This week in US powersports racing.
Cooper Webb Wins Anaheim 2 Triple Crown Supercross
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb became the fourth different Monster Energy AMA Supercross winner in four rounds when he took the victory at the Anaheim 2 Supercross in front of 43,753fans in Angel Stadium. Anaheim 2 was the first of three Triple Crown events this year which combine the results from three races to determine one winner on the night. Webb won the overall with (2-2-5) race results.
Angel Stadium delivered clear skies for the racers and great racing for the fans. After two consecutive mud races many riders went into the Anaheim 2 Supercross viewing it as the “real” start of the season due to the normal conditions. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Going (5-7-1), Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac had the crowd cheering when he earned second place overall with a win in the final race of the evening as the sport celebrates 50 years of racing this year. Last week’s winner, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, earned third place with (6-4-3) and retains the points lead heading into Round 5. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen fought hard for the overall win with (1-2-3) race scores. And Supercross Futures, a part of SMX Next, held its first of five races to feature the future stars of Supercross; in what was the best battle of the night. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Cole Davies emerged with the victory over Monster Energy Star Yamaha’s Gavin Towers.
First place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“If you do really well the first two [races], the third one sometimes is easy… I had a lot of wiggle room [in Race #3] and could just, honestly, have a solo ride in fifth place. But it is a little bit weird, for sure, to not go over the checkered flag first. But I think that’s kinda the unique thing about the Triple Crown, is we’ve seen a lot of this happen. You can have big point swings, and you can have one bad race and then have two good ones [and] you end up on the podium and something like that. So it’s never over for sure in these kind of situations… I saw Jason [Anderson] right in front of me [in Race #3], he went down, and it probably wasn’t the best thing for me, because it was instantly like, ‘All right, I can just kinda chill,’ but I was grateful to put myself in that situation.” – Cooper Webb
Second place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“I was pretty frustrated after those first two [races]. I was like, ‘Okay, here I’m just – what am I now, fifth – seventh place guy right now?’ I don’t know. I just had to go do something, I had to get off the gate there, so it was good. It was good. Had a good flow. I was able to get the whoop combo down, and I felt like that was important for me, and yeah, felt good.”– Eli Tomac
Third place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“I knew Detroit was the next race and I really, really wanted to carry the red plate into Detroit given the events that happened last year.” [Plessinger crashed while leading Detroit 2023] “That’s gonna be a special race and yeah, I’m ready for it. I’m ready to get back to Florida this week and put in some work and then go up to the freezing cold and hopefully my moustache doesn’t break off in the 20 degree weather [laughs]. But no, I’m ready to get back up there and do some damage.” – Aaron Plessinger
The Western Regional 250SX Class held its second round and Levi Kitchen became the fourth rider in four rounds to take home a win. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire battled hard in the first two races but a flat tire in the third Race took his chances at an overall victory. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher followed up a win last weekend with a third place finish at Anaheim 2.
First place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“We’re all really close right now. Obviously I want to be the dominant guy, but yeah, it’s closer now. You can’t start in like fifth and sixth with these guys and have them up front. You’d have to have a pretty amazing – I don’t even know what you’d have to do to be able to get up to them. I think it’s tighter than in years’ past. Especially the top five of us, we’re all pretty experienced by now, so it’s definitely tight racing.” – Levi Kitchen
Second place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“For the first time in my career I had a flat tire on a Supercross track, so yeah, it was eventful. I knew something was wrong, didn’t necessarily know what until it shot me off in the whoops… I was fine the next couple laps, and then once that rear tire breaks the bead and it’s off the rim, that’s when it gets really, really scary. But overall it was an awesome night. That first and second moto were sick. If we could do that every weekend, I mean, we’d probably get paid a lot more because that was a show. [smiles]. But like I said, that was fun. All in all, it was a really solid day.” – RJ Hampshire
Third place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“[The new bike is] the same motor package but a whole different chassis. So all the suspension characteristics are completely different. So we’re still leaning, but I think I got a good package this weekend. I felt like it was a big step in the right direction for me, and we’re still learning, still working, still trying to get a little bit better, but last week [in testing] I think we found a little bit and it showed this weekend… It was a very hardpack track out there today and on the bike I was racing a couple weekends ago I was struggling pretty bad with the hardpack. So yeah, it was definitely a little bit better spot for me.” – Nate Thrasher
First place SX Futures Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
“It was an awesome battle. We were just going back and forth. And it was super tiring, I was breathing so hard and, you’re just glad to be on top… I couldn’t even feel myself. I was like so frickin – I was like in a dream it felt like.” – Cole Davies (#17)
Off the track, members Green Day were in attendance at Angel Stadium to take in the Triple Crown action. Drummer Tre Cool showed up with keyboardist Jason Freese ahead of the band’s 2024 The Saviors tour. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Others in attendance include: USA Olympic Skateboarder Nyjah Huston, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire director Gil Kenan, Influencers Ben Azelart and Hayes Grier, world-renowned drummer Jason Bonham of Bonham and Sammy Hagar’s “The Best of All Worlds” Van Halen Tour, rock guitarist Carlos Cavazo of Quiet Riot and Ratt, who was also recently inducted into the Metal Hall of Fame. Images HERE.
Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan hosts Round 5 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship next Saturday, February 3rd. The Detroit Supercross will run on a daytime schedule rather than under the lights. The racing starts at 3:00PM Eastern Time. Doors open for fans attending the race at 8:00AM Eastern Time. The race will kick off the 9-round Eastern Regional 250SX Championship.
Each Supercross round also pays points toward the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In its second year, the SuperMotocross League combines the Supercross season and the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross season to seed riders into two Super Motocross World Championship Playoffs and a Final in September.
Every race is available live on PeacockTV, with select rounds also viewable on NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. Fans around the globe can catch the action live, with both English and Spanish commentary, through the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv).
For video highlights, race results, schedule information, broadcast airtimes, and to purchase tickets, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.
TRIPLE CROWN CHALLENGE FOR TROY LEE DESIGNS/RED BULL/GASGAS FACTORY RACING AT ANAHEIM 2
The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team endured a challenging night out at Round 4 of the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship in Anaheim, California, with 450SX Class racer Justin Barcia credited P13, while 250SX West Class contender Ryder DiFrancesco finished with eighth overall.
- Ghostbusters partnership headlines first Triple Crown round of the year for AMA Supercross
- Ryder D posts consistent scorecard to seal P8 finish in 250SX West division
- MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado delivers 12th overall in final 450SX Class appearance of the year
Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing’s Barcia arrived at Angel Stadium in style, as the team collaborated with Sony Pictures for the upcoming Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire film, with Bam Bam seated behind the wheel of the iconic ‘Ectomobile’ before climbing aboard his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition.
Race day marked a difficult one for the number 51, who struggled to come to grips with the dry, fast layout that Anaheim 2 presented to the riders. In a night marred with misfortune and falls, the New York native would post 13-16-11 results across the trio of intense Races, which would position him 13th overall.
Justin Barcia:“It was a very challenging day for me at A2 and definitely one to leave in the past. I struggled from the get-go… I just wasn’t very comfortable. A few too many crashes, which ruined our races, although I did get good starts! In the second Race I was in a good position, then had a big crash. Race 3, I was caught up with another rider getting squirrely, which put me back, and overall just a very challenging day. We’ll need a rebound in Detroit!”
DiFrancesco opened Round 4 by posting the seventh-fastest qualifying time in 250SX West, which the young Californian would back up with a strong fifth place in Race 1 after fighting for the lead early on his GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition. A consistent seventh-place in Race 2, combined with 12th in Race 3, saw Ryder D take home eighth overall for the weekend.
Ryder DiFrancesco:“Positives from the weekend were my starts, they were way better, and then in Race 1 I was right amongst the fight. I made some mistakes across the day, but I’m ready to take this next weekend off and come back for Glendale in a better position.”
Anaheim 2 presented another night of learning for defending MXGP World Champion Jorge Prado, gaining immense experience across the opening four rounds through the month of January.
Racing his first-career Triple Crown, the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing regular delivered a 12-8-15 scorecard, earning the Spaniard 12th overall for his final outing in AMA Supercross for the 2024 season.
