This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of January 21, 2024

This week in US powersports racing.

Aaron Plessinger Takes Career-First 450SX Class Victory in San Diego – Nate Thrasher Wins Thrilling 250SX Class Race

San Diego, Calif., (January 21, 2024) Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger earned a hard-fought and emotional win at Round 3 the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship inside a muddy Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. With the win, Plessinger took over the lead in the championship points.

Supercross returned to San Diego for the 41^st time with Snapdragon Stadium hosting the event for its second year. Daytime rain saturated the track that slowly tacked-up throughout the night’s racing in front of the sold-out crowd. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. Two-time champion Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb battled forward on the deep-rutted track to take second place and his first podium of the year. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia took the runner-up spot under clear skies on the rain-soaked track at the 50^th Anniversary Race which commemorates the sport’s 50^th year. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher earned the win after a thrilling battle that had the top three close and trading positions for the entire race.

Second place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “I think I’ve had a great season so far, but on paper it hasn’t [looked that way]. Anaheim 1 was great but last weekend was not, so like we say, we’re hoping that’s the battle and I can charge on from here. And tonight was great to get those points back, get it back in the mix. I felt great on the track. I felt great all day. I was really wanting that win but it was overall a really good bounce back, and for me just to know that I’m in this thing for sure.” – Cooper Webb

Third place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “The rebound this weekend was absolutely awesome. I felt really good, just staying in my lane. I didn’t feel the greatest but I ride well in those conditions… I was just sitting back thinking about this table [with the three of us sitting here at the post race conference]. This is a really cool table. We all kind of grew up riding together, [in our] professional career we’ve all trained [together], we’ve all been teammates together on different teams, so this is a really cool podium and I’m super proud to be on this podium tonight. And yeah, I’ll just keep plugging along, getting stronger and hopefully [there will be] a lot more podiums with these boys.” – Justin Barcia

In the Western Regional 250SX Class Nate Thrasher took his fifth career win and his first podium of the year in a Yamaha podium sweep. After fighting into the lead, Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Garrett Marchbanks settled for second but kept Thrasher close right to the checkered flag. Rounding out the podium was Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, who stretched out his championship points lead on his nearest competitor.

First place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.“[The track] was kinda coming around throughout the night; the dirt was starting to grip back up… I was just trying to do everything, like, ride it like it was dry. That was kinda of my goal going into the main event. It was tougher to ride cautious than it was to go out there and ride all-out. So that was my goal for the night: in the main, just go out there and ride all-out and whatever happens, happens, and it was good.” – Nate Thrasher

Second place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “Once I passed RJ [Hampshire] for the lead, I’d say for the first lap I was kinda like, ‘Holy crap, I’m actually leading.’ It’s been a really long time since Daytona that I’ve led some laps. I’d say after that it was more putting my head down, just acting like I was at the practice track, just doing some normal laps at ClubMX. Yeah, it is what it is, I got caught up with some lappers, I tried to change some lines up and it wasn’t the best I could do, and [Thrasher] got around me. Nate was riding good and yeah, it is what it is.” – Garrett Marchbanks

Third place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “I got off to a pretty good start, I think I was in third in the first couple laps with RJ [Hampshire] and Levi [Kitchen] right in front of me. We were still taking it pretty easy on the track, I would say. The lines weren’t cut in and I was just trying to be smart where I was. [It was a] long race, a lot could happen, and then I made a few mistakes and Nate [Thrasher] and Garrett [Marchbanks] both got around me and I just really – not that I tightened up but I was just making a lot of mistakes. I was not putting the track together… I kinda re-focused and then Jo [Shimoda] and Levi were right behind me and we actually were pushing really hard at the end. I think the last five laps were probably the best of the race for me. It was not really any kind of holding back at the end of the race there, it was trying to keep those guys behind me and push forward.” – Jordon Smith

