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Moto Information Weekly Wrap
December 30, 2025

What’s New:

• Dakar 2026 Preview – Sanders the favorite
• Gus Riordan indicators with Phoenix Racing Honda for XC2
• Willy Browning the brand new AMA Motocross Supervisor
• Kawasaki and Penrite Racing GO24 half methods
• Jaimon Lidsey claims 2025 Phil Crump Solo Traditional trophy
• 2026 Australian Solo Speedway Championship kicks off January 3
• Purvis and Draper dominate NZ Summercross
• Honda thank Fly Racing for six years of help in America
• 2026 Racing Calendars

Dakar 2026 Preview

One title stands out among the many favourites heading into the forty eighth version of the Dakar Rally: 2025 winner Daniel Sanders, virtually untouchable all through the season, is the bookmakers’ favorite to attempt to retain his title, alongside Luciano Benavides and the promising Edgar Canet at Crimson Bull KTM Manufacturing facility Racing.

Up towards the Australian, the Monster Vitality Honda HRC crew arrives with a powerful density of confirmed expertise: Tosha Schareina, Ricky Brabec, Adrien Van Beveren, and Skyler Howes won’t be held again by any complexes of their bid for the highest.

Hero MotoSport, with Ross Department and “Nacho” Cornejo, and Sherco Rally Manufacturing facility, with Bradley Cox and Lorenzo Santolino, will attempt to be a part of the battle for the Rally GP podium, in addition to for the Rally 2 title. In that class, Tobias Ebster (Hero) and Harith Noah (Sherco) will notably be up towards Michael Docherty (BAS World KTM Workforce).

Toby Value can be notably absent within the motorbike class, with the Australian swapping two wheels for 4 in 2025 with Sam Sunderland, and competing with TGRW2RC in 2026 on 4 wheels as soon as once more.

The document of the final ten Dakar editions gives a snapshot of the current historical past of the self-discipline, which has seen the emergence of strong champions from new continents, the top of KTM’s hegemony, a considerably broadened circle of main contenders, and titles extra fiercely contested than throughout the Despres–Coma period.

Over this era, six riders have reached the highest, however none has managed to win twice in a row. Daniel Sanders could also be one of the best geared up to take action, if he maintains the extent he has proven since reaching full maturity similtaneously his crowning achievement final January.

Within the wake of his clear victory in a Dakar mastered from begin to end, the Australian rider adopted up with wins on the Abu Dhabi Desert Problem, the South African Safari Rally and the bp Final Rally-Raid Portugal: a flawless run earlier than securing the W2RC title because of his second place on the Rallye du Maroc.

Confronted with such a convincing collection, the Melbourne-based rider-beekeeper arrives each as KTM’s pure chief and the outright favorite for the Saudi rendezvous.

Nevertheless, the Saudi desert can be something however a boulevard for “Chucky,” effectively conscious that the fiercest competitors will come from the Honda camp, made up of 4 skilled riders who’ve already visited the Dakar podium.

The 2 most outstanding groups don’t forestall the outsiders from nurturing excessive ambitions. Final yr, the hopes of former world champion Ross Department had been dashed by an early retirement, however the duo he varieties with “Nacho” Cornejo at Hero will try to upset the obvious predictions.

That can be the target of producer Sherco, which has enlisted South African Bradley Cox to pair a brand new high rider with Lorenzo Santolino: each dream of a podium end in Yanbu.

Hero and Sherco are engaged in a double problem, every having of their ranks key gamers within the Rally 2 class, able to make the most of the step as much as the elite by reigning champion Edgar Canet.

The Indian model has certainly recruited Tobias Ebster, who tried all year long to observe the Catalan prodigy’s tempo to complete second within the W2RC standings, whereas 2024 winner Harith Noah has remained loyal to the French crew. The combat for this coveted stepping-stone title also needs to prominently contain the BAS World KTM construction, which fields South African Michael Docherty, able to concentrating on a Prime 10 total end, in addition to Slovenian Toni Mulec (thirteenth in 2025) or Polish rider Konrad Dabrowski (sixteenth in 2025).

