|
6th November 2008 |
Excellent RacerX article.
Jason Weigandt has written an excellent article on his blog about the ever ongoing Knighter vs Juha argument. Its well worth a read.
Racer X Article
|
5th November 2008 |
Knighter Joins BMW Motorrad Motorsport for WEC Return!
Now official, the news many of you knew already..
Knighter is delighted to announce that in 2009 he will compete for the BMW Motorrad Motorsport team and return to the World Enduro Championship. In addition to his return to the WEC the Manxman has also extended his association with Red Bull, having signed an exciting multi-year deal with the world’s leading energy drink company.
Official Press Release Here
BMW Press Release Here
|
26th October 2008 |
Knighter completes GNCC Season on a Quad!
David's one-off ride in the quad class went well with David completing the 2 hour event, finishing in 22nd place in the XC1 Pro class and 49th overall.
GNCCRacing.com |
18th October 2008 |
Knighter Races ATV for GNCC Finale
The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country community is bracing for an unprecedented showdown when Can-Am Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) dirt bike Champion David Knight lines up on an ATV to compete against the series' best four-wheeled pilots this weekend at the Klotz Ironman GNCC here.
Full report here from GNCCRacing.com
|
18th October 2008 |
Enduro Illustrated Magazine.
Enduro illustrated is an exciting new, high-quality, glossy photo-annual magazine that visually celebrates the 2008 World Enduro Championship.
Featuring images captured exclusively by Knighter's favourite motorcycle photographer, Jonty Edmunds, each of the 116 heavyweight pages showcase a mass of interesting, entertaining and thought provoking images.
Enduro illustrated also features in depth editorial analysis, covering all aspects of the ’08 WEC series. Enduro illustrated will be the definitive ‘08 WEC season review annual - a must for all enduro fans.
Enduro illustrated will be produced annually with issue #1 a visual celebration of the ’08 WEC series.
www.enduro-illustrated.com
|
12th October 2008 |
Engine failure costs David the win at Weston..
David made it through to the lead at the Weston Beach Race today, ahead of top motocrossers, Stefan Everts and Britain's Shaun Simpson. With only 25 minutes left to race the engine had enough and left David to watch the leaders go past. Everts won by just over 2 minutes from Simpson.
Disappointed, David now turns his attention to the last round of the GNCC where he will contest the quad race instead.
Knighter Official Press Release Here ! |
11th October 2008 |
4th place in the quad race
David had an ok ride in todays quad race at the Weston Beach Race. He made it through to the lead but then got stuck in a queue with three laps to go. The eventual winner got past and David settled for a safe second, unfortunately on the last lap, Knighter's quad died, a blocked fuel tap or something. This left David in 4th place for the finish.
Tomorrow is the bikes! Reports when I get them.
|
8th October 2008 |
Knighter to ride Weston
With the 2008 GNCC title secured, David is free to ride the famous Weston Beach Race in the UK this weekend (11-12th Oct). David will have some serious competition from past winner, Stephen Everts as well as MX2 World Champion Tyla Rattray and Honda's Marc de Reuver.
Not only will David compete in Sunday's bike race. but he will be entering a KTM quad in Saturdays ATV race!
This will give him a little practice for the coming Ironman GNCC race in the US on the 26th, where he will try his luck with the 4-wheelers!
Full report here.
|
28th September 2008 |
Knighter takes '08 GNCC title !!
A brilliant performance at the Unadilla round of the GNCC championship in New Berlin, NY, secured David his second GNCC title with two rounds to spare. His nearest championship rival, Paul Whibley, took 9th place.
Second place at Unadilla went to David's KTM team-mate, Nate Kanney with Jimmy Jarrett coming in third.
Full results and reports when I get them.
Jonty's Report Here!
GNCCRacing.com |
15th September 2008 |
Still on top of the GNCC podium!
David showed his fellow GNCC competitors he hasnt lost his speed over the summer break. Overcoming some bad luck at the beginning of the race, David had to ride hard to keep the hard-charging XC2 rider, Thad DuVall, from taking the win! An awful start and then getting hit by a large rock in the shoulder couldnt slow Knighter's pace and at the end of the 3 hours, David came through in the lead.
His nearest XC1 rival, Paul Whibley, came in third overall but second in class. This win extends David's lead in the chapionship and means, theoretically, he could wrap up the championship at the next round in New Berlin, NY.
Jonty's Report Here!
KTM Report Here!
GNCCRacing.com |
10th August 2008 |
Knighter wins Mexico FunEnduro
Another trans-atlantic flight took David down to Valle de Bravo in Mexico to contest the 2008 FunEnduro.
