News and stories about powersports racing this week.
Gatorback ATVMX National Championship Race Report
ALACHUA, Fla. (March 20, 2023) – Round two of the ATV Motocross National Championship Series, an AMA National Championship, (ATVMX) remained South and set its sights on returning to the Gatorback Cycle Park facility in Alachua, Florida. The return to this track had racers excited about getting onto the second round of AMA Pro Racing, and would be the season kickoff for amateur, youth and vet racers as a full schedule of racing was scheduled.
For the premier AMA Pro class, the weather was taken in stride as the day unfolded. Phoenix Racing Yamaha’s Joel Hetrick put the power down during qualifying earning yet another fastest qualifier and making the statement early that he was going to be a handful no matter what track conditions he faced. The top five in qualifying was filled with A listers as the separation indicated that the first moto could be a real battle amongst the fastest in the world.
However, things went sideways quickly as this moto was about to change the course of the 2023 season. The gate dropped and it was Wienen Motorsports/Maxxis/SSi Decals/Fly Racing/Yamaha’s Chad Wienen and Hetrick racing towards the first turn with neither giving an inch. The pair made contact, causing them both to wreck as well as a couple other riders getting thrown into the mix.
Making his way through the carnage was Ford Brothers Racing/Fly Racing/SSi Decals/Maxxis/DWT’s Bryce Ford out front and looking in complete control as the moto rolled on. With the top two riders’ way off pace, Ford sailed to the moto win with Rastrelli Racing/FXR Moto/Rocket Machine Design’s Jeffrey Rastrelli taking second and Decker Training Facility/K5 Motorsports/Walsh Race Craft’s Zack Decker earning an outstanding third.
Hetrick had remounted and was back in the race, earning seventh with Wienen limping in for seventeenth. Damage control was hitting the pits as the mechanical crews dove into the machines to see what needed to be fixed and the medical crews got a visit from both Hetrick and Wienen. For Wienen, his day was done as a possible collarbone issue would keep him from competing in moto two while Hetrick, although bruised and battered, would be on the gate to salvage points.
Moto two would see its fair share of great racing however, all eyes were locked on Hetrick as he ripped around the Florida track and would claim the moto win. The big news hit when Ford crossed the finish line earning his first-ever AMA Pro Overall win! Joining the top two on the podium would be Rastrelli as he claimed second overall, and Hetrick taking third overall with a 7-1 score.
Fords win was monumental for the team and fans because we all knew his day was coming. Cheers and celebration and concerns about injured competitors kept the festivities on a lower key than one would expect but the celebrations were indeed underway.
Rastrelli’s efforts in both motos kept him charging to the front as he would secure second overall. Misfortune and health issues have plagued his efforts over the past several seasons so a podium finish might be just what he needs as we head to round three and beyond. Hetrick just won’t go down easily and that’s a trait one finds embedded in champions. Hetrick’s rally in both moto one after the crash and his win in moto two prove he will be the last man standing if he has his way about the season.
Going 4-4 on the day was GennUSA Racing/SSi Decals/CST Tires/Corrosion Specialties’ Nick Gennusa as he appeared to be in a good place at the end of the race. Gennusa is yet another racer that has his sights set on big things and knows hard work is what will get him there. Leaving safe and healthy might be the advantage he needs to capitalize on round three.
Taking the final position in the top five going 5-5 on the weekend was Musick Racing/Déjà vu/Kenda Tires’ Brandon Hoag as he found some success here at Gatorback. It’s not a podium finish, but Hoag as well knows nothing comes easy and he remains on the cusp of doing big things with just a little luck thrown his way.
Unfortunately for Decker a crash in moto two would leave him sidelined for the unforeseeable. A video from Decker would spread on social media as he discussed his broken femur and wrist. Well wishes go out to him, Wienen and Cesar Jimenez, who was involved in the moto 1 holeshot crash injurying his shoulder.
In the Pro-Am class it was Jayden Londerville taking the overall win after going 1-2 in Florida, while Mason Jackson came through to earn second with a 5-1 score on the weekend. Blair Miller rounded out the top three after going 3-3 at Gatorback.
Brett Musick took home the Pro Sport class win with a 1-1 score, and it would be Agostino Abbatiello coming through to earn second overall in the class. Joseph Chambers, a Florida native, rounded out the top three in the Pro Sport class at their second round of racing in the 2023 season.
