Pit Beirer cautious about Herlings' possible AMA switch!
It should become clear in the coming weeks whether the MXGP world champion will move to the other side of the ocean. After a storm of speculation, Jeffrey Herlings indicated that he is considering entering the AMA Pro National MX championship.
At the end of January, Jeffrey suffered a broken foot during training. Last Monday the Red Bull-KTM rider underwent his first important interim evaluation. The recovery reportedly went well and 3 pins were removed from Herlings' foot. At the same time, it was also announced that 'the Bullet' would certainly not be driving in the coming weeks. Roughly translated, this would mean he would have to miss the British GP, Valkenswaard and Arco di Trento. Logically, this almost certainly means the end of his title chances for this season.
“Meanwhile, it looks like Marvin Musquin will need knee surgery. This would free up a seat next to Cooper Webb in KTM's American factory team,” explains OTOR's MXGP specialist Adam Wheeler. Since the AMA outdoors, a 12-round championship, already starts in Hangtown on May 18, Jeffrey has no time to get ready to compete.
Making history
Herlings himself has already stated that he would like to take his chance in the AMA Nationals. He trained briefly with KTM group trainer Aldon Baker. In addition, in 2017 Jeffrey won the final round of the American Championship in Indiana (Ironman) with force majeure.
If he actually makes the switch, he would become the first reigning premier class world champion to focus full-time on America! It's even conceivable that Herlings could be the first ever motocross rider to simultaneously claim both the World and US titles! After all, the Nationals end the last weekend of August, while the final of the Motocross World Championship is scheduled for September 22 in Hong Kong.
KTM's considerations
So far they have not yet made the decision about Jeffrey's possible move in Mattighofen. After all, it would also mean that Tony Cairoli would be the only KTM factory rider. A big contrast to last year when the Austrians fielded three riders.
“Herlings has a contract to drive in Europe. I am not enthusiastic about this American story, because we have a fantastic team with fantastic riders in the US,” said Motorsport director Pit Beirer recently during the MotoGP race in Qatar. “Without Jeffrey we don't have a full line-up in MXGP. We have already made 'cosmetic changes' by transferring Pauls Jonass to IceOne. It is always good to have a 'back-up' and at least two top players. So I'm not super happy about the idea of him going to America. “
“It's not easy,” Beirer added. “It would also be much easier to integrate into the US a rider who is already there. In Europe we have a factory team ready to support - at least - three factory riders. And currently there is another driver in that team who is a rookie (ed. Tom Vialle). That is actually insufficient for the commitment and effort we make. I don't want the team not to have a complete lineup. Because the team wants to work hard, they want to develop and they want to improve the bikes and riders.”
Does it do it or doesn't it do it?
Beirer and KTM have had a special relationship with Herlings since he came on board as a factory rider as a 15-year-old in 2010. The collaboration is now in its tenth season. In that time, the Herlings-KTM tandem produced four world titles and 84 GP victories.
To Adam Wheeler, Pit Beirer did not rule out that American fans will still see 'the Bullet' at work. Although he does keep a close eye on things. After all, much depends on how the 24-year-old rider will respond to the final phases of his rehabilitation. And whether the foot will be strong enough to even consider an intensive period of preparation for the Nationals.
If Herlings needs more time, he can start again in the MXGP in the summer and support Cairoli in his title hunt. “It's still a bit too much speculation. I would prefer to make this decision when Jeffrey has a clear date to ride again," Beirer concludes. “He should be riding for more than a week so we can see where he is and make a plan based on that. Don't expect this decision too quickly. It will just take time.”
Tekst: Adam Wheeler/Tom Jacobs
Photos: Ray Archer
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