Jorge Prado:“Just finished my racing here in the U.S. and it’s been a great experience. I would say that this was my second real Supercross behind Anaheim 1, because this one and A1 seemed like the track was more realistic to Supercross with the conditions. I’m happy with my progress, the Triple Crown today was way different again… So much speed and intensity in the first laps, and I struggled with that, especially in the first one. I dropped back to P12 quickly, so I made more adjustments for the other two. But overall, I am quite satisfied, it’s been a good experience, for sure, and with more racing I could get better, so I am motivated for the future.”
Anaheim 2 also saw the opening stop of the 250SX Futures development category, where new GASGAS amateur recruit Cole Davies won the Main Event to commence his 2024 AMA Supercross campaign in fine fashion on the top step of the podium.
Results – 2024 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 4
450SX Results – Anaheim 2 SX
1. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha)
3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
12. Jorge Prado (GASGAS)
13. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)
450SX Championship Standings (After Round 4)
1. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 80pts
2. Chase Sexton (KTM) 76pts
3. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) 74pts
9. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 49pts
10. Jorge Prado (GASGAS) 45pts
250SX West Results – Anaheim 2
1. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)
2. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna)
3. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha)
8. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS)
250SX West Championship Standings (After Round 4)
1. Jordon Smith (Yamaha) 84pts
2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) 84pts
3. RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) 76pts
12. Ryder DiFrancesco (GASGAS) 42pts
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING’S RJ HAMPSHIRE FINISHES SECOND IN A2 TRIPLE CROWN
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider RJ Hampshire rebounded to a well-deserved second-place finish in the 250SX West Class at Round 4 of AMA Supercross action in Anaheim, California, on a night where 450SX contenders Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig finished the Triple Crown event with P10 and P14 results, respectively.
Hampshire charged to pole position onboard his Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 250 Rockstar Edition in the Anaheim 2 round, before carrying that momentum into the opening Race of the Triple Crown format, in which he would go on to register a P2 result.
Race 2 saw Hampshire jump out of the gates to a strong start as he sat inside the top three, biding his time in P2 before making a decisive pass for the race lead. Managing the race comfortably at the front, he would collect a popular Race 2 win.
A small mishap in Race 3 saw Hampshire briefly on the ground, however, the number 24 would recover for seventh position, which was enough for second overall on the night and he is currently third in the 250SX West standings.
“It was a solid night at A2 and I was fast all day,” recalled Hampshire. “We topped all three practices, and the first two Races were awesome – I had so much fun battling with Levi [Kitchen], we put on a good show, which was sick. Third Race, not a great start, and then just a bit of a mishap. Still made up a lot of points, cut the deficit in half, so I’m stoked on that.”
Stewart would start his Anaheim 2 race day by sealing the fourth-fastest qualifying time in 450SX overall, which the Floridian would follow up with a strong start in Race 1. An unfortunate fall while battling inside the top 10 would result in 11th place for the Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 450 Rockstar Edition pilot.
Races 2 and 3 saw the number 27 improve his position on each occasion despite being hampered by mid-field starts, collecting P10 and P9 results across the remaining races, which meant a 10th-place finish on the night and his best of the season upon return from injury.
“A2 for me, there are positives to take,” said Stewart. “I was P1 in the first qualifier and then was affected by some tough starts in the Races for the Triple Crown. Went down in Race 1 with Hunter [Lawrence], came back to 11th. Then the others, just struggled with starts again, but I’m getting back into the swing of things – I haven’t raced for a long time, so this one really felt like A1 to me. We’re heading in the right direction and it’s going to come, so we’ll keep on trucking into Detroit.”
450SX challenger Craig collected the 15th-fastest qualifying time, before going down on the opening lap in Race 1 and recovering to P17. A 12th place in Race 2, coupled with 13th in the third Race earned him 14th overall for the weekend.
“My day started decently and qualifying went okay,” Craig commented. “It was nice to be on a dry track after the last couple of weeks, but yeah, I went down in the second corner in Race 1 and was way, way back. Inched up, did what I could, then in the second one I think I got 12th. Race 3, not enough intensity at the start, got passed a bunch, and then had to try to make those passes back. It has been a frustrating start to the season, but we’ll keep trying.”
Next Event (Round 5): February 3, 2024 – Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.
