This Week in Powersports Racing – The week of May 26, 2024

This week in US powersports racing.

---

Reigning SuperMotocross World Champions Open Pro Motocross Championship in Dominant Fashion at Fox Raceway National

The 53rd season of the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicked off in the motocross epicenter of Southern California under sunny skies and balmy temperatures. Pala’s Fox Raceway was the site of the season-opening Honda Fox Raceway National Presented by Fox Racing, where the reigning SuperMotocross World Champions both made a statement with dominant performances in their respective divisions. In the 450 Class, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence picked up where he left off from last year’s perfect season to remain undefeated in premier class competition with his 23rd and 24th consecutive moto wins and a seventh straight victory at Fox Raceway. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan shined in front of the hometown crowd with an impressive 1-1 effort in which he showed an ability to come from behind and run from the front.

---

Moto 1

The opening premier class moto started with the Lawrence brothers leading the way aboard their Team Honda HRC rides, with Jett edging out Hunter for the MotoSport.com Holeshot. They were joined by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger, who pushed hard early to move into second behind the young Aussie. As Lawrence asserted his control of the lead, Plessinger settled in to keep him honest.

Jett inched away as the moto wore on and soon built a lead of more than five seconds, which left the battle for second to take shape between Plessinger and Hunter Lawrence. The KTM rider held strong for the majority of the moto, but the elder Lawrence went on the attack as the moto entered its final 10 minutes. Hunter made the pass for second and quickly put distance on Plessinger.

Out front, Jett cruised to his 23rd straight moto win dating back to last season, crossing the line five seconds ahead of Hunter to complete a Lawrence 1-2 in their first 450 Class race together. Plessinger followed in third, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton fourth and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper in fifth.

Jett Lawrence remained unbeaten in 450 Class competition
and is now 24-0 to begin his premier class career.
Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Moto 2

The Lawrences led the field into the first turn to open the final moto, with Hunter edging out Jett for the MotoSport.com Holeshot. Jett then made an early push to slip by his older brother and seize control of the lead, while Hunter briefly dropped to third behind a hard-charging Phil Nicoletti aboard his Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha. Hunter reclaimed the position, while Sexton followed into third.

The top three set a torrid pace early and put several seconds on the rest of the field. Soon, a sibling battle unfolded as Hunter closed onto Jett’s rear fender. The champ fended off the challenge, but it allowed Sexton to close back in from third to make it a three-rider pursuit for victory. As Jett continued to lead, Sexton was able to make the pass on Hunter for second and mount an attack for the top spot. Sexton kept Jett within reach for several laps, but went off track just before time ran out on the moto and lost considerable ground to end the threat.

Sexton gave it his all over the final two laps and got back within sight of Lawrence, but it wasn’t enough. The Honda rider wrapped up the 1-1 effort by 1.3 seconds over Sexton, with Hunter Lawrence a distant third.

Hunter Lawrence’s 450 Class debut resulted a second-place finish (2-3)
behind his younger brother.
Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Overall

Jett Lawrence wrapped up the 12th overall win of his career and moved to 24-0 in 450 Class competition, spearheading a historic Lawrence brothers 1-2 in their first race together following Hunter’s 2-3 effort. Sexton rebounded strongly from a challenging first moto to round out the podium in third (4-2).

With the win, Jett Lawrence has established an eight-point lead over Hunter, while Sexton sits 10 points out of the lead in third.

It’s the third straight season that Team Honda HRC has finished 1-2 at the opening round.

Chase Sexton was resilient en route to a third-place finish (4-2).
Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“Mid-race [in Moto 2] I looked back and saw [Hunter] behind me, then I looked back again and it was Chase [Sexton]. I couldn’t let up at all. It was a great day and now I’m tied with James [Stewart] at 24-0 [in motos], which is pretty cool.”

Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC
“I knew the points situation [in Moto 2] and made a change [on the bike] that we’ll get better with. I just took what it gave me. I didn’t want to do anything silly. I’m stoked to put it on the box [in my first race].”

