This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of February 12, 2023

News and stories about powersports racing this week.

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Cooper Webb Back to Winning Ways with Tampa Supercross Victory

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb put in an outstanding ride to earn his first win of the season at Round 6 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in Tampa, Florida. The crowd inside Raymond James Stadium witnessed a battle of determination that saw Webb take over the lead late in the race from second place finisher Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton.

Raymond James Stadium hosted Tampa’s 14th year of a Monster Energy AMA Supercross event and provided the season’s traditional Military Appreciation Night. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Nabbing third place was Webb’s teammate Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, earning his first podium finish of 2023. The round paid points not only in the 17-round supercross series but also in the all-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In a nail-biter of a 250SX Class race, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the race down to two dramatic contact passes in the final two corners to win his second consecutive race in as many rounds of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class series.

Cooper Webb was fast, strategic, and strong in Tampa. His first win of the season proved he’s a contender for another Monster Energy Supercross title. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Sporadic rain throughout the day exacerbated the tough, changing track conditions but when the gate dropped on the 450SX Class Main Event the skies were clear. Cooper Webb was credited with the official Holeshot but Sexton’s momentum over the stripe put him directly into the lead with Webb, Plessinger, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo in tow. Points leader and defending champion Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac was ninth out of the first corner.

Before one minute had run off the race clock Anderson collided with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia. The riders tangled and dropped to the back of the pack. Three minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap Main Event Sexton had pulled a 1.7 second gap on the pack. Most fans were expecting to see Tomac battling forward, but the pace of the front runners was close and the only rider seeming to make headway was Webb.

Through the race Cooper Webb pulled within a second of Sexton on two occasions but seemed to be biding his time for a pass attempt. Meanwhile, Tomac seemed settled into fifth position, 8 seconds behind Roczen and 8 seconds ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper.

Webb’s strategy of patience almost fell apart when, with less than three minutes on the race clock, he got wildly out of control in the whoops section. It was the longest whoops section of the year and was breaking down rapidly. Webb kept his feet on the pegs and the bike on the track and in short order made up the time he’d lost on Sexton. The next lap through Sexton made a nearly identical mistake; Sexton could not save it, and crashed.

Webb took over the lead and brought home the win, his first of the season. Sexton recovered quickly and took second place, and Plessinger took third without pressure for the podium spot. The win for Webb tightened the season standings so that only four points now separate the top three athletes.

Hunter Lawrence put in a brilliant ride to pull out a win with a dramatic last-corner pass.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class provided all the drama the fans could ask for. Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin grabbed the Holeshot but Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher was right around him and instantly pulled a gap on the field. The track’s deep sand section claimed Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith on the opening lap, who was running in second place; that crash caught up Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle and he dropped back to mid pack with Smith.

Up front Thrasher looked untouchable. Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie held second place and rookie Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan looked like a seasoned pro in third ahead of one of the class’ true seasoned pros, Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Michael Mosiman. Behind all the action at the front, Lawrence was on the move slicing rapidly through the pack after a bad start. Less than six and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap Main Event Lawrence cut under Mosiman, taking out his front wheel and dropping the GASGAS rider to the dirt. The move put Lawrence in third place and he quickly closed the distance to Anstie. With 5:47 on the race clock Lawrence took over the second place spot, but Thrasher was 5.9 seconds ahead.

Rain from earlier in the day was back, and as it intensified so did the excitement. As the front runners battled the changing conditions, Lawrence drew the lead down to 2.89 seconds as the race clock reached :00. When the white flag came out the gap was 2.4 seconds. Lawrence got to Thrasher’s rear wheel when the riders came to the sand section for the final time. Exiting the sand, Thrasher moved to the outside line and the two riders made hard contact. Neither hit the ground and Thrasher maintained the lead.

As they reached the final corner Lawrence pitched his Honda sideways on the slick dirt. He finessed his bike to the inside of the corner, drove across the turn’s exit ruts, and cut off Thrasher’s straight-shot to the checkered flag. The athletes both charged toward the checkered flag with Lawrence taking the win just .2 seconds ahead of Thrasher. The crowd went wild with the dramatic finish, which extended Lawrence’s points lead in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class series that is only two races into its season.

The next race takes place on February 18^th inside RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California. The event is the re-scheduled Round 2 that was postponed due to regional flooding. The Oakland race brings back the Western Regional 250SX Class series for one race in what would have been a seven-week break. The round pays points to both the 450SX Class and the 250SX Class for both the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship as well as the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship series.

An additional change with the re-scheduled round is an earlier race time. The Oakland Supercross, scored as Round 2 but finding its way on the calendar as the seventh race held in 2023, will start at 5:00PM Pacific Time, two-hours before the traditional race-time start.

Like all rounds of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and SuperMotocross World Championship series, the Oakland round will be streamed live on Peacock. Select rounds are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, and the Oakland round will re-air on CNBC on February 19^th at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. For video highlights, race results, ticket sales and more please visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Chase Sexton, Cooper Webb, and Aaron Plessinger.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
5. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
7. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
8. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki
10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna

450SX Class Championship Standings

1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (113)
2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (111)
3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (109)
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (93)
5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (92)
6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (85)
7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (80)
8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (67)
9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (67)
10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (61)

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

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
3. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
6. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
7. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS
8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
9. Jace Owen, Mattoon, Ill., Honda
10. Hardy Munoz, Kissimmee, Fla., Husqvarna

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (52)
2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (44)
3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (38)
4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (36)
5. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (33)
6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (33)
7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (31)
8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (30)
9. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (29)
10. Jace Owen, Mattoon, Ill., Honda (23)

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JUSTIN BARCIA REBOUNDS TO EIGHTH IN TAMPA

Early February and Florida always combine to make for a hotbed of racing action. The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team was poised to turn in some good results, but even in the Sunshine state occasionally some rain must fall.

