Photo: Red Bull

We are so pumped for the next round of X-Fighters! Friday will see the best 12 FMX riders on the planet battle it out head-to-head directly in front of the 73.5-metre-long and 20-metre-high Great Sphinx of Giza constructed between 2700 and 2600 BC.

The rider is list looking as strong as ever, and our own Levi Sherwood is looking for redemption after a dissapointing cancellation of round 1 handed him a 7th place, a long way down from where he was hoping to be. In other Unit team news, our newest FMX team athlete Mat rebeaud was hoping to be fully recovered from injury in time for Egypt, but in the last few days has had to pull out of the event. A huge blow for the 2008 Champion who is fast seeing his 2010 season dissappear behind him.

At this stage, we have not been notified of, or found any live ways to view the event, and even if we could, the contest will be taking place at around midnight Friday night Australia time. Stay tuned to the blog for any updates and results as we get them.

Below is the final riders list, and if you are after some more info and videos on the event, ESPN have a really detailed write-up on the event and conditions HERE, as well as a neat video interview with Levi Sherwood HERE.

1. Nate Adams
2. Robbie Maddison
3. Petr Pilat (Replacement for M. Rebeaud)
4. Eigo Sato
5. Levi Sherwood
6. Andre Villa
7. Jim McNeil
8. Adam Jones (Wild Card)
9. Nick DeWit (Wild Card)
10. Daice Suzuki
11. Lance Coury
12. Libor Podmol

• By Allan H

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JDR MOTOREX KTM OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

JDR Motorex KTM Racing will go into round four of the Australian Motocross Championship at Toowoomba in QLD on Sunday May 16, holding their heads high in honour and memory of late team mate Andrew McFarlane, who tragically lost his life at the previous round in Broadford.

McFarlane’s Pro Open team mate, Tye Simmonds will be riding with McFarlane’s # 7 plate at Toowoomba, and for the rest of the motocross series, representing the teams respect and thanks for all Andrew put into JDR Motorsports. Simmonds is entered on the only KTM 350 SX F in the country, and currently sits third in the Pro Open Championship, to Jay Marmont in second and Todd Waters in first.

JDR Motorex KTM Race Team Manager, Jay Rynenberg comments, “It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for all the team with the loss of Andrew McFarlane, but we’re soldiering on knowing that it is what Andrew would want, and his family is 100 percent behind us."

“When we spoke to Andrew’s wife Nat and father Ron about Tye Simmonds riding with Andrew’s #7 plate at the remaining MX Nationals rounds and they were touched and excited that the team were honouring Andrew in this way."

“Ron is also going to be attending the Toowoomba round to meet with the our team riders Tye Simmonds, Ryan Marmont and PJ Larsen to encourage them to continue with their passion for racing and strive to win, as it is what Andrew would have wanted."

“It’s easy to become emotionally closed in a situation like this, and it’s just amazing how Andrew’s drive lives on in his family who are right beside us as our journey continues without him."

“All of our team riders have been back on the bike and training hard. PJ Larsen and Ryan Marmont have been testing on the KTM 250 SX-F, and they’re looking solid for Toowoomba. Larsen sits second in the Pro Lites Championship and Marmont sits in third, positions they’re both looking to improve on at Toowoomba. "

“Tye Simmonds is battling a cold, but has still been putting in ample riding time on the KTM 350 SX F and feels confident if he’s well rested leading up to the weekend, he will be back fighting fit in a competitive frame of mind to race.”

The fourth round of the 2010 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals will be held on Sunday 16 May at theToowoomba Motocross Club, Corner Nelson and Ramsay Streets, Toowoomba, QLD

JDR Motorex KTM Racing has announced details for a trust fund set up to support the family of late motocross racer Andrew McFarlane, anyone can donate through a National Australia Bank, and just need to put Andrew McFarlane or JDR as a reference, the full details are:

Bank: National Australia Bank
Name: PKF Trust Account
BSB: 082 055
Account Number: 61 637 2235
Swift Code: NATAAU3302

• By Allan H

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Day 2 of the Crusty filming mission was crazy, as the crew headed out to Schuie's infamous 10 pack.

5 riders, 3 filmers, 6 photographers, 1 helicopter and 5 crazy jumps set up the day, and as soon as we rolled into the property, all riders were geared up and on their bikes. Schuie smashed straight through the pack, and began helping the rest of the guys speed check each jump. But before anybody else could make it through the whole set, disaster struck, as Joel Balchin went down hard over the 4th set. Balchy got himself up but it was apparent rib injuries were the result, and a trip to the hospital ended Joel's day.

All of the guys lost a bit of confidence after that, and before they could even start riding again the wind picked up heavily, so the shoot was put on hold. Schuie was gutted, after putting in so much time and effort to make it come together. There was no back-up day either, as the Crusty guys were out of town the next day.

With Balchy out, Jake Bowen and Mick Hall packed up their bikes, but Marhsall and Schuie held onto hope and tried to wait it out.

After an hour of strong winds, it was still blowing, but easing off a little, so Schuie jumped straight on the bike and within just minutes, the helicopter was in the air chasing Schuie along the pack. Run after run he threw down everything he could in the gusty conditions, trying to make enough happen before the wind eventually picked back up. A crazy 25 minute session was the end result, a dream effort considering the conditions. Robbie Marshall also sacked up and made it all the way through the pack, but with little experience on the set combined with the wind, it was hard for him to really show his potential.

We will definitely be heading back out soon to finish the job though, as Schuie still has alot he wants to achieve, if weather permits. Marshall also wants the opportunity to throw down some tricks over the set, and push himself further than he has on this kind of setup. Unit had a cameraman on site for the day to work with the Crusty guys, so expect to see all of the action in the upcoming Crusty Demons film.

Unit will also be producing a bit of a documentary on the 10 pack, so stay tuned for that, but for now, check out some of the stories and articles below...

UNIT FACEBOOK - PHOTO GALLERY

FREERIDER MX - ARTICLE + PHOTOS

• By Allan H

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