This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of May 12, 2024

This week in US powersports racing.

Kenda Powerline Park: Motorcycle Race Report

ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio (May 13, 2024) – The 2024 Progressive Grand National Cross Country (GNCC Racing) Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, concluded its seventh round of racing, Kenda Powerline Park GNCC, yesterday on Sunday, May 12, 2024. The sun came out over the Ohio property, but the rain from Saturday continued to create slick conditions throughout the course for the day.

When the green flag flew on the afternoon race it was Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Craig Delong jumping off the line to earn the $250 Steel City Medical Center holeshot award and making his way into the woods as he continued to battle for that number one spot. Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder Lafferty held the early lead, but the defending champion, Delong was hungry for a win and would make the move into the lead on the second lap of the race. Delong would continue to hold the lead as FMF KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir made his way into second after a mid-pack start to the day. Girroir would continue to push to catch Delong, and by the last lap he was right on his back tire as they came through VP Racing Fuels Pro Row and made their way into the finish line area. Delong would be able to hold off Girroir, earning his first win of the 2024 season while Girroir came through 1.2 seconds behind him. After coming through in tenth on the opening lap, Babbitts Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor would continue to push for the extent of the race. Baylor would continue to make the necessary passes as he moved into fourth with two laps remaining in the race, however as he emerged from the woods and heading towards the checkered flag Baylor found himself sitting in the final podium position. Baylor crossed the line third overall on the day.

Phoenix Racing Honda’s Michael Witkowski battled at the front for majority of the day as he came through in third at the halfway point of the race. Witkowski continued to push but was unable to hold off Baylor as he came through to take over third. Witkowski held onto finish fourth in Ohio. Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Trevor Bollinger would cross the line fifth in XC1 and seventh overall on the day after he would push himself from starting back in the ninth place position. Coming through eighth overall and sixth in XC1 was JS Sherco Racing’s Josh Strang as he battled back-and-forth throughout the day at Powerline Park. After hold the early lead, Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Ryder Lafferty would find himself mid-pack at the halfway point of the race. Lafferty would finish the day seventh in XC1, and ninth overall. Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Lyndon Snodgrass would come through to finish eighth in XC1 and 12th overall on the day. Active Air/Max Motorsports/FXR/Husqvarna’s Evan Smith came through behind Snodgrass to finish 13th overall and ninth in the XC1 Open Pro class. Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Steward Baylor found himself having a rough day in the Ohio woods as he came through tenth in the XC1 Open Pro class and would be 15th overall on the day. Coastal GASGAS Factory Racing’s Jordan Ashburn was having a good ride as he held third on the opening lap, but after a mechanical issue that forced Ashburn to have an unexpected pit stop, he would be unable to make up much ground and come through eleventh in XC1 and 20th overall on the day.

As the XC2 class took off it was FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers Grant Davis grabbing the $250 Steel City Medical Center holeshot award. Davis would continue to lead the way for the duration of the race, even working his way into the top three overall on adjusted time at one point in the race. Davis crossed the line in first just ahead of AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper who battled back-and-forth on the day to finish second in the XC2 class. FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers Angus Riordan was also running at the front, battling for a top three position for most of the race, Riordan would make the pass back into third with two laps remaining and push until he saw the checkered flag.

In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am it was Devore/KTM/FXR/SRS Suspension’s Dakoda Devore and Liqui Moly Factory Beta Racing’s Jhak Walker battling for the number one spot throughout the race. Walker would hold the early lead, but Devore was right there and would make the pass for the lead with just two laps remaining. Devore would continue to hold the lead and earn his fourth win of the season. Walker would cross the line in second, while Kibuk Cycle/Steel City Medical Center/Josh Lojak’s House of Speeds’ Sawyer Carratura battled back to finish third in the class after earning himself the $100 Lojak Cycle Sales holeshot award. Earning the Top Amateur honors at Powerline Park was Nicholas DeFeo who came through in the 16th overall position, while also earning the 250 A class win. Gavin Simon came through 18th overall and second in 250 A to land second on the Top Amateur podium, and Jason Tino earned 19th overall and third in 250 A to round out the top three Top Amateur finishers on the day.

When the WXC class took off it was Husqvarna-backed racer, Jocelyn Barnes earning the $100 Kanati Tires WXC Holeshot Award. However, it would be FMF KTM Factory Racing Lander’s Brandy Richards leading the way early on in the race. As the race continued on through the slick conditions after Saturday’s rain, Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing’s Korie Steede would make her way up to Richards and battle for the lead position on the second lap. Steede would make her way past Richards and continue to hold the lead position until the checkered flag flew, earning her first win of the season. Richards would hold on to finish second in the WXC class and overall in the morning race. Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Rachael Archer would continue to run at the front of the pack through the duration of the race but was unable to make a push for the number one spot. Archer would come through third to round out the top three WXC class finishers. Super Senior A (45+) racer, Gary Fridley would battle through the conditions and earn third overall in the morning race. A special recognition to Sportsman A competitors, Cody Groves, who came through to checkered flag first, and Anthony Blackburn who came through behind Richards on the last lap.

As the youth bike race came to an end, it was Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki’s Caleb Wood coming through to earn the youth overall and YXC1 Super Mini Sr. class win. This was Wood’s fifth win of the season as he continues to lead the points. Doc Smith would work his way up from fourth to second as he made his way through the finish line. Husqvarna-backed racer, Brayden Baisley battled up front for the duration of the race, and he would round out the top three youth overall and YXC1 class finishers. In the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. class it was Travis Lentz remaining undefeated as he earned his seventh-straight win of the season. Nash Peerson and Carlo Clary would come through second and third to round out the top three YXC2 class finishers in Ohio. In other youth bike classes, Colton McQuarrie earned the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class win while Hunter Hawkinberry took home the 85 (12-13) class win. Deegan Caplinger would bring home the 85 (11) class win and Colt Chaney finished first in the 85 (7-10) class win at round seven. Hunter Jones took the 65 (10-11) class win, while Tripp Lewis earned first in the 65 (9) class and Cash Knecht earned the 65 (7-8) class win. In the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class it was Zoey Kimble coming through first, with Baylee Arsenault taking the win in the Girls 85 (7-13) class and Paisley Harris earned herself the Girls 65 (7-11) class win. In the Trail Rider (7-15) it was Ryder Paiano earning the win in Ohio.

