The forth GP of the MX1 motocross season was raced in Guadalajara, Mexico. The organizer succeeded in watering the track and the motos were ridden in good yet hot conditions. In th first moto Santtu Tiainen was able to do his career best result by being 14th ja in the second moto he was 15th. Dean Ferris had solid performance and was 12th in the first moto and in the second moto.

The forth MX1 GP was raced in Mexico on the sandy track of Gaudalajara. The organizer had been able to fix the watering problems from Saturday and the motos on Sunday were raced in good yet hot conditions.

”I got a good start and was able keep my tenth position quite awhile. Yet for some reason I’m not feeling good with my riding at the moment. Even though 12th position gives good points, I know, I’m not riding to my potential. But with patience and practice it will come together”, commented Dean Ferris after his first moto.

The first moto was won by Antonio Cairoli (KTM), second was Clement Desalle (Suzuki) and third was Ken de Dycker (KTM). Dean Ferris was 12th and Santtu Tiainen 14th.

”The start from the far end was challenging, but I was able to ride the first round after Frossard and that gave a nice boost for the riding”, commented Santti Tiainen his career best result. “I was able to get everything out of me, and I believe the second moto will be a good one too.”

Second moto was won by David Philippaerts (Yamaha), second was Clement Desalle (Suzuki) and third was Antonio Cairoli (KTM). Dean Ferris was 12th and Santtu Tiainen 15th.

The next GP is raced in Brazil in one week.

The forth GP of the motocross season is being raced this weekend for the first time in Guadalajara, Mexico. The GP is raced in extremely hot conditions that has been challenging for the organizer. For the qualifying race on Saturday the track wasn’t watered well enough, wherefore most of the riders didn’t line up for the start. In the qualifying race Dean Ferris was 17th and Santtu Tiainen 20th. The motos will be raced as planned and scheduled on Sunday May 13th.

The forth GP of the motocross season is being raced for the first time in the history in Mexico on the sandy track of Gaudalajara. In the training on Saturday the organizer didn’t succeed in watering the track.

“The conditions are very hot and windy, which breaks the soil of the track. Therefore the track wears out, the jumps break easily and stones surface”, described ICE1RACING head technician John Luotonen the track in Guadalajara. “Due to the lack of adequate watering system the track gets very dusty.”

Most of the riders didn’t line up for the start of the qualifying race due to track conditions.

“Track could have been saved by diminishing training, but not much more could have been done”, commented Luotonen the situation. “The motos will be raced normally tomorrow. Most likely the riders will line up to the start according to the qualifying race and after that according to pre-qualifying practice.”

The pre-qualifying practice was held normally. Dean Ferris was 17th and Santtu Tiainen 20th.

“I was able to get a good time in the qualifying practice, I’m quite satisfied”, commented Santtu Tiainen his riding. “The sandy track is quite unique, little bit harder at times and some stones on the surface, but quite nice track which suits me.”

Complete results from http://www.motocrossmx1.com/reslists.aspx

The third GP of the motocross season was raced on the hard pack track of Fermo. The bad start of the first moto didn’t keep Dean Ferris, who finished 17th away from the GP-points. Santtu Tiainen rode a clean moto by finishing 24th. The good start of the second moto boosted both ICE1RACING riders to their season best. Ferris was 10th and Tiainen got his first GP-points by being 19th.

The third GP of the motocross season was raced on the hard pack track of Fermo. ICE1RACING riders Dean Ferris and Santtu Tiainen were able to get clean races to both motos.

“Dean found his speed in the second half of the first moto and his lap times started to be close to the speed of the top riders”, commented team’s head technician John Luotonen after the first moto. “I believe that if he can keep up with the momentum the result will enhance in the second moto.”

The first moto was won byChristophe Pourcel (Kawasaki), second was Gautier Paulin (Kawasaki) and third in the home race was Antonio Cairoli (KTM). Ferris finished 17th and Tiainen 24th.

In the second moto both ICE1RACING riders were able to get a good start and performed their season best. Both riders took GP-points: Ferris broke into the top ten and TIainen was 19th.

”I’m very satisfied with my riding. I didn’t do anything crazy, I rode consistently.”, commented Ferris after the second moto. ”I want to thank the team from the hard work and the new set up.”

“Dean was able to keep the speed even though the track was very hard on the riders. The ruts built in very deep and the take offs to the jumps were very difficult”, commented team manager Kari Tiainen todays race.

Team’s Finnish rider Santtu Tiainen was very satisfied with his day, “I got a very good boost from the start. I was able to keep the attitude through out the whole moto and it really helped my riding. I am very satisfied – the personal best on the hardest track I’ve ever ridden.”

The second moto was won by Antonio Cairoli (KTM), second was Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki) and third was Clement Desalle (Suzuki).

The next GP will be races in two weeks in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The third GP of the motocross season is being ridden in Fermo, Italy this Sunday April 29th. The qualifying race of the MX1 was tough on ICE1RACING riders – Dean Ferris was 19th and Santtu Tiainen 29th. Ferris is recovering from his elbow injury well and his results improve placing by placing. Tiainen couldn’t finish due to broken chain.

The third GP of the motocross season will be ridden tomorrow Sunday April 29th in Fermo, Italy, where the qualifying race was held today. ICE1RACING MX1-riders Dean Ferris and Santtu Tiainen made tomorrow a bit of a challenge.

“I didn’t have a good start, the track was a bit sketchy at times. We need more training”, commented Ferris his qualifying race. Dean Ferris finished 19th today.

Ferris is recovering well from his elbow injury, “the hand is in good condition, it doesn’t affect the riding.”

“More riding, that will keep the already good speed up through out the race. Placing by placing we are going forward”, commented the team manager Kari Tiainen the first day.

Santtu Tiainen finished 29th in the qualifying race. “Week by week the riding gets smoother, but so it does by everyone else too. Today I was unlike and the chain broke”, commented Tiainen his qualifying in Italy.

In the second GP raced in Sevlievo Bulgaria, ICE1RACING team took the first GP pointsof the season by Dean Ferris. Ferris, who is still recovering from the injury during his training season, was able to place 20th and 15th in his first GP starts in MX1 class. Even though the recovery is still underway, Ferris is already starting to find his speed. The Finnish ICE1RACING rider Santtu Tiainen was barely out of reach of the GP points by being 25th and 23rd.

ICE1RACING team was able to collect the first GP points in the second race held in Sevlievo Bulgaria. Season’s third and fourth motos were raced on the hard and fast track of Sevlievo. The MX1 riders Dean Ferris and Santtu Tiainen were able to ride clean motos, and Ferris brought the first GP points of the team by placing 20th and 15th.

“Dean’s riding was smart today, he rode on his level considering his recovery from the injury. I am satisfied with his performance this weekend”, complimented the team manager Kari Tiainen.

The moto was won by Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki), second was Gautier Paulin (Kawasaki) and third was Clement Desalle (Suzuki). Tiainen finished 25th.

”I came to the race without any expectations, so I am satisfied with the clean motos I was able to ride”, commented Ferris his first GP start.

”The lack of arm pump in the second moto gave me better chances to keep up with the speed. The battle of the places 10 to 15 was fierce today, next weekend I want to be a part of that battle”, continued Ferris.

For the Finnish rider Santtu Tiainen the race was demanding. “The track became really hard and many riders weren’t able to finish due to crashes, so in that extent I am happy that I was able to do clean motos. But the track was so difficult and the speed was so fast that the motivation to train in order to close the gab is now really big.”

Tiainen finished 23rd in the second moto. The second moto was won by Gautier Paulin (Kawasaki), second was Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki) and third was Antonio Cairoli (KTM).

The third GP will be raced in one week April 29th in Fermo, Italy.

The second motocross GP of the season will be raced during this weekend in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. ICE1RACING rider, Australian Dean Ferris prepares himself for the first GP race in the team. Ferris starts his season one GP late due to his elbow injury, but feels very confident, since there is only less than two months from his surgery. In the qualifying race on Saturday Ferris was 21st and Santtu Tiainen 26th.

The qualifying race of the second GP in Sevlievo, Bulgaria introduced Dean Ferris into the GP series. Ferris was able to be in the start only less then two months from his elbow surgery.

"It takes a bit to get back to the grooving of the things. I kept riding to around 20th the whole day, but step by step it gets easier, so let's see what tomorrow brings", commented Ferris his first qualifying race. "The track is very nice, it actually reminds me of home."
Santtu Tianen pushed to a solid perofmance in the first day of the second GP.

"My start was fairly good, I was right behind Dean, but got stuck after the first jump, so I ended up gaining my position by simply riding as clean as possible", sums Tiainen his qualifying race.

Tiainen, the young 20-year old rider from Siilinjärvi, Finland is very confident of his riding, "tomorrow we will take GP points".

The MX1 qualifying race in Sevlievo was won by Antonio Cairoli (KTM), second was Gautier Paulin (Kawasaki) and third for the start in Sunday's race will come Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki). ICE1RACING riders were Dean Ferris 21st and Santtu Tiainen 26th.

ICE1RACING team opened the FIM Wolrd Championship series with two Finnish riders. Santtu Tiainen placed outside the GP points, just like the team’s junior rider Niko Koskela, who substituted team’s Australian rider Dean Ferris in the first GP. The next GP will be raced in Sevlievo, Bulgaria in two weeks, when Dean Ferris will be at the start.

In the season start of the FIM World Championship the first GP points were distributed on the very heavy sand track of Valkenswaard. From the ICE1RACING riders both Santtu Tiainen and the team’s junior rider Niko Koskela rode somewhat clean motos in MX1.

“In the first moto we got caught behind most of the riders in the start. Since I was forced to climb aggressively, I caved in for a few mistakes that lead into crashes, which made the moto even more tougher than it already was”, described Tiainen his start.

Tiainen was 25th in the first moto and Koskela behind him 26th. The moto was won by Antonio Cairoli, second was Clement Desalle and third was Steven Frossard.

ICE1RACING team owner Kimi Räikkönen was also at the season start. “Neither one of our riders survived the preseason races without injuries, so the first race came partly a bit too soon. However, I believe that the following races will bring already GP points”, supported Räikkönen.

“Second moto was better. I was able to clean the mistakes and the overtrying didn’t mess up my concentration. However, the heavy rain made the track super tough. There was no way of getting those GP points this time”, commented Tiainen.

The second moto was won by Antonio Cairoli, second was Clement Desalle and third was Steven Frossard. Tiainen was 24th and Koskela 26th.

The second GP will be raced in two weeks April 22nd in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. Dean Ferris will start then his GP season.

There is only one day to the season start of motocross FIM World Championship – in today’s qualifying race showcased the season start in Valkenswaard, Holland. ICE1RACING team rider Santtu Tiainen starts his GP season with good spirit. Team’s junior rider Niko Koskela substitudes team’s Australian rider Dean Ferris in the first GP. Bad start at the qualifying race gives rough start for the season premier.

The FIM World Championship GP point hunt will be opened tomorrow in Valkenswaard, Holland. All the major classes MX1, MX2, MX3 and women’s class are gathered to the same weekend and the riders challenge themselves at the heavy sand track. ICE1RACING riders Santtu Tiainen and Niko Koskela will be at the start with good hoes. Both Tiainen and Koskela start in the MX1 class with their 450cc Kawasakis.

“I’m in good condition and riding feels good. Today I was able to hunt down some big names and tomorrow we will measure the condition. I believe, that the heavy track will be exhausting to everyone, but I’m ready for the race and I like tough tracks”, sums Tiainen his feelings just before the season start.

In today’s training and qualifying race the speed was promising. However, the start in the qualifying race was a miss and both ICE1RACING riders were forced to climb from the end position.

“I was next to Niko at the start, Niko was a bit hungry with the speed and his bar got stuck in the start and for some odd reason also my bar did the same thing. Really unfortunate. Fortunately I was able to ride clean and it gives hope for tomorrow”, described Tiainen the qualifying race.

Tiainen was 26th in the qualifying race and Koskela 33rd. Tomorrow’s first GP race can be followed live on www.mx-life.tv

SAN DIEGO, CA - April 4th, 2012 - Maxima Racing Oils - a world leading manufacturer of premium racing oils is proud to announce a partnership with the ICE1 Racing motocross team for the 2012 FIM World Championships.

The Finnish based ICE1 Racing motocross team owned by legendary Formula 1 driver Kimi Raikkonen will field two pilots in the MX1 class of the 2012 World Championships.

