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Monster Energy® Kawasaki Riders Finish
Top-10 at Triple Crown Finale
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (April 9, 2023) – Round 12 of the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross Championship welcomed the world’s fastest supercross racers and fans with warm temperatures in Glendale, Arizona for the final triple crown race of the season. Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo displayed Impressive speed and consistency to qualify third fastest and finish sixth overall (7-7-7). Kawasaki teammate Jason Anderson showed glimpses of his race-winning form until a fall in the whoops during the final race of the night ended his final race early, placing him 10th overall with 6-4-21 finishes. In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford strung together three solid races to earn 10th overall (13-9-10). Monster Energy® Kawasaki Team Green™ rising amateur talent, Ryder DiFrancesco, returned to racing after recovering from injury and secured an impressive runner-up finish in his first 250SX Futures race of the 2023 season.
Cianciarulo started the afternoon strong by setting one of the quickest laps early in 450SX qualifying before dropping down to sixth with his teammate Anderson sitting seventh fastest. Looking to improve, the Kawasaki duo utilized newly formed lines in the final qualifying session to unlock more speed. When qualifying sessions concluded, Cianciarulo set the third fastest time (56.980) while Anderson was close behind with a recorded time of 56.987 for fifth fastest.
After the gate dropped on the first 450SX Main Event of the night, both Kawasaki riders emerged from the first turn inside the top 10. Anderson made quick passes during the opening lap to move into fifth by Lap 2 with his teammate Cianciarulo following close behind. Shortly after moving into fifth, the No.21 embarked on a multi-lap battle to defend against the fierce competition coming from the opposition behind. The back-and-forth battles brought State Farm Stadium to its feet but despite his best efforts, Anderson eventually dropped to sixth where he would finish. Meanwhile, Cianciarulo utilized the battle between Anderson and Sexton to close the gap on his teammate. The No.9 of Cianciarulo continued to charge forward as racing progressed but was unable to make a pass attempt and settled for a seventh-place finish.
The second 450SX Main Event of the night saw Anderson launch his KX™ 450SR to another strong start, while Cianciarulo was just inside the top 10. Anderson raced hard from start to finish, marginally closing the gap to third with each lap until he was less than a second behind the third-place rider with only two laps remaining. The ensuing late-race battle between Anderson and Roczen for third brought roars from the crowd as the No.21 tried to execute numerous pass attempts but finished the race in fourth, missing the podium by only four-tenths of a second. Cianciarulo rode steady and made calculated passes late in the race to move into seventh by the time the checkered flag waved.
In the final 450SX Main Event of the night, Anderson and Cianciarulo were off to respectable sixth and seventh-place starts. The No.21 made an impressive pass for fifth through the whoops during the opening lap and continued to move forward as he took control of fourth a few laps later. The New Mexico native continued to push for a podium finish but a costly mistake in the whoops resulted in a big get-off and ended his night prematurely. As the lone Monster Energy Kawasaki rider on track, Cianciarulo again proved his consistency by maneuvering his way through the field and moving into seventh on Lap 4, where he finished the race. Cianciarulo’s consistency paid off with a sixth place (7-7-7) overall result while Anderson placed 10th on the night (6-4-21).
“I had a very consistent night of racing here in Glendale. This is the first time in my career I’ve made it this far into the season since moving up to the premier class, so my main goal was to keep it on two wheels but still be competitive. I’m pleased to say we accomplished just that, and I was able to secure a sixth place for the team on what turned out to be a very rough and fast-paced track. The team and I have been working hard during the week, and it’s nice to see results starting to show on the track. I’m looking forward to carrying this momentum into the next round.”
- Adam Cianciarulo
“Without the crash in the final race of the night, I think I could’ve ended up with a podium finish. I was steadily improving throughout the day and felt good on my Kawasaki KX450SR after the second race. I enjoy a good battle and the one Kenny and I put on for the fans in the second main was a lot of fun. That motivated me heading into the final race but unfortunately, I made a costly mistake that ended my night. Luckily, I was able to get up on my own and walk away without any injuries. The team and I will regroup this week and come ready to bring the battle to Atlanta next weekend.”
- Jason Anderson
After securing a top-10 result in his first race with the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team, Mumford came into Glendale motivated to keep improving and break into the top-five group. Difficulty settling into a flow hindered Mumford throughout the day as the No.52 finished 250SX qualifying in 14th with a 59.149 lap time.
When the gate dropped for the first 250SX Main Event of the night, Mumford found himself involved in a first-turn pile-up that dropped him towards the back of the field. Quick to remount, Mumford looked to salvage as much of the race as possible until a red flag came out on Lap 2, forcing a full restart. The Simi Valley, CA rider took full advantage of the restart, launching his KX™250 out to a sixth-place start. Despite Mumford’s best efforts to defend against the competition throughout the race, the No.52 dropped outside the top 10 as time expired and he reached the checkered flag in 13th.
The second 250SX Main Event saw Mumford jump out to a top-five start. The No.52 battled over the rights to sixth place for multiple laps before settling into eighth. With only a handful of laps remaining, pressure from the competition began to build and Mumford dropped to ninth before the checkered flag waved.
A challenging start to the final 250SX Main Event saw Mumford reach the first turn in 15th, however through a series of quick passes he moved up to eighth by the end of Lap 1. Riding strong, Mumford set his eyes ahead on the next target and completed the pass for seventh on Lap 2. As racing continued so did the challenges coming Mumford’s way. The No.52 defended to the best of his abilities, but intense battles dropped him back to 10th in the running order, where he remained through the checkered flag earning Mumford 10th overall (13-9-10).
“The track tonight was really fast-paced and slick which made finding a rhythm extremely challenging. However, I still feel like I rode a decent race and am proud to have finished with a top 10. The track only got worse as the night went on, but I stayed focused and gave it my all in every race. I’m looking forward to building on this and continuing to push myself for better results each weekend.”
- Carson Mumford
Eager to return to competition for the first time in 2023 was Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s DiFrancesco who finished runner-up in last year’s 250SX Futures Class Finale. Ready to prove his speed, DiFrancesco attacked the fast-paced track inside State Farm Stadium from the start of qualifying and logged the third-quickest lap time in the 250SX Futures Class (59.969).
When the gate dropped on the 250SX Futures Main Event, DiFrancesco rocketed out to a second-place start, following close behind the rider in first. The No.75 kept the leader within striking distance throughout the opening laps of the race before settling into a comfortable pace. With the time winding down, DiFrancesco attempted one final attack to try and battle for the lead, but the Bakersfield-born rider could not close the gap enough to attempt a pass and settled for a respectable second-place finish.
“It was awesome getting to line up again after some time off. I never like to finish second but I’m proud of my performance with this being my first race back after my injury. It was challenging out there, but I feel like all the hard work I put into preparing paid off. I’m ready to get back to work in the coming weeks and will be ready to fight for the win in my next 250SX Futures race later this season.”