Chase Sexton, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
“I went off the track at the top of the hill and thought the race was over. I picked the pace up and got close to Jett [Lawrence] on the final lap, but he picked it up [too] and that was it. We got off to a good start and will look to build on this next weekend.”

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda (2-3 // 42)
3. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., KTM (4-2 // 40)
4. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Honda (7-5 // 32)
5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., GASGAS (6-6 // 32)
6. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (5-8 // 31)
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki (10-4 // 30)
8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (3-12 // 30)
9. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna (8-7 // 29)
10. Phil Nicoletti, Cochecton, N.Y., Yamaha (9-9 // 26)

450 Class Championship Final Standings

1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 50
2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Qld., Australia, Honda – 42
3. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., KTM – 40
4. Dylan Ferrandis, Avignon, France, Honda – 32
5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., GASGAS – 32
6. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 31
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki – 30
8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 30
9. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna – 29
10. Phil Nicoletti, Cochecton, N.Y., Yamaha – 26

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dPBbJFxJEhY%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den-US%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent

450 Class Highlights – Honda Fox Raceway National

https://youtube.com/watch?v=jc-35vEUrEI%3Fversion%3D3%26rel%3D1%26showsearch%3D0%26showinfo%3D1%26iv_load_policy%3D1%26fs%3D1%26hl%3Den-US%26autohide%3D2%26wmode%3Dtransparent

450 Class Press Conference – Honda Fox Raceway National

---

Moto 1

The first moto began with the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing machine of Tom Vialle leading the field through the first turn for the MotoSport.com Holeshot, but the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki of Levi Kitchen slotted right into second. Kitchen showed patience early but went on the attack during the opening 10 minutes of the moto and took control of the top spot. With the lead in hand, Kitchen opened up a multi-second advantage over the field, while Vialle and Deegan engaged in a battle for second. Deegan soon made the pass to move into the runner-up spot.

Deegan showed a quicker pace than Kitchen through the middle portion of race and slowly chipped away at the deficit until he eventually closed to within a few bike lengths as the moto entered its final 10 minutes. The battle was on from that point forward as Kitchen responded, leading to trades of momentum. An off-track excursion briefly slowed Deegan’s momentum but he regrouped and continued to put the pressure on the Kawasaki out front.

Kitchen appeared to have control of the moto as they took the 2-Lap Board, but an errant track marker became lodged in his boot, which slowed the Kawasaki’s momentum while he removed it and allowed Deegan to slip into the lead. The Southern California native dropped the hammer to sprint away and grab the first moto win of the season, 7.2 seconds ahead of Kitchen. Vialle followed in third, with Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas fourth, and Triumph Racing’s Joey Savatgy fifth.

Following the race, officials determined that Vialle was in violation of Rule 1.6.20 Track Cuts/Unfair Advantage of the series rulebook after the Frenchman went off track early in the moto. As a result, Vialle was docked one position to fourth, which moved Hymas into third.

Haiden Deegan captured his third career win following a 1-1 moto sweep.
Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Moto 2

The final moto saw Deegan pick up where he left off with the MotoSport.com Holeshot as Triumph Racing’s Jalek Swoll and Kitchen gave chase. Kitchen didn’t waste any time with a pass on Swoll for second and positioned himself right behind Deegan. The early pace of the top-two finishers from the opening moto allowed them to pull away from the field. Swoll, meanwhile, came under fire from Vialle, but the KTM rider tipped over and lost positions.

Deegan and Kitchen both settled in through the middle portion of the moto, with about one second sitting between them. Behind them the battle for the overall podium heated up as three riders were in position to capture third overall. Swoll’s third-place positioning on the track gave him the edge, but both Vialle and Hymas were also in the mix. With five minutes to go, Swoll, Vialle, and Hymas were running 3-4-5 on the racetrack, separated by mere bike lengths. Vialle went on the attack and successfully made the pass on Swoll for third, which gave him the advantage in the overall classification. Hymas then made the pass on Swoll for fourth.