Round 4 Results: Anaheim 2
250SX West – Triple Crown Results
1. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki)
2. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Nate Thrasher (Yamaha)
450SX – Triple Crown Results
1. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
2. Eli Tomac (Yamaha)
3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
…
10. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
14. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
250SX West Rider Point Standings
1. Jordon Smith (Yamaha) – 84 points
2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) – 84 points
3. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing – 76 points
450SX Rider Point Standings
1. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) – 80 points
2. Chase Sexton (KTM) – 76 points
3. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) – 74 points
…
15. Malcolm Stewart – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 26 points
17. Christian Craig – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 20 points
AARON PLESSINGER AND RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING RETAIN 450SX POINTS LEAD WITH ANAHEIM 2 PODIUM
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger captured third place at Round 4 of the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship, with 450SX teammate Chase Sexton posting a strong haul of results including the opening Race win across the Triple Crown format for fifth overall.
Entering with the premier class points lead following his breakout win in San Diego, Plessinger’s KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION sported the red plates as he took to the circuit for qualifying. P14 was the result, which ‘The Cowboy’ would build upon as he took sixth place in the first Race of the night.
Strong starts and convincing race-pace saw Plessinger in the mix throughout the two following Races, as the number 7 charged to P4 and P3 results, respectively, and third overall on the night. With his Anaheim 2 podium, he opens his lead atop the standings to four over teammate Sexton, heading a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 1-2 entering Detroit.
Aaron Plessinger: “This race was really important for me, just to stay consistent and not let things get to my head. I feel like I did a good job of that – I got great starts all night, I tightened up a little in Race 1, before in Race 2 I rode really good, and then Race 3 I was right there behind Chase [Sexton]. Tonight was tough, a lot of the success had to do with being consistent, and I think I did a good job of that.”
Returning to the second Angel Stadium stop of the season, defending 450SX Champion Sexton charged to the second-fastest time in qualifying as he dialed in his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION on the hard-packed, dry track surface.
Starts proved to be critical in the Triple Crown Main Event, and Sexton would launch to the front of the field in the first Race, going on to post a standout wire-to-wire race victory to begin the night. The tables would be turned for Race 2, however, with a difficult start seeing him only manage an 11th-place finish by race’s end.
The third and final Race saw all the contenders in the mix as they battled at the front of the field, with Sexton putting together a calculated performance that would see him bring home second position and fifth overall for the round.
Chase Sexton: “Round 4, Triple Crown, I think I finished 1-11-2. First Race was good, second Race I came through the pack and then had a stupid crash, which put me back, then the third Race was okay also – I was just focused on closing it out consistently. Not my greatest night, but we’ll bounce back next week, and onto some east coast dirt, which I’m excited about.”
250SX West rookie Julien Beaumer recorded the sixth-fastest time in qualifying, before an untimely fall in the first Race resulted in 12th place. The highly-rated teenager bounced back in Race 2, powering his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to a top 10 start and clawing his way up to a fifth-place score. P6 in Race 3 earned him seventh overall to conclude Anaheim 2.
Julien Beaumer: “Anaheim 2, my first Triple Crown, was good. Race 1 was not the best, I forced it a little too much and crashed, but the last two were a little better. I still made it hard on myself with the starts, so I had to make my way back toward the front. We’ll get back to work these next two weeks, work on some things, and come out swinging in Glendale.”
Next Race: February 3 – Detroit, Michigan
Results 450SX Class – Anaheim 2
1. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha
2. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha
3. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM
OTHER KTM
5. Chase Sexton (USA), KTM
15. Justin Hill (USA), KTM
Standings 450SX Class 2024 after 4 of 17 rounds
1. Aaron Plessinger, 80 points
2. Chase Sexton, 76
3. Cooper Webb, 74
OTHER KTM
19. Justin Hill, 16
26 . Justin Rodbell, 5
Results 250SX West Class – Anaheim 2
1. Levi Kitchen (USA), Kawasaki
2. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna
3. Nate Thrasher (USA), Yamaha
OTHER KTM
7. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM
Standings 250SX West Class 2024 after 4 of 9 rounds
1. Jordon Smith, 84 points
2. Levi Kitchen, 84
3. RJ Hampshire,76
OTHER KTM
9. Julien Beaumer, 48
21. Talon Hawkins, 10
28. Lux Turner, 2
Webb Takes First 450SX Win of 2024
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb earned his first win of the season with a 2-2-5 score on a wild night of Monster Energy AMA Supercross Triple Crown racing in Anaheim, California. Eli Tomac dominated the third main event and ended the night with a 5-7-1 tally to give the team a 1-2 finish at Round 4 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship. The stellar night at Angel Stadium helped strengthen both riders’ title campaigns as Webb closed the gap to six points from the leader and Tomac to 10 points. Rookie Justin Cooper also had a good outing with his first 450 fastest qualifier honors and finished eighth overall (10-5-6).