Battling throughout the weekend were the WMX racers, as Kinsey Osborn would come through to earn the overall win going 1-1 on the weekend. Niamh Shaw would go 2-2 to earn second overall, while Shelby Cobrando went 3-3 to round out the top three in the class. Ellie Roush and Shelby Shiamone would go 4-4 and 6-6 to round out the top five in the WMX class.
Next stop for the series falls on the Underground MX (UGMX) soil of Texas as round three heads full force into another amazing facility that should be a great equalizer that will provide some intense action throughout the ranks.
For more information on the ATV Motocross National Championship, visit the series official website at www.atvmotocross.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series social media channels, along with receiving the most up-to-date news and exclusive content.
- Facebook: @atvmotocross
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Gatorback Cycle Park Results and Points Standings
Alachua, Florida
Round 2 of 10
Saturday, March 18, 2023
AMA Pro Class Event Results:
- Bryce Ford (1-2)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (2-3)
- Joel Hetrick (7-1)
- Nicholas Gennusa (4-4)
- Brandon Hoag (5-5)
- Logan Stanfield (9-6)
- Westley Wolfe (8-7)
- Zack Decker (3-17)
- Max Lindquist (6-13)
- Cody Ford (11-9)
Overall National Championship Standings:
- Bryce Ford (67)
- Joel Hetrick (64)
- Jeffrey Rastrelli (60)
- Nicholas Gennusa (52)
- Brandon Hoag (42)
- Logan Stanfield (42)
- Max Lindquist (37)
- Zack Decker (37)
- Cody Ford (31)
- Kevin Saar (29)
CHRISTIAN CRAIG TURNS IN HIS BEST FINISH OF THE SEASON IN DETROIT
Round ten of the 2023 AMA Supercross series showed that consistency continues to pay for Christian Craig. A sixth-place finish in Detroit is his best to date.
450SX
Over the last two events (Daytona and Indy), Christian has carded a tenth and seventh, and he backed it up with a sixth this week in Detroit for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team. Using his FC 450 Rockstar Edition to avoid the chaos that claimed other competitors, he charged to a sixth-place finish in the main to continue his streak of improved results.
“It started off pretty good. I was gelling with the track and feeling good in practice but rode tight in the heat and made some mistakes,” Craig said.“I found my groove a little bit in the main after a mid-pack start. I came through the pack, clicked off my laps, and took advantage of mistakes. I didn’t ride my best but was consistent and able to work my way up to sixth. I need to work on attacking and being better.”
250SX
Rookie seasons don’t always go smoothly or according to plan, but Talon Hawkins continues the fight in the AMA Supercross East division aboard his FC 250, improving weekly while picking up new areas to work on. This week he battled the whoops and carded a 15th-place finish after a crash early in the main.
“It started out all right, and I felt good on the bike. But I was really struggling in the whoops,” Hawkins said. “I need to get my form a little bit better, a little bit more precise to where it’s the same going through every time. I had a spill on the first lap of the main event. I was in seventh after a decent start from the outside and unfortunately ended up going down. I picked it back up and went from dead last and caught up to 15th. I’m happy with how I rode, how I was riding when I was up, but not happy with the crashes. So, I can’t wait to get back to the Baker’s Factory and get back to the grind.”
Next Event (Round 11): March 25, 2023 – Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Round Ten Results: Detroit
250SX East – Main Event
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda)
2. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha)
3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)
…
15. Talon Hawkins– Rockstar Energy Husqvarna
450SX – Main Event
1. Chase Sexton (Honda)
2. Cooper Webb (KTM)
3. Eli Tomac (Yamaha)
…
6. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
250SX East Rider Point Standings
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) – 151 points
2. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha) – 116 points
3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) – 111 points
…
15. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 47 points
450SX Rider Point Standings
1. Cooper Webb – 225 points
2. Eli Tomac – 222 points
3. Chase Sexton – 208 points
…
8. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 136 points
BILLY BOLT CROWNED 2023 FIM SUPERENDURO WORLD CHAMPION
Rising to the occasion, Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Billy Bolt delivered the goods at the fifth and final round of the FIM SuperEnduro World Championship to become the 2023 champion. Best described as a clinical performance from the Brit, Billy took his FE 350 to a convincing overall victory and with it secured his third consecutive world crown indoors.
With the stadium lights dimmed for the night show, Bolt wasted no time in moving ever closer to clinching his third world crown. Laying down a blisteringly fast lap for the SuperPole, he added another three important points to his championship tally.