The event, held under FIM regulations, is a 3 day enduro that is always popular with riders and spectators alike. Despite this popularity, this is the first time Knighter has had a gap in his schedule enabling him to ride.
At the end of the third day Knighter was 40 seconds ahead of Mexico's number 1, Homero Diaz, with Spain's Ivan Cervantes in third.
David said he had never seen so many spectators at an event and was very grateful to the organisers for putting on such a good race.
Jonty's report here.
FunEnduro Homepage
|
20th July 2008 |
Another podium at Wales WEC.
Different weather in Wales for Day 2. The conditions were still very tough though. David had some minor bike trouble and decided it was not worth pushing too hard to catch the now flying Frenchman Jonny Aubert who went on to win the second day. David relaxed his riding a little and his results slotted him in to 3rd place behind fellow KTM rider Juha Salminen.
David now heads to Mexico for their annual Fun Enduro before resuming the GNCC series in September.
Jonty's report here.
Day 2 WEC report .pdf file
enduronews.com
www.abc-wec.com |
19th July 2008 |
David takes 2nd place at Wales WEC.
Knighter soon got back into the groove, or should that be muddy rut, of World Championship style enduro. Finishing second behind another multi-World Champion, Juha Salminen.
Juha was in top form, posting many of the fastest special stage times. David was never far behind, doing just enough to take the second step of the podium away from Frenchman Jonny Aubert.
Day 2 in Llanidloes starts bright and early tomorrow. The weather may improve but the going will still be tough!
Full results and reports tomorrow evening.
WEC report .pdf file
enduronews.com
www.abc-wec.com |
19th July 2008 |
Wales WEC starts today.
David's wildcard ride in the Wales round of the World Enduro Championship starts today. Riding in the E2 class on a 450 KTM, David will be up against multiple World Champion Juha Salminen and series leader Jonny Aubert.
Obviously David will be out there to win, but will not want to push too hard and risk injury when the GNCC title for 2008 is still far from won. Wales in the rain is about as close to his local conditions as it gets though so David will feel right at home. Not to mention the local fans cheering him on.
David's elder brother Juan is also riding in Wales, its a first for the ex-British Champion.
Results for both days will be posted as soon as I get them.
enduronews.com
www.abc-wec.com |
13th July 2008 |
Knighter takes GBXC Crown !
After returning from his win at the last American cross country round, David headed off to North Wales to compete in the third round of the GBXC cross country series. The series, in only its first ever year of being held, has proven to be a great success. Bringing off road riders from both enduro and mototcross together to compete in GNCC style 3 hour races. Four rounds make up the '08 series with more planned for next year.
In winning the first 3 of the 4 rounds David has already taken the overall 2008 title, adding another jewel to his already rather overcrowded crown!
No rest though as David now has remember how to ride 'proper' enduros as he goes head to head with Juha Salminen in the E2 class at this coming weekends World Enduro round, also in Wales. Results will be posted as soon as I get them.
GBXC report here.
www.gbxc.co.uk
|
6th July 2008 |
Knighter wins Somerset, PA GNCC
Knighter returns to the top of the GNCC podium. Leading from the first lap, David never looked back and took the win from Josh Strang by over a minute, Nathan Kanney coming in just one second later for third.
Jonty's report here.
www.gnccracing.com
David now returns to the UK to prepare himself for his wildcard ride in the Welsh round of the World Enduro Championship on 19-20th July |
22nd June 2008 |
Knighter back on the podium!
Another slightly disappointing result for David in North Carolina. Despite getting a good start and probably being the fastest guy out on the track, a couple of mistakes cost Knighter the win. Accidently hitting the starter button on his KTM cost David a 30 second penalty before the race had even started and a wrong turn mid-race meant that David had to turn around and ride the section again. Despite these setbacks, David made it back up to 3rd, importantly beating his nearest championship rival, Paul Whibley.
David will stay in the 'States until the next round at Somerset, PA early July.
Jonty's report here.
KTM report here.
www.gnccracing.com |
23rd June 2008 |
Cool little YouTube video
Its been on there for a while now, but for those who havent seen it here is a link to the Trans World Sport article on David from YouTube.. and if you search around you will see some nice vintage (well about 2004) videos that I have found again and am posting. Search for anything posted by gez990, I will add more when I can :)
Click here to view!
|
1st June 2008 |
Slightly Dazed 5th for David in Kentucky
David managed to salvage a 5th position at the Spartan in Kentucky on Sunday. After making his way to the lead on the first lap David hit his head on a fallen tree that dazed him enough to have to slow up and lose the lead.