The series now takes a short trip north for the second 2024 race inside Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Saturday, January 27^th. The Anaheim 2 Supercross continues the season’s earlier start times with opening ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. EST (5:00 p.m. local time). The race represents both Round 4 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and also the fourth round of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. The SuperMotocross League is in its second year and draws points from the complete Supercross season and the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross season. In September, points are reset and the top racers are seeded into two Playoff rounds and one Final to crown the SMX champions. All Supercross, Pro Motocross, and SuperMotocross rounds are available live on PeacockTV. Select rounds are also broadcast or streamed on NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sport app domestically. Audio coverage is broadcast live on Sirius XM – CH 85. International coverage is available live with the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv), where commentary is available in both English and Spanish. Tickets are available now to catch a Supercross when it comes to a city near you. You can also catch up on the racing, see the track maps, get info on FanFest, and more. For all this, and for ticket purchases, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

RJ HAMPSHIRE TAKES SIXTH-PLACE FINISH IN CHALLENGING SAN DIEGO SUPERCROSS

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing endured a challenging night of racing at Round 3 of the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship in San Diego, California, with RJ Hampshire taking a sixth-place result in the 250SX West division, while Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig encountered their share of adversity in 450SX.

Hampshire opened the day by posting the third-fastest qualifying time, before rocketing out of the gates onboard his Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 250 Rockstar Edition in the Heat Race. Despite a troubled affair, he eventually claimed P6 to transfer into the Main Event.

In mixed conditions with rain beginning to fall once again, Hampshire launched to the holeshot in the 250SX West Main Event, extending his lead to a two-second margin throughout the opening stages of the race. An all-out battle ensued for first place throughout the entirety of the race, with a late race mishap demoting him to sixth place.

“Just another mudder here in SD and another tough night,”recalled Hampshire. “I got off to an awesome start and then led a lot of laps in the Main, but threw away a podium with two corners to go. Super-frustrating, but nothing I can do about it now. Time to go home, regroup, and we need a win next week in Anaheim.”

Tenth place for Stewart in 450SX qualifying translated into a strong Heat Race ride, as the number 27 charged the entire duration of the race and fell short of the victory by a small margin, claiming second place. An opening lap fall for Stewart made for a tough premier class Main Event, with a race impacted by errors resulting in a 19th-place score.

“San Diego was another mud race,”said Stewart. “We qualified 10th in the dry, then got off to a great start in the Heat Race and finished with second, which pulled me out of a bit of a slump I felt I was in. Then in the Main Event, I spun off the gate – no big deal – and then I came together with another rider and went down in the first lane, which pretty much summed my race up. The bars were tweaked, so I visited the mechanic’s area, but again my speed was super-good. We’re off to a Triple Crown next weekend and my starts have been good, so I’m confident of a good night of racing in Anaheim to turn things around.”

450SX challenger Craig posted the 11th-fastest qualifying time, before improving to a fifth-place finish in his Heat Race and a direct transfer into the Main Event for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider.

Jumping out of the gates to a good start, Craig ran inside the top 10 before cross-rutting in the muddy terrain, which resulted in him coming together with another ride. A visit to the mechanics area meant that the Californian was buried deep in the field and was credited with P20.

“The day started pretty good with qualifying in P11,”Craig commented.“I was riding good and felt really strong, but then the rain came down, unfortunately. Got off to a sweet start to the Heat and was running up front for a while, then made a couple of mistakes in the mud, which shifted me back to fifth. I got another good start in the Main, but just cross-rutted in the mud and another rider completely landed on me from behind. It’s racing, unfortunately, it took me a while to get going, took a trip to the pits, put my head down and did what I could. Another bad result, but we’ll put our heads down for A2.”

Next Event (Round 4): January 27, 2024 – Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif.

Round 3 Results: San Diego

250SX West – Main Event

1. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha)

2. Garrett Marchbanks (Yamaha)

3. Jordon Smith (Yamaha)

…

6. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

450SX – Main Event

1. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)

2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)

3. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)

…

19. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

20. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

250SX West Rider Point Standings

1. Jordon Smith (Yamaha) – 67 points

2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) – 59 points

3. Garrett Marchbanks (Yamaha) – 57 points

…

4. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 54 points

450SX Rider Point Standings

1. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) – 60 points

2. Chase Sexton (KTM) – 59 points

3. Jett Lawrence (Honda) – 56 points
…
17. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 14 points

18. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 12 points

PODIUM SCORE IN SAN DIEGO FOR TROY LEE DESIGNS/RED BULL/GASGAS FACTORY RACING’S JUSTIN BARCIA

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team’s Justin Barcia rebounded in style following a spell with illness to claim a strong third-place finish in the 450SX Main Event in San Diego, as 250SX West Class contender Ryder DiFrancesco finished with a consistent P9 result.