On Saturday in the Micro Bike race, it was Tripp Lewis in the MXC1 (8-9) class coming through first to earn the overall win, and his class win. Kane Morrison in the MXC2 (6-8) class would come through to finish second overall in the race, as well as earning himself his class win. Rounding out the Micro Bike overall podium and finishing second in his class was MXC1 racer, Todd Toland. Ellis Austin would come through third in the MCX1 class, while Cade Propst and Maura Tsakanikas finished second and third in the MXC2 class. Tanner Toland would come through to take home the 50 Sr. 1 (7) class win, while Carson Zink earned the 50 Sr. 2 (6) win. Paxton Allen would earn the win in the 50 Jr. 1 (6-7) class, as Jacobi Duvall earned the 50 Jr. 2 (4-5) class win in Ohio. Deegan Deel earned the Micro-E (4-7) class win while Carson Propst earned the Micro Shaft Drive (4-6) class win, and Watson Brendlinger took home the Trail Rider (7-9) class win. Catch GNCC Pro ATV and Motorcycle Racing free via RacerTV.com all season long. Pro ATV Racing starts Saturday’s at 2pm ET, with the exception of Big Buck, Snowshoe and Ironman events where they will start at 1pm ET. GNCC Pro Motorcycle Racing will begin at 1pm ET on Sunday’s.For more information on the GNCC series, visit the official website at www.gnccracing.com or call (304) 284-0084. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #GNCC.Facebook: @gnccracingInstagram: @gncc_racingTwitter: @gnccracingYouTube: @racertv

Kenda Powerline Park Results and Points Standings
St. Clairsville, Ohio
Round 7 of 13
Sunday, May 12, 2024XC1 Pro Event Results:Craig Delong (HQV)Jonathan Girroir (KTM)Grant Baylor (KAW)Michael Witkowski (HON)Trevor Bollinger (HQV)Josh Strang (SHR)Ryder Lafferty (GAS)Lyndon Snodgrass (KAW)Evan Smith (HQV)Steward Baylor (KAW)*Overall National Championship Standings:Jonathan Girroir (177)Steward Baylor (148)Jordan Ashburn (110)Grant Davis (109)Craig Delong (104)Grant Baylor (92)Angus Riordan (87)Michael Witkowski (80)Liam Draper (69)Trevor Bollinger (66)*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2024 National Champion.XC2 250 Pro Event Results:Grant Davis (KTM)Liam Draper (YAM)Angus Riordan (KTM)Thad Duvall (KAW)Cody Barnes (HON)Brody Johnson (BET)Jason Lipscomb (BET)Ruy Barbosa (HON)Toby Cleveland (HQV)XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:Grant Davis (186)Angus Riordan (168)Liam Draper (137)Cody Barnes (100)Thad Duvall (95)Ruy Barbosa (94)Josh Toth (93)Brody Johnson (86)Jason Lipscomb (80)Jesse Ansley (78)

Second Straight AMA 450SX Championship for Team Honda HRC

Team Honda HRC earned its fourth premier-class championship in a row (following 2023 crowns in AMA Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross), with Jett Lawrence finalizing the accomplishment at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. The 20-year-old rode to a steady seventh-place main-event result, which was more than enough to secure his seventh AMA crown in a row. Hunter Lawrence rode well all day, but after being knocked down early in the 450SX main event, 15^th place was all that he could manage. The finale was also a 250SX East-West Showdown, which meant Team Honda HRC riders Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas were both in action. In the end, the duo tallied fourth- and seventh-place finishes, respectively.

Jett knew that even if title rival Cooper Webb were to take the win in the final 450SX main-event start of the year, all he needed to do to secure the crown was finish in 17^th place or better. The Australian ran seventh after turn 1, with Webb only one position better, while Hunter sat in third place. Buoyed by the momentum of his best-ever finish the previous week, Hunter was pressuring for second when he was run off the track by Jason Anderson on lap 2. He remounted near the back of the pack and eventually rode to a 15^th-place result. Meanwhile, Jett ran as high as fourth for a while but opted to avoid potentially dangerous battles and settled for seventh at the finish.

Shimoda managed a third-place start in the 250SX East-West Showdown, while Hymas was back in 19^th place. An early miscue by Shimoda cost him a couple positions, and he ran in fifth for the first few laps. He made a pass and spent laps 4 through 15 in fourth place, then overtook Jordon Smith for third. Unfortunately, the Japanese rider was passed on the last lap, and he finished just out of the podium positions. Meanwhile, despite his inauspicious getaway, Hymas rode well throughout the main event, climbing steadily through the pack to eventually notch a seventh-place result.

NOTES

A pre-race press conference was held on Friday, with Jett Lawrence and Jo Shimoda both participating. All four Team Honda HRC riders then had an opportunity to ride the track.
For the AMA Supercross finale, Team Honda HRC hosted a pair of dealerships in their pit footprint, with both Honda World (from Jordan, Utah) and Young Powersports (from Centerville, Utah) staffing pop-up activation booths.
Daytime qualifying saw Jett and Hunter Lawrence notch the second- and fifth-best 450SX times, respectively. Chance Hymas was third-fastest in 250SX East, and Jo Shimoda was sixth-quickest in 250SX West.
The Salt Lake City event hosted a 250SX Futures round, and SLR Honda’s Parker Ross rode his CRF250R to a respectable fourth-place result.
The 250SX East heat race saw Chance Hymas take an eighth-place start before eventually finishing in the same position, but the interim was action-packed, with Hymas running as high as sixth and as low as 13^th at different points. Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie finished seventh. Shimoda was ninth off the 250SX West heat-race start and worked his way up to fifth place.
Jett Lawrence nailed the holeshot in the 450SX heat race and fended off the advances of Justin Barcia to score the win. Also qualifying from the heat were Red Riders Dean Wilson (Fire Power Honda, fourth), Vince Friese (SmarTop/MotoConcepts Honda, seventh) and Jeremy Hand (Valley Automotive, eighth). In heat 2, Hunter Lawrence was third off the start, and he stayed there to the checkered flag. Phoenix Racing Honda rider Dylan Ferrandis and MotoConcepts rider Mitchell Oldenburg finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
Although he didn’t manage to take his ninth win of the season in Salt Lake City, Jett Lawrence did turn the fastest lap time of the 450SX main event.
The traveling AMA dirt-bike circus now takes a one-weekend break before kicking off the AMA Pro Motocross Series in Pala, California, May 25.

