This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of May 14, 2023

News and stories from Powersports racing in the United States.


RJ HAMPSHIRE WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL SUPERCROSS SEASON IN SALT LAKE CITY WITH A SECOND-PLACE FINISH

After capturing a big win at the previous round of the AMA Supercross Series in Denver, Colo., RJ Hampshire and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team came into the final round of the season looking for another strong finish. But per usual, the final round featured an East/West Showdown for the 250 class, which considerably boosted the challenge for everyone. Add in the arrival of an unexpected downpour, and things got substantially more challenging for the entire field.

250 SX

After RJ Hampshire qualified second in the 250 West afternoon sessions, and he finished second in the heat race, he was set for the final main event of the ’23 Supercross season.

When the gate dropped for the main event, RJ put his FC250 out front, grabbing the holeshot against the entire 250 East/West Showdown field. He led the first seven laps, but the eventual winner nudged his way past at the end of the whoop section, moving RJ into the second spot where he stayed for the remainder of the race. While it wasn’t the win he was looking for, he was upbeat about the progress for both himself and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team.

“It was an awesome night and season. I gave myself a chance at it…that’s all I asked of myself for tonight. I got a really good start. I just kind of lost it in the whoops there,” said Hampshire. “But overall, it was really solid. Another podium, the seventh of the season. It should have been eight, but who’s counting New York? I’ll take this confidence and keep the ball rolling into the outdoors, and we’re going to have a really awesome season there, too.”

450 SX

While the 450 squad is still on the mend, the exciting news this week was the contract extension for Malcolm Stewart, where he’ll continue with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team for another two years aboard an FC 450 Rockstar Edition.

Next Event (Round 1): May 27, 2023 – Fox Raceway in Pala, Calif.

Round 17 Results: Salt Lake City

250 SX East/West Showdown Results

1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 2. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

3. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha)

450 SX Results

1. Chase Sexton (Honda) 2. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 3. Justin Hill (KTM)

250 SX East Rider Point Standings 1. Hunter Lawrence – 241 points 2. Haiden Deegan – 183 points 3. Max Anstie – 182 points … 14. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 73 points

250 SX West Rider Point Standings 1. Jett Lawrence – 223 points 2. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 186 points 3. Levi Kitchen – 156 points

450 SX Rider Point Standings 1. Chase Sexton – 372 points 2. Eli Tomac – 339 points 3. Cooper Webb – 304 points … 12. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 150 points 30. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 15 points 32. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 15 points


ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING’S CRAIG DELONG CAPTURES MAIDEN VICTORY AT DRAGON’S BACK NATIONAL ENDURO

After getting off to a fast start, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Craig DeLong posted his first-ever NE Pro1 win at this weekend’s Dragon’s Back National Enduro in Arrington, Virginia.

Riding his FX 350, DeLong led the way early, winning the first three tests before settling into a steady and consistent approach that led to a 25-second win over Ricky Russell.

“I started off really well the first three tests,”said DeLong. “It was just really similar to how it is back home in Pennsylvania. Just kind of slick, red clay, a little rooty, and I those conditions. So, I just felt at home at the beginning of the day. I had a nice lead built up there, then after that, in test four I was trying to still push it and still be competitive, but I was just a little bit off of what I was early in the morning.”

DeLong nearly blew his lead in the final test when he got stuck on a log.

“I just got hung up and had a couple of tries at it,”said DeLong. “I was kicking myself in the butt for that one. But I pulled it through. It feels good to finally get a win. It feels like I’ve been at this a couple of years and I’m happy to finally get it done.”

DeLong returns to action in two weeks at the John Penton GNCC in Millfield, Ohio, on May 21st.

Next Round (5): Greensboro, GA – June 11, 2023

Dragon’s Back Enduro – Results

NE Pro1 Class

1. Craig DeLong – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

2. Ricky Russell (YAM)

3. Ryder Lafferty (GAS)

4. Josh Toth (GAS)

5. Grant Baylor (KAW)


ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA’S DALTON SHIREY CONTINUES HARE & HOUND FORM WITH JERICHO PODIUM

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Dalton Shirey has continued his run of form at Round 4 of the 2023 AMA National Hare & Hound Championship, with the defending champion taking the second step of the podium in Jericho, Utah, on Saturday.

Shirey started off with a great start, leading the field through for the opening lap of the race before engaging in a battle with eventual winner, Tyler Lynn. The defending champion posted a measured ride after an untimely flu made for a difficult outing physically, bringing his FX 450 home in P2 and extending his lead in the 2023 Pro Class series.

Second position at the Cherry Creek National sees Shirey stretch his advantage to points 48 in the Pro Class standings, as two rounds remain in this year’s championship series.

“Today was a good day with second place,” Shirey said. I’m always out there to win, though I came into this race a little under the weather with the common cold which made breathing difficult, so I did the best that I could. Tyler and I had a good battle all through the event, we both got a little lost at one stage, but he took the lead, and I was pacing him right in his dust for half of the first loop and made the pass around desert mountain. He got me back on lap two, and that’s when I began to feel the fatigue, so I was stoked to sit back there and extend my points lead as that’s what matters.”

The 2023 AMA National Hare & Hound Championship now sees an extended break until September 9, where Round 5 of the series will take place in Nevada for the Silver State Trail Blazers Hare & Hound event, which marks the penultimate round of the series.

Round 5: September 9 – Panaca, Nevada

Pro Class Results – Round 4 1. Tyler Lynn (KAW) 2. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 3. Zane Roberts (BET)

Pro Class Championship Standings 1. Dalton Shirey, 115 points 2. Carter Klein, 67 3. Joseph Wasson, 66


The 50th season of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross – Dunlop riders swept all three championships and race podiums

The 50th season of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship concluded in Salt Lake City and stamped yet another landmark in the history of Dunlop’s Supercross racing program: For the 14th consecutive season, Dunlop riders swept all three championships and race podiums. This making a total of 176 SX and MX Championships, a number that no other company has ever come close to.

In the 450SX class, the deep talent pool of riders made for some great racing throughout the entire season! Monster Energy Star Yamaha Eli Tomac started the season off with a bang by winning the first two races in a row and then five others along the way, but fellow Team Dunlop Elite alumni Chase Sexton and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb kept the pressure on. Team Honda HRC rider Sexton had a few mishaps throughout the season, but he never gave up and always stayed close to or controlled the points lead. As the season progressed a hand-full of the top riders such as Justin Barcia, Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger bowed out due to injuries, but the racing prevailed. At the mind-blowing penultimate round in Tomac’s home state of Colorado, Tomac was forced to retire from the race due to a freak incident rupturing his Achilles tendon. This allowed Sexton to win the race, take over the points lead and win his first 450SX Championship with the final race remaining!

For the 2023 season, Dunlop increased their support by adding multiple teams to their Dunlop Family of support. Overall, in the premier 450SX class, Dunlop riders finished in the top 15 positions, once again proving their Dunlop Domination.

In the 250SX championships, HRC Honda riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence were the riders to beat. Older brother Hunter wrapped up the East coast in Nashville and younger brother Jett secured the West in Denver with one race to go. Going into the last race of the season with the championships secured, both Aussies could enjoy the East/West Coast Showdown and take their championships home safe and sound.

With Sexton winning his first supercross title, there are now 24 championships won by Team Dunlop Elite alumni, including Eli Tomac, Aaron Plessinger, Justin Hill, Justin Bogle, Justin Barcia, Colt Nichols, Blake Baggett and Ashley Fiolek.

“Winning championships are great and no other tire company can match our results there, but one of the most rewarding aspects of this season to me is the number of high quality programs like ClubMX, BarX and Firepower Honda to name a few, that not only asked for support from Dunlop, but put up record results for their programs in 2023.” said Mike Buckley, Dunlop Motorcycle’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “This alone demonstrates the remarkable job done by our team and the performance advantages gained by using our world class products.”

“This season, we were faced with a wide variety of conditions and terrain. From rain and mud in New Jersey to hard-packed blue-groove out West, but Dunlop once again proved that we have a tire to perform and win in any condition.” said Broc Glover, Sr. Manager of Off-Road Motorcycles for Dunlop. “Not only is this the fourteenth consecutive year Dunlop riders won all three Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship titles, but Dunlop riders also swept each of the podium positions at all seventeen rounds! This is a testament to the brand, product and hard-working Dunlop staff that represent and support Dunlop day in and day out. In addition, we had development versions of our new Geomax MX34 tires show their true potential, racking up over 65 podium positions in varying conditions. Supercross riders have a choice in tires, and we want to thank all the teams and riders who chose to race on Dunlop.”

Next up for the Dunlop family of racers is the AMA Pro Motocross Championship which then combines with Supercross for the new SuperMotocross World Championship finals.

About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:

Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.

To learn more about the Team Dunlop program, visit www.teamdunlop.com


Mees Gets His Revenge in Sacramento Mile Rematch

Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) furthered his claim as the preeminent Mile rider currently competing in Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, with a pivotal victory in Saturday night’s 57th Legendary Mission Sacramento Mile powered by Law Tigers at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California.

Those bragging rights were brought into question after Mees was outscored 2-1 in Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Mile wins a year ago by then-rookie Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). Their first Mile showdown of the season carried even greater significance than it otherwise would have with Daniels having arguably emerged the title favorite and leading reigning champion Mees in the points.

The race went to script with the two separating at the front and settling into a one-on-one fight to the flag. Just past mid-distance, Mees railed around the corners with his helmet down in an attempt to break Daniels’ challenge. While unable to sink Daniels’ hopes completely, the ploy granted Mees a few tenths which he successfully guarded all the way to the end.

The victory was the 24th Mile triumph of Mees’ illustrious career. That moves him ahead of Ricky Graham and into sole possession of fifth place on the all-time order and just one away from joining Bubba Shobert and Bryan Smith in a tie for third.

The result also drew Mees a bit closer to the championship lead. That said, Daniels is not doing him any favors in that regard, extending his season-long streak of top-two finishes. The gap is now 20 points (159-139) as the two continue to distance themselves from the remainder of a talented pack of contenders.

“I honestly was sweating coming into the Miles – last year I felt like we were a little down,” Mees admitted after earning his fifth-career Sacramento Mile win. “I didn’t know what to expect. But Kenny (Tolbert) worked really hard this winter to get us back some ponies, and Jimmy Wood really had that thing hooked up with the Öhlins suspension. I don’t think I’ve ever been that hooked up before. I could just go into the corner and mash the throttle. The Indian Motorcycle was phenomenal tonight.”

Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), solidified his hold on third in the championship order with his third podium of the season. It only came about following a final-lap duel with Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), however, when Beach poked ahead by 0.021 seconds at the line.

Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) each had a shot at the box on the final lap as well, ultimately finishing fractionally behind in fifth and sixth, respectively.

Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) earned a lonely seventh, although that description fails to adequately express the contour of his race. Bauman actually led more than once early in the contest before running wide on the powerful-yet-brutish KTM and dropping to fifth. He worked his way back up to third at one point before going off the groove again and fading out of podium contention.

Bauman was followed home by his brother, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), while Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) completed the top ten.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Australian phenom Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) scored his maiden Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER victory in breathtaking fashion in Sacramento.

A huge early train of 450s connected to the front slowly whittled away as the race progressed. The battle for the win at last took its final shape with just over a minute remaining when three-time Sacramento Mile winner Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) fell away from the lead group and into the clutches of a second group bursting with big names and title contenders.

With Brunner out of the fight, the checkered flag was set to be decided between Drane, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450).

Lowe stormed past Drane as they opened the final lap, but the diminutive Aussie stormed back by on the back straight, confident he could out-run any and all slingshot attempts in the decisive drag race to the line.

He was proven correct, albeit only by just 0.005 seconds over Lowe and 0.036 seconds over Saathoff. Meanwhile, Cose finished just another 0.065 seconds back yet found himself left off the podium altogether.

Drane came into the season with serious hype and had endured something of a quiet start to the year when judged based on those lofty expectations. However, tonight’s victory put everything back in its proper perspective. Ultimately, the Estenson Racing Yamaha prodigy earned his first win just a month after turning 17 and competing in what was just his eighth Progressive AFT Main Event. Perhaps even more remarkably, it was the first Main Event at a Mile in Drane’s career.

He said, “I just can’t thank the team enough for all the work they do, all the hours. It’s amazing. This has boosted my confidence heaps, showing I can do it. I’m so happy.”

Fifth went to Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), who clawed his way up from outside the top ten after earning his slot on the grid via the LCQ.

He placed Brunner between himself and his primary title rivals in the process. Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) crossed the stripe in seventh, followed by Sacramento Mile legend Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) and the impressive Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/3 Bros KTM 450 SX-F).

The final position in the top ten went to defending class champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F). Despite the uncharacteristic result, Kopp continues to lead in the standings with 137 points. Gauthier closed to within 14 points at 123, while Whale and Saathoff are now tied for third at 115.

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will continue its run of spectacular Mile action with the Red Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle of Lexington at the Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 27. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/red-mile-59131 to secure your tickets today.

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Legendary Sacramento Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 27, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.


KODY KOPP CONTINUES TO LEAD AFT SINGLES POINTS AFTER SACRAMENTO MILE CHALLENGE

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Kody Kopp and Max Whale endured a tough night of competition at Round 7 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with Whale finishing in seventh position and Kopp 10th in the AFT Singles Main Event. Defending champion Kopp continues to lead the point standings following the Sacramento Mile.

After qualifying in seventh, defending champion Kopp made inroads between qualifying and the opening Heat of the event, powering his #1 KTM 450 SX-F to third position, setting himself up well for the Main Event. A more difficult 18-lap affair saw Kopp eventually cross the line in 10th position, retaining his lead in the AFT Singles series.

Kody Kopp:“Honestly, a little frustrated with how the weekend went, and a lot of things added up to the 10th-place finish here at the Sacramento Mile. We’re a team though, we’ll go back to work, we’ve got a two-week break and we’ll come back swinging in Kentucky.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale was 10th in qualifying at the Northern Californian venue, before crossing the finish line in fourth place for the second Heat of the event, just 0.213 off the race winner. The Australian fought hard during the Main Event, landing P7 and still sitting third in the championship overall.

Max Whale: “Definitely a tough day here in Sacramento. I feel as though I rode well, but just a few mistakes today – the team worked great, but I ended the night in P7, which isn’t great. It could’ve been much worse from where I was at one stage, we fought hard, and we’ll move on to the next one.”

Next Race: The Red Mile – Lexington, Kentucky – May 27, 2023

Round 7 Results

AFT Singles Main Event 1. Tom Drane, Yamaha 2. Trent Lowe, Honda 3. Chase Saathoff, Honda OTHER KTM 5. Dalton Gauthier, KTM 7. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 8. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM 9. Travis Petton IV, KTM 10. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 12. Declan Bender, KTM 16. Landen Smith, KTM 19. Justin Jones, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings 1. Kody Kopp, 137 points 2. Dalton Gauthier, 123 3. Max Whale, 115 OTHER KTM 11. Justin Jones, 52 13. Travis Petton IV, 35 14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 34 16. Logan Eisenhard, 27 22. Hunter Bauer, 16 23. Hayden Gillim, 14 24. Clarke Morian V, 10 25. Tanner Dean, 9 28. Declan Bender, 8 31. Landen Smith, 4 32. Olin Kissler, 4


FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S BEN KELLEY EIGHTH AT DRAGON’S BACK ENDURO

After suffering a devastating injury at the opening round of the AMA National Enduro Series in February, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley is slowly riding himself back into shape. His eighth-place finish at this weekend’s Dragon’s Back Enduro in Arrington, Virginia, was a notable improvement over the 10th he scored at the previous round.

Riding his KTM 350 XC-F, Kelley started slow but finished strong, posting the seventh-fastest time in the NE Pro1 division in the final two tests. Kelley admittedly was unable to get comfortable with the slippery Virginia clay, making for a long day at the office.

Ben Kelley: “It was an okay day. Just off the pace, not really feeling it – it is what it is. I just struggled to get comfortable and it turned out to be a long day.”

Kelley returns to action in two weeks at the John Penton GNCC in Millfield, Ohio, on May 21st.

Round 5: June 11 – Greensboro, Georgia

NE Pro1 Results 1. Craig DeLong, HQV, 1:21:50.708 2. Ricky Russell, YAM, +25.387 3. Ryder Lafferty, GAS, +3.220 OTHER KTM 7. Steward Baylor Jr, KTM 8. Ben Kelley, KTM


RED BULL KTM’S AARON PLESSINGER SECURES SEASON-BEST SECOND PLACE IN SALT LAKE CITY SUPERCROSS FINALS

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Aaron Plessinger made a welcome return to racing and the podium at the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship finals in Salt Lake City, charging to a season-best second-place result to cap off what has been a convincing 450SX season for the fan-favorite.

Plessinger put down the seventh-fastest qualifying time aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION this afternoon, before leading almost the entirety of the second 450cc Heat race of the night. A costly mistake through the whoops on a slick surface saw him fall, before quickly remounting and earning the final transfer position into the Main Event.

A solid start in the Main Event saw Plessinger thrive in the conditions as he weaved his way through the field with precision, racing into second position by the midway point. From there, the Ohio native posted a calculated effort and finished off this year’s Supercross season with a runner-up finish.

Aaron Plessinger:“It feels good to cap the season off with a podium. I went down a couple of weeks ago and wasn’t sure if I was going to make it back, but made good progress through the week and decided I could race. I’m still a little sore, though today was a crazy day! The clouds were all over the place – it was hot and cold, and then the rain came down. This track is like concrete, so the rain made it tough, but it was fun. The whoops were tough, as I showed in the Heat, but we remounted well and came back with second in the Main, so I’m pumped to finish the Supercross season off like this.”

The 250SX regions were combined at the Salt Lake City finale, as the coveted 250SX East/West Showdown rounded out the series. As the times were compiled from the day’s qualifying sessions, Red Bull KTM duo Maximus Vohland and Tom Vialle concluded the timesheets in sixth and eighth places, respectively.

Beginning with the 250SX East Heat race, Vialle battled the tricky track conditions and would finish just shy of a transfer position in 11th. It was a similar story for Vohland in the 250SX West Heat, who finished one spot out of contention in 10th, and would join Vialle in the LCQ.

Conditions would worsen after the skies opened, with both Vialle and Vohland presented with an added challenge as the gates dropped. French rookie Vialle launched to the holeshot and would earn a third-place ride and a place in the Main Event, whilst Vohland’s sixth would mark the conclusion of his night.

In the 250SX East/West Showdown Main Event, Vialle powered his KTM 250 SX-F to a top-five start, avoiding the opening lap carnage as he battled toward the front of the pack. A small mistake soon saw the number 128 on the ground momentarily, before salvaging a 14th-place finish by the race’s end.

Tom Vialle: “The day didn’t begin so well here in Salt Lake City as I had to go through the LCQ. Happy to finish third there and transfer through to the Main Event, though had almost the last gate pick. Thankfully, I got a great start, I was third, but a couple of mistakes put me in P5 for two laps, then had a small crash. I was up the back, although happy to charge to where I did, and happy to finish the Supercross season healthy in eighth overall and learn a lot for next year.”

Maximus Vohland:“Tough night for me in Salt Lake. I got a bad start in the Heat and struggled to make up positions. Ended up missing qualifying for the Main by one spot and had to go to the LCQ, where I got a better start, but struggled with the mud and just didn’t find my groove, which meant I missed out on the Main Event. Not the way I wanted to end my 2023 SX season, but I’m healthy and looking forward to outdoors in a couple of weeks.”

The 2023 AMA Supercross Championship season marked an impressive return to form for two-time 450SX champion Cooper Webb before being injured, who had secured two race wins, nine podiums, and also third-place overall aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in the final championship standings.

Premier class teammate Plessinger finished the 450SX season in seventh position, while Vohland was sixth overall in the 250SX West standings, and double MX2 World Champion Vialle took eighth position in the final 250SX East standings to complete his first Supercross campaign.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will now shift its attention outdoors to the upcoming Pro Motocross Championship, which commences in Pala, California, on May 27, marking the second portion of the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season.

Next Race: May 27 – Pala, California

Results 450SX Class – Salt Lake City 1. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, 25 laps 2. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM, +18.266 3. Justin Hill (USA), KTM, +21.400 OTHER KTM 6. Josh Hill (USA), KTM 11. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM

Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 17 of 17 rounds 1. Chase Sexton, 372 points 2. Eli Tomac, 339 3. Cooper Webb, 304 OTHER KTM 7. Aaron Plessinger, 236 8. Justin Hill, 212 13. Josh Hill, 149 16. Kevin Moranz, 96 34. Marvin Musquin, 11

Results 250SX East/West Showdown – Salt Lake City 1. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 19 laps 2. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna, +4.760 3. Levi Kitchen (USA), Yamaha, +7.223 OTHER KTM 14. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM 22. Derek Kelley (USA), KTM

Standings 250SX West Class 2023 after 9 of 9 rounds 1. Jett Lawrence, 223 points 2. RJ Hampshire, 186 3. Levi Kitchen, 156 OTHER KTM 6. Maximus Vohland, 121 9. Derek Kelley, 87

Standings 250SX East Class 2023 after 10 of 10 rounds 1. Hunter Lawrence, 241 points 2. Haiden Deegan, 183 3. Max Anstie, 182 OTHER KTM 8. Tom Vialle, 120


Chase Sexton Wraps Up 2023 Supercross Title with Utah Win – Jett Lawrence Tops 250SX Class Racers in East/West Showdown

Salt Lake City, Utah, (May 14, 2023) Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton nabbed the final win of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season to cap his first 450SX Class championship with a victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 49,871 fans inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger took the race’s runner-up spot at the Supercross Championship Final Presented by Utah Sports Commission. And Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill took third place and his career-first 450SX Class podium to conclude the Supercross season and also earn points toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the 250SX Class season finale, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence earned his sixth victory of the season in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown that pit both regions against each other for the second time in 2023.