• Intermittent heavy showers made things even more challenging than usual for the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team
• Justin Barcia came back from 21^st to eight at the finish
• Michael Mosiman looked set for a shot at his first podium of the season before a crash

450SX

As usual, the heat races were an early showcase for Justin Barcia’s speed, and he carded a fourth-place heat race finish to punch his ticket for the main event. When the gate dropped for the final race of the night, he was among the early leaders but found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the resulting collision dropped him to the tail end of the field. After remounting, Justin was able to work his way back to eighth at the checkers.

Justin Barcia: “I was stoked to have a home race in Florida, and it was nice to be back this week. I felt good on the track, and the bike was feeling really good. I was riding in a good position and making passes, unfortunately, I had a little incident. I came from the back of the pack up to eighth. It’s definitely not the result I wanted, but I was riding well and I’m looking to redeem myself in Oakland.”

250SX East
In the 250 main event, Michael Mosiman showed strong pace and quickly moved into the top three, and looked like he was set for a shot at a podium finish. Unfortunately, contact led to him remounting in eighth, and he was able to work his way back to seventh at the finish.

Michael Mosiman: “I had a better start in the main event and I was right there where I needed to be. I had good speed and felt calm under pressure. I got taken out. I probably would have done the same. You hate it, but you’ve got to respect it and move on.”

Next Event (Make-up race for the previously postponed Round 2): February 18, 2023 – RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Results – 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 6

250SX East – Main Event Results

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 19 laps; 2. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha) +00.134; 3. Max Anstie (Honda) +16.116 … 7. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS) +51.980

450SX – Main Event Results

1. Cooper Webb (KTM) 25 laps; 2. Chase Sexton (Honda) +06.169; 3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) +13.263 … 6. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) +44.323

Championship Standings – After Round 6

250SX East

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 52 points; 2. Max Anstie (Honda) 44;  3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 38 … 6. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS) 33

450SX

1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 113 points; 2. Chase Sexton (Honda) 111; 3. Cooper Webb (KTM) 109 … 7. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 80; 18. Justin Starling (GASGAS) 18

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ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING’S CHRISTIAN CRAIG SCORES HIS BEST RESULT OF THE SEASON

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team continued to focus on forward progress in the AMA Supercross Championship, undeterred by the rainy conditions in Tampa, Florida.

450SX

In the 450 class, Christian Craig put his FC 450 Rockstar Edition to work, scoring his best results of the season in both his heat race and main event. To start the night, he scored a solid third in his heat race. Then he backed that up with a tenth-place finish in the main event, and he knows there’s still more improvement to come.

“Overall, Tampa was a step in the right direction,” Craig said. “I just need to execute my starts in the main event. I felt like I did everything positive throughout the day. I put myself in good positions. Qualified good, and the heat race was solid. I just didn’t execute in the main event. I came from behind, had a small hiccup and fell over early on, and that kind of took the wind out of my sails. But I just tried to put my head down, click some laps off, and ended up tenth. I know I have more in me, we’re improving and I just need to do it when it counts.”

250SX
When the gate dropped for the 250 main event, the newest member of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, Talon Hawkins, got a solid start aboard his FC 250 and was running inside the top ten, but some costly mistakes dropped him to 19^th at the finish.

It started off pretty good. I know what I need to work on…I’ve got to work on some sprint laps. I put it into the main right away out of the heat race, so I was pumped on that,” Hawkins said. “I was feeling super-good on the start of the main event. I was pushing and trying to stay up there. I just made some mistakes in the sand and one thing led to another. I’ve got a lot to work on and I’m excited for the next race.”

Next Event (Make-up date for the previously postponed Round 2): February 18, 2023 – RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.

Round 6 Results: Tampa

250SX East – Main Event

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)

2. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha)

3. Max Anstie (Honda)

…

10. Hardy Munoz (Husqvarna)

19. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

450SX – Main Event

1. Cooper Webb (KTM)

2. Chase Sexton (Honda)

3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM           )

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10. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

250SX East Rider Point Standings

1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) – 52 points

2. Max Anstie (Honda) – 44 points

3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) – 38 points

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13. Hardy Munoz (Husqvarna) – 20 points

15. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 16 points

450SX Rider Point Standings

1. Eli Tomac – 113 points

2. Chase Sexton – 111 points

3. Cooper Webb – 109 points

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11. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 59 points

20. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 15 points

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RED BULL KTM PODIUM DOUBLE IN TAMPA AS COOPER WEBB CLAIMS FIRST SUPERCROSS WIN OF 2023

TAMPA, Florida – Two-time 450SX champion Cooper Webb led a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing podium double at tonight’s Tampa round of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, picking up his first victory of the season and was closely followed by team-mate Aaron Plessinger in P3. In the 250SX East division, Tom Vialle continued to gain valuable experience with a hard-fought sixth-place result.

After registering the fifth-fastest qualifying time aboard his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Webb found himself outside the top 10 early in his Heat race. Undeterred, the 27-year-old Florida resident remained calm and steadily moved his way forward to finish sixth for a direct transfer.

Putting that Heat race result behind him, Webb launched to the Main Event holeshot and quickly settled into second position. He continued to increase pressure on the leader and was rewarded when a mistake enabled Webb to power ahead, resulting in his first Supercross victory since his title-winning season in 2021. As a result, Webb is now just four points outside of the championship lead following five rounds.

