.
With a state-of-the-art facility, Motomart has room for over 200 new and used motorcycles, including a 450sqm service area complete with specially trained BMW technicians to ensure BMW customers, and their motorcycle, receive the very best in care.
There is also a dedicated retail area for customers to try on the very latest in BMW rider wear and equipment together with the assistance of highly qualified and experienced Sales Executives.
Motomart was originally founded in 1995 by Pat and Carol McLoughlin and is now recognized as one of New Zealand’s leading motorcycle retailers. A testament to this is Motomart was voted as Ducati’s number one New Zealand dealer and is also one of New Zealand’s largest Honda dealers.
"Since the announcement we have received overwhelming support and interest in the BMW brand from new and existing customers. We welcome this opportunity to be able to expand our business and the Motomart team are looking forward to working with the BMW Group," said Pat McLouglin, Dealer Principal Motomart.
Like BMW Motorrad, Motomart prides themselves on their reputation, striving for excellence in all facets of business.
The official opening of BMW Motorrad at Motomart is scheduled for Saturday 22 August, 2009. Motomart’s superstore is located at 7 Rutherford Street, Lower Hutt Wellington.
For more information please visit http://www.motomart.co.nz/

ROSSI WINS IN BRNO

Results for the Czech MotoGP:
1 Valentino Rossi Fiat Yamaha 43'08.991
2 Dani Pedrosa Repsol Honda 43'20.757
3 Toni Elias San Carlo Honda 43'29.747
4 Andrea Dovizioso Repsol Honda 43'30.409
5 Loris Capirossi Rizla Suzuki 43'30.529
6 Nicky Hayden Ducati Marlboro 43'34.535
7 Colin Edwards Monster Yamaha 43'34.667
8 Alex De Angelis San Carlo Honda 43'43.100
9 James Toseland Monster Yamaha 43'44.608
10 Randy De Puniet LCR Honda 43'48.815
11 Chris Vermeulen Rizla Suzuki 43'49.767
12 Niccolo Canepa Pramac Racing 43'59.652
13 Gabor Talmacsi Scot Racing 44'08.179

DNF:
Mika Kallio, Marco Melandri, Jorge Lorenzo, Michel Fabrizio

STONER OUT NEXT 3 GP'S-KALLIO / FABRIZIO PROMOTED

words: Todd Sutherland
Factory Ducati and title contender Casey Stoner has announced that he will not be riding in the next three Grands Prix. Stoner has suffered from a mystery virus and is confident that a full rest period will aid a healthy return.
A game of musical chairs will see Mika Kallio on Stoner's bike, with World Superbike Ducati pilot, Michel Fabrizio landing on Kallio's Pramac Ducati.
Don't hold your breath for any results though. Stoner has long been the only rider (ironically since Capirossi was sacked two seasons ago) capable of running at the front on the Italian marque.
Kallio is the top Ducati rider in the Pramac team, sitting in 15th place in the championship. Niccolo Canepa, Pramac's other rider, is the only other full time championship rider with less points in the championship. In fact if you add Nicky Hayden's (the other works Ducati rider) championship points to the other two Ducati riders totals, you'll find an unwell Stoner still has 40 points more than the trio combined, by himself!

Let's hope that Fabrizio's recent racing at this weekends Brno circuit (he podiumed in the second race, at the World Superbike round, mid July) will give Ducati some kind of result in Stoner's absence.