Bam Bam battles to first 450SX podium of the 2024 season inside Snapdragon Stadium
Ninth-place finish for newcomer Ryder D in the 250SX West Class Main Event
MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado to race Anaheim 2 after an 11th-place result

Barcia collected the 12th fastest time in a tight 450SX qualifying session this afternoon, before racing his way to a solid fourth-place result in his Heat Race on the slick surface following constant rainfall in the area throughout the day.

Launching out of the gates on board his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition in the Main Event, Barcia was inside the top three immediately as he began battling for the lead, shadowing the leaders as the race progressed. In what was a grueling encounter, he posted a calculated ride as the race wore on, with the number 51 sealing the third position.

Justin Barcia: “San Diego was a crazy day! We only had two practices, as the weather came in, so I qualified decent, but not where I wanted to be. Although, I kept a cool head and got through the Heat Race with a solid result. Main Event, I knew it was going to be gnarly – the track broke down a lot! I got off to an okay start, found second behind Aaron [Plessinger], and then missed the triple one lap, which let Cooper [Webb] get by me. Came in with a lonely third place, but super-stoked after last week and knowing that my health is nearly back to 100 percent.”

DiFrancesco commenced Round 3 by posting the seventh-fastest qualifying time in 250SX West, which the youthful Californian would back up with fourth place in his Heat Race as he geared up for the night’s Main Event.

A mid-field start followed by a consistent ride on a brutal track surface saw DiFrancesco piece together a race that saw him take the checkered flag in P9, as he navigated the treacherous conditions inside Snapdragon Stadium.

Ryder DiFrancesco: “Good weekend overall! I need to fix little mistakes that are keeping me from being upfront, but lots of positives to take away as we head into Anaheim again next weekend.”

San Diego marked another consistent night of Supercross racing for defending MXGP World Champion Prado, whose third-career AMA Supercross event yielded the capable young Spaniard a sixth-place finish in his Heat Race for a direct transfer into the Main Event.

Prado would follow that up with an 11th-place finish in the premier class Main Event, and the good news is that he and the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing Team have made the decision for him to remain in the U.S. and line up again at Anaheim 2 next Saturday.

Jorge Prado: “Today was another good experience. It was again not too easy after getting a bad start in the Main Event… I think the jump out of the gate was okay, but I got a lot of wheel spin, which sent me backward and meant I was one of the last to the first corner. My opening laps weren’t great, and then I got confused with the blue flags and let the riders who I was battling with by me, which was a pity. It is what it is, I can improve with my opening lap intensity, but I’m excited for three Main Events next weekend in the Triple Crown at A2 as I would like to at least be able to make one holeshot and enjoy that format of racing!”

Results – 2024 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 3

450SX Results – San Diego SX
1. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
3. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)
11. Jorge Prado (GASGAS)

450SX Championship Standings (After Round 3)
1. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 60pts
2. Chase Sexton (KTM) 59pts
3. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 56pts
9. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 40pts
10. Jorge Prado (GASGAS) 35pts

250SX West Results – San Diego SX
1. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha)
2. Garrett Marchbanks (Yamaha)
3. Jordon Smith (Yamaha)
9. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS)

250SX West Championship Standings (After Round 3)
1. Jordon Smith (Yamaha) 67pts
2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) 59pts
3. Garrett Marchbanks (Yamaha) 57pts
13. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS) 28pts

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S AARON PLESSINGER EARNS FIRST-CAREER 450 SUPERCROSS WIN IN SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Aaron Plessinger charged to his first career 450SX Main Event victory at Round 3 of the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship, taking a convincing win in rain-soaked conditions and taking control of the series points lead in the process. Teammate Chase Sexton raced to P8 in class, now positioned second in the standings.