Qualifying eighth, Webb got a great start in the first race of the Triple Crown and quickly made his way to second, where he would finish. The North Carolina rider got an even better start in race two and grabbed the holeshot. He was shuffled to the runner-up spot but kept cool under pressure and maintained the position to head into the final race of the evening with the event points lead. Although he didn’t repeat the first two starts and was sixth after the first lap, Webb advanced to fifth, securing his first win with the team aboard the YZ450F. The victory also strengthened his position in the hotly contested 450SX title chase, moving him to third in the standings and trailing the leader by six points.
Tomac qualified just ahead of Webb in seventh, but unfortunately starts made for a challenging first two races of the evening. Undeterred, he put his head down and made his way from eighth to fifth in the first race and then charged back from 11th to seventh in the second race. After the final gate drop of the evening, Tomac got a great start to take the lead and set a blistering pace to remain unchallenged and take the victory. His 5-7-1 score secured a spot on the podium and ultimately resulted in a second-place finish after the competition was assessed with a penalty. Tomac’s second runner-up finish of the season advanced him to fifth in the rankings and within 10 points of the leader.
Cooper hit the ground running at Angel Stadium and was the fastest 450 qualifier. Unfortunately, in race one, he got caught up in the first turn and found himself back in 11th after the first lap and would finish 10th. In race two, the New Yorker got a better start in fourth and went on to score a top-five finish. In the final race of the evening, he slotted behind Webb in seventh and crossed the line sixth to end the night eighth overall with his 10-5-6 score.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing heads east to Motor City for Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the SuperMotocross World Series at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, on February 3.
Cooper Webb
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“It was a great day. Qualifying wasn’t that good, but we turned it around for the night show. I got two great starts in the first two and ended up second in both of those, which was awesome and put us in a good spot for the third one. Then I just rode a consistent and solid race in the last one. I knew the points and just kind of cruised her in. Man, it feels great to get our first win of the season. It’s awesome for myself but also really awesome for the team.”
Eli Tomac
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“This was an important race for us to get on the podium. In the first two motos, I actually struggled a little bit on the starts and put myself back, but I knew I had good speed and never gave up. Then I just executed a much better start in the third moto and was able to ride out front with some good clean air. I had some good rhythm combinations and also jump combinations through the whoops, and I felt like that gave me a good edge and a good gap on the field in that last moto.”
Justin Cooper
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“Overall, it was a really positive day. I started out the day with the fastest qualifier, which was awesome. I got the perfect lap at the end of the session and followed it up with three good starts. Unfortunately, I got caught up in the first turn in the first moto, which hurt my overall, but I was a top-five guy all night, so we will take the positives and move on to the east!”
Poor Starts Mask Good Rides by Team Honda HRC at Anaheim 2 SX
Although AMA Supercross’s first Triple Crown race of the season didn’t go down the way Team Honda HRC had hoped (none of the team’s three participating riders finished on the overall podiums), there was reason for the squad to hold their heads high as they head to round 5. The series’ second trip of the year to Anaheim, California’s Angels Stadium saw Jett Lawrence, Hunter Lawrence and Jo Shimoda all ride hard and show their potential at moments, but the fact that they were forced to deal with subpar starts meant their overall results were limited to sixth, 11th and fourth, respectively.
In the 450SX class, Jett Lawrence put together 7-3-4 race finishes, the first despite a lap 1 crash and the last after charging through the pack to second place, only to fall on the final lap. That last miscue proved to be particularly consequential on the wild evening, transforming what would have been a second-overall result and the points lead to sixth overall and fourth in the title chase (eight behind the leader). Hunter Lawrence spent most of the evening battling to be inside the top 10, putting together 9-9-12 results that delivered him an 11th-overall showing.
Meanwhile, the 250SX West class saw Shimoda in 12th, 15th and seventh after the first lap of the three races–a consequence of poor getaways and early falls. The Japanese rider was among the fastest racers on the track as he worked his way forward, but he was ultimately limited to a 9-3-2 tally for fourth overall.