ICE1 Racing junior team graduate Santtu Tiainen will be returning to the World Championships along with Australian native Dean Ferris, who was leading the 2011 Australian Motocross Championship before an injury took him out of contention.

"ICE1 Racing motocross team is very happy about the partnership with Maxima racing oils and looks forward to the GP season ahead" said ICE1Racing motocross Team Manager Kari Tiainen

"Europeans are some of the most enthusiastic race fans in the world and love motorcycles. Maxima is also very passionate about motorcycling and is proud to partner with world class racers, tuners and enthusiasts like ICE1. Maxima is focused on building up its presence throughout Europe and to develop awareness for the brand. There's a great story for us to share and I'm excited to have a solid platform to talk about what we do that's unique and how it's made Maxima #1 in the USA" said Maxima Racing Oils President Danny Massie.

The ICE1 team will be exclusively using Maxima engine oils, suspension fluids, brake fluids, coolants and lubricants in their machines - including the power generating 530MX engine oil.

ABOUT MAXIMA RACING OILS

Developed in the USA and tested on the toughest tracks in the world, Maxima Racing Oils are proven to increased horsepower, prolong engine life and offer unsurpassed engine cleanliness. Maxima has been committed to MX & SX for over 30 years and is used by more factory teams, engine builders and racers. Know you're running the best with championship winning products. Maxima - Race Grade Formulas. Learn more about Maxima Racing Oil by visiting www.maximausa.com

The Finnish ICE1RACING rider Niko Koskela participated the open championship of Holland in Mill. 21-year old Koskela was 20th in the first moto, but couldn’t finish the second moto. Koskela substitutes the Australian Dean Ferris in the open championship of Holland GP opening in two weeks. Ferris has recovered well from the operation and is back riding in the second GP in Bulgaria. Santtu Tiainen took a weekend off from preseason races.

In the open championship of Holland raced in Mill the passed weekend, Niko Koskela was representing team ICE1RACING. Koskela placed 20th in the first moto, but couldn’t finish the second moto due to lost visibility and crash.

”Niko is riding well, but the differences are big. The top riders are fast. The most improvement needed is in the physical condition, since the tracks are tough”, commented the team manager Kari Tiainen the riding.

Koskela is substituting the injured Australian rider Dean Ferris in the season opening in Valkenswaard. Ferris has recovered well from the elbow operation and is planning to return to the GP circus already in the second race in Bulgaria.

The other GP rider for ICE1RACING team, Santtu Tiainen took a weekend off from the preseason races. Tiainen tore his thigh muscle from groin last weekend and is taking a rest.

The winner in the Open Championship of Holland in the firs moto of Mill was Evgeny Bobryshev, second was Kevin Strijbos and third was Gautier Paulin. The first in second moto was Evgeny Bobryshev, second was Kevin Strijbos and third was Ken de Dycker The best Finn participating was Antti Pyrhönen with 18th place in the first moto and 12th place in the second moto.

The MX GP riders met in Heerde for the open championship of Holland. The Finnish ICE1RACING riders Santtu Tiainen and Niko Koskela were to test their GP-speed. Koskela substitutes the Australian Dean Ferris in the GP opening, he placed 18th in the first moto and 14th in the second moto. Tiainen couldn’t finish due to an injury on the first round. GP season starts April 9th from Valkenswaard, before the season start the team races still in Mill March 25th.

In the open championship of Holland the race was held on an extremely tough sand track in Heerde. For ICE1RACING in the start were the Finns Santtu Tiainen and Niko Koskela.

”The first race of the season was ok. With a better start there would’ve been a chance to top ten”, described satisfied Koskela his race. Koskela was 18th in the frist moto in Heerde and 14th in the second.

Koskela is substituting the injured Australian rider Dean Ferris in the season opening in Valkenswaard. ”It’s great to have a chance to start in GP. I will try to do my best and clean motos. And of course it would perfect to get a few GP points also.”

The other GP rider for ICE1RACING team, Santtu Tiainen couldn’t finish his first moto due to an injury and didn’t participate in the second moto.

”Santtu rode out from the track and hit a trunk of a tree. The stump snapped into pieces and Santtu was taken into the hospital. The pain is in the groin, so suspected is a torn thigh muscle, we’ll go for ultrasound images tomorrow to be on the safe side”, described the team manager Kari Tiainen the first moto.

The winner in the Open Championship of Holland in the firs moto of Heerde was Evgeny Bobryshev, second was Kevin Strijbos and third was Rui Goncalves. The first in second moto was Ken de Dycker, second was Gautier Paulin and third was Rui Goncalves. The best Finn participating was Antti Pyrhönen with 13th place in the first moto and 12th place in the second moto.

ICE1RACING team takes still part in the open championships race in Mill (25.3.) before the GP season start in Valkenswaard April 9th.

ICE1RACING team started its’ round of practice races in Holland from sand track of Oss. The high level race lured several GP riders to the start line. Santtu Tiainen opened his race with a solid 19th position in the qualifying race, but was forced to quit due to a technical problem in the first moto and couldn’t finish the race. Dean Ferris recovers from the surgery of his left hand elbow and aims to return to racing in early rounds of GP. ICE1RACING riders are to race still two times in the open championship races in Holland before the GP season start.

A great number of GP riders tested their speed on the former GP track in Oss, Holland. The sandy track of great altitude differences challenged the riders on a rainy day.

“The riding starts to feel good. In the qualifying race the track was full of riders and the result was ok. It’s a pity that I couldn’t finish the motos”, commented Santtu Tiainen his riding. Tiainen was forced to quit due to a technical problem in the first moto after riding 25 minutes.

The winner in the Open Championship of Holland was Evgeny Bobryshev, second was Kevin Strijbos and third was Ken de Dycker. The best Finn participating was Antti Pyrhönen with 10th place, Ludde Söderberg was 18th and Marko Kovalainen was 27th.

Teams Australian rider Dean Ferris is recovering from the surgery on his left elbow and plans to return to race tracks for the early rounds of GP season.

ICE1RACING team takes part in the open championships races still in Heerde (18.3.) and in Mill (25.3.).

ICE1RACING racer, Dean Ferris, has undergone surgery in Belgium to repair a fractured elbow sustained at the Spanish MX championship in Albaida.

Fresh off of his first victory on European soil two weeks earlier, Ferris looked to be the man to beat in Albaida and it was during his first moto stint, while hunting down Jose Butron for the lead, that a backmarker came across Ferris sending him into a haybayle for a high speed crash.

“I should have seen him coming” admitted Ferris. "I had just passed Barragan and gapped him so I was focusing on Butron and realing him in quite quickly when I had to avoid the backmarker. Luckily it’s not a serious break and I should be back on the bike within 4 weeks. My fitness is great so will work on maintaining that and hopefully it won’t take too long for me to get my speed back before the first GP in Valkenswaard.”

“It’s great to watch Dean riding. Even though he had a bad start in Albaida, he was able to climb to the second position by the fourth round and he was challenging Butron. When taking the hit, he was at the jump of the track’s fastest whoop section chasing Butron”, described the team manager Kari Tiainen the situation and continued, "This is only a small break and Dean will be back in no time and ready for the GP season with his full speed."

In Albaida Valencia, the first Spanish Championship motos were raced. Santtu Tiainen opened his racing season with placing 6th after the injury last fall. Dean Ferris instead opened strong, but injured himself in the first moto. The left elbow will be operated tomorrow in Belgium. ICE1RACING riders are to race three times in the open championship races in Holland before the GP season start.

A high level Spanish Championship motos were raced in Albaida Valencia on a challenging sand track. ICE1RACING –rider Santtu Tiainen started his racing season after a break due to injury last fall.

“Great GP track, which was well watered and turned into ruts just like in the GPs. Riding felt good and now the first race is out of the way”, commented Tiainen his season start.

“Santtu’s riding has improved, the first moto was very relaxed riding”, commented ICE1RACING team manager Kari Tiainen the Finn’s start. Santtu Tiainen was 6th in the first moto and due to a bad start 8th in the second moto.

Team’s Australian rider Dean Ferris suffered an unfortunate injury. “it’s great to watch Dean’s riding. Even though a bad start he was able to climb up to second position by the fourth round and he was challenging Butron. When taking the hit, he was at the jump of the track’s fastest whoop section chasing Butron”, described Kari Tiainen the situation.

In the preliminary examinations was discovered a fracture in the elbow. Ferris flies tonight to Belgium for surgery and is forced to step off from the bike for a few weeks.

The winner in Spanish Championship in Albaida was Alvaro Lozano, second was José Antonio Butrón and third was Jonathan Barragán. Santtu Tiainen was weekend’s sixth. ICE1RACING team moves to practice in Belgium and takes part in the open championships races - Oss (4.3.), Heerde (18.3.) and Mill (25.3.)

The ICE1RACING team riders returned to train in Spain and tested their speed in an international event in Crevillente. Australian Dean Ferris was very strong by turning the first moto’s struggle into a win in the second moto and taking the overall victory of the race. Due to extreme cold temperatures in Central Europe team stays in Spain and hopes to race next weekend in Mantova, Italy.

The motocross season is catching speed and GP riders are looking for the best training conditions and possibilities to test their speed. ICE1RACING team has been training in Spain the past week and team’s newcomer Australian Dean Ferris took part in an international event in Crevillente.

“My qualification wasn’t perfect, but in the first moto I took the holeshot and really went for it. Unluckily my hands got numb and Barragan was able to take the lead from me. It was strong struggle, so I’m happy with my result being second at the finish line”, satisfied Ferris commented his first moto.

In the second moto Spanish GP rider Jonathan Barragan was able to take the holeshot, yet Ferris didn’t let him take the win.

“It was a good race. Barragan has taken GP wins, so it was great to defeat him. I’m very satisfied with the weekend and it gives good boost for the training”, happy Ferris continued.

The overall winner of the international event in Crevillent was ICE1RACING Dean Ferris, second was Jonathan Barragan and third was Marko Kovalainen. ICE1RACING rider Santtu Tiainen didn’t participate to the race. The team continues to train in Spain due to the extreme cold temperatures in Central Europe and hopes to race in Mantova, Italy next weekend.

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The list of officially approved teams (OAT) and their officially approved riders to take part in the 2012 FIM Motocross World Championship.

In the Helsinki fair center hosted an indoor supercross on Friday and Saturday. GP-rider Dean Ferris, together with the junior team riders Niko Koskela and Teemu Lehtinen were representing ICE1RACING team in the invitational race. On Friday Ferris won his heats before the final, but was forced to cut short in the final. Lehtinen and Koskela didn’t qualify to the final. Saturday brought misfortune, Koskela was the only one qualified to the final, yet he wasn’t able to finish.

Friday Supercross seemed to be Dean Ferris’s day. The ICE1RACING newcomer won both starts of his qualifying heats and finished them with the pole position, but the final didn’t go as planned. ” I wasn’t able to quite get the double jump on the finish line, so my front tire duck into the mud and I hit myself hard to the bike. It wasn’t the best heat anyways, but the pain took over me and I just couldn’t finish”, commented Ferris.

Lehtinen didn’t qualify unfortunately from the last chance to the final and also Koskela made his way to the top rough by a fall in the first qualification, his speed didn’t simply cut it in the repechage. Belgian Jurgen Wybo won the race on Friday.

ICE1RACING team owner Kimi Räikkönen was following the race on Friday. ”The boys ride well. The first race of the season is of course always one of the kind and it’s indoor supercross on a fairly soft track, but the speed seems to be coming along, cheered Räikkönen.

Saturday wasn’t full of hope. First Lehtinen had a mild concussion and couldn’t finish. Then Ferris, altough was leading in the first corner, once hitting the first jumps had lost his lead and in the next curv hit the back tire of the rider in front of him, bike bounced badly and that was the end of the heat.

The nice surprise of the day was the great fight from Koskela in the last chance. Koskela was the only Finn in the finals. ”It was great to succeed and it gave such good boost to the final”, discribed Koskela. Yet in the final Koskela unfortunately crashed in the first round, but survived the bad looking collition with a dead leg.

The winner on Saturday was Fabian Izoird.

Helsinki supercross event hosted by the Motorcycle Show was put together for the first time.

Results: http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=745043

ICE1RACING, the motocross team representing Finland in the World Championships, starts its’ season from the Helsinki supercross the following weekend. The Motorcycle Show 2012 hosts the invitational competition and at the start gate are GP-rider Dean Ferris(AUS) along with the junior team riders Niko Koskela and Teemu Lehtinen. The recovery of the team’s other GP-rider Santtu Tiainen is in good speed. ICE1RACING starts the GP season April 9th from Valkenswaard, Netherlands.

