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Welcome to edition 47 of the MX Hub for 2013, which essentially means that we have just a few weeks left this year. As always it’s been an epic year gone by, with so much moto goodness covered within these very pages on MotoOnline.com.au.
It seems like just yesterday that I was in the US watching the Australians fly the flag at Anaheim in January, but as usual the months are flying by quicker than we could imagine.
Last year many eyes were of course on Daniel McCoy in a number of privateer appearances on the west coast during Monster Energy AMA Supercross, plus we saw Kade Mosig and even Josh Cachia in the mix during the early stages.
When the series headed east there was little-known privateer Taylor Potter who made a number of impressive appearances, in which he later used that experience to carry home fourth in the Australian Supercross series.
Well, that trend look set to continue for 2014 as dual national champion Matt Moss has confirmed he’ll head over for the first four rounds of the series aboard a Suzuki RM-Z450. We’re also hearing whispers that twin brother Jake will be there too if he can put the pieces of the puzzle together.
With Jake – and Matt to an extent – at the centre of the whole Josh Hill incident in Toowoomba’s ASX final, it’ll be interesting to see the American’s welcoming party for the pair. To be honest, I don’t think it will be on the radar and all will be forgotten with the hype of A1.
Lawson Bopping today also confirmed that he’s hoping to race in the US for at least a few rounds despite not yet landing a deal in Australia for next season, plus Potter will return for a full assault on the east coast.
Add in AMA regulars Chad Reed and possibly Michael Byrne if he lands a deal, plus KTM-bound Dean Ferris and it’ll be a real Aussie resurgence in America. As for Brett Metcalfe, latest word is that he’s signed a multiple-year deal to race Kawasakis in Canada.
Speaking of Byrne, he’s currently back in Australia for this weekend’s MotoDevelopment Masterclass at Appin and was on deck at Dirt Action’s returning Shootouts yesterday and today in New South Wales. Fingers crossed we will see the #26 line up somewhere next season.
One thing also deserving a mention this week is that International Entertainment Group’s planned ASX television coverage has stalled due to pending legal action between them and producer AVE. It’s the latest in what has been a highly controversial year for SX in Australia.
By the way, before I depart, speculation is hot that Craig Anderson Racing will take on the role of Husqvarna’s factory racing program for next year with Brock Winston and Dylan Leary at the helm. Rumoured right now, but gaining momentum and definitely a neat combo if correct!
That’s it from me today – running short of time and Makker has plenty of good stuff to share straight below. Here he is…
It’s a frustrating time of year for us moto-journos. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we can’t talk about or we can’t get answers for. With many riders still to firm up deals for 2014, everyone acts kinda cagey and aren’t allowed to tell us too much.
At the same time, this week has seen some key developments, with Matt Moss definitely re-signing with the Motul Pirelli Suzuki team that guided him to two national championships this year, and Australian legend Jay Marmont saying he’s definitely not re-signing with Kawasaki.
On top of that, reading between the lines from my interview with Cody Cooper yesterday, it sounds like he’s in talks to carry his Honda relationship over from New Zealand to the Australian scene as well.
Honda has only announced Josh Cachia for 2014, so it makes sense that Coop will fill an MX1 seat on the team, especially if he repeats the form that saw him win the 2013 NZ MX Championship earlier this year.
Speaking of the NZ scene, the second and final round of the their national supercross championship will be held tomorrow after the first round was held at Timaru on Saturday.
A good fistful of Aussies have taken the opportunity to extend their supercross season and take part over there, including Jay Wilson, Sam Duncanson, Nick Sutherland, Matt Haworth and Sam Noonan.
On Saturday Cooper (Open) and Rhys Carter (Lites) claimed the overall victories after their three main events each. Coop has a handy 17-point lead over Haworth and Duncanson, but Wilson is just one point adrift of Carter and has a good shot of winning if he doesn’t panic like he did in his first race at Timaru.
Well, that’s it from me this week. Make sure you tune back next Wednesday for more news from around the block.
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