Media contact:

Danny Gonzalez // Jonnum Media // [email protected] // +1 (805) 915-7889

450SX Results

Chase Sexton (KTM)
Justin Cooper (Yam)
Cooper Webb (Yam)
Jason Anderson (Kaw)
Justin Barcia (Gas)
Malcolm Stewart (Hus)
Jett Lawrence (Hon)
Dylan Ferrandis (Hon)
Mitchell Oldenburg (Hon)
Dean Wilson (Hon)

—

12. Vince Friese (Hon)

15. Hunter Lawrence (Hon)

17. Jeremy Hand (Hon)

450SX Championship Points (after 17 of 17 rounds)

Jett Lawrence: 351
Cooper Webb: 336
Chase Sexton: 307
Eli Tomac: 282
Jason Anderson: 282
Justin Cooper: 227
Ken Roczen: 223
Justin Barcia: 217
Hunter Lawrence: 207
Malcolm Stewart: 200

—

12. Dylan Ferrandis: 147

16. Dean Wilson: 91

19. Vince Friese: 64

250SX East-West Showdown Results

Haiden Deegan (Yam)
R.J. Hampshire (Hus)
Jordan Smith (Yam)
Jo Shimoda (Hon)
Levi Kitchen (Kaw)
Nate Thrasher (Yam)
Chance Hymas (Hon)
Tom Vialle (KTM)
Jalek Swoll (Tri)
Phil Nicoletti (Yam)

—

16. Max Anstie (Hon)

250SX East Region Championship Points (after 9 of 9 rounds)

Tom Vialle: 172
Haiden Deegan: 168
Coty Schock: 132
Pierce Brown: 131
Max Anstie: 125
Cameron McAdoo: 120
Chance Hymas: 116
Jalek Swoll: 116
Daxton Bennick: 111
Seth Hammaker: 95

—

11. Henry Miller: 83

19. Trevor Colip: 23

250SX West Region Championship Points (after 10 of 10 rounds)

R.J. Hampshire: 208
Levi Kitchen: 203
Jordon Smith: 185
Jo Shimoda: 181
Nate Thrasher: 123
Garrett Marchbanks: 121
Julien Beaumer: 118
Anthony Bourdon: 106
Phil Nicoletti: 105
Cole Thompson: 89

—

11. Carson Mumford: 88

DEFENDING CHAMPION CRAIG DELONG WINS FIRST GNCC OF 2024 AT POWERLINE PARK

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong made a welcome return to the winner’s circle in Round 7 of the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series at Powerline Park on Sunday, as did Korie Steede in her first WXC victory since joining the team for 2024.

Defending GNCC champion DeLong was the class of the field in St. Clairsville, Ohio, taking the holeshot and then eventually going on to pick up his first victory this season onboard the Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 350 in technical conditions.

As a result of his recent turnaround in fortunes, DeLong has moved within striking distance of the top three in the XC1 Open Pro Class standings, now just six points shy of third position in the series at halfway.

“It was a good day!” DeLong recalled. “I felt good by the end of the first lap and then put the hammer down. We did that, got a good 25 or 30-second gap, and maintained it for the rest of the day. A couple of mistakes here and there, but it was a close race in the end and a lot of fun.”

DeLong’s Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Trevor Bollinger also delivered a strong result this weekend, with fifth place in the XC1 Open Pro Class coming as his season-best finish. Bollinger is currently ranked seventh in the championship standings.

WXC saw Steede battle to her first WXC victory since joining Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing in 2024, executing in the demanding conditions on her Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 250. Steede is now P3 in the championship, only two points outside of second as the series enters its second half.

“I came back from a really big crash on that first lap, but after that, I tried to pick really good lines – the mud holes and bottlenecks were hard today!” Steede said. “I feel really good after this result and now we’re excited to keep this going.”

XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Johnny Girroir, KTM
3. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
5. Trevor Bollinger, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

WXC Class Results
1. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2. Brandy Richards, KTM
3. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki

RJ HAMPSHIRE AND ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING CLINCH 250SX WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire is the new AMA Supercross 250SX West Champion after clinching the 2024 title at tonight’s final round of the season in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Hampshire came into Round 10 of the western region tied on points in the standings, where a second-place result at Rice-Eccles Stadium was enough for RJ to capture his first-career Supercross crown following the second 250SX East/West Showdown of the year.

The year opened in convincing style at the beginning of January when Hampshire won Anaheim 1’s season-opener, which he has since backed up with additional wins in Glendale and the Nashville 250SX East/West Showdown. Two more second-place podiums were achieved at Anaheim 2 and in Seattle, while last weekend in Denver he placed third on the podium.

At 28 years of age, Hampshire is firmly established as one of the 250SX category’s most decorated riders, previously finishing runner-up in the standings on two occasions – P2 in the western region in 2023 and also in the eastern region in 2022. He was ranked third in the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) last year within the 250SMX division.

“It’s so special,” Hampshire reflected. “Everybody has their own story and I was determined to write my own. To have an opportunity to win a championship, just to be a part of that, is truly special. I’ve had so many ups, so many downs, and still people who just believed in me. My group, I would not change, and a massive thanks to everybody who has been involved and a part of the story. I was the fastest guy all day today, had a decent start in the Main Event, and did what I needed to do – in the end, we finally did it and it was a good race to clinch the championship!”

The championship is Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s first in AMA Supercross since Jason Anderson won the 2018 450SX Championship and Zach Osborne claimed back-to-back 250SX East Championships in 2017-2018. Osborne also went on to earn the 2020 450MX national championship, which was the team’s most recent professional MX/SX title in the United States prior to Hampshire’s success.

