Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing MX2 team introduced
Just over a week before their first race, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team was introduced to sponsors and media last night. The pleasant setting of Restaurant De Engel in Zandhoven was familiar, but the team of Jacky Martens and Kay Hennekens still had a lot of news to report!
After a long winter stay in Spain, Thomas Kjer-Olsen and Jed Beaton returned to Belgium this week. Newcomer Kay De Wolf (EMX125) also spent time in RedSand. The intensive preparation is an intensive period of the year but team coach Rasmus Jorgensen is satisfied with his men's winter: “We trained a lot… and then trained even more! No, seriously, we worked hard physically, but also logged many hours on the bike. This year the conditions in RedSand were also very good, which of course helps. These internships are nothing new for Thomas Kjer-Olsen as he is starting his third season with us. Everything is going very well for him at the moment and he is healthy, which is also very important during this period!
For Jed and Kay, many new things came their way, but they are also doing well. Jed has adapted well to the bike and the team. It's clear he likes the bike and he likes the power. For Beaton the situation is slightly different than for TKO, of course. Last year Jed had a very serious injury (ed. Beaton broke his left leg in Matterley Basin), so it will be a matter of building him up. Building step by step is therefore the main thing for Jed. Working with Kay is a lot of fun. He is very energetic and it also gives us as a team something to build together. So far he has already shown great things, especially on the motorcycle.”
Last year there was a lot to report about the completely new factory FC250. There is no revolution for 2019, but there is an evolution. After crew chief Joel De Busser had suggested to his men, he provided explanations about the new engine. “Outwardly, the differences compared to the 2018 engines are indeed minimal. There was a lot of hard work mechanically. The factory in Austria found about 20% more power, which we are of course very happy with.”
In recent months, the team has worked hard to get Olsen and Beaton off to the starting blocks as strong as possible. With the Husqvarna factory engines, the Dane and the Australian certainly have a very strong package. In total, the Husky boys (TKO and Thomas Covington) were on the podium 19 times last year and recorded 2 GP victories. Doing better in 2019 is certainly a huge challenge!
Presenter Eric Blaak also brought in sand racing specialist Yentel Martens, son of Jacky, for the micro. Yentel has had a strong French championship in the Courses sur sables, but he lacked luck in Le Touquet. “It's a shame that things went wrong in the Enduro, of course, because I felt very good. Fortunately, the injury is not too bad, but I can look back on a great season. Won one competition, several podiums and next year we will go for it again in Le Touquet! You just notice that interest in beach races is really growing, and the level has certainly increased. It's cool that I have found my thing in those beach races. In addition, I will focus on the Dutch Masters of Motocross and international competitions in France.” In 10 days' time, Martens will again ride the famous Enduro del Verano in Argentina.
Last but not least, President Jacky Martens spoke. “What we saw from the boys in Spain looked very good. That gives confidence, but a competition is of course something else. On the other hand, you only really know how the puzzle pieces fall into place! I expect a lot from TKO this year. His preparation went perfectly. Moreover, the engine also improved well, as Joël (ed. De Busser) just indicated. Jed still has to get used to everything, but it actually looks very positive for him too. So the potential is certainly there.
With Kay De Wolf we have almost the same feeling as when we started with Jeffrey Herlings. Jeffrey was also 14 years old when he started with us. We hope to be able to make good progress with Kay as well. What Kay is already bringing looks promising. The setup around Kay also provides a lot of oxygen for myself and the team. Guiding young guys to the top is my thing. I think it will be a very nice season. Yentel is also doing well in the beach races. He really lived for his sport and his hard work was rewarded. The end result is unfortunately a little less, but that is top sport. You will be judged on the result at the end of the ride. Hopefully he can now win the Enduro del Verano.”
“It obviously makes us optimistic for the GP riders that we have made such enormous progress. A capital gain of around 20% is of course unusual! You might experience that once in five years or even ten years. However, both communication and cooperation with the Husqvarna factory are exemplary. By testing and refining, we have created a very nice product. Kay De Wolf's 125cc was somewhat new to us because we have been out of that class for years. In the meantime, however, we have created a very nice foundation. In any case, Kay is very satisfied with it. So I think there is definitely music for the coming season!”
Next weekend the Husqvarna factory riders and Kay De Wolf will start their season with the Hawkstone Park International in England.
Photos: Father Swijgers
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