Lining up for the first of three races, Billy knew victory in race one could potentially see him become the 2023 FIM SuperEnduro World Champion. Grabbing the holeshot put him in prime position, and by executing a series of clean, early laps, he opened up a four-second lead. Overcoming a small tip-over in the rocks, Bolt still rode away to a six-second margin of victory and with it, his third consecutive SuperEnduro world crown on his FE 350.
With the pressure of the title lifted from his shoulders, Billy was at his absolute best for the remainder of the night in Gliwice. Despite a second-row start for race two, he rocketed out of the gate and lead the field of riders before the end of lap one. Never headed and not once putting a foot out of place, Billy delivered arguably his best ride of the entire season and took a 35-second margin of victory.
Signing off an incredible 2023 SuperEnduro campaign, Billy ended his season on a high with victory in race three to remain unbeaten in Poland. With everything going to script, like it had done in his previous two races, he took the chequered flag for the third time on the night to claim the overall win.
Over the course of his dominant indoor season, Billy took his FE 350 to 14 out of a possible 15 race wins, while winning all SuperPole hot laps. Topping the overall podium five times out of five, he proved himself to be a very worthy FIM SuperEnduro World Champion in 2023.
Billy and Husqvarna Factory Racing will now turn their attention to the opening round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship in Serbia on May 17-20.
Billy Bolt: “What can I say, it’s been an incredible season! This is my third world title in a row, but with each one they get that little bit sweeter. Coming into the night, I knew I had a comfortable points lead to play with, but I wanted to go out there and give my best. Topping SuperPole helped the nerves and I rode hard in race one knowing that if I won I would also win the title. That felt so good. Race two was incredible too. Overall it’s been great, but hard fought at every round too. Naturally a big thank you goes to everyone involved in helping to achieve this. It’s a big team effort for sure.”
Results: FIM SuperEnduro World Championship, Round 5
Prestige Overall Classification
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 63pts; 2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 49pts; 3. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 45pts…
Prestige Race 1
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 8 laps, 6:57.883; 2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 8 laps, 7:03.129; 3. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 8 laps, 7:22.587…
Prestige Race 2
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 9 laps, 7:39.980; 2. Cody Webb (Sherco) 9 laps, 8:15.719; 3. Jonny Walker (Beta) 9 laps, 8:21.826…
Prestige Race 3
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 9 laps, 7:36.511; 2. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 9 laps, 7:42.209; 3. Jonny Walker (Beta) 9 laps, 7:45.101…
Final Championship Standings
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 310pts; 2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 260pts; 3. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 194pts…
Chase Sexton Takes Detroit Supercross Win on Dramatic Race Night
Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton won a Main Event filled with intense racing at Round 10 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season.
The Detroit Supercross kept race fans on their feet with a 450SX Class Main Event filled with multiple surprises and passes, as well as a dramatic late-race crash. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb earned second place after the on-track battles had been settled in front of 49,817 race fans at Ford Field in Detroit. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took home third place in a round that pays points for both the Supercross season and the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship. In Round 6 of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took his fifth win of the season.
Chase Sexton battled forward from a mid-pack start to win a thrilling Detroit Supercross and take his second win of the year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger grabbed the holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event but Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo shot past down the first rhythm lane to take over the front spot. Cooper Webb held third with Eli Tomac and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia behind. One and a half minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Plessinger reclaimed the lead with a blitz through the whoops. At about that same time, last week’s winner, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, reached sixth with Chase Sexton behind and on the move after a mid-pack start.
The racing was intense in the early laps with the front runners bunched up and trading positions back and forth. The only clear advantage was held by Plessinger. He’d only led a total of seven 450SX Class Main Event laps in his career prior to the Detroit gate drop, but as the points leaders battled behind him Plessinger pulled clear then steadily extended his lead. Five minutes into the race Plessinger was ahead by over three seconds. Tomac got around Webb for second while Barcia hounded to do the same and Sexton pushed to get around Barcia.
It seemed likely that the top three in points, Webb, Tomac, and Sexton, would break away and reel in Plessinger. But instead the KTM rider put even more real estate between himself and the pack while Barcia clawed his way up through it. Seven minutes into the race Barcia had reached second place and then set his sights on the win.
But then Sexton really went to work. Just after the race clock reached 11 minutes remaining, Sexton pushed past Webb to take third. A lap later he battled Barcia for second. The attack was quick, and Barcia’s counter was immediate; the riders came together. Sexton stayed up yet the impact threw Barcia off pace enough that Webb got around at the end of the following section.