In a tight 450SX Class qualifying session, Plessinger was P13 on the time-sheets, before storming to the second Heat Race win of the evening. That set him up for a breakout result inside Snapdragon Stadium amidst the steady rain falling in the region.

Powering his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to a top-five start in the Main Event, Plessinger looked right at home as he battled at the front of the field, exercising patience as he closed in on the lead at the midway mark. An eventual pass for P1 and a well-managed race up front earned AP his first-career 450SX Main Event – a popular result after coming so close during his career previously.

Aaron Plessinger: “Man, San Diego! It was a really good race, managed to get into the lead around the midway point, and just rode clean laps, stayed up, and got the win! On top of that, we take the red plate and points lead into the next round, which is huge for me. We had a great off-season… The team and I worked super-hard and to start the season with 4-5-1 results is my best start ever! The fans were crazy sticking it out here in the rain, so I’m stoked to be able to deliver a result to them, and ready to do it again next weekend.”

Defending 450SX champion Sexton looked sharp on his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION from the outset in San Diego, charging to the third-fastest lap time in a shortened qualifying program due to weather, and notching a time just two-tenths shy of pole position.

After racing to seventh place in his Heat Race following a troubled start, Sexton would also experience adversity in the Main Event, with the number 1 caught up in the chaos of the mid-pack early on. He clawed his way from the rear of the field to capture a hard-fought eighth-place finish, now one point behind Plessinger in the series.

Chase Sexton: “Round three was another mud race and hopefully the last one of the year! For me, it just wasn’t a great night from the get-go, I struggled in the Heat Race, and then in the Main I actually felt like I was riding pretty good, although just was a long ways back. I did the best damage control that I could do and that got me eighth place. We’ll go back to work this week and come out swinging for A2.”

Following 250SX West qualifying, Supercross rookie Beaumer recorded an impressive fourth-fastest lap-time, before racing to an eventful fifth place in his Heat Race. A more challenging Main Event saw Beaumer take the checked flag in 16th place, now sitting 10th in the championship.

Julien Beaumer: “Finished up here in San Diego and I’m pretty bummed – just crashed too many times. I was riding really average at the start of the race and figured things out at the end, but I’d already lost too much time. We’ll regroup this week and come out swinging in Anaheim.”

Next Race: January 27 – Anaheim, California

Results 450SX Class – San Diego
1. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM, 22 laps
2. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha, +2.188
3. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS, +22.099
OTHER KTM
8. Chase Sexton (USA), KTM
21. Justin Rodbell (USA), KTM

Standings 450SX Class 2024 after 3 of 17 rounds
1. Aaron Plessinger, 60 points
2. Chase Sexton, 59
3. Jett Lawrence, 56
OTHER KTM
20. Justin Hill, 8
24 . Justin Rodbell, 5

Results 250SX West Class – San Diego
1. Nate Thrasher (USA), Yamaha, 16 laps
2. Garrett Marchbanks (USA), Yamaha, +1.203
3. Jordon Smith (USA), Yamaha, +5.141
OTHER KTM
16. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM

Standings 250SX West Class 2024 after 3 of 9 rounds
1. Jordon Smith, 67 points
2. Levi Kitchen, 59
3. Garrett Marchbanks, 57
OTHER KTM
10. Julien Beaumer, 33
23. Talon Hawkins, 7
27. Lux Turner, 2

Team Honda HRC Fights Through Challenging Conditions in San Diego

For the second consecutive weekend, the AMA Supercross series faced inclement weather that left the track in a treacherous condition, this time in San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium. While poor starts affected the performances of all Team Honda HRC riders, they ended with better results than in San Francisco, limiting what could have been considerable damage.