Unique by Motul

A race throughout the race! Dakar motorcyclists all have specific respect for individuals who resolve so as to add an additional issue to their problem: competing with out an help construction, and due to this fact taking up the upkeep and repairs of their machine after reaching the bivouac every night.

In Unique by Motul, managing mechanics and bodily sources is much more essential than elsewhere. This yr, 21 riders have chosen the Dakar the arduous means. And whereas this small group is primarily pushed by this distinctive journey, a handful of them can even have their eyes firmly mounted on the class standings.

Final January’s victory was determined between two regulars, with Romanian Emanuel Gyenes edging out his rival Benjamin Melot after the French rider narrowly missed a waypoint within the remaining stage. Contenders resembling Belgian Jérôme Martiny (second in 2024) or Spaniard Javi Vega (second in 2023) might additionally be a part of this duel.

Gus Riordan indicators with Phoenix Racing Honda for XC2

Phoenix Racing Honda have confirmed the signing of Gus Riordan to guide the crew’s XC2 program for 2026.

Gus Riordan has travelled the trail much less identified, having moved to the US full-time from Australia on the age of 14. Following in his brother’s footsteps, racing professionally quickly got here in 2020, however on the nation’s west coast in WORCS.

2022 marked his first full try in GNCC, the US’ hottest type of off-road racing. With this additionally got here one other transfer, throughout the US to higher put together and journey the brand new journey. As a result of his comparatively younger begin, Gus now has 4 full-years of XC2 expertise underneath his belt.

David Elle – Workforce Proprietor

“We’ve chipped away at this program since we entered GNCC in 2019, persevering with to refine the crew construction, the bikes, the race-day program, and extra. Signing Gus Riordan to journey for Phoenix Racing isn’t simply an thrilling second; it’s the end result of the ambition and preparation we’ve put into this collection to place Honda again on high. It’s a pleasure to have him onboard and based mostly on what I’ve already seen, we made the appropriate determination.”

Willy Browning the brand new AMA Motocross Supervisor

The American Motorcyclist Affiliation has employed Willy Browning as Motocross Supervisor, the place he’ll work with the principles commissions, handle chartered promoter relationships and develop applications to advance the game.

James Holter – AMA COO

“Willy Browning has been a part of American motocross for many years, from a promising youth rider to a regional AMA Arenacross Lites champion and Supercross competitor, and even a multi-time pitbike champion on the Las Vegas MiniMoto SX in addition to for Workforce USA on the Pitbike of Nations. We welcome his depth of data and veteran perspective to the AMA employees, the place he’ll assist be certain that AMA-sanctioned motocross competitors stays among the many most truthful, enjoyable and family-oriented sports activities on the planet.”

Browning, an AMA Constitution Life Member, will report back to AMA Deputy Director Mike Burkeen, who additionally has been appearing motocross supervisor since November 2019.

Willy Browning

“AMA-sanctioned motocross occasions ought to at all times exceed our members’ expectations because the gold customary of competitors. I’m trying ahead to giving again to a sport that has given a lot to me, I’m grateful for the chance to affix the AMA crew and am very enthusiastic about what’s forward as I start this subsequent chapter.”

Working with Burkeen and Director of Racing Mike Pelletier, Browning can be liable for guaranteeing clear communication of guidelines, selections and laws throughout all motocross occasions.

He’ll develop and handle initiatives to contribute to the expansion of AMA membership by selling races, increasing AMA charters, and serving to introduce new riders to the game of motocross.

Browning joins Off-Street Racing Supervisor Logan Densmore and Monitor Racing Supervisor Ken Saillant because the sporting self-discipline managers for the AMA.

Kawasaki and Penrite Racing GO24 half methods

Kawasaki Motors Australia and Brett Metcalfe’s Penrite Racing GO24 Workforce Inexperienced Kawasaki have confirmed the conclusion of their profitable racing partnership. This determination marks the top of a chapter that has delivered excellent achievements and unforgettable moments on and off the observe.