“There’s nobody who deserves it more than RJ,” commented Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager, Nathan Ramsey. “He works so hard, he’s a warrior, and never, ever gives up. I’m so happy for the team, the crew, and everybody that’s a part of this. We pulled this thing together and RJ brought it home for us! RJ’s been working at this and dreaming of this forever, so to have him be able to finally wrap his head around it and learn how to piece it all together, here we are – champions.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing 450SX teammate Malcolm Stewart also put forward a strong performance to complete the Supercross season. He was fourth fastest in combined Qualifying onboard the Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 450 Rockstar Edition, which set the tone for the night program when he raced to P6 in the Main Event and secured 10th in the point standings.

“Final round, at the end of the day, it was a great Supercross season,” Stewart said. “We had some ups and downs, but finished every single round, and ended this one with a better result in P6. I felt great all day and am very, very happy for everybody at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. A huge shoutout to my teammate, RJ, for clinching the 250 championship tonight! I’m really looking forward to the outdoors and we’re going to keep digging to improve ourselves.”

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team will now turn their attention to the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship when it begins in Pala, California, on May 25, which doubles as the second stage of the combined SMX hybrid series.

Next Race: May 25 – Pala, California (AMA Pro Motocross)

Download hi-res images from the 2024 Salt Lake City Supercross here

Results 450SX Class – Salt Lake City
1. Chase Sexton (USA), KTM
2. Justin Cooper (USA), Yamaha
3. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha
5. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS
6. Malcolm Stewart (USA), Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Standings 450SX Class 2024 after 17 of 17 rounds
1. Jett Lawrence, 351 points
2. Cooper Webb, 336
3. Chase Sexton, 307
8. Justin Barcia, 217
10. Malcolm Stewart, 200
11. Aaron Plessinger, 198

Results 250SX East/West Showdown Class – Salt Lake City
1. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha
2. RJ Hampshire (USA), Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Jordon Smith (USA), Yamaha
8. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM
12. Pierce Brown (USA), GASGAS
13. Ryder DiFrancesco (USA), GASGAS
22. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM

Standings 250SX West Class 2024 after 10 of 10 rounds
1. RJ Hampshire, 208 points
2. Levi Kitchen, 203
3. Jordon Smith, 185
7. Julien Beaumer, 118
12. Ryder DiFrancesco, 88

Standings 250SX East Class 2024 after 9 of 9 rounds
1. Tom Vialle, 172 points
2. Haiden Deegan, 168
3. Coty Schock, 132
4. Pierce Brown, 131

DANTE OLIVEIRA WINS AGAIN IN WHS AS JOHNNY GIRROIR EXTENDS GNCC ADVANTAGE

An exceptional weekend out in the AMA West Hare Scrambles (WHS) and Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series resulted in more winning results and podiums for FMF KTM Factory Racing on Sunday. Dante Oliveira made it three victories from three starts in WHS, while on the east coast, Johnny Girroir extended his GNCC advantage with a runner-up result, and FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers’ Grant Davis won the XC2 250 Pro Class to increase his points lead.

WEST HARE SCRAMBLES SERIES – ROUND 3

The third round of the 2024 AMA West Hare Scrambles Series was another convincing one for Dante Oliveira, recovering from an early fall on his KTM 350 XC-F to reclaim the lead on lap four and go on to victory.

Defending WHS Champion Oliveira has won all three rounds to date this season, continuing that trend in dusty, rocky conditions at the Flying Blind Dirt Park in Prineville, Oregon, with a six-second winning margin. He now has a 22-point lead in the Pro Class championship standings.

Dante Oliveira: “It was a fun day, but nasty! So dusty out here and a demanding track, with just how rocky and choppy it is – you can’t ever really relax. I’ve never felt this comfortable on the bike in these types of conditions, so shoutout to the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team – all in all, it was a solid day out for us! I got the holeshot and then I hit the ground, but it ended up coming together in the end. I pitted on lap two and put the hammer down to get back into the lead on that following lap, which worked out, and I was able to maintain after that.”

FMF KTM Factory Racing teammate Mateo Oliveira finished fourth in Round 3, affected by his starting position and going on to salvage a decent haul of points. He was positioned as high as third in the middle stages, before settling into P4 for the weekend in class. That result sees him maintain second in the Pro Class title race.

Mateo Oliveira: “It wasn’t ideal at all because the start was key today and I didn’t get a good one. It was a super technical track and I was pretty timid, but a good learning round, and we will aim to keep moving forward. It was dusty and hard out there, with a lot of rocks, and the boys were on it today.”

Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Giacomo Redondi, GASGAS
3. Zane Roberts, Beta
4. Mateo Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing

GRAND NATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY SERIES – ROUND 7

A seventh podium in as many rounds marked another impressive ride from Johnny Girroir in the Powerline Park GNCC, as Round 7 saw the Grand National Cross Country Series arrive at its halfway point for 2024.

Girroir rode his FMF KTM Factory Racing 350 XC-F to second position after challenging for the victory in St. Clairsville, Ohio, and that result has enabled him to extend his XC1 Open Pro Class advantage to a commanding 29 points following seven of 13 rounds scheduled.

Johnny Girroir: “You had to be patient today. With two or three laps to go I got in sight of Craig [DeLong] and tucked the front-end in the woods, so I was like, ‘Man, it’s time to get going’. I ended up getting alongside him a couple of times on the last mile, but hats off to him on a good job today. It was a good race! I wish I got going a little bit sooner, but you had to be careful with how hard you were pushing out there.”

Riders were met with technical conditions, but there was no slowing current XC2 250 Pro Class championship leader Grant Davis on his way to the win after leading from the outset, while FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers teammate Gus Riordan managed a podium finish in third position.

Grant Davis: “It was a good day, for sure. I got the holeshot and led the whole race for once, which has never happened before! I’m glad I was able to get this win and extend the points lead this weekend.”