The Team Honda HRC duo of Jett and Hunter Lawrence found themselves buried in the pack off the 450SX main-event start. The muddy surface made passing particularly risky, as the riders were forced to venture outside of the main line, where the muck was deepest. Despite the tricky conditions, the Lawrence brothers worked their ways through the pack over the course of the race. Jett gained valuable championship points with a hard-fought fourth-place result, while Hunter finished three spots back in seventh. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis put in a strong ride to finish in sixth position, once again the highest-finishing non-factory rider. Jett lost a position in the championship standings, slipping to third, but he actually reduced the gap to the leader, to just four points.

In the 250SX main event, Jo Shimoda also struggled off the start, rounding the first turn toward the back of the pack. The Japanese rider put his head down and worked through the pack. In the late stages of the race, Shimoda found himself in an intense three-rider battle for fourth place, which he would eventually secure for the night. SmarTop/MotoConcepts Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg notched a commendable seventh-place result.

NOTES

Team Honda HRC riders Hunter and Jett Lawrence took part in Friday’s pre-season media day, participating in interviews with the media and getting in some track time. Jett had a scary crash that left him with a sore thumb, but he was okay to race the next day.
The San Diego round featured a retro theme, and Team Honda HRC’s bikes honored Gary Jones and the 1973 CR250M Elsinore (basis for the bike Jones raced to the 1973 AMA 250 Motocross Championship—Honda’s first). The team’s CRF race bikes featured a mix of white and painted Cycra bodywork, and Throttle Jockey prepared special graphics that mimicked the historic machine’s shiny aluminum fuel tank with an orange stripe.
All three Team Honda HRC riders wore special retro gear (Alpinestars for the Lawrence brothers, Fox for Jo Shimoda) to match the bikes.
Other Red Rider retro aesthetics included the Jeremy McGrath Honda-era look of SmarTop/MotoConcepts Honda riders Vince Freise, Mitchell Oldenburg and Carson Mumford, and a Rothmans Honda tribute CRF450R piloted by Fire Power Honda’s Dean Wilson.
After running the red number-plate background in San Francisco, Jett was back with the purple background and fluorescent-yellow digits in San Diego, denoting his status as reigning SuperMotocross champion.
Gary Jones’s bike was displayed in the pits, and Mr. Jones himself was a guest of honor with the team. He did interviews with the media and signed autographs for fans.
Also on display in the Team Honda HRC pits was JCR Honda rider Preston Campbell’s California 300-winning CRF450X desert bike, as well as the Raceco-USA Talon 1000R that Dave Mason Jr. drove to the win at the Crandon round of the CHAMP short-course series.
San Diego State University Sports MBA student Lauren Dundee was a guest intern with Team Honda HRC for round 3. Dundee assisted team PR manager Danny Gonzalez with the autograph session, PR functions and writing the race brief.
San Diego dealership Fun Bike Center set up a pop-up activation booth in the Team Honda HRC pits, where they displayed a CRF450RWE and engaged with fans and customers, who were encouraged to enter a raffle for Alpinestars gear.
Officials canceled the second qualifying sessions due to the rain, leaving just the free practice and a single qualifying session for each class. Jo Shimoda was second-quickest in the 250SX West session, with SmarTop/MotoConcepts Honda riders Carson Mumford and Mitchell Oldenburg ninth and 10^th. In the 450SX session, Jett and Hunter were sixth- and seventh-best, while Phoenix Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis had the fifth-best time.
Slotted in the first 250SX West heat race, Shimoda got a pair of poor starts (the second following a red flag), but a good pace on the treacherous track put him in second late in the race. Even a pair of stressful last-lap falls weren’t enough to stop him from finishing third, and when another rider was penalized, Shimoda recorded a second-place result, with SmarTop/MotoConcepts Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg one spot back. The second heat saw Oldenburg’s teammate Carson Mumford make it through, and CRF250R-mounted STR Racing rider Lance Kobusch qualified via the LCQ.
Jett Lawrence was near last off the start of 450SX heat 1, but incredibly, a tight line through turn 1 helped put him in fifth place at the end of the next rhythm section—and then the lead after the whoop section! A fall cost him five positions, and he ultimately recovered for third. SmarTop/MotoConcepts Honda’s Vince Friese made it through in ninth. Hunter Lawrence spun sideways in turn 1 off the 450SX heat 2 start and sat dead last, but he worked his way forward to qualify from eighth position. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis notched a fourth-place result, and Fire Power Honda’s Dean Wilson made it through the last-chance qualifier.
Shimoda turned the fastest lap time of the 250SX West heat races, and also the best time in the main event.
Jett Lawrence and Jason Anderson engaged in a heated moment just after the 450SX main event, resulting in fines for both from the AMA. The following day, Jett published an apology on his Instagram account.
During the broadcast, announcers recognized Monster Energy Honda rider Ricky Brabec’s second Dakar Rally victory, which concluded on Friday.
This coming Saturday, Team Honda HRC will be back in action for AMA Supercross round 4, which is also the season’s second and final visit to Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium.