The motorcross team ICE1RACING starts its’ second GP-season with two MX1 riders. The riders selected to represent the team are Australian Dean Ferris (21) and Finnish Santtu Tiainen (20), hereby the team continues supporting young talents.”My goal was to move to the World Championships this season and ICE1RACING made it possible for me. I really want to show what I am capable of and the team shares the desire”, told satisfied Dean Ferris.

ICE1RACING team has also a junior team of five young riders; Niko Koskela (20), Teemu Lehtinen (18), Jami Numminen (16), Joni Numminen (13) and Roni Kytönen (12).

ICE1RACING team continues with Kawasaki

"We are very satisfied with our choise of the bike from last season and our co-operation together with Kawasaki will continue in the future even stronger than before. Along with Dean Ferris we combined the intrests of Kawasaki and we and it is interesting to see what our second season in the GP brings by”, commented team manager Kari Tiainen. ”Our goal is to break into the top 10 in MX1, the class our both riders ride. The goal is not impossible, wherefore the spirit in the team is anticipatory in a good way”, continues Tiainen.

Season start at the Helsinki supercross

The motocross team ICE1RACING owned by Kimi Räikkönen opens the season from the Helsinki supercross. The invitational event, which is held in Helsinki for the first time, starts on Friday at 15.30 with training and climaxes with the final on Saturday evening.

”The event is unique in Finland, since the Motorcycle Show collects a great crowd to the fair center”, cheers Jarkko Nieminen from Pseparts. ”For us as the main promotor this is naturally a great opportunity to bring the sport close to the big audience and what could be a better way to do it than together with our partner ICE1RACING team.”

Representing ICE1RACING in the race are GP-rider Dean Ferris, and junior team riders Niko Koskela and Teemu Lehtinen. Team’s other GP-rider, Santtu Tiainen, is recovering from an injury from late summer and doesn’t start in the race. ”The knee is in good condition. I was able to start riding already before Christmas in Spain and ever since it’s been a good progress. We will move to train in Belgium right after the fair and we’ll be ready when the season starts”, comments the well spirited Santtu Tiainen.

ICE1RACING team opens the GP season April 9th from Valkenswaard, Netherlands.

We have developed a few new features to ice1racing.fi webpage in co-operation with Kamppissaitti. Visitors are now able to enjoy Facebook integrated photo gallery. Kamppissaitti also provides the platform for IceOneNews -newsletters.

More info at www.kamppissaitti.fi

wishes the ICE1RACING team,

Ludde, Santtu, Toni,
Mika, Jami, Roni, Santeri, Valtteri
Maarten, Ari, Timo, Vesa,
Katri, John, Natalia, Riku
Kari and Kimi

ICE1RACING motocross team run by Kari Tiainen and owned by Kimi Räikkönen has signed five Finnish junior motocross riders into their team. In the season 2012 young riders Niko Koskela, Teemu Lehtinen, Jami Numminen, Joni Numminen and Roni Kytönen will race in the ICE1RACING colors and represent Kawasaki in their own classes.The team strives to create possibilities for new talents and bring the level of Finnish motocross up along with possibilities.The team has promoted the Finnish talents in the season 2011 and made it possible for new names to enter GP series.

ICE1RACING motocross team verified their support for Finns by announcing their junior team for the season 2012. The junior riders for the team are Niko Koskela (20), Teemu Lehtinen (17), Jami Numminen (16), Joni Numminen (13) and Roni Kytönen (12). The goal of the ICE1RACING motocross team of Kimi Räikkönen is to give opportunities for the Finnish riders.

”We want to give an opportunity to young riders to try out their talents. Our junior riders train partly with our main riders and have in this way an opportunity for a test environment that other wise might be out their reach,” explains team manager Kari Tiainen.

The former enduro world champion Vesa Kytönen continues his good work with the junior team and leads the team of five junior riders who will race on the national level in their own classes and substitute the main riders if needed.

”On the race season we support the junior riders both in the national and international level. Niko rides in the Finnish Championship in the MX1-class, but also through us is able to participate to some MX3 GP’s. Also Teemu’s goal is to tour not only Finnish Championship in MX2-class but also the whole EMX2 tour. Our junior team older riders serve also as substitute riders and when needed get to try out their talents in the World Championship, ” continues Tiainen.

The goals of our younger riders are still national. Jami Nurminen races in Finnish Championship in the MXJ class which serves as a stepping stone to MX2 class and eventually to EMX2. The youngest riders of the team Joni Numminen and Roni Kytönen race in the C/A class for 12 -16 year old juniors in order to gain the Finnish Championship tittle in the Finnish Cup.

ICE1RACING junior rider numbers for season 2012:

Niko Koskela #300
Teemu Lehtinen #123
Jami Numminen #400
Joni Numminen #100
Roni Kytönen #91

ICE1RACING motocross team has signed a Finnish MX1 rider Santtu Tiainen for 2012. The team owned by Kimi Räikkösen has promoted the Finnish talents in the past season and made it possible for new names to enter GP series. The team strives to create possibilities for new talents and bring the level of Finnish motocross up along with possibilities.

The ICE1RACING motocross team of Kimi Räikkönen has signed an agreement with 20-year-old Santtu Tiaisen for the 2012 MX1 GP season. The young Finnish talent rode his debut in Valkensvaard last season. Tiainen who raced for ICE1RACING junior team last season started in 10 GPs altogether.

”Last season consisted of one nice surprise after another, when I got into GP starts with wild cards. Every start was an opportunity to showcase the skills. And now that I got my own spot in the world championship series, it’s the best possible reward of the summer’s starts”, said happy Santtu Tiainen.

Tiainen, who is recovering from his knee operation, couldn’t believe his luck. ”At the Finnish Championship supercross in Siilinjärvi, I wanted to give my best effort at the home track, the injury at the moment felt heart breaking. Even though I am a persistent Finn at heart, I have to admit that I was thinking then that everything is slipping through my fingers. The team’s support in a situation like this is very encouraging and I can hardly wait to return back to riding”, well recovered Tiainen explained.

The ICE1RACING team managed by Kari Tiainen, seven-time Enduro World Champion was very pleased about the new edition to the team. ”Santtu has showcased his skills last season, along with his persistence he’ll go far. Last season came a surprise for him, for the next season we will be well prepared. Next season our team will focus only to MX1 with Kawasaki 450cc. It is very interesting to see how we will be able to benefit from the synergy, the whole team will be at the start at once”, cheered Kari Tiainen.

World Championship Series starts April 9th 2012 from Valkensvaard. The full calendar is to be seen at the Youth Stream site.

The ICE1RACING motocross team of Kimi Räikkönen has signed young Australian prospect Dean Ferris to compete in the 2012 MX1 FIM World championship series. The team, managed by Kari Tiainen, seven-times Enduro World Champion, is new to the Grand Prix scene, and brings with it a wealth of experience with two of the most successful motorsport athletes of Finland, Räikkönen and Tiainen, who have promoted Finnish talents in the past season striving to create possibilities for new talents. Ferris is considered the best newcomer entering the MX1 series.

The ICE1RACING motocross team of Kimi Räikkönen has inked a deal with 21-year-old Australian rider Dean Ferris for the 2012 MX1 GP season. The young talent will compete in his first full season of World Championship motocross, after competing in the highly contested Australian Championships where he raced for the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team. Ferris lead the championship from the start up to the penultimate round when a torn thumb ligament put him out of the running.

“I am really excited about joining ICE1RACING. It is a relatively new team in world championship motocross but the guys in the team are really experienced and know what it takes to win races. It’s a real family sphere and they have made me feel welcome already which is great – I feel at home with them. Their goals are realistic and I have no doubt that they will support me in every way to achieve my goals ”, commented a pleased Ferris on his decision.

Räikkönen, who moved from F1 to WRC, expanded his motorsport variation by founding a motocross team ICE1RACING to compete in MX1 and MX2 in the Grand Prix circus this season. “The season 2011 we gave for Finns. Young talents need to be supported and we wanted to be a part of giving the Finnish Champions a chance. This is how we feel with Dean also. He’s a great rider already, we want to see how far he can go”, cheered Räikkönen for the team’s newcomer.

TheEuropean Race Planning Manager of Kawasaki Motors Europe, Steve Guttridge feels also very satisfied with the union."The ICE1RACING team have arrived at MXGP's this year and presented a very calm but professional structure for Kawasaki. I think adding a guy like Dean into the team for 2012 can only be a good thing. Dean can make the full time move from Australia where he already races the KX450F to the highest level and so move into the ICE1 team very easily, working well together for the best results possible next season for the team and Kawasaki"

The team managed by Kari Tiainen, seven-time Enduro World Champion was very pleased about the new edition to the team. "Dean has raced for Kawasaki in Australia and was very close to winning them a title so the fit is perfect for us. Kawasaki has supported us in this next step and we feel Dean has the potential to grow with us”, explained Tiainen.

Ferris is excited about the new relationship, “I really enjoy the Kawasaki and have had great support from Kawasaki Australia and now that support is being extended here in Europe. I tested the ICE1RACING Kawasaki 450 and I love it!”

The grand final of the motocross season, the Motocross of Nations, gathered all the best riders of all continents to Saint Jean d’Angely in France to strive their best in order to reach the champion tittle. 36 countries raced on Saturday for qualification to the A-final, Finland made the cut. The riders for team Finland were Antti Pyrhönen (MX1), Ludde Söderberg (MX2) and Toni Eriksson (open class). The Finnish Federation had set the official goal in qualifying to A-final. Finland finished 17th in the high level race.

After the GP season final the teams gathered to the clay track of Saint Jean d’Angely to race in the grand final of the season Motocross of Nations. The Finnish team consisted of Antti Pyrhönen, Ludde Söderberg and Toni Eriksson who replaced the injured rider Harri Kullas.

“Our goal is to qualify directly to the A-final. If we can do that, we’ll be pleased”, summed the coaching director ofFinnish Motorcyckling Federation Tomi Konttinen the team goals for the race. Finland qualified 19th to the final on Saturday and the reached the goal set.

“It’s really nice to go and ride today, since we got the solid result yesterday. The track is perfect and speed fast. All the best riders of the world are here, of course it is an honor to represent Finland among the great ones”, said happy Söderberg.

The Sunday’s race was ridden in variable conditions. The sun and rain alternated all through the day and kept the track slippery. Finland finished 17th in the final on Sunday.

The Motocross of Nations was won by the favorite USA with the teamRyan Villopoto (open class), Ryan Dungey (MX1) ja Blake Bagget (MX2). Second in the race was France with the team Marvin Musquin (MX2), Gautier Paulin (open class) and Christophe Pourcel (MX1) and third Australia with the team Chad Reed (MX1), Brett Metcalfe (opne class) and Matt Moss (MX2).

“It’s amazing to drive in front of this crowed, 40 000 motocross fans bring in the heat. The starts had to be good today. The first moto was better, I found my riding rhythm then, but all in all I’m satisfied with the weekend. The team we put together was the best we could do now that Harri is injured and we did a good job”, described Antti Pyrhönen the team effort after the race.

ICE1RACING team rider return to Finland and compete in the season final in Finnish Championships October 22nd in Lahti.

The final for the motocross GP season was raced this weekend in Italy. Ludde Söderberg was 19th in the first race and 18th in the second race in MX2. Toni Eriksson couldn’t finish the first moto due to flu, but was able to beat the heat in the second moto by taking a GP point and finishing 20th. The World Championship titles were crowned already before the last GP on hard pack track of Fermo. Söderberg finished his season in the 25th place, in MX1 Santtu Tiainen finished 51st and Eriksson 57th in the classification.

The last GP was raced on the hard pack track in Fermo. The fanatic Antonio Cairoli fans, who had come to cheer the World Champion title owner crowned already last weekend, were missing their idol – the death of Cairoli’s mother pressed the KTM team celebrations. Yet the crowds were given a rare occasion, when the MX2 champion also crowned last weekend, Ken Roczen challenged the riders with a 125cc.

Ludde Söderberg was 19th in the first race and 18th in the second race in the last GP of the season. The MX2 GP was won by Jeffrey Herlings, Tommy Searle was second and third was Max Anstie.

Toni Eriksson was struggling with flu and couldn’t finish the first moto. In the second moto he was better rested and after exhausting riding was able to collect a GP point by finishing 20th. MX1 was won by Gautier Paulin, second in the GP was Pourcel Christophe and third was Jonathan Barragan.