Gus Riordan: “Today was rough, but I was happy to salvage some points and put it on the box. I just couldn’t quite execute on my lines, but other than that, it was a fun day.”

It’s still Davis who continues to lead the XC2 250 Pro Class series, now 18 points clear of Riordan – both with three victories each to their credit to date in 2024 onboard their KTM 250 XC-F machinery.

FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers WXC entry Brandy Richards factored up front at the Powerline Park GNCC on her way to a second-place result, also equipped with the KTM 250 XC-F. Richards is currently positioned second in the standings following the first half of the season.

Brandy Richards: “It was a pretty good day. I had a decent start, just had a couple of falls, and caught back up – I was pretty patient all day. I led the first two laps and Korie [Steede] caught me on the last lap, but we had such a good battle! I had a good time out there, the track was great this weekend.”

XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna
2. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Grant Baylor, Kawasaki
5. Trevor Bollinger, Husqvarna

XC2 250 Pro Class Results
1. Grant Davis, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Angus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers

WXC Class Results
1. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
2. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
3. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S TOM VIALLE CROWNED 2024 250SX EAST AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPION

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Tom Vialle has clinched the 2024 AMA Supercross Championship in the 250SX East division following tonight’s title-deciding final round of the season in Salt Lake City.

At 23 years of age, Vialle adds his maiden American Supercross title onboard the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to the pair of MX2 World Championships that he earned in 2020 and 2022, respectively. It further establishes him as one of the sport’s emerging superstars on an international scale with his success in both Europe and the United States.

Upon joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2019, a successful rookie term in the MX2 World Championship saw the Frenchman race to fourth position in the point standings, before he went on to be crowned the MX2 World Champion at his second attempt the following year in 2020. After placing third in 2021, he spectacularly regained the crown at the finale.

Originally from Avignon, France, Vialle then moved to the U.S. ahead of the 2023 season, in which he made a highly-anticipated AMA Supercross debut and gained immense experience in the stadiums on his way to P8 in the final 250SX East standings.

Vialle also finished sixth overall in the 250MX category of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship – claiming a breakout first victory at Southwick – as part of a wider SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) campaign, where he was eventually ranked eighth in the 250SMX Class at the conclusion of the hybrid-type SMX Finals Series.

Building upon the vast knowledge that he picked up one year ago, Vialle has taken his career to new heights in 2024, standing on the AMA Supercross podium for the first time in Arlington’s second round of the season before taking elusive back-to-back 250SX Main Event wins in Daytona and Birmingham.

Tom continued that podium form with a runner-up result in Indianapolis, followed by third in both Foxborough and Nashville, and then was second again in Philadelphia’s penultimate round. Those finishes set him up with an instrumental 15-point advantage entering Salt Lake City’s ninth and final race of the eastern region.

A calculated eighth-place finish was enough to seal Vialle the title tonight in the second 250SX East/West Showdown of the year, marking Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s first in the 250SX category since compatriot Marvin Musquin won the eastern regional title victory in 2015. Vialle will now focus on the upcoming AMA Pro Motocross Championship, which commences in Pala, California, on Saturday, May 25th.

Tom Vialle: “That’s pretty amazing, to learn one year and then win this title in the second year. After I won Daytona and made it two in a row in Birmingham, I knew I could fight for the title. I made it to the end and I felt great all season. Going into Supercross this year, I enjoyed it even more and am very happy to win the championship. It’s only my second year here and feel like I have a lot to learn, am still learning every race, but I’m really excited now to head outdoors in two weeks at Pala. Thank you to everybody that has been behind us for this championship.”

Ian Harrison – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Starting at the first race when Tom wrecked in the first turn and finished 18th, I literally thought the season was over and it was just going to be another learning year for him. And then he found his groove, started winning a couple of races, and was finishing on the podium, getting better and better – the next thing we knew, we were in the lead. Daytona was a special one for us, always tough to win, and I was really proud of him there. We had the points lead coming into the final round and I was quite confident until practice today, but then I felt a little bit nervous as the day went on because it seemed like some of the stress was maybe getting to Tom a little bit. I have to say, he handled himself really well in the Main Event, put himself in a good position, and finished where he needed to finish. I’m super proud, it’s been a long time since we’ve won a 250 title and it feels really, really good.”

Alongside Vialle in the 250SX East/West Showdown was rookie Julien Beaumer, who was third quickest in Qualifying on the western region and then placed eighth in his Heat race. Unfortunately, he was credited 22nd in the Main Event after a crash and was ultimately positioned seventh in the final 250SX West Championship standings.

Julien Beaumer: “It was a rough night for me tonight. Qualifying and everything was good, but unfortunately, there was nowhere for me to go and I had a collision with Seth Hammaker in the Main. I’m 100 percent healthy and am ready to go into the outdoors.”

Salt Lake City also saw Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton stand on the top step of the 450SX Main Event podium after delivering a commanding performance to cap off the season on his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Last year’s 450SX Champion was fastest in Qualifying and then won Heat 2 of the night, before going on to take victory by 3.228s at Rice-Eccles Stadium this evening. As a result, Sexton placed third in the championship with two victories to his credit in 2024.

Chase Sexton: “Salt Lake was a really good day for me – fastest qualifier, won the Heat, and the Main. I felt a lot more like myself in the last three races, because it’s been a long year, but I’ve learned a lot and the team stuck by me, so I’m looking forward to outdoors and building off this. This is a good momentum builder and what I needed going into the Pro Motocross series, so I’m pretty confident and am ready to keep getting better.”