Back out front, Deegan picked up the pace in the waning moments to prevent a late push from Kitchen and extended his lead on the final lap. He wrapped up a 1-1 sweep of the motos by 1.9 seconds over Kitchen, with Vialle finishing strong in third.

Levi Kitchen battled up front all afternoon with 2-2 motos and a runner-up effort.
Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Overall

The second career 1-1 performance by Deegan resulted in the third win of his career, kicking off the season in dominant fashion in front of the hometown crowd. Kitchen secured a solid runner-up effort with his 2-2 scores, while Vialle (4-3) edged out Hymas (3-4) for the final spot on the podium via the second moto tiebreaker.

With maximum points scored at the opening round, Deegan has established a six-point lead over Kitchen in the championship standings. Vialle and Hymas sit tied for third, 12 points out of the lead.

Frenchman Tom Vialle finished third overall with 4-3 moto finishes.
Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’ve put in a lot of work [preparing for this championship]. I go out and grind. I put my heart into this sport and you guys saw that. Great job to Levi [Kitchen], he kept me honest the whole time and didn’t make it easy on me. I’m stoked to start the season with a win.”

Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki
“We [Deegan and I] know each other pretty well from years training together [at Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing]. I didn’t know if I could make a push at the end. As soon as I tried, he tried. I’m stoked to come out of here with a podium and start the season off this way.”

Tom Vialle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
“The track was really hard to pass on and everyone was riding really well in the second moto. I just wanted to finish as good as I could in the second moto, so I’m happy with the result. I’m looking forward to next weekend [at Hangtown].”

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (1-1 // 50)
2. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki (2-2 // 44)
3. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (4-3 // 38)
4. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (3-4 // 38)
5. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Triumph (6-5 // 33)
6. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki (8-6 // 30)
7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (11-7 // 26)
8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (10-8 // 26)
9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Triumph (5-13 // 26)
10. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., GASGAS (9-12 // 23)

250 Class Championship Standings (Round 1 of 11)

1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 50
2. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 44
3. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 38
4. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 38
5. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Triumph – 33
6. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Kawasaki – 30
7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha – 26
8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS – 26
9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Triumph – 26
10. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., GASGAS – 23

---

1-2 Result for Lawrence Brothers at AMA Pro Motocross Opener

Fresh from taking the AMA Supercross premier-class championship in his rookie season, Jett Lawrence kicked off his defense of the AMA Pro Motocross 450 crown with a stellar 1-1 overall win at Pala, California’s Fox Raceway over Memorial Day Weekend. Jett has still never been defeated in the class, as this event extends his tally to 24 moto wins and 0 losses. As if that weren’t enough for Team Honda HRC, Hunter Lawrence notched a stellar second-overall finish in his outdoors debut aboard a 450, thanks to solid 2-3 results. Also impressive was Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis, whose fourth-overall showing made it three Red Riders in the top four. As for the 250 ranks, Team Honda HRC riders Chance Hymas and Jo Shimoda finished the day fourth and sixth overall, respectively, the duo posting steady moto finishes of 3-4 and 8-6.

Hunter got an incredible jump off the 450 moto 1 start but wasn’t prepared for the extra speed of the 450 and ran a bit wide, allowing the CRF450RWE of his brother to knife underneath in turn 1 and exit with the lead. Hunter battled with Aaron Plessinger for half the race until he was able to get back into second just after midway, behind his brother. The pair stayed in that order to the finish. The moto 2 start was almost identical, except this time Hunter held off Jett across the holeshot line. Jett nonetheless got around shortly after, and the brothers battled hard for the first part of the race. Just past the midway point, Sexton got around Hunter and challenged Jett, but the younger Lawrence held strong to the finish. Hunter’s third-place result was good for second overall.

Hymas was about sixth out of turn 1 in the first 250 moto, and he was up to fifth by the end of lap 1. Two laps later he was in fourth, and that’s where he rode all the way to the finish. Afterward, Tom Vialle was docked one position for going off-track, resulting in a solid podium result for Hymas. Meanwhile, Shimoda completed lap 1 in 10^th place and fluctuated a bit before settling into eighth, which is where he finished. The CRF250R-mounted duo were about eighth and ninth off the moto 2 start, and sitting seventh (Shimoda) and ninth (Hymas) a lap later. By the race’s midway point, those positions had swapped, and at the checkered flag they were up to fourth and sixth, matching their overall results.