Cooper Webb: “I came into today knowing I needed to execute a good result, but the day didn’t start out that special for me, as I struggled in qualifying and my Heat race. In the Main Event, I really focused and went to work – I got a good start and rode really solid laps, although the sand and the lapped riders were tough. I saw the leader go down and I was able to take the lead and the win. It’s been over a year since I’ve won a race, so now that I’ve got that winning feeling again, I now have the confidence, equipment, fitness and speed to do it again. From a championship standpoint, we’re in a great spot and confidence is key for me, so I look forward to Oakland.”

A seventh-fastest qualifying lap gave Plessinger a reasonable gate-pick for his Heat race, and the fan favorite capitalized, moving quickly into third position early on. Not content with a top-three finish, he made an incredible pass through the whoops to finish the Heat in P2.

Another quick launch off the Main Event gate saw Plessinger and his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION emerge from the first turn in third place, and he steadily distanced himself from any challengers to finish in a well-deserved third to secure Red Bull KTM Factory Racing two of the three podium positions. He is sixth in the championship point-standings.

Aaron Plessinger: “This was a big confidence-booster for me. I’ve been working on my starts and that’s definitely been showing. It felt good to get out front and run with the front guys, although I made a couple of mistakes during the Main Event that meant I couldn’t really latch onto them. In saying that, I’m pumped – third place is the best result I’ve had in a while and it’s given me more confidence as we head to Oakland.”

In the 250SX East championship, Frenchman Tom Vialle qualified in eighth position, but avoided the first-turn carnage in his Heat race and put in a solid, consistent ride aboard his KTM 250 SX-F to cross the finish line in third place. That set him up nicely for what was his second AMA Supercross apperance.

The Main Event saw the dual MX2 World Champion enjoy another good start and he found himself P3 early on the opening lap, but had a mishap in the deep sand section and remounted outside the top 10. As rain began to fall, Vialle worked his way back through the pack, eventually finishing with a hard-earned sixth and he’s currently ranked fifth in the standings.

Tom Vialle: “My day was pretty good overall and I had a good heat, where I finished P3. I didn’t get the best start in the Main, but I was running near the front through the first few corners before I tipped over when I tried to pass a rider in the sand. I was quite far back and managed to come back through to sixth. I’m quite happy with the last few laps of the race where I made up a number of positions. We’re now only a few points off third in the championship, which is good. We’ve got a short break now, so we’ll work on the bike and myself to keep improving before Arlington.”

Next Race: February 18 – Oakland, California

Results 450SX Class – Tampa
1. Cooper Webb (USA), KTM, 25 laps
2. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, +6.169
3. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM, +13.263
OTHER KTM
13. Justin Hill (USA), KTM
14. Josh Hill (USA), KTM
18. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM

Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 5 of 17 rounds
1. Eli Tomac, 113 points
2. Chase Sexton, 111
3. Cooper Webb, 109
OTHER KTM
6. Aaron Plessinger, 85
14. Justin Hill, 40
17. Kevin Moranz, 18
21. Josh Hill, 14
25. Marvin Musquin, 11

Results 250SX East Class – Tampa
1. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 19 laps
2. Nate Thrasher (USA), Yamaha, +00.134
3. Max Anstie (GBR), Honda, +16.116
OTHER KTM
6. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM

Standings 250SX East Class 2023 after 2 of 9 rounds
1. Hunter Lawrence, 52 points
2. Max Anstie, 44
3. Haiden Deegan, 38
OTHER KTM
5. Tom Vialle, 33

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MONSTER ENERGY® KAWASAKI’S JASON ANDERSON EARNS FIFTH CONSECUTIVE TOP-10 FINISH

Round 6 of the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross Championship hosted the world’s best supercross riders in Tampa, Florida, where Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson completed a remarkable come-from-behind effort aboard his Kawasaki KX™450SR to secure a sixth-place finish while teammate Adam Cianciarulo earned a 12th-place result. In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Chris Blose charged from back in the pack to finish 13th at the second round of the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship.

Warm temperatures, humid air and cloudy skies greeted the Monster Energy Kawasaki duo of Cianciarulo and Anderson as both Team Green™ riders entered the weekend prepared to continue their streak of strong finishes. As qualifying sessions began, both Anderson and Cianciarulo were first to hit the track. The two riders made quick work of the layout as they battled back and forth at the top of the leaderboard. At the start of the final 450SX qualifying session, Cianciarulo stuck with the same game plan from earlier and was one of the first to hit the track. Meanwhile, Anderson elected to give the opposition room ahead before setting out to record his fastest lap. When the qualifying sessions concluded, Anderson recorded the second-fastest lap (48.599) with Cianciarulo setting the fourth-fastest lap time (49.051).

When the gate dropped on 450SX Heat 1, Cianciarulo utilized the power of his KX450SR for a spectacular start and claim the holeshot with Anderson following close behind in fourth. Despite scattered showers starting to fall, the No.21 rider quickly moved into second place within two turns of the opening lap and began to hone in on the lead. On Lap 2, Anderson brought the crowd inside Raymond James Stadium to their feet as he blitzed by Cianciarulo in the whoops to take control of first. The New-Mexico born rider proceeded to build a comfortable gap over the competition en route to claiming his second 450SX Heat win of the 2023 season while teammate Cianciarulo finished close behind in second.