Next Race: May 25 – Pala, California (AMA Pro Motocross)

Download photos from the Salt Lake City Supercross HERE

Results 450SX Class – Salt Lake City
1. Chase Sexton (USA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
2. Justin Cooper (USA), Yamaha
3. Cooper Webb (USA), Yamaha
5. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS
6. Malcolm Stewart (USA), Husqvarna

Standings 450SX Class 2024 after 17 of 17 rounds
1. Jett Lawrence, 351 points
2. Cooper Webb, 336
3. Chase Sexton, 307
8. Justin Barcia, 217
10. Malcolm Stewart, 200
11. Aaron Plessinger, 198

Results 250SX East/West Showdown Class – Salt Lake City
1. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha
2. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna
3. Jordon Smith (USA), Yamaha
8. Tom Vialle (FRA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
12. Pierce Brown (USA), GASGAS
13. Ryder DiFrancesco (USA), GASGAS
22. Julien Beaumer (USA), Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

Standings 250SX East Class 2024 after 9 of 9 rounds
1. Tom Vialle, 172 points
2. Haiden Deegan, 168
3. Coty Schock, 132
4. Pierce Brown, 131

Standings 250SX West Class 2024 after 10 of 10 rounds
1. RJ Hampshire, 208 points
2. Levi Kitchen, 203
3. Jordon Smith, 185
7. Julien Beaumer, 118
12. Ryder DiFrancesco, 88

JUSTIN BARCIA FIFTH IN SALT LAKE CITY 450SX SUPERCROSS FINALS

Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing rider Justin Barcia finished off his 2024 AMA Supercross Championship season on a high note with a fifth-place result at Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium tonight, continuing his late run of form in the 17th and final round.

Bam Bam battles to fifth in final 450SX Main Event of 2024
Pierce Brown finishes fourth in final 250SX East standings
Kiwi revelation Cole Davies rips to 250SX Futures crown!

Barcia put his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition sixth on the time sheets at the conclusion of qualifying and then impressed with second position in the opening premier class Heat race of the night.

From there, he kept momentum into the 450SX Main Event, where he would greet the checkered flag in fifth position, marking his third top-five result across the final four races of the series. He claimed eighth in the championship points in the end.

Justin Barcia: “Salt Lake City was a good way to end the Supercross season. I felt very comfortable all day, which landed me finishing second in the Heat race, and I’m happy to end the season with a top-five finish on my GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition. I’m focused and ready for the outdoors now!”

The second 250SX East/West Showdown of the year was a challenging one for Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing, with Pierce Brown qualifying fifth and then replicating that result in the 250SX East Heat, but he had to settle for 12th in the Main Event. That result saw him finish the season fourth in the final standings on his GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition.

Utah was also a mixed outing for 250SX West newcomer Ryder DiFrancesco, the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing rider qualifying in P7 and then racing to ninth in the western regional Heat race. He was 13th in the 250SX East/West Showdown Main Event, which maintained 12th position overall in his first season of AMA Supercross as a professional.

Ryder DiFrancesco: “I started out today decent and kept working to improve throughout the day. It wasn’t what we wanted overall, but going into the outdoors fresh now and am looking forward to that.”

GASGAS amateur standout Cole Davies once again made a major impression in winning the 250SX Supercross Futures Main Event in Salt Lake City, crowned the AMA National Champion in the category following what has been a breakout year for the New Zealander on his GASGAS MC 250F.

Cole Davies: “It’s definitely good to get this experience in the Supercross Futures and I’ve improved at each round. I’m super excited to win this title with GASGAS and really appreciate everybody who has been behind us this year!”

Next Race: May 25 – Pala, California (AMA Pro Motocross)

Jett Lawrence Looks to Sustain Meteoric Rise as Pro Motocross Championship Title Defense Looms

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 13, 2024) – The first chapter of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship Series (SMX) is complete, as the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship once again captivated audiences around the world with an incredible winter of the sport’s most technical discipline. A combined total of 16 different racers emerged with a Main Event victory across the 450SX and 250SX classes, which produced a trio of first-time champions last Saturday night in Salt Lake City. MX Sports Pro Racing would like to congratulate these newly crowned titleholders in Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence (450SX), Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire (250SX West), and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle (250SX East), who will now set their sights on what is poised to be a thrilling summer of competition alongside a star-studded field of international talent during the 53rd season of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. A total of 11 rounds and a combined 44 motos await at the sport’s most hallowed grounds, where the sleeping giants of American motocross’ most storied venues will once again be awakened for the grueling and prestigious journey to see which two riders will hoist the coveted Edison Dye Cup (450 Class) and Gary Jones Cup (250 Class) at season’s end.

“Year in and year out, we’re left in awe of the spectacle that is Monster Energy Supercross. Each winter, the hype of a new season never disappoints as this highly specialized discipline produces compelling drama unlike anything else in the sport, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans to fill stadiums across the country,” said Davey Coombs, President, MX Sports Pro Racing. “We commend our partners at Feld Motor Sports for another incredible championship, one which was befitting of their golden celebration of 50 years of Supercross. We’re proud to welcome them into the half-century club and are excited to build off the momentum of the past 17 rounds with a summer of festive weekends full of racing, 40-rider gates, and the sport’s ultimate battle of man and machine. Let’s take it outside!”

Following a memorable, history-making debut in the premier class last year, Jett Lawrence’s meteoric rise as the sport’s most compelling figure has continued as he rewrites the record books with each passing championship season. Lawrence backed up last summer’s undefeated rookie Pro Motocross campaign and inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship with one of the most memorable rookie Supercross seasons of all time. The 20-year-old Australian became the first rider to win his 450SX debut and went on to secure eight Main Event wins and 10 podiums to join Jeremy McGrath and Ryan Dungey as the only rookies to capture the premier class crown. However, unlike his counterparts, Lawrence did not have any previous 450SX experience prior to his debut campaign.

With a perfect season, SMX title, and new Supercross championship in tow, Lawrence enters the Pro Motocross Championship as the odds-on favorite to successfully defend his No. 1 plate. His immediate success in the premier class is an extension of the dominance he held in the 250cc division dating back to 2021, in which he consecutively won a pair of Pro Motocross titles and a crown in both 250 East and 250 West Supercross. As a result, Lawrence is in search of a stunning eighth straight championship this summer. Only Ricky Carmichael has amassed a longer streak, with 12 consecutive titles between the 2000 and 2006 seasons, albeit he did sit out the 2004 Supercross season with an injury.

