MOTOCROSS MXGP USA 2016

GP18: USA (Glen Helen) - Final round of the season

The final GP of the season is over, and now everyone is focused on the next Motocross of Nations, scheduled in two weeks’ time in Maggiora (Italy). In Glen Helen Jeffrey Herlings won the last MX2 GP of his career, while American Eli Tomac won his second MXGP in a row.Charlotte last week was a new venue, but Glen Helen this weekend is one of the most famous Motocross track in the USA. There was no suspense for the titles, as both Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Gajser secured these titles one week ago and came to Glen Helen without pressure.

Jeffrey Herlings dominates the MX2 class, his last appearance in this category as he will move to MXGP next season; winner of both races, he won his fourteenth GP of the season and beats Americans Jeremy Martin and Mitchell Harrison. Third of the opening moto, Austin Forkner was a podium contender until a big crash stopped him during the second heat. “Qualifying day went good; I had some battle with Herlings in the qualifying race and second gave me a good gate pick. First moto I was third and did my own race, a pretty solid ride. Second moto I was fourth or fifth but I went down at the bottom of a hill while I was with Herlings; I was last, came back in the pack and I was putting some very fast laps to come back to tenth, but then on a table top at the back of the track I had a big crash; luckily I wasn't badly hurt though my back was sore but the bike was damaged and I had to retire. I would have like to finish the second race today, and maybe got another podium as my team told me that if I finished eighth in race two I would have got it. Racing these two GPs was definitively a good experience” said the young American who impressed the GP contenders.A European won the MX2 class, but none of the regular GP riders were able to beat American Eli Tomac in the MXGP class. Winner of both races in Charlotte, Tomac did the same in Glen Helen and beats Antonio Cairoli and Tim Gajser, the 2016 vice champion and champion. Newcomer in this championship as he is now racing the 250 class in the US series, Arnaud Tonus did a single appearance in this GP and got a strong ninth overall. “It was a good weekend for me; my speed was good even if I just rode the bike twice before coming here. In the first race I struggled to find a good rhythm, but the second one was easier with a better start and physically I felt OK even if I didn’t ride a two-day event for a while. It was a good training for the MX of Nations, as the track was pretty rough and it will be great to ride for team Switzerland in Maggiora,” said Arnaud who was the best Scott athlete. Clement Desalle didn’t raced this GP, as he hit his knee during the qualifying race.

Everyone will now prepare the next main event, the legendary Motocross of Nations that will be organised on September 25th in Maggiora (Italy)

Results MXGP.

1.Tomac (USA, Kawasaki)

2.Cairoli (ITA, KTM)

3.Gajser (SLO, Honda)

9.Tonus (SUI, Kawasaki), Scott Athlete

10.Simpson (GBR, KTM), Scott Athlete

13.Tixier (FRA, Kawasaki), Scott Athlete

MXGP World standings:

1.Gajser, 731 (2016 World Champion)

2.Cairoli, 647

3.Nagl (ALL, Husqvarna), 603

8.Desalle (BEL, Kawasaki), 372

10.Simpson, 343

Results MX2.

1.Herlings (PB, KTM)

2.Martin (USA, Honda)

3.Harrison (USA, Yamaha)

10.Forkner (USA, Kawasaki), Scott Athlete

14.Sanayei (USA, Kawasaki), Scott Athlete

MX2 World Standings

1.Herlings, 739 (2016 World Champion)

2.Seewer (SUI, Suzuki), 625

3.Paturel (FRA, Yamaha), 512

7.Ferrandis (FRA, Kawasaki), Scott Athlete, 378

9.Petrov (BUL, Kawasaki), Scott Athlete, 351