The World Championship titles were crowned already the weekend before in Gaildorf. ICE1RACING participated for the first time to the GP series and gave the Finnish Champions of last season a chance for a full GP season. Söderberg was able to ride complete series in MX2 and was able to collect 42 GP-points, which placed him 25th overall. In MX1 due to injuries two riders, Toni Eriksson and Santtu Tiainen, shared the spot. Tiainen finished 51st on the classification and Eriksson 57th.

“The season was for sure very interesting and teaching for the boys. The level in GP is very high and the tracks according to that. It was great to see Finns in the start. Result wise the boys probably waited for better results, but the fact is, that they are familiar on the sand, but other surfaces bring still a lot of challenge”, commented the team manager Kari Tiainen the season.

ICE1RACING riders Söderberg and Eriksson along with Antti Pyrhönen will participate in the motocross of Nations in Saint Jean d’Angely, France next weekend September 18th.

The European motocross GP was raced in south of Germany in hot conditions in Gaildorf. Ludde Söderberg was 22nd in the first race and 19th in the second race in MX2. Toni Eriksson was 23rd in both races in MX1. Young rider from Finnish Championships, Teemu Lehtinen was given a change to test his speed in EMX by ICE1RACING, Lehtinen didn’t qualify to the race.

The Euro GP was raced close to Stuttgart on a slippery and hard clay track in Gaildorf. ICE1RACING brought a young rider of good performances in Finnish Championships, Teemu Lehtinen to test his speed in EMX.

“Really a nice experience. Of course I would have wanted to qualify, but it wasn’t my time yet. The first is now behind me, so it’s good to get back to training for my next EMX”, commented Lehtinen who had just finished his first EMX race.

Lehtinen didn’t qualify from the B-final to the race on Saturday. Another Finn in EMX, Niko Koskela qualified, yet didn’t finish neither of the races. As the EMX champion was crowned Romain Febvre.

“We want to support the Finnish riders and award their good progress”, cheered Kimi Räikkönen, the ICE1RACING team owner, who had come to see the race weekend.
The second last competition of the season was a race at its’ best. In MX2 Ken Roczen finalized his lead and won the World Champion title in the second moto as Tommy Searle finished the moto with a win and Jeffrey Herlings was second.

Ludde Söderberg was 22nd in the first race and 19th in the second race.

“Tough track. I’m happy that I was able to finish with decent results in the motos. Saturday was really terrible, I must get my game on for qualifying races also”, commented Söderberg, who finished the weekend with two GP points.

MX2 was won by Tommy Searle, Ken Roczen was second and third was Jeffrey Herlings.

MX1 World Champion title was crowned by Antonio Cairoli already in the first moto. KTM celebrated also the factory championship.

Toni Eriksson was 23rd in both of the race. MX1 was won by Antonio Cairoli, second in the GP was Evgeny Bobryshev and third was Xavier Boog. With wild card in the race was also the MX3 rider Antti Pyrhönen, he finished 21.

The last GP of the season will be raced in Fermo in Italy September 11th.

ICE1RACING wants to give Finnish junior rider Teemu Lehtinen a chance to test his speed in EMX.

"He displayed good skills in Finnish Championship super cross last weekend by finishing second. We want to support Finnish motocross and it's important to give new riders possibilities when they deserve it", commented team manager Kari Tiainen for the addition in the team.

The Finnish Championship supercross was raced in Siilinjärvi. Injuries colored the race and molded the results, both Santtu Tiainen and Harri Kullas were not able to finish. The race was won by Antti Pyrhönen, surprise second was Teemu Lehtinen leaving Ludde Söderberg third and Toni Eriksson fourth.

The supercross raced in Siilinjärvi made the battle for Finnish Championship fierce. The day was colored by rough injuries. On the home track Santtu Tiainen crashed his too long jump in the time trials and injured his left knee.

“The MRI will be taken on Monday, we’ll know better what’s wrong then. But it was such a big hit that this season might be finished for me”, commented Tiainen after his return from the hospital.

The qualifying race A was also very dramatic. In the first round in the second corner when the riders were still in one group, Harri Kullas didn’t jump the double in the end of the whoop section, instead he turned to inside perm just in front of Toni Eriksson. Eriksson wasn’t able to change his race line and Kullas injured his left hand in the collision.

“Everything happened so fast, there was no way I was able to fix the situation. Injuries like this are very unfortunate, I hope Harri returns soon”, commented Eriksson who made it to the finals through round of last change.

The clear winner in the finals was Antti Pyrhönen. The race of the second position was between Teemu Lehtinen and Ludde Söderberg.

“Teemu rode very well. I tried my best and along with trying ended up making mistakes, which kept Lehtinen with clear riding in front of me”, congratulated Söderberg Lehtinen for his riding.

Toni Eriksson was fourth in the finals.

The next GP will be raced in Gaildorf in Germany September 4th.

The motocross GP in Great Britain was raced in nice, sunny conditions. Ludde Söderberg was 21st in the first race and 17th in the second race in MX2. Both Toni Eriksson and with wild card Santtu Tiainen started to MX1. Eriksson was 27th in the first race and 23rd in the second race. Tiainen injured his thumb and couldn’t start in the motos.

The British Isles offered a sunny weekend in the south of England for the motocross GP in Matterley Basin. Great facilities lured the big crowd of motocross fans to the field in Winchester. The rest of the tracks in the Championship are mainly raced on the hard clay tracks, which are foreign for the Finnish riders coming from sandy tracks.

“Matterley Basin is a very typical English track. The track is fairly new, it’s been built for the Nations in 2006 and as a venue for big events it’s really amazing. The natural track made by professionals is very challenging and really close to perfect. If I could have a track made for me, this would be it – maybe a little bit steeper to make it even more difficult, but very close to a dream track”, described the team manager Kari Tiainen the profile of Matterley Basin

Ludde Söderberg was 21st in the first race and 17th in the second race. MX2 was won by Ken Roczen, Tommy Searle was second and third was Gautier Paulin. Harri Kullas was 11th in the GP.

“The second moto had the spirit. My start was good and it gave a good feel to the race. In the early rounds I gave way too easily to the top riders, but luckily I was able to gain back the fighting spirit towards the end”, said happy Söderberg

In MX1 there were two ICE1RACING riders at the start, along with Eriksson Santtu Tiainen who received a wild card is almost one of the spot riders. Tiainen has raced already altogether 10 races this season and has gained good experience from the different GP tracks.

“This season came as a surprise, in the spring I thought I would be racing in EMX and the goals were set to Finnish Championships. It has been great to be in the start of so many GPs and the variable tracks have opened my eyes for the winter training ahead”, commented Tiainen his presence in the GPs.

Tiainen injured his thumb in the qualifying practice and was forced to stay aside in the motos. Eriksson was 27th in the first race and 23rd in the second race. MX1 was won by Antonio Cairoli, second in the GP was Christophe Pourcel and third was Steven Frossard.

The next GP will be raced in Gaildorf in Germany September 4th. ICE1RACING riders will participate to Finnish Championship supercross next weekend August 27th in Siilinjärvi.

The motocross GP in Loket, Check Republic was raced on a hard and slippery sandy track. Ludde Söderberg was 28th in the first race and 23rd in the second race in MX2. Both Toni Eriksson and with wild card Santtu Tiainen started to MX1. Tiainen was 23rd in the first race and 22nd in the second race. The problems for Eriksson continued, Eriksson was forced to stop before the finish line in both motos.

The motocross GP in Loket, Check Republic was tough on ICE1RACING riders. The hard sandy track, which became very slippery due to rain showers offered a very eventful race.

“Places to pass people are rare. The start has to be good in order to do it well here. This is going to be a muddy race if the rain starts poring down”, described Söderberg the track.

The forecasted heavy rain for the weekend changed into scattered showers and the motos were raced in almost dry conditions. Ludde Söderberg was 28th in the first race and along with the drier track 23rd in the second race. MX2 was won by Ken Roczen, Jeffrey Herlings was second and third was Tommy Searle. Harri Kullas was 11th in the GP.

In MX1 there were two ICE1RACING riders at the start, Santtu Tiainen received a wild card consecutive time in a row.

Tiainen was 23rd in the first race and 22nd in the second race. The problems for Eriksson continued in the GPs. The slippery track caused an error which ended in a crash and Eriksson hit his head and was forced to retire. Eriksson started in the second moto, but couldn’t finish the race.MX1 was won by Clement Desalle, second in the GP was Antonio Cairoli and third was Rui Goncalves.

The next GP will be raced in Matterley Basin in Great Britain August 21st.

The hard slippery sand track of Loket was a muddy paddle in the qualifying race - Ludde was 31st in MX2, Toni 24th and Santtu 25th in MX1.

"The track is really quick and the altitude differences make it very eventful.Yet the downside is that there aren't that many possibilities to pass riders, so a good start is the key here", commented Söderberg the track.

The weather forecast for tomorrow throws in heavy rain - let's see how that'll change the game.

Söderberg collected GP points – strong return for Tiainen

The soft sandy track of Lommel hosted the 11th GP in almost fall like conditions. Ludde Söderberg was 18th in the first race and 17th in the second race in MX2. Both Toni Eriksson and with wild card Santtu Tiainen started to MX1. Tiainen was 20th in the second race, but ran out of fuel in the first race and was forced to stop. Eriksson was forced to stop in the first race due to aching back and couldn’t participate in the second race.

The motocross GP returned after a week’s break to Central-Europe to a soft sandy track in Lommel Belgian. The 11th GP was raced in almost fall like conditions, which made the race on a tough track slightly more bearable. Yet Lommel didn’t save anyone from the exhausting fight.

“Great track”, commented ICE1RACING junior team rider Santtu Tiainen who entered the race with a wild card. Yet the soft sandy track, which needed extremely physical condition, challenged Toni Eriksson who had an injured earlier in the season, “this tough on the back, since we’re supposed to stay on our feet for the entire time of the race.”

Ludde Söderberg continued his strong performances in Belgium. “Challenging, but equally so for everyone. I was hoping for a better result after Latvia, but Lommel is almost a home track for many of us, which is easy to read from the results. I’m satisfied with the weekend. Surely getting tired towards the end of the race bothers me, since the track is so immensely physical, yet that will be fixed for the next season,” commented Söderberg his good riding.

Ludde Söderberg was 18th in the first race and 17th in the second race, collecting GP points. MX2 was won by Jeffrey Herlings Ken Roczen with victories in both motos, Ken Roczen was second and third was Jeremy van Horebeek. Harri Kullas was 7th in the GP.

In MX1 there were two ICE1RACING riders at the start. With a wild card Santtu Tiainen returned strong from the injury he faced in Sweden. “I’m happy I survived the crash with bed rest. Now I have already had one week of training on my bike and I feel very strong”, commented Tiainen his return.

Santtu Tiainen was 20th in the second race, but ran out of fuel in the first race and was forced to stop. Eriksson was forced to stop in the first race due to aching back and couldn’t participate in the second race. MX1 was won by Antonio Cairoli by winning both motos, second in the GP was Clement Desalle and third Maximilian Nagl.

The next GP will be raced in Loket Czech Republic August 7th.

The tough soft sandy track of Lommel turned the qualifiqation race into elimination round - ICE1RACING riders managed well and fought for their positions for tomorrow's race. Ludde Söderberg was 19th in MX2 and Santtu Tiainen with his wild card was 20th and Toni Eriksson 30th in MX1.

"Great track!" commented Tiainen after his good fight due to bad start.

Limited edition ICE1RACING caps for sale during the Neste Oil Rally Finland from the Official Rally Shops

Downtown Helsinki was packed as the Red Bull Show Run set its' track around the Esplanad Park and Kimi Räikkönen along with Sebastien Loeb mastered the streets.

"It was great to drive here and great that so many people were able to come and see us", smily Räikkönen concluded. Räikkönen is set for Jyväskylä and starts his rally week tomorrow in front of the home crowd.

Turku Motorclub brought the second race of Finnish Championship supercross to the yard of HK-hockey arena and collected all the best Finns to the start line. Toni Eriksson was leading and Ludde Söderberg was second after their qualifying round on Saturday up until the thunder broke the event and the finals were postponed to Sunday. Harri Kullas stormed to victory, Söderberg tamed the whoop section and placed second and Antti Pyrhönen was third. Eriksson made a drastic mistake as he was overtaking a rider in the first round.