When the 450SX Main Event began, Anderson and Cianciarulo both emerged from the first turn just outside the top five. Cianciarulo had the better drive of the two as the No.9 rider latched onto the back of the lead group and followed close. After the start, Anderson sat in sixth fending off pressure from the competition while simultaneously looking to advance forward. Brief contact with another rider while attempting a pass during the opening lap of the main event shuffled Anderson back to 22nd. The No.21 rider quickly regained his composure and mounted an all-out charge forward, making several swift passes during the first half of the race to move inside the top 10. As racing progressed, Anderson’s offensive attack continued with the No.21 logging some of the quickest laps of the race prior to securing control of sixth place. Meanwhile, Cianciarulo shuffled back to seventh after a crash in the whoops on Lap 10, then a subsequent tip-over dropped him back further. When the checkered flag flew, Anderson crossed the line in an impressive sixth place and Cianciarulo finished in 12th.   

“The track was actually really good tonight. The little bit of rain we got made the dirt out there tackier, which I think is an advantage for me. I believe I had the speed to win tonight and, had it not been for a minor mistake, our night would’ve ended with a podium. However, I think I learned a lot about my race bike tonight. After the crash, I set out to make up as many positions as possible in as little time and didn’t know I could ride the motorcycle that hard. I just need to tap into that flow state earlier in the races and we’ll be back on the top step in no time.”

–       Jason Anderson

“Overall, the result tonight wasn’t what we were aiming for, but I think we can still take some positives from the day. I once again qualified close to the front and even held the quickest lap time in the second session momentarily. My starts were also again on point, allowing me to get valuable time racing with the lead group. The team and I are thinking big picture right now and focusing on improving little by little each weekend, which I believe we succeeded with again tonight.”

–       Adam Cianciarulo

Carrying momentum from his top-10 performance the weekend prior, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blose attacked the track with confidence during the 250SX qualifying sessions. The No.57 rider logged the 13th quickest lap (52.730) during the first sessions but, like a true veteran, Blose quickly assessed the areas of the track he needed to improve and recorded a 52.042 lap time during the final practice session: qualifying him as 12th fastest overall.  

When the first 250SX heat race of the night began, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blose found himself involved in a three-rider pile-up in the opening 180-degree turn. The No.57 quickly remounted his KX™250 race machine and rejoined the race in 15th. Despite the adversity, Blose battled his way through the competition and into a top-10 position by Lap 5. Blose continued to race forward as the heat neared its end and when the checkered flag came out, he crossed the finish in ninth to complete his incredible come-from-behind performance.  

At the start of the 250SX Main Event, Blose found himself shuffled to the back of the pack. The No.57 KX250 rider crossed the finish line on the first lap running in 15th position. With plenty of work ahead of him, Blose embarked on an offensive charge forward executing passes with each lap. Despite the deteriorating track conditions, Blose’s pace remained strong. Unfortunately, a mistake on Lap 5 slid Blose back outside the top-15 group of riders. With a determined mind, Blose continued his steady march forward through the pack to catch his main rivals. As racing progressed, he tapped into his wealth of experience and swiftly maneuvered by slower riders in hopes of securing another top-10. Despite his best efforts, time for the 250SX Main Event expired and the No.57 ultimately finished with a hard-fought 13th-place result.

“This was a challenging weekend for me. I couldn’t get into a rhythm during qualifying which made the heat and main event races that much more difficult. Having to play catch up after the first turn crash in my heat also took a lot of energy out of me but it’s a bit of a confidence booster knowing I can still charge my way through a stacked field like that. The main started out better than the heat but I still had to work my way through the competition. At the end of the day, the team and I know I can do better so we’re going to put in some hard work during this break and arrive in Arlington ready to battle.”

–                  Chris Blose

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Hunter Lawrence Takes Dramatic 250SX East Win at Tampa SX

At his home race, Hunter Lawrence rode to his second 250SX East division victory in two rounds, but this one was completely different from last week’s. Whereas he had led all but two laps in Houston, the Tampa Supercross saw him ride through the pack on a wet, slippery track that rewarded deft bike-handling skills, making a last-second pass for a thrilling win. In the 450SX class, Chase Sexton posted his fourth podium finish in five rounds, finishing second and reducing his points gap on Eli Tomac to just two.

Lawrence suffered a poor start in the 250SX East main event and nearly went down in turn 1, putting him in sixth at the end of the first lap. The Australian took fifth from Jeremy Martin on the next lap, then moved by Haiden Deegan in the sand on lap 4. He dogged Michael Mosiman until making a hard pass on lap 9, and he passed Max Anstie for second in the same corner two laps later. At that point, Lawrence was six seconds down on Nate Thrasher, and with eight laps remaining, he began eating into the advantage, finally reaching the leader’s rear fender on the last lap. The two made contact twice, with Lawrence finally executing the pass in the final corner and crossing the finish line with a margin of just .134 seconds—the closest 250SX main-event finish in eight years. Anstie finished on the podium for the second week in a row, and his teammate Chance Hymas recovered from 11th on lap 1 to finish eighth.

Despite a poor jump out of the gate in the 450 main event, Sexton exited turn 1 with the lead on his CRF450RWE. Cooper Webb began hunting him from second, but Sexton rode strong through lapped traffic until making a mistake in the whoops and falling with four laps remaining. The Illinois native remounted in time to take second, which was good enough to close the gap on points-leader Eli Tomac to just two points. Sexton’s teammate Colt Nichols finished lap 1 in 11th, and after some back-and-forth battling, he ended the race in the same position.