NOTES

• Jo Shimoda, Jett Lawrence and Hunter Lawrence participated in an MX Sports pre-race press conference on Thursday at Pala Casino Spa Resort, and Chance Hymas then joined his teammates for riding sessions on the Fox Raceway track.
• The day before the race, Honda announced its entire line of 2025 CRF dirt bikes, including the all-new CRF250RWE. The new motocross bikes were developed through a close collaboration with Team Honda HRC. The 2025 machines were on display at Honda’s booth in the vendor area, along with three championship bikes: Jett Lawrence’s 2024 AMA Supercross CRF450RWE (complete with burnout rubber under the rear fender!) and 2023 22-0 AMA Pro Motocross CRF450RWE, as well as Chase Sexton’s 2023 AMA Supercross CRF450RWE.
• Honda was the title sponsor of the Honda Fox Raceway National, and American Honda Senior Manager of Customer Engagement Jeremy McGuire served as the Grand Marshal.
• Temecula Motorsports staffed a pop-up activation booth in the Team Honda HRC pits at Fox Raceway.
• Hunter Lawrence wore special yellow-and-green gear at Fox Raceway, part of an Alpinestars collaboration with the McLaren Formula 1 team, honoring F1 legend Ayrton Senna. McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris sported a similar livery on their cars and suits during Sunday’s Monaco Grand Prix, where Piastri finished second.
• Jett Lawrence was the fastest 450 rider during timed qualifying, with a best lap that was 1.225 seconds quicker than the next-best rider. Hunter Lawrence was third-fastest in the first 450 MX qualifying sessions of his career. In the 250 ranks, Chance Hymas topped the first session and was fourth overall, with Jo Shimoda ninth-best.
• On his way to the first-moto win, Jett also notched the fastest lap time.
• Jett’s record at Fox Raceway is nothing short of incredible, as he has never lost at the venue, accumulating seven overall wins across both classes.
• Honda extended its record as the winningest premier-class manufacturer at Fox Raceway, with four overall wins and eight moto wins. Chase Sexton and Jett both have two 450 overall wins apiece aboard Honda machinery. Honda also retains Fox Raceway’s overall win record in the 250 class, with six.
• Next up for Team Honda HRC is round 2 of AMA Pro Motocross—the Hangtown Motocross Classic at Prairie City SVRA in Rancho Cordova, California, this Saturday.

450 Overall Results

1. Jett Lawrence (Hon)
2. Hunter Lawrence (Hon)
3. Chase Sexton (KTM)
4. Dylan Ferrandis (Hon)
5. Justin Barcia (Gas)
6. Jason Anderson (Kaw)
7. Justin Cooper (Yam)
8. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
9. Malcolm Stewart (Hus)
10. Phil Nicoletti (Yam)

—

13. Cullin Park (Hon)
14. Dean Wilson (Hon)
15. Zack Williams (Hon)
16. Ryder Floyd (Hon)
17. Luke Kalaitzian (Hon)
18. Henry Miller (Hon)

450 Championship Points (after 1 of 11 rounds)

1. Jett Lawrence: 50
2. Hunter Lawrence: 42
3. Chase Sexton: 40
4. Dylan Ferrandis: 32
5. Justin Barcia: 32
6. Justin Cooper: 31
7. Jason Anderson: 30
8. Aaron Plessinger: 30
9. Malcolm Stewart: 29
10. Phil Nicoletti: 26

—

13. Cullin Park: 17
14. Dean Wilson: 17

 250 Overall Results

1. Haiden Deegan (Yam)
2. Levi Kitchen (Kaw)
3. Tom Vialle (KTM)
4. Chance Hymas (Hon)
5. Jalek Swoll (Tri)
6. Jo Shimoda (Hon)
7. Nate Thrasher (Yam)
8. Pierce Brown (Gas)
9. Joey Savatgy (Tri)
10. Ryder DiFrancesco (Gas)