NOTES
- Ahead of Feld’s media-day activities on Friday, Honda hosted journalists to a “Brunch With Brabec” event in the Team Honda HRC pits. Held exactly one week after Ricky Brabec won the Dakar Rally for the second time, the event celebrated the achievement and gave media the opportunity to conduct one-on-one interviews with the Hesperia, California, resident.
- On race day, Brabec was interviewed on the Race Day Live broadcast, and he participated in a celebrity meet-and-greet on the start line. He was also joined by teammate Skyler Howes and mentor Johnny Campbell for an autograph session. During the opening ceremonies, he and Campbell did a parade lap around the stadium floor’s perimeter—Brabec on a factory CRF450 RALLY, Campbell on a production Transalp. They then visited managers in American Honda’s suite before watching the race from the Monster Energy suite.
- SoCal Honda Powersports staffed a popup dealer-activation booth in the Team Honda HRC pits at Anaheim 2. They displayed a CRF450RWE and CRF110F and engaged with fans and customers.
- American Honda displayed several powersports products in the Team Honda HRC pits at Anaheim 2, including Proctor Racing’s desert-racing Talon 1000R, Raceco-USA’s short-course Talon 1000R and JCR Honda’s California 300-winning CRF450X. A few feet away, SLR Honda displayed a Baja 1000-winning CRF450X, an NGPC title-winning CRF250RX and a gold-medal-winning ISDE CRF450RX—but the star was unquestionably the factory Monster Energy Honda CRF450 RALLY machine.
- In combined times for daytime qualifying, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence was fifth-quickest in 450SX, with Hunter Lawrence 11th-best. Jo Shimoda had the third-best time in 250SX West.
- Anaheim 2 hosted the season’s first 250SX Futures race, and SLR Honda’s Parker Ross turned in a solid performance to notch a podium result. Other Red Riders to take part included MXE Coaching-backed Kile Epperson, SmarTop/MotoConcept’s Noah Viney, Woolf Aircraft-backed Ethan Day and Interactive Mortgage-sponsored Alvin Hillan.
- With four rounds in the books, Jett Lawrence sits fourth in the overall 450SX standings, eight points in arrears of the leader. Hunter Lawrence is 11th on the list, while Jo Shimoda is sixth in the 250SX West rankings.
- The day after the race, Team Honda HRC technicians performed their typical bike rebuilds in the Angel Stadium parking lot, in preparation for the Detroit round this Saturday, when Chance Hymas will campaign the first 250SX East Region round of the year.
Keeping The Podium Streak Alive – RPM Racing
| FMF KTM RPM Racing back for round 2 of WORCS Racing at Glen Helen Raceway.The season so far has been increasingly motivating as we got a few races in with much success. Coming into this round was no different with the anticipation of our riders performing well. Mason has yet another solid ride under his belt. Finishing in second place after the grueling 2 hour race through the mountains of Glen Helen. Tristun had a lot of work cut out for him as a few current Open Pro riders decided to join in on the fun in Pro 125. Tristun held his own and was able to keep himself on the podium next to some of the best. Kaitlyn was running a solid race in third and unfortunately had a bad crash resulting in knocking herself out and taking a ride to the hospital for evaluation. So far the conclusion is a concussion and we will determine if she is fit to race the next round of NGPC. WORCS still gave her the third place result. JP had an incredible race going in the first half. Leading for half the race, he dropped back to third after the pit stop. On the last lap he had a tip over and fell back to the forth place spot. Great ride for JP regardless and still some confidence building moments to carry into the next round. |
 | Mason SemmensPRO 250 / 2ND |
 | Tristun AlverezPRO 125 / 3RD |
 | Kaitlyn JacobsPRO WOMEN / 3RD |
 | JP AlvarezPRO 250 / 4TH |
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Ready For Two-Rider Competition in 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship
Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati is proud to announce that Josh Herrin and former WorldSBK and MotoGP star Loris Baz will front a two-rider Ducati team on the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship.
In what will undoubtedly be one of the most competitive line-ups in MotoAmerica Superbike history, Herrin and Baz will utilize the strengths of the WorldSBK-winning Ducati Panigale V4 R in an attempt to claim a first MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike title for Ducati in the modern era.