Brett Metcalfe

“I announce this with a heavy coronary heart. A choice has been made to pursue one other route in racing, which is able to see the top of the GO24 chapter, together with Kawasaki Workforce Inexperienced’s relationship. I’ve liked each minute of representing Workforce Inexperienced, with my household and all of the GO24 crew!”

Throughout this collaboration, the crew celebrated quite a few milestones:

• AJMX Champion
• SA State Champion
• Two ProMX Podiums
• One Australian SX Podium
• Fourth ProMX WMX Total
• Fifth Australian SX SX2 Total

Robert Service provider – Kawasaki Motors

“It has been a major honour to work with Brett Metcalfe and the Penrite Racing GO24 Workforce Inexperienced Kawasaki riders. They’ve exuded ardour for racing and labored with professionalism throughout our time collectively. Brett has, as soon as once more, given again to the game in Australia and Kawasaki want Brett, the Metcalfe household and the crew nice success as they embark on the subsequent problem.”

Rumours recommend Metcalfe could be gearing as much as subject a Ducati crew in 2026. Watch this area…

2025 Phil Crump Solo Traditional

Jaimon Lidsey turned the two-time Phil Crump Solo Traditional winner over the weekend, with the Mildura Bike Membership holding the occasion, with Lidsey holding off Luke Becker and Rohan Tungate for the victory.

Tate Zischke, Leon Flint and Justin Sedgmen then rounded out the highest six.

The night time ran longer than deliberate attributable to an prolonged break, an ambulance switch, and a handful of crashes — all issues exterior organiser’s management, who prolonged their thanks for everybody’s endurance and understanding, as rider security at all times comes first

2025 Phil Crump Solo Traditional Outcomes

1. Jaimon Lidsey
2. Luke Becker
3. Rohan Tungate
4. Tate Zischke
5. Leon Flint
6. Justin Sedgmen

The following occasion to be held at Olympic Park Speedway, by Mildura Bike Membership, can be spherical three of the 2026 Mallee Bearings Australian Solo Speedway Championship, roaring into motion on Wednesday, January 7.

2026 Australian Solo Speedway Championship kicks off January 3

Rounds One and Two of the 2026 Australian Speedway Championship will kick off at Diamond Park Speedway in Wadonga, Victoria on January 3 & 4, earlier than heading to Olympic Park Speedway in Mildura on January 7, adopted by Gillman Speedway in South Australia for Spherical 4.

A stacked subject of Australia’s greatest will go wheel-to-wheel, together with Jack Holder, Chris Holder, Rohan Tungate, Jaimon Lidsey, Keynan Rew and Justin Sedgmen — simply to call a couple of.

Purvis and Draper dominate NZ Summercross

The solar was out for the annual Whakatane Summercross on the Awakaponga Bike Monitor over the weekend, the place Maximus Purvis took the narrowest of victories within the MX1 class, with two wins to die on 192-points with Josiah Natzke, who needed to accept second. James Scott rounded on the highest three on 170-points.

Hayden Draper took the win in MX2, claiming 200 factors, with Flynn Watts second on 179, whereas Jack Ellingham rounded out the highest three on 161 factors.

In MX3, the win went to Josh de Reus, forward of Mitchell Gleeson and Jamie Bennet, whereas Carson Carroll took the Youth MX victory forward of Travis Taylor and Connor Feather, Karaitiana Horne profitable the Girls’s class forward of Mikayla Griffiths and Amie Roberts.

Within the Veterans, Bradley Lauder took out the 35-44 class, Sam Blenkinsop second and Mike McDonald third. Within the 45+ class, it was Darren Capill taking high honours, forward of Kane Walmsley and Mitch Rowe.