On the podium, the AMA awarded Chase Sexton the Monster Energy Supercross Champion title. He entered the race with the championship mathematically won but received the official #1 plate after the race. With Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence and Jett Lawrence wrapping the two 250SX Class championships at previous rounds, 2023 marked only the third time ever, and second time for Honda, that a manufacturer has captured all three Supercross championships in the same season. The 2023 season marks the 50th Anniversary of Supercross racing in America.

When the gate dropped Chase Sexton grabbed the holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, FXR General Grind & Machine’s Justin Starling, Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Kyle Chisholm and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen. Roczen was on the move early but just a few turns in he injured his knee in a rutted corner. Roczen’s injury took him out of the race and he lost a chance to earn the two points needed to secure third overall in the championship.

Cianciarulo was into second place just a few laps into the race with Chisholm right behind. Just over three minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Aaron Plessinger took over third and set his sights on Cianciarulo while Justin Hill was into fourth place and on the charge. As the race clock ticked past 12 minutes Plessinger moved past Cianciarulo to take over second, and a lap and a half later Justin Hill was around Cianciarulo and into third place.

As Sexton stretched out his lead up front, Cianciarulo mounted a charge to take back third. But with five minutes left on the race clock the final positions appeared settled. Chase Sexton took his sixth win of the season and brought Honda its first Supercross title since 2003. Sexton’s late-season surge was one of the sport’s great title comebacks, with parallels to David Bailey’s 1983 season that also included a third-to-first drive in the final five races of the season.

In the final 250SX Class race of the season, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock grabbed the holeshot but Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire was quickly into the lead ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, Jett Lawrence, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie as heavy rain came down in the stadium. Hunter Lawrence found himself with a mid-pack start and then got tangled up when Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes crashed. As Hampshire, Jett Lawrence and Kitchen slotted into the top three spots, Hunter Lawrence and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan worked their way up from outside the top ten.

Three minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Jett Lawrence began applying pressure on Hampshire for the lead. At the same time, back on the track, Deegan broke into the top ten. Two minutes later Jett Lawrence was in striking distance of the front spot as his brother Hunter Lawrence climbed into the top ten. As the race clock ticked down to eight and a half minutes Jett Lawrence charged through the whoops and cut under Hampshire in the following corner. The riders made contact; Lawrence accelerated away clean but the disturbance led to a Hampshire mistake down the next rhythm lane.

From there Jett Lawrence was unchallenged for the lead. The win gives the Australian racer the distinction of being the winningest Honda rider in the 250SX Class, surpassing racing legends Eli Tomac, Jeremy McGrath and Hunter Lawrence. Hampshire held second to the checkered, and Kitchen took the final 250SX Class podium of the season.

With the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season wrapped up, the racers have a two week break before the start of the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross outdoor season. Points earned from the Supercross season will combine with points earned in the motocross season to determine the top 20 riders who will gain entry into the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders in spots 21-30 in overall points, as well as single event winners not in the top 20, will get a spot on the line in the Last Chance Qualifier to battle for the final two spots on the 22-rider starting gate. In September two Playoff races and one Final, with increasing points payouts, will determine the first SuperMotocross World Champion and deliver a $1,000,000 win bonus to that rider. The 250 class racers will battle for a $500,000 win bonus. It’s the first ever playoff season for the sport and delivers a three-race post season that will be all-new for the fans, teams, and racers.

Before the Monster Energy Supercross season closes its books, one great event is yet to conclude: the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. The online auction offers unique, autographed, one-of-a-kind memorabilia donated by the teams, partners, and athletes. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 8:00 PM ET. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. To bid on the auction items please go to: St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction.

All rounds of the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship will be streamed live on Peacock; rounds 29 and 31 will also be broadcast live on USA Network. Both Playoffs and the Final will be re-broadcast on CNBC. For the full race schedule and ticket sales, as well as 2023 Supercross highlight videos, recap race reports, and post-race press conferences, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class Results

    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
    1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
    1. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
    1. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS
    1. Devin Simonson, Laurinburg, N.C., Kawasaki
    1. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha

450SX Class Championship Final Standings

    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (372)
    1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
    1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (304)
    1. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
    1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
    1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (236)
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (212)
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (210)
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (200)

East/West Showdown Results

    1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (West)
    1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (West)
    1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (West)
    1. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki (East)
    1. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (East)
    1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (East)
    1. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (East)
    1. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (East)
    1. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (West)
    1. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (West)

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Final Standings

    1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (241)
    1. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (183)
    1. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (182)
    1. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (159)
    1. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (143)
    1. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (132)
    1. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
    1. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (120)
    1. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (117)
    1. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (94)

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Final Standings

    1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (223)
    1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (186)
    1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (156)
    1. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (149)
    1. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (131)
    1. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
    1. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
    1. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (98)
    1. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (87)
    1. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (87)

Sexton Completes Honda 2023 AMA Supercross Title Sweep

Team Honda HRC put an exclamation mark on the 2023 AMA Supercross season at the series finale in Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. Not only did Chase Sexton and Jett Lawrence capture the wins in the 450SX main event and 250SX East-West Showdown, but Sexton wrapped up the premier-class championship, completing a historic Honda title sweep of the three divisions.

The 450SX main saw Sexton lead all 25 laps aboard his CRF450RWE. The new champ scored the holeshot and never faltered, stretching out his advantage to over 18 seconds by the finish, where his team greeted him with a long-awaited celebration.

In the 250SX main event, Jett Lawrence exited turn 1 second behind RJ Hampshire, while Hunter Lawrence suffered a poor getaway and was mired back in about 13th place, only to be further delayed when another rider fell. At the eight-lap mark, Jett made a strong pass on RJ Hampshire to assume the lead. Meanwhile, Hunter patiently worked his way forward, ultimately crossing the finish line in sixth place.

NOTES


This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of May 7, 2023

News and stories from Powersports racing in the United States.


Chase Sexton Wins Denver Supercross and Likely the Championship Crown

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took his fifth win of the year at a hugely-significant Round 16 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The win, coupled with what is likely a season-ending injury for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac, put Sexton as the 2023 champion if Tomac cannot line up at the final round next Saturday.

Denver Supercross

The 51,691 fans packed into Empower Field at Mile High witnessed one of the most dramatic Supercross championship reversals the sport has ever seen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen took second place with an incredible charge from the back of the pack inside Empower Field at Mile High. And Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo earned his first podium finish since Round 3 of 2021 in the race that also pays points to the all-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire earned his first win of 2023 with his own thrilling charge. Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence took a hard-fought third in the Main Event to win the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship.

Chase Sexton - Denver Supercross

Chase Sexton was picture perfect on a night that changed everything and most likely made him the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Adam Cianciarulo grabbed the holeshot ahead of Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Shane McElrath, Eli Tomac, and Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill. Ken Roczen, on a recent podium streak, slid out in the first corner and started the race in dead last position while his teammate Shane McElrath leapt into the lead down the first rhythm section. Within three corners Tomac had moved into second, then took over the top spot before reaching the green flag. With his hometown race fans going wild, and with Chase Sexton back in sixth, it looked possible that Tomac could earn enough points to wrap up his third Supercross title. But Supercross is one of the toughest sports on the planet, and that fact took over the night, and the title chase, just two and half minutes into the race.

While leading, Eli Tomac stressed his left ankle on a jump take-off. He didn’t crash but instantly lifted his foot from the peg while airborne. After landing he quickly brought down his bike’s speed to roll the rest of the section. He immediately pulled off the track, holding his left ankle away from the bike, then rode instantly to the on-site Alpinestars Medical Rig. Before the race had ended the news was out: Eli Tomac had suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and was out for the season.

Eli Tomac lost the points - Denver Supercross

In one instant Eli Tomac lost the points lead and most surely the title after a non-crash injury down one of the track’s rhythm lanes. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Inside the stadium, Cianciarulo held the lead over Sexton. Five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton took over the lead. By then Roczen had already made his way up to sixth place. Sexton steadily pulled clear of Cianciarulo while Roczen continued his charge, passing McElrath for third just eight and a half minutes into the race and gaining on Cianciarulo.

With 8:15 on the race clock Justin Hill took over fourth. Three and a half minutes after that Roczen was up to Cianciarulo and pressuring for the second place spot. Roczen quickly made his move and looked ahead 6.8 seconds to the leader. Roczen started to gain a little time on Sexton, but not at the rate he’d need to make a run at the win.

Interestingly, in a season that saw Sexton give up some big leads with unforced errors, the Honda rider remained composed and smooth. With the full pressure of the race and the title on him, he rode like a champion. Sexton took his fifth win of 2023 and with it jumped into the points lead by seven. If the early injury assessment of Tomac is accurate and he’s truly out for the season, Sexton is mathematically the champion once Tomac officially does not show up and qualify for the final race.

RJ Hampshire - Denver Supercross

RJ Hampshire put the pieces together and turned his incredible track speed into his first win of the season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland jumped out ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford, and RJ Hampshire. Jett Lawrence, after a difficult Heat Race, was back in tenth as the riders crossed the holeshot stripe. Just over two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Kitchen had taken over the lead and Hampshire was up to second. Further back in eighth, Lawrence was carefully picking off riders but showed no panic – he needed only to finish in tenth or better to take the title with one round remaining in the 250SX Class.

Five and a half minutes into the race Lopes moved past Vohland to take over third position. The riders made contact in a tight corner, and Vohland tipped over. Lawrence seemed to benefit from the chaos and soon got into fourth place. As the race clock ticked down under eight minutes Lawrence overtook Lopes for third place but was over 12 seconds back from the leaders.

Hampshire used the race’s midpoint to make a drive on Kitchen for the lead. The Husqvarna rider closed in, then leapt past when Kitchen made a small mistake in a short rhythm section. Kitchen recovered and retaliated immediately. Kitchen got back the spot as Hampshire went wide then shorted the track’s big double jump. Hampshire was off the track, but he kept his bike upright. Over the closing laps Hampshire put in a heroic charge. He was the fastest rider on the track and quickly made up the five seconds his off-track excursion had cost him. With 40 seconds on the clock Hampshire blitzed the whoops and took the lead from Kitchen.

Kitchen had one last surge of speed on the final lap, but never got into position to make a pass attempt. Hampshire took the checkered flag and the Denver Supercross win. Kitchen was right behind in second, and Lawrence brought his Honda home in third to win the division title with one race – an East/West Showdown – left on the schedule.

Jett Lawrence became the 2023 Western Regional 250SX Class Champion - Denver Supercross

Jett Lawrence became the 2023 Western Regional 250SX Class Champion just one week after his brother and teammate, Hunter Lawrence, took the Eastern Regional 250SX Class title. Jett Lawrence becomes one of only four riders to win 4 125/250 Class titles. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Between now and the Supercross Final in Salt Lake City, fans have an incredible opportunity at some one-of-a-kind memorabilia in the 2023 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction. All money raised goes directly to the children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the St. Jude mission of Finding Cures. Saving Children. The auction runs until Monday, May 15th at 11:59PM ET. The items in the auction were donated by the racers, teams, partners, and supporters of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. To see what’s available to support the incredible St. Jude efforts and take home a piece of the 2023 season, please go to St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Auction.

230502 St. Jude Love Moto Stop Cancer Supercross Auction

All-new for 2023 racing, the top 20 racers in combined championship points from the Monster Energy Supercross season and the AMA Pro Motocross season – scheduled for eleven rounds this summer – qualify for a spot in the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship. Riders who finish 21st – 30th in combined points, or those who earn a win yet don’t have the points for a direct qualification, will race a Last Chance Qualifier for the final two spots on the SuperMotocross League starting gate. The all-new series creates the sports’ first playoff season with two Playoff races and one Final race. The 450 class SuperMotocross World Champion will win a cool $1,000,000 payout along with the top spot in the history books. The 250 class champion will take home a $500,000 prize with their SuperMotocross World Championship title.

Tickets for next weekend’s Supercross Final are on sale now. If you can’t make it to Utah, each race of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship streams live on Peacock with select events also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. To purchase tickets, watch video recaps of the season, and get feature stories, race results, and streaming and broadcast airtimes please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Denver Supercross

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Adam Cianciarulo, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
    1. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
    1. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM
    1. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Grant Harlan, Decatur, Tex., Yamaha
    1. Justin Starling, Riverview, Fla., GASGAS

450SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (346)
    1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (339)
    1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (303)
    1. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
    1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
    1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (191)
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (191)
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (182)
250SX Class podium - Denver Supercross

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jett Lawrence, RJ Hampshire, and Levi Kitchen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

    1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
    1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
    1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
    1. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
    1. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
    1. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
    1. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
    1. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki
    1. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha
    1. Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Suzuki

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (197)
    1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (163)
    1. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (137)
    1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (135)
    1. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (121)
    1. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (117)
    1. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
    1. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (98)
    1. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (87)
    1. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (86)

FMF KTM FACTORY RACING AND JOHNNY GIRROIR CLINCH 2023 AMA U.S. SPRINT ENDURO SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP

OLDTOWN, Md. – FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Johnny Girroir has clinched the 2023 AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Series title with two rounds to spare after winning the Pro 1 Class at the weekend’s Promised Land MX U.S. Sprint Enduro, marking round six of the season.

In his first year with the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team, former Pro 2 champion Girroir has delivered an exceptional season to date across the opening six rounds, placing him in a position to secure the Pro 1 championship in Oldtown and that’s exactly what he did onboard his KTM 350 XC-F.

Rain in the lead-up to the Maryland round made for slick conditions through much of day one, however, the weather remained clear over the course of Saturday. Rain overnight made for tougher, muddy conditions on Sunday, and with Girroir the first rider on the course both days, that was a challenge of its own.

Test times were extremely close all day on Saturday, with Girroir leading the way in Pro 1 and sitting a close fourth overall to seal the championship in the process, before day two saw Girroir earn his sixth Pro 1 round victory in a row and climb to second overall for the weekend.

Johnny Girroir: “Overall, it was a good weekend and I’m really happy to win the title with two rounds to spare. We will enjoy this one and I’d like to thank the whole FMF KTM Factory Racing Team, our supporters, and everybody who got us to this point of winning the championship. It’s been a really good U.S. Sprint Enduro Series so far, so I’m looking forward to the next two!”

Next Race: High Voltage – Dilliner, PA – May 27-28, 2023

Pro 1 Results – Promised Land MX 1. Johnny Girroir, KTM 2. Zach Osborne, YAM 3. Joey Deneen, YAM

Pro 1 Championship Standings 1. Johnny Girroir, 355 2. Thad Duvall, 171 3. Layne Michael, 149


NEAR-PERFECT OUTING FOR RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S KODY KOPP AT VENTURA SHORT TRACK

VENTURA, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has achieved a near-perfect outing in the sixth round of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Ventura Short Track, taking the Main Event victory in the AFT Singles Class, while teammate Max Whale finished in fourth position.

Qualifying in second position, just 0.024s off the pole, defending champion Kopp looked right at home on the Southern Californian circuit, powering his #1 KTM 450 SX-F to victory in the opening Heat race of the event. The 18-year-old then took victory in the Dash-for-Cash, before going on to secure a stellar P1 ride in the Main Event to extend his points advantage in the championship.

Kody Kopp: “Man, that was a gnarly one. Probably the best battle I’ve ever had in a Main Event – Chase [Saathoff] and I were going back and forth, a little bit of cat and mouse, and put on a great show for the fans. I managed to win the Dash-for-Cash and the Main Event, putting us back to where we belong. This season will continue to be a dogfight until the end. Hats off to my team, Red Bull KTM, it was a great weekend.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Whale shadowed Kopp in qualifying, landing position three on the timesheets by the session’s end. With momentum on his side, Whale continued his form in the second Heat race of the night, crossing the line in third just 0.775s from the win, before bringing home his KTM 450 SX-F fourth place on the Main Event. He’s third in the point standings.

Max Whale: “Today started out awesome and the track was unreal with loads of passing opportunities, which was good fun. I struggled a bit as the day went on, and messed up in the Heat, which put me on the second row and left me a little frustrated at myself, although I fought hard in the Main Event tonight for P4. I’m working hard, the team’s working harder, so, Sacramento in one weekend’s time. Let’s go!”

Next Race: Sacramento Mile – Sacramento, California – May 13, 2023

Round 6 Results

AFT Singles Main Event 1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 2. Chase Saathoff, Honda 3. Morgen Mischler, Honda 4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing OTHER KTM 9. Justin Jones, KTM 10. Dalton Gauthier, KTM 15. Travis Petton IV, KTM 18. Logan Eisenhard, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings 1. Kody Kopp, 127 points 2. Dalton Gauthier, 108 3. Max Whale, 102 OTHER KTM 10. Justin Jones, 51 13. Logan Eisenhard, 27 14. Travis Petton IV, 24 17. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 22 22. Hayden Gillim, 14 23. Hunter Bauer, 11 24. Clarke Morian V, 10 25. Tanner Dean, 9 30. Olin Kissler, 4


HARD-FOUGHT SIXTH FOR RED BULL KTM’S MAXIMUS VOHLAND IN DENVER SUPERCROSS

DENVER, Colo. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was solely represented by Maximus Vohland in round 16 of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, where the 250SX West contender rode to sixth position at the conclusion of the penultimate Main Event of the season.

With 450SX teammates Cooper Webb, Aaron Plessinger, and Marvin Musquin currently sidelined through injury, all attention was on 20-year-old Vohland in Denver and he started strongly by qualifying a convincing fourth place this afternoon.

Just two weeks after claiming a career-best result of P4 at East Rutherford, Vohland continued that impressive form by finishing third position in Heat 1 on his KTM 250 SX-F, completing the opening lap in fifth and climbing into P3 for a direct transfer into the Main Event.

A holeshot in the Main Event put Vohland in the lead over the course of the opening laps, before he settled into P3. A fall with just under 10 minutes to run, however, bumped him down the order, and he remounted to take the checkered flag in a hard-fought sixth place. He’s still P5 in the western regional standings with a single round remaining.

Maximus Vohland: “I got off to a great start in the Main and went into the early lead, but I made some mistakes on lap three and then went down. After that, I just pushed as hard as I could to get back to sixth position, where I rounded out the race. Not what we wanted this weekend and I was really expecting a lot more of myself – I am really looking forward to making amends in the final race of Supercross season next weekend. I really want to finish out on the Salt Lake podium.”

The 2023 AMA Supercross Championship finals will be hosted in Salt Lake City next Saturday night, where the second 250SX East/West Showdown will see Vohland once again joined by eastern regional teammate Tom Vialle to complete the season.

Next Race: May 13 – Salt Lake City, Utah

Results 250SX West Class – Denver 1. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna, 21 laps 2. Levi Kitchen (USA), Yamaha, +1.353 3. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, +21.231 OTHER KTM 6. Maximus Vohland (USA), KTM 7. Derek Kelley (USA), KTM 14. Max Miller (USA), KTM 19. Kaeden Amerine (USA), KTM

Standings 250SX West Class 2023 after 8 of 9 rounds 1. Jett Lawrence, 197 2. RJ Hampshire, 163 3. Enzo Lopes, 137 OTHER KTM 5. Maximus Vohland, 121 10. Derek Kelley, 86 21. Joshua Varize, 33 22. Max Miller, 19


RJ HAMPSHIRE SCORES MILE HIGH WIN IN DENVER SUPERCROSS

The last time we saw RJ Hampshire in action, he was coated in mud from head to toe after a last-ditch effort to make a final corner pass in New Jersey. Heading into the penultimate round of the 2023 AMA Supercross season in Denver, RJ and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team were looking for the win that had been oh-so-close but had proven elusive thus far.

250 SX

When the gate dropped for the main event, RJ Hampshire got a great start on his FC250 and was in the top three. He quickly moved into second place and began reeling in the leader. Near the midway point, he made a move for the lead and was there briefly before running out of room on the edge of the track. Once returning to the racing surface he was several seconds behind the lead, but was the fastest rider on the track. His never say die attitude paid off, and with a pair of laps left in the main, he moved back into the lead for good, scoring his first win of the season.

“It was an awesome day. I’m super-stoked for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, and to knock one of these wins off before the season is over was huge. We’ve built a lot of momentum; man; I don’t take these for granted. I know how much work goes into this from the team side and myself, this motorcycle, and all our supporters. It’s just really nice to give them a win… a little payback for all they do for us,” said Hampshire. “I wasn’t that fast in qualifying and didn’t win my heat race. But I just had that feeling today that I would get it done. I had that big mistake about midway through the main event, but I really put a charge on there at the end and at least gave myself an opportunity to have a shot at the win. Sure enough, we pulled it off.”

450 SX

It’s been more evident than ever during the last couple of weeks that part of the challenge of the AMA Supercross season is making it to the end unscathed.  The 450 side of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team is working hard to be back on track with their FC 450 Rockstar Editions as soon as possible.