Plessinger’s lead was over eight seconds and he looked untouchable. Meanwhile Tomac was working to hold fifth as Roczen was on his rear fender. Then Tomac got his own surge of speed and motored past Barcia to take over fourth place. Sexton gained on Plessinger only by tenths of a second as the race clock ticked down.
Plessinger held a comfortable lead when he made a critical and heartbreaking mistake. On the second-to-last lap of the race, he caught his foot on a rut and flew off the bike as it went airborne. Plessinger crashed hard, handing over what would have been his first 450SX Class win after leading the race for 20 laps.
Sexton took the win, his second of the season. Webb maintained the runner-up spot, and Tomac earned third place. The three points leaders on the race podium belied the thrills and twists of one of the most exciting races so far this season. After the race, Sexton was assessed a 7-point penalty for a red-cross-flag infraction, putting him seventeen points out of the title chase lead.
Hunter Lawrence took his fifth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 35.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Round 6 of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class saw Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grab the holeshot. Hunter Lawrence was quickly into the lead ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, Deegan, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher. Lawrence soon pulled a small gap on the pack. Thrasher was into third quickly and applied pressure to Martin. Martin held strong for several laps with Thrasher looking for an opportunity to pass.
Just over four minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Thrasher got around Martin. Thrasher put the hammer down and slowly cut the gap to Lawrence from 4.2 seconds down to 3.6. But when the race reached the midpoint Lawrence responded, pulled the gap back to over four seconds, and never allowed Thrasher to regain any significant ground. Behind them, Deegan moved past Martin to take over third place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose held fifth at the checkers just ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle.
Lawrence’s win created some interesting statistics in comparison compared to his brother, Jett Lawrence. The two brothers are now tied on Supercross race starts, wins, and top five finishes. Hunter holds one more podium finish, yet Jett already holds a 250SX Class championship. The stats are especially interesting in that the brothers will race head-to-head twice this season in two upcoming East/West Showdown events.
The series returns to the west coast to drop the gate for Round 11 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. The event pays points to both the Monster Energy Supercross season as well as to the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship which culminates in two Playoff events and one Final event in September.
All 31 rounds of the SuperMotocross League are streamed live on Peacock; select rounds are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International viewers can catch the action at SuperMotocross.tv. For race highlight videos, the full 31-round SuperMotocross schedule, results, news, and ticket sales please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Cooper Webb.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
- Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
- Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
- Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
- Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
- Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
- Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
- Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
- Josh Hill, Huntersville, NC, KTM
450SX Class Championship Standings
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (225)
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (222)
- Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (208)
- Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (182)
- Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (180)
- Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (174)
- Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (164)
- Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (136)
- Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (107)
- Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (103)
250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Haiden Deegan, Hunter Lawrence, and Nate Thrasher.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
- Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
- Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
- Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
- Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
- Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
- Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM
- Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
- Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
- Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
- Michael Hicks, Fenton, Mo., Honda
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
- Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., (151)
- Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (116)
- Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (111)
- Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (109)
- Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda (104)
- Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (92)
- Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (88)
- Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (85)
- Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (72)
- Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (67)
WEBB EXTENDS 450SX ADVANTAGE IN DETROIT AS LATE CRASH COSTS PLESSINGER
DETROIT, Michigan – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb has extended his advantage in the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship after claiming a convincing runner-up result at round 10 of the season, on a night in Detroit that will be remembered for teammate Aaron Plessinger crashing out of contention in the closing laps while leading the Main Event. The 250SX Eastern Region saw Tom Vialle earn an inspired sixth-place finish.
After qualifying sixth and finishing P4 in the opening Heat race, double 450SX champion Webb was in the thick of the action in a spectacular Main Event onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. His 23 points scored enabled him to increase his series lead to three points, maintaining the red plate for a second-consecutive week and continuing his podium consistency.
Cooper Webb: “It was disappointing for Aaron, he deserved to win tonight, and it was a crazy race. There was a lot of battling, I was just being smart, riding my race and I’m excited. It was a great race to maximize some points and I want to give it up for the Red Bull KTM team. There were fast laps at the beginning, I went down the middle of the whoops during the race and dialed that in, so that helped. I ended up in a good groove, so finishing on the podium was a strong result. I was just clicking my laps and, at the end of the day, it was a great race. We did what we needed to do, for sure, moving forward. Thank you to the fans tonight, too, they were awesome!”