- Ryder DiFrancesco
RJ HAMPSHIRE SCORES A SECOND OVERALL IN GLENDALE SUPERCROSS TRIPLE CROWN
There were both highs and lows for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Team as the AMA Supercross Series moved to Glendale, Arizona, for round 12 of the 2023 season.
250SX
RJ Hampshire has been a consistent championship contender aboard his FC 250 throughout the 250 West season, and that string continued in Glendale, where consistency is key in the Triple Crown format. After running in the third spot early in the first main, he advanced to his eventual second place finishing position just before the midway point. In the second main, he executed a great start and led all 11 laps, scoring a solid win and setting himself up for a shot at the overall. For the third and final main event, RJ made a series of quick passes to move into third position, but could climb no higher, which gave him second overall for the night.
“I felt really good today, I just came up a little short tonight. In the first and second mains I rode well and felt good on the bike. I just didn’t execute in that third main,” Hampshire said. “I’m really happy with my FC250, this whole team, and I’ll just keep on grinding and keep on moving forward and try and knock one of these wins off here soon.”
450SX
Following a string of increasingly improved results aboard his FC 450 Rockstar Edition prior to Glendale, Christian Craig had his sights set on a top finish. Unfortunately, he was unable to compete after a crash during practice left him with a briefly dislocated hip and an elbow injury. He was transported to the local hospital for further evaluation.
Next Event (Round 13): April 13, 2023 – Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Ga.
Round 12 Results: Glendale
250SX West – Overall
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 1-3-1
2. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna 2-1-3
3. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) 3-2-2
450SX – Overall
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 1-2-1
2. Chase Sexton (Honda) 4-1-3
3. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 3-6-2
250SX West Rider Point Standings
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) – 153 points
2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) – 127 points
3. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) – 101 points
450SX Rider Point Standings
1. Eli Tomac – 274 points
2. Cooper Webb – 267 points
3. Chase Sexton – 249 points
…
8. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 150 points
27. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 15 points
Eli Tomac Takes Glendale Supercross Win and Championship Points Lead
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took the win at Round 12 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season and with it broke clear of the championship points tie. Tomac is now the sole holder of the red plate. Tomac earned the victory with 1, 2, 1 race scores in the third Triple Crown-format event of the season.
55,614 fans packed into State Farm Stadium for an exciting evening of great racing and sport history milestones. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton earned second place points inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona with 4, 1, 3 race scores and with it earned the 2023 Triple Crown Championship – a secondary championship held within the Supercross season. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia finished third at the event that pays points not only into the Triple Crown and the 17-round Supercross season, but also toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In Round 6 of the Western Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence earned his first Triple Crown win and extended his points lead in that regional series.
Eli Tomac (1) took the win in Glendale and pulled seven points clear in the points lead with five races remaining in the Supercross season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
In race one of the 450SX Class Eli Tomac grabbed the Holeshot with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols, and Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb right behind. Webb moved up into second place before the first lap was completed. Roczen quickly took over third place but Justin Barcia was the rider on the move early in the race. Two and a half minutes into the 12-minute plus one lap race, Barcia took over third while Webb worked to close the 1.3 second gap to Tomac. After a bad start, Chase Sexton passed Anderson to take over fifth spot with just under seven minutes left on the race clock. The tension grew as Webb inched closer to Tomac on the high-speed Arizona track. Sexton pulled up to Roczen’s rear fender at the white flag then made the pass for fourth in final corner. The race ended with Tomac, Webb, and Barcia on the podium.
Chase Sexton jumped into the lead off the start of Race 2. He was followed by Tomac, Roczen, Anderson, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, Webb, and Barcia. Sexton looked to have the field covered but stalled the engine in the early laps. Tomac grabbed the lead position but only held it down one rhythm lane; Sexton blitzed back past in the whoops and began steadily inching away. With just under four minutes left Webb bumped past Anderson for fourth. Anderson charged back, took Webb high in the next bowl turn, and got back the spot. The move clipped Webb’s momentum and Barcia also got around Webb. Sexton was clear of the group but spots two through five tightened again on the final lap. Webb took fifth from Barcia. Then, late in the lap, Anderson made a big move in the whoops in an attempt to take third from Roczen, but Roczen battled back into the final corner and held the spot. Sexton got the race win ahead of Tomac, and Roczen. Going into the final race Tomac held three points, Sexton had five, Webb carried seven, Roczen sat with eight, Barcia had nine, and Anderson had ten.
Colt Nichols was the first racer across the Holeshot stripe in Race 3. Tomac blitzed into the lead on the first pass through the whoops with Barcia following along to secure second place. Sexton was ninth at the Holeshot stripe but moved up to fourth in the first minute of racing. In another lap Sexton reached third. As the race neared the halfway point Jason Anderson, running fourth, had a big crash in the whoops. Webb took over the spot with Roczen right behind. Barcia made a push for the lead but never got within true striking distance of Tomac. Sexton held steady in third. In the final laps Roczen applied heavy pressure on Webb for fourth and what would mean fourth place between the two riders in the overall. Tomac grabbed the race win and his 51st career 450SX Class win. Barcia took second in the race for a third place overall on the night. Sexton’s third in the race gave him the runner-up spot overall in Glendale. The finish also earned Sexton the 2023 three-race Triple Crown Championship. Webb held strong in fourth to earn that same position in the night’s overall.
The victory broke Tomac from his tie with James Stewart for most career Supercross overall wins. Tomac now solely holds the spot for second-most career wins with 51; he sits 21 behind Jeremy McGrath with 72. The overall results earned Tomac seven points over Webb in the 2023 title chase. And Tomac’s win delivered two more designations. Tomac extended his Triple Crown career-most win record with seven overall wins. He is also now the winningest rider in Phoenix-area Supercross races with a total of five, breaking the previous tie with both James Stewart and Ricky Carmichael.
Jett Lawrence captured a win that had eluded him: a 250SX Class Triple Crown overall victory.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Race 1 for the Western Regional 250SX Class started with two passes in the opening laps as Jett Lawrence and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen traded the lead with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire right behind. A red flag stopped the race for a full-reset. The racers lined up again and the race clock went back to its full 10-minutes. Kitchen grabbed the holeshot with Lawrence right behind and Hampshire in third. Lawrence waited nearly until the race’s midpoint before he made his move for the lead exiting the whoops. The lead change spurred Hampshire, who immediately attacked Kitchen. Hampshire took over the second place spot as the race clock ticked to five minutes remaining. Lawrence never let Hampshire shave off much of his 2.4 second lead and the top three held their positions to the checkered flag.