Next Event (Round 17): May 13, 2023 – Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah

Round 16 Results: Denver

250 SX West Results

1. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 2. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) 3. Jett Lawrence (Honda)

450 SX Results

1. Chase Sexton (Honda) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Adam Cianciarulo (Kawasaki)

250 SX West Rider Point Standings 1. Jett Lawrence – 197 points 2. RJ Hampshire – 163 points 3. Enzo Lopes – 137 points

450 SX Rider Point Standings 1. Chase Sexton – 346 points 2. Eli Tomac – 339 points 3. Cooper Webb – 304 points … 11. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 150 points 29. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 15 points 31. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 15 points


2023 AMA 250SX West Region Championship to Jett Lawrence

DENVER, Colorado (May 6, 2023) — Just one week after Honda earned its 19th AMA Supercross support-class championship at the hands of Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence delivered the 20th. The Team Honda HRC rider took his CRF250R to a safe third-place finish today at the Denver round of the 250SX West Region Championship, raising his points lead to an insurmountable 34, with one round still remaining.

A native of Landsborough, in Queensland, Australia, Lawrence enjoyed a successful amateur career at home and in Europe before moving to the U.S. with his family in 2019, to ride for the Factory Connection Honda satellite team (initially as an amateur). Lawrence turned pro in 2020 and moved to Honda’s factory squad for 2021, and in his three years with Team Honda HRC, he has enjoyed an incredibly successful 250 four-stroke career, establishing himself as the winningest AMA 125/250 Supercross/Motocross rider in Honda’s history, with 26 victories across the two series. (The class, which is currently for 250cc four-stroke machines, used to be campaigned by 125cc two-strokes motorcycles.)

Lawrence earned the AMA Pro Motocross 250 Championship in 2021 and 2022, as well as the 2022 250SX East title, and this new West crown makes him only the fourth rider to have earned both regions’ 125/250SX championships. Lawrence also joins James Stewart as the only riders to win both regions and two AMA Pro Motocross crowns. In addition, he is only the fourth rider to win four AMA 125/250 professional titles.

“That bike has just treated me so well,” Jett Lawrence said on the podium following the race. “The team is unreal. We could be pitted out of a tent, to be honest with you—I wouldn’t care. It’s not even a team—it’s a family. They’ve done [everything] for me and my brother.”

The Lawrence brothers’ performance this season has been nothing short of dominant. Jett has won five of the eight 250SX West rounds completed thus far, while Hunter has topped seven of the nine East rounds run to this point. (The series finale, a combined 250SX East-West Showdown, will run next week in Salt Lake City.) This marks the first time that siblings have won the East and West Region crowns in the same season.

Lawrence’s latest championship is the sixth West Region title for Honda, with others having come with Ty Davis, Jeremy McGrath, Travis Preston and Eli Tomac. Including its 14 East Region crowns, Honda has a total of 20 across both regions. Eleven of those have come since 2010, the most of any manufacturer during that period. This is only the ninth time that a manufacturer has taken both regions’ titles in the same year. (Of those, three were accomplished by Honda—in 1991, 2012 and 2023).

Still only 19, Jett will kick off his 450 career aboard the factory Team Honda HRC CRF450RWE on May 27, when the AMA Pro Motocross series commences in Pala, California.

“What an incredible AMA Supercross 250 season for Honda, and what a 250 career for Jett!” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Sports and Experiential at American Honda. “We knew when we hired Jett ahead of the 2021 season that he was going to be special, but I don’t think anyone could have predicted the success that he has already enjoyed; of the five championships that were on the table since he joined our team, he has earned four, and this one was the most dominant yet. It’s been an amazing run aboard the CRF250R, and we can’t wait to see what he does with the CRF450RWE.”

Lawrence’s 2023 250SX West Championship continues a successful season in which Honda marks the 50thanniversary of its first production motocross bike, the CR250M Elsinore, which Gary Jones rode to Honda’s first AMA Motocross Championship in 1973.

NOTE: Statistics compiled with assistance from Fowler’s Facts.


Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo Secures First Podium of the Season at Penultimate Round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (May 7, 2023) – The Monster Energy® Supercross Championship traversed over 1,000 miles through Interstate 70 from Nashville, Tennessee, to Denver, Colorado, for Round 16 of the series from Empower Field at Mile High Stadium. Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo proved he remains a top contender with a strong third-place performance enroute to earning his first podium finish of the 2023 racing season. Kawasaki teammate Jason Anderson sat out the Colorado round due to a neck injury sustained the previous week. In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Carson Mumford battled up front early before crossing the finish line in eighth place.

With mild temperatures providing ideal riding conditions, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Cianciarulo placed Team Green on the leaderboard during the first morning 450SX qualifying session with a 45.927 for third quickest. Looking to capitalize on his consistent finishes, the No.9 experimented with different line selections during the final qualifying session and recorded a 44.714 lap time, placing Cianciarulo fourth fastest overall.

At the start of 450SX Heat 1, Cianciarulo emerged from the first turn in fifth. The Florida-born rider executed swift passes in the opening corners to move up into third before the end of Lap 1. Showing glimpses of his race-winning speed from seasons past, Cianciarulo moved into second with half of the heat race remaining and began looking for opportunities to make a pass for the lead. Unwilling to give up, the No.9 chased down the leader through to the finish and ended the race a close second.

When the 450SX Main Event gate dropped, Cianciarulo launched his KX™450SR out to a superb second-place start. The No.9 showed impressive race craft as he stayed competitive against the fastest supercross racers in the world and took over the lead after the front runner exited the race early. Once in the lead, Cianciarulo and Sexton shortly jockeyed over control of the lead before he moved into second place. As the race progressed, Cianciarulo found himself in another intense battle, this time for the right to second place. The No.9 displayed impressive defensive skills as he rode strong to hold onto the position until ultimately dropping to third. With a comfortable gap and time quickly winding down, Cianciarulo rode smart through to the finish and secured his first podium of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross season.

“I can’t even begin to describe how incredible this podium finish feels. The team and I have been working tirelessly to get here and to finally be standing on the podium again, after so much hard work, is just surreal. The journey to get here has been full of ups and downs but none of it would be possible without the amazing support from my team and everyone around me. This is a major accomplishment for us, but we still have bigger goals in mind and we’re going to keep working until I’m back to being as competitive as I know I can be.”

– Adam Cianciarulo

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Mumford showed early promise, quickly placing his KX™250 on the leaderboard in the first timed qualifying session before dropping to sixth (46.861). The young rider out of Carlsbad, California showed veteran-like adaptability as he adjusted to the changing Denver SX track conditions in the final 250SX Class qualifying session of the day to set a 46.274 lap time, good for seventh fastest.

In 250SX Heat 2, Mumford placed Kawasaki inside the top three with a superb start aboard his KX250 race machine. The No.52 spent the first half of the race jockeying amongst the top three and momentarily took control of the lead before a lapped rider allowed the opposition to slip by dropping Mumford to third where he would ultimately finish the race.

When the gate dropped on the 250SX Main Event, Mumford emerged entering the first turn in fourth. Determined to move up, Mumford stayed in close range of the riders ahead, looking for any opportunity to make a pass. As the race progressed, the No.52 shuffled down the running order but rode a consistent race for the remaining laps until he crossed the finish line in eighth position.

“I had a good start to the evening, leading laps in my heat and running near the front during the Main Event. Unfortunately, little mistakes throughout the race allowed others to get by me and hindered my ability to make up any positions towards the end. The team and I will focus on riding clean laps, mistake-free during this week of practice, and come out for the final round next weekend ready to battle for a top-five finish.”

– Carson Mumford


AMSOIL Hoosier: Motorcycle Race Report

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (May 8, 2023) – The Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship (GNCC Racing) saw completely different conditions on day two of the AMSOIL Hoosier event. The rain fell overnight causing muddy, slick conditions on Sunday morning, but as the sun came out throughout the afternoon hours the mud was becoming tacky for the afternoon racers.

When the XC1 Open Pro class took off it was Magna1 Motorsports/Husqvarna’s Jordan Ashburn earning the $250 All Balls Racing XC1 Holeshot Award. The battles were on throughout the duration of the race. Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/Tely Energy KTM’s Steward Baylor would hold the early lead, but Ashburn would take over the lead on lap three and hold it for the next couple of laps. Unfortunately, a mechanical issue would take him out of the running on the fourth lap.

Jonathan Girroir (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) earned his first-ever overall XC1 win.
Jonathan Girroir (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) earned his first-ever overall XC1 win.Ken Hill

Baylor would once again take over the lead, but he would have company from both FMF/KTM Factory Racing riders, Ben Kelley and Jonathan Girroir. As the two-lap card came out it would be Girroir leading the way with Baylor and Kelley running second and third. Girroir would continue to push throughout the last lap and come through to earn his first-ever overall XC1 Open Pro win, making him the sixth different winner in six races.

Baylor would come through to earn second overall on the day, while Kelley would hold on for third in the XC1 class and fifth overall as Witkowski and Draper of the XC2 class would finish third and fourth overall on the day.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong would battle back-and-forth throughout the day to earn fourth in the XC1 class. DeLong would start back in fifth on the first lap and fall as far back as sixth for the next couple of laps. As the race wore on, DeLong continued to push forward to make his way up to fourth for the final three laps.

Steward Baylor (Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/Tely Energy KTM) battled throughout the day in Indiana to earn second overall.
Steward Baylor (Rocky Mountain ATV*MC/Tely Energy KTM) battled throughout the day in Indiana to earn second overall.Ken Hill

Earning fifth in XC1 at the sixth round was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Strang. Strang would have his work cut out for him as he started back in seventh for the first half of the race. Strang would make his way to fifth on the sixth lap of the race and remain there for the remainder of the day.

After a great start to the day, AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell found himself up in third and second for the first couple of laps. Unfortunately, right after the halfway point of the race Russell would fall back to sixth and remain there until the checkered flag flew.

Ashburn would suffer a mechanical issue after running at the front of the pack, and ultimately be scored seventh in the XC1 class, as Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor was able to earn eighth in the XC1 class after only being able to battle for two laps in Indiana.

Michael Witkowski (center), Liam Draper (left) and Cody Barnes (right) rounded out the top three XC2 250 Pro finishers at round six.
Michael Witkowski (center), Liam Draper (left) and Cody Barnes (right) rounded out the top three XC2 250 Pro finishers at round six.Ken Hill

As the XC2 250 Pro line took off it was Liqui Moly Beta Factory Racing’s Jonathan Johnson grabbing the $250 XC2 Steel City Men’s Clinic Holeshot Award. It wouldn’t take long for Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski and AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper to get to the front of the pack and battle for that lead position. Witkowski would hold that number one spot on the opening lap, but Draper would soon make the pass for the lead and hold it for the majority of the race.

However, on the last lap of the race Witkowski would maneuver around Draper when a lapped rider was unable to get out of their way. Witkowski would cross the line .953 seconds ahead of Draper to earn his first XC2 win of the season. Draper would earn second on the day in Indiana. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cody Barnes would round out the top three XC2 finishers as he made his way into third at the halfway point.

Dakoda Devore (FXR/X Brand Goggles/6D Helmet) earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win on Sunday.
Dakoda Devore (FXR/X Brand Goggles/6D Helmet) earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win on Sunday.Ken Hill

In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am it was FXR/X Brand Goggles/6D Helmet’s Dakoda Devore leading the majority of the race and crossing the finish line first to earn his first XC3 win of the season. Liqui Moly Beta Factory Racing’s Jason Lipscomb would battle with Devore for some part of the race, even holding the lead on the second lap of the day. However, Lipscomb would be unable to make another run for the lead as he came through three minutes behind Devore to earn second.

After a good start to the day by earning the $100 Lojak Cycle Sale’s XC3 Holeshot Award,  Beaver Creek Cycles/Bells Electric/Wossner Piston’s Toby Cleveland would find himself having to make a long pit stop to work on the bike and battle back from ninth place on the opening lap. Cleveland would put his head down and push, making his way into third by the time the white flag was flying. Unfortunately, Cleveland would be unable to make a push for the front, but with a consistent finish, he continues to hold the lead in the points.

The Top Amateur honors went to Nicholas DeFeo who finished 16th overall on the day, while Joseph Cunningham came through 17th overall. Bolton Beroth rounded out the Top Amateur podium with a 19th overall finish on the day.

Rachael Archer (AmPro Yamaha) earned the WXC class win in the muddy morning race.
Rachael Archer (AmPro Yamaha) earned the WXC class win in the muddy morning race.Ken Hill

As the WXC line took off it was Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Korie Steede coming away with the $100 Trail Jesters WXC Holeshot Award to start the day. However, it would not take long for AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer to make the pass for the lead on the opening lap. Archer would put her head down and focus to place a gap over the rest of the field as she crossed the finish line with a six minute lead in the muddy conditions.

After grabbing the holeshot, Steede would find herself battling with GASGAS/Over and Out/RG Factory Racing’s Rachel Gutish for the first couple laps of the race. As the two-lap board came out, Steede would make her way into second and continue to battle on through the conditions for that second place position. Gutish would try to hold onto the third but would face a mechanical that would make her unable to cross the finish line for the fourth and final lap. V3 CDR/Garrison Tree Service/Focus X/Enduro Engineering’s Kayla O’Neill would capitalize as she ran fourth for the majority of the race, coming through unaware that she had earned her first-ever WXC podium finish with third on the day.

Earning the Youth Overall win at the Hoosier was YXC2 Super Mini Jr. competitor, Caleb Wood. This was Wood’s first youth overall win, and his fourth YXC2 class win of the season. Canyon Richards would come through to earn second overall, and first in the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class. Richards has earned three wins in the YXC1 class after six rounds of racing. Austin Tsakanikas came through to earn third overall in the youth race, and second in the YXC1 class.

YXC2 Super Mini Jr. competitor, Caleb Wood earned the Youth Overall win on Sunday morning in Indiana.
YXC2 Super Mini Jr. competitor, Caleb Wood earned the Youth Overall win on Sunday morning in Indiana.Ken Hill

Coming through to earn third in the YXC1 class was James Jenkins as Mason Raynor and Jiggs Fustini rounded out the top three in the YXC2 class in Indiana. In the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class it was Ryder Sigety coming through to earn the class win. Travis Lentz took home his sixth-straight win in the 85 (12-13) class, while Brody Boland earned the 85 (7-11) win.

In the 65 (10-11) class it was Beau Garetson earning the win, with Maverick Boyer taking home the 65 (9) class win. In the 65 (7-8) class, Tripp Lewis came away with the win at round six. Zoey Kimble would earn her first win of the season in the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class, while Sahara Robinson earned her fourth win in the Girls 85 (7-13) class. Earning her second win was Audrina Anello in the Girls 65 (7-11) class, while Crawfordsville’s own Talon Pike came away with the Trail Rider (7-15) class win.

The AMSOIL Moto Hero was awarded to Robbie Hechinger from Brownsburg, Indiana. Robby is a deputy for the Montgomery County Sheriff’s office in Crawfordsville, Indiana and has been on the force since 2014. He has been part of their K9 Unit since 2017, where he works with his K9 partner, Titan, who is an eight year old Belgian Tervuren. Robby has been racing dirt bikes for fun since 1996 and raced in the Warrior class on Sunday morning. Robby helps out at the Shaver family farm, and at their shop, Tom’s Marine Sales. He also works for the sheriff’s department at certain Ironman Raceway events. Robby was awarded a $250 AMSOIL shopping spree, a set of Kanati Truck tires courtesy of GBC, a Columbia Flag and Sign Co. American flag and gift certificate, along with a pair of 100% camo goggles.

The AMSOIL Hoosier Moto Hero went to Robby Hechinger of Brownsburg, Indiana.
The AMSOIL Hoosier Moto Hero went to Robby Hechinger of Brownsburg, Indiana.Ken Hill

The next round of GNCC Racing will take place on May 20-21 in Millfield, Ohio at Sunday Creek Raceway with the seventh round of racing, The Wiseco John Penton GNCC. For more event information, or to buy tickets online and pre-register for the event, click HERE.

Catch GNCC Pro ATV and Motorcycle Racing free via RacerTV.com all season long. Pro ATV Racing starts Saturday’s at 2pm ET, with the exception of Big Buck, Snowshoe and Ironman events where they will start at 1pm ET. GNCC Pro Motorcycle Racing will begin at 1pm ET on Sunday’s. Later in the year GNCC Racing will premiere on MAVTV with event highlight episodes.

For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.

Jonathan Girroir (center), Steward Baylor (left) and Ben Kelley (right) rounded out the top three XC1 Open Pro finishers at the AMSOIL Hoosier.
Jonathan Girroir (center), Steward Baylor (left) and Ben Kelley (right) rounded out the top three XC1 Open Pro finishers at the AMSOIL Hoosier.Ken Hill

AMSOIL Hoosier Results and Points Standings Crawfordsville, Indiana Round 6 of 12 Sunday, May 7, 2023

XC1 Pro Event Results:

    1. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
    1. Steward Baylor Jr. (KTM)
    1. Benjamin Kelley (KTM)
    1. Craig DeLong (HQV)
    1. Josh Strang (KAW)
    1. Ricky Russell (YAM)
    1. Jordan Ashburn (HQV)
    1. Grant Baylor (KAW)

*Overall National Championship Standings:

    1. Ben Kelley (129)
    1. Craig DeLong (124)
    1. Steward Baylor (123)
    1. Ricky Russell (86)
    1. Grant Baylor (85)
    1. Jordan Ashburn (80)
    1. Josh Strang (79)
    1. Ruy Barbosa (71)
    1. Jonathan Girroir (69)
    1. Cody Barnes (65)

*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2023 National Champion.

XC2 250 Pro Event Results:

    1. Michael Witkowski (HON)
    1. Liam Draper (YAM)
    1. Cody Barnes (HON)
    1. Ruy Barbosa (HON)
    1. Ryder Lafferty (GAS)
    1. Jonathan Johnson (BET)
    1. Angus Riordan (KTM)
    1. Evan Smith (BET)
    1. Mason Semmens (KTM)
    1. Nathaniel Tasha (KTM)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:

    1. Ruy Barbosa (129)
    1. Cody Barnes (116)
    1. Angus Riordan (113)
    1. Ryder Lafferty (112)
    1. Liam Draper (109)
    1. Mason Semmens (96)
    1. Michael Witkowski (91)
    1. Lyndon Snodgrass (83)
    1. Evan Smith (82)
    1. Jonathan Johnson (71)

To get the latest GNCC Racing clothing and merchandise visit https://www.mototees.com.


Ken Roczen Announces Commitment to World Supercross Championship

Ken Roczen has today confirmed his commitment to the FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), announcing via a virtual media conference he will race in the Championship until 2025.

Already a rider for the Dustin Pipes-led Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki team in the US, Roczen will compete under the Pipes Motorsports Group banner in 2023, where he’ll defend his current WSX (450cc) class World Title.

Roczen says returning to the World Supercross Championship for the next three years represents his commitment to becoming a supercross specialist and growing the discipline around the world.

“I had a great time in Cardiff and Melbourne last year, which made it easy to commit to the World Supercross Championship,” said Roczen. “I’m hungrier than ever for race wins and will be giving it my all with my team to be standing on the top step when the season ends in Melbourne this November.” – Ken Roczen | Defending WSX 450cc World Champion

“For supercross to grow as a sport around the world, I think it’s really important that more riders focus solely on the discipline, which is why I’m concentrating on the World Supercross Championship and the AMA Supercross Championship in the coming years. I feel like my riding this year has been as good as ever, and I’m excited to see what I can do when focusing on one speciality.

“I’m particularly proud of what we’ve achieved this year with the Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki Team. Dustin, Larry and the whole team have put in a huge effort to make me as comfortable as I have been to race at the front all season long.

“For us to continue our supercross momentum together and take the sport we love to fans around the world is an amazing opportunity that I’m very grateful for. I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to compete for a World Title at home in Germany, which is something I could only dream about until now.”

SX Global CEO Adam Bailey said that today’s announcement was not only a huge win for the sport but for fans who might not have had an opportunity to see one of the biggest names in supercross race in their country before.

“Supercross has an incredible following across the globe, and we know Ken is one of the most popular riders in the world, so having him commit to WSX for the next three years is a fantastic step towards our mission to build a truly global World Supercross Championship that fans, athletes, teams, sponsors and media partners are passionate about.

“I can’t wait to see fans in new regions enjoy the best sport in the world firsthand. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the enjoyment they get witnessing these incredible athletes race in person,” said Bailey.

Pipes Motorsports Team Principal Dustin Pipes said Roczen’s professionalism and experience are qualities the team is already familiar with. Now, they can build on that foundation as they embark on a new season of WSX racing.

“Ken is a champion in supercross both on and off the track, and we’ve already seen what he can achieve with our team in the States. That relationship and consistency now transfer to our World Supercross Championship team, so we’re confident that Ken can deliver another World Title win, this time on a Suzuki, in 2023,” said Pipes.

Fans can witness Roczen defend his WSX World Title at six World Supercross Championship rounds in the United Kingdom, France, Southeast Asia, Germany, Canada and Australia. To buy tickets, visit WSXChampionship.com


Daniels in Command at Inaugural Ventura Short Track

The dream season of ascending Progressive American Flat Track star Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) continued with his convincing victory in Saturday night’s inaugural Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.

As impressive as he was a year ago as a Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle rookie, Daniels has taken his game to the next level in 2023. The prodigious teenager extended his unblemished run of firsts and seconds this season with a calm and controlled performance en route to the top step on the box at the scenic ocean-adjacent venue.

Daniels’ teammate, JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), shot off the line in first but held the position for less than a single quick circulation of the 1/5-mile clay oval. Beach did well to keep Daniels honest after being dropped to second and even reeled him back in at one point. But the relentless perfection of the title leader gradually stacked up to a near one-second advantage by the time the Main Event was seven minutes deep, with reigning champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) significantly further back in third.