In the second supercross of the Finnish Championship in Turku the best riders from Finland battled for the victory on the track made to the yard of the HK-hockey arena. The event lured a lot of people interested of the sport and the fans included big Finnish names such like Sami Hyypiä. The race scheduled for the Saturday was however postponed due to thundering storm and finals were ridden on Sunday.

“The boys are in good mint – they are fighting and only that takes them further. It’s a pity the thunder moved the finals to Sunday and I miss the final fight”, cheered ICE1RACING team owner Kimi Räikkönen his riders. Räikkönen took part in the Red Bull Show Run –event in Helsinki on Sunday, as he rode with his rally car together with Sebastien Loeb on the track in downtown.

Toni Eriksson won his qualifying round and Ludde Söderberg was second in the same race. In the finals Harri Kullas dominated, but Söderberg tamed the whoop section and won the fight with Antti Pyrhönen of the second place.

“Really a good weekend. The thunder tried to stop the fun we were having, but luckily we were able to race today. It was great to race on a good track, the whoop section was mine this weekend”, said happy and satisfied Söderberg.

Toni Eriksson was third in the start of the finals, but made a drastic mistake as he was overtaking a rider in the whoop section of the first round.

“I wanted to ride aggressively and it didn’t pay off. I’m not going to worry about this much, we came here to have fun”, summed Eriksson.

The next GP will be raced in Lommel Belgia July 31st.

The official results from http://www.mylaps.com/results/showevent.jsp?id=689918

The hard sandy track in Kegums Latvia offered almost Finnish conditions. The Finnish fans brought success along, when Ludde Söderberg was 20th in the first race and 14th in the second race in MX2. Toni Eriksson was 24th in the first race and 22nd in the second race in MX1. The former rally champion Tommi Mäkinen was also at the paddock cheering ICE1RACING.

The tenth GP was raced in Kegums Latvia on a hard sandy track. The familiar track for Finns gave the needed boost and the GP-points that have slipped away in the few races prior were to be taken again.

“The starts were ok and I made sure that there wouldn’t be any crashes. Great day”, said happy Söderberg.
Ludde Söderberg was 20th in the first race and 14th in the second race. MX2 was won by Ken Roczen with victories in both motos, Jeffrey Herlings was second and third was Tommy Searle. Harri Kullas was 6th in the race.

The return of Toni Eriksson to his own level after the injury is taking time. Eriksson was 24th in the first race and 22nd in the second race. MX1 was won by Antonio Cairoli by winning both motos, second in the GP was Steven Frossard and third Evgeny Bobryshev.

ICE1RACING team returns to Finland for the week off and hosts a junior race of Southern Round in Forssa on July 21st. 7-15 year old juniors will race in 65cc and 85cc classes. ICE1RACING riders will take part in the supercross in Finnish Championship in Turku the following weekend July 23rd.

The next GP will be raced in Lommel Belgia July 31st.

The motocross GP in Teutschenthal Germany was raced in hot conditions. Ludde Söderberg was 26th in the first race and 25th in the second race in MX2. Toni Eriksson was 27th in the first race and 22nd in the second race in MX1.

The rough stoned soft clay track in Teutschenthal Germany challenged the riders with its’ difficultness. The hot weekend was waiting for lightning to strike, but the track stayed luckily dry all through the races.

“Incredibly bad luck, it seemed as if Uddevalla was happening again. In the first race I created the challenges myself by crashing. In the second race I was hit by another rider. Luckily everything should get easier next week on a familiar sand track”, commented Söderberg his starts in Germany.

Ludde Söderberg was 26th in the first race and 25th in the second race. MX2 was won by Ken Roczen with victories in first moto, Gautier Paulin was second and third was Tommy Searle. Harri Kullas was 10th in the race.

The return to GP for Toni Eriksson was still tender. Eriksson was 27th in the first race, but was able to come close of the GP-points in the second race by placing 22nd. MX1 was won by Evgeny Bobryshev by winning both motos, second in the GP was Antonio Cairoli and third Clement Desalle.

Santtu Tiainen, who injured the weekend before, has recovered well from the crash and has been able to return home. Tiainen can return to the race tracks in the end of this season still.

The next GP will be raced in Kegums Latvia July 17th.

The motocross GP returned from the midsummer break to slippery claytrack to Uddevalla in Sweden. The weekend offered both sun and rain and the riders were to compete on a very technical track. Also the team owner Kimi Räikkönen was following the GP.

“The track is every possible way tough and on its’ own way great”, described Söderberg the track in Uddevalla. “I was able to fight well, but small crashes took simply too much time.”

Ludde Söderberg was 23th in the both motos in MX2. MX2 was won by Ken Roczen with victories in both motos, Jeffrey Herlings was second and third was Gautier Paulin. Harri Kullas was 12th in the race.

In MX1 there were two ICE1RACING riders at the start. Toni Eriksson returned to GP after his injury in Bulgaria and he was able to ride two clean races. “I’m not satisfied with the riding yet, but there is only two months from the injury, so it feels good to get two clean races”, described Eriksson his return. Eriksson was 23th in the first race and 24th in the second.

Santtu Tiainen, who was the subrider for Toni Eriksson during his injury, was given the wildcard to the race and his riding was very good in the Saturday’s qualifying race. The race day started with bad luck though, Tiainen injured himself in the morning practice. Tiainen dived over the bar and received a nasty hit to his stomach, from which he is getting better in bed rest in the hospital.

“Hard hit like that needed further tests in the hospital. No broken ribs though, yet the insides got such a big hit that the doctor wanted him to stay under surveillance in the hospital for a few days”, clarified the head mechanic John Luotonen.

MX1 was won by Steven Frossard by winning both motos, second in the GP was Evgeny Bobryshev and third Antonio Cairoli.

The closest GP in the circuit brought ICE1RACING to Uddevalla, Sweden. The slippery track demanded good riding and errors easily molded the results in the qualifying race. Ludde Söderberg was 29th in MX2. "The race was a struggle. Even though I tried to ride fast, it didn't affect my speed", commented Söderberg his riding.

The return for Toni Eriksson, who was injured in the first GP in Sevlievo, was also tough in MX1. He was caught up with crashing riders in the very start and fell behind. Eriksson was 30th. "Rough start", dissatisfied Eriksson commented. ICE1RACING had also a third rider in the start this weekend. The junior team rider Santtu Tiainen got a wild card for the Uddevalla GP and felt at home on the hard track. His riding was very, yet he gained one minute extra to his qualifying race time for failing the post race sound control. Tiainen placed 29th.

The seventh GP was raced on a hard track in La Baneza, Spain. Ludde Söderberg placed 18th in the first race and 20th in the second race.

”The first race was good, concentrated riding. In the second race, I lost the good start in a collision, when a rider in front of me landed his jump directly in front of me as we came to a curve. I wanted to be on the points and I was”, said happy Söderberg.

MX2 was won by Ken Roczen with victories in both motos, Tommy Searle was second and third was Gautier Paulin. Harri Kullas was 9th in the race.

ICE1RACING –junior team rider Santtu placed 20th in the second race in MX1, the first race ended with a big crash. ”I could feel the crash from the first race through out my second race, but I fought my way back despite the bad start to the GP points”, commented satisfied Tiainen.

MX1 was won by Antonio Cairoli, second in the GP was David Philippaerts and third Steven Frossard.

The next GP will be raced in Uddevalla, Sweden July 3rd.

Ludde Söderberg 21st in MX2 and Santtu Tiainen 23rd in MX1 in the qualifying race for the GP in La Baneza - both survived struggle caused by crashes.

Söderberg had a great start with excellent reaction time, yet he was hit by a fellow rider and bent his clutch lever in the collition. Tiainen struggled in the start with a crash, yet rode great qualifying race and rose to good position in the end. "The GP points are close, we'll take them tomorrow", said satisfied Tiainen.

The official results from the Youth Stream site http://www.motocrossmx1.com/reslists.aspx

Motocross weekend offered excitement both in Portugal and in Finland. Ludde Söderberg placed 22nd in the second race of the sixth GP in MX2 in the hard soil track in Agueda, he wasn’t able to finish the first race. Santtu Tiainen felt home on the track and placed in MX1 by being 21st in the first race and 22nd in the second. During the same weekend Finland hosted a MX3 GP in Vantaa, where Toni Eriksson returned back to the racetrack and had a good result on the home track by being 6th in the first race, in the second race he was forced to finish with a crash.

The sixth GP was raced in Agueda, Portugal. Ludde Söderberg placed 22nd in the second race on the hard track. He wasn’t able to finish the first race due to a broken electrical part.

”No hard feelings of the first moto, but the second one was a miss. I had a good rhythm, almost all the way through until a slip caused a crash and I lost the important places”, said disappointed Söderberg.

MX2 was won by Jeffrey Herlings, Gautier Paulin was second and third was Zachary Osborne. Harri Kullas was 10th in the race.

ICE1RACING –junior team rider Santtu Tiainen found his speed on a familiar surfice and placed 21st in the first race and 22nd in the second race in MX1. ”It felt like I was back at home. The rhythm was good and I was able to keep it through out the moto”, commented Tiainen.

MX1 was won by Clement Desalle with victories in both races, second in the GP was Antonio Cairoli and third Evgeny Bobryshev.

Also the ICE1RACING main rider Toni Eriksson returned to racetracks. He rode in the MX3 GP that was raced in Finland on his home track and was able to find good speed by placing 6th in the first race. In the second race Eriksson crashed and was forced to quit.

”The speed has been now tested and it feels good to be back in the start. I will train the rest of the month in Finland and return back to MX1 in Uddevalla, Sweden”, commented satisfied Eriksson of his return.

The next GP will be raced in La Baneza, Spain June 19th.

In Sevlievo Bulgaria injured motocross rider Toni Eriksson has recovered to race condition. Eriksson takes part in the MX3 race at his home track in Vantaa next weekend. Eriksson continues his hunt for GP points in Uddevalla Sweden July 2nd.

Toni Eriksson, the MX1 class motocross rider injured his right foot in the landing of his jump in the official practice of the opening Grand Prix race in Sevlievo Bulgaria. The three fractures in the instep of the right foot have healed well and Eriksson received a permission to ride from the doctor today. Eriksson will start his first race already this weekend in MX3 at his home track.

”There couldn’t be any better place to start the race than home track. I have been able to rehabilitate myself well and I’ve been able to ride already several times, so the home race has an excellent timing” said happy Eriksson.

Eriksson continues his hunt for GP points in Uddevalla Sweden July 2nd. ICE1RACING junior team rider Santtu Tiainen replaces him in the GPs in Portugal and Spain before that.

The clay track in Saint Jean d’Angely France was the season’s most technical. In the fifth GP race Ludde Söderberg was 19th in the first race and 21st in the second race in MX2. Santtu Tiainen finished in MX1 29th in the first race and 32nd in the second.

The fifth GP was raced on the Atlantic in Saint Jean d’Angely, France. The qualifying race was followed by a thunder, which made the track slippery and offered a great challenge for the riders. Ludde Söderberg finished 19th in the first race and by that took some GP points. In the second race he finished barely outside the GP points to 21st.

”I am satisfied. It’s great to realize that there’s improvement in my driving. I was able to get the same results as prior, even though there were more top names to beat and the track was super technical. I lost the GP points of the second race in the start, when I wasn’t able to reach a few riders before the pack spread out”, said happy Söderberg.

In MX2 won by Tommy Searle winning the second race, Zachary Osborne was second and Gautier Paulin was third. Harri Kullas finished 9th.

ICE1RACING junior rider Santtu Tiainen finished in MX1 29th in the first race and 32nd in the second race. “The weekend was tough for me. I haven’t ridden on a track as technical ever before. I had the power, but not the technique yet”, said disappointed Tiainen.

MX1 was won by Steven Fossard with a great win in the first race. Second in the race was Antonio Cairoli and third in the GP was Clement Desalle by winning the second race.

The next GP will be raced in Agueda, Portugal June 12th.

Kimi Räikkönen Suffers Series of Unfortunate Events in NASCAR Nationwide Series Debut; Finishes 27th

Kimi Räikkönen and the No. 87 Perky Jerky Toyota Camry

CONCORD, NC (May 28, 2011) – After an impressive 15th-place finish in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race last week, Kimi Räikkönen decided to try his hand at the Nationwide Series by entering the Top Gear 300 in the NEMCO-owned No. 87 Toyota Camry, again with Perky Jerky as the primary sponsor. Despite an accident-shortened test with Robby Gordon on Tuesday, Räikkönen ran well in Nationwide Series practice on Thursday. By the final practice session, he was listed as 18th fastest (fastest lap: 30.642 seconds at 176.229 mph), already a marked improvement from last week.

