Published on 21 July 2016

EMX65 & EMX85: The Preview

Not only does the Czech GP hold the thirteenth round of the World Championships this weekend but we also get a chance to see the stars of tomorrow in action as EMX65 and EMX85 championships are up for grabs this weekend.

We will take a look at the most talented kids in the class and who have a shot of being crowned champions this weekend.

EMX85

Last year Dutch sensation, Raivo Dankers grabbed glory and won the EMX85 championship on his HSF logistics KTM. Who will be able to follow in his footsteps and win the 2016 title? Well, Austrian’s talent, Rene Hofer is one of the hot favourites for the title. Rene has shown some great speed racing in Germany but actually doesn’t lead the series due to some mistakes and bad luck but in terms of sheer speed he is the fastest racing that series.

Rene is ready for this weekend but knows it won’t be easy, “The EMX 85 final is always a special weekend! It’s only one weekend, so you have to give everything to become European Champion. In these two races everything must go right: good starts, no crashes, fast speed! An important thing is to keep calm and not to be nervous! I feel good, the speed is there and I will try everything to take the European title in Austrian hands!”

However, the leader of the ADAC series by just seven points is Russian rider, Maksim Kraev. He might not be as fast as Rene but he has been more consistent and making less mistakes than his main rival which makes him a series contender for the title this weekend.

One rider who we shouldn’t be surprised to see running at the front is French rider, Tom Guyon. Tom won the French 85cc championship on his TM and he is the real deal, with the right guidance he could be the next big thing. Don’t be too surprised to see him running at the front. TM have a huge talent on their hands, it will be interesting to see if they can keep hold of him.

There are a few fast Italians that we should keep an eye on this weekend. Alessandro Facca on his Marchetti KTM and Kevin Cristino on his DP19 Racing Yamaha are clearly talented as GP teams have already signed them up and the hard pack track at Loket should suit them.

Britain’s best chances are down to Eddie Jaywade and Lewis Hall. Eddie currently leads the Spanish 85cc championship and at the moment looks to be a better prospect than Hall but he is still finding his feet in the EMX scene. It would be nice to see two Brit’s in the top ten this weekend. Eddie is aware that he needs to get good starts in order to get a good result, “I know the starts are super important, because everybody is quick. I will just do the best I can”.

Sweden is one country that has a lot of young talent in the ranks, Emil Jonrup and Anton Nagy are two riders to keep an eye on.  They have been battling all season long during the NW Zone 85cc races. Speed wise they seem to be quite similar with the start being key, a podium position could be possible for them if it all clicks this weekend.

Emil says he wants on the podium, “I feel a bit nervous but I am also excited. My goal is to be in the top 3. My home track Varbergs MK is just like Loket with lots of downhills but not too hard packed.”

Kay Karssemakers was unlucky not to grab the EMX65 title in the 2015 season after winning the opening moto but then suffered a fall in moto two that cost him. This year he will race the EMX85 class on his Beursfoon KTM. This is a learning year for him so don’t expect too much from him but he should definitely be strong in 2017.

Another Dutch rider that could be strong is Kay de Wolf, he has been riding well this year, he emerges as a possible future star. However, I am not aware of his hard pack riding, it may take some time to develop as many Dutch riders are a lot stronger in the sand.

Other rides that could put in a good result this weekend our Thibault Benistant on his BUD Kawasaki, Matias Vesterinen on his Diga KTM, Meico Vettik and Adam Kovacs from Hungary.

EMX65

Two favourites coming into the EMX65 series may not be 100% fit this weekend which is rather unfortunate.  Son of ten times World Champion Stefan Everts, Liam comes into this year’s EMX65 championship as one of the favourites for the title but he broke his collarbone coming into this race which will hinder him. He is going to race this weekend but it makes the win much harder.  Stefan Everts is going to be a busy man this weekend! Not only will he have to watch his riders in MX2 and MXGP but he will be watching his son in the EMX65 class, that will be more nerve wracking!

Sem De Lange has been challenging Liam Everts earlier in the year on his EMD Racing Kawasaki but unfortunately he suffered a serious back injury which means he has been out of action for a while. He will make a return to action in Loket this weekend, it’s a shame he won’t be 100% fit as he could have mounted a series title challenge.

Due to his main rivals not being 100% it puts Ivano Van Erp in a nice situation heading into European championship at Loket and will now probably go into that race as the favourite. However, at the same time he might have more pressure on his shoulders now, it will be interesting to see if he can deal with it. Ivano is another talent emerging from Holland (Holland have a remarkable amount of talent coming through) and will hope he can take the title on his Beursfoon KTM.

No matter what happens at Loket this weekend it will be interesting to see who takes the titles and it could be the start of a wonderful career for the winners.

Article: Andy McKinstry

Pic: Martin Plesnik