NOTES

After staying in California for the early part of the season, Chase Sexton and the Lawrence brothers are now based back home in Florida. In fact, Hunter Lawrence didn’t even book a hotel room for the Tampa round, instead opting to make the 25-mile drive from his home in Wesley Chapel. Sexton lives about 75 miles away in Clermont.
On Friday, Hunter Lawrence and Chance Hymas took part in media-day activities, getting an opportunity to check out the track on their CRF250R race machines.
Lawrence gave on-camera interviews for Race Day Live and the television pre-race show. His brother Jett—taking advantage of the 250SX West series break—also made a guest appearance on Race Day Live.
With Tampa hosting Military Appreciation Night, the Team Honda HRC machines sported black Cycra bodywork and special Throttle Jockey graphics that were a tribute to the legendary SR-71 Blackbird—a retired reconnaissance aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force and NASA. First flown in 1964, the SR-71 was capable of Mach 3+ and still holds the record for the fastest and highest-flying air-breathing manned aircraft (operated at an altitude of 85,000 feet).
In addition, Sexton’s blue-and-yellow Alpinestars gear was a tribute to the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight-demonstration squadron.
Much of race day featured dry weather, but rain began falling during 250SX heat races, making for a slick surface. The rain stopped, only to start again during the 250SX main event and linger into the 450SX main event.
For the fourth time in five rounds, Sexton was the fastest qualifier in the 450SX class (he was second-best in San Diego). Fire Power Honda’s Dean Wilson was 12th-fastest, and Nichols had the 15th-best time. Lawrence was the only 250 rider to dip into the 49-second range in qualifying, with his teammate Hymas fifth-best. Also impressive was Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie in third. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cullin Park was 10th on the time sheets.
Hymas notched an impressive second-place finish in the Honda-heavy second 250SX East heat race, in which six of the nine riders to advance were CRF250R-mounted. Lawrence recovered from a poor start to finish fourth, ahead of Anstie, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Jace Owen and TiLube Honda’s Henry Miller, with Phoenix Racing Honda’s Caden Braswell ninth. TiLube Honda’s Michael Hicks and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock advanced from the first heat, finishing fourth and sixth, respectively. Red Research Group’s Luke Neese advanced to the main via the last-chance qualifier.
Sexton grabbed the 450SX heat 2 holeshot and pulled away to win by nearly eight seconds, while Nichols rode to a seventh-place result. Advancing from the first heat race was Fire Power Honda’s Dean Wilson.
Once again, the fastest laps in both main events were posted by Team Honda HRC riders Sexton and Lawrence, in 450SX and 250SX East, respectively.
Honda is the only manufacturer to have won a main event at every round of the season so far. Jett Lawrence was victorious at the first two 250SX West races, Chase Sexton topped the third 450SX round, and Hunter Lawrence won the first two 250SX East events.
With his victory, Lawrence joined Mike Kiedrowski and Jeromy Buehl as Honda-mounted riders to top the support class in Tampa. It was the seventh 250SX win of Lawrence’s career. Sexton’s result was his 15th premier-class podium finish.
Sexton and Lawrence both took part in the post-race press conference.
Honda riders hold down the top two positions in the 250SX East title chase, with Lawrence eight points ahead of Anstie. Hymas is eighth. In the 450SX ranks, Sexton is second, just two down on Eli Tomac, and Nichols advanced a spot to 10th.

Chase Sexton 23
“I feel like my racing keeps getting better, and tonight was some of the best main-event riding I’ve had. Cooper and I were going back and forth on who could go faster each lap, and the lappers were causing us both problems. I made up some points in the championship, but I still have to fix some mistakes. Overall, I’ve been having fun, I’m happy with where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to the future.”

Colt Nichols 45
“It was an interesting day, to say the least. Qualifying wasn’t the best, placement-wise, so I put myself behind early in the night. I got a decent start in the main from where I was, but I was just kind of stuck. There’s a big group of us that are pretty much the same speed, so I need to put myself in a better position early on. I feel like the bike’s in a better position, and I’m in a better spot. We’ll try again next week.”

Hunter Lawrence 96
“My starts weren’t the best, but in the main event I went into a zone where I didn’t even notice it was raining—I just put my head down. Honestly, I don’t really remember coming through the pack; there wasn’t a lot of thinking involved. I’m super-stoked on how the night ended—probably the most hyped I’ve ever been after a win. This one was special, and I’m excited about where we’re at.”

Chance Hymas 832
“It was a better day for me. I qualified better in the daytime program and got second in the heat race, which was good. Then I got a bad start in the main and struggled. I ended up with another P8 and go home with a little bit more knowledge. We’ve got a two-week break, and then I’ll come out swinging at the Triple Crown in Arlington.”

Lars Lindstrom
Team Manager
“It was another weekend similar to ones we’ve had over the last couple of years, where we end up with a bittersweet feeling. Hunter’s win in the 250 class was unbelievable, and then watching Chase almost win his race gave us a weird mix of emotions. All in all, you have to look on the bright side: Chase is only two points down in the championship, and Hunter had an amazing win. We have to try to improve with Colt and Chance, but we have some pretty good ideas on how to do that. We’re looking forward to Oakland next weekend.”

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Yamaha Returns as Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT in 2023

Progressive American Flat Track is excited to confirm that Yamaha Motor Corp., USA will continue as an Official OEM Partner of Progressive AFT for the 2023 season.

Yamaha had an extremely strong showing in 2022, scoring race wins and contending for championships up and down the class structure. Most notable was the incredible strides it made in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle category. The Estenson Racing Yamaha’s terrific tandem of Dallas Daniels and JD Beach combined to secure six victories, 15 podiums, and 27 top fives. The duo finished a close third and fourth in the final standings after battling for the crown all season long in what was Yamaha’s greatest Championship showing since the days of Kenny Roberts in the mid-‘70s.

