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Moto News Weekly Wrap
December 30, 2025

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What’s New:

• Dakar 2026 Preview – Sanders the favourite
• Gus Riordan signs with Phoenix Racing Honda for XC2
• Willy Browning the new AMA Motocross Manager
• Kawasaki and Penrite Racing GO24 part ways
• Jaimon Lidsey claims 2025 Phil Crump Solo Classic trophy
• 2026 Australian Solo Speedway Championship kicks off January 3
• Purvis and Draper dominate NZ Summercross
• Honda thank Fly Racing for six years of support in America
• 2026 Racing Calendars

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Dakar 2026 Preview

One name stands out among the favourites heading into the 48th edition of the Dakar Rally: 2025 winner Daniel Sanders, almost untouchable throughout the season, is the bookmakers’ favourite to try to retain his title, alongside Luciano Benavides and the promising Edgar Canet at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.

Daniel Sanders leads KTM’s efforts

Up against the Australian, the Monster Energy Honda HRC team arrives with a strong density of proven talent: Tosha Schareina, Ricky Brabec, Adrien Van Beveren, and Skyler Howes will not be held back by any complexes in their bid for the top.

Hero MotoSport, with Ross Branch and “Nacho” Cornejo, and Sherco Rally Factory, with Bradley Cox and Lorenzo Santolino, will try to join the battle for the Rally GP podium, as well as for the Rally 2 title. In that category, Tobias Ebster (Hero) and Harith Noah (Sherco) will notably be up against Michael Docherty (BAS World KTM Team).

Seth Quintero and Toby Price of Toyota Gazoo Racing – Image by Kin Marcin/Red Bull Content Pool

Toby Price will be notably absent in the motorcycle category, with the Australian swapping two wheels for four in 2025 with Sam Sunderland, and competing with TGRW2RC in 2026 on four wheels once again.

The record of the last ten Dakar editions offers a snapshot of the recent history of the discipline, which has seen the emergence of solid champions from new continents, the end of KTM’s hegemony, a significantly broadened circle of major contenders, and titles more fiercely contested than during the Despres–Coma era.

Daniel Sanders – 2025 South African Safari Rally Winner

Over this period, six riders have reached the top, but none has managed to win twice in a row. Daniel Sanders may be the best equipped to do so, if he maintains the level he has shown since reaching full maturity at the same time as his crowning achievement last January.

In the wake of his clear victory in a Dakar mastered from start to finish, the Australian rider followed up with wins at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the South African Safari Rally and the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal: a flawless run before securing the W2RC title thanks to his second place at the Rallye du Maroc.

Daniel Sanders – Image by Matteo Gebbia

Faced with such a convincing series, the Melbourne-based rider-beekeeper arrives both as KTM’s natural leader and the outright favourite for the Saudi rendezvous.

However, the Saudi desert will be anything but a boulevard for “Chucky,” well aware that the fiercest competition will come from the Honda camp, made up of four experienced riders who have already visited the Dakar podium.

The two most prominent teams do not prevent the outsiders from nurturing high ambitions. Last year, the hopes of former world champion Ross Branch were dashed by an early retirement, but the duo he forms with “Nacho” Cornejo at Hero will attempt to upset the most obvious predictions.

That is also the objective of manufacturer Sherco, which has enlisted South African Bradley Cox to pair a new top rider with Lorenzo Santolino: both dream of a podium finish in Yanbu.

Hero and Sherco are engaged in a double challenge, each having in their ranks key players in the Rally 2 category, ready to take advantage of the step up to the elite by reigning champion Edgar Canet.

The Indian brand has indeed recruited Tobias Ebster, who tried throughout the year to follow the Catalan prodigy’s pace to finish second in the W2RC standings, while 2024 winner Harith Noah has remained loyal to the French team. The fight for this coveted stepping-stone title should also prominently involve the BAS World KTM structure, which fields South African Michael Docherty, capable of targeting a Top 10 overall finish, as well as Slovenian Toni Mulec (13th in 2025) or Polish rider Konrad Dabrowski (16th in 2025).

Original by Motul

A race within the race! Dakar motorcyclists all have particular respect for those who decide to add an extra difficulty to their challenge: competing without an assistance structure, and therefore taking on the maintenance and repairs of their machine after reaching the bivouac each evening.