DALTON SHIREY STARTS HARE & HOUND TITLE DEFENSE WITH LUCERNE VALLEY VICTORY

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing was out in force this past weekend, as the offroad team earned a haul of strong results across multiple series. Defending champion Dalton Shirey topped the opening round of the 2024 AMA Hare & Hound Championship, as Austin Walton, Korie Steede, Craig DeLong, and Ryder LeBlond each raced to podium results in their respective outings.

Hare & Hound Championship – Round 1
Defending champion Dalton Shirey was fast from the outset at the 2024 AMA Hare & Hound Championship opener, as he launched his Husqvarna FX 450 to the holeshot and never looked back, earning a dominant victory in Lucerne Valley, California. Behind him in third place was teammate Austin Walton, which also marked a successful opening round.

“I’m still coming back from knee surgery, which really kept me down for two and a half months,” explained Shirey. “I had three weeks on the bike, which was just enough for me to get it done today, but I still feel like I need more seat time to feel completely comfortable. Today I ripped a great start, everytime I come to a desert race I feel at home, but just pulled a gap and managed it from there.”

“The track was sweet here for my first national Hare and Hound event,” commented Walton. “The first loop was super fun and flowy, then the next loop was more challenging and technical, with the rocks especially. But overall, I’m stoked, first race for me, we made a good push and came away with third place. I can’t thank the whole team enough, this was awesome.”

Pro Class Results

1. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

2. Zane Roberts (Beta)

3. Austin Walton – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

U.S. Sprint Enduro Series – Round 1

Craig DeLong took a consistent 2-3 scorecard across both days of the AMA U.S. Sprint Enduro Series, contested in Hephzibah, Georgia, and that earned the Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 350 pilot third place overall. New signing Korie Steede also lined up and captured a convincing second place finish in the Pro Women’s category.

“Saturday was good,” reflected DeLong. “The track was smooth and anybody can go fast when it’s smooth – I just have to figure out these second days and kind of keep the same speed. Usually, at a GNCC, the track is rough and you just attack it and ride it differently, so I’m still figuring out the Sprint rounds.”

“I don’t have a whole lot of time on the new bike, so I just came in as a learning experience,” Steede added. “Yesterday, we made some improvements, and as the weekend went on I got more used to it. By today, I was feeling good, as the results showed.”

Pro 1 Class Results

1. Johnny Girroir (KTM)

2. Liam Draper (Yamaha)

3. Craig DeLong – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Pro Women Class Results

1. Brandy Richards (KTM)

2. Korie Steede – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

3. Rachel Gutish (Sherco)

U.S. Hard Enduro Series – Round 1

Also underway was the 2024 AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Series at King of the Motos in Johnson Valley, California, where Ryder LeBlond would race to a third-place finish in a hotly-contested outing amongst the top contenders in the Pro Class, while teammate Colton Haaker came home in P6.

“I’m definitely going to sleep well tonight!” commented LeBlond. “I’m stoked with how the race played out and that we were right up there the whole time and in a position to win if the opportunity came. But Cody [Webb] was on it the last lap and we were really pushing at the end, so it was good. Thank you to the whole Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team, they’ve been killing it getting the bikes all dialed in, so thank you guys.”