Yamaha was a genuine powerhouse in Progressive AFT’s additional classes as well where it totaled eight victories among its 32 podiums, with seven different riders standing on the box at least once during the ‘22 campaign.

Yamaha is poised to take another step forward in 2023 with Daniels and Beach once again spearheading the bLU cRU’s multi-class title assault.

“We’re excited and looking forward to another year of racing and partnership with Progressive American Flat Track,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing manager. “The Estenson Yamaha Racing team is encouraged with the progress and resulting success in 2022, but remains motivated and focused on the goals of claiming the Mission SuperTwins championship and regaining the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles title.”

As part of Yamaha’s impressive commitment to the series, it will also serve as the title sponsor of the Yamaha Senoia Short Track, which will take place on March 25 at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia, located just down the interstate from Yamaha’s US-based Headquarters in Marietta, Georgia.

“We appreciate Yamaha’s continued support of Progressive American Flat Track,” said Gene Crouch, COO of AMA Pro Racing. “We’re looking forward to playing host for the Atlanta-based employees of Yamaha Motor Corp. USA and providing an exciting evening of flat track racing when the series heads to Senoia Raceway for Round 3 on March 25.”

For more information about Yamaha visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.

The 2023 Progressive American Flat Track season will launch with the hugely anticipated return of the DAYTONA Short Track I & II at the Flat Track at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 9 and Friday, March 10.

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

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are the official homes for coverage of Progressive American Flat Track. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

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Progressive AFT Announces 2023 Broadcast Schedule

Progressive American Flat Track is proud to present the broadcast schedule for the upcoming Progressive AFT season. All 18 rounds will once again premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots that are expected to deliver further viewership increases in 2023.

The 2023 campaign marks the second year of the blockbuster multi-year agreement that has already served to expand the visibility of the world’s premier dirt track motorcycle racing series. In 2022, FOX Sports provided a radically increased 150 hours of linear television coverage for the sport, which attracted nearly three million viewers across FS1 and FS2. That total was the highest linear television viewership for the series to date and represented a year-over-year increase of more than a million viewers.

“FOX Sports helped us reach millions of fans and delivered incredible coverage of the racing action last season,” said Gene Crouch, Chief Operating Officer of AMA Pro Racing. “With a condensed schedule, the return of fan favorite venues, new teams and the rekindling of some great rivalries, the 2023 Progressive AFT season is shaping up to be one for the record books.”

FOX Sports coverage will first air on FS1 the weekend following each round (two weekends later for the Sacramento Mile), followed by re-airings on FS2. The schedule also again strategically leverages FOX Sports’ powerhouse motorsports lineup to maximize viewership and introduce the sport to all-new audiences by regularly leading in and/or out of other highly rated motorsports programming.

FOX Sports coverage of the 2023 Progressive AFT season will deliver captivating coverage from all 18 events, starting with the season opening doubleheader at Daytona International Speedway on March 9 and 10 and wrapping up with the Springfield Mile doubleheader on Labor Day weekend. For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

2023 Television Schedule for Progressive American Flat Track (all premieres on FS1):

1. Saturday, March 18 – DAYTONA Short Track I – 10:30 a.m. ET (7:30 a.m. PT)
2. Sunday, March 19 – DAYTONA Short Track II – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
3. Saturday, April 1 – YamahaSenoia Short Track – 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT)
4. Sunday, April 9 – Arizona Super TT – 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT)
5. Sunday, April 30 – Mission Dallas Half-Mile – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
6. Saturday, May 13 – Ventura Short Track – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)
7. Saturday, May 27 – Mission Sacramento Mile presented by Law Tigers – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
8. Sunday, June 4 – Red Mile – 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT)
9. Sunday, June 25 – DuQuoin Mile – 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT)
10. Sunday, July 2 – MissionLima Half-Mile – 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT)
11. Saturday, July 8 – West Virginia Half-Mile – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
12. Sunday, July 16 – Orange County Half-Mile – 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT)
13. Sunday, July 30 – Bridgeport Half-Mile – 12:30 p.m. ET (9:30 a.m. PT)
14. Sunday, August 6 – SC2Peoria TT presented by Country Saloon – 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT)
15. Sunday, August 13 – Buffalo Chip TT – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
16. Sunday, August 20 – CertainTeed Castle Rock TT presented by Law Tigers– 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)
17. Sunday, September 10 – MissionSpringfield Mile I – 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
18. Sunday, September 10 – Mission Springfield Mile II – 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT)

How to Watch:

FOX Sports and FansChoice.tv are home to Progressive American Flat Track programming. For the 2023 season, all races will premiere in one-hour telecasts on FS1 during highly desirable weekend time slots. The complete schedule can be viewed at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports. FansChoice.tv provides livestreaming coverage of every Progressive AFT round at http://www.FansChoice.tv.

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MX Sports Pro Racing Appoints Long-Serving Industry Figurehead Roy Janson as Commissioner of Motocross

MX Sports Pro Racing, organizers and producers of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today the appointment of long-time industry figurehead Roy Janson as Commissioner of Motocross. This newly created position will align within the overall structure of MX Sports Pro Racing and American motocross as a whole.

The Commissioner of Motocross will serve as an invaluable liaison between MX Sports Pro Racing and the various entities that constitute the overall structure of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, including AMA Pro Racing, the event organizers that comprise the championship calendar, and the community of commercial entities that participate in the series. The Commissioner will take on specific assignments working within the existing management structure of MX Sports Pro Racing, including planning and operational matters that range outside the issues of competition and race officiating. The role of Commissioner will also include supporting the efforts of existing MX Sports Pro Racing staff members and will allow the Commissioner to identify and support future staff members who will help shepherd American motocross into its next half century of competition. The AMA Pro Motocross Championship is recognized worldwide as the sport’s premier competition for professional motocross.