Levi Kitchen holeshot Race 2 of the 250SX Class with RJ Hampshire, Jett Lawrence, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Carson Mumford, and Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland on his tail. Hampshire took over the lead and Vohland moved into second. Kitchen reclaimed second place and Lawrence was settled into fourth before one minute had expired off the race clock. Lawrence was soon around Vohland for third while Hampshire put down fast laps out front. The white flag came out and Lawrence put in a sprint to catch Kitchen; he made it close but didn’t better his spot. Hampshire took the win ahead of Kitchen and Lawrence, setting the three riders up with 3 points for Hampshire, 4 points for Lawrence, and 5 points for Kitchen.
Levi Kitchen was three-for-three on starts with the Holeshot in Race 3. Lawrence, Partzilla PRMX Racing’s Hunter Yoder, AJE Motorsport GASGAS’s Mitchell Harrison and Hampshire were right behind. In less than a lap Hampshire was up to third. Early in the race Hampshire pushed too hard in the whoops; what normally would have been a crash turned into a miraculous save. Just a few seconds later, further up the track, Lawrence took over the lead from Kitchen. From there Lawrence rode smoothly and maintained a comfortable gap. With Lawrence moving up to the 450SX Class next season it was his final opportunity to win a 250SX Class Triple Crown overall. The win also extended his points lead to 26 with only three races remaining in the Western Regional 250SX Class.
The racers line up again at Atlanta Motor Speedway on April 15th for a daytime race, then battle each Saturday after that for the following four consecutive weekends. The five remaining Monster Energy Supercross rounds will take place inside open-air stadiums and raceways, adding weather as an additional variable in one of the tightest Supercross title battle in the sport’s history.
Each round also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship, which combines 17 Monster Energy AMA Supercross rounds, 11 AMA Pro Motocross rounds, two SMX Playoff events and one SMX World Championship Final scheduled for September 23rd at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The 450cc Class SuperMotocross World Champion will earn a cool $1,000,0000 championship win bonus, and the 250cc champion will claim a $500,000 title win bonus.
All 31-rounds are streamed live on PeacockTV with select rounds also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage is available at SuperMotocrossTV. For results, highlight videos, power rankings, and ticket sales please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, and Chase Sexton.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
450SX Class Results
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (1-2-1)
- Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill. Honda (4-1-3)
- Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS (3-6-2)
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (2-5-4)
- Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (5-3-5)
- Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (7-7-7)
- Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (9-9-6)
- Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Oak., Honda (8-8-8)
- Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Honda (10-10-9)
- Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (6-4-21)
450SX Class Championship Standings
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (274)
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (267)
- Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., Honda (249)
- Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (217)
- Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY, GASGAS (216)
- Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (212)
- Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (196)
- Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (150)
- Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (139)
- Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (127)
250SX Class podium (racers left to right) RJ Hampshire, Jett Lawrence, and Levi Kitchen.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Western Regional 250SX Class Results
- Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Australia., Honda (1-3-1)
- RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (2-1-3)
- Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (3-2-2)
- Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (4-4-5)
- Enzo Lopes, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Yamaha (7-5-4)
- Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (5-8-7)
- Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (6-7-12)
- Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (18-6-6)
- Robbie Wageman, Newhall, Calif., Suzuki (9-15-8)
- Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki (13-9-10)
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
- Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Australia, Honda (153)
- RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (127)
- Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (101)
- Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (101)
- Enzo Lopes, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Yamaha (100)
- Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (99)
- Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (86)
- Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (85)
- Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (71)
- Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (70)
RED BULL KTM’S COOPER WEBB BATTLES TO FOURTH IN GLENDALE SUPERCROSS TRIPLE CROWN
GLENDALE, Ariz. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb worked his way to a consistent fourth-place result at the final Triple Crown round of the year in Glendale, marking round 12 of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship. 450SX teammate Aaron Plessinger finished the night in seventh, as Maximus Vohland claimed an eighth-place result in the 250SX West division.
Webb put the eighth-fastest qualifying time behind him by launching his 2023 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into second place in the opening Triple Crown race, keeping within striking distance of the leader throughout the 12-minute sprint to open his Glendale account with a P2 result.
As the track continued to firm up, Webb kept himself in round podium contention with a fifth in the second race, but an uncharacteristic mid-pack start to the final outing saw him having to fight to an eventual P4 result and fourth overall. Webb remains second in the 450SX championship with five rounds remaining.
Cooper Webb: “Not the greatest of days, but not particularly bad either. I was equal third in points on the night, but fourth overall given my last race finishing place, and with 2-5-4 finishes. These Triple Crown races can really swing either way when it comes to points – be really good to you or be costly in points if you let them. In the first race, I rode pretty well and was battling up front for second place, but I just didn’t ride that great in the second and third races, made too many little mistakes and passing was really tough, which cost me the overall podium. I think things will be a lot better in Atlanta next week – I really like racing in ATL. It will be back to a normal Main Event format, so we will regroup and look to make back those championship points I lost out on tonight.”
The 10th-fastest qualifying time put Plessinger in a mid-pack position off the start of the first of the 450SX Triple Crown races. After some quick, early passes aboard his 2023 KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, he settled for ninth in the opening encounter.
Two good starts to the remaining two Triple Crown races saw him placed well early on, but small errors and a slippery, hard-packed track saw him finish the final two races with P9 and P6 scores on his way to seventh overall for the night. Plessinger currently sits seventh in the championship order.
Aaron Plessinger: “I was feeling decent early in the day, but it was a track that I didn’t gel with and didn’t feel comfortable on. In the first race, I was in a decent spot, but I got held up on the first straight and that put me back a ways. I got another good start in the second race but just went backward, so I made some big changes to the bike for the final race and got a really good start. Again, I went backward a little, but I felt like it was a better race. All in all, it was an off day for me – it was a tough track to pass on, and we haven’t seen hard-pack conditions like that for a while. We’ll rebound next weekend at Atlanta, which has always been good for me.”
In the 250SX West championship, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Vohland overcame a tough first race to salvage eighth overall in the Triple Crown round, despite dealing with a sickness coming into the race weekend.
After qualifying in eighth place, the restarted first race saw Vohland and his 2023 KTM 250 SX-F slide through the first turn and into fourth place, but contact from another rider saw him go down. After remounting at the back of the pack, he circulated to finish in 18th.
Vohland put in two consistent performances for the final two races of the evening, with a pair of P6 results giving him enough points for a well-earned eighth overall. He now sits eighth in the Western Regional 250SX points with three rounds of the series left to run.
Maximus Vohland: “It was a tough night in Glendale. I was sick all week coming into the race, so I knew it was going to be challenging. Unfortunately, in the first moto restart, I got taken out in turn three, which resulted in me getting an 18th. The second two motos were better, going 6-6 for eighth overall. I’m looking forward to getting healthy and ready for East Rutherford.”