Herrin will compete with Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati for a third season after claiming the 2022 MotoAmerica Supersport Championship, the 2023 Daytona 200 on the Ducati Panigale V2, and two race wins on the Panigale V4 R in MotoAmerica Superbike, eventually finishing a second overall behind 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Champion, Jake Gagne. He is determined to go one better in 2024.
For Baz, the popular Frenchman will be back on American soil after two seasons racing in the WorldSBK Championship. Baz last competed in MotoAmerica for Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati in 2021, finishing fourth in the series standings.
Loris Baz (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#76)
“Last year was a tough with a big injury, and I wanted to come back to America with the same team I had in 2021. I have always said the people I met in the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati squad were the biggest family I made in racing. We kept in contact during my two WorldSBK years with the hope we would see each other again in the future, so the fact this has happened makes me happy.
“I am back training 100 percent now without any pain in my ankle and I am really looking forward to seeing all the American fans again. I have kept in touch with many of them since I last competed in MotoAmerica. It’s going to be a great season!”
Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati–#2)
“I’m really excited about 2024 and being teammates with Loris Baz,” Herrin said. “The chance to be teammates with Loris was actually one of the reasons that I signed with the team in the first place back at the end of 2021, and although I’ve had two awesome teammates over last two years, being teammates Baz was something I really wanted and I’m happy we’re finally making that happen.”
“Having a teammate in MotoAmerica Superbike is going to be huge for the team. With an extra rider, the results should be even better than last year because we will get twice the data, and Loris and I can work together and set up the best bike for our season.”
Bobby Shek (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Team Manager)
“Finally, after three years, we have arrived at a two-rider factory-supported program. Both Josh and Loris are highly competitive world riders on well-sorted Ducati Superbikes, so we are very optimistic that we will be fighting for wins early in the season,” Shek said.
“We did a good job last year when Josh and the bike were new to each other and now with another season of data in the bank, we expect even better results.”
Round one of the 2024 Steel Commander MotoAmerica Superbike Championship will be held at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on April 19-21.
Indian Motorcycle Announces 2024 Factory Race Teams, Signs Three-Time Australian Superbike Champ Troy Herfoss for its King of the Baggers & Super Hooligan efforts
Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its 2024 factory race teams for King of the Baggers® (KOTB), Super Hooligan® (SHNC) and American Flat Tracksm (AFT). Running two No. 1 plates in 2024, Indian Motorcycle Racing welcomes the return of reigning champions Tyler O’Hara and Jared Mees, as well as the addition of three-time Australian Superbike Champion Troy Herfoss. The company has also announced more than $450,000 in combined privateer contingency for KOTB, SHNC and AFT.
“We’re excited to welcome Troy to the Indian Motorcycle family, as he’s a seasoned road racer with a wealth of experience competing at a high level,” said Gary Gray, Vice President Racing and Service for Indian Motorcycle. “Backed by the performance capabilities of Indian Motorcycle, we feel we have three riders who could each win a championship in 2024. Jared of course is eyeing a record-setting 10th-career AFT championship, while Tyler and Troy could both very well be in the hunt for the King of the Baggers and Super Hooligan championship. Our team has put in the work this offseason, so we’re excited to get the season rolling and head out to Daytona.”
MotoAmerica® KOTB & SHNC
For 2024, Indian Motorcycle and S&S® will put forth a two-man factory race team that will compete in both the KOTB and SHNC classes. Tyler O’Hara enters his fifth year aboard the S&S Indian Challenger, having won the inaugural KOTB race in 2020, and the class championship in 2022.
In addition, 2024 will mark O’Hara’s second year piloting the S&S Indian FTR within the SHNC class, where he’s earned back-to-back class championships.
Racing alongside O’Hara under S&S is three-time Australian Superbike champion Troy Herfoss, a household name in Australian racing. Herfoss transcends boundaries between on and off-road competitions, as he’s recorded championship titles in several forms of motorcycle racing, including Australian Dirt Track, Supermoto, and Supersport. Herfoss was the 2008 AMA Supermoto champion and a Moto X-Games silver medalist.