As for Plessinger, he earned P2 in his Heat race and, after claiming the Main Event holeshot and taking control of the race on lap two, was on target for a first-career premier-class victory until disaster struck with two laps remaining. Despite crashing heavily, he was able to salvage a 13th-place result, but it was a case of what could have been for the ever-popular Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider on his 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. He is ranked seventh in the championship following 10 rounds.
Aaron Plessinger: “That one hurts, that one hurts a lot. I was riding so good and, man, I didn’t stand up in that rut the whole moto – I sat down and put my foot out… The one time I think it’s alright to stand up, it catches my foot and rips me right off the bike. I couldn’t believe it, flying through the air like that and I just tried to tuck, because it was a hard hit. I tried to get back up – I probably could have finished – but man, that hurts. You know, get back up on the saddle and I’ll get back up there in Seattle. I love it there, so don’t count me out, I’m not done yet. I was riding so good, I’m so proud of my riding and I love these fans. I could hear them the whole way! You know, it happens, we’ll be back with a vengeance. My starts are good, I’m good, my fitness is good… I’ve just gotta stay on the bike next time. Thank you to the fans, I wish I could have won it, but we’ll get them next year!”
French rookie Vialle managed to overcome a crash in Timed Practice that saw him qualify down the order in 250SX East, rebounding for third position in his Heat race and then charging to sixth in the Main Event riding the KTM 250 SX-F. The two-time and current MX2 World Champion was within half a second of a top-five result, keeping him positioned eighth in the championship standings entering a four-week break for the region.
Tom Vialle: “Unfortunately I had a crash in practice and that was disappointing, but I actually had a good heat race in P3. I felt better in the night and had an okay start in the Main, around fifth or sixth, then finished really close to fifth in the end of the race. We were consistent, a little bit off in speed, but we will work hard over the next four weeks until the next round and try to improve my speed. The goal is to get closer to the top guys in front, so we will look forward to Atlanta.”
Next Race: March 25 – Seattle, Washington
Results 450SX Class – Detroit
1. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, 23 laps
2. Cooper Webb (USA), KTM, +6.335
3. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha, +15.405
OTHER KTM
7. Justin Hill (USA), KTM
10. Josh Hill (USA), KTM
13. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM
16. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM
Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 10 of 17 rounds
1. Cooper Webb, 225 points
2. Eli Tomac, 222
3. Chase Sexton, 208
OTHER KTM
7. Aaron Plessinger, 164
10. Justin Hill, 103
16. Josh Hill, 67
19. Kevin Moranz, 40
29. Marvin Musquin, 11
Results 250SX East Class – Detroit
1. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 17 laps
2. Nate Thrasher (USA), Yamaha, +7.685
3. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha, +11.215
OTHER KTM
6. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM
17. Jack Chambers (USA), KTM
Standings 250SX East Class 2023 after 6 of 10 rounds
1. Hunter Lawrence, 151 points
2. Nate Thrasher, 116
3. Haiden Deegan, 111
OTHER KTM
8. Tom Vialle, 85
25. Jack Chambers, 12
TADDY TAKES THIRD IN SUPERENDURO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE
It all came down to this! The fifth and final round of the 2023 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship was an absolute nail-biter with GASGAS Factory Racing’s Taddy Blazusiak overcoming the odds to bag third overall in the championship fight. Despite entering the season finale on the back foot, Taddy used his home round in Poland to his advantage on his EC 350F to finish on the box and with it, end the championship on the podium too!
- Taddy on the box with third in Poland
- EC 350F racer fights to the end for third overall in the championship
- GASGAS wins SuperEnduro manufacturers’ title
Taddy Blazusiak: “What a night! It was a tough battle the whole way and I gave it everything I could. Coming into the final race it was tight on points for third overall in the championship and I knew I had to send it! I was riding well and managed to make some aggressive moves to get up to second position. It’s been so nice to get third overall in the championship in what’s been a hard season. I came in injured and on the back foot, but we never quit. To help GASGAS take the manufacturers’ award is pretty sweet too.”
After a challenging four rounds racing his way back into shape following a wrist injury, Taddy found his best form when it counted most in Gliwice, Poland. Feeling sharp from the off, he was ready to fight tooth and nail for the final step of the championship podium with close rival Cody Webb.
A great start to the night saw him come away with third place in race one. Putting in fast laps and being able to attack from start to finish, left him wanting more for race two. Always a difficult one to judge due to the reversed start order, Taddy got to work. Multiple battles saw him reach as high as second, before placing an eventual fourth.