—

32. Gavin Brough (Hon)

250 Championship Points (after 1 of 11 rounds)

1. Haiden Deegan: 50
2. Levi Kitchen: 44
3. Chance Hymas: 38
4. Tom Vialle: 38
5. Jalek Swoll: 33
6. Jo Shimoda: 30
7. Joey Savatgy: 26
8. Nate Thrasher: 26
9. Pierce Brown: 26
10. Ryder DiFrancesco: 23

---

TOP 10 SCORES FOR MALCOLM STEWART IN RETURN TO AMA PRO MOTOCROSS SERIES

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Malcolm Stewart’s return to the AMA Pro Motocross Championship resulted in an encouraging top 10 result overall at the Fox Raceway National, as teammates Christian Craig and Casey Cochran formed foundations to build upon in the 2024 season.

Stewart hasn’t lined up at the beginning of an outdoor series in a full decade, but quickly established himself inside the top 10 of the 450MX field on his Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 450 Rockstar Edition. He was eighth in Moto 1 and went one better on his way to seventh in the final outing, placing him ninth overall for the weekend.

“For being 10 years of not racing a season opener for outdoors, it treated me well,” Stewart reflected. “We said we’d be happy with a top eight, or to be around there, and we were. When you have a season-ending injury like I had last year, it makes you miss the little things, and so far I’m just having a heck of a time here! Overall, I’m happy, we made a lot of improvements event from Moto 1 to Moto 2, and we’re enjoying the moment.”

Alongside Stewart in the premier class was Christian Craig, making his welcome return to competition after an extended time on the sidelines with an elbow injury. He finished 15th in his first race back and backed that up with P17 in Moto 2, despite enduring his share of adversity early on in both motos. Those results placed him 15th overall at Round 1, which he will be able to further improve upon in the coming rounds.

“I didn’t know what to expect coming in, but just wanted to get some gate drops, and to put my best effort in,” commented Craig. “I had a couple of crashes, a first turn pile-up in the first moto, and then in the second moto I fell on the first lap, so I made it hard on myself but I was able to come through the pack, and score some points. I am happy to be at the races again, to be back with the team, and it’s a good vibe being around everybody. We’ll go back to work this week and get ready for Hangtown.”

The anticipated full-time debut of 250MX rookie Casey Cochran was impacted by early falls in both races on Saturday afternoon, but he gained important experience that will count as the season progresses. Moto 1 saw him finish 15th and then he was 21st in the second one, placing him 19th overall for the round onboard the Husqvarna Motorcycles FC 250 Rockstar Edition.

“It was a tough day with going down on both starts, so I had to fight from the back in the motos and ate a lot of roost today,” Cochran said. “It ended up alright, we rode pretty decent, and if we can get a good start we’ll be up there in the top 10 with those guys. I will work on some starts and come out swinging again next week!”

Next Race: June 1 – Hangtown, California

Results 450MX Class – Fox Raceway National
1. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda
2. Hunter Lawrence (AUS), Honda
3. Chase Sexton (USA), KTM
5. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS
7. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM
9. Malcolm Stewart (USA), Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
15. Christian Craig (USA), Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Standings 450MX Class 2024 after 1 of 11 rounds
1. Jett Lawrence, 50 points
2. Hunter Lawrence, 42
3. Chase Sexton, 40
5. Justin Barcia, 32
7. Aaron Plessinger, 30
9. Malcolm Stewart, 29
15. Christian Craig, 12

Results 250MX Class – Fox Raceway National
1. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha
2. Levi Kitchen (USA), Kawasaki
3. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM
8. Pierce Brown (USA), GASGAS
10. Ryder DiFrancesco (USA), GASGAS
11. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM
19. Casey Cochran (USA), Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Standings 250MX Class 2024 after 1 of 11 rounds
1. Haiden Deegan, 50 points
2. Levi Kitchen, 44
3. Tom Vialle, 38
8. Pierce Brown, 26
10. Ryder DiFrancesco, 23
11. Julien Beaumer, 22
19. Casey Cochran, 8

---

CONSISTENT WEEKEND OF OFFROAD RACING FOR ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing contested an assortment of offroad races across the country this past weekend, with Korie Steede standing on the Pro Women podium as the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series resumed in what was otherwise a consistent round of results with a share of high points along the way.