By Saturday, the garage was still buzzing about Räikkönen’s presence in NASCAR and all were waiting to see how he would qualify in a Nationwide Series race car. Räikkönen posted a qualifying lap time of 28.896 seconds at 180.626 mph, which placed the No. 87 Perky Jerky Toyota Camry in the 22nd starting position.

Almost immediately after the green flag waved, Räikkönen remarked that the car was “way too tight” and very difficult to turn. Spotter Mike Swaim suggested he try a different line but the car remained tight. However, even with the difficult handling, Räikkönen managed to make it to the 18th position by Lap 10.

Thankfully, on Lap 25, a competition caution was scheduled so the No. 87 Perky Jerky team could make some adjustments to the car. KBM general manager and race day crew chief Rick Ren called for gas and chassis and air pressure adjustments to the Toyota Camry. With the No. 87 pit stall partially blocked because of the No. 62 car, the crew still successfully managed all adjustments and got Räikkönen back on track in the 21st position.

Räikkönen had been complaining that his feet and legs were burning inside the car. His suggested solution? “I may try putting my feet out the window.” To note, prior to the start of the race, Räikkönen had decided not to wear his insulated heel boots because he felt he would not need them. Although this decision did not cause any issue with his on-track performance, it did cause him quite a bit of additional discomfort, which leads this to become Unfortunate Event #1.

Soon after the restart on Lap 31, a caution came out on Lap 34, something that had greatly frustrated Räikkönen in last week’s truck race. Räikkönen commented that the car was now “quite loose.” Ren advised him that the car would “get better as (it) burned off fuel and air pressure.” The No. 87 team decided to stay out and, at the restart on Lap 38, Räikkönen was shown in the 22nd position.

Kimi remained quiet for the next 30 laps as he focused on gaining track position and by the time the third caution came out on Lap 73 for a blown engine on the No. 41 of Jeffrey Earnhardt, he was running in the 20th position.

Räikkönen mentioned again that his feet were burning and that he was trying to keep them off the floor. Crew chief Ren asked him if he wanted to try to put on the insulated heel boots that would possibly provided him some relief but he decided it would be too difficult to try and put them on during the pit stop without losing track position. Ren called for four tires, two cans of fuel and instructed the Perky Jerky crew to “loosen it up” after Räikkönen mentioned the car was now “too tight.” At the restart on Lap 78, Räikkönen was 21st.

Another quick caution came out on Lap 82 for yet another blown engine. This time it was the No. 81 of Blake Koch. Räikkönen said that the car was driving better and Ren mentioned that because of the adjustments made the car would possibly get tight again but at least they were headed in the right direction as to what changes to make. The Perky Jerky Toyota stayed out and restarted the race in the 15th position on Lap 91.

Unfortunate Event #2 occurred when Räikkönen began having trouble hearing Ren over the radio. Again, this caused no delay or issue with performance but the lack of communication between the two for several laps was discouraging to Kimi. Ren’s radio was soon fixed and all was back to normal.

Once out, Räikkönen again remained quiet over the radio as he worked on track position. After a little planning and strategy by Ren with a few other teams, the No. 87 team decided to pit on Lap 138, bringing the car in for two tires, fuel, a windshield tear-off and a drink for Räikkönen. Unfortunately, Räikkönen was handed the wrong water bottle (the empty one he had handed over to the crew), which, with the heat and the discomfort Kimi was experiencing in the car, was Unfortunate Event #3.

After leaving the pit stall and returning to the track, Räikkönen almost immediately complained that the car was “really bad”. Spotter Swaim soon saw that something was stuck under the front of the car, leading to Unfortunate Event #4. On Lap 144, Räikkönen brought the Perky Jerky Toyota in so the crew could remove the mysterious object AND give Kimi a fresh drink bottle. The culprit turned out to be the splitter from the No. 51. Once Räikkönen was back on track, a yellow flag was thrown on Lap 148 for debris, something that the No. 87 team was already aware of. This fifth Unfortunate Event would cause Räikkönen to restart in the 28th position, three laps down.

While under caution, Räikkönen remarked it “doesn’t matter what I do, the car is bad…all the time.” He also couldn’t understand why the car was so hot inside, to which crew chief Ren replied “it’s the first time running this car when it’s so hot, the teams will have to work to adjust the cooling systems.” Ren also let Räikkönen know that he was not alone; other drivers had been complaining about the heat inside the car as well.

Clearly frustrated, Räikkönen fell quiet for the remainder of the race to do everything he could to gain track position. He came on the radio briefly to again say that no matter what he did the car just wasn’t responding.

When the checkered flag dropped, Räikkönen finished in the 27th position, four laps down. Even though it was a disappointing finish for the 2007 Formula 1 champion, he maintained solid track position through all the “Unfortunate Events” of the day, brought the car home in good shape and pocketed great track and competition experience. AND, now that the race was over, Räikkönen was finally able to soothe his burning feet and legs by throwing them into a cooler full of ice as soon as he arrived at his motor coach…relief after a frustrating day.

--Kimi Räikkönen Post-Race Quotes:

What happened that made the race car so hot?
“The floor got really hot under the seat. I don’t know why the car was so hot inside. It was hurting on the heels, but I couldn’t really do anything. Just tried to keep my foot off the floor and just hold them up.”

Did you enjoy racing in the Nationwide Series?
“In the beginning, yes, but the car was getting more and more difficult. It was nice in the beginning and I could overtake on the restart and the car felt really good. It really turned out to be a really bad day with the handling just because I couldn’t get the car to turn and had to almost stop in the corners because it was pushing all the time. The same thing happened in the first and second practice and then we could improve it in the second practice, but somehow something is not right.”

What are your future NASCAR plans?
“My plan was always to do these first two races and then I have to go back to Europe and do some Rallies and then we will see what happens.”

--KBM general manager and race-day crew chief Rick Ren Post-Race Quotes:

Do you think Kimi Räikkönen was struggling with the handling of the car?
“The aero package on these cars is -- the front running guys are saying the exact same thing. These things just do not handle very well and like where he’s (Kimi Räikkönen) talking about he feels the front end solid, you’ll hear race car drivers say their tires feel like they’re basketballs. If you look at the air pressure that comes in on those tires, that’s what it is. It’s just a new feel to him. I’m sure he has never raced cars with that much air pressure in the tires. It feels abnormal to him, but it’s part of how these cars react.”

How did Kimi Räikkönen perform on the restarts?
“I was really impressed with his (Kimi Räikkönen) restarts. He did a really good job. One of the other teams got on the spotter because he was pushing him out of the way and he needed to go. When we unloaded for practice Thursday, he was aggressive and attacked the race track where he was very apprehensive the first Truck practice here. I feel like he adapted a lot better. Whether it’s the car or the truck or whether it was because he had run the week before. In practice, he passed some cars low and passed some cars high and I really felt good when we went home Thursday night that he was prepared to come and do this.”

About HMS Worldwide
For more information about HMS Worldwide, please visit www.HMSWorldwide.com.

The forth GP was raced in the hot Brazilian autumn on the clay track in Indaiatuba. Ludde Söderberg had his season best on Saturday in the MX2 qualifying race by placing 14th. Söderberg was 20th in the first race and 19th in the second race. Santtu Tiainen finished 21st in the second race in MX1, the first race was a struggle with a track fence.

The Brazilian crowd which is known to be fanatic in sports offered great atmosphere for the forth GP on the clay track in Indaiatuba. ICE1RACING team flied directly after the race in Glen Helen to Brazil where the team got in some good training. “There’s no other team that has trained as hard as our riders this week”, commented the team physical trainer Janne Lahtela, the Olympic gold medalist in moguls skiing his team’s work.

Ludde Söderberg had his season best in the MX2 qualifying race on Saturday by placing 14th. Happy Söderberg raced in good spirits. “The qualifying race went perfectly and I rode a clean race.” Söderberg finished 20th in the first race and 19th in the second race and was able to collect important GP points.

“In the start of the first race I got caught up by a rider crashing in front of me and I had to make it up during the rest of race. In the second race I fought. There are good parts in my riding and I’m able to put together clean rounds in the race. When the riding condition reaches a better level, them I believe I have a good chance making it”, summed Söderberg his result.

In MX2 Jeffrey Herlingswon by winning the second race, Ken Roczen was second by winning the first race and Gautier Paulin was third in both GP race. The Finn Harri Kullas finished 10th.

ICE1RACING junior rider Santtu Tiainen finished 21st in the second race, in the first race he was forced to visit the pit lane due a loose track fence that the rider in front of him had hit and was wrapped around the tire. 21st place in the second race brought Tiainen back to his level.

“ I fought for the GP points to the last second and I thought I saw a blue flag wherefore I gave way. The point was mine”, described Tiainen his result. “The level in the GP is very high and in order to make it in here one has to step up place by place – no one does wonders. All the GP tracks are new to me. I accept that every race is training for the future, the best possible training I could ever get.”

MX1 was won by David Philippaerts with a great win in the second race. Second in the race was Antonio Cairoliby winning the first race and third in the GP was Clement Desalle.

The tour returns to Europe and the GP continues in the first weekend of June 5th from Saint Jean d’Angely in France.

The week in Brazil was spent in good spirits, the team arrived early to Campinas and spend a few efficient days of dryland training. The Brazilian winter offered prefect climate for outdoor training and sunny week gave the recovery needed.

The clay track in Indaiatuba presented a challenge in MX1 for many. Top names made mistakes and the qualifying race was molded by crashes. Santtu Tiainen was able to escape the crashes and finished 24th.

The top two names of MX2 – Roczen and Herlings – were no surprise. Ludde Söderberg had a great start at the qualifying and finished with his season best in GP in the 14th place. Harri Kullas finished 8th.

The complete results from http://www.motocrossmx1.com/reslists.aspx

Bringing Home a 15th Place Finish in His NASCAR Debut

CONCORD, NC (May 20, 2011) - As had been said since the announcement was made, the world was waiting to see how 2007 Formula 1 champion Kimi Räikkönen would do in his NASCAR debut in the Camping World Truck Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway Friday night. As many expected, Räikkönen did not disappoint, bringing home an impressive top-15 finish in the No. 15 Perky Jerky Toyota Tundra.

Among swarms of media and the occasional Finnish flag, Räikkönen patiently listened to teammate Kyle Busch, KBM general manager Rick Ren and other members of his team as they advised him on the ins and outs of handling a truck on the 1.5-mile quad-oval during practice and qualifying. Räikkönen was careful throughout both morning practice sessions and turned in respectable best lap times of 31.265 and 31.471 seconds. Once qualifying rolled around in the afternoon, Räikkönen was feeling a little more comfortable behind the wheel and qualified the No. 15 in the 31st position.

As the green flag neared, the media continued to swarm and a few more Finnish flags popped up in both the garage area and the stands. It was clear that the big story of the evening would continue to be how Räikkönen would adapt to the NASCAR environment. Räikkönen was admittedly cautious but it was evident he was confident that he had what it takes to make the switch...and do it successfully.

As the race got underway, Räikkönen quickly got a feel for the handling of his Toyota, describing it as "loose on the outside." By Lap 5, he had scraped the wall just a bit and a Lap 8 caution caused by the No. 30 of Todd Bodine would give the No. 15 Perky Jerky team a chance to check out the damage. However, Räikkönen was happy with the car saying it "felt good" so the team decided that he should stay out. The race restarted on Lap 11 and by Lap 17, he had moved up to the 26th position.

Another caution came out on Lap 19 and Räikkönen was reminded by spotter Mike Swaim to hold his line until crossing the start/finish line. The No. 15 again chose to stay out and by Lap 24, Räikkönen was in the seventh position.

Throughout the race, Räikkönen had questions regarding the different racing format and Swaim and Ren answered questions about things such as the "lucky dog", when to pit, positioning on restarts and pit strategy. Both were encouraging to Räikkönen throughout the entire race which only fueled his confidence as he continued to maintain strong track position.

Räikkönen remained quiet for the next 20 laps as he settled into the 12th position. By Lap 46, he noted that the truck was a "little bit tight." Fortunately, the pit window was coming so the crew could make the proper adjustments to the Perky Jerky Toyota. Right before Räikkönen was about to pit, teammate Kyle Busch caused another caution to come out on Lap 52. Räikkönen executed his first pit stop on Lap 53 expertly with the No. 15 crew changing four tires and adding fuel along with a windshield tear-off. No other adjustments were made to the truck and when the race restarted on Lap 58, the "Iceman" was in the 13th position.