With it all to play for in race three, Taddy was on a mission to get the job done and take third overall in the championship. Straight out of the gate he was hustling hard and making up positions everywhere he could. With rival Cody Webb on his rear wheel, Taddy kept looking forward and charging. Moving up into second place and cheered on by his home fans, Blazusiak was in his element. Undoubtedly his best ride of the season, Taddy took his EC 350F to second place and with it took third overall in the championship chase.
Despite at times this season feeling like luck was never on his side, Taddy always dug deep with true fighting spirit like only he can. Rewarded with a podium result on home soil and top three in the championship, Taddy’s performance also helped to give GASGAS the top manufacturers’ award in the 2023 FIM SuperEnduro World Championship.
Results – SuperEnduro Round 5
Prestige Event Classification
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 63pts
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 49pts
3. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 45pts
Prestige Race 1
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
2. Jonny Walker (Beta)
3. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS)
Prestige Race 2
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
2. Cody Webb (Sherco)
3. Jonny Walker (Beta)
4. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS)
Prestige Race 3
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna)
2. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS)
3. Jonny Walker (Beta)
Final Championship Standings
1. Billy Bolt (Husqvarna) 310pts
2. Jonny Walker (Beta) 260pts
3. Taddy Blazusiak (GASGAS) 194pts
JUSTIN BARCIA MOTORS TO A FOURTH-PLACE FINISH IN THE DETROIT SUPERCROSS
Round ten of the AMA Supercross Series found the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team in downtown Detroit in search of another strong 450-class finish. The night definitely didn’t disappoint, as he added to his string of strong finishes.
- The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team huddled up in the pits for a very chilly visit to the Motor City, but Barcia brought the heat on the track.
- Justin Barcia scores another solid top-five result
- Michael Mosiman was on the sidelines for this weekend
450SX
Justin Barcia continues to show impressive speed aboard his MC 450F Factory Edition. In the heat race he was a strong second after working his passing magic early in the race. When it came time for the main event, he was once again among the frontrunners, running as high as second during the middle portion of the main. While he dropped a couple of positions later in the main due to mistakes, he was still happy with the strong finish.
Justin Barcia: “It was a pretty good day. In the heat race I worked through the pack and got up to second. I was chasing first but ran out of time. In the main event I got off to about a fourth or fifth place start. I was charging hard and made a couple mistakes, then rode a little bit tight after that. I was in fourth getting close to third but ran out of time and the race was over. I’m looking forward to Seattle, as it’ll be my birthday weekend. I’m getting old and having a good time.”
250SX East
Michael Mosiman’s MC 250F Factory Edition was idle once again this weekend, as he’s still on the mend from his crash at Daytona. He and the team are eyeing a return to action when the AMA Supercross series hits Atlanta for round 13 on April 13th.
Next Event (Round 11): March 25, 2023 – Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash.
Results – 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, Round Ten
250SX East – Main Event Results
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 17 laps; 2. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha) +07.685; 3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) +11.215
450SX – Main Event Results
1. Chase Sexton (Honda) 23 laps; 2. Cooper Webb (KTM) +06.335; 3. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) +15.405; 4. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) +18.265 … 18. Justin Starling (GASGAS)
Championship Standings – After Ten Rounds
250SX East
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 151 points; 2. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha) 116; 3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 111 … 14. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS) 51
450SX
1. Cooper Webb (KTM) 225 points; 2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 222; 3. Chase Sexton (Honda) 208 … 6. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 174; 23. Justin Starling (GASGAS) 36
A BREAKTHROUGH TOP-FIVE FINISH FOR MONSTER ENERGY®/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI RIDER CHRIS BLOSE
The Motown music echoed through snowy streets as Monster Energy® Supercross raced into the Motor City for Detroit SX, Round 10 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship. In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Chris Blose led the Team Green® charge with his first top-five result of the season. In the 450SX Class, Adam Cianciarulo led laps early in the Main Event until mid-race adversity relegated him and his Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate Jason Anderson to eighth and ninth place at the checkered flag.
The opening laps of the first free practice session revealed that the Detroit SX track was set to give the top riders in the world all they could handle. The sharp whoop section and abundance of tight switchback turns proved further complicated by the unique terrain of deep ruts and a hard packed base layer. Blose was quick to assert his competence in the whoops as he mastered the most challenging section of the track and began to rival near the top of the leaderboard. In the final qualification session, Blose executed the track with precision and strung together several race simulated laps to log the seventh fastest lap time of the morning (53.393).
