Well represented at the 2019 edition of the Hawkstone International MX, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing saw Arminas Jasikonis secure eighth overall in MX1 with his MX2 class team partner Mikkel Haarup finishing third in the 250cc category. Kicking off their 2019 racing campaigns in the UK, Thomas Kjer-Olsen and Jed Beaton respectively earned fifth and 12th overall in MX2.
With the 2019 Hawkstone International MX allowing Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders to earn valuable race time ahead of the FIM Motocross World Championship, Arminas Jasikonis made good progress at the deep sandy track in the UK. Suffering a fall in the opening moto, the FC 450 powered rider came back to secure a strong fourth place result in the second MX1 moto before improving to third in the combined MX1/MX2 Superfinal.
Continuing his strong performances in 2019, Mikkel Haarup was a force to be reckoned with in the MX2 category. Battling to a seventh-place result after the re-start of the opening MX2 moto, the young Dane claimed a strong runner-up result in the second 250cc race to earn a spot on the class’ final podium. Mikkel wrapped up the day with ninth in the Superfinal.
Following months of preparation, Thomas Kjer-Olsen marked with 2019 racing debut with a solid fifth overall in the 250cc category. Putting in strong performances to secure fifth and seventh place finishes in each of the two MX2 motos, Thomas stepped up his game to end the day with an impressive fourth place result in the combined MX1/MX2 Superfinal.
Making his competitive debut aboard Husqvarna machinery at this year’s Hawkstone International MX, Jed Beaton placed 12th overall in the highly competitive MX2 category. The young Aussie will now travel with the team as they head to France for their last race before the start of the 2019 FIM Motocross World Championship.
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team will return to action on February 24 at the 2019 Lacapelle Marival Mastercross in France.
Arminas Jasikonis: “It was good to get some practise, racing in the sand, ahead of the MXGP championship and I feel I’ve made some progress here in the UK. In the opening moto I came together with another rider in a jump and ended up crashing. My second moto was a lot better, I had no issues from start to finish and managed to improve my speed to finish fourth at the line. It felt good to wrap up the day with a good third place result at the Superfinal. I will keep on working hard to improve every little detail. Next week we are racing in France and I am looking forward to it.”
Mikkel Haarup: “It was a good day for me racing here at Hawkstone. I put in a strong lap time to get third in Qualifying and then got some good results in my motos. After the re-start of the opening race, I gave my all to climb from outside the top 15 to seventh at the line. In the second moto I had a better start and did my own race to finish second. I was happy to finish on the podium getting third overall in my class. Then in the Superfinal I got another good start and finished ninth. It was a good day and I’m looking ahead to France now.”
Thomas Kjer-Olsen: “It’s been a long winter of training and it felt good to finally do some racing. My speed is good at the moment and this is very positive heading to the World Championship. I had two good motos here in the UK and managed to secure fifth overall in MX2. In the mixed MX2/MX1 Superfinal I pushed hard to secure fourth and also be the highest ranking MX2 class rider. I feel I am where I need to be and I will continue working hard in order to be 100% ready for Argentina.”
Jed Beaton: “This was my first race after eight months and it felt good to be back behind the gate. I had some good moments here in the UK, but overall I feel I need more time to show what I am capable of. I made some small mistakes and had a crash in the opening moto, but as the day went on I was able to control my pace. The season has just started and I have a good feeling on my bike. It’s onward and upwards from here and I’m looking ahead to the races to come.”