In Original by Motul, managing mechanics and physical resources is even more crucial than elsewhere. This year, 21 riders have chosen the Dakar the hard way. And while this small group is primarily driven by this unique adventure, a handful of them will also have their eyes firmly fixed on the category standings.

Last January’s victory was decided between two regulars, with Romanian Emanuel Gyenes edging out his rival Benjamin Melot after the French rider narrowly missed a waypoint in the final stage. Contenders such as Belgian Jérôme Martiny (second in 2024) or Spaniard Javi Vega (second in 2023) could also join this duel.

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Gus Riordan signs with Phoenix Racing Honda for XC2

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

Gus Riordan – Image FB (Phoenix Racing/Honda Team)

Gus Riordan has travelled the path less known, having moved to the US full-time from Australia at the age of 14. Following in his brother’s footsteps, racing professionally soon came in 2020, but on the country’s west coast in WORCS.

2022 marked his first full attempt in GNCC, the US’ most popular form of off-road racing. With this also came another move, across the US to better prepare and travel the new adventure. Due to his relatively young start, Gus now has four full-years of XC2 experience under his belt.

David Elle – Team Owner

“We’ve chipped away at this program since we entered GNCC in 2019, continuing to refine the team structure, the bikes, the race-day program, and more. Signing Gus Riordan to ride for Phoenix Racing isn’t just an exciting moment; it’s the culmination of the ambition and preparation we’ve put into this series to put Honda back on top. It’s a pleasure to have him onboard and based on what I’ve already seen, we made the right decision.”

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Willy Browning the new AMA Motocross Manager

The American Motorcyclist Association has hired Willy Browning as Motocross Manager, where he will work with the rules commissions, manage chartered promoter relationships and develop programs to advance the sport.

James Holter – AMA COO

“Willy Browning has been part of American motocross for decades, from a promising youth rider to a regional AMA Arenacross Lites champion and Supercross competitor, and even a multi-time pitbike champion at the Las Vegas MiniMoto SX as well as for Team USA at the Pitbike of Nations. We welcome his depth of knowledge and veteran perspective to the AMA staff, where he will help ensure that AMA-sanctioned motocross competition remains among the most fair, fun and family-oriented sports in the world.”

Browning, an AMA Charter Life Member, will report to AMA Deputy Director Mike Burkeen, who also has been acting motocross manager since November 2019.

Willy Browning

Willy Browning

“AMA-sanctioned motocross events should always exceed our members’ expectations as the gold standard of competition. I’m looking forward to giving back to a sport that has given so much to me, I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the AMA team and am very excited about what’s ahead as I begin this next chapter.”

Working with Burkeen and Director of Racing Mike Pelletier, Browning will be responsible for ensuring clear communication of rules, decisions and regulations across all motocross events.

He will develop and manage initiatives to contribute to the growth of AMA membership by promoting races, expanding AMA charters, and helping introduce new riders to the sport of motocross.

Browning joins Off-Road Racing Manager Logan Densmore and Track Racing Manager Ken Saillant as the sporting discipline managers for the AMA.

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Kawasaki and Penrite Racing GO24 part ways

Kawasaki Motors Australia and Brett Metcalfe’s Penrite Racing GO24 Team Green Kawasaki have confirmed the conclusion of their successful racing partnership. This decision marks the end of a chapter that has delivered outstanding achievements and unforgettable moments on and off the track.

Penrite Racing GO24 and Kawasaki end successful partnership

Brett Metcalfe

“I announce this with a heavy heart. A decision has been made to pursue another direction in racing, which will see the end of the GO24 chapter, along with Kawasaki Team Green’s relationship. I have loved every minute of representing Team Green, with my family and all the GO24 team!”

During this collaboration, the team celebrated numerous milestones:

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

Robert Merchant – Kawasaki Motors

“It has been a significant honour to work with Brett Metcalfe and the Penrite Racing GO24 Team Green Kawasaki riders. They have exuded passion for racing and worked with professionalism during our time together. Brett has, once again, given back to the sport in Australia and Kawasaki wish Brett, the Metcalfe family and the team great success as they embark on the next challenge.”

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Rumours suggest Metcalfe might be gearing up to field a Ducati team in 2026. Watch this space…

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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, before heading to Olympic Park Speedway in Mildura on January 7, followed by Gillman Speedway in South Australia for Round Four.