U.S. Sprint Enduro Series – Round 5

The 2024 U.S. Sprint Enduro Series was back on track with the High Voltage event in Dilliner, Pennsylvania, where Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Pro 1 contender Craig DeLong finished the weekend in fourth overall.

It was a solid result from DeLong on his Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 350 in Round 5 of the season, even if he is determined to gain ground in the Sprint Enduro tests. Added technicality following heavy rain overnight was in his favor entering Sunday’s second day of action.

“The day was pretty poor honestly – I was just slow,” DeLong commented. “I’ve just gotta pick it up and get some nerve. I had a couple of good times here and there, but I’m just timid, not riding like myself. I think the short races and the time in between I’m still getting used to, but it will come around. On Sunday, the track was a little more technical and I was in the game… I just missed the podium by one second.”

Pro Women Class front-runner Korie Steede impressed on her way to second position this weekend, putting up a fight and topping multiple tests equipped with the Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 250. Despite recovering from an early crash, she left with added confidence on her side come Sunday afternoon.

“It started off pretty slow in that second enduro test,” Steede said. “I had a pretty good get-off and it slowed me down a bit, but my times slowly got better. After the rain, the enduro test got pretty slick, but overall the track was pretty fun. On Sunday, the track was gnarly and I think I rode as well as I ever have at one of these Sprints.”

Pro 1 Class Results

1. Johnny Girroir, KTM

2. Liam Draper, Yamaha

3. Cody Barnes, Honda

4. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Pro Women Class Results

1. Brandy Richards, KTM

2. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

3. Olivia Judy, KTM

National Grand Prix Championship – Round 6

Trouble in the very first turn of Sunday’s sixth round of the 2024 National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) made for a long day out for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Austin Walton, but he kept charging on his way to seventh position in Marysville.

Walton stalled at the beginning of the Northern Californian race and completed lap one in P7, before encountering further difficulties, and he eventually took the checkered flag in seventh on his Husqvarna Motorcycles FX 450. While his lap times were on pace, his track position proved costly this weekend.

“I got out of the gate good, then had to back off going into the first turn and ended up stalling the bike,” Walton said. “I ended up throwing my goggles on the second or third lap and had to come back in to get another set. We had good speed today, but it wasn’t enough – it’s all about the start of the race these days and getting that track position early. I want to see myself at least on the podium, so it sucks to not be up there because we put a lot of work in. We’ll keep going, keep grinding, and we’ll get there.”

Pro Class Results

1. Dante Oliveira, KTM

2. Dare Demartile, Beta

3. Cole Martinez, Honda

4. Mateo Oliveira, KTM

7. Austin Walton, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

U.S. Hard Enduro Series – Round 4

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing riders Ryder LeBlond and Colton Haaker brought home fifth and sixth-place finishes at the Tough Like RORR event in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, to conclude Round 4 of the U.S. Hard Enduro Series.

And the race lived up to its name, already recognized as one of the toughest races of all, with LeBlond and Haaker pushing both themselves and their TE 300 machinery to a decent haul of points in the 2024 edition.

“It was definitely tough, the hardest race I think I’ve ever done!” LeBlond said. “I ended up fifth, not the best day… usually I would say it was fun, but that wasn’t too much fun today. We’ll try to get them again tomorrow.”

Haaker added: “I stayed consistent and smooth. The course was brutal, so I just tried to be positive and made my way through to the end.”

Tough Like RORR is part one of this weekend’s unique Keystone Challenge, as Round 5 of the U.S. Hard Enduro Series will immediately take place on Monday in Sugarloaf with the Locked & Loaded Hard Scramble event.