Next Race: April 15 – Atlanta, Georgia
Results 450SX Class – Glendale
1. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha, 1-2-1
2. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, 4-1-3
3. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS, 3-6-2
4. Cooper Webb (USA), KTM, 2-5-4
OTHER KTM
7. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM
12. Justin Hill (USA), KTM
15. Josh Hill (USA), KTM
19. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM
Standings 450SX Class 2023 after 12 of 17 rounds
1. Eli Tomac, 275 points
2. Cooper Webb, 267
3. Chase Sexton, 249
OTHER KTM
7. Aaron Plessinger, 196
10. Justin Hill, 127
13. Josh Hill, 86
21. Kevin Moranz, 47
29. Marvin Musquin, 11
Results 250SX West Class – Glendale
1. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 1-3-1
2. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna, 2-1-3
3. Levi Kitchen (USA), Yamaha, 3-2-2
OTHER KTM
6. Derek Kelley (USA), KTM
8. Maximus Vohland (USA), KTM
14. Joshua Varize (USA), KTM
19. Kaeden Amerine (USA), KTM
Standings 250SX West Class 2023 after 6 of 9 rounds
1. Jett Lawrence, 153 points
2. RJ Hampshire, 127
3. Levi Kitchen, 101
OTHER KTM
8. Maximus Vohland (USA), 85
10. Derek Kelley (USA), 70
18. Joshua Varize (USA), 33
29. Kaeden Amerine (USA), 7
BARCIA BAGS A TRIPLE CROWN PODIUM AT GLENDALE SUPERCROSS
Normally, the annual trip to the desert southwest for AMA Supercross is much earlier in the season. But the dry and slick conditions? Those have proven to be consistent features in Glendale.
- The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team was looking to continue the positive momentum they’ve been building in recent rounds
- Justin Barcia scored his first-ever Triple Crown Podium
- Pierce Brown finished seventh overall on the slick and hardpacked surface in Glendale
450SX
After a week off to recharge and work on scoring some better starts, Justin Barcia and the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team were looking forward to getting back into action. Justin has been posting impressive results each week with his MC 450F Factory Edition. That trend continued in Glendale, where his 3-6-2 score across the three main events left him in third overall for the night, and helped bump him up a spot and into the top five of the 450 overall standings.
Justin Barcia: “I felt good in qualifying today, and felt really comfortable on the bike. The team did a great job, and made great adjustments. The last main event was my best one. This is my first Triple Crown podium overall, so I’m stoked on that. I’m just super-stoked on my riding and the team, and I’m really looking forward to Atlanta. Keep going for that win.”
250SX West
Though there were some spectacular moments, including a first turn crash (which was negated by an eventual red flag restart in the first main), and a spooky off-track excursion through the whoops, a consistent 4-4-5 score from the three mains netted a solid fourth overall in Glendale for Pierce Brown and his MC 250F Factory Edition. The finish also bumped him up a spot in the 250 West standings, to seventh overall.
Pierce Brown:“I had three consistent mains, but they weren’t good enough to satisfy me. I was a little bit off with my intensity. I struggled in the whoops all three mains, and that’s what dictated the night. We have some stuff to work on. I’ll take a fourth after some hectic weeks leading up to this. We’re still building, and we’ll be up to where we need to be before the end of the season.”
Next Event (Round 13): April 13, 2023 – Atlanta Motor Speedway in Atlanta, Ga.
Results – 2023 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 12
250SX West – Main Event 1 Results
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 11 laps; 2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) +02.020; 3. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) +10.759; 4. Pierce Brown (GASGAS) +14.021 … 14. Jerry Robin (GASGAS); 20. Mitchell Harrison (GASGAS); 20. Mitchell Harrison (GASGAS)
250SX West – Main Event 2 Results
1. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 11 laps; 2. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) +01.997; 3. Jett Lawrence (Honda) +02.614; 4. Pierce Brown (GASGAS) +12.961… 14. Mitchell Harrison (GASGAS) +49.855; 17. Jerry Robin (GASGAS) +1:03.168
250SX West – Main Event 3 Results
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 11 laps; 2. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) +03.700; 3. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) +08.413… 5. Pierce Brown (GASGAS) +18.422; 19. Jerry Robin (GASGAS)
250SX West – Overall Results
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda); 2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna); 3. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha); 4. Pierce Brown (GASGAS); 15. Mitchell Harrison (GASGAS); 18. Jerry Robin (GASGAS)
450SX – Main Event 1 Results
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 13 laps; 2. Cooper Webb (KTM) +01.589; 3. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) +04.666… 22. Justin Starling (GASGAS)
450SX – Main Event 2 Results
1. Chase Sexton (Honda) 13 laps; 2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) +03.742; 3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) +05.160… 6. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) +07.278; 21. Justin Starling (GASGAS)
450SX – Main Event 3 Results
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 13 laps; 2. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) +02.307; 3. Chase Sexton (Honda) +05.824… 22. Justin Starling (GASGAS)
450SX – Overall Results
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha); 2. Chase Sexton (Honda); 3. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)… 22. Justin Starling (GASGAS)
Championship Standings – After 12 Rounds
250SX West
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 153 points; 2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 127 points; 3. Levi Kitchen (Yamaha) 101 points… 7. Pierce Brown (GASGAS) 86 points; 19. Mitchell Harrison (GASGAS) 84 points; 22. Jerry Robin 17 points; 26. Austin Politelli 12 points
450SX
1. Eli Tomac (Yamaha) 274 points; 2. Cooper Webb 267 points; 3. Chase Sexton (Honda) 249 points … 5. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 216 points; 24. Justin Starling (GASGAS) 41 points
ROMAIN FEBVRE ON THE PODIUM IN SWITZERLAND
Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP’s Romain Febvre scored his first GP podium of the 2023 FIM World MXGP Motocross Championship at Frauenfeld in Switzerland to cement his consistent start to the campaign.
The Frenchman got excellent drive to enter turn one second in race one before he was drifted wide by another rider to emerge eighth but he was quickly making moves to sixth by the completion of the opening lap and, making clever use of the ever-developing lines, had advanced to his eventual third-placed finish within nineteen minutes. A powerful start in race two saw the KX450-SR leader surge towards turn two fourth despite drifting wide at turn one; within two laps he had made a thrilling pass for third and, setting the four fastest laps of the race, he quickly closed down the front-runners. With ten minutes remaining he made a decisive pass for second and homed in on the leader. Time-and-again the Kawasaki star and his rival experienced heart-stopping moments as they encountered lapped riders; fortune was on the side of his rival in traffic and Romain had to concede on the final lap but his first GP podium of 2023 sees him head to Italy next weekend established in a four-rider breakaway at the head of the championship table, just five points shy of second in the series.
Romain Febvre: “The track suits me and I’ve been feeling good all weekend. My starts have been really good, almost alongside Jorge, but the first-turn was a mess each time; I got pushed out the first time and I went too wide myself the second time and bounced off the bank. I had to work really hard for that third place today and at the finish I was really close to winning the GP; I had to pass Jeffrey both motos, Jorge too in race two and I came behind Maxime but I was getting filled in with rocks everywhere. My thanks to the entire KRT team; we have come a long way in the last two weeks with understanding the bike. My championship is really starting now.”