“To have the opportunity to don Indian Motorcycle Red leathers and compete on behalf of such a historic brand is a true honor,” said Herfoss. “As a motorsports enthusiast in Australia, I’ve been envious of all the bagger racing taking place in the states, and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to pilot an S&S Indian Challenger and ride for a factory team who has a championship to its name.”
In addition to its factory efforts, Indian Motorcycle is offering up to $131,999 in KOTB privateer contingency and up to $67,249 in SHNC contingency.
2024 Indian Motorcycle KOTB Privateer Contingency
- Championship: $20,000, + 2024 Indian Challenger Dark Horse, MSRP $30,999
- 1st: $3,000
- 2nd: $1,000
- 3rd: $500
2024 Indian Motorcycle SHNC Privateer Contingency
- Championship: $5,000, + 2024 FTR R Carbon, MSRP $17,249
- 1st: $3,000
- 2nd: $1,000
- 3rd: $500
AFT SuperTwins
Returning for his eighth consecutive year aboard the Indian FTR750 is reigning AFT SuperTwins champion Jared Mees. After a record-tying ninth-career championship in 2023, Mees now has his sights set on double digits – a record-setting 10-career AFT grand national championships.
As Mees looks to make history once again, he’ll rely on his trusted team led by Crew Chief Kenny Tolbert, Assistant Mechanic Bubba Bently and Suspension Technician Jimmy Wood. Mees will also receive support from Rogers Racing, SDI Racing, S&S® Cycle, Flex Armor, Drag Specialties®, Twigg Cycles, Mission® Foods, Monster Energy®, Service Pro, Öhlins® Suspension, Klotz® Oil, Klock Werkssm, RK Chain®, Seats, Engine Ice®, RMR Construction, Motion Pro®, Vertex Pistons, Pro Plates and DBI Motorsports.
In addition to its AFT factory efforts around Mees, Indian Motorcycle is offering the sport’s most robust privateer contingency, equating to more than $252,600.
2024 Indian Motorcycle AFT Privateer Contingency:
- Championship: $25,000
- 1st: $7,500
- 2nd: $2,500
- 3rd: $1,500
- 4th: $1,000
- 5th: $750
- 6th: $350
- 7th: $250
- 8th: $150
- 9th: $125
- 10th: $100
Indian Motorcycle Racing welcomes S&S® as title sponsor and is presented by Progressive Insurance® and Mission® Foods, with additional support fromIndian Motorcycle Motor Oil, Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties® and Performance Finance.
KOTB, SHNC and AFT seasons begin March 7 at the Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the 2024 AFT season, visitAmericanFlatTrack.com, for KOTB and SHNC, visit MotoAmerica.com.
Spectro Performance Oils Onboard As Official Partner Of MotoAmerica In Multi-Year Deal
MotoAmerica, North America’s premier motorcycle road racing series, is pleased to announce that performance motorcycle and powersports oils manufacturer Spectro Performance Oils is now an official partner of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship after inking a three-year deal.
Spectro Performance Oils is strengthening its commitment to motorcycle racing and the V-twin market by becoming an official partner of the 2024 MotoAmerica Championship.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Headquartered in Brookfield, Connecticut, Spectro Performance Oils has been engineering and manufacturing top-quality, performance motorcycle and powersports oils since 1966. Spectro offers a complete line of oils, lubes, and fluids for motorcycles and powersports vehicles.
With the sponsorship of the MotoAmerica Championship, Spectro Performance Oils will strengthen its commitment with the motorcycle racing scene as well as the V-twin market. Spectro’s Heavy Duty product line includes unique lubes and clean+care products specifically formulated for Harley-Davidson and American V-twin motorcycles. Spectro Performance Oils will be set up in the Fan Zone at MotoAmerica events this coming season.
“Partnering with MotoAmerica as an official partner is important to our business and the Spectro Performance Oils brand, as it allows us to be present in an ever-growing sport,” said Luke Calzone, Spectro Performance Oil’s Marketing Manager. “Racing is a large part of Spectro’s heritage. This relationship will help Spectro’s tradition and brand recognition grow alongside the sport.”
“We’re really happy to have Spectro Performance Oils onboard with us for the 2024 MotoAmerica season,” said Lance Bryson, MotoAmerica’s Director of Sponsorship. “Spectro has been making quality products for motorcycles and other powersports vehicles for as long as I can remember and working with them this year will be a lot of fun.”
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