Just when the podium order seemed all but academic, a red-flag reset occurred after Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) came out the worst of an accordion-style crash that marred the multi-rider fight for fourth. Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) got into the back of Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), leading directly to Robinson’s spill. The fallen Robinson was subsequently clipped by Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Martin Trucking Harley-Davidson XR750) forcing a stoppage in the action.

But even after Beach, Mees, and the field being given a second chance, little changed at the front following the staggered restart. Daniels simply went back to piling up his advantage, ultimately scooping up a third win of the year to go with his three runner-ups.

Beach completed the Estenson Racing Yamaha 1-2, while Mees managed to score podium points on a night he never really felt at home on the track.

Likewise, two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke) came away with fourth after running as low as ninth early.

Lewis held on for his second top five of the season in fifth, followed closely to the line by Halbert and Bauman’s younger sibling, Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke).

Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) picked up his best result of the season in eighth, while Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Vanderkooi rounded out the top ten.

As a result of the third triumph of his sophomore campaign, Daniels tightened his grip on the title fight. He opened his lead to 24 points over Mees (138-114) a third of the way into the season, while Beach moved back ahead of Bauman for third (97-94).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Like Daniels, Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) earned the third win of his 2023 season as he continued his Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER title defense in stellar fashion.

However, in contrast to his twin victory cruises at the DAYTONA double opener, Kopp was pushed to the brink by a hungry Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) under the lights at Ventura Raceway.

After a handful of hectic early laps, the two shook free from Saathoff’s Turner Racing teammates, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). From that point on, the race became a two-rider duel for top honors.

While Kopp controlled the bulk of the tense contest from the front, the Honda pilot threw in a few late haymakers, including a skittering, crisscrossing double lead change that got the fans on their feet with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock.

But a last-lap encore wasn’t in the cards, as a minor moment on Saathoff’s part with two laps to go allowed Kopp just enough air to power to the checkered flag firework-free.

Kopp said, “Chase is a helluva competitor. He was my fiercest rival and competitor growing up on 85s, 250s, and 450s. Man, that was probably the most fun race I’ve ever had – we were squaring each other up. I hope it was a fun one to watch.”

Mischler held off Kopp’s charging teammate, Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), to pick up his second consecutive podium, while Estenson Racing Yamaha’s Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) charged his way forward to fifth after getting off the line in ninth.

Dallas winner Lowe came home sixth, while Brunner’s Estenson Racing Yamaha teammate, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), took seventh. Cole Frederickson (No. 151 Lehmann Racing/Miller Tree Service Honda CRF450R) fifth eighth, followed by Justin Jones (No. 91 NRC Racing/Elder Trucking KTM 450 SX-F).

Kopp’s closest title rival, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) was the final rider in the top ten. That allowed Kopp to press his advantage up to a healthy 19 points (127-108) with Whale third at 102 and the on-form Saathoff fourth with 97.

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will conclude its two-weekend California swing by going directly from the season’s final Short Track into its first Mile with the Legendary Sacramento Mile at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, on Saturday, May 13. Visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7818909/the-mission-foods-legendary-sacramento-mile-powered-by-law-tigers–sacramento-sacramento-mile to secure your tickets today.

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Ventura Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.


Second 250SX Title in Two Weeks for Team Honda HRC

On a dramatic evening in downtown Denver, Team Honda HRC continued its dream 2023 AMA Supercross season, collecting the 250SX West Region crown at the hands of Jett Lawrence (on the heels of Hunter Lawrence clinching the 250SX East crown last week). Meanwhile, Chase Sexton notched his second 450SX win in as many weekends and his third in four races. With title rival Eli Tomac suffering an injury, Sexton took over the points lead with one round remaining.

Following a poor start in the 250SX West main event, Lawrence was 10th on the first lap, but he knew he only needed a 10th-place finish in order to clinch the title. Riding safely to avoid jeopardizing the title, the young Australian was ninth after one lap, eighth a lap later, and he moved into seventh six laps in. At the halfway point of the 21-lap race, Lawrence sat in third place, and he held that position to the finish, celebrating his fourth AMA crown as he crossed the finish line.

230509 Jett Lawrence takes 250SX West title

In the 450SX main event, Sexton sat in sixth place after one lap, having been delayed in turn 1. He advanced to fourth by lap 3, and after Eli Tomac pulled off with an injury a lap later, the Illinois native found himself in second. He moved into the lead on lap 7 and rode smoothly to the finish, winning by over eight seconds. Meanwhile, Nichols rode extremely well early on, nabbing a strong start and running in the top five until suffering a scary crash. Fortunately, following a few scary moments, the Oklahoma native turned out to be relatively okay, and he looks forward to racing at the series finale.

NOTES

Chase Sexton “I think some of my crashes earlier in the season were caused by being negative and not having confidence in myself to win these races. In the middle of the season, I was definitely questioning whether I could lead and win an entire main event. I had some time to reset after Seattle and just clear my head. We got a little bit of testing done and I felt super solid on the bike. You have to try and stay positive when things like that are happening, and I knew I could dig myself out of it. It’s never over until it’s over. Obviously, we have another round, so we’ll just have to go there and do the best we can.”

Colt Nichols “Denver was going pretty good until it wasn’t. I made really good progress all day. I’ve been feeling more like myself on the bike the past two weeks. I just got tangled with another rider going for third place; it was a weird racing incident. I felt like I had a good shot of getting on the podium tonight, but I’ve just got to keep pushing. I’m a little banged up but excited to go racing next weekend.”

Jett Lawrence “The heat race didn’t go as planned. One guy went left, I went left, and I just had nowhere to go. I was happy to at least qualify though. In the main event, the ruts after the gate were wrecked, and there were only a few good ones left. I found a decent one but just spun getting on the dirt, and there went my start! I knew I only needed 10th or better, so I could take my time and not push it. Once I got into third and saw where the other guys were, there wasn’t much traction left in the dirt, and I didn’t want to push it. We didn’t quite equal Hunter when he won his championship, but we’re still happy to walk away with the number 1 plate.”

Lars Lindstrom – Team Manager “This will probably go down as one of the most difficult mixes of emotions for any race that I’ve ever been involved in. First and foremost, my hat goes off to Jett on winning his fourth consecutive 250 championship—simply incredible, and I’m so excited to see him join the 450 ranks! He was in a class of his own this season, and it’s perfect timing for him to move up. In the 450 class, it has been shocking how many riders have gotten injured in the last few weeks, and it was terrible to see what happened to Eli. He’s a true legend in our sport, and I wish him a speedy recovery. Chase got his fifth win of the season, showing again that he’s deserving of any success that’s coming to him. It’s a long, grueling season, and he’s been strong throughout. Next weekend will be very interesting, that’s for sure.”


AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Announces 2023 Nominees

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the list of nominees for the Class of 2023, and that voting is now open.

The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame selection committees have put forward 16 nominees from eight areas of influence: Ambassadors & Industry, Design & Engineering, Dirt Track, Leadership & Rights, Motocross & Supercross, Off-Road, Road Racing and Specialty Competition.

Nominees include:

Competition:

Non-Competition

“The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame nominees for 2023 include a diverse and accomplished group of men and women who’ve demonstrated exceptional achievements in competition, advocacy and promotion of the sport of motorcycling,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “They have contributed significantly to the advancement of motorcycling in various areas, from excelling in dirt track, motocross and road racing competition, to advocating for motorcyclists’ rights, to creating enduring events that have helped grow motorcycling, to creating innovative motorcycle designs. We’re honored to recognize this year’s nominees and eagerly anticipate announcing the Class of 2023 soon.”

Voting for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2023 is now open. Eligible voters include previous Hall of Fame inductees, members of the AMA and AMHF Boards of Directors, and members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Category Selection Committees. AMA Life Members with at least 25 years of consecutive membership are also eligible to vote but should update their contact information to receive the latest updates and announcements pertaining to the voting process.

Voting ends Sunday, June 18 at 11:59 p.m.

Voting results will be announced soon after voting closes, and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on Sept. 15, in Pickerington, Ohio.

To vote on this year’s nominees, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame-class-of-2023.


Tomac Sidelined with Injury at Denver Supercross

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac was on course for another top result at the penultimate round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross last night in Denver, Colorado. Unfortunately, the reigning 450SX champ and points leader was forced to withdraw from the main event with an injury, ending his title hopes as he will be sidelined to return to full fitness.

Tomac headed to his home-state supercross round at the Empower Field at Migh High feeling good and holding an 18-point lead in the championship. He qualified third overall and got a flying start in his heat race, leading the first four laps and ultimately crossing the line second. In the main event, he got another great start and quickly claimed the lead. Tomac was running a good pace up front before unfortunately rupturing his Achilles tendon on Lap 3. He withdrew from the race and was evaluated on-site by the Alpinestars Mobile Medical Unit. Tomac sought further evaluation and will undergo surgery today to repair the injury. An update on his status will follow at a later date.

This Week in Powersports Racing – The Week of April 30, 2023

News and stories from Powersports racing in the United States.


Hunter Lawrence Clinches 2023 AMA 250SX East Region Championship

During today’s AMA Supercross round at Nissan Stadium, Team Honda HRC rider Hunter Lawrence clinched the 250SX East Region Championship with yet another main-event victory. His teammate, Chase Sexton, won the 450SX main event on the same day. Of the nine East Region events held so far this season, Lawrence has ridden his CRF250R to the win in seven, and he finished third at the other two. The series finale is still to be run, but Lawrence’s 56-point lead in the title chase is too large for any rider to overcome.

230430 Hunter Lawrence 250SX E Championship 2

This is Lawrence’s third season with Team Honda HRC. A native of Landsborough, in Queensland, Australia, he campaigned the 2016 European Motocross Championship as a 16-year-old, then moved up to the MX2 class the following season, earning attention when he finished second overall at the U.S. round in Florida. He switched to the 114 Motorsports Honda satellite squad for 2018 and finished third in the final standings despite missing several races. He topped the MX2 class at the Motocross of Nations that same year, before relocating to the U.S. with his family, so that he and his brother Jett could ride for the Factory Connection Honda satellite team . Although his bids for an AMA title were initially thwarted by injuries, his speed was obvious, and he and Jett were promoted to the factory squad for the 2021 season. Since then, Hunter has been consistently fast, finishing in the top three in every AMA championship he has campaigned with the squad. This much-deserved 2023 crown is his first in AMA racing.

“I just want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” Hunter Lawrence said on the podium after the race. “Everyone that is with me now was with me when I was at my lowest of lows, so this is incredible. I can’t say I dreamed of this as a kid, because I didn’t know this was possible. I’m choked up; this is just surreal. This weekend has been incredible—the perfect day. I just want to celebrate this with everyone I love and care about—the whole team. This means the world.”

230430 Hunter Lawrence 250SX E Championship 10

This marks the 13 th time that Honda has won the AMA Supercross East Region support-class title, with Lawrence joining past Red Riders including Brian Swink, Doug Henry, Davi Millsaps, Trey Canard, Justin Barcia, Wil Hahn, Malcolm Stewart, Justin Bogle, Chase Sexton and Jett Lawrence . (Jett currently races a Team Honda HRC CRF250R in the AMA 250SX West Region and has a chance to clinch that title next week in Denver.)

“On behalf of everyone at American Honda and HRC, I’d like to extend a huge congratulations and thank you to Hunter,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Sports and Experiential at American Honda. “Of course it’s always an incredible feeling for a manufacturer and team to win a championship, but this one is particularly sweet, simply because Hunter has had to overcome so much to earn it. His family has made incredible sacrifices, moving first to Europe and then to the United States . As the older brother, Hunter has often had to blaze the trail, but he has consistently maintained a positive attitude, even when dealing with injuries and other setbacks. We’re all extremely proud of him, and we look forward to much continued success.”

230430 Hunter Lawrence 250SX E Championship 4

Lawrence’s 2023 250SX East Championship comes in a season during which Honda marks the 50th anniversary of its first production motocross bike, the CR250M Elsinore, which Gary Jones rode to Honda’s first AMA Motocross Championship in 1973.


Chase Sexton Wins Nashville Supercross and Takes Over Second Place in Championship

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the Round 15 win in a rare daytime Monster Energy AMA Supercross race in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

The Supercross series returned to Nashville. Daytime opening ceremonies kicked off the second-ever Supercross race in the Music City. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac led early but earned second at the checkered flag at Nissan Stadium. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen delivered another podium performance and earned third place points toward both the 17-round 2023 Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the penultimate round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class season, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was picture-perfect for the race win and the points needed to seal his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross championship.

Chase Sexton – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

Chase Sexton’s Nashville Supercross win moved him into second place in the championship standings. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eli Tomac grabbed a clear Holeshot and sprinted early to establish some breathing room on the pack of Tank Masters Red Line Oil Next Level KTM’s Kevin Moranz, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols, Chase Sexton, Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Kyle Chisholm and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia. Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill got an incredible drive down the first rhythm lane and was into third place before the second corner. Absent was Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, second in the championship points; Webb had been taken out of the event earlier by a tough crash in his Heat Race.

Tomac distanced himself from the pack as Sexton moved past Justin Hill to take over second just three minutes into the race. Sexton sat over four seconds back but set his sights on Tomac. A minute later Tomac had a near-crash in the whoops. The challenging track had created a lot of crashes through qualifying and racing. Tomac’s scare convinced him to lower his aggression, as he reported on the podium after the race.

Just over five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Barcia moved forward into third place. Up front, Sexton steadily cut down the lead. The next few laps shook up the race as Sexton made it to Tomac’s rear fender just as Barcia crashed hard off the Dragon’s Back. Barcia was out just as Roczen nabbed third from Justin Hill. From there the race leaders held their spots on the slick, dry track. Sexton earned his fourth win of the season and moved into second in the championship standings. Tomac lost three points to Chase but extended his points lead to 18 due to Webb earning zero in Nashville.

Hunter Lawrence – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc

Hunter Lawrence made it a Team HRC Honda sweep by taking the Nashville win and also the 2023 Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Hunter Lawrence grabbed the Holeshot but Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith quickly charged up to him. In the third corner Smith bumped his way past and into the lead ahead of Lawrence and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. A minute and a half into the 15-minute plus one lap race Smith held first ahead of Lawrence, Smith, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan. With a 49-point lead and only one Eastern Regional 250SX Class round remaining after Nashville, Lawrence could finish as low as 20th and still claim the title. But Lawrence looked like he wanted to go out with a win, and hounded Smith up front. Shimoda moved into third behind them and Deegan fought to get past Martin for fourth.

With 9:30 remaining on the race clock Smith overcooked a turn in the sand section and went off the track and into the Tuff Blox. He didn’t fall, but the mistake and correction to get back on the track cost him two positions. Lawrence took over the lead but suddenly Shimoda was on a tear and looking like he might soon fight for the front spot. Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie, the winner at the previous round, had made his way into sixth and reached Deegan’s rear wheel just before Deegan made his own move and passed Martin for fourth place.

Late in the race Lawrence had built a comfortable lead while Shimoda, Smith, and Deegan ran close enough that each of their positions were in jeopardy. The riders circled the final laps without major mistakes. Lawrence brought home the race win and with it his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross title. Shimoda earned his first podium of the season after missing most of it due to injury, and Smith took the final podium spot.

Only two rounds remain in the season. The 450SX Class racers line up again inside Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado next Saturday, May 6th before the 2023 Supercross Championship Final Presented by Utah Sports Commission at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 13th. Two champions remain to be crowned, one in the 450SX Class and one in the Western Regional 250SX Class.

The two rounds will also pay points toward the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship which encompasses the Supercross season, the AMA Pro Motocross season, two Playoff races and a Final to determine the sport’s first SuperMotocross World Champion in September.

All 31-rounds of the SuperMotocross World Championship are streamed live on Peacock and select rounds are broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. The 450 class racers battle for a one million dollar payout to the winner, and the 250 class racers all battle in a single class for a $500,000 prize to the winner in that class.

Tickets are available now alongside video highlights, race results, the complete SMX schedule, and more at SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
    1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
    1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
    1. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM

450SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (338)
    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (320)
    1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (280)
    1. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)
    1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)
    1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (172)
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (170)
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (165)
250SX Class podium – Nashville Supercross - Photo Credit- Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jordon Smith, Hunter Lawrence, and Jo Shimoda. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

    1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
    1. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki
    1. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
    1. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
    1. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
    1. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
    1. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
    1. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
    1. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
    1. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (224)
    1. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (168)
    1. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (166)
    1. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (141)
    1. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (132)
    1. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (128)
    1. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
    1. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (111)
    1. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (109)
    1. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (89)

NASHVILLE SUPERCROSS HITS SOUR NOTE WITH JUSTIN BARCIA

Several of the AMA Supercross series frontrunners endured costly crashes at Nashville, and unfortunately, that included Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team’s Justin Barcia.

450SX

Things were looking good again for Justin Barcia and his MC 450F Factory Edition machine early in the day, as he qualified third-fastest, and then backed that up with a win in his heat race. After a strong start to the main, he quickly worked his way into fourth place, and then into third place by lap six. Unfortunately, shortly after that, he had a hard crash in the dragon’s back section of the track. Despite being assisted by the Alpinestars Mobile Medical crew, he was unable to continue.

250SX East

After injuries earlier in the season, Michael Mosiman is back in the saddle and continues to prepare for the upcoming AMA Pro Motocross season.

Next Event (Round 16): May 6, 2023 – Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo.

Results – 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 15

250SX East – Main Event Results

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 17 laps; 2. Jo Shimoda (Kawasaki) +03.857; 3. Jordon Smith (Yamaha) +05.305

450SX – Main Event Results

1. Chase Sexton (Honda) 23 laps; 2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) +14.513; 3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) +29.756 … 11. Justin Starling (GASGAS) 13. Tristan Lane (GASGAS)… 21. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)

Championship Standings – After 15 Rounds

250SX East

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 224 points; 2. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 168 points;  3. Max Anstie (Honda) 166 points … 19. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS) 51 points

450SX

1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 338 points; 2. Chase Sexton (Honda) 320 points; 3. Cooper Webb (KTM) 304 … 5. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 267; 21. Justin Starling (GASGAS) 66 … 29. Tristan Lane (GASGAS) 13


LOWS AND HIGHS FOR TALON HAWKINS IN NASHVILLE SUPERCROSS

Throw in everything from soft and wet conditions in the morning, to hard to dry in the afternoon of the unusual day race, and Nashville provided plenty of opportunities for an exceptional educational experience for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team rookie, Talon Hawkins.

250 SX

After a tough go in the heat race, where Talon made contact with another rider, he returned to score a win in the LCQ aboard his FC250. In the main event, he had to work from the rear after getting pushed wide in the first turn, and he improved from 22nd to 12th at the finish.

“The race had a lot of ups and downs, that’s for sure, but that’s part of learning and this is my first year doing this. We’re learning a lot and I’m glad I’m getting time to see time on the pro tracks,” said Hawkins“I went down in the heat. I came together with another rider. It happens. It’s racing. So, I had to go through the LCQ, and I ended up coming out with a win, and it was cool to be able to put my FC250 up on the podium and talk about it. In the main event, I was on my way to a good start, and unfortunately, I got pushed out wide and into a Tuf-Blox. I had to come from dead last to 12th. There were some good moments to take away from this race, and let’s get back to work.

450 SX

Christian Craig and Malcolm Stewart are both still sidelined and are continuing their recovery and/or preparation for future events to come in ’23.

\Next Event (Round 16): May 6, 2023 – Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colo.

Round 15 Results: Nashville

250 SX East Results

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 2. Jo Shimoda (Kawasaki) 3. Jordon Smith (Yamaha) … 12. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

450 SX Results

1. Chase Sexton (Honda) 2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)

250 SX Rider Point Standings 1. Hunter Lawrence – 224 points 2. Haiden Deegan – 168 points 3. Max Anstie – 166 points … 13. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 73 points

450 SX Rider Point Standings 1. Eli Tomac – 338 points 2. Chase Sexton – 320 points 3. Cooper Webb – 304 points … 11. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 150 points 28. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 15 points


TOM VIALLE SEVENTH IN TOUGH NASHVILLE FOR RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Round 15 of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship in Nashville proved to be a difficult day that unfolded for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, with Tom Vialle racing to seventh in the 250SX East Main Event, and two-time 450SX title-winner Cooper Webb crashing out of Heat 1.

After qualifying in P8, Vialle powered his KTM 250 SX-F to a sixth-place result in the opening Heat race of the event, which transferred the French rookie directly into the Main Event. The Tennessee circuit further deteriorated with each gate-drop, making for an added challenge come Main Event time, where Vialle went on to secure seventh place. He currently sits eighth in the standings.

Tom Vialle: “I crashed in practice, so the beginning of the day wasn’t as expected, but recovered well in the Heat race with a fourth, before I was docked two positions because I didn’t see the red cross flag. That gave me a tough gate pick for the main, and I came around the first corner in eighth or ninth. I was close to sixth, although ended the race in seventh. The track was very sketchy and I lost a bit of time in the dragon’s back section, but overall, an average result here and one more chance to race Supercross for the season in two weeks’ time.”

Title challenger Webb stormed out of the gates and led the opening 450SX Heat race of the day, before going down soon afterward on lap one. The 27-year-old was then transferred from the stadium to the hospital for further evaluation, unfortunately, ruled out for the remainder of the round, and he is now positioned third in points. An additional update once he has seen his doctor will follow.

The KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION of Aaron Plessinger was a non-starter in Nashville, recovering from his incident last weekend in East Rutherford, and he is intending to return to action next Saturday in Denver, Colorado.