GP FOR COURTNEY DUNCAN AND RED PLATE FOR LOTTE VAN DRUNEN
Big Van World MTX Kawasaki’s Courtney Duncan took victory in the Swiss round of the FIM World WMX Women’s Motocross Championship while Kawasaki colleague Lotte van Drunen secured the series points lead.
The New Zealander needed just a couple of turns to move into second place in the second moto of the weekend at a significantly faster Frauenfeld track after workers had bulldozed Saturday’s heavy ruts. A missed shift at the end of the lap temporarily cost her one position and she was content to settle into a good rhythm in a tightly-bunched leading trio before an inside-pass on lap three once again make second her own. With her twentieth career GP victory secure and few opportunities to make a further move she settled for second in moto to be now tight in the points with the series leader.
Courtney Duncan: “I was in my element on Saturday – I love long ruts and tricky conditions – but there weren’t heaps of lines this morning and everyone could go fast after they bulldozed the track. I made a pretty good start but it was more difficult to make a difference. I was trying my best to win again but it just didn’t happen; it was a little frustrating but we racked back good points in the championship this weekend and won the overall. Twenty career GP wins is awesome – I’m stoked – and I’m confident heading to Spain next month.”
A fall had restricted fellow Kawasaki rider Lotte van Drunen to fifth place in the first moto on Saturday but the fifteen-year-old Dutch girl made no mistakes on Monday morning with a clear holeshot and led throughout the twenty-minute-plus-two-lap race to claim the second moto-victory of her young career by nine seconds. The win also ensured second overall over the weekend and, even more significantly, secured the series red-plate as championship leader.
Lotte van Drunen: “My first red-plate – it’s amazing. I enjoyed the track already on Saturday and my riding was good but it was difficult to pass and I ended up crashing. But straight after the finish I told my dad I was going to win today. I’m not really thinking about the championship yet this year; I just want to get on the podium every weekend and see first how the season develops.”
With 1-2 in the individual points standings Kawasaki has also established a healthy lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship as the series heads to Spain for round three on May 6/7.
KEVIN HORGMO EIGHTH IN SWITZERLAND
F&H Kawasaki Racing Team’s Kevin Horgmo dug deep after his Qualifying misfortunes to salvage eighth in the Swiss round of the FIM World MX2 Motocross Championship at Frauenfeld.
He faced two difficult GP motos after his unfortunate Qualifying on Saturday had dealt him a disadvantageous choice of gate in a start-layout which heavily favoured the inside gates. KX power saw him sprint to the first turn just within the top-ten and he quickly pounced to make a significant pass on the opening lap of each moto but further advances proved difficult on a track which offered few opportunities in a fast-moving leaderboard train. Ninth in race one and seventh in race two resulted in eighth overall on the day and see the Norwegian head to Italy next weekend seventh in the series points chase.
Kevin Horgmo: “For sure we didn’t get the results we wanted this weekend but we bounced back as good as we could from our misfortune yesterday. I had a mid-pack start in the first race but made some quick passes and finished ninth. I had more-or-less the same start in moto two; it took me some time to find my rhythm but it came better-and-better during the moto and I was really close to making another pass on the last lap.”
F&H teammate David Braceras battled just outside the top-ten throughout both motos to claim the best points-haul to date in his rookie GP season. Fifteenth in race one and thirteenth in race two gave the Spanish youngster fourteenth overall and see him advance to the same ranking in the world standings.
David Braceras: “It was a positive weekend with P15 and P13 today and my first top ten in the Quali moto. I made small advances, so I’m happy with that. In the first moto I rode a little tense so I didn’t find a good flow but in the second moto I was feeling better and I was happier with my riding. I still have much more and I am ready to put in the work to get there !”
Big Van World MTX Kawasaki newcomer Jack Chambers showed tremendous spirit on his GP debut. The twenty-year-old from Auburndale, Florida rode a solid first moto, moving forward from outside the top-twenty to claim fourteenth on the final lap. A tremendous start in race two saw the young American sweep across from his outside gate to sprint towards turn two in seventh position. He was quickly relegated several positions by the top-ten regulars but showed resilience and stamina to again make a telling pass at the very end of the race for twelfth in moto and thirteenth overall.
Jack Chambers: “The riding style and the tracks over here in Europe are different to the US and I haven’t ridden outdoors since last June so the first thing is to have fun, gain experience and learn from the GP regulars, but I’m thankful for this opportunity. I only flew in on Monday but I had two days on the bike before we got here and already feel at home on the KX250.”
Kawasaki Motors Europe, along with the Big Van World MTX Kawasaki team, would like to wish Mikkel Haarup all the best with his future career after mutually agreeing to part company as of the MXGP of Switzerland.
KAY DE WOLF CLAIMS ANOTHER TROPHY AT THE GRAND PRIX OF SWITZERLAND
Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing tackled the unique setting of Frauenfeld, Switzerland, earlier today, as the venue played host to the third round of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship. Kay de Wolf continued his fine run of form in the MX2 division, as he raced to another podium finish via 2-4 scores.
It was not all plain sailing for de Wolf, who made more passes than most over the two motos. ’74’ was sixth on lap one of the first stint and calculated in his approach; he pounced on his peers in the latter stages and progressed from fifth to second in the last four laps. The second moto was similar for him, as he charged through the field from eighth and secured fourth on the very last lap. Third overall was where he was eventually classified at the Grand Prix of Switzerland and he occupies that same spot in the championship standings.
Roan van de Moosdijk was just superb in the first MX2 moto on Swiss soil – he took an emphatic win after a late pass. The triumph was his first as a Husqvarna athlete and made easier by a brilliant start on his FC 250. Sadly, his start was not quite as good in the second stint and he had to put his head down in a bid to secure a spot on the Grand Prix podium. Moosdijk was majestic whilst slicing through the field and eventually salvaged eighth, which put him fourth in the overall classification. Just two measly points separated him from his teammate in third overall.
Poor starts, prompted by a bad gate pick, ruined any shot that Lucas Coenen had at a position on the podium. ’96’ was incredibly quick aboard his FC 250, as he ran wide in turn one of the first moto and then charged all of the way to sixth at the chequered flag. That result was captured via a pass on the championship leader at the very end. Coenen had more work to do in the second moto, as he charged to salvage a sixteenth. 6-16 scores meant that he was twelfth in the overall classification at the Grand Prix of Switzerland.
Kay de Wolf: “I am pretty happy with my weekend! I have been practicing on hard pack tracks a lot, so I am hopeful that we can keep doing this. I had a bad start in the second moto and had to work my way up, but we did that well and landed on the podium. This is my second podium in a row and I am really happy about that.“
Roan van de Moosdijk: “I am really happy with the progress that we have made in recent weeks. The team and I have been working very hard, so that win in the first moto was a nice reward. It was a shame to miss the podium after that, of course, but I will try to keep the ball rolling next weekend.”