2026 Whakatane SummerX Outcomes

MX1

1. Maximus Purvis – 192
2. Josiah Natzke – 192
3. James Scott – 170

MX2

1. Hayden Draper – 200
2. Flynn Watts – 179
3. Jack Ellingham – 161

MX3

1. Josh de Reus – 146
2. Mitchell Gleeson – 134
3. Jamie Bennett – 127

Youth MX

1. Carson Carroll – 146
2. Travis Taylor – 139
3. Connor Feather – 129

Girls’s

1. Karaitiana Horne – 146
2. Mikayla Griffiths – 134
3. Amie Roberts – 132

Vets 35-44 Years

1. Bradley Lauder – 139
2. Sam Blenkinsop – 135
3. Mike McDonald – 124

Vets 45 Years +

1. Darren Capill – 150
2. Kane Walmsley – 138
3. Mitch Rowe – 125

Honda thanks Fly Racing for six years of help in America

Quad Lock Honda has thanked Fly Racing for his or her help because the crew’s inception in the US in 2020, having been with the crew each step of the journey, as the 2 iconic names now half methods.

What started as a pure continuation of a long-standing relationship with FLY Racing in Australia, by McLeod’s, rapidly grew into one thing far better.

The inaugural 2020 season set the muse. With Australian Luke Clout and American Mitchell Oldenburg, the crew delivered alternative, perception, and efficiency, inserting each riders inside the highest ten of their first American season. Eleven top-ten finishes, 4 top-six outcomes, and a top-five end got here regardless of the immense disruption of COVID. That very same yr, the crew additionally gave again, donating a 50cc motorbike to Feld Motor Sports activities to boost funds for St. Jude Kids’s Analysis Hospital.

Momentum continued in 2021 because the crew stepped into the 450 class with Justin Brayton, alongside Oldenburg and Mitchell Harrison. Brayton captured a 450 podium, making the crew the one privateer squad to face on the field that season, whereas the 250 riders completed ninth and tenth total with some top-five finishes, one of the best being 4th.

In 2022, alignment with the championship-winning MTF facility marked one other leap ahead. Jordan Smith constantly raced inside the highest 5, ending sixth total and proving the crew and machine had been able to chasing podiums. That very same yr, Max Anstie showcased the crew’s out of doors power, racing inside the highest six towards manufacturing unit opposition, earlier than happening to win the Australian Supercross Championship and end second within the World Supercross Championship.

Justin Brayton added additional international success with a 3rd total at Paris Supercross and his fifth Australian Supercross title.

The next seasons cemented the crew’s id and perception. In 2023, the Hearth Energy Honda program with FLY Racing gained races in America, completed third total within the 250 class, and noticed Dean Wilson ship standout performances within the premier 450 class, ending as excessive as fifth in a essential occasion and tenth total in a subject stacked with manufacturing unit riders. Dean and Max would later declare the Australian Supercross Championship, with Max additionally profitable the World Supercross Championship.

In 2024, regardless of challenges, the crew claimed the 250SX pink plate, an achievement not often seen from privateer groups, whereas Anstie added one other AMA Supercross essential occasion victory on his solution to fifth total.

Savatgy and McElrath joined this system and went on to dominate internationally. McElrath gained the Australian and World Supercross Championships, Savatgy gained the Australian Supercross Championship and completed 2nd within the World Supercross Championship, whereas Dean Wilson completed second within the Australian Supercross Championship and captured the Brazilian Supercross title.

The newest season mirrored the crew’s true character. In opposition to manufacturing unit opposition, Savatgy and McElrath delivered top-five finishes and McElrath a 450 podium, as soon as once more inserting the crew among the many only a few privateer applications to attain such outcomes prior to now decade.

The crew additionally demonstrated depth and respect throughout the Honda household, with Dean Wilson stepping in for the injured Lawrence brothers and securing one other top-ten end regardless of solely racing 5 rounds. Outside, Joey Savatgy proved this system belonged amongst one of the best groups, ending as excessive as fifth in a moto and sixth total.

Charli Cannon’s inclusion additional highlighted the crew’s dedication to the game and ladies in motorsport, profitable races and ending second total within the Girls’s AMA Championship.

Over six seasons, FLY Racing and the crew have shared an unbelievable journey, marked by significant success each on and off the observe. As the connection with FLY Racing in America involves its conclusion and the crew appears towards 2026, they achieve this with respect for what has been achieved and appreciation for the foundations constructed collectively as new chapters start.