Next Race: May 6 – Denver, Colorado

Results 450SX Class – Nashville 1. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, 23 laps 2. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha, +14.513 3. Ken Roczen (GER), Suzuki, +29.756 OTHER KTM 5. Justin Hill (USA), KTM 10. Josh Hill (USA), KTM 12. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM 18. Max Miller (USA), KTM

Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 15 of 17 rounds 1. Eli Tomac, 338 2. Chase Sexton, 320 3. Cooper Webb, 304 OTHER KTM 7. Aaron Plessinger, 213 8. Justin Hill, 172 14. Josh Hill, 116 18. Kevin Moranz, 81

Results 250SX East Class – Nashville 1. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 17 laps 2. Jo Shimoda (JPN), Kawasaki, +3.857 3. Jordon Smith (USA), Yamaha, +5.305 OTHER KTM 7. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM

Results 250SX East Class 2023 after 9 of 10 rounds 1. Hunter Lawrence, 224 2. Haiden Deegan, 168 3. Max Anstie, 166 OTHER KTM 8. Tom Vialle, 111


Gaige Herrera Dominates NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle Four-Wide Nationals at Charlotte

Gaige Herrera extended the perfect start to his breakout rookie season by delivering the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team its second consecutive Pro Stock Motorcycle class win Sunday onboard his Gen III Suzuki Hayabusa at the Circle K NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, NC.

Race Highlights

Gaige Herrera (79) captures his second win in a row in his first four-wide race in Charlotte.

Gaige Herrera (79) captures his second win in a row in his first four-wide race in Charlotte.

Under the NHRA’s unique four-wide racing format, the first two motorcycles to cross the finish line, barring a redlight jumpstart, advance to the next round regardless of lane pairing. In the final round four-wide quad, the first motorcycle to cross the finish line wins.

Unfazed by his inexperience in four-wide racing, Herrera displayed more of the speed and poise that have vaulted him to the top of the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings by qualifying number one for the second race in a row with a 6.735 seconds/201.52 mph run on Saturday.

In the first round of eliminations, Herrera won his first-round quad matchup with a strong 6.754-second/201.13 mph run to easily advance past runner-up Kelly Clontz (6.874-seconds/196.04 mph), who also moved to the second round.

Herrera advanced to his second career final round thanks to some luck in the semi-finals after his motorcycle slowed when his kill switch lanyard became detached and shut off the engine near the end of the run. Despite the hiccup, his 6.857-second/170.02 mph run was good enough to advance into the final round along with runner-up Matt Smith (6.916-seconds/194.60 mph).

Continuing his dominance, Herrera blasted to a second straight race win with a hammer-blow 6.71-second/202.00 mph pass that easily covered the other three bikes in the final round quad. Matt Smith finished runner-up with a 6.780-second/199.61 mph run, followed by Krawiec in third (6.784-seconds/199.37 mph) and Steve Johnson (6.810-seconds/197.54 mph) in fourth, capturing the four top finishing positions for Suzuki.

Exuding confidence and calmness that belies his rookie status, Herrera is taking his incredible start to the season in stride. “It’s definitely more than I expected. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in the Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team, but as far as me being able to hold my composure and show the results of all the hard work they do back at the shop, it’s a lot to take in.”

Herrera is also adapting to the techniques required to ride a Pro Stock Motorcycle consistently fast. “Every pass has a learning curve. I’m still working on how to make little changes with my body during a run that won’t affect the motorcycle’s elapsed time or top speed. The Gen III Suzuki Hayabusa is a dream to ride, and if I leave the line going straight, I know it’s going to be a good pass. I have one of the best bikes out there, so I’ll try to make it three in a row in Chicago.”

Making the final for the first time in this early season, Eddie Krawiec (7) finishes third

Making the final for the first time in this early season, Eddie Krawiec (7) finishes third.

After struggling with an inconsistent performance at the end of the 2022 season, Krawiec has turned a corner with his motorcycle’s performance this season after chasing and fixing some hard-to-diagnose issues.

Capitalizing on improvements made to his Suzuki Hayabusa after the opening round in Gainesville, Krawiec posted a strong 6.765-second/197.77 mph qualifying performance to claim the second starting position.

In the first round, Krawiec staged a come-from-behind win in his quad matchup against Hector Arana, Jr., Ron Tornow, and Angie Smith. He advanced to the second round with a 6.822-second/200.02 mph run, along with runner-up Arana (6.914-seconds/199.55 mph).

Improving on his first-round speed, Krawiec advanced to the finals with a 6.784-second/199.73 mph run to defeat runner-up Steve Johnson (6.806-seconds/198.00 mph).

Krawiec trailed his teammate in the final round, finishing in third place in the quad with a 6.784-second/199.37 mph pass.

“We fixed some things on my bike and are running a completely different setup now than last year, so I’ve got to relearn what makes it happy,” Krawiec said. “As we do that, it’ll get better and better. It’s good to have a fast motorcycle and that’s now in view. I’m not looking for it with binoculars anymore.”

Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki crew chief Andrew Hines praised Herrera’s performance and his perfect start to the season.

“Gaige is on fire. He’s a rookie. He’s got nothing to lose and nothing to prove. He just goes out there and races,” Hines said. “We had a lot of time off after Gainesville, a lot of time to go through all our engines and figure out which ones were the best. We brought our two A-game pieces to this race that we knew were ready to go and to be class leaders. The new Gen III Hayabusa body is allowing both riders to make flawless runs, and our Vance & Hines horsepower is shining. These are the two best race bikes we’ve brought to the racetrack in a long time. The clutch tune-up I have in Gaige’s bike is working very well. We’ve just got to adapt the setup on Eddie’s bike a little bit better and we’ll be good to go for Chicago in a few weeks.”

After two of 15 rounds, Herrera and Krawiec currently sit first and third in the Pro Stock Motorcycle standings with 255 and 135 points, respectively.

The Vance & Hines/Mission Suzuki team will be back in action May 19-21 at the Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway in Elwood, IL.

For the latest Suzuki team news, race reports, and information visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Drag-Racing.


450SX TITLE BID OF RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S COOPER WEBB ENDS FOLLOWING NASHVILLE EXIT

MURRIETA, Calif. – Two-time 450SX champion Cooper Webb’s 2023 AMA Supercross Championship title challenge has come to an early ending following his crash at Nashville on Saturday, the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider now taking the time to recover from a concussion sustained in the incident.

Webb has thankfully been cleared of any additional major injuries following his exit in the opening Heat race of the night, however, the 27-year-old who won the premier class title with Red Bull KTM both in 2019 and 2021 will be absent from the upcoming final two rounds of the 2023 season.

Cooper Webb: “As many of you saw, I suffered a concussion last night in Nashville. I am thankful everything else has checked out okay. This will unfortunately put an end to my SX season. It hurts to have it end like this, but I can hold my head high knowing that I gave it my all.”

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager, Ian Harrison, echoed Webb’s sentiments, acknowledging that safety is paramount for the team’s riders, despite the disappointment of being ruled out of contention this late in the 17-round Supercross season.

Ian Harrison: “It’s definitely not the end to the 2023 Supercross Championship season that the team had hoped for, but we are very relieved that Cooper is okay after what had the potential to be a very nasty accident, as he was really going for it when he went down in a racing incident. Our riders’ health and safety are very important to the team, so knowing he is going to be okay is a huge weight off everyone’s shoulders. Obviously, we were really looking forward to taking the championship hunt all the way down to the final Supercross race in Salt Lake City, but unfortunately, that won’t be the case this year. It’s disappointing, but we will turn our focus towards our 250 riders’ final Supercross races of the season, as well as supporting Aaron Plessinger as he heals from his crash at the previous round in New Jersey, and get a jump start on preparing for the upcoming Pro Motocross Championship season.”

This season has marked a spectacular return to form for Webb riding the 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, securing nine podium finishes over the course of the opening 14 rounds, which included two 450SX Main Event victories in Tampa and Arlington, respectively. He entered Nashville ranked second in the standings, 11 points outside of the red plate prior to his fall.

The 2023 AMA Supercross Championship now heads to Denver, Colorado, for the penultimate round of the series this weekend, before the final round in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Saturday, May 13, will draw the curtains on this year’s championship.


FMF KTM FACTORY RACING TEAM ENDURES CHALLENGING PRIMM NGPC ROUND

PRIMM, Nev. – The FMF KTM Factory Racing Team experienced a challenging day in the Nevada desert for round six of the 2023 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC), with Mateo Oliveira 11th in the Pro Class and defending champion Dante Oliveira credited 14th position.

Ending the opening lap in third position, the elder Oliveira brother would climb his way into the race lead by lap four. An unfortunate fueling issue then dropped the number one bike down the order and eventually to 14th position, where he would finish. Dante retains the points lead in the Pro Class, currently holding an 18-point advantage.

Dante Oliveira: “Round six started off solid for me, ran third for the first few laps and grabbed the lead around the 50-minute mark, then ran into trouble on that same lap, so went in and got that sorted. Came back out, tried to charge, but all-in-all it was a tough day. We’ll be back for the next one.”

The story was similar for the second FMF KTM Factory Racing team rider, Mateo Oliveira, who began the race in fifth place, remaining inside the top five on his 450 XC-F until lap five when he was also struck by a similar problem, which relegated him to 10th by race’s end. He sits eighth in the point standings.

Mateo Oliveira: “We were moving in the right direction today for round six of the NPGC Series, ran up front, and proved that we can be right there in the fight. Next round we’ll come out swinging.”

The weekend in Primm saw an exceptional ride from KTM-mounted Mikayla Nielsen, who took home the top honors in the Pro Women’s Class and extended her series lead, while Kaitlyn Jacobs secured the final step of the podium in third.

Round 7: Delta, Utah – May 19-21, 2023

Results: Round 6

Pro Results 1. Cole Martinez, HON 2. Justin Hoeft, YAM 3. Zach Bell, KAW OTHER KTM 10. Mateo Oliveira, KTM 14. Dante Oliveira, KTM

Pro Women Results 1. Mikayla Nielsen, KTM 2. Ava Silvestri, GAS 3. Kaitlyn Jacobs, KTM

Pro Championship Standings 1. Dante Oliveira, 143 2. Cole Martinez, 125 3. Ryan Surratt, 119 OTHER KTM 8. Mateo Oliveira, 78


ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA’S AUSTIN WALTON CONTINUES NGPC FORM WITH FOURTH PLACE AT PRIMM

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Austin Walton has continued his run of form in the 2023 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) round at Primm, notching another top-five result with his fourth-place ride in Nevada.

Walton completed the opening lap of the race in P6 and would progressively pick his way through the field to end up in fourth by lap five. It was there that Walton would see out the race, crossing the line in fourth position by the race’s end and retaining P4 in the Pro Class standings.

“All done here with the NGPC round six here in Nevada,” Walton commented. “I’m in a positive headspace, it was a tough day with the heat and how rough the track was, though we made improvements – we keep making improvements – and it’s all positive. The team is working hard, so am I, and we keep making great progress. Today I walked away with fourth place, which isn’t exactly where I expect to be, though we’re getting better and better each round and moving in the right direction toward that top step.”

Meanwhile, a strong start for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Dalton Shirey saw him sitting in third place throughout the opening stages of the race, before being caught out by an unfortunate fueling issue on lap five. Shirey returned to the field soon afterward and put on a charge, ending the Primm event in ninth position.

“Today I started off with a great start,” recalled Shirey. “Dante Oliveira and Justin Hoeft set a solid pace that I struggled to match, so I was happy to sit tight in that third position. That was before I realized that I had the problem, then I hauled the mail to get back into the race. We’ll get them at the next one!”

Next Round (7): Delta, Utah – May 21, 2023

Pro Results

1. Cole Martinez, HON

2. Justin Hoeft, YAM

3. Zach Bell, KAW

4. Austin Walton – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

9. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Pro Championship Standings

1. Dante Oliveira, 143

2. Cole Martinez, 125

3. Ryan Surratt, 119

4. Austin Walton – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 104

9. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 72


Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda Secures Fifth Career Supercross Podium at Nashville SX  

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (April 30, 2023) – The upbeat tunes of Music City echoed through the early morning sky of downtown Nashville, Tennessee, for Round 15 of the Monster Energy® Supercross Championship where Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Jo Shimoda reached another career milestone after clinching his fifth career Supercross podium with a second-place finish. Teammate Chris Blose continued his string of top-10 finishes with a consistent eighth-place result. In the 450SX Class, Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson rebounded from crashes early in the day to earn sixth place while his teammate Adam Cianciarulo put on a come from behind performance to finish in eighth.

With showers early in the week soaking the Nashville track and an early start time, Saturday morning track conditions presented riders with a tacky top layer combined with a slick base. When 250SX Class qualifying sessions began, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki duo of Shimoda and Blose were quick to experiment with a variety of different lines and rhythm lane runs. Shimoda placed green on top of the leaderboard during the first qualifying session as he set the fastest time of the morning with a 54.092 lap time. When the timed qualifying practices concluded, Shimoda was third fastest (53.407) with Blose recording the sixth-fastest lap time (53.976).

In the first 250SX heat race, Blose emerged from Turn 1 running in third and quickly distanced himself with the leaders from the rest of the field. The No.57 showed consistency and speed as he managed to stay competitive against the top-two riders. With no real threat from behind, and a comfortable gap to the riders ahead, Blose rode a steady and controlled race, crossing the finish line in third and securing his spot in the main event.

At the start of 250SX Heat 2, Shimoda was fifth heading into the first turn. Buried in the pack, the young Japanese-born rider displayed impressive race craft as he kept the opposition behind and moved into fourth place during the opening laps. As racing progressed, the No.30 closed in on a top-three position and began to apply immense pressure in efforts to take over third place. The crowd inside Nissan Stadium roared as Shimoda and former 250 Class champion Alex Martin engaged in a multi-lap battle until Shimoda made a mistake due to the slick track conditions, ending his run for a third-place finish. The No.30 tried to close the gap to third once more but with little time remaining, he settled for fourth.

When the gate dropped on the 250SX Main Event, Shimoda and Blose launched their KX™250 race machines to strong fourth and fifth place starts. Running in fourth, Shimoda wasted no time in making his way forward by skillfully passing Martin in the opening rhythm section to take third place. Blose on the other hand, shuffled back to eighth place. Keen on returning to his podium ways, Shimoda deployed an impressive charge, gradually closing in on the leaders with each lap. Once he was within a few bike lengths of the lead group, the No.30 put on a masterclass in technique and race strategy as he capitalized on the back and forth racing ahead to maneuver into second place. Meanwhile, Blose engaged in a fierce battle with Tom Vialle for seventh place, fighting tooth and nail to gain ground. Despite his best efforts, Blose crossed the finish line in eighth place, while Shimoda finished in second. With his fifth career 250SX Class podium, Shimoda proved once again that he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

“My jump out of the gate wasn’t the best, but I stayed focused and kept pushing forward. I made some great passes and was able to work my way up to second place. It feels amazing to have fought my way back to the front of the pack and earn a podium finish. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team and my fans. I’m mostly happy to be back on the podium where I know I belong and I’m excited to carry this momentum into the final round.”

– Jo Shimoda

“I got a decent start in the Main Event, but some silly mistakes during the opening lap shuffled me back. I did my best to regain some positions once the race settled down, but I couldn’t find the right opportunity to attempt a pass. I’m proud of the effort I put in and that I was able to keep my consistent run of top-10 finishes intact. The team and I will do some extra work on the starts this week so we’re better prepared to battle up front during the final round in two weeks.”

– Chris Blose

Monster Energy Kawasaki riders Anderson and Cianciarulo continued their recent success in qualifying sessions as both KX™450SR riders quickly adapted to the track’s challenging conditions. During the first timed session of the morning, the Kawasaki duo made their mark with times inside the top-10 and turned up the speed for the second session as Cianciarulo placed his Kawasaki near the top spot of the leaderboard with the second fastest lap time (52.889). Anderson wasn’t far behind, and although a mistake in the whoops momentarily threw him off course, the No.21 still managed to claim the seventh quickest lap with a 53.490.

The No.9 of Cianciarulo utilized the power of his KX450SR at the start of 450SX Heat 1 to rocket out to a third-place start and quickly began pressuring the riders ahead. With the front three riders jockeying for the lead during the opening lap, a mistake from the leaders ahead allowed Cianciarulo to move into second and build a comfortable gap in front of the competition. The No.9 continued to log consistent laps through to the checkered flag, securing a second-place finish.

When the gate dropped on 450SX Heat 2, Anderson placed green towards the front once more as he reached the first turn in third. Narrowly escaping chaos behind him, Anderson set his sights forward and began to close the gap to second during the opening lap. Unfortunately, the quickly deteriorating track conditions saw Anderson get cross-rutted in the middle of the opening rhythm section and fall off the side of the track. Battered and bruised, the New Mexico native left the heat race early to recover and prepare for the 450SX LCQ.

When the 450SX LCQ gate dropped, Anderson again rocketed out to a superb start, this time reaching the first turn in second. A determined Anderson quickly moved into the lead before the end of the opening lap and immediately built a decent gap from the riders behind. Looking to put the mistakes from earlier in the day behind him, the No.21 rode a smooth and consistent race through to the checkered flag to take the race win and transfer into the Main Event.

In the 450SX Main Event, the Monster Energy Kawasaki duo faced early adversity with Anderson starting in 11th and Cianciarulo tipping over in the first turn. Unfazed by the daunting task at hand, Cianciarulo quickly gained ground to move from 22nd to 12th place, behind his teammate, by the second lap. As they worked their way up the field, the Kawasaki teammates engaged in an exciting multi-lap battle that culminated in Cianciarulo passing Anderson for ninth just before the long whoop section. Despite the intense competition, Anderson mounted his own charge and eventually overtook Cianciarulo to finish in a respectable sixth place, while Cianciarulo finished in a solid eighth place, earning Monster Energy Kawasaki two top-10 results.

“Today was a tough day, but I didn’t let the earlier setbacks get to me and I knew I had to give it my all in the Main Event. My body was sore heading into the Main Event, but I raced with everything I had, and I’m happy to have salvaged a top-10 finish for the team. It’s not the result I wanted, but sometimes it’s just about picking yourself up and pushing through no matter what. I’m proud of the effort we put in, and we’ll come back stronger next race.”

– Jason Anderson

“I was feeling great in qualifying and happy with how I was riding, but unfortunately I made a small mistake entering the first turn during the Main Event and had to battle my way through the pack. I found a good flow early in the race and managed to get into the top-10 and put on a good battle for the fans against my teammate. As the track continued to deteriorate, I made a couple of mistakes that cost me some time. Overall, I’m proud of how I was able to fight back and salvage some points with an eighth-place finish. We’ll regroup and come back stronger next race.”

– Adam Cianciarulo


Championship, Double Win for Team Honda HRC at Nashville SX

Team Honda HRC collected its third win-sweep of the season at the Nashville Supercross, and this one was even better than the first two. Not only did Chase Sexton and Hunter Lawrence top the 450SX and 250SX East classes, respectively, but Lawrence also clinched his first-ever AMA championship one round early. To top it all off, Colt Nichols notched a fourth-place result in the premier division–the best of his career.

Sexton got a fifth-place start in the 450SX main event and was in third the first time across the line. By the end of lap 3 he had powered his CRF450RWE by Justin Hill through the whoops, and then he set his sights on title-rival Eli Tomac. He closed in on the reigning champ and moved by at the halfway point. From there, the Illinois native rode flawlessly on a treacherous track, ultimately winning by 14.5 seconds. Meanwhile, Nichols enjoyed a strong start, slipped back a few spots, then rebounded to move up to fourth place by the finish.

Lawrence nailed the 250SX East main-event holeshot aboard his CRF250R but was quickly passed by Jordon Smith. The Australian waited patiently before taking advantage of a lap-6 pass opportunity and assuming the lead. Masterfully navigating the dry, slippery, technical conditions that rewarded his technical prowess, Lawrence pulled ahead to win by 3.9 seconds and celebrate with his family and team.

NOTES


Smith Scores Fifth Podium of Season

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith returned to the podium, finishing third at the penultimate round of the 250SX East Championship at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. His rookie teammate Haiden Deegan had another strong performance in the challenging conditions and crossed the line fourth.

With rain preceding the 15th round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, riders were met with challenging track conditions for the day race schedule. Smith got off to a flying start topping free practice and qualifying second in the combined times. He grabbed the holeshot in the first 250 heat race of the day and led from start to finish. The North Carolinian got another great start in the main event in second and quickly claimed the lead. Smith led the first five laps but unfortunately went off track and rejoined in third. The veteran kept his cool in the changing conditions and tried to charge back to the runner-up spot, but ultimately crossed the line third for his fifth podium of the season.

Deegan qualified fourth and had a good start in his heat race, slotting in behind his teammate to finish second. In the main event, he didn’t get off the gate as he had hoped but was in the top five. The Californian kept pushing and made his way to fourth with an outside pass after the whoops. He tried to close the gap on the frontrunners, but there wasn’t enough time, and he crossed the line fourth. Deegan maintains his runner-up position in the 250SX East Championship as the regional class gets a weekend off before the season finale in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Next weekend Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen returns for Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX West Championship and the 16th round of the SuperMotocross World Championship at the Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, on May 6.