“What Jett Lawrence has accomplished at such a young age is nothing short of incredible,” stated Coombs. “He’s truly a generational talent that has seamlessly transitioned into one of the most decorated 450cc divisions in history, which consists of 10 past AMA National Champions across Supercross and Pro Motocross, to continue a reign of dominance that now encompasses both divisions over the past four years. With everything he’s accomplished, it’s incredible to realize Lawrence is still just 20 years old, with his best days still ahead of him.”

With both Jett and Hunter Lawrence graduating to spearhead Team Honda HRC’s 450SX efforts for the 2024 season, the title vacancies they left behind in the 250SX regions opened the door for a multitude of riders to contend for this year’s East and West championships. Collectively, the division saw 10 different riders grab victory, while seven different riders took a turn at carrying the red plate as point leader. In the end, both RJ Hampshire, one of the division’s most experienced competitors, and Tom Vialle, a two-time FIM MX2 World Champion, claimed their first-ever AMA titles and both will surely be in the hunt for the Gary Jones Cup in the 250 Class this summer. The incredible parity throughout Supercross bodes well for an unpredictable championship battle in Pro Motocross that will also include the likes of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s reigning Rookie of the Year and SMX Champion Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen, the breakout rider of 2024 thus far, Team Honda HRC’s Jo Shimoda, with back-to-back championship podium finishes, and many more.

“With its unique mix of youth with raw speed and experienced veterans, the 250 Class is always intriguing. However, this year we could be in for something special,” added Coombs. “Look no further than the Supercross season, with its 10 different Main Event winners and regional championships that went down to the wire, as a testament to how wide open this division and championship truly is. There’s no shortage of captivating storylines surrounding each of our contenders, which will have the fans at full tilt each and every time the gate drops.”

In addition to the crowning of the sport’s newest champions, additional accolades were celebrated at the conclusion of the Monster Energy Supercross season. Lawrence’s 450SX Championship was accompanied by 450SX AMA Rookie of the Year honors, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer was recognized as the 250SX AMA Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season that saw the Supercross Futures and Scouting Moto Combine graduate finish seventh in the 250SX West Region. The SMX Next initiative that fosters the development of the sport’s next generation hosted the final Supercross Futures gathering of the season in Salt Lake City, from which New Zealand native Cole Davies prevailed to become the first international competitor to capture the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship. Rounding out the season awards was the Supercross Manufacturers’ Championship, which was captured by Yamaha Motor Corporation following a strong combined campaign across the 450SX and 250SX divisions, highlighted by 10 Main Event wins from the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing stable coming from championship runner-up Cooper Webb and Eli Tomac in 450SX along with Haiden Deegan, Jordon Smith, and Nate Thrasher in the 250SX East and West regions. Yamaha also swept Main Event victories at the Arlington and Foxborough rounds.

Less than two weeks remain until the roar of 40-rider gates greet the most passionate fans in motorsports for another sensational summer of the Pro Motocross Championship. The 11-round campaign will travel to 10 different states, with visits to the hallowed grounds of Fox Raceway, Hangtown, Thunder Valley Motocross Park, High Point Raceway, The Wick 338, RedBud MX, Spring Creek MX Park, Washougal MX Park, Unadilla MX, Budds Creek Motocross Park, and Ironman Raceway.

Tickets are now available for all 11 rounds and can be purchased by visiting www.ProMotocross.com.

Deegan Wins East/West Showdown at Supercross Season Finale

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan had a perfect finish to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, taking the win in the East/West Showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 18-year-old’s third win of the season closed the gap to within four points of the leader and had him finishing comfortably in the runner-up spot in the 250SX East Championship. Teammate Jordon Smith joined him on the podium, finishing third to lock down a top-three finish in the 250SX West Championship. Nate Thrasher finished sixth in the tricky conditions, ending the year with a top-five finish in the Western regional 250 class. Unfortunately, it was a tough East/West Showdown for rookies Daxton Bennick and Nick Romano, who ended the night 17th and 19th, respectively. The Supercross Futures AMA National Championship also wrapped up at the season finale, with Gavin Towers finishing third aboard his YZ250F.

After a tough start to the year with an injury and getting caught up in a multi-rider pileup at the season opener in Detroit, it was a perfect end to the season for Deegan. He was the fastest qualifier and won the heat race in the 250SX East. When the gate dropped for the East/West Showdown Main Event, the Californian grabbed the holeshot and led from start to finish for his third win of the season. In the end, he finished the season runner-up in the 250SX East Championship and trailing the leader by just four points with three wins and a total of five podiums.

Smith had a strong start to the day, qualifying second and finishing fourth in the heat race in the 250SX West. In the main event, he got a great start in third behind his two teammates and made the pass for second on the third lap. The North Carolina rider ran a good pace up front and stayed on the heels of Deegan, but unfortunately, the two riders came together in the final laps while battling for the lead, and Smith was shuffled to third, where he would finish.

Thrasher qualified fourth and finished third in the 250SX West Heat Race. Unfortunately, he did not get off the gate as he had hoped and was sixth after the first lap. He made his way into the top five but ultimately crossed the line sixth in the challenging conditions, ending the year with a fifth in the 250SX West Championship.

The rookies, Bennick and Romano, faced a challenging main event at the East/West Showdown. Bennick qualified seventh and got a great start in the 250SX East Heat Race, riding a strong pace to finish second behind Deegan. Unfortunately, the North Carolina rider did not get off the gate as he had hoped in the main event and found himself towards the back of the field on a track that was difficult to make passes on, and finished 17th. Romano qualified ninth and finished sixth in the 250SX East Heat Race. Despite a less-than-ideal gate pick for the main event, the New Yorker got a great start in the runner-up spot behind Deegan but ultimately was shuffled back to 19th, where he would finish.

It was a good learning year for both rookies, with Bennick earning a commendable ninth-place finish in the 250SX East Championship. In Supercross Futures, Gavin Towers had a strong finish to the season. The young rider from Pitthburgh qualified third and then got a good start in the main event in the runner-up spot, ultimately crossing the line third for a podium finish.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, also enjoyed a successful conclusion to the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, earning the manufacturers title honors for the most points from the top-placed finisher in both 450 and 250 classes at each round.