The race was close, with the top 5 fighting for position. On the last lap however David crashed badly and lost his chance of catching the leaders. David was pretty happy with a 5th place considering the race he had. His points lead from Paul Whibley into the next round is still a healthy 27 points.
Jonty's report here.
KTM report here.
www.gnccracing.com |
28th May 2008 |
$50,000 Endurocross bonus..
Geico, the auto insurance company, has put up a massive $50,000 triple crown bonus for the rider who wins all 3 of the chosen rounds of the Maxxis Endurocross this year. Although David wont be able to attend all of the 2008 AMA Endurocross series he will be able to race in the three triple crown events.
Having to play it safe to ensure his 2007 title last year, Knighter will have nothing to lose in 2008 and will definitely be gunning for the wins!
David travels to the US this weekend for the Spartan GNCC before heading back to the Isle of Man to enjoy the TT Road Races.
Endurocross Press Release Here.
www.endurocross.com |
16th May 2008 |
No Erzberg for Knighter !
Due to testing commitments and his focus being on retaining the US GNCC title in 2008, David will not be competing at the Erzberg Extreme Enduro this month.
David flies to Austria on Monday 19th for more testing on the new '08 bike, before heading back to the USA for the next GNCC at the beginning of June.
Press release here !
|
11th May 2008 |
4th place for David in Ohio.
Major rain meant the John Penton GNCC in Ohio was possibly the toughest round so far in 2008. David's race was plagued by bike problems but he still managed to salvage a useful forth place. His first time off the podium this year David's result could have been a lot worse; after a good start and making his way to the lead Davids bike then started cutting out. Eventually stopping althogether, luckily, close enough to the pits for his team to repair the bike and for Knighter to post another lap.
Despite being a lap behind the top three, Davids performance was still good enough for 4th. The race was won by New Zealander, Paul Whibley with Josh Strang second and Jimmy Jarrett third.
David will now go on to contetst the Erzberg enduro before returning to America for the Spartan GNCC on June 1st.
Jonty's Report Here !
www.gnccracing.com |
10th May 2008 |
Busy Time for Knighter!
After contesting the Penton GNCC in Ohio this weekend, David will then quickly prepare and then travel to Austria for the super-extreme Erzberg Enduro.
Looking to regain the title from Taddy Blazusiak, David will have his work set out. With other top riders competing including, Cyril Despres, Geoff Aaron and Mike Metzger, the event should be amazing.
More details and results will follow.
www.erzbergrodeo.at |
27th April 2008
|
3 in a row as David wins Loretta Lynn's
A uncharacteristic good start put David in a good position for the beginning of the race. Leading after the first lap, David got hit in the throat on lap 2, causing him to slow his pace as he couldnt breathe properly or swallow. Shane Watts passed him as Knighter recovered. On feeling better, David began the chase after Watts again and passed him back before lengthening his lead on the next few laps.
Crossing the finish line a comfortable minute ahead of second placed Josh Strang, David extended his lead in the championship to 44 points
Results:
1. Knight
2. Strang
3. Mullins
Jonty's Report Here !
Click here for the excellent GNCCRacing.com |
13th April 2008
|
Knighter wins Big Buck GNCC !
David continued his winning ways by taking a convincing victory at the Big Buck GNCC in South Carolina. After yet another bad start David still overtook a few XC1 riders on the first corner due to them crashing in front of him!
He made his way through to the front, passing Josh Strang and Charlie Mullins on the second lap and maintained a good lead to the finish.
This win puts David 35 points clear at the top of the leader board. The next race is the Loretta Lynn's GNCC on April 27th
Results:
1. Knight
2. Strang
3. Mullins
Jonty's Report Here !
Click here for the excellent GNCCRacing.com |
30th March 2008
|
Back to the top for Knighter at NC GNCC
David was back on the top of the podium at the end of the Steele Creek GNCC in North Carolina. Ending the first lap in 2nd place David then moved through to the front and never looked back.
Barry Hawk came in a much needed 2nd place, with a string of Suzukis in 3rd - 6th: New Zealand's Paul Whibley holding on to 3rd as he crossed the line.
This win extends David's lead in the overall championship standings to 24 points over 2nd equal, Hawk and Jarrett!
Results:
1. Knight
2. Hawk
3. Whibley
Jonty's Report Here !