“The promotion to such a prestigious position as Commissioner of Motocross allows me the opportunity to complete my journey within this business in a wonderful role and at the same time allows me the opportunity to be part of this remarkable sport as it begins a new and exciting future with the creation of the SuperMotocross League,” explained Janson. “The new SuperMotocross World Championship and the cooperative structure that brings together the entities and resources of Feld Motor Sports and MX Sports Pro Racing will allow the sport to protect and promote the individual integrity of the disciplines of Supercross and Pro Motocross, while adding the people’s championship at the culmination of each season. Each year, the SuperMotocross World Championship will answer the question that all of us as fans ask ourselves each season–who is the best of the best? While I’ve been blessed to have enjoyed a lifetime career in the sport of motorcycle racing, I’m pleased to be here as our sport begins its next chapter and I’m a believer that our future has never been brighter.”

Janson’s significance within the sport was recognized in the early ’90s
with a “Hi Flyers” trading card.

Janson, who has worked as a director with MX Sports Pro Racing since its establishment in 2009, began his career in the sport and industry of motorcycling nearly 60 years ago as a young employee of a local motorcycle dealer in his hometown of Rochester, New York, and since 1964 has been involved as a lifetime motorcycle racer, event worker, and event organizer. While briefly holding an AMA Professional Motocross License in the early 1970’s, Janson has stated that he recognized early in his racing experience that if he were to enjoy a career in the sport it would likely need to be off the track rather than on it.

After serving in the United States Marine Corps following his graduation from high school, Janson returned to Rochester to pursue Bachelor and Master’s Degrees from the State University of New York at Geneseo and the University of Rochester, while continuing to work at local dealerships and competing in local motocross, enduro, and trials events. Upon graduation, Janson embarked on his lifelong commitment to the sport, which began in 1980 with his tenure as an employee of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), where he worked in a variety of positions, ultimately ascending to Director of Professional Racing.

Following his time with the AMA, Janson went on to work for PACE Entertainment in 1994, where he served as Vice President of Operations, overseeing the company’s vast array of motorsports properties, including Supercross. He continued with the company as it evolved through a series of ownership changes over the next two decades, which culminated as Live Nation Motorsports until its sale to Feld Entertainment / Feld Motor Sports. Janson then went on to work with the Daytona Motorsports Group following its acquisition of AMA Pro Racing and helped organize the transfer of AMA Pro Racing to its current structure, which segued to his current upper management position with MX Sports Pro Racing. The change in the management structure of the sport of professional motorcycle racing allowed Janson the opportunity to return to his roots with Pro Motocross, as one of the early group of employees who made up MX Sports Pro Racing. He has relished his role as Event Director for every event dating back to 2009, when MX Sports Pro Racing assumed its role as organizer of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Janson served as team manager for the USA squad at the 1992 FIM Motocross of Nations, where the legendary “B Team” captured victory in Australia.
Photos: Racer X Archives

“Roy probably knows more about motocross than any of us. He has been a friend and mentor for countless people in motocross, going back to the 1980s when he first began working with the American Motorcyclists Association,” said Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “He has held numerous positions in the industry, everything from race official to series organizer to sponsorship coordinator. Roy was even Team USA Manager for two wins in the annual FIM Motocross of Nations (‘92-‘93). He’s also still the defending AMA National Enduro Champion in sidehack racing, a largely ceremonial honor dating back to the late 1960s, but that’s a story for another time.

“Whether it’s event production or television production, rulebook questions or safety issues, Roy has a comprehensive understanding of how it all works. He has been invaluable to AMA Pro Motocross, as well as Monster Energy Supercross, Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Championships, and the Motocross of Nations. There is no individual more suited to be named the first Commissioner of Motocross than Roy Janson.”

Tickets to each round of the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship can be purchased online by visiting www.ProMotocross.com. Ticket pricing options are unique for each event, with general admission, specialty seating, pit passes, and camping available. Availability will vary by venue.

Round 1: Fox Raceway National (May 27)
Round 2: Hangtown Motocross Classic (June 3)
Round 3: Thunder Valley National (June 10)
Round 4: High Point National (June 17)
Round 5: RedBud National (July 1)
Round 6: Southwick National (July 8)
Round 7: Spring Creek National (July 15)
Round 8: Washougal National (July 22)
Round 9: Unadilla National (August 12) 
Round 10: Budds Creek National (August 19)
Round 11: Ironman National (August 26)

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After an Unprecedented Triple Crown in 2022, Indian Motorcycle Racing Announces 2023 MotoAmerica & Progressive Insurance American Flat Track Factory Race Teams & Privateer Contingency

Indian Motorcycle Racing Set to Defend Championships in MotoAmerica® King of the Baggers® & Super Hooligan® Classes & American Flat Track^sm SuperTwins 

2022 King of the Baggers® & 2022 Super Hooligan® Champion Tyler O’Hara & Teammate Jeremy McWilliams to Pilot S&S® Indian Challengers and S&S® FTRs in MotoAmerica® Series 

Reigning AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees Chases Scottie Parker’s Historic Record of Nine Grand National Championships 

Indian Motorcycle Racing Commits More than $405,000 in Combined Privateer Contingency For King of the Baggers®, Super Hooligan® & American Flat Track^sm National Championship

2022 was a historic year for Indian Motorcycle Racing, capturing an unprecedented triple crown with championships across three different racing classes, including MotoAmerica® Mission® King of the Baggers® (KOTB), Super Hooligan® National Championship (SHNC) and Progressive Insurance® American Flat Track^sm SuperTwins classes. Now America’s First Motorcycle Company enters the 2023 racing season intent on defending its triple crown and raising the bar yet again with its factory racing program.