In two weeks’ time, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing heads to Southern California for the Pro Motocross season opener and Round 18 of the SuperMotocross World Series at Fox Raceway at Pala on May 25.

Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“It was a great night for Haiden. He won everything on the day. He was the fastest qualifier, won the heat, and won the main, so he came here and did his job. He couldn’t have done anything more. Haiden came into this championship injured, and we were able to get some wins. In the end, we just came up four points short. Jordon had a great race. Having our guys finish first and third in the East/West Shootout is great. So overall, it was a great night. We did everything we could do, and we’re going into outdoors healthy. Let’s see what we can do outdoors.”

Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #38
“This is what we worked for. I came into it (the season) hurt with only two weeks on the bike, which is like only four or five days of riding. So we started the season off slow, but by the end of the season, I’ve shown what I’m capable of. It was too late, and I came up short by four points, but overall, it was a good season. I got three wins and last year I had podiums in Supercross, so we’re continuously going upwards, and that’s what we want. Next year, it will be a different story, but now it’s time to get rowdy for outdoors. I have high expectations for myself after how I did last year. So we’ll go back, get ready for outdoors, and come out swinging.”

Jordon Smith – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #31
“The day was great. I felt really good on the bike all day, probably the best I’ve felt all year. I felt like I had that win tonight. It was just unfortunate, but we’ll keep fighting and go into outdoors and see what we can do there.”

Nate Thrasher – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #57
“It’s not how we wanted to end the season. All in all, it was good to finish with a top-five in the championship with the tough year that we had. We’re ready to come out swinging for outdoors.”

Daxton Bennick – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #59
“I’m really happy with my heat race, so I’m gonna take the positives from today. I’ve had some really good rides and finishes this season. I definitely learned a lot this year, and I’m gonna be prepared to be in the fight next year. We showed we have the speed. I’ve just got to put myself in a position to win.”

Nick Romano – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #511
“I had a good day going until the main. Practice went great for me, and I qualified the best I have all season. I ended up sixth in the East Heat Race and then was up front there in the main, but the pace was intense, and my arms couldn’t keep up. I learned a lot this season. I’m happy to be able to race the whole season, even though results-wise, it wasn’t what we wanted. I’ve been through hell and back with my injuries the last two years, so I’m just grateful to be building myself back to where I belong.”

Gavin Towers – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #15
“The conditions were tough out there, and the main event was gnarly. We were after the 450 C group of qualifying, so the track was pretty beat up. I got off to a good start. Me and Drew (Adams) were on the same lap, and he ended up falling, so that put me a little back. I wish we could’ve got the win, but all in all I’m happy to leave here healthy and looking forward to seeing what my future brings.”

Progressive AFT Completes California Swing with Inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track

Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will complete its run of five Short Tracks in its opening six races with this weekend’s inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on Saturday, May 18.

While two weeks later than originally scheduled due to inclement weather on the original date, the visit to the historic venue is actually overdue by measure of decades rather than weeks. The track is fabled among West Coast auto racing superstars and finally has its opportunity to earn its place in the esteem of the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers starting this weekend.

There have been different winners in each of the four Mission AFT SuperTwins Short Track Main Events to date this season: points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), second-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750), and last weekend’s victor, Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke).

Solid arguments can be made for all four heading into this weekend. But that level of parity combined with the novel nature of the Silver Dollar Short Track makes it difficult, if not impossible, to predict who is most likely to hold the upper hand.

Of course, the ‘24 season could continue on brand and deliver fans a fifth winner in as many STs. Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTBR Yamaha MT-07) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750) have both earned runners-up in the discipline this year, while Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke) have all stood atop the box in recent seasons.

Historically, Short Tracks have a way of springing surprises. So perhaps one of a number of talented underdogs will step to the fore in Chico, a group of riders that includes the likes of Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing MT-07), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing KTM 790 Duke), Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

By contrast, this year’s four ST wins in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER category have been split evenly by just two riders, reigning class champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) and his most persistent challenger, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

Outside of a last-lap incident in the opener that cost Australian Drane what could prove to be a vital haul of points, the two have been nearly perfectly matched, with each rider boasting two wins among four podium finishes this season.

Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) haven’t been too far off that form. Saathoff boasts a pair of top threes including his maiden victory, former class champ Gauthier has reeled in two runners-up among three podiums, while Lowe has taken a pair of thirds.

Others to watch include Californians James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/A.M Ortega KTM 450 SX-F), Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction, P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R), and Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio Racing/Sluggo Racing KTM 450 SX-F), as well as up-and-comers Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Hannum’s Harley-Davidson KTM 450 SX-F) and Evan Renshaw (No. 265 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R).

There will be plenty to keep spectators entertained off the track as well, including numerous vendors, plenty of food and beverage options, live music, activities for kids, and extensive motorcycle parking.

General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are $40 (all ages), Trackside Box tickets are $60 (all ages), and Pit Grandstand tickets offer premium viewing experiences for $70 (all ages).

New for 2024 is the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($150 all ages). This ticket option provides reserved seating with Pit Pass access, a guided tour of, and photo opportunities at, the infield podium and start/finish line, infield viewing of Opening Ceremonies and the heat races, and a track talk and photo opportunity with 2016 Grand National Champion Bryan Smith.

Additional menu

Kenda Powerline Park: Motorcycle Race Report

Second Straight AMA 450SX Championship for Team Honda HRC

DEFENDING CHAMPION CRAIG DELONG WINS FIRST GNCC OF 2024 AT POWERLINE PARK

RJ HAMPSHIRE AND ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING CLINCH 250SX WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

DANTE OLIVEIRA WINS AGAIN IN WHS AS JOHNNY GIRROIR EXTENDS GNCC ADVANTAGE

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING’S TOM VIALLE CROWNED 2024 250SX EAST AMA SUPERCROSS CHAMPION

JUSTIN BARCIA FIFTH IN SALT LAKE CITY 450SX SUPERCROSS FINALS

Jett Lawrence Looks to Sustain Meteoric Rise as Pro Motocross Championship Title Defense Looms

Deegan Wins East/West Showdown at Supercross Season Finale

Progressive AFT Completes California Swing with Inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track