At the start of 250SX Heat 2, Blose emerged from the first turn in fifth with his sight set forward until an early-race mistake shuffled him back to eighth place. Blose regrouped by the end of Lap 2 and began to work his way up the running order. With superior whoop speed and consistent laps, the No.57 Kawasaki KX™250 rider overtook his rivals in rapid succession. Blose advanced through the field to challenge for fourth on the final lap before securing a fifth-place place result and earning a direct transfer to the Main Event.
When the gate dropped for the 250SX Main Event, Blose again launched out to a fifth-place start and quickly found his rhythm. With the championship points leaders ahead, Blose latched onto the pace of the front group and began to separate himself from the rest of the class. The veteran rider logged steady laps and was one of the few competitors continuing to blitz through the increasingly challenging whoop section in the late stages. With just four laps remaining, a near collision with a lapped rider forced Blose to get hard on his brakes and allowed former two-time MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle to close the distance between them. Blose proved his determination in the closing laps of the race as he fended off the world class pressure and earned his first top-five finish of the 2023 season in impressive fashion.
“The support of the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team has been awesome as we’ve focused on building with each week of racing. I’ve improved my main event finish by one position at each of the last three races, so I’d say that process has been going really well. It was great to break into the top-five and show the hard work of this whole squad. Now, with a few weeks to prepare for Atlanta, we should be even more ready to challenge at the front of the pack.”
– Chris Blose
The Monster Energy® Kawasaki duo of Anderson and Cianciarulo took to the track with a clear purpose for the opening 450SX Free Practice as they quickly dialed in the course and began experimenting with alternate rhythms. As the qualification sessions progressed, both Kawasaki KX™450SR riders honed in on the ideal racing line and ramped up their intensity. Anderson, the second fastest qualifier of the morning (51.491), was edged out for pole position by less than a tenth of a second, and Cianciarulo followed close on his heels with the fourth fastest lap (51.927).
When the gate dropped for 450SX Heat 1, Anderson rocketed out to the holeshot and immediately extended a gap from the field by tripling through the opening section. Cianciarulo emerged from the first turn in ninth but thrilled the crowd as he made quick work of the competition and passed his way into third before the end of the second lap. While Cianciarulo continued his pursuit of second place, Anderson set sail out front to lead every lap of the race and secure a commanding heat race win; the 33rd 450SX Heat Win of his career. Cianciarulo’s charge through the pack earned him third at the finish.
The Kawasaki duo lined up for the 450SX Main Event with first gate pick for the No. 21 of Anderson. When the gate dropped, the KX™450SR was out to the early lead, but this time it was Cianciarulo at the tip of the spear. The No.9 Kawasaki rider commanded the start of the race with the championship contenders all hot on his trail. Anderson, racing ahead from an eighth-place start, was pushing the pack forward while Cianciarulo fought to defend his lead. The intensity of the front battle increased and Cianciarulo was shuffled to sixth on Lap 4. Cianciarulo and Anderson matched pace for several laps in sixth and seventh until Anderson crashed exiting the whoop section and dropped back to 10th. Meanwhile, Cianciarulo was pushing his way forward and inching back into contention for the top-five battle until he too made a mistake and crashed over the rutted step-on-step-off section. The Monster Energy® Kawasaki teammates both continued to charge to the finish and reclaimed positions late in the race for respective eighth and ninth place finishes at the checkered flag.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m a little frustrated about my fall in the Main Event, but there are so many positives to focus on from the day that I know we’re making progress. This dirt was tricky to find comfort on, but I had a solid run in qualifying this morning and backed it up with a good ride in the Heat Race. In the Main, I led some laps early and, once I settled in behind Kenny (Roczen), I was able to stay right there with those guys. Unfortunately, that one mistake cost me a few positions, but we’ll focus forward to Seattle and aim to tie it at all together.”
– Adam Cianciarulo
“My day started out strong with good times in qualifying and I knew my KX™450SR was in a good spot to be competitive on this track. I grabbed the holeshot in my Heat Race and led start to finish, so the goal was to carry that into the Main Event. I started a little further back in the top 10 and then, while trying to battle my way forward, I got close with Adam in the whoops and just lost it. After I got up from the crash everything was pretty tweaked, so I focused on making the most of it and salvaged what I could for a top-10.”