After cautions on Laps 61, 68, and 75, it was evident that Räikkönen was frustrated that just as he was getting comfortable with the truck, a caution would interrupt his plan of attack. By the sixth caution on Lap 75, Ren was ready to bring in the truck for four tires and fuel. Because some of the other teams took only two tires or no tires at all, Räikkönen ended up in the 20th position when the race restarted on Lap 81. Ren instructed Räikkönen to try and save fuel by running in third or fourth gear. Ren assured him that they could make it to the end of the race on fuel even though it would be close.

By Lap 84 another caution had come out as the No. 02 continued to have problems on the track. Räikkönen remarked that his truck was a "fast truck if I get the chance to drive it." It was clear he was looking for a long green flag run in order to show everyone would he could really do behind the wheel of the No. 15 Perky Jerky Toyota.

The race restarted on Lap 88, with Räikkönen in the 14th position. He remained quiet again as he fought to maintain his position on track. The ninth caution of the night on Lap 96 did nothing to interrupt the quiet as Räikkönen continued to concentrate on moving through the field. By Lap 104, Räikkönen complained that the truck was "a little bit too tight" and he ended up hitting the wall "quite hard." Ren asked Swan to inspect the damage from the spotter's stand and Swaim reported back that all looked ok. Räikkönen again mentioned being frustrated about the excessive amount of cautions after the record-tying 10th caution came out on Lap 106 after David Starr's Toyota smacked the wall. The race restarted on Lap 111 with Räikkönen in the 14th position. He came on the radio to say that the truck was still "too tight" but remained quiet and focused as he completed the remaining laps of the NC Education Lottery 200, finishing an impressive 15th.

Kimi Räikkönen on his NASCAR debut:

"The racing was fun. Too many cautions. Every time that I would feel like the car would start to run better then you would have a caution and then it would take the track a long time before the handling comes back. You would rather be more high up, but how it felt this morning, now I was pretty pleased with how it felt in the race. For sure, there is still a lot to learn and improve, but I think when we have another race it will be better."

KBM General Manager Rick Ren on Räikkönen:

"I was really pleased with his (Kimi Raikkonen) performance during the race. It took about five laps for our truck to start coming in. He would lose quite a few positions in that first five laps. Then as soon as he got the tire temperature up - and I told him as soon as the tire temperature would come up that we would be better off and keep getting better. Actually, if we could have ran a really long green flag run at the end, our truck actually could get better the longer it went. It's one of those things where we just kind of did some guess work looking at the notes and anticipated on what the track would do at night. I actually felt like I had to treat him like he's a young guy who had never raced here before. A young guy can drive a tight race car, but can't drive a loose one. I tightened her up pretty good to start the race."

- Finnish Championship motocross in Hyvinkää

The first supercross Finnish Championship event was raced in Hyvinkää. All the Finnish top riders were at the race this weekend, when altogether over 300 riders entered the race. Ludde Söderberg placed fifth, the winner was Harri Kullas and second was Antti Pyrhönen. ICE1RACING –riders participate in all Finnish Championship races.

The first supercross in Finnish Championship event was raced in fairly summerly conditions in Hyvinkää. All the Finnish top riders were on the start including both ICE1RACING riders Ludde Söderberg and Santtu Tiainen and also GP riders Harri Kullas from MX2 and Antti Pyrhönen from MX3. Altogether 300 riders entered the race the weekend.

All Finnish top riders got to the finals as expected, even thought Söderberg made it tough for himself by crashing. Santtu Tiainen was in qualifying race in his heat second. The final had a record amount of riders with GP-points in the start, but the first curve ended the race for Tiainen. ”I hit a jump with some loose dirt on, I was lucky I didn’t get injured in my big crash”, said relieved Tiainen.

Söderberg was fifth in the race, the winner was Harri Kullas and second was Antti Pyrhönen, third was Atte Jousi and fourth Niko Koskela. ”I got a flu last week and I still felt it today in the race. I was able to race through, but I simply couldn’t speed up”, said disappointed Söderberg.

The ICE1RACING junior team ride Mika Tamminen raced also in the Finnish Championship class but didn’t make it to the finals. In the Finland cup Valtteri Tiainen placed nineth.

ICE1RACING –riders participate in all Finnish Championship events.

The team will travel to North America on Sunday and compete in the GP in Glenn Helen, California next weekend. The North America race is followed by by GP in Indaiatuba in Brazil after which the team returns to Europe for the rest of the season.

24MAS announces first game based on Kimi Räikkönen, Ice One Racing Franchise

http://www.24mas.com/press-news/press-releases/254

Welcome to meet us in the Finnish Championship supercross in Hyvinkää on Saturday May 7th.

– both Söderberg and Tiainen on points

The second GP in the Motocross World Championship was raced in record high temperatures in summer conditions in Valkenswaard, Holland during Easter weekend. Sandy track suited Finns - Ludde Söderberg got the first ICE1RACING motocross GP-points by placing 19th in the first race of MX2 and continued with solid performance in the second race by placing 16th. ICE1RACING had to substitude the injured rider Toni Eriksson with ICE1RACING junior team rider Santtu Tiainen in MX1. Tiainen succeeded in his GP debut well by placing 23rd in his class, in the first race he was 25th and in the second race he was 20th and took a GP-point in his first GP event. The team owner Kimi Räikkönen was also following the race with his team.

The second GP event was raced on the sandy track of Valkenswaard near the ICE1RACING summer training center in Lommel, Belgium. The Easter weekend GP was held in hot conditions and the high temperatures drew in Dutch fans, also the team owner Kimi Räikkönen was following the race. ”It was great to see the riders in action and it’s looking good. The results are getting better from race to race, that’s our plan”, said pleased Räikkönen.

Ludde Söderberg started his second event in the GP by taking the first GP-points for ICE1RACING and placing 19th in the first race in MX2. ”It feels really great”, said happy Söderberg after the first race. In the second race Söderberg succeeded even better and placed 16th. ”I was able to be more relaxed in the second race. Even though I had a bad start, I was able to rise and in the end I hold my position. I want to thank my family and the team for this.”

In MX2 Jeffrey Herlings won both the races, Ken Roczen was second in both the races and Tommy Searle was third in both the races. The Finn Harri Kullas was seventh in both the races.

Due to injury Toni Eriksson was replaced by ICE1RACING junior team rider Santtu Tiainen, who rode his first ever GP in Holland. ”The first start was bad, so I struggled and fought through the race”, commented Tiainen his 25th place. In the second race Tiainen placed 20th and took one GP-point. ”It was great to open the GP with points, really great”, said happy Tiainen.

MX1 was won by Antonio Cairoli with great win in the first race and second place in the second race. Second in the race was Maximilian Nagl and third in the GP was David Philippaerts.

The qualifying in Valkenswaard (NED) was raced in hot conditions - Ludde was 18th and Santtu 20th.

The Easter weekend in Holland started in summerly weather, when the temperatures rose to +28°C. The sandy track suited the Finns - ICE1RACING rider Santtu Tiainen was 20th in the qualifying race in MX1 and Ludde Söderberg 18th in MX2. The 7th place of Harri Kullas adds to expectations of tomorrow's race.

The complete results from http://www.motocrossmx1.com/reslists.aspx

ICE1RACING rider Toni Eriksson injured – chance for young riders to shine

In Sevlievo Bulgaria injured motocross rider Toni Eriksson has to wait for his return to the race track, further examinations revealed three fractures in the instep of the right foot. Eriksson needs 6-8 weeks for the recovery. ICE1RACING will bring their junior team substitute rider to Grand Prix, Santtu Tiainen from Siilinjärvi will start in the next GP race 25.4. in Valkenswaard Holland.

Toni Eriksson, the MX1 class motocross rider injured himself in the official practice of the opening Grand Prix race in Sevlievo Bulgaria. Eriksson injured his right foot in the landing of his jump. The foot was examined immediately in Bulgaria, when the x-ray didn’t show any fractions. However, in the further examinations in Belgium, three fractures in the instep of the foot were dedected and the foot needed a cast.

”I couldn’t put any weight on the foot, so the further examinations were done immediately when I got back to our training center”, says unlucky Eriksson. ”Of course I’m disappointed, especially since I wanted to know what my speed is and now I have to take a break.” Eriksson will return to Finland for rehabilitation today.

”Motocross is very injury prone sport. Of course this is very unfortunate and we wish Toni will be back riding with us soon”, explains the team manager Kari Tiainen. ”In the mean while when Toni is away, we will use ICE1RACING junior team rider Santtu Tianen in Grand Prix. Santtu was prepared to race in European Championship race in Valkenswaard, now he has a chance to test his speed in the Grand Prix level.”

The recovery for Eriksson takes 6-8 weeks.

– ICE1RACING in the view

The fight of the first points in the motocross Grand Prix in Sevlievo Bulgaria was tough – the season opening was won by Clément Desalle in MX1 and Ken Roczen in MX2. The Finnish motocross took a great leap forward by having three riders in the race, although the ICE1RACING riders Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg weren’t able to reach the results of their potential. The ICE1RACING team received a lot of attention at the paddock and Kimi Räikkönen was the name on the lips of many.

The Motocross Grand Prix had its’ season opening on a great track in Sevlievo Bulgaria. The lead in MX1 class was taken by Clément Desalle with a great victory on the second race and 2nd place on the first race. The second this weekend was Steven Frossard with the victory in the first race and third Jonathan Barragan.

For the Finns the fight in MX1 class ended unfortunately in the practice round yesterday, when Toni Eriksson hurt his right foot in the landing of an oversized jump. ”We tried to numb the foot, so that it could take some hits, but unfortunately we had no luck. I can’t put any pressure on the foot, so the race was out of my hands today”, says unlucky Eriksson.

In MX2 on the other hand were two Finns on the line - Harri Kullas, who had his first season in GP last year, got challenge from newcomer Ludde Söderberg. The results are still expected mainly from Kullas, but Söderberg is full of excitement. ”I have to start from somewhere. The first race had one small crash that threw me off, otherwise I am fairly satisfied to my performance. Of course there is still a lot of seconds to be taken away, but I think the placing will get better as the start anxiety wears off”, sums Söderberg.

The MX2 class was won by Ken Roczen, who won both races, second was Tommy Searle and third Jeffrey Herlings. Harri Kullas was 12th in the end results and Ludde Söderberg 27th.

”The weekend was interesting. Of course the start would have been easier if the boys would have ridden on their normal level, but now we have the first race off the way. The first race brings always a little bit too much excitement to the game, which results mistakes”, explains the team manager Kari Tiainen. ”We received a lot of good feedback during the weekend and it was great to realize that we are considered a team to reckoned with in the grand prix circus. There is a lot of interest towards us, which naturally boosts our work. We had a lot of visitors and Kimi’s name was on the lips of many – we are a unique team with good working spirit.”

The official results from the Youth Stream site http://www.motocrossmx1.com/reslists.aspx

Windy start for motocross Grand Prix

The motocross Grand Prix in Sevlievo, Bulgaria started with practice rounds in very windy conditions. Challenging track sorted the riders for tomorrow’s competition. Ludde Söderberg placed 33th in the qualifying race, Toni Eriksson on the other hand crashed and is forced not to compete in tomorrow’s race.

The opening day of Grand Prix season consisted of practice, qualifying practice and qualifying race. The gusty winds added difficulty to the already challenging motocross track in Sevlievo and the riders faced tough conditions.

”Wind added mistakes, which followed me to the track. In the qualifying practice I was caught by the wind and ended up crashing. I injured my heel a bit in the hit”, discribed Ludde Söderberg the training day. ”I fought the qualifying race, got to start from somewhere.”

Toni Eriksson wasn’t that lucky today. In the end of the practice round as he was adding speed, he made a jump too big and injured his right foot. ”We took exrays of the foot immediately, and luckily there was no fractures, yet there is too much pain to compete, explains the team manager Kari Tiainen the situation.

”I tried to ride in the qualifying practice, but the ancle doesn’t take any jumping, neither can I use the back break nor touch the ground with it. It’s impossible to race with the foot, no matter how much I wanted to”, adds unlucky Eriksson.

There are three Finnish riders in the Motocross Grand Prix Circus this season. Along with ICE1RACING riders Ludde Söderberg and Toni Eriksson, Harri Kullas compates also in MX2 class.