Pro Class Results

1. Cody Webb (Sherco)

2. Trystan Hart (KTM)

3. Ryder LeBlond – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

…

6. Colton Haaker – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Upcoming Offroad Races – February 2024
2/5: National Grand Prix Championship – Round 2
2/5: U.S. Sprint Enduro Championship – Round 2
2/12: National Enduro Championship – Round 1
2/19: Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 1

JOHNNY GIRROIR WINS U.S. SPRINT ENDURO SERIES OPENER WITH FMF KTM FACTORY RACING

This weekend marked a successful outing of offroad competition for the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team, with Johnny Girroir charging to the Pro 1 Class victory at Round 1 of the 2024 U.S. Sprint Enduro Series, while in the opening round of the U.S. Hard Enduro Series, defending champion Trystan Hart claimed second place in the Pro Class.

U.S. SPRINT ENDURO SERIES – ROUND 1
FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Johnny Girroir showed poise as the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series commenced in Hephzibah, Georgia, sitting atop the leaderboard for the majority of tests contested, with victory on each day completing a strong outing at Round 1 for the KTM 350 XC-F pilot.

Complementing Girroir’s success at the Mac Daddy’s XC Paradise event was FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers recruits Angus Riordan and Brandy Richards, who swept the Pro 2 Class and Pro Women’s categories, respectively, equipped with their KTM 250 XC-F machinery.

Johnny Girroir: “It’s a good way to start off the year. I had a couple of mistakes and misfortunes on Saturday, but on Sunday I came out swinging with a good way to start off the season – I stayed smooth and kept in control.”

Angus Riordan: “It was a good weekend. I started kind of slow both days, but I got it going toward the end of the day. I had good battle with Craig DeLong on Saturday, it came down to nothing in the end. And then on Sunday, I just had a small crash in that last test, but other than that I had a good weekend.”

Brandy Richards: “I’ve been on the east coast for about two weeks now, down at Kailub Russell’s riding in the sand, so that part I was ready for. It’s just the trees and the woods I needed to adjust to and, by the end of the weekend, I was getting the hang of it.”

Pro 1 Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, KTM
2. Liam Draper, YAM
3. Craig DeLong, HQV

Pro 2 Class Results
1. Angus Riordan, KTM
2. Jason Tino, HQV
3. Toby Cleveland, HQV

Pro Women’s Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, KTM
2. Korie Steede, HQV
3. Rachel Gutish, SHR

U.S. HARD ENDURO SERIES – ROUND 1
As the defending AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Champion, Trystan Hart entered the King of the Motos event sporting the number 1 on his KTM 300 XC-W, and picked up exactly where he left off in seasons prior by battling toward the top of the Pro Class.

Following a fierce battle with his rivals, FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Hart earned a convincing P2 result to begin the season in Johnson Valley, California, and took home a solid haul of points to open his title defense.

Trystan Hart: “I definitely was trying to get that top spot here at Round 1, but Cody [Webb] was really feeling it all weekend, so a big congratulations to him. We had an epic battle today, for two and a half hours we were all together, which is maybe a first in US Hard Enduro history. It was a pretty sick battle for us and the spectators – a big thank you to all involved!”

Pro Class Results
1. Cody Webb, SHR
2. Trystan Hart, KTM
3. Ryder LeBlond, HQV

Upcoming Offroad Races – February 2024
2/5: National Grand Prix Championship – Round 2
2/5: U.S. Sprint Enduro Championship – Round 2
2/12: National Enduro Championship – Round 1
2/19: Grand National Cross Country Series – Round 1

AMA Announces Nominees for 2023 AMA Racing Awards

After a year packed with high-octane racing at all levels, the American Motorcyclist Association unveiled the nominees for the 2023 AMA Racing Awards. These awards recognize the remarkable achievements of riders who showcased unparalleled excellence in both AMA-sanction competition and recreational activity throughout the preceding year.

“Reflecting on the extraordinary racing over the past year, we cannot wait to celebrate the racers and organizers who elevated the competitive landscape in 2023,” said AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “We congratulate the 2023 national and regional champions and look forward to honoring the efforts of those who contributed to furthering the mission of the AMA this past year.”