Click here for the excellent GNCCRacing.com |
|
3rd Place for David in Georgia GNCC
David battled through to third place at the Washington, GA round of the GNCC series. Mullins and Kanney took 1st and 2nd respectively. With 51 points David still leads the standings by 10 points over Jimmy Jarrett with Kanney and Mullins tied for 3rd on 40.
The race pace was super fast and everyone was flying. David had no problems other than his trademark bad start, but it wasnt worth pushing that extra bit, and risk crashing, to try to catch the leaders.
Results:
1. Mullins
2. Kanney
3. Knight
Jonty's Report here.
Click here for the excellent GNCCRacing.com
|
Photo: Jason Hooper - GNCCRacing.com
|
Knighter wins GNCC opener in Florida !!
The first round of the 2008 GNCC series was held at a new venue, Melbourne in Florida, the going was similar to last years opener being very sandy but there was a surprising amount of tree roots and technical sections as well.
The extra threat from Travis Pastrana failed to materialise and David rode a superb race to finish 5 minutes ahead of his nearest rival.
David, riding the new 2008 spec KTM 450XC, powered his way through the field to take the lead on the 3rd lap and never looked back. Lapping 2 mins faster than his nearest rivals, Knighter has set the standard to beat for the 2008 season!
Results:
1. Knight
2. Jarrett
3. Edmisten
Jonty's report here.
Click here for the excellent GNCCRacing.com |
|
GNCC series opens in Florida Tues 4th March
David is now acclimatising to the American weather down in Florida for the opening round of the 2008 GNCC series.
The big news from the event is that motocross and freestyle legend Travis Pastrana will be contesting the event.
Travis had this to say: "I am not even half as strong as David Knight in technical terrain, but I grew up spending my winters in the woods of Croom in Florida, and I feel like I can hang with anyone in fast sand whoops through trees.
The opening round is probably the only place on the face of the earth other than on a motocross track that I have a shot in the dark against the behemoth ballerina most call the Knighter!"
Click here for more details on the 2008 GNCC series.
GNCCRacing.com Video Highlights ! (cool vid on Knighter ) |
|
Knighter Wins GBXC Rd.1 at Matchams
Knighter stepped up his preparations ahead of the opening round of the ’08 US GNCC series, which takes place in Florida on March 2, by competing in and winning the first GB XC event of ’08 at Matchams Park. With his previous competitive outings this season having been on a 250cc two-stroke, Knight wanted to use the race as a pre-GNCC shake down and compete for three hours aboard KTM’s new 450cc four-stroke.
David heads to the States on Monday, February 25, where he will spend several days testing with his Red Bull KTM team in Florida ahead of the opening round of the ‘08 US GNCC series. In the mean time Knight will continue testing and training at his home in the Isle of Man.
www.gbxc.co.uk |
|
Knighter wins Indoor Enduro World Cup
David has won his fourth championship in less than 12 months following a runner-up result at the third and final round of the ‘07/’08 Indoor Enduro World Cup, staged at the Palasport Fiera in Genoa.
With the US GNCC, Australian Four Day Enduro and AMA Endurocross titles already his, Knighter has now also became the first rider ever to win an indoor enduro championship in Europe having dominated the series.
Final Championship Standings:
1. David Knight
2. Taddy Blazusiak
3. Mika Ahola
Jonty's Report here !
KTM report here.
|
|
Knighter Continues...
David got 2008 off to a good start by winning the WOR Tough One in dominating style.
Taddy Blasuziak had no answer for Knighter's pace and David took the lead right from the start. The race is called The Tough One for a reason and every rider out there found the going hard. At 5pm, darkness fell over the Nantmawr Quarry and the riders had to fight the darkness as well as the super extreme course. At the end of the race though it was Knighter who crossed the line first, he had extended his lead over Taddy to nearly 9 mins.
1.Knighter
2.Taddy
3.Wayne Braybrook
4.Paul Edmonson
Jonty's Report here !
KTM report here.
See here for more details !
|
|
Knighter to open his 2008 season with the WOR Tough One.
Rated as one of the best extreme races on the calendar, the Wirral Off Road Tough One is a spectacle you have to see to believe.
Held in the natural ampitheatre like setting of the Nantmawr Quarry in Shropshire, England, spectators get to watch their heroes right up close! All areas are accessible on foot from the main 'arena'.
This year David will defend his title from possibly his biggest ever threat in the extreme enduro world. Taddy Blazusiak will be competing and gunning to take Knighter's crown.
Dont miss your chance to see the best two extreme off road riders in the World competing in the UK.
See here for more details !
|
2007 results here ! |
| |
|