The MX season is about to burst into action. The teams are ready and the excitement is touchable. ICE1RACING feels right at home at the paddock.

Check pictures from facebook/ICEONERACING

ICEONE’S RAIKKONEN SOLID IN FIRST NASCAR TEST WITH KYLE BUSCH MOTORSPORTS

Cornelius, NC. (April 5, 2011) – Following Saturday’s announcement that former Formula 1 champion Kimi Raikkonen will make his debut in NASCAR next month, the Finnish driver made his first laps around an oval track during a two-day test session at Gresham Motorsports Park with Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Raikkonen settled in quickly behind the wheel of his Toyota Tundra, posting lap times consistent with previous KBM test sessions at the half-mile asphalt track. The Finn put in over 400 laps over the two day test, working with KBM and the Toyota engineers on various chassis adjustments, shock packages, air pressure and trackbar changes to familiarize Raikkonen with the truck.

“It was a lot of fun, I really had no expectations or anything to compare it to beforehand but at the end of the day, I am really looking forward to the first race,” said Raikkonen. “It seems like KBM is a top team and I am excited to work with them.”

When asked his thoughts following the test, KBM General Manager Rick Ren stated, “On one hand, I am obviously not surprised at all with the type of experience Kimi has and his championship pedigree. But on the other hand, I am very pleasantly surprised.”

Kyle Busch Motorsports announced Saturday at Martinsville Speedway that they have partnered with ICE1RACING, the motorsports outfit of Kimi Raikkonen to drive a limited schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series during the 2011 season. Raikkonen is scheduled to make his NASCAR debut as a teammate to owner Kyle Busch in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 20.


For more information about Kimi Räikkönen and ICE1RACING, visit www.kimiraikkonen.com  or contact:
Todd Hirschfeld, HMS Worldwide, (704) 892-9808 or todd@hmsworldwide.com

Motocross Grand Prix starts – last season’s Finnish Champions facing new challenges

ICE1RACING riders Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg are taking part in their first World Championship race next Sunday April 10th in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. Grand Prix withholds altogether 15 races.

The first goal of the ICE1RACING team is already being achieved next weekend, when the last season’s Finnish Champions Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg start in their first World Championship race in Sevlievo, Bulgaria. ”We want to create chances for the Finnish riders, now we have two new names on the start line”, sums satisfied team manager Kari Tiainen.

”The race in Bulgaria will be on the hard clay, we’ve trained that a lot in Spain and also in Belgium”, discribes Eriksson the track in Sevlievo. ”We are in high spirits and little excited. The excitement has to be kept under control and the concentration focused to my own riding. I’m expecting a tough competition and a great track.”

ICE1RACING team has a rider in the both classes of the World Championship series. Toni Eriksson rides with number 127 in MX1 and Ludde Söderberg with number 388 in MX2.

Grand Prix Circus has 15 races total:

10.4. Sevlievo, BUL
25.4. Valkenswaard, NED
15.5. Glen Helen, USA
22.5. Indaiatuba, BRA
5.6. Saint Jean d'Angely, FRA
12.6. Agueda, POR
19.6. La Baneza, SPA
3.7. Uddevalla, SWE
10.7. Teutschenthal, GER
17.7. Kegums, LAT
31.7. Lommel, BEL
7.8. Loket, CZE
21.8. Matterley Basin, Winchester, GBR
4.9. Gaildorf, GER
11.9. Fermo, ITA

World Championship Team Event
18.9. Saint Jean d'Angely, FRA

MTV3 MAX televises the motocross Grand Prix races during the season. The first race from Sevlievo, Bulgaria will be shown on Sunday April 17th at 13.55.

ICE1RACING riders Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg took part in motocross Spanish Championship event in Osuna this weekend. The constant rain from days prior the race molded the results, yet the best weren’t surprised. Eriksson was able to make a better result compared to last race by being 5th, Söderberg fought back some mistakes and ended up 18th. ICE1RACING team will prepare for the Grand prix in Belgium and starts the season on April 10th from Sevlievo in Bulgaria.

Osuna as one of the home tracks of ICE1RACING team hosted an exciting Spanish Championship event this weekend. The rains from the days prior softened the track and made the muddy race eventful. Both Eriksson and Söderberg took part in MXElite-class, which had altogether 45 riders in the start in Osuna.

”Ruts were in charge today, Ludde lost his battle, but I was able to fix my riding after crashing”, explained Eriksson his fifth place after the first heat. ”The track was challenging and there weren’t many places to take over. Result wise I took a step forward, but there is still gap to be narrowed”, adds Eriksson. Eriksson was eighth in the second heat and fifth overall in the race.

Ludde Söderberg was able to get a solid second run with a result of 12th. He was 18th overall in the race.

The podium racers from the Spanish Championship event in Talavera, the MX1 world top name Jonathan Barragán along with MX3 world champion Carlos Campano were dominant again. Barragán won the race, Alvaro Lozano was second and Adrian Garrido was third.

A week from now the team will base itself to Belgium near the tracks in Lommel. ”Basically almost all the GP riders live in Belgium during competition season. The great location and the numerious tracks due to strong position of the sport in belgium, quarantee the speed on the training tracks – just what our riders need”, sums the team manager Kari Tiainen. Before the Grand Prix season, the ICE1RACING team will still take part in the spring training camp set up by the Finnish Motorcycle Federation together with former GP medalist Jussi-Pekka Vehviläinen.

Before the move to Belgium, the team will have a week to enjoy the winter in Finland. The motocross team owned by Kimi Räikkönen will start the Grand Prix from Sevlievo Bulgaria on April 10th.

The day off goes by easily at the beach, yet it's impossible to see the team at stand still - no matter what the sport is there's always a game on. Could there be a better way to spend a sunny day than by playing beach volleyball.

Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg catching speed in Spanish Championship

The riders of ICE1RACING motocross team, Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg raced in Spanish Championship event in Talavera. Both Eriksson and Söderberg had good times in qualifications, yet the race itself brought difficulties. ICE1RACING team will participate another Spanish Championship event on March 13th, when they will race in Osuna near their training center.

Motocross riders Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg have gained good training during the winter months. The riders have trained two months straight in Spain and utilized the variation of tracks available well. ”We try to get to ride as many tracks as possible, because that gives the best advantage what training can bring. This track in Talavera is really good – no wonder it has hosted Grand Prix several times in the past”, explains Eriksson.

ICE1RACING rode the first training competition two weeks ago and started to the top level Spanish Championship race in Talavera. All together 65 riders took part in the MXElite class, including the MX1 world top name Jonathan Barragán along with MX3 world champion Carlos Campano.

Both Eriksson and Söderberg qualified with good times to the race. The race itself brought still many difficulties. Toni Eriksson placed 7th in the first heat and started the second heat as stron being 6th as he crashed his jump into a slower rider with mistake and he was forced to stop his race. ”Bad luck, one can never be satisfied with not finishing. My riding was still stiff, but luckily there’s still time to train”, commented Eriksson his result. The overall result for Eriksson was 15th.

Ludde Söderberg was able to finish both heats, although he suffered minor crashes during his riding being 16th in the first heat and 11th in the second heat. Söderberg was 13th in the overall results. ”I wanted to have a good and clear race. Riding felt good, but I tried too much and ended up with stupid craches”, summed Söderberg.

The winner of the race was Jonathan Barragán, second Carlos Campano and thrid Cyrille Coulon.

The motocross team owned by Kimi Räikkönen will start the Grand Prix from Sevlievo Bulgaria on April 10th. Before that the team will participate in training races, from which the next one will be raced in Osuna, near the team training center on March 13th.

ICE1RACING ready for Spanish Championship the next weekend – Kimi Räikkönen speeding up the training in Fuengirola

The motocross team ICE1RACING prepares for the first race of the Spanish Championship, which will be raced in Talavera near Madrid this weekend February 27th. Kimi Räikkönen took part of the training of the team in Fuengirola early this week.

The motocross team of Kimi Räikkönen, ICE1RACING opened the season ten days ago with a practise race in Alicante and is now already preparing for a new event. ”The season in Spain starts very early, since the teams are eager to test their conditions”, clarifies the team manager Kari Tiainen and continues ”here we have summer in the middle of the winter , so we need to take all the advantage out of that.”

The training center in Fuengirola, started by Kari Tiainen, has served as the training facility for many Finnish riders during the past years. ”Juniors spend their school breaks within the sport and stock good riding days before the snow melts from Finland”, says the ICE1RACING junior team leader Vesa Kytönen. Kytönen, who is also himself the world champion in enduro, works with the junior team of six young riders. ”The goal of the ICE1RACING team is to bring the sport back to the level it used to be in Finland. Training camps like this are the steps we need”, agrees Kytönen.

The owner of the team Kimi Räikkönen visited the junior team spring camp in Fuengirola early this week. ”Him being here is naturalyy a bog thing for our young riders and gives them boost”, smiles Kari Tiainen. ”Kimi enjoys riding and spends a lot of time with the riders. I’m sure he leaves something for the riders to think about on his visits.”

Toni Eriksson (MX1) took bronze in the race, finishing 3rd in both heats. "Great start for the season", said happy Eriksson. "New bike and new team, I'm pleased with the result."

Ludde Söderberg (MX2) won the first heat in MX2, but couldn’t finish the second heat. Söderberg started the second heat in the lead, but hit the neutral before the jump and went flying over the bars. ” This exactly how I didn’t want to start my season, but now it’s started”, Söderberg cleared disappoitedly. Söderberg was lucky and survived with a mild concussion from the crash.

The goal of the team was clear from the start. ” We wanted to test the team, how well it functions and what needs to be altered before the start of the Grand Prix season”, sums the team manager Kari Tiainen. ”We are a new, young team and we need practise – both in riding and tecnically.”

The team, which bases in Spain for their training, starts the next time on February 27th in the Spanish Championships in Talavera.

The first competition of the season is only hours away - the team arrived to paddock.

'I like waking up at the paddock', explains Ludde enthusiastically, 'it gives great energy.'

Even though there are no points to be collected in the race, the team prepares itself for a test. 'We want to be ready for Grand Prix', explains Kari. The excitement is easy to feel at the paddock. ICE1RACING is ready to rock.

The return to training was welcoming and the riders have already had two days on the track. The team is preparing for the first international competition held in Alicante this weekend. ’Of course it is exciting, the first competition always is’, replies Toni when asked how he feels about finding out where the team stands.

The interest of the media has been very positive. ’It has been very supporting to know that so many follow us. We want to do our best - this is a great opportunity and a learning process,’ Ludde explains.

The biggest motor cycle magazine of Spain, Moto Verde visited the team in Fuengirola on February 9th.

ICE1RACING Team will be at the MP-11 Motor Cycle Show daily.

Welcome to our stand 6d41 - we'd like to see you there!

Kimi Räikkönen announced his newest project - ICE1RACING Motocross Team of two Finnish riders Toni Eriksson and Ludde Söderberg. As if that wouldn't be great enough, the name of Kari Tiainen as the Team Manager spices up the flavor to its' maximum. The receipe in hand is intriquing, two big names of Finnish motor sport gang up together in order to create something new.

'I've always wanted to drive motocross more than anything', explains Kimi when asked why. 'It was my dream, when I was a kid.' Luckily he drifted to go karts and made his outstanding career in the world of F1. But one could reason that motocross stayed in his heart. Why now? 'The time is ripe', answers Kari, the 7 time World Champion in Enduro. 'We want to give Finnish motor sport something back, since it has given us so much.'

See the press release from Feb 3rd for more details.

'The past month has been very good. We have had excellent training and the team is welding well together', replies Kari when asked how the January has been.

The team has tested the Kawasaki bikes in every possible terrain. 'The training schedule is tightly built and no days have been lost', explains John, the Head Technician. 'We want to be well prepared', he adds.

The team has its' winter break as it is in Helsinki for the first week of February to participate in the MP-11 Motor Cycle Show.

The ICE1RACING team started the preparation for the season as the new year began. The riders Ludde Söderberg and Toni Eriksson based their new home to Fuengirola, Spain and the team started to gear up for the season. 

'The choise was easy, Kari lives here and the terrain is world class - this is the perfect spot for motocorss', rants Ludde excitedly.

The team is built out of nine - John, Teemu and Ari are our mechanics, Maarten our truck driver, Katri runs the office, Kari runs the team and Natalia coordinates the loose ends. 'It's great to be a part of something as unique as this', explains John, 'everyone has the same goal, to bring the Finnish motocross to the level where it belongs.'