Jordon Smith Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing “We started bright and early this morning, but it was a good day for us. I was right there with the top times in each practice and won the heat race. Then I got off to a great start in the main, passed for the lead, and led the thing for maybe five or six minutes. I made a mistake and went off the track and got a little tight after that. The track was really gnarly. It was really hard to keep pushing all the way through the main event, especially with a little bit of arm pump. The track just broke down a lot. The track crew tried fixing it, but it was just soft and hard at the same time. One of the rhythm sections was already foot-peg deep which they fixed before the main event, so it was constantly changing, and you had to stay on your toes the whole main. I’m happy to get my fifth podium of the season and battling for the win. It’s been a long time since I’ve been consistently on the podium, so I’m not taking that for granted. We’re just going to keep working.”

Haiden Deegan Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing “It was a good day overall. Qualifying was alright, and then the heat race was good. I had good speed and got second. In the main event, I got a bad start and tried to push through, but I just didn’t have enough time at the end. I ended up getting close, which was good. It was the first time I was able to catch the front guys, so I’m happy with that. The track did break down a lot more than I thought it was going to, watching previous videos of this place. It had quite a bit of ruts, and it was hard-packed, dry, and sketchy. So fourth place on the day. We will just keep getting better.” Jensen Hendler Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager “The weekend went, with Smith ending the day on the podium and Deegan fourth. They qualified great, with Smith second and Haiden fourth, and they both raced Heat 2 and finished 1-2 to get great gate picks for the main. They both had good starts, and Smith found himself in first on the first lap, but a small mistake shuffled him back to third. He put in a late charge to try and secure second but was a little short and finished third, which is great to go into the final round with a podium. Haiden fought his way through some guys to finish fourth. It’s not what he wanted, but he can continue to fight and go for a podium spot at the finale.”


Tomac Strengthens Title Defense in Nashville

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac rode a smart race in challenging conditions at the Nissan Stadium to take a runner-up finish at Round 15 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Nashville, Tennessee. The reigning 450SX Champion’s 11th podium of the season bolstered his title defense, giving him an 18-point lead with two rounds remaining.

Rain in advance of the event made for challenging track conditions, but Tomac showed strength straight away and topped the first two sessions. He ultimately qualified fourth on the combined timesheets and then got off to a flying start, grabbing the holeshot and the first 450 heat race win. In the main event, the reigning champ grabbed another holeshot and set a blistering pace up front to have over a three-second lead on the first lap. He continued to throw down some fast times and built a comfortable gap up front. As the race wore on, the competition closed the gap and ultimately passed him a couple of laps after the halfway mark. Tomac continued to ride his own race in the challenging conditions, crossing the line comfortably in second to head to the penultimate round in his home state of Colorado with an 18-point lead in the championship.

Eli Tomac Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing “We had a very solid day. I had great starts for the heat race and the main event, and I got out to the lead early. I was setting a good pace, and then I made one or two mistakes in the whoops. I backed down my pace a little bit, and then Chase was able to slide right by me. Overall, I was really happy with my riding, and the motorcycle on the starts has been awesome.

It was a very tough track, too, because it went from a soft surface and then it turned into a dry surface, so that’s what made it hard. The transitions were soft, but at the same time, you had to manage traction. It was tough. It ended up biting quite a few guys, and I’m just happy to get out of here safe.”

Jeremy Coker Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager “Nashville was a good race for us. The whole day went very smooth. It’s scary to see competitors go out the way we saw with (Cooper) Webb. During the main, Eli pulled the holeshot and was riding great. He got into lapped traffic, and that allowed Chase (Sexton) to catch us. At that point, Eli calculated his risk versus reward and was smart enough to finish right where we needed.”


Kyle Peters Claims Fourth Consecutive AMA Arenacross Championship

The American Motorcyclist Association congratulates Phoenix Racing Honda’s Kyle Peters, who claimed the 2023 AMA Arenacross National Championship, his fourth straight title.

Peters closed out the 2023 AMA Arenacross National Championship two weeks early with a 2-1 main-event performance at the Salem, Va., round. Although winning titles has become the norm for 30-year-old Peters over the last few years, this one was special as it came on the heels of a vertebrae-injury recovery and took place in an arena just two hours from his hometown of Greensboro, N.C.

“To be able to do it the way I did it in front of my whole family and to be able to share that with them and share the victory, share the overcoming of all the obstacles, the adversity,” Peters said. “It was so incredible.”

Shortly after his 2022 title, Peters suffered a burst fracture injury of his C5 and C6 vertebrae April 9 at the St. Louis AMA Supercross round that forced him to have six vertebrae fused and spend six days in the ICU. The North Carolinian worked his way back for the AMA Arenacross opener in November, where he claimed his first of seven wins prior to securing the title, taking first in both motos.

Peters clinched the title with 368 points through 12 rounds.

Two weeks later the new-look AMA Arenacross had its 2022-23 season finale.

“Under new ownership, the 2023 AMA Arenacross season was a huge success,” said AMA Deputy Director of Racing Mike Burkeen. “A solid TV package and new technology has laid the foundation for bringing Arenacross back to its former glory.”

For more information on AMA Arenacross, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/arenacross.

Full list of 2023 AMA Arenacross class champions:


Daniels, Mees Continue Battle for Supremacy at Ventura Short Track

Progressive American Flat Track will conclude its early-season run of four Short Tracks with the inaugural Ventura Short Track this Saturday, May 6, at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.

It’s somewhat unusual to have four Short Tracks throughout an entire campaign, let alone in the opening six races. The first three delivered huge thrills and significant developments for the 2023 Championship, and the same can be expected again this weekend.

Together with the Mission Dallas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems, this year’s first four ovals have already begun to reshuffle the pecking order. Current Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle title leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) and reigning premier-class champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) have earned two wins apiece and currently rank 1-2 in the standings.

Mees comes in with soaring confidence after having gotten the better of Daniels in their most recent two matchups. That said, rising star Daniels has shown no real weaknesses or made any major mistakes, allowing him to build up an early-season advantage with no finish worse than second. That’s a mighty high standard that promises to ratchet up the pressure on Mees (and everyone else) should he continue to perform at that level.

Two-time Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke) expected a rollercoaster of a season when he originally committed to racing a developing platform in the KTM 890 Duke. And while he’s gotten that, he’s continued to be a factor, securing a pair of podiums and three top-five finishes in the bike’s earliest days. He should only get better as the season evolves and Bauman is better able to exploit the bike’s inherent strengths.

JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) is the season’s only winner other than Daniels and Mees. While that came in the TT discipline in which he stands as one of the sport’s all-time greats, Beach also won a pair of Short Tracks a season ago. He’s more than capable of doing the same this weekend, which would be the ideal way to rebound back after crashing out of podium contention in Dallas.

Independent Indians pilots Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) and Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750) line positions 5-8 in the standings. The first three have already stood on the podium this season while Lowe came close with a fourth of his own.

Meanwhile, the factory Royal Enfields of Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) and Ryan Wells (No. 94 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) have earned a top five and multiple top tens already in their first season of Mission SuperTwins competition – while demonstrating the potential to place even higher.

And finally, Short Track extraordinaire Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750) will be back on track this weekend. While he piloted a Yamaha MT-07 to a pair of top tens at the DAYTONA ST opener, he’ll be armed with the venerable Harley-Davidson XR750 this weekend with designs on adding yet another chapter to its multi-decade legend.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

The Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class has emerged as a red-hot battleground for manufacturers in recent seasons, and 2023 is shaping up to be one to remember in that regard.

First it was the KTMs, with Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) sweeping the season’s first four race wins.

Then it was the Hondas, as the American Honda-backed Turner Honda trio of Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) struck back by locking down the podium in Dallas.

Who will be next? While both KTM and Honda will look for further successes, there’s a real chance that other marques will now take their turn in the spotlight.

The Estenson Racing Yamaha team that secured back-to-back Parts Unlimited AFT Singles titles in ‘20-’21 courtesy of the aforementioned Daniels still boasts one of the most talented line-ups in the paddock with Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

And the 1st Impressions Husqvarna Racing effort feels primed for a huge weekend with Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) regularly running up front and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) having already earned a runner-up finish at the Senoia ST earlier this season.

There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday, including the second round of Royal Enfield’s Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program, the return of the Grand National Hooligan Championship (GNHC), numerous vendors, plenty of food and beverage options, music, and motorcycle parking.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under $5), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are just $10 more.

Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport.

Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/ventura-short-track-61345 to purchase your tickets today!

Gates will open for fans at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT).

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Dallas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems will air earlier in the day on FS1 on Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT). The Ventura Short Track will premiere on FS1 one week later, on Saturday, May 13, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT). As always, both broadcasts will feature in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras.

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.


This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of April 23, 2023

News and stories from Powersports racing in the United States.


Justin Barcia Masterful in the Mud of the East Rutherford Supercross

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia captured lightning in a bottle and took the win at Round 14 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in front of die-hard fans who braved rain and a thunderstorm delay.

East Rutherford Supercross

Fireworks and dry ground gave way to thunderclouds and thick mud at a thrilling mudder inside MetLife Stadium. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac finished second on the rain-drenched and deep-rutted track inside MetLife Stadium. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen found enough track through the standing puddles to take home third place in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The riders earned points for both the Supercross season and also the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship. In the season’s first of two East/West Showdowns, Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie took his career-first win over the top racers from both regional divisions.

Justin Barcia - East Rutherford Supercross

Justin Barcia was brilliant in the mud and earned his first win of the 2023 season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In an unprecedented weather delay, thunderclouds approaching MetLife Stadium required the racers on the starting line of the 250SX Class East/West Showdown to evacuate the starting area. The riders, along with every spectator in the stadium, retreated to cover for what turned out to be a 1.5 hour delay to the racing as the clouds dumped rain on the track.

When the gate finally dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson officially took the holeshot but it was Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton who immediately established himself as the race leader. The deep mud and chaotic first lap shuffle saw Barcia jump into the lead for a moment before Ken Roczen took it over. Barcia dropped back to third, but before the first pass through the whoops Barcia cut under Sexton. The two bikes made light contact and Sexton went down as half the pack raced past him.

Roczen stretched out his lead; just two and a half minutes into the race he held a three second gap over Barcia in the abbreviated 17-minute plus one lap race. Points leader Eli Tomac quickly established himself in third place ahead of Yamaha Truck Central LLC’s Benny Bloss, Fire Power Honda’s Dean Wilson, and Next Level Racing KTM’s Kevin Moranz. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb was fighting his way up from seventh place and Sexton had recovered from his tip over and ran eighth.

Less than four minutes in, the top three, Roczen, Barcia, and Tomac, had separated from the field while Sexton and Webb scrapped for fifth. Sexton quickly moved past Webb and set his sights on Bloss in fourth place.

Barcia’s wide-open riding style agreed with the brutal conditions, and six minutes into the race he was on Roczen. Barcia made the identical move on Roczen that he used on Sexton, but when Barcia took over the top spot Roczen stayed upright. From there Barcia pulled steadily away while Tomac inched closer to Roczen. Sexton was into fourth, but 23 seconds back from Tomac, with Webb in fifth 24 seconds back from Sexton.

The race action was with Tomac. The Yamaha rider got to Roczen’s rear fender with just over three minutes left on the race clock. After an exciting battle, Roczen tipped over in the whoops and Tomac took over the spot. Roczen was quickly back up without being in danger of losing the podium-place position.

From there the riders individually fought the track and did their best to preserve their motorcycles in the mud. Barcia took the win, his first since Houston 2021. Tomac earned second place, and stretched his points lead to 11 over Cooper Webb. Roczen carded his fourth podium finish of the season with a third.

Max Anstie - East Rutherford Supercross

Max Anstie brought back his early-season speed and turned it into an exciting East/West Showdown win inside MetLife Stadium. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The East/West Showdown was a thrilling race that was worth the wait of the weather delay. Max Anstie grabbed the holeshot on the rain-drenched track. Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland was in second with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire right behind. The Lawrence brothers were up front and after one muddy lap Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence ran in fourth and Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence held fifth. The race made history as the first showdown of brothers who each led their division, but those brothers sat outside the top three at the start of the race.

Almost three minutes into the race, which was shortened to 12-minutes plus one lap, Jett Lawrence took advantage of a Hampshire mistake and took over third place. Three minutes later Jett Lawrence was pressuring Vohland for second as Anstie stretched out his lead to over six seconds. Hampshire applied pressure to take over third, but Jett Lawrence broke free from him again and got around Vohland for second place. Four and a half minutes remained on the race clock.

Hampshire was quickly around Vohland and chasing after Jett Lawrence. Hunter Lawrence soon pressured Vohland for the spot as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan closed on them both. With just over two minutes left, Anstie held a nine second lead while Deegan crashed trying to cut under Hunter Lawrence.

In the closing minutes Jett Lawrence put in an amazing drive. He erased Anstie’s lead down to .9 seconds as they headed out on the final lap. Jett lost touch tossing his goggles but with a final surge pulled alongside Anstie in their last pass through the whoops. Anstie had the inside line in the next corner and accelerated back into the lead heading into the final corner.

Hampshire was still close to Jett Lawrence and charged hard to that last corner. Hampshire tried to scrub speed and duck underneath but slid out in a dramatic splash. The crash tripped Jett and his bike over onto Hampshire’s bike. Jett was quick to pull his bike free and accelerate away just as his brother entered the corner.

At the end Anstie took his first-ever Supercross win, Jett Lawrence got going in time to hold onto second place, and Hunter Lawrence crossed just behind his brother in third.

Round 15 delivers a rare day-race inside Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, April 29. The race will pay points to both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the all-new 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. Every race is streamed live on Peacock, with NBC, USA Network, and CNBC broadcasting select rounds.

Tickets are on sale for the final three Supercross rounds, scheduled for the next three weekends and culminating inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 13. For ticket sales, the full schedule, race results, video highlights, and more please visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - East Rutherford Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, and Ken Roczen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

    1. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
    1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
    1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
    1. Shane McElrath, Oakland, Fla., Suzuki
    1. Kevin Moranz, Topeka, Kans., KTM
    1. Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., Yamaha
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
    1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda

450SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (315)
    1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)
    1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (294)
    1. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (265)
    1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (259)
    1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (225)
    1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)
    1. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (155)
    1. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (154)
    1. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (150)
250SX Class podium - East Rutherford Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Jett Lawrence, Max Anstie, and Hunter Lawrence. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

East/West Showdown Results

    1. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (East)
    1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (West)
    1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (East)
    1. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (West)
    1. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (West)
    1. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (East)
    1. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (West)
    1. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (East)
    1. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki (East)
    1. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (East)

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (198)
    1. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (149)
    1. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (148)
    1. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)
    1. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (120)
    1. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (117)
    1. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (111)
    1. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (96)
    1. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (95)
    1. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (83)

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

    1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (176)
    1. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (137)
    1. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (118)
    1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (112)
    1. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (104)
    1. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
    1. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (99)
    1. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (98)
    1. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (73)
    1. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (70)
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Monster Energy Signs on as Presenting Sponsor of SuperMotocross World Championships Finals and Extends Title Partnership with Supercross

Monster Energy, the official energy drink of Supercross and Pro Motocross, and title sponsor of Monster Energy Supercross, has expanded its relationship with the premier off-road racing series to include the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals through 2025. The inaugural year of the SuperMotocross World Championship will feature playoff events in Concord, NC on September 9th and Joliet, IL on September 16th. The World Championship Final will follow on Saturday, September 23, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, long credited as the birthplace of Supercross. This new form of racing is defined by what will become the world’s most challenging tracks, designed to test athletes both physically and mentally. Monster Energy will have a presence as the official energy drink throughout the final three rounds and the new finals logo will include the Monster Energy Claw and be titled SuperMotocross World Championship Finals Fueled by Monster Energy. The long-term partnership with Supercross began in 2007 and has had significant success and growth across the 17-round season in premier sporting venues around the country. The new relationship keeps Monster Energy as the title sponsor of Supercross through the 2025 season. “We are excited to continue our relationship with Monster Energy at Supercross and welcome them as partners on the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals,” said Dave Muye, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Feld Entertainment.  “As we continue to evolve and elevate the sport, it is important to have engaged, long-term, and supportive partners like Monster Energy that can share in its overall vision and growth. As we collectively usher in the next chapter of our sport, we are looking enthusiastically toward the future and what is in store for our industry, athletes, teams, and fans.” “Monster Energy Supercross and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship are of terrific importance to Monster Energy,” said Dave Gowland, Vice President, Motorsports Marketing, Monster Energy.  “Since our partnership began in 2007 and Monster Energy became the official energy drink and title sponsor, we have collectively been promoting and growing the sport all over the world. With that, we are very enthused that Monster Energy will continue as the title sponsor of Supercross through 2025 and will also be part of the newly-created SuperMotocross World Championship. We are thrilled to be a part of it as we watch racers test their skills, conditioning, bravery, and take the sport to an entirely new level. Drop the gate and Unleash the Beast!” Going forward, Monster Energy will continue to have a significant presence on track and within all facets of the events, including the broadcast on the NBC family of networks and streaming on Peacock.  Monster Energy will also maintain its robust at retail program in each city, including various consumer offers.  In most markets, fans can purchase a can of their favorite Monster Energy product at a participating retailer and recycle it at the event to gain access to FanFest, which opens six hours prior to the races. At both Supercross and the SuperMotocross World Championship Finals, Monster Energy will continue to have exciting consumer engagements, including Freestyle Motocross exhibitions, BMX big air competitions, Skateboarding, MMA events, and opportunities for fans to sample the newest products in the lineup.  Monster Energy’s impressive roster of athletes across a multitude of sports, many who are huge fans of Supercross, Pro Motocross and now the SuperMotocross World Championship, will continue supporting various racing events throughout the year.


TOP FIVE FINISH FOR ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA RIDER CRAIG DELONG AT BLACK BUFFALO NATIONAL ENDURO

A hard crash in the fifth test proved to be costly for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Craig DeLong, although the Pennsylvania rider rebounded for a solid fifth-place finish at this weekend’s Black Buffalo National Enduro, held on the beautiful, but rocky terrain of the Buffalo Ranch.

DeLong came into the race with a sore tailbone, and the rocky terrain didn’t help the matter.

“It was an okay day; I tried to stay off the ground but I didn’t quite do that,”commented DeLong. “This was a new venue, so it was new to me and it turned out to be rockier than I expected.”

DeLong came into the race with a few aches and pains.

“Everybody has those, so you just have to put up with it and ride it out,”added DeLong. “I think I was fourth most of the day, but I had a crash in the fifth test and bent my bars. That kind of sealed my fate.”

Next Round (4): Arrington, VA – May 14, 2023

Black Buffalo National Enduro – Results

NE Pro1 Class

1. Grant Baylor (KAW)

2. Ryder Lafferty (GAS)

3. Ricky Russell (YAM)

5. Craig DeLong – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing


ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA’S DALTON SHIREY CONTINUES HARE & HOUND DOMINANCE WITH JERICHO VICTORY

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Dalton Shirey has continued his run of dominance at Round 3 of the 2023 AMA National Hare & Hound Championship, with the defending champion taking a third-straight victory in Jericho, Utah, on Saturday.

Shirey started the event off strong equipped with his FX 450, ending the hour-long opening lap in second position. From there the Californian began his charge, battling opening lap leader Tyler Lynn throughout the day, before taking control late and opening a 19-second victory margin by the checkered flag.

The overall win in Round 3 adds to Shirey’s perfect start to the season, as he is yet to drop a round in this year’s AMA National Hare & Hound Championship. He now holds a 37-point advantage in the Pro Class championship standings.

“Today was a great success, it was a good day,” Shirey said. “Tyler got the holeshot, so I pulled in behind him and followed him through the dunes, which was good, as I was able to watch him and gauge my pace off of him. I capitalized on a mistake he made, took the lead, then he got me back on the opening lap. I regrouped, got back into his dust, then with six miles to go he made another mistake, which I took advantage of, and pinned it from there on to the finish. Overall, I’m stoked on the day!”

Husqvarna Motorcycles-mounted Britney Gallegos landed second position in the Pro Women’s Class and sits second in the Pro Women’s Championship standings.

Round 4: May 13 – Jericho, Utah

Pro Class Results – Round 3

1. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

2. Tyler Lynn (KAW)

3. Zane Roberts (BET)

Pro Class Championship Standings

1. Dalton Shirey, 90 points

2. Carter Klein, 53

3. Joseph Wasson, 50


BARCIA MASTERS THE MUD IN EAST RUTHERFORD SUPERCROSS

The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team had to wait out a lightning delay and deal with a downpour, but the results were worth it as Justin Barcia took the 450 main event win in extremely muddy conditions.

450SX

Judging by the third place and second-place finishes at the previous rounds in Glendale and Atlanta, Justin and the team had high hopes heading into East Rutherford, NJ, located just outside New York City. Thunderstorms caused a delay for the scheduled start of the main events, and a steady downpour made a quagmire of the track. But after getting a strong start out of the gate, and sizing up the leader for the first six laps, Justin Barcia and his MC 450F Factory Edition took over the lead and stretched it to a 14-second advantage at the finish.

Justin Barcia:“I don’t remember practice. I don’t remember the heat race. But I remember that main event! I got out there and was battling with the boys, took the lead, rode away, and took the win. It was very special. The team crushed it, mud-prepped quick, and it was an awesome race. I don’t really know what else to say because I’m very happy!”

250SX East/West For Pierce Brown and his MC 250F Factory Edition, the night was a bit more challenging. After qualifying fifth, and finishing fourth in his 250 West heat race in the dry conditions, things were looking good. Unfortunately, a midpack start, followed by a crash, resulted in an 11th-place finish.