Lucas Coenen: “There is not much to say about my day in Switzerland! My speed was good, so that was a positive, but I made too many mistakes and that hurt my results. I tried my best though and am looking forward to having another shot at Pietramurata.“
There is no time to rest for Nestaan Husqvarna Factory Racing, as they must work through consecutive rounds before the next break in the schedule. The fourth round, the Grand Prix of Trentino, will be run on April 15/16.
Results – 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship, Round Three
MX2 – Overall
1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 43pts; 2. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 42pts; 3. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 40pts… 4. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 38pts; 12. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 20pts
MX2 – Moto One
1. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 33:58.764; 2. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 34:03.300; 3. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 34:05.246… 6. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 34:15.189
MX2 – Moto Two
1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 33:47.845; 2. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 33:52.774; 3. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 33:55.600… 4. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 33:56.388; 8. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 34:35.153; 16. Lucas Coenen (35:02.029)
MX2 – Championship Standings
1. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 159pts; 2. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 139pts; 3. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 136pts… 5. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna) 112pts; 9. Lucas Coenen (Husqvarna) 72pts
JORGE PRADO EXTENDS CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD VIA A SECOND IN SWITZERLAND
Jorge Prado of the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing squad extended his championship lead at today’s round of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship – he maintained his perfect run of podiums at the Grand Prix of Switzerland and now leads the championship standings by twenty-one points!
- Jorge Prado maintains perfect streak of podiums.
- Prado more than doubles his championship lead.
- Mattia Guadagnini shows more potential in MXGP.
Jorge Prado started the Grand Prix by sprinting to his third qualification victory in succession and the ten points that go along with that made his Swiss experience even sweeter. The first moto was similar – he took the holeshot and an unchallenged win with his MC 450F. Prado backed that up with a third place in moto two, after another holeshot, and therefore maintained his perfect streak of podiums. 1-3 scores put him in second overall and helped him extend his series lead to that aforementioned total of twenty-one points.
Jorge Prado: “The first moto was very good! I had the holeshot in the second moto and tried to break away, but I did not have the same flow. I struggled, but got third and second overall. I extended my championship lead and that is the most important thing. I am riding well and staying consistent, so I want to keep going in this direction.”
There are many positives that Mattia Guadagnini can extract from the day in Frauenfeld, but the results do not reflect how competitive he was. ‘101’ started in second in moto one and was quite competitive in the top three before a small crash derailed his charge. Ninth was the result that he salvaged in that and, unfortunately, he experienced more bad luck in the final moto, as he was pushed wide in the first turn and had to move forward from dead last. Charging back to twelfth was incredibly impressive and helped him secure tenth overall.
Simon Langenfelder had a consistent day at the Grand Prix of Switzerland and showed podium speed. ‘516’ charged from eighth on the first lap of moto one to fifth at the checkered flag, a rather impressive effort, and raced to the same result in the final stint. It was an incredibly close race – he was just three seconds from the rider in third. 5-5 scores meant that Langenfelder was classified in sixth at the Grand Prix and now occupies the same ranking in the championship standings.
Mattia Guadagnini: “I felt better today! I had a really good start in the first moto, second, but got arm pump and started to make mistakes. I had a small crash and lost my rhythm, so I was just trying to survive after that. I got pushed off the track in the first turn of the second moto and had to come back from dead last. It was not easy on this track, but I got back to twelfth. I was riding good today and think that I could have done a lot better.”
Simon Langenfelder: “I did not get the best start in the first race, but I battled my way up to fifth. It was not an easy track, with so many ruts and bumps! I enjoyed it though. I had a better start in the second moto and made some passes. I had a little bit of bad luck with backmarkers at the end. Being fifth twice is not what I expect, but it was okay.”
The Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing squad will travel to the picturesque venue of Pietramurata, Italy, now, as the fourth round of the 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship is set to be run this coming weekend.
Results – 2023 FIM Motocross World Championship, Round Three
MXGP – Overall
1. Maxime Renaux (Yamaha) 47pts
2. Jorge Prado (GASGAS) 45pts
3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki) 42pts
10. Mattia Guadagnini (GASGAS) 21pts
MXGP – Moto One
1. Jorge Prado (GASGAS)
2. Maxime Renaux (Yamaha)
3. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki)
9. Mattia Guadagnini (GASGAS)
MXGP – Moto Two
1. Maxime Renaux (Yamaha)
2. Romain Febvre (Kawasaki)
3. Jorge Prado (GASGAS)
12. Mattia Guadagnini (GASGAS)
MXGP – Standings
1. Jorge Prado (GASGAS) 155pts
2. Jeffrey Herlings (KTM) 134pts
3. Maxime Renaux (Yamaha) 131pts
10. Mattia Guadagnini (GASGAS) 76pts
MX2 – Overall
1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 43pts
2. Andrea Adamo (KTM) 42pts
3. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 40pts
6. Simon Langenfelder (GASGAS) 32pts
MX2 – Moto One
1. Roan van de Moosdijk (Husqvarna)
2. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna)
3. Andrea Adamo (KTM)
5. Simon Langenfelder (GASGAS)
MX2 – Moto Two
1. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha)
2. Andrea Adamo (KTM)
3. Jago Geerts (Yamaha)
5. Simon Langenfelder (GASGAS)
MX2 – Standings
1. Jago Geerts (Yamaha) 159pts
2. Thibault Benistant (Yamaha) 139pts
3. Kay de Wolf (Husqvarna) 136pts
6. Simon Langenfelder (GASGAS) 111pts
RED BULL KTM SEIZE MX2 PODIUM SPOILS AS ADAMO FINISHES RUNNER-UP IN SWITZERLAND
The FIM Motocross World Championship returned to Swiss territory for the first time in five years. The third round of the 2023 MXGP calendar at Frauenfeld was the scene for Andrea Adamo to score 2nd overall in the MX2 category with his works KTM 250 SX-F. Jeffrey Herlings classified 4th in the MXGP class.
- Adamo stars as KTM’s lead MX2 hope with 2nd overall and his second podium result in three GPs
- The Italian rides to a 3-2 card in front of a packed attendance and across a rough and rutty course at Frauenfeld on Easter Monday. He sits 4th in the championship standings.
- Herlings just misses a third consecutive podium finish with his KTM 450 SX-F but keeps steady to take 4th in Switzerland and guard 2nd spot in the championship table
- Liam Everts rides to 7th in the final MX2 Grand Prix classification as MXGP heads to Pietramurata in Italy next weekend for round four
An overdue and welcome return to Switzerland and some of the most vocal and enthusiastic fans in Europe awaited MXGP on Easter weekend. Round three gathered under bright but temperate conditions at Frauenfeld northeast of Zurich and around a rough and demanding new layout for the Grand Prix. Frauenfeld had previously staged MXGP dates in the middle of the last decade but had not hosted the series since 2018.
