The international motocross elite will go head-to-head around the Austrian circuit of Ried im Innkreis (Mehrnbach) at the sixth ADAC MX Masters race event, August 8th/9th. Fans can experience exciting international German motocross championship racing at its best on one of the most beautiful natural tracks in Europe. This weekend, Slovenian Tim Gajser (18/Honda Gariboldi) from the world championship squad is a guest starter and top favourite, having taken victory on the day recently in Aichwald (Baden-Württemberg). Suzuki works rider and championship leader Glenn Coldenhoff (24/Team Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe) from the Netherlands will be aiming to prevent another Gasjer victory. Austrian local rider Pascal Rauchenecker (22/Cofain Racing KTM), who races with the host organising club, HSV Ried, secured second place in the daily standings last year and is also a prime candidate for a top position. Team-mate Lukas Neurauter (22) proved his skill back in 2013, winning his home race in the ADAC MX Youngster Cup.
The 1,900 metre long clay track has some super opportunities for jumping and is located on a military training area belonging to the Austrian army. The long, downhill main straight which is especially challenging for riders is an unusual feature at Ried. Rauchenecker, who lives only ten minutes away from the track, will be aiming to take advantage of the home advantage that he enjoys. "The HSV Ried track is my favourite. I train here at least once a week and am also involved as a club member in setting out the layout. I know the track inside out," said the rider from nearby Eitzing. The two Germans Dennis Ullrich (21/Team Castrol Power1 Suzuki Moto-Base) and Angus Heidecke (25/KTM Sarholz Racing Team) and the Swiss rider Jeremy Seewer (21/Team Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe) are also among the favourites to finish on the podium. Coldenhoff on 220 points currently has a comfortable lead in the standings on Ullrich (179 points) in second place and Seewer (169 points). Rauchenecker is ranked fourth behind them on 140 points, followed by Heidecke with 131.
ADAC MX Youngster Cup
In the youngster class, Arminas Jasikonis (17/Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil) caused much excitement with his comeback at the last race in Tensfeld (Schleswig-Holstein). The Lithuanian rider has missed two races this season through injury but showed with his impressive form that he is still a force to be reckoned with by breaking the winning streak of championship leader and ADAC Sports Foundation protégé Brian Hsu (17/Team Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe). However, the German-Taiwanese rider will aim to strike back and extend his overall lead in the championship. German Stefan Ekerold (19/Bodo Schmidt Motorsports/KTM) from Weiskirchen is another rider with aspirations to achieve another podium. Nicholas Adams (18/Monster Energy Kawasaki Elf Team Pfeil), who is originally from South Africa, is also a podium contender. Hsu on 229 points has a 72-point lead in the standings for 14 to 21 year olds. Ekerold is second (157) and Adams third (149). Jasikonis is in fourth position (136), and Tom Koch rounds off the top five with 116 points.
ADAC MX Junior Cup
All eyes are on Chemnitz-based rider Jeremy Sydow (15/Falcon Motorsports) in the class for the youngest riders. He intends to build on his fine showing last time out in Aichwald. Currently placed second in the championship, he has a chance of taking the lead this weekend in the class for riders aged ten to 15. Current leader, Danish title defender Mikkel Haarup (13/KTM Kosak Racing Team), will not be in the line-up due to injury. Austrian rider René Hofer (13/MSC Imbach/KINI KTM Junior Pro Team) from Alberndorf in Riedmark will go all-out to win his home race. Petr Polak (14/MEFO Sport Racing Team) from the Czech Republic and Dutch teenager Rick Elzinga (13/Beursfoon KTM Youth Team) are also in the frame to secure top positions. Haarup, currently on 144 points, still tops the championship standings, followed by Sydow in second place (127). Polak is third with 106.
Comprehensive support programme
A motocross long jump competition will be held on Saturday in Ried after the practice and qualification heats, as in previous years. Rauchenecker holds the record at Mehrnbach, having achieved a spectacular jump of 66.8 metres in 2013 which remains unbeaten. The 'high-flyer' from Ried will be in action at 6.30 pm, hoping to retain his long-jump championship crown. Admission to the show is open to one and all, and the festivities will continue in the Zipfer beer tent at 9 pm with the Ö3 disco. Part of the proceeds from the show will be donated to the Wings for Life foundation (5 euros entry - 2.50 euros donation). The races will be staged on Sunday. Fans and visitors will again have an opportunity to walk through the paddock in between the sessions and exchange a few words with their idols, talk with team bosses or watch the mechanics at work. The Husqvarna works team will also be pitching their tents for the first time in Mehrnbach. The Red Bull IceOne Husqvarna works racing team, whose owner is none other than ex-Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, will certainly be one to visit and meet world championship riders Todd Waters (25) and Nathan Watson (19). Food and merchandise stands for adults and children can also to be found at the venue. Youngsters with aspirations to become racing drivers can gain some initial experience on the ADAC Young Generation Suzuki quad track, while the ADAC Insurance bouncy castle will provide fun for the young. Top riders from the event will take part in an autograph session at the ADAC Truck on Sunday from 12.15 to 12.45 pm. Coldenhoff, Gajser, Seewer, Rauchenecker and current ADAC MX Masters champion Ullrich will be there for fans in Mehrnbach. A weekend ticket costs only 16 euros. Entry is free for children and teenagers up to the age of 16.
The ADAC MX Masters is sponsored by the following brands: Red Bull, 24MX, Suzuki, Motul, ADAC Young Generation, UFO Plast, KTM, Honda, Husqvarna, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Volkswagen, Goldfren, Zürich/Racing Policy, Ortema, Magura, MEFO Sport, Leatt Brace, Golden Tyre, MOTOCROSS ENDURO - off-road magazine since 1971, Cross magazine and Motorrad.