Pierce Brown: “It wasn’t an ideal night in New York. I did all right in the heat, with a fourth-place finish. We had a couple of hour delay before the main event. It rained hard, so the track was pretty wet when we got out there. I got off to an okay start…midpack. I was trying to go through the pack and collided with a rider about three or four laps into the race and fell. That set me back pretty far. I think I got up in last or second-to-last. After that I put a charge on and did all I could do and ended up 11th.”

Next Event (Round 15): April 29, 2023 – Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.

Results – 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 14

250SX East/West Shootout – Main Event Results

1. Max Anstie (Honda) 14 laps; 2. Jett Lawrence (Honda) +10.091; 3. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) +10.824… 11. Pierce Brown (GASGAS)

450SX – Main Event Results

1. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 18 laps; 2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) +14.742; 3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) +25.396… 14. Justin Starling (GASGAS)20. Tristan Lane (GASGAS)

Championship Standings – After 14 Rounds

250SX East

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 198 points; 2. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 149 points;  3. Max Anstie (Honda) 148 points … 16. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS) 51

250SX West

1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 176 points; 2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 137 points;  3. Enzo Lopes (Yamaha) 118 points … 8. Pierce Brown (GASGAS) 98

450SX

1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 315 points; 2. Cooper Webb 304; 3. Chase Sexton (Honda) 294 … 4. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 265; 23. Justin Starling (GASGAS) 54; 32. Tristan Lane (GASGAS)


KODY KOPP AND MAX WHALE TAKE TOP FIVE FINISHES FOR RED BULL KTM IN DALLAS HALF-MILE

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing duo Kody Kopp and Max Whale each claimed top five results in AFT Singles during the fifth round of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with the Dallas Half-Mile featuring at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Texas.

Following a difficult qualifying session, defending champion Kopp regrouped in the opening Heat race of the night, securing a direct transfer to the Main Event after a third-place finish. From there, it was a determined ride from Kopp onboard his KTM 450 SX-F to a fourth-place result in the fast-paced Main Event, maintaining his AFT Singles points-lead five rounds into the season.

Kody Kopp: “We ended up P4 on the night and I was super happy with my riding. We started the Main Event as far back as 10th on the lap charts, just had to dig because it was totally different riding and the line was up really high in the Main Event. I just had to go to work, fought my way through the pack to make seven passes all the way up to fourth place, and had some great battles! I really closed in on the leaders over the last few laps, was within about two-tenths of a podium position, so that was huge progress. Hats off to my whole team, we’re really looking forward to these next rounds now.”

Red Bull KTM teammate Whale began the day inside the top five at the conclusion of qualifying, continuing his early season form. A fifth-place ride in the opening Heat of the night set him up well for the Main Event, where he would also charge through the pack on his way to a fifth-place result, retaining third in the standings as the series next heads to Ventura, California.

Max Whale: “Dallas started out pretty good, qualifying fifth, and then I sort of struggled a little bit in the Heat, but was able to finish fifth again. I fought really hard in the Main Event, was outside of the top 10 on the first lap, and came through to fifth. To bring it home fifth was a really good night, for what could have happened being so far back early on. We salvaged a strong points finish, the team worked really hard all day, and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Next Race: Ventura Short Track – Ventura, California – May 6, 2023

Round 5 Results

AFT Singles Main event 1. Trent Lowe, Honda 2. Chase Saathoff, Honda 3. Morgen Mischler, Honda 4. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 5. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing OTHER KTM 7. Dalton Gauthier, KTM 9. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM 13. Travis Petton IV, KTM 15. Clarke Morian V, KTM 16. Justin Jones, KTM 17. Logan Eisenhard, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings 1. Kody Kopp, 102 points 2. Dalton Gauthier, 98 3. Max Whale, 86 OTHER KTM 11. Justin Jones, 40 13. Logan Eisenhard, 25 14. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 22 16. Travis Petton IV, 19 18. Hayden Gillim, 14 22. Hunter Bauer, 11 24. Clarke Morian V, 10 25. Tanner Dean, 9 30. Olin Kissler, 4


FMF KTM FACTORY RACING’S BEN KELLEY SIXTH AT BLACK BUFFALO ENDURO

Working his way back into enduro racing form after a serious leg injury he sustained at the start of the season, FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley slowly improved with each test to claim a determined sixth-place finish at this weekend’s Black Buffalo National Enduro in Kingston, Arkansas.

Riding his KTM 350 XC-F, Kelley was finished consistently between sixth and seventh in most of the tests, finishing the race just 15 seconds out of fifth overall.

Ben Kelley: “It was an okay day; I’m just trying to get back into enduro mode and get back up to speed. I just need to get more comfortable reading the trail and sending it. I was just a little bit uncomfortable all day, maybe had too stiff of a setting. We kind of softened it up a little after each test and I felt like I got a little more comfortable with each one.”

Round 4: May 14 – Arrington, Virginia

NE Pro1 Results 1. Grant Baylor, KAW, 1:33:28.226 2. Ryder Lafferty, GAS, +25.217 3. Ricky Russell, YAM, +53.20 OTHER KTM 6. Ben Kelley, KTM, +1:15.239 7. Steward Baylor, KTM, +25.509


COOPER WEBB AND MAXIMUS VOHLAND DELIVER RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING EAST RUTHERFORD TOP FIVES

The skies opened and mother nature emerged at round 14 of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, making for challenging conditions for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team in East Rutherford, where 450SX title challenger Cooper Webb finished in fifth position, while Maximus Vohland claimed fourth and Tom Vialle 14th in the 250SX East/West Showdown.

After qualifying sixth, two-time champion Webb launched out of the gates in the opening 450SX Heat of the night, maintaining a strong pace to secure second position. In the time between the dry Heat race and the Main Event, heavy storms in the region made for a rain-soaked racetrack ahead of the delayed Main Events.

Posting a calculated ride for a strong haul of points, Webb methodically picked his way through the ruts throughout the technical 18-lap affair on his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, landing a fifth-place finish by race’s end, and remaining right in the 450SX championship hunt. He’s still second overall, 11 points outside of the lead with three races to run.

Cooper Webb: “What a crazy turn of events with the insane weather tonight, making racing conditions extremely tough. Not the way I’d hoped tonight would go as my goal was to close in on the championship and not lose points. We at least made it out in one piece and given the horrible racing conditions, I guess fifth overall wasn’t too bad. I need to rebound and throw everything at this championship next week in Nashville.”

In the first 250SX East/West Showdown of the season, both Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team contenders were on hand, including Vohland and dual MX2 World Champion, Vialle. Posting strong lap times and Heat race results throughout the day’s proceedings, Vohland and Vialle took their KTM 250 SX-F machines to P5 and P14 respectively in the rain-delayed Main Event.

Maximus Vohland: “It was a good day overall for me, third in qualifying and third in my heat race – being the Showdown, the Heat is like a mini Main Event, so to get third there was great. I was thinking we’d get a dry Main Event, and then we had a weather delay where we were waiting for an hour to go out – the track was just getting worse and worse – but yeah, in the position I’m in I had nothing to lose, so I went out there and had fun. I knew I needed a good start, which I got, then was flirting around that podium spot, although the way it turned out I finished in fourth. So I’ll take it, made some good points, feel confident in my riding, and am excited for Colorado.”

Tom Vialle: “We had to wait quite a while tonight before the start of the Main Event, and then off the start, I spun really bad, which meant I started last. From there it was tough with lots of water on the track making it hard to pass, which put me in 14th place overall. I didn’t do much after the start – it was about survival after that – so I’m looking forward to Nashville now.”

The other KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION of Aaron Plessinger experienced a difficult day in New Jersey, with the #7 sitting out the night program following a crash earlier in the day. Plessinger underwent preliminary medical evaluation at the track and will now return home for further analysis.

Next Race: April 29 – Nashville, Tenessee

Results 450SX Class – East Rutherford 1. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS, 18 laps 2. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha, + 14.742 3. Ken Roczen (GER), Suzuki, +25.396 OTHER KTM 5. Cooper Webb (USA), KTM 7. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM 9. Justin Hill (USA), KTM 18. Josh Hill (USA), KTM

Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 14 of 17 rounds 1. Eli Tomac, 315 points 2. Cooper Webb, 304 3. Chase Sexton, 294 OTHER KTM 7. Aaron Plessinger, 213 9. Justin Hill, 154 14. Josh Hill, 103 19. Kevin Moranz, 70 29. Marvin Musquin, 11

Results 250SX East/West Showdown – East Rutherford 1. Max Anstie (GBR), Honda, 14 laps 2. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, +10.091 3. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, +10.824 4. Maximus Vohland (USA), KTM, +11.324 OTHER KTM 14. Tom Vialle, KTM

Standings 250SX East Class 2023 after 8 of 10 rounds 1. Hunter Lawrence, 198 2. Haiden Deegan, 149 3. Max Anstie, 148 OTHER KTM 9. Tom Vialle, 95

Standings 250SX West Class 2023 after 7 of 10 rounds 1. Jett Lawrence, 176 2. RJ Hampshire, 137 3. Enzo Lopes, 118 OTHER KTM 5. Maximus Vohland, 104


Monster Energy® Kawasaki Riders Conquer the Conditions at Storm Stricken East Rutherford SX 

Foothill Ranch, Calif. (April 23, 2023) – Monster Energy® Kawasaki riders arrived in East Rutherford, New Jersey for Round 14 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship with the New York City skyline on the horizon and podium finishes on their minds. In the 250SX Class, the East/West Showdown format pitted the best-of-the-best against one another for a contest of the coasts that was shaken up by rapidly changing weather over the open-air stadium. The Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders braved the conditions to salvage three 250SX Class top-10 finishes with Carson Mumford in seventh, Jo Shimoda in ninth and Chris Blose 10th. In the 450SX Class, Jason Anderson fought back from an early race crash to earn a 12th place result while his teammate Adam Cianciarulo was sidelined from racing after a collision with another rider on the opening lap of the final qualifying session. In the 250SX Futures Class, Monster Energy® Kawasaki Team Green™ rider Ryder DiFrancesco raced to a smooth and consistent third-place finish. When 250SX Class practice began, the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki trio of Shimoda, Mumford and Blose were quick to take to the track. The leaderboard hosted green throughout each session while the KX™250 riders experimented with a variety of rhythm lane sequences and paced with each other for several fast laps. When the regionally divided qualification concluded, Mumford was fourth fastest (48.895) of the 250SX Western Regional Class while Blose was fifth (49.434) of the 250SX Eastern Regional Class with Shimoda (49.452) close behind in sixth. In the 250SX West Heat, Mumford emerged from Turn 1 just inside the top 10. With a few crafty moves through the opening turns, the No.52 KX™250 rider quickly established himself in fourth place. Despite Mumford’s crafty racing, it took him a few laps to find his rhythm and he soon found himself on the losing end of a battle with the current championship points leader before being overtaken by two more riders. Mumford made adjustments to drop his lap times in the final laps of the race and the California native crossed the checkered flag in seventh position. When the gate dropped for the 250SX East Heat, the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki duo of Shimoda and Blose launched themselves out to strong starts. Shimoda was fourth through Turn 1 but quickly moved to second through the opening rhythm lane and took control of the lead before the end of Lap 1. Meanwhile, Blose passed his way into fourth on the opening lap and soon locked into an intense battle with former MX2 Champion Tom Vialle. At the front of the pack, Shimoda managed his race wisely and logged consistent laps en route to earning his first career 250SX Heat win; a feat more impressively accomplished in just his second race this season and against the full gate of 250SX East competition. Further back, Blose showed his continuing progress as he prevailed over Vialle to claim fifth place at the finish. The 250SX East/West Showdown championship riders from both regions began loading the gate only to be accompanied by the emergence of a storm front filled with lightning and heavy rain, which triggered a rare mandatory weather delay. Fans in MetLife Stadium retreated to shelter while the 250SX Class competitors returned to the designated pre-race staging area. After nearly two hours of waiting out the storm, fans returned to their seats adorned with raincoats, plastic ponchos and whatever covering they could scavenge to brave the conditions for a final hour of action packed supercoss racing. Meanwhile, after some special preparations to themselves and their motorcycles, the racers lined up on the gate to face a track where ruts and traction had been replaced with standing water and deep mud. With the battle for 250SX Class supremacy on the line, Mother Nature was looking to play a leading role in the outcome of the night.  A massive roar of support came from the crowd when the gate finally dropped for the 250SX East/West Showdown and the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders hydroplaned across the puddles toward Turn 1. With water splashing and mud flying, Shimoda, Mumford and Blose ran in ninth, 10th and 12th through the opening lap. While the trio were eager to climb their way up the running order, the treacherous conditions caused for wild inconsistencies through the opening laps of the race. All three of the KX™250 mounted riders shuffled back and forth around the tail end of the top 10 and even exchanged positions among themselves several times for a battle rich with excitement. Utilizing his long legs and aptitude for muddy conditions, Mumford moved his way up to sixth position while Shimoda and Blose progressed to eighth and ninth toward the closing stages of the race. At the same rate that the riders seemed to be finding their rhythm, the track matched with ever deepening ruts and an unpredictably slippery surface. When the checkered flag finally flew, the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders prevailed over the conditions to contend with the best of the East/West Showdown and secured three top-10 results among them; Mumford finished seventh, Shimoda finished ninth and Blose finished 10th.
“Truthfully, my result from this weekend is a little bittersweet. I’m so proud to be representing the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and, while I know that seventh in the East/West Showdown is a solid finish that shows our recent progress, I still wanted more. The next two riders ahead were within striking distance at different stages of the race, and I feel like I could have pulled off a top-five finish with just a couple of key moves in the middle of the race. All that said, it was a crazy mudder and I’m glad to have earned another solid top-10 result.”- Carson Mumford
The track was pretty tricky with a kind of softer dirt that had ruts and some sharp transitions as it broke down. When the track is like that, it is super important to be precise with your riding and hit your marks each lap, so that was my focus when it came time for racing. In the Heat Race, I had a strong start and led the whole race for my first Heat Race win. Even though I’ve won a Main Event, I had never won a Heat Race before so that was awesome; especially because it’s still only my second race back and against all the riders from 250SX East. For the Main Event the track was super muddy and that made it tough to come through the pack but, I just did my best to salvage.”– Jo Shimoda
“I had another strong qualifying and heat race which I think reflect the continued work I’ve been putting in with the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. We are still pushing to get as much as we can from the last few rounds of supercross racing and I’m not settling. I believe we can secure a top-five finish in the coming weeks and, despite the crazy weather conditions and the gnarly mud, I think a top-10 finish in the East/West Showdown is indicative that we’re progressing toward our goals.”- Chris Blose
Monster Energy® Kawasaki riders Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo kept on par with their recent impressive run through morning qualification as the two frequented the upper levels of the premier class leaderboard. Both riders gelled with the course quickly as minimal bike adjustments were made and they set their focus solely on finding the race pace. Anderson set the bar in last session when he logged a 47.707, the fastest lap of the morning, and earned Pole Position. Cianciarulo was running in third on the opening lap of that session when a rider ahead veered across the track and the two collided. Cianciarulo was able to complete the session and qualified eighth (48.933), but it was later determined that he would sit out the evening racing program. In 450SX Heat 2, Anderson’s KX™450SR rocketed him out to a third-place start and he quickly began pressuring the riders ahead. Within the first two laps, the top-three riders distanced themselves from the rest of the field and kept the intensity high as they contested for the Heat Race win. Capitalizing on a mistake from the rider ahead, Anderson moved into second position on Lap 3 and continued his pursuit of the leader through to the checkered flag, securing a second-place finish. As the 450SX Class prepared for the Main Event, rain continued to fall on the battered racetrack and water pools filled between the jump transitions. The start of the race was as critical as ever and Anderson found a gap through Turn 1 to work his way into sixth place entering the first rhythm lane. As riders swapped and swerved from one side of the track to the other, Anderson found himself dodging traffic in the opening sections of the track until contact with another rider through the whoops caused him to crash. By the time Anderson remounted, he was the last man in the running order and began his mud-covered campaign toward the front. The No.21 KX™450SR rider made steady progress forward through the pack as he navigated the extreme track conditions. In the latter stages of the race, Anderson was briefly as far forward as ninth position before several mistakes on the final laps relegated him to a 12th-place finish.
“The day started off on the right track with the fastest lap of timed qualifying and second in the Heat Race. When the weather came through it was apparent the start was going to be a critical aspect of the race and unfortunately, I spun a little bit when leaving the gate. I was in the middle of the pack going down the start straight so immediately the mud and water just completely showers over you. From there it was an uphill battle and a crash through the whoops on Lap 2 put me clear out in last place. I kept my focus forward for the rest of the race, but it’s really tough to come through the field and get back in touch with the front group when the conditions are that severe. All in all, we’ll take the positives from earlier in the day and look forward to racing next weekend in Nashville.”– Jason Anderson
In the 250SX Futures Class, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green rider Ryder DiFrancesco looked at home on the challenging track as he executed the same rhythms as his professional counterparts. Prepared to show where he stacks up, DiFrancesco charged the track through his qualification sessions and logged the third fastest 250SX Futures Class lap time (49.415). In the 250SX Futures Main Event, DiFrancesco launched his KX™250 out of the gate to emerge from Turn 1 in second place. DiFrancesco followed the leader for the opening laps as he found his flow and settled into a pace. On Lap 4, the No.75 rider found himself fighting to defend his hold on second place and, after a brief battle, he relinquished the position. With a comfortable gap ahead of the next rider in line, DiFrancesco logged steady laps through to the finish to claim third place and earned his spot on the podium. DiFrancesco has an unparalleled level of success in the SX Futures Class with four prior wins and seven podium results in as many starts.
“It’s great to be getting this experience on these tracks and I’m glad we got our race in before the rain came so we could get some clean laps. Those guys raced hard, and the pace was high, so I just focused on nailing my laps with consistent runs through the whoops and avoiding any costly mistakes. I want to be fighting for the win always, but it’s nice to have another podium and to keep building from the SX Futures experience.”– Ryder DiFrancesco

Double Wins For Fores, Dreher, Beaubier And Wyman At Road Atlanta

There were three first-time winners in MotoAmerica racing on Saturday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. On Sunday, those three became two-time victors as Xavi Fores, Avery Dreher and Ezra Beaubier showed that their first wins definitely weren’t flukes.

Also doubling up was Kyle Wyman with the H-D Screamin’ Eagle-backed New Yorker winning a second Mission King Of The Baggers race on Sunday to go with his Saturday victory.

Supersport – Fores Times Two

Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Fores followed up his debut Supersport win on Saturday with another flawless performance on Sunday. The Spaniard started slower than in yesterday’s race but finished with a bit more comfort as he topped Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa by 1.4 seconds after 18 laps of Road Atlanta.

Mesa, meanwhile, had worked his way past Squid Hunter’s Josh Hayes for second place on the final lap with Hayes ending up third for a second time on the weekend. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott was fourth after finishing second on Saturday.

Michael Gilbert Racing’s Michael Gilbert was fifth, matching his effort from race one.

Fores leads the title chase with 50 points, 17 ahead of Mesa and Scott, who are tied for second, and 18 ahead of Hayes.

Mission King Of The Baggers – Wyman Again

H-D Screamin’ Eagle’s Kyle Wyman rode his Harley-Davidson Road Glide to victory after passing Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods’ Tyler O’Hara on the opening lap and sped to his second successive Mission King Of The Baggers victory at Road Atlanta.

O’Hara finished 1.830 seconds behind Wyman with Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian’s Bobby Fong third. Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson teamsters Hayden Gillim and James Rispoli finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

With his third straight victory, Wyman now leads the championship point standings with 75 points, eight points clear of Rispoli and 10 points ahead of Gillim. Defending Mission King Of The Baggers Champion O’Hara is 14 points behind in fourth place.

Stock 1000 – Beaubier Is Double Trouble

Ezra Beaubier admitted surprise that he won his first career Stock 1000 race on Saturday. On Sunday, the youngest of the two Beaubier brothers came back to Road Atlanta filled with the confidence of a race winner. And he turned all of that into a second win in a row on his Orange Cat Racing BMW M 1000 RR, this time over Geoff May Racing’s Geoff May by six seconds with the 25-year veteran of the sport announcing his retirement from racing this weekend.

Taylor Knapp Racing’s Taylor Knapp put his BMW on the podium with an impressive ride to third, 6.2 seconds behind Beaubier and two seconds ahead of fifth-placed Kaleb De Keyrel. De Keyrel was running second and right behind his Orange Cat Racing teammate Beaubier when he got into turn 12 too hot on the final lap and ran straight, losing three places to May, Knapp and fourth-placed Travis Wyman.

Beaubier’s perfect 50 points puts him 14 points ahead of May and 17 clear of Travis Wyman.

REV’IT! Twins Cup – Landers Rebounds

Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering’s Rocco Landers suffered an engine failure while leading Saturday’s REV’IT Twins Cup race. On Sunday, he came out with guns blazing and completely dominated the race, beating his teammate Gus Rodio by 4.166 seconds. Third place, for the second straight day, went to Cycle Tech’s Hayden Schultz, who was 8.31 seconds behind championship leader Rodio at the end of the 12-lap race.

Defending class champion and Saturday’s race winner Blake Davis crashed early in the race but was able to remount his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha YZF-R7 to finish 11th.

After four races, Rodio leads the title chase with 85 points – 26 more than Schultz and 29 ahead of Davis.

Junior Cup – Dreher X Two

Turns out that Avery Dreher liked winning so much he decided to do it again with the Bad Boys Racing rider earning his second straight Junior Cup win on Sunday with a .949-second victory over Max Van, who was second for the second straight day.