Jeffrey Herlings came to the meeting after claiming his 100th career victory in Sardinia two weeks previously and then after victorious outings in domestic events in Europe in a quest to build-up his race speed and conditioning even further. The 28-year-old rode to 3rd place in Saturday’s RAM Qualification Heat and then waited until Monday’s motos to secure to a 6th and a 4th for 4th on the day and dealt with a rough, quick and potentially treacherous surface with a composed approach despite suffering with arm-pump.
In the MX2 class Andrea Adamo made use of decent starts and an effective rhythm to be among the leaders with a 3rd and a 2nd. The haul was enough for Adamo’s second walk to the rostrum in his first season with the team and with the factory KTM 250 SX-F. Liam Everts was once more in the top ten reckoning and an 8-6 effort (the second moto 6th place being his second-best result of the young season so far) was another learning experience for the Belgian.
There will be little time to dwell on round three as MXGP pushes directly onto the fourth appointment of the campaign next weekend. Another bumper and expectant crowd are expected to flock to the hard-packed, slick but spectacular setting of Pietramurata in Arco di Trento for the Grand Prix of Trentino.
Jeffrey Herlings, 6th and 4th for 4th overall in MXGP: “I had a good gatepick after Saturday but the break in the schedule didn’t help me much. I felt a bit tight today and although I had a good start in the first moto I had some arm-pump and went backwards. It was a shame. I took the points. It was not a great weekend but not a bad one. I’ll look forward now to Arco next weekend and work from there.”
Andrea Adamo, 3rd and 2nd for 2nd overall in MX2: “A really good weekend for me. A solid one. The track was a bit different to what we are used to but I enjoyed it: something different is also cool! I think we can all be quite happy with 2nd overall today. Now we’ll go back to Italy for some training and get ready for Arco. We are confident at the moment and I hope we can try for the same result or even better.”
Liam Everts, 8th and 6th for 7th overall in MX2: “My Quali race went well and my pace was good but in the first moto I got held-up, tipped-off and struggled to find my rhythm. In the second moto I was 5th for most of the race until Kay [De Wolf] got around me at the end. P6 for 7th overall though felt like an improvement. I liked the track here. It was better on Saturday; more lines and slower but a bit faster today. It was an unusual weekend but we made the most of it.”
Results MXGP Switzerland 2023
1. Maxime Renaux (FRA), Yamaha, 2-1
2. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 1-3
3. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 3-2
4. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 6-4
5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED), Yamaha, 4-7
Standings MXGP 2023 after 3 of 19 rounds
1. Jorge Prado (ESP), GASGAS, 155 points
2. Jeffrey Herlings (NED), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 134
3. Maxime Renaux (FRA), Yamaha, 131
4. Romain Febvre (FRA), Kawasaki, 129
5. Calvin Vlaanderen (NED), Yamaha, 101
Results MX2 Switzerland 2023
1. Thibault Benistant (FRA), Yamaha, 4-1
2. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 3-2
3. Kay de Wolf (NED), Husqvarna, 2-4
4. Roan Van de Moosdijk (NED) Husqvarna 1-8
5. Jago Geerts (BEL), Yamaha, 7-3
7. Liam Everts (BEL) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 8-6
Standings MX2 2023 after 3 of 19 rounds
1. Jago Geerts (BEL), Yamaha, 159 points
2. Thibault Benistant (FRA), Yamaha, 139
3. Kay de Wolf (NED), Husqvarna, 136
4. Andrea Adamo (ITA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 131
5. Roan Van de Moosdijk (GER), GASGAS, 112
8. Liam Everts (BEL) Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, 94
Julien Beaumer Wins Supercross Futures in Glendale
Orange Brigade Factory KTM’s Julien Beaumer led start to finish at the third race of the Supercross Futures series, an event within the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco was just outside of striking distance for the entire 6-minute plus one lap race in front of 55,614 fans inside State Farm Stadium. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Daxton Bennick, winner of the first two 250SX Futures Class races this season, earned third place in Glendale.
Julien Beaumer (29) was nearly flawless on the high-speed Supercross track. Ryder DiFrancesco (75) kept the pressure on throughout the race. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
After qualifying with the fastest lap time, Julien Beaumer grabbed the holeshot when the gate dropped. DiFranceco latched onto Beaumer’s rear fender with Daxton Bennick in third. Bennick lost two positions in the second corner as GASGAS Fly Racing’s Mark Fineis and Team Green Babbitts Online’s Trevor Colip cut under him in a bowl turn. Two minutes into the race Bennick got back into third but had to battle for the spot with Fineis in some exciting race action.
Beaumer kept the throttle pinned as he and DiFrancesco distanced themselves from the pack. The two never got close enough to engage in a true battle for the lead. Both riders negotiated the technical track with skill and composure beyond their years. At the finish Beaumer took the win, DiFrancesco was right behind in second, and Bennick rounded out the podium. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Casey Cochran made a last lap pass through the whoops to grab fourth place, and Fineis finished in fifth in his first Supercross Futures race appearance.
The amateur racers have one more Supercross Futures event held within Round 14 of Supercross racing in East Rutherford, New Jersey at MetLife Stadium on April 22nd. Then the young athletes face off to crown the Supercross Futures AMA National Champion at the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season finale inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on May 13th.
The Supercross Futures races are streamed live on Peacock as part of the complete 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. Peacock will also carry every round of the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship Series, which encompasses the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, the AMA Pro Motocross Season, two SMX Playoff rounds and an SMX World Championship Final. Select Supercross events are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For more information on the Supercross Futures program, as well as Supercross results, highlight videos, and ticket sales to remaining rounds, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
250SX Futures Class podium (riders left to right) Ryder DiFrancesco, Julien Beaumer, and Daxton Bennick. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
250SX Futures Class Results
- Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM
- Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki
- Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., Yamaha
- Casey Cochran, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
- Mark Fineis, Westfield, Ind., GASGAS
- Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Honda
- Blake Gardner, Canyon Country, Calif., Kawasaki
- Jaxon Pascal, Hudson, Colo., Honda
- Slade Varola, Simi Valley, Calif., Kawasaki
- Lux Turner, Gardnerville, Nev., KTM
Renaux Triumphs at Swiss Grand Prix Amidst Challenges for Seewer and Coldenhoff
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory MXGP’s Maxime Renaux celebrated an exhilarating victory at the third round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Frauenfeld, Switzerland. Displaying exceptional skill around the rough, rutty and hugely technical Schollenholz circuit, the Frenchman secured a 2-1 finish for the overall win. At the same time, teammates Jeremy Seewer and Glenn Coldenhoff faced hurdles throughout the weekend. Seewer made a strong comeback with a fifth place finish in the final race for 11th overall, while Coldenhoff managed eighth in Race One, resulting in 15th overall.
