Features 19 Sep 2012

MotoInsider: 37

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Yesterday we uploaded a list of teams taking shape for the upcoming Australian Supercross Championships, with a few key changes compared to what we saw last month when the Monster Energy MX Nationals concluded at Coolum.

The most publicized swap has been Daniel McCoy to CDR Yamaha alongside Lawson Bopping, but there are still a number of rider movements to take place as we’re within a month of the championship opener at Dubbo on 13 October.

It’s since been revealed that Matt Moss will ride for the JDR/KTM Factory Racing team in Pro Open aboard a 2013 model 450 SX-F, and no doubt he will be a title threat (that bike and Moss combined are just what the brand needs in its Australian debut during the ASX series).

Moss is working on a supercross-only deal with JDR/J-Star/KTM to race the Lites clas in America again next year, but that isn’t finalized and he’s still in discussions with other teams from what we hear. It makes sense though if the team can keep him, because he claimed their only US podium and is their leading hope of success in Australian Supercross as well.

One match-up I’m looking forward to seeing is Matt Moss against Jake Moss, and I think the latter will benefit from having his twin brother back in Australia. They’re driven to be winners in this sport and have what it takes, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on that rivalry in the weeks to come throughout the series.

Ben Townley's supercross plans are still undecided at this point. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Team Axis Motorsports Kawasaki Maxima’s latest recruit, Dylan Leary, suffered two broken wrists while practicing last week, forcing him out of the series. According to the team, they’re waiting on approval from Kawasaki before they scout a replacement.

Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing is still searching for a suitable replacement on Kirk Gibbs’ YZ250F, and team owner Gavin Eales said yesterday that they are considering somebody from the US. He did say that if they don’t finalise that deal, then they could simply focus on Styke. One rider that has been linked to the team is Luke Clout.

Berry Sweet/Lucas Oil/Yamaha’s Craig Anderson will take part in his final season of supercross before entering retirement, but his team is also in need of a Lites rider since Luke Arbon is injured. Ando did say he was in discussions with a solid young Aussie, but we were sworn to secrecy when he let the cat out of the bag yesterday.

The Zero Seven Motorsports team is up in the air at this point, waiting to see how Adam Monea’s recovery is coming along, while Dion Picard is definitely out with a knee injury. That said, they won’t go racing unless they have a rider capable of podiums as results are vital at this point in the team’s rebuilding and rebranding process.

Ben Townley has been riding, but we’re yet to hear officially whether he’ll line-up in Australian Supercross or simply wait for the MX Nationals in 2013. Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing would benefit big time from having BT ride, but he’s a smart and experienced player who will only compete if he’s 100 percent.

Stay tuned to MotoOnline.com.au for updates on a new rider to fill Kirk Gibbs' position. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

When Adam Spence contacted Ford Dale earlier today to do a news story, Townley was with him up in Queensland training together and generally having a good time as they do. With that combo working together (and going to again on 450s in 2013), Yarrive Konsky’s factory Honda team looks like it has a bright 12 months coming right up.

The MX Factory Honda team has been linked to Gavin Faith, not expected to continue with Kiwis Justin McDonald or Michael Phillips in supercross. They’ve also been linked to a couple of internationals, but team owner Josh McFarlane told us yesterday that he’s still making plans at this point.

Riders are getting down to business by now and as we reported yesterday in our Social Spotlight feature with Tye Simmonds, he’s been out training hard with McCoy and Motul Pirelli Suzuki’s Steven Clarke. Between these three pushing eachother, expect all of them to come out swinging at Dubbo (Simmonds’ home round of the title chase). Remember, Simmonds and McCoy finished 2-3 in the Open series behind Jay Marmont in 2011.

Speaking of Marmont, he too has been head down, working hard to redeem himself following a disastrous outdoor season. Jay will be a contender and one rider flying under the radar is his brother Ryan. This year Doggy’s back in the Lites and it wasn’t too long ago that we saw him finishing inside the top 10 of American Supercross Lites on the West Coast in 2011.

That’s all for another week here in the Insider, thank you for reading and stay tuned for The Matthes Report tomorrow, where Steve Matthes will tune in with all the latest from the US.

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