Bicknese Racing’s Hayden Bicknese was third for the second day in a row, just 1.080 seconds from victory.

With his two wins, Dreher leads Van by 10 points heading to Barber in a month’s time.

Quotes…

Ezra Beaubier – Stock 1000 Winner

“Well, I hope it becomes a habit. Honestly I woke up today just with a completely different feeling. I finally had the confidence. I can do this now. I can run with these guys. I just felt really good. We found some stuff with the bike last night and it was really positive. In warmup, I basically matched my fastest lap of the race yesterday in warmup. I wasn’t really pushing super hard, so I felt super good going into the race, super confident. I felt like I could rip off a bunch of the 1:26s in the race, and I was able to execute that. In the beginning, I tried to pull out and see if I could get a gap, and I really wasn’t able to, so I just kind of backed it down and sat there. Then towards the end of the race, tried to pick it back up again. I saw on my pit board that Kaleb was right there on me. On the last lap on the back straight, I felt him in my draft and started almost panicking a little bit. I tried to run a defensive line. Then he ended up running off in the last turn, which is a huge bummer not to go one and two as the Orange Cat BMW’s. But it was a great race and a great weekend for me. I hope to have many more of these.”

Avery Dreher – Junior Cup Winner

Honestly, I went into the race with the same mindset, the same strategy as yesterday. I tried to fall in line at the beginning of the race, but they caught us towards the middle, so it was the same pack as yesterday. I’m glad we were going a lot faster than yesterday. Towards the end of the race, I felt like I had some pace to break away, so I made the move into 10A. I looked back once or twice. Saw that I had a gap and just put my head down. Happy with the result. Good job to Max and Hayden. Looking forward to Barber.”

Rocco Landers – REV’IT! Twins Cup Winner

“Yesterday, I knew I was kind of screwed on lap one. I felt the thing starting to lose power off the start and then again on turn seven, but those days happen. It’s infuriating sometimes, but you got to bounce back. You have a good day after this. It kind of polishes it off and makes everything feel a whole lot better. But you lose 25 points and end up having a DNF. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s a bummer, and a day like today actually makes that feel a whole lot better. I didn’t even know I was racing until I think last weekend. I was literally hanging insulation and my dad comes in and goes, ‘Hey, Matt called and he wants to know if you want to fill in for Ben Gloddy for the week.’ I was like, ‘Definitely!’ I didn’t know if I was going to be racing. It’s an incredible opportunity. I feel very grateful towards Matt for giving me that opportunity. My mechanic Chad worked super hard along with Matt all weekend to give me the best bike they could. We’ve made very positive changes every time I’ve got on the bike. Every time I’ve ridden it, it’s felt better and better and better. My dad actually flew in Friday afternoon, and I didn’t know he was going to be there, so that helped out and made it a whole lot more fun. Days like this are what you always want, so let’s hope we can have some more of these, depending on how long I’m filling in here.”

Xavi Fores – Supersport Winner

“Today was slightly worse on my start. I did a mistake releasing the clutch and I couldn’t get any positions. I was fourth at the end of the first part of the circuit. Then on the back straight, I felt strong on the brake like yesterday, so I couldn’t pass Josh (Hayes) and stay fighting for the podium at the beginning. It was not that easy to pass Stefano (Mesa) and Tyler (Scott), especially on the back straight, because Stefano is quite fast on the straight. He is quite aerodynamic. I was trying to stay there, there, there. He did a small mistake shifting on the exit of turn seven, so I got a chance to pass him on the braking. Then I was so focused to pass Tyler because he was riding fast, but he was a little bit like aggressive all the time. I said, okay, if I pass him, I can push hard and I can make him go to the limit. So, that was my target for today. I don’t know why, from one lap to the other I got some gap to the second one. I don’t know if we got a slow rider, and I got that benefit. But, after that, I start to keep my pace all the time. I didn’t do any mistakes. It was a nice victory. It wasn’t easy because I was pushing really, really hard. Today was much faster than yesterday – 29 low all the time. We did a couple of 28s, maybe. Credit to the guys fighting for the podium with me because we set a fast pace all the weekend, and especially today on the second race. It’s nice to fight with them. It’s nice to have a group of four or five riders fighting for the podium, because everyone can learn from each other. This is the important. This gives spectacle to the class, gives some show to the class. This is something that we need for the crowd. So, thank you so much to all the team. They did an amazing work. Ducati, HSBK Warhorse, and especially thanks to Paolo Ciabatti, who sent me a guy from Ducati for this weekend in order to set up my bike. Especially after Daytona I didn’t feel so much comfortable on the bike. So, we changed completely the bike from there and I felt straightaway quite fast. Now time to go back home and see my baby and my family.”

Kyle Wyman – Mission King Of The Baggers Winner

”That’s how you want to do it, aside from the challenge was a little bit of a throwaway, but we won every session and won both races. That’s kind of how you want to do it. I kind of wheelied on the start and had to roll out of it. Didn’t quite get the launch I wanted. Went to the brakes a little bit sheepishly, I would say, for turn one and Tyler got the wheel underneath me. I haven’t ridden behind Tyler in what feels like a long time. I don’t think at all this year and maybe even towards the end of last year not so much. So, just to see that thing. There were a couple places where I felt like our strength in that first sector really showed. Even on the warmup lap, I felt like if I wanted to get a run over turn five, I needed to give myself a little bit of space actually because we’ve got pretty tall gearing through there. So, I kind of gave myself a little bit of space. Gave myself an opportunity to see where the strengths and weaknesses were between the two of us. I had a pretty good run on the back straightaway. He touched the rev limiter in one of his gears and kind of got me a little bit of a run down the back straight, it seemed like. I hit my shifts pretty good, but he might have missed one and it got me alongside of him going through nine. We were kind of side-by-side going through ten. We were both fighting for the position a little bit. He ended up taking the extra bite that put him off the track but kept it on two wheels and ended up second. But from there, I had about a second gap and then built it up to two, or 2.6. Then just kind of managed the pace from there. Went a little bit quicker today than yesterday, as did everybody I think went quicker today. I had a side quess of a 29 and didn’t quite get it this weekend, but it’s no big deal if we got the W.”


 

Gagne Wins MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Thriller At Road Atlanta

Four riders battled to the bitter end on Sunday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta in what was the most exciting Medallia Superbike race in recent memory. And when the smoke cleared after 15 intense laps it was defending two-time Superbike Champion Jake Gagne crossing the finish line first on his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha YZF-R1, just half a second ahead of yesterday’s winner Cameron Beaubier on the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 RR.

Just prior to the finish, it was anybody’s race when the four ran together down the backstraight and through the 180-mph kink when Beaubier’s line pushed him wide and nearly forced Josh Herrin off the track. That left a giant hole between Beaubier and Herrin to go through, and Gagne went through it. Herrin recovered but couldn’t get his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati stopped for the chicane and his off-track excursion allowed Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz to pass him, putting Scholtz third and Herrin fourth at the finish line. Scholtz was .850 of a second behind Gagne with Herrin some two seconds behind after getting his Panigale V4 R back on track.

The win was Gagne’s first of the season and the 30th MotoAmerica Superbike victory of his career and it put him into a tie with Beaubier at the top of the championship standings after one round and two races. The pair both have 45 points with the series heading to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, May 19-21.

Scholtz and the Westby Racing crew worked hard over the course of the weekend and the South African said they’d made huge progress over the course of the three days. He was rewarded with a podium finish on Sunday.

Herrin was also happy on Sunday afternoon, despite missing out on the podium. The two races were just his second and third outings on the new Ducati Panigale V4 R and he landed on the podium in Saturday’s race.

Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante was fifth on Sunday, some three seconds ahead of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s PJ Jacobsen and his teammate Corey Alexander.

The returning Toni Elias was eighth on the second Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000 with Aftercare Scheibe Racing’s Ashton Yates and Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim rounding out the top 10.

Notably missing from the results was Gagne’s Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha teammate Cameron Petersen. The South African’s difficult weekend ended early when his Yamaha YZF-R1 caught fire just a few laps into the race.

With Gagne and Beaubier tied atop the standings with 45 points, Herrin is third with 29 points, two ahead of Scholtz and eight ahead of Escalante.

Superbike Race 2

    1. Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
    1. Cameron Beaubier (BMW)
    1. Mathew Scholtz (Yamaha)
    1. Josh Herrin (Ducati)
    1. Richie Escalante (Suzuki)
    1. PJ Jacobsen (BMW)
    1. Corey Alexander (BMW)
    1. Toni Elias (Suzuki)
    1. Ashton Yates (BMW)
    1. Hayden Gillim (Suzuki)

Quotes…

Jake Gagne – Winner

“Got off to another good start, and me and Cam (Beaubier)… those first couple laps, five or six laps, Cam knew I wanted to push the pace. Any opportunity Cam could to shove it in me and he was great going into (turn) 10A. I was struggling big time down into there, so he passed me a bunch of times there. We were side by side through one, through 10A, 10B a couple times. So, it was fun battling. I haven’t had that close of racing in a while. Those first couple laps, I kind of forgot about everybody else. I wasn’t even looking at my pit board. I thought it was just kind of me and Cam. Then all of a sudden, midway through, Herrin comes by, and I still see plus zero. So, I didn’t know if it was (Mathew) Scholtz behind us, but somebody was. So, I’m like, ‘We’ve got a whole pack here.’ The bike was awesome. My drives are awesome. I was still struggling on the brakes, but I think that was just because of me and after a couple laps, I was really pumped up. So, I kind of tried to just chill and relax and tried to just breathe and watch what those guys were doing a little differently and watch them battle each other. For the last lap, it was hard to really have a plan. Obviously, both of those bikes were really fast and really strong down into 10 through the kink. So, I was kind of just hoping for the best. I figured maybe they both would have a little braking battle in there and I could drive up under the bridge, but it was nuts. Like Cam said, with the wind, I didn’t really know what happened. I just saw them kind of hit and then they parted. The seas parted and I just shot down the center of them, and from then on out, I led into 10A. Like I said, my bike was really good driving up over the hill and just protected the inside line. It was fun. That was really fun racing, close racing. I haven’t had stuff like that in a lot of years, actually. Racing with guys like this that I’ve spent my whole career racing with all these guys, so it was fun. I’m sure we put on a good show. Again, I think luck was on my side a little bit with those guys coming together, for sure. But I’m glad everybody stayed on track because that’s scary. 180 miles an hour something scary could happen there. So, I’m just glad we all brought it home. Good start to the year. We scored points in the first two races, so I can’t complain.”

Cameron Beaubier – Second

“At the beginning, I was doing everything I possibly could to hang onto Jake (Gagne). He just had some pace. Luckily, my bike was fast and every time I would get close to him, I just went for a pass. He made me look dumb. Rode around the outside of me a couple times. That didn’t feel good, but I’m sure it looked good on TV. That was a wild race. Then I settled down, and tried to control the race because I knew my bike was fast and I was good on the brakes. I was struggling in some other spots, but I was doing the best I could with what we have right now. My bike was super-fast. I was trying to get to those last three laps and then put my head down and be good on the brakes and try to hold them off. Then (Josh) Herrin came by me and got in another pretty good battle with us. Man, that last lap was so hairy. I’m just super happy everyone’s safe after that one. He ran me a little wide on the straightaway, and then I went into the fast right-hander pretty tight. I went to lean in, and he was on the outside of me. I just didn’t turn. I pushed the front a little bit. It was terrifying. He was right on the outside of me, and I ran him wide. I was afraid I ran him off the track. You’re doing 180 miles an hour through that corner. So, I glanced over my shoulder. Saw he was good, and then Jake and him blew by me on the brakes. There was nothing I could do to fight Jake going through the last section. Glad everyone is safe. Super stoked to get out of here with a one-two. Didn’t really even know what to expect coming into this round. Just massive thank you to the Tytlers BMW guys. It was an interesting off-season riding at a different track than I’ve ever ridden at doing some testing and stuff, other than Buttonwillow. So, just looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Mathew Scholtz – Third

“To be honest, the first couple laps I was just hanging on. We made quite a few changes from the first race. I was just still feeling out what the bike was kind of doing. I felt like the strong parts of the track for me, I was really, really quick, but the weaker parts I was losing a lot of time. So, I was just literally going backwards and forwards. I really didn’t have a spot that I could kind of pass in, unless something happened, which it did, and I managed to capitalize on that. But otherwise, starting from where we were on Friday to where we ended up now, I think we made huge strides forward on the motorcycle. So, I just have to give a big shout out to the Westby Racing team. Of course, after the pre-season testing, we thought we were dialed in. Then we came here, and we were struggling. There were a few bits that we tried to change, and we didn’t manage to figure that out until the second restart of this race now. So, at least now we’re confident heading into the rest of the season. I’m just happy to be up here on the podium now. I know it was pretty awesome watching these guys battle it out. Hopefully from the next race on, I’ll be part of that. Just thank you to the Westby Racing team. Hopefully we’ll be challenging these boys next race.”


Mees Adds to Half-Mile History with Dallas Half-Mile Triumph

Reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) penned the latest chapter of a career of Half-Mile heroics with a victorious run in Saturday night’s Mission Dallas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas.

The premier-class king was one-fourth of an early scrap for the lead in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event, along with a trio of Yamaha-mounted challengers in JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07).

The opening stages of the contest proved to be a battle of extreme high and low lines. The high line showed itself to be the fast track up the order initially before giving way to a high-risk, high-reward tight-rope line at the bottom.

Just prior to half-distance, Mees and Daniels exploited that tricky low line to break free and settle into a rematch of their Senoia shootout. Meanwhile, Beach and Bromley fell into a five-rider fight for the final spot on the podium after being reeled in by the charging Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 890 Duke).

Daniels made a couple of determined attempts to zero in on Mees but never got quite close enough to make a serious attempt at an overtake. A small bobble on the part of Daniels with less than a minute remaining gave the champ a bit of breathing space. He was then ceded even more as his young rival called off the assault to accept second.

The triumph was the 34th Half-Mile win of Mees’ historic career, placing him just one shy of the all-time record held by Scott Parker.

Afterward, Mees said, “Honestly, this was one of the hardest races to win. Going into Turn 1 and through Turn 2, you had to be so delicate going into the corners. You had to hit your brake mark right, get your throttle position right, and if you messed it up, it screwed your whole momentum up. It was definitely a hard race to win.

“Hats off to my entire team. We had a little mess up in Arizona, but we came back pretty strong all day long.”

Adding to Mees’ big evening was the misfortune of Beach, who crashed out of podium contention and dropped from second to fourth in the championship standings in the process.

Robinson – who wasn’t even sure he’d be able to ride in Dallas after getting banged up in practice crashes at the previous two rounds – earned the final spot on the box. Bauman railed his way around the outside to climb to fourth in the end with Fisher behind in fifth.

Bromley ended his impressive run in sixth, while positions 7-10 were filled by Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750), Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 890 Duke), Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods Indian FTR750), and Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), in that order.

Daniels continues to hold down the championship lead with 113 points in his pocket following his 1-1-2-2-2 start. Mees now ranks second with 96 points, while two-time champ Bauman (78) also edged ahead of Beach (76) for third.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) can finally call himself a Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event winner after repeatedly knocking on the door of that landmark achievement for years.

Lowe’s maiden Progressive AFT victory headlined a race that represented a monumental reversal of fortune compared with the four that led into it.

After getting off to a slower-than-expected start to the season, the American Honda-backed Turner Racing team entered the day with just one podium between its talented trio of Lowe, Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

They tripled that number in a single outing in Dallas after fighting back in furious fashion at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. The three immediately went to the front and turned the first half of the race into a glorified poster shoot for the team, running side-by-side-by-side with the field struggling to stay in their wake.

Lowe eventually shook free while the pack closed in on second-placed Saathoff and third-placed Mischler, but they ultimately held strong to secure the podium lockout.

Lowe said, “I’m so happy, and I think the entire team is so happy – it’s going to be a party in our pit area tonight. The whole Turner Racing team pulled it together. We were kind of on the struggle bus at the beginning of the season, but we definitely made a big improvement on this one with the three of us on the podium. I can’t thank the team enough.”

Meanwhile, the championship’s usual suspects struggled mightily before finally coming good in the end. Defending champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) ran as low as eighth, while Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F) and Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) found themselves buried outside the top ten.

Kopp and Whale finally found their groove, weaving their way up through the field with Kopp earning fourth at the checkered flag, just 0.172 seconds short of the podium. Aussie Whale came home just behind his teammate, outdueling Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) to complete the top five.

Meanwhile, Gauthier executed a charge of his own to finish in seventh, while Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F) and Brunner’s Estenson Racing Yamaha teammate Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) rounded out the top ten.

As a result, Kopp continues to lead a tight title fight over Gauthier (102-98) with Whale third (86) and Brunner fourth (78). Not surprisingly, the Turner Racing entrants made a big push in the rankings, as they are now positioned fifth (Saathoff – 76), sixth (Lowe – 57), and seventh (Mischler – 56) and still very much in the hunt.

Next Up:

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will tackle its fourth and final Short Track of the year with its first-ever trip to Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California, for the inaugural Ventura Short Track on Saturday, May 6. Visit https://www.tixr.com/promoters/americanflattrack to secure your tickets today.

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Dallas Half-Mile presented by Roof Systems, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, April 30, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT).

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.


Honda Sweeps 250SX East-West Showdown Podium at Muddy East Rutherford Supercross

When a rain-and-lightning storm hit the East Rutherford Supercross just before the 250SX East-West Showdown was scheduled to start, the event turned into something of an unknown, and while the eventual winner was something of a surprise, the bike was the same one that had topped 11 of the 13 races run until that point. Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie rode his CRF250R flawlessly in the sloppy conditions to earn his debut AMA Supercross victory, and he was followed across the finish line by fellow Red Riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence, the Team Honda HRC racers stretching their respective points leads in the West and East Regions. In the 450SX division, Chase Sexton tallied a fourth-place finish aboard his CRF450RWE, while Colt Nichols ended the long night in 16th place.

When the delayed 250SX main event finally ran, Anstie emerged from turn 1 with the lead, and while the Lawrence brothers were both in the top 10, they and the rest of the pack were immediately covered in muck. Jett and Hunter completed lap 1 fourth and fifth, respectively, and Jett was up to third by lap 3. He took over second just past the halfway point and closed on the leading Anstie, nearly passing him two turns before the finish, only to be taken down in the final turn by another rider attempting a last-second pass attempt. Jett remounted in time to retain second, and Hunter took advantage of the opportunity to finish third.

In the 450SX main event, Sexton got a good jump and took the holeshot but was quickly overtaken by Ken Roczen. Sexton was then knocked down by another rider, but he remounted and completed lap 1 in eighth place. He steadily advanced through the pack, climbing to fourth place by the checkered flag, while Nichols survived to take 16th.

NOTES

Media contact:

Danny Gonzalez // Jonnum Media // danny@jonnummedia.com // +1 (805) 915-7889

450SX Results

    1. Justin Barcia (Gas)
    1. Eli Tomac (Yam)
    1. Ken Roczen (Suz)
    1. Chase Sexton (Hon)
    1. Cooper Webb (KTM)
    1. Shane McElrath (Suz)
    1. Kevin Moranz (KTM)
    1. Benny Bloss (Yam)
    1. Justin Hill (KTM)
    1. Dean Wilson (Hon)

    1. Colt Nichols (Hon)
    1. Jeremy Hand (Hon)

450SX Championship Points (after 14 of 17 rounds)

    1. Eli Tomac: 315
    1. Cooper Webb: 304
    1. Chase Sexton: 294
    1. Justin Barcia: 265
    1. Ken Roczen: 259
    1. Jason Anderson: 225
    1. Aaron Plessinger: 213
    1. Adam Cianciarulo: 155
    1. Justin Hill: 154
    1. Christian Craig: 150

    1. Dean Wilson: 149
    1. Colt Nichols: 120

250SX Results

    1. Max Anstie (Hon)
    1. Jett Lawrence (Hon)
    1. Hunter Lawrence (Hon)
    1. Max Vohland (KTM)
    1. Enzo Lopes (Yam)
    1. Haiden Deegan (Yam)
    1. Carson Mumford (Kaw)
    1. Cullin Park (Hon)
    1. Jo Shimoda (Kaw)
    1. Chris Blose (Kaw)

    1. Luke Neese (Hon)
    1. Coty Schock (Hon)
    1. Michael Hicks (Hon)
    1. Jace Owen (Hon)

250SX East Region Championship Points (after 8 of 10 rounds)

    1. Hunter Lawrence: 198
    1. Haiden Deegan: 149
    1. Max Anstie: 148
    1. Nate Thrasher: 120
    1. Jordon Smith: 120
    1. Chris Blose: 117
    1. Jeremy Martin: 111
    1. Cullin Park: 96
    1. Tom Vialle: 95
    1. Coty Schock: 83

    1. Henry Miller: 72
    1. Jace Owen: 67
    1. Chance Hymas: 60
    1. Jeremy Hand: 52
    1. Michael Hicks: 51
    1. Caden Braswell: 44

250SX West Region Championship Points (after 7 of 10 rounds)

    1. Jett Lawrence: 176
    1. RJ Hampshire: 137
    1. Enzo Lopes: 118
    1. Levi Kitchen: 112
    1. Max Vohland: 104
    1. Cameron Mcadoo: 101
    1. Mitchell Oldenburg: 99
    1. Pierce Brown: 98
    1. Cole Thompson: 73
    1. Derek Kelley: 70

    1. Anthony Rodriguez: 40