SMITH WINS AUS SAFARI

GHR Honda takes another Safari win

Twenty-year old Condobolin rider, Jacob Smith, has become the youngest ever winner of the Australasian Safari after dominating the seven-day event, which finished in the Western Australian gold mining city of Kalgoorlie today.
Riding a GHR Honda CRF 450X, Smith took the lead on the third of the event's 19 timed stages and finished the 3771 kilometre event 14 minutes and 18 seconds ahead of his brother, Todd Smith, riding a KTM. Defending champion, Ben Grabham, also on a KTM, was third, three minutes 30 seconds further back.
The final day of the off-road marathon saw competitors tackle two stages on a 165 kilometre loop out of the gold mining city of Kalgoorlie. Navigational skills were really tested over a number of tricky station tracks.
Ben Grabham started the event as hot favourite in the bike section after winning the past two Safaris, but his hopes of a third straight win ended on day two when he lost a rear tyre and dropped over an hour to the Smith brothers.
From then on, Jacob Smith controlled the event, and the third year apprentice linesman was elated with his victory.
"It's fantastic to beat to Ben (Grabham) as he's the best rider in Australia," Smith said. "Any time you can beat him it's a good achievement. It's my third Safari, so it's third time lucky - I was second in 2007, and had an engine failure last year."
While he wasn't the event favourite, Smith was always aiming for victory.
"I always race to win, I don't do it for second, but it was such a strong field it was always going to be tough. But after the first few days I knew I could do it."
Having his 24-year old brother in second place was an added bonus.
"We work together, even though we're on different teams, and we support each other," Smith said. "We always wanted to be 1-2, it was just a case of who was first and who was second."
Anything but a full-time professional rider, Smith will be back at work on Monday morning, less than 48 hours after his historic victory.
Swedish rider, Annie Seel, relished her first Safari experience, and reaped praise on the event and her fellow competitors.
"I think if you want to do the Dakar in Argentina then you need to do this event first as a training event," the 40-year old veteran said. "I'm going to try to sell the event back home and get more competitors for next year.
"I was particularly impressed by how fast the locals ride with the navigation. An Aussie team in the Dakar could do very well. For me, this event was as tough as the Dakar."

Final results, 2009 Australasian Safari (provisional)

1 Jacob SMITH (NSW), Honda CRF 450 X, 22h 58m 09s
2 Todd SMITH (NSW), KTM 530 EXC, +14m 18s
3 Ben GRABHAM (NSW), KTM 530 EXC, +17m 48s
4 Ivan ERCEG (WA), KTM 450 EXC, +1h 58m 57s
5 David SCHWARZ (SA), Husaberg, +2hrs 32m 25s
We would like to thank the team for their all efforts, the supporters and all our sponsors for the continuing support.

Bikedeadline.

ZERO MOTORCYCLES ELECTRIC DUAL SPORT BIKE

The Zero DS website claims the bike 'combines innovation with passion to deliver the world’s most versatile electric motorcycle. Designed to be agile in the dirt and quick on the street, the Zero DS represents a new kind of freedom.

Bypass the ordinary. Blast down a gravel road or a dusty trail. When you’re ready, silently pass from the sublime to the civilized as you arrive at your destination. The Zero DS is tough when you demand it and distinguished when required. Its edgy, yet sophisticated, appearance is highlighted by an eye catching twin spar frame that is both rigid and lightweight. '

For more info check out:
http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-ds

HAMPTON DOWNS UPDATE

News in from Darren at Hampton Downs Ride Days. Click to enlarge.

AUSSIE TAKES X GAMES GOLD AND SILVER

Australian freestyle motocross (FMX) sensation Blake ‘Bilko' Williams has taken Gold and Silver in his biggest competition event of the year, X Games 15, which was held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles this weekend.

The invite-only action sports event brings together the world's best athletes to battle it out for Gold, Silver and Bronze in their respective discipline.

Williams collected silver in yesterday's Moto X Best Trick, with a 360 Indian air and perfectly-executed cliffhanger flip to no-handed lander bringing the crowd and fellow riders to their feet.

With the judges proving hard to impress, Bilko dug deep into his repertoire of tricks today to take a deserved career-first gold in Moto X Freestyle by a single point after three runs.

The achievement also marks the first time an international rider has taken a Gold medal in the Freestyle category in the history of X Games.

The result is the ultimate reward for the 24-year-old from Baxter in country Victoria, who has now reached the action sport's pinnacle.

"After being robbed of gold in the Best Trick event last night it really lit a fire under my belly to settle for nothing less than gold tonight," said Williams, whose previous best X Games medal was a bronze.

"I am stoked, tonight was the one that counted and it was an amazing feeling to get the win in front of my Mum and Dad who flew over for the event.

"It has been a long couple of weeks and to be honest I actually didn't have the preparation I would have liked.

"I want to dedicate the medal to the late Jeremy Lusk and Bronte Holland and also my mate Cam Sinclair who I should have been competing against tonight."

The next event on Bilko's schedule is the Wendy's Invititional at Portland, the first of three FMX stops on the 2009 Dew Tour.