A stacked field of Australia’s best will go wheel-to-wheel, including Jack Holder, Chris Holder, Rohan Tungate, Jaimon Lidsey, Keynan Rew and Justin Sedgmen — just to name a few.

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Purvis and Draper dominate NZ Summercross

The sun was out for the annual Whakatane Summercross at the Awakaponga Motorcycle Track over the weekend, where Maximus Purvis took the narrowest of victories in the MX1 class, with two wins to die on 192-points with Josiah Natzke, who had to settle for second. James Scott rounded on the top three on 170-points.

Maximus Purvis – Image by Paige Fensom Media

Hayden Draper took the win in MX2, claiming 200 points, with Flynn Watts second on 179, while Jack Ellingham rounded out the top three on 161 points.

Hayden Draper – Image by Paige Fensom Media

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

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

2026 Whakatane SummerX Results

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

Women’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

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Honda thanks Fly Racing for six years of support in America

Quad Lock Honda has thanked Fly Racing for their support since the team’s inception in the United States in 2020, having been with the team every step of the journey, as the two iconic names now part ways.

What began as a natural continuation of a long-standing relationship with FLY Racing in Australia, through McLeod’s, quickly grew into something far greater.

Fly Racing thanked for outstanding support racing in America over six seasons

The inaugural 2020 season set the foundation. With Australian Luke Clout and American Mitchell Oldenburg, the team delivered opportunity, belief, and performance, placing both riders inside the top ten in their first American season. Eleven top-ten finishes, four top-six results, and a top-five finish came despite the immense disruption of COVID. That same year, the team also gave back, donating a 50cc motorcycle to Feld Motor Sports to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Momentum continued in 2021 as the team stepped into the 450 class with Justin Brayton, alongside Oldenburg and Mitchell Harrison. Brayton captured a 450 podium, making the team the only privateer squad to stand on the box that season, while the 250 riders finished ninth and tenth overall with some top-five finishes, the best being 4th.

In 2022, alignment with the championship-winning MTF facility marked another leap forward. Jordan Smith consistently raced inside the top five, finishing sixth overall and proving the team and machine were capable of chasing podiums. That same year, Max Anstie showcased the team’s outdoor strength, racing inside the top six against factory opposition, before going on to win the Australian Supercross Championship and finish second in the World Supercross Championship.

Justin Brayton added further global success with a third overall at Paris Supercross and his fifth Australian Supercross title.

The following seasons cemented the team’s identity and belief. In 2023, the Fire Power Honda program with FLY Racing won races in America, finished third overall in the 250 class, and saw Dean Wilson deliver standout performances in the premier 450 category, finishing as high as fifth in a main event and tenth overall in a field stacked with factory riders. Dean and Max would later claim the Australian Supercross Championship, with Max also winning the World Supercross Championship.

In 2024, despite challenges, the team claimed the 250SX red plate, an achievement rarely seen from privateer teams, while Anstie added another AMA Supercross main event victory on his way to fifth overall.

Savatgy and McElrath joined the program and went on to dominate internationally. McElrath won the Australian and World Supercross Championships, Savatgy won the Australian Supercross Championship and finished 2nd in the World Supercross Championship, while Dean Wilson finished second in the Australian Supercross Championship and captured the Brazilian Supercross title.

The most recent season reflected the team’s true character. Against factory opposition, Savatgy and McElrath delivered top-five finishes and McElrath a 450 podium, once again placing the team among the very few privateer programs to achieve such results in the past decade.

The team also demonstrated depth and respect across the Honda family, with Dean Wilson stepping in for the injured Lawrence brothers and securing another top-ten finish despite only racing five rounds. Outdoors, Joey Savatgy proved the program belonged amongst the best teams, finishing as high as fifth in a moto and sixth overall.

Charli Cannon’s inclusion further highlighted the team’s commitment to the sport and women in motorsport, winning races and finishing second overall in the Women’s AMA Championship.

Over six seasons, FLY Racing and the team have shared an incredible journey, marked by meaningful success both on and off the track. As the relationship with FLY Racing in America comes to its conclusion and the team looks toward 2026, they do so with respect for what has been achieved and appreciation for the foundations built together as new chapters begin.

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