– Jason Anderson
Team Honda HRC Sweeps Detroit Supercross
Having come tantalizingly close on a number of occasions this year, Team Honda HRC finally completed an AMA Supercross win sweep at round 10 in Detroit, with Chase Sexton topping the premier division and Hunter Lawrence ruling the 250SX East Region category.
To earn his premier-class main-event win, Sexton had to pass some of the class’s top riders. Following an eighth-place start, he quickly moved up a spot, then passed Ken Roczen for sixth on lap 2. He displaced Adam Cianciarulo for fifth two laps later, moved around Eli Tomac on lap 8 and got Cooper Webb for third on lap 10. One lap later he came out on top of a scrap with Justin Barcia to assume second place, and he set out after Aaron Plessinger, who had a lead of over eight seconds. Sexton shrunk the gap to as low as 3.5 seconds before Plessinger crashed two laps from the end, helping the CRF450R to take the win.
Meanwhile, the 250SX East main event saw Lawrence snare the holeshot and check out. Five minutes in, he had an advantage of more than three seconds over second place, and he added another second by the 10-minute mark. At the finish, the Australian was 7.6 seconds ahead, for his fifth win in six rounds.
NOTES
- Team Honda HRC rider Colt Nichols sat out Detroit to continue recovering from his Daytona crash, but he’s expected to be back for Seattle next week.
- With pit space being tight at Detroit, there is no option for teams to put up their truck canopies, and there is no Fan Fest. With outside temperatures in the 20s, Team Honda HRC worked out of the technical truck.
- As has been the norm for much of this season, Team Honda HRC riders topped daytime qualifying in both classes, with Chase Sexton best in 450SX and Hunter Lawrence quickest in 250SX East.
- Lawrence suffered a poor start in 250SX heat 2 but quickly moved up to second. He eventually closed the gap on the leading Nate Thrasher but couldn’t make the pass before the finish. Other Red Riders to advance from his heat were Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cullin Park, Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie, Valley Ford’s Jeremy Hand and TiLube/Storm Lake Honda’s Henry Miller. Meanwhile, five CRF riders advanced from heat 1: Phoenix’s Coty Schock, Jace Owen and Caden Braswell, as well as TiLube’s Michael Hicks and Moto Academy’s AJ Catanzaro. Fire Power’s Gage Linville and STR Racing’s Lance Kobusch made it in through the last-chance qualifier.
- More than half of the riders on the 250SX East main-event start gate–12 of 22–were aboard CRF250R race machines.
- Sexton exited turn 1 of 450SX heat 2 in fourth place and quickly advanced to second. After stalking Ken Roczen for four laps, he made the move for the lead and pulled away to win by nearly three seconds. Fire Power Honda’s Dean Wilson advanced through heat 1.
- Lawrence posted the fastest lap time in the 250SX East main event.
- The last time Honda’s factory team won the premier and support classes was at the 1993 Indianapolis round, where Jeremy McGrath and Doug Henry did the honors. Honda’s support-class effort was later handled by Factory Connection, and at the 2020 Atlanta round, Ken Roczen and then-Factory Connection rider Sexton topped 450SX and 250SX East, respectively.
- Sexton and Lawrence took part in the post-race press conference and media scrums.
- Lawrence’s lead in the 250SX East title chase has ballooned to 35 points–well over a full race. Meanwhile, Sexton still sits in third, but due to a seven-point penalty incurred for jumping on a red-cross flag, he lost ground and is 17 behind the leader.
- As indicated by NBC during the broadcast, Hunter Lawrence’s Detroit performance moved him into a tie with brother Jett for career 250SX wins (10 each), and also for top-five finishes (22 each). Both brothers have 27 starts, and Hunter has one more podium than Jett (19 compared to 18). NBC also pointed out that Hunter has led every main-event lap since Daytona (51 laps straight).
- Sexton’s victory gives him 19 podiums in the premier-class, as well as three wins.
- Sexton’s win put Honda in a tie with Yamaha for most premier-class AMA Supercross wins in Michigan, with 20 (including races at both Pontiac Silverdome and Ford Field). It also added him to the list of Honda-mounted Ford Field winners, with Davi Millsaps and Eli Tomac.
- Lawrence’s success stretched Honda’s support-class-best Michigan win record to 13, five of which have come at Ford Field (Josh Grant, Justin Bogle, Malcolm Stewart, Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence).
- Next up for Team Honda HRC is the Seattle Supercross on Saturday. It’s a West Region round, which means Jett Lawrence will take over from Hunter.
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