The FIM Motocross World Championship returned to Frauenfeld, Switzerland, for the first time since 2018, and to the welcome sight of thousands of loud and enthusiastic Swiss fans. After a drizzly Saturday, and a day off on Easter Sunday, the old-school track was impeccably groomed and ready for a thrilling day of Grand Prix action.
Determined to advance in the championship standings, Renaux showed an incredible return to form. After finishing second position in the opening race, the tenacious Frenchman swiftly took the lead on the first official lap of Race Two and charged to a flawless race win – his first of the season.
Seewer and Coldenhoff both faced some significant challenges throughout the weekend. Another rider took out Seewer on the opening lap of Race One, which caused some damage to his YZ450FM, while Coldenhoff was faced with similar troubles after he was caught in a first-turn pile-up in Race Two. Both, however, braved the rough and technical track, Seewer with bent handlebars and a broken clutch lever and Coldenhoff with no front brake lever, to score a single point for 20th position, respectively.
The 13-points Coldenhoff scored in Race One combined with the 1 from Race Two put him in 15th for the Grand Prix. At the same time, Swiss fan-favourite Seewer delighted the home crowd with an impressive battle against Jeffrey Herlings in Race Two, ultimately scoring 16 points for fifth after a minor mid-race error.
Renaux’s stunning triumph narrows the gap to just three points from second place in the championship standings. He is third, while Coldenhoff and Seewer hold seventh and eighth positions.
The next round of the FIM Motocross World Championship will take place in Pietramurata, Italy, in just four days.
Jett Lawrence Wins Glendale 250SX West Triple Crown
Headed into Glendale—round 12 in the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship—Jett Lawrence had already amassed an impressive array of accomplishments, but an overall victory at a Triple Crown race had thus far eluded him. But if anyone seriously doubted that the young Australian had what it took to correct that, they were disproven in Arizona, where Lawrence rode his CRF250R to steady 1-3-1 finishes to come out on top and extend his already dominant lead in the title chase. Chase Sexton also rode well in the premier class, notching 4-1-3 results aboard his CRF450R for second place—good enough to earn the Triple Crown championship-within-a-championship. In his first ride back from injuries incurred at Daytona over a month ago, Colt Nichols was eighth overall, the second-best finish in his young 450SX career.
Lawrence snared the holeshot in 250SX West race 1, and although he was quickly passed by Levi Kitchen, he got him right back, only for the race to be stopped by a red flag. Lawrence was second behind Kitchen on the restart but made the pass through the whoops and went on to win by 2.020 seconds. Lawrence started third in race 2 and was shuffled back to fourth. After taking some time to gather himself, he dispatched Max Vohland on lap 3 and finished the race in third. The final 250SX West race saw Lawrence emerge from turn 1 in second behind Kitchen and move into the lead on lap 3, then put on a clinic before winning by 3.700 seconds.
The first 450SX race saw Nichols emerge from turn 1 in second place, while Sexton was back in the pack. The Illinois native started marching forward, overtaking Nichols, Adam Cianciarulo, Jason Anderson and Ken Roczen to finish fourth. Sexton led out of turn 1 in race 2. Eli Tomac got by him when he stalled, but Sexton got him back immediately and pulled ahead to win by 3.742 seconds. Nichols snared the race 3 holeshot, while Sexton was caught up in turn 1 mayhem. The Illinois native nonetheless managed to complete lap 1 in third, where he stayed until the finish to earn second overall.
NOTES
- Team Honda HRC was happy to welcome back Colt Nichols, who made his return after recovering from injuries incurred at the Daytona Supercross.
- Team Honda HRC hosted Nash Powersports in their pits at the Glendale Supercross. The dealership chain, which has stores in Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale, displayed new models and engaged with fans.
- Glendale was a Futures round, so SLR Honda was on hand supporting up-and-coming Red Riders Parker Ross and Jaxon Pascal. The duo finished sixth and eighth, respectively, with STR Racing’s Nate Freehill taking 17th.
- As has been the norm this season, Team Honda HRC was unbeatable in daytime qualifying, with Sexton best in 450SX and Lawrence fastest in 250SX West.
- Sexton had the fastest lap in 450SX race 2. Lawrence turned in the fastest lap times in all three 250SX West races.
- Lawrence’s overall win gave him five 250SX victories on the season and 12 in his career. It also put him on the list of Red Riders to take support-class wins in Arizona, joining Willie Surratt (father of current JCR Honda off-road racer Ryan Surratt), Casey Lytle, Jake Weimer, Eli Tomac, Christian Craig and Hunter Lawrence.
- Although he was second overall on the evening, Sexton earned the Triple Crown championship-within-a-championship, based on his 1-2-2 results at the three events run under that format this season.
- Lawrence and Sexton took part in the post-race press conference.
- Lawrence’s win gives him a points lead of over one race—26 points—in the 250SX West title chase. Sexton remains in third in the 450SX points battle, 25 points behind the leading Eli Tomac and 18 behind second-place Cooper Webb.
- Next up for Team Honda HRC is the Atlanta Supercross, which takes place this coming weekend.
450SX Overall Results
- Eli Tomac (Yam)
- Chase Sexton (Hon)
- Justin Barcia (Gas)
- Cooper Webb (KTM)
- Ken Roczen (Suz)
- Adam Cianciarulo (Kaw)
- Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
- Colt Nichols (Hon)
- Dean Wilson (Hon)
- Jason Anderson (Kaw)
—
- Cole Seely (Hon)
- Anthony Rodriguez (Hon)
450SX Championship Points (after 12 of 17 rounds)
- Eli Tomac: 274
- Cooper Webb: 267
- Chase Sexton: 249
- Ken Roczen: 217
- Justin Barcia: 216
- Jason Anderson: 212
- Aaron Plessinger: 196
- Christian Craig: 150
- Adam Cianciarulo: 139
- Justin Hill: 127
—
- Dean Wilson: 121
- Colt Nichols: 99
250SX West Overall Results
- Jett Lawrence (Hon)
- RJ Hampshire (Hus)
- Levi Kitchen (Yam)
- Pierce Brown (Gas)
- Enzo Lopes (Yam)
- Derek Kelley (KTM)
- Mitchell Oldenburg (Hon)
- Max Vohland (KTM)
- Robbie Wageman (Suz)
- Carson Mumford (Kaw)
—
- Luke Kalaitzian (Hon)
250SX West Region Championship Points (after 6 of 9 rounds)
- Jett Lawrence: 153
- RJ Hampshire: 127
- Levi Kitchen: 101
- Cameron Mcadoo: 101
- Enzo Lopes: 100
- Mitchell Oldenburg: 99
- Pierce Brown: 86
- Max Vohland: 85
- Cole Thompson: 71
- Derek Kelley: 70
—
- Anthony Rodriguez: 40
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