AMA members may now vote to help select the winners in competition categories, including the AMA Athlete of the Year awards. To vote, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AMARacerOfTheYear. Voting closes on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at midnight, so be sure to cast your ballots before then.

Award winners will be announced shortly after voting closes.

2023 AMA Racing Award Nominees

AMA Athlete of the Year: National Championship

Trystan Hart – TKO Pro Champion.
Dante Oliveira – NGPC Pro Champion; member of ISDE Trophy Team.
Max Ruml – Speedway National Champion.
Dalton Shirey – Hare and Hound Pro Champion (five wins).
Patrick Smage – MotoTrials Pro Champion (won six of eight rounds).
Nicky Reimer – Supermoto Open Pro Champion (won seven of 10 rounds).
Grant Baylor – Pro1 National Enduro Champion.

AMA Athlete of the Year: Grand Championship

Evan Renshaw – 2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award winner; national champion in 250cc Open Singles (12+), Open Heavyweight and 450 Production classes; swept all four of his half-mile events during the final day of amateur competition.
Daxton Bennick – 2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award winner; national champion in the Open Pro Sport class and finished on the podium for the 250 Pro Sport class; finished second in SX Futures series.
Trenton Keesee – 2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Road Race Horizon Award, national champion in the 400 GP Expert and ASRA 400 Expert classes and earned podium finishes in the 400 GT Expert, AMA 400 Expert, 400 Supersport Expert and 400 Superbike Expert classes.

ATV Athlete of the Year

Charles Runyon – ATV Hillclimb Racer of the Year; champion in ATV Open and ATV 450 classes.
Mason Jackson – ATV Motocross Pro-Am and Pro Sport Champion.

AMA Veteran/Senior Racer of the Year

Jeff Emig – AMA Motocross Vet/Senior Rider of the Year; national champion in the Senior (40+) and Masters (50+) classes.
Antal Halasz – AMA Vet/Senior Road Racer of the Year; national champion in the AMA 1000 Supersport V40 Expert class.
Andrew Puckett – AMA Hare and Hound Pro Vet (35+) national champion (won six of six rounds).
David Tyo – AMA Flat Track Vet/Senior Racer of the Year; national champion in the Senior (40+) and Super Senior (50+) classes.
Jeff Robbins – Motocross ATV national champion in the Vet (30+) and Senior (40+) classes.

AMA Youth Racer of the Year

Klark Robbins – AMA Motocross Youth Rider of the Year; national champion in the 125 Jr. (12-17) and Schoolboy 1 classes.
Ethan Cornell – Champion in the 90 Auto (8-13), 70 Open (6-11), 70 Auto (6-11) and 70 Shifter classes in ATV Motocross.
Gage Dunham – AMA Arenacross champion in 85cc (9-12) and Mini Sr. (12-15) classes, adding a second-place finish in the Supermini (12-16) class.
Avery Dreher – MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion (won six of 10 rounds).
Jack Brucks – AMA Flat Track Youth Racer of the Year; national champion in the 85cc Production (9-13), 85cc Modified (9-13) and 85cc Modified Supermini (12-15) classes.
Owen Parrish – AMA Youth Hillclimb Racer of the Year; national champion in the Mini-Junior class, and second-place finisher in the Open Junior and 65cc classes.

AMA Female Racer of the Year

Makenzie Tricker – NEPG Women’s Elite national champion (six race wins).
Mikayla Moore – Build, Train, Race with MotoAmerica undefeated champion.
Ava Silvestri – NGPC Women’s AA champion in addition to second-place finish in the Pro Women class.
Rachael Archer – AMA Sprint Enduro Women’s Pro champion; competes in World Trials Championship and TDN.
Kinsey Osborn – AMA ATVMX Women’s Motocross champion with an undefeated season (nine race wins).
Maddie Hoover – MotoTrials Women’s champion (won all eight rounds of the series). Competed in FIM Women’s Trial World Championship, finishing seventh.
Kyleigh Stallings – National champion in the Women’s class at the AMA National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s.

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