Running three No. 1 plates, Indian Motorcycle Racing welcomes back reigning champions Tyler O’Hara and Jared Mees, along with KOTB and SHNC factory rider Jeremy McWilliams. The company has also announced more than $405,000 in combined privateer contingency for KOTB, SHNC and AFT.

Founded by racers who developed America’s first motorized bicycles, fueled by a desire to go faster and win races, Indian Motorcycle has been racing, and winning, for 122 years. From founder Oscar Hedstrom’s endurance racing dominance at the turn of the century, to O.C. Godfrey winning the first Mountain Circuit race at the famed Isle of Man in 1911, to Burt Munro’s land speed records or the Wrecking Crew’s domination in flat track in the 1950s and, more recently, it’s six consecutive AFT Championships from 2017-2022, the list of history-making racing milestones is unparalleled. Now the innovative American motorcycle company prepares to defend a triple crown.

“Racing and an overriding spirit of competition has been a driving force for Indian Motorcycle for more than a century, and that competitive fire continues to drive us forward to this day,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “We’re incredibly proud of the success we had in 2022 with three different championships, but it’s only going to get tougher in 2023, with our competition gunning for us more than ever. But that challenge is what motivates us and pushes us to get better every day, and we’re chomping at the bit to go racing in 2023.”

MotoAmerica® KOTB & SHNC

For 2023, Indian Motorcycle and S&S® will pit a two-man factory race team that will take on double duty across the King of the Baggers® and Super Hooligan® classes. Proudly running the No. 1 plate in both classes, dual-threat champion Tyler O’Hara enters his fourth year aboard the Indian Challenger and his second year piloting an Indian FTR. Pitting alongside O’Hara in both classes is veteran Moto GP racer Jeremy McWilliams, whose technical knowledge and extensive experience at racing’s highest levels proved invaluable to the team’s success in 2022.

In the 2022 Mission King of the Baggers® class, the team’s success was driven by O’Hara’s versatility, the expertise of the S&S® crew, and the consistency and reliability of the Indian Challenger. Through seven rounds aboard his Indian Challenger, O’Hara captured five podiums, including a Daytona win, and two fourth-place finishes.

With the No. 1 plate and an expanded 14-round KOTB series, O’Hara will be the man to beat. But the competition will be tougher than ever, as Harley-Davidson® continues to increase its significant investment in the series, adding even more bikes and riders to the King of the Baggers® grid for 2023.

“The odds were definitely against us in 2022, and that’s what made climbing that mountain and ending up on top all the more special to our entire Indian Motorcycle-S&S® team. We grinded week in and week out to rise to that challenge and in the end, we got the job done,” said O’Hara. “But now we start over and the climb begins again. This team is truly a family, and we could not be more motivated to defend the championship and successfully rise to the challenge again in 2023.”

In addition to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is offering up to $83,000 in KOTB privateer contingency and up to $41,000 in SHNC Contingency.

2023 Indian Motorcycle KOTB Privateer Contingency

• Championship: $20,000
• 1^st: $3000
• 2^nd: $1000
• 3^rd: $500

2023 Indian Motorcycle SHNC Privateer Contingency

• Championship: $5,000
• 1^St: $3000
• 2^nd: $1000
• 3^rd: $500

AFT SuperTwins

Piloting the Indian FTR750 for his seventh-consecutive year, reigning Progressive Insurance® AFT SuperTwins Champion Jared Mees enters 2023 with eight AFT Grand National Championships to his name – just one shy of the historic record of nine held by Scottie Parker. A record that many have assumed would never be matched or broken, Mees is looking to do just that as he chases his ninth.

As Mees chases history, he’ll rely on his trusted team led by Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, Assistant Mechanic Bubba Bently and Suspension Technician Jimmy Wood. Mees will also receive support from Rogers Racing, SDI Racing, Drag Specialties®, Twigg Cycles, Mission® Foods, Monster Energy®, Bell® Helmets, Service Pro, Öhlins® Suspension, Klotz® Oil, Klock Werks^sm, RK Chain®, Corbin®, Seats, Engine Ice®, RMR Construction, Motion Pro®, VP Racing®, Vertex Pistons, Pro Plates and DBI Motorsports.

In addition to its AFT factory efforts around Mees, Indian Motorcycle is offering the sport’s most robust privateer contingency, equating to more than $280,000.

2023 Indian Motorcycle AFT Privateer Contingency:

• Championship: $25,000
• 1^st: $7,500
• 2^nd: $2,500
• 3^rd: $1,500
• 4^th: $1,000
• 5^th: $750
• 6^th: $350
• 7^th: $250
• 8^th: $150
• 9^th: $125
• 10^th: $100

Indian Motorcycle factory race efforts are presented by Progressive Insurance®, Mission® Foods and Medallia®, with additional support from Indian Motorcycle Motor Oil, S&S®, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties®, Performance Finance, and J&P Cycles®.

KOTB, SHNC and AFT seasons begin March 9 at the Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the 2023 AFT season, visit AmericanFlatTrack.com, for KOTB and SHNC, visit MotoAmerica.com.

For information about Indian Motorcycle, visit IndianMotorcycle.com, or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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