For the 20th and final round of the season, the 2024 FIM Motocross World Championship made its debut at a brand-new venue in Cózar, Spain. On the same weekend that saw Fantic secure the EMX125 title with a double podium, Glenn Coldenhoff showcased his consistency by finishing eighth overall at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha.
Fantic Factory Racing MXGP
Cózar attracted a considerable crowd for the inaugural MXGP of Castilla La Mancha, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the GP weekend, marking the third event of the season on Spanish soil. It took Glenn Coldenhoff and Brian Bogers some time to adapt to the new layout, as the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP riders missed the top 10 in time practice, lining up in 11th and 14th for the season’s final qualifying race. Starts proved crucial, as the hardpack track made overtaking difficult, especially with the warm weather drying out the stony surface. Coldenhoff secured eighth place in the qualifying heat with a steady ride, holding his position for the whole moto, while Bogers battled his way to 13th.
In race 1 on Sunday, both the Fantic Factory Racing MXGP riders had to fight back after challenging starts. Coldenhoff dug deep to gain some ground but had to be content with 11th. Bogers battled it out in the midfield and crossed the line in 14th. In race 2, “The Hoff” got off to a much stronger start aboard his Fantic XXF 450, quickly moving into seventh on the first lap. Although he rode well and showed improved feeling on a tricky track, he couldn’t advance further, with the riders just in front of him protecting their line and not making any mistakes. His 11-7 score placed Coldenhoff eighth overall for the day. Bogers, unfortunately, suffered a hard crash early in the race. Luckily, he escaped any injury, but he was forced to retire.
In the final championship standings, Glenn Coldenhoff confirmed his place among the top MXGP riders, securing a strong sixth place. Bogers narrowly missed the top 10 in eleventh place, despite not lining up in the first two rounds and being unable to compete in the Indonesian double-header. This made it a promising first year back in the premier class of Motocross for Fantic.
The season is not over yet. Next weekend, Coldenhoff will line up on his Fantic XXF 450 at the most prestigious event of the year in Matterley Basin, Great Britain, representing Team Netherlands at the 77th edition of the Motocross of Nations.
Glenn Coldenhoff:
“The weekend started off difficult. I struggled out there, didn’t feel like myself, and rode way too tight. It got a bit better in the qualifying heat after we made some changes to the suspension, which worked out pretty well. Sunday’s motos were quite similar. In the first race, I had a bad start, I was far back and tried to catch up, but the track was really one line, making it tough to pass. My start was a bit better in the second moto and I made a few passes early on, but then I spent the entire race stuck behind Guillod. 11-7 for eighth overall – this is still not where I want to be. I am disappointed with the result, but at least we improved over the weekend. My riding wasn’t bad, but the results don’t reflect that. We have one more race weekend to go, and I am really motivated for the Motocross of Nations. I hope to finish the season strong and will give it my all to get on the box with Team Netherlands.”
Brian Bogers:
“It wasn’t the end of the season we had hoped for. I struggled at the start of race 1, and then had a big crash in race 2. It is a shame to finish like this and lose a position in the championship standings, but overall, I am quite happy with the season. I am looking forward to improving together with the team this winter and coming back stronger next year. We want to bounce back!”
Fantic Factory Racing MX2
David Braceras was highly motivated heading into his home race, and both the Spaniard and his teammate Kay Karssemakers were fast out of the gate in the qualifying race. However, hopes for a strong result quickly faded as both Fantic Factory Racing MX2 riders were involved in a first-corner crash, compromising their gate positions for Sunday’s races.
In race 1, Karssemakers delivered a mistake-free performance, finishing 12th. The Dutchman repeated his solid showing in race 2, securing another 12th place for 12th overall. On the other hand, Braceras had a tough Sunday. Struggling with poor starts, he found himself in the midfield in both motos. His progress was hampered by unfortunate technical issues, preventing him from finishing either race.
Fresh off his class win at the Motocross of European Nations, Alexis Fueri couldn’t quite carry his form into the final EMX250 round. After a difficult qualifying, the Frenchman started cautiously in race 1. While making progress with a solid rhythm, a crash set him back, and he finished 15th. In race 2, Fueri had a strong start and was running in the top 10, but a tip-over resulted in a rival hitting his bike, causing damage that forced him to retire from the race.
Kay Karssemakers:
“The weekend is done, and the season has come to an end. Unfortunately, I crashed at the start of Saturday’s qualifying heat. I came back from last to 17th, but I was penalised because I had a spare bike in the pit lane. Starting both races from the outside was tough, but my jump was pretty good in the first moto. I found my rhythm and finished 12th. The start of the second moto was more difficult, but I kept going and finished 12th again. It is a solid result to end the season. Thanks to everyone at Fantic for this year.”
David Braceras:
“What can I say, it was definitely not the weekend or the season we had hoped for. We gave it our best and never gave up, but it is frustrating to end it like this, especially not finishing the motos in front of the Spanish fans. Thank you to everyone for the support, even during this challenging year.”
Fantic Factory Racing EMX125
History was made at the MXGP of Castilla La Mancha as Fantic celebrated an incredible EMX125 season with a double podium, securing both the riders’ and manufacturers’ titles (more about Noel Zanocz and the Fantic XX 125 crowned champions here).
The Fantic youngsters quickly adapted to the new track in Cózar. In time practice, Simone Mancini set the second-best time. Noel Zanocz struggled with arm pump, which prevented him from putting together a strong lap, resulting in an 8th gate pick. However, in race 1, Zanocz got a rocket start, moving into second place right away. He soon took the lead and never looked back. Mancini quickly moved into second, securing an outstanding 1-2 finish for Fantic Factory Racing EMX125.
Race 2 saw Mancini blast out of the gate aboard his Fantic XX 125, taking the holeshot from the outside. Zanocz emerged from the first corner in sixth but swiftly worked his way up to second place within the opening laps. With the title on the line, the race was thrilling until the checkered flag. Although Mancini had to give up the lead after ten laps, he held on for third place, securing a podium finish. Zanocz’s second place in the moto earned him the GP win at Castilla La Mancha and, most importantly, the EMX125 title. Mancini clinched the bronze medal, while Fantic sealed the manufacturers’ crown.
The only downside of an otherwise unforgettable weekend was the early end to Douwe Van Mechgelen’s season. The young Belgian sustained a fracture to his left radius bone during time practice and will undergo further medical checks back home.