Pro Class Results

1. Cody Webb, Sherco

2. Trystan Hart, KTM

3. Will Riordan, GASGAS

5. Ryder LeBlond, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

6. Colton Haaker, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Upcoming Offroad Races – May 2024

5/27: U.S. Hard Enduro Series – Round 5

---

STRONG START OUTDOORS FOR TROY LEE DESIGNS/RED BULL/GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM

A top-five result in 450MX for Justin Barcia was an inspired way to drop the gates on the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Pala, California, on Saturday, as 250MX teammates Ryder DiFrancesco and Pierce Brown found themselves inside the top 10 at the conclusion of Round 1.

• Bam Bam lands fifth overall as we take things outdoors!
• Pierce Brown and Ryder DiFrancesco race to top 10 finishes
• Time to keep pushing with the first round in the books

Barcia was in form from the outset to open the outdoors, fourth fastest in the opening qualifier and then slotting into P7 on combined times. He rode his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition to sixth in both motos, rewarded with fifth overall and a strong haul of points following the first round of 11.

Justin Barcia: “Had a good qualifying practice, fourth in the first one and seventh overall, so we had a good gate pick for the races. First moto, I got off to a good start and it was a good one. Second moto, also got off to a good start and was about to have a holeshot but was bumped from behind, so that cost me a few positions. I fought really hard, charged the whole moto, and I have a lot of building to do still. It’s going to be a long season, the bike was really good today, and I’m looking forward to more.”

The 250MX Class also produced encouraging results this weekend, with Brown qualifying third and then going 10-8 for eighth overall on his GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition. DiFrancesco was consistent across both motos, recording 9-12 finishes and 10th for the round.

Pierce Brown: “It was a decent day with 10-8 results for eighth overall. It’s somewhere to start and we know where to build from now, so I’m excited to start building some momentum from here.”

Ryder DiFrancesco: “Round 1 was good for me at Pala. The first moto was good and the second one was okay as well, but all-in-all I’m satisfied with 10th overall. It was better than last year, but I’ve got a couple of things to work on with 10 more rounds to go!”

Next Race: June 1 – Hangtown, California

---

CHASE SEXTON AND TOM VIALLE THIRD OVERALL AS AMA PRO MOTOCROSS TAKES OFF AT PALA

PALA, Calif. – A convincing start to the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship saw Chase Sexton finish third overall at Fox Raceway on Saturday, delivering 4-2 results across the pair of 450MX motos, while Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Tom Vialle was also on the podium in 250MX with P3 overall.

Sexton’s first appearance outdoors on the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION saw him qualify in second position, before an early crash in Moto 1 this afternoon saw him forced to work his way back through the field for P4. He came out swinging in Moto 2 and challenged for the victory, eventually taking the checkered flag in a close second position to secure third overall.

Chase Sexton: “The bike has been really good outdoors and I think that comes from KTM’s experience in MXGP. We’re happy with this finish to be on the podium, and we still have some work to do, but it will be an evolution throughout the season. We’re looking forward to Hangtown now.”

Fox Raceway marked the return to competition for Aaron Plessinger in the 450MX ranks, where he impressed on his way to third place in the opening encounter. The Cowboy was unfortunately involved in a first-turn pile-up in Moto 2, recovering for 12th position and being credited seventh overall for the weekend.

Aaron Plessinger: “Pala was okay and it was how I expected myself to be coming into it. The first moto was really, really good, I got off to a great start and was right there on Jett [Lawrence]. I started riding tight but loosened up toward the end and got third. Second moto, unfortunately, had a crash in the first corner, so I did what I could and salvaged 12th. Seventh overall isn’t the end of the world, I’ll take that and we’ll go to Hangtown swinging – I’m excited!”

A podium result in the 250MX category saw two-time MX2 World Champion and new 250SX East number one Tom Vialle finish third overall on his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. Vialle accelerated to the holeshot in Moto 1 and led a share of laps before reaching the finish in P3, but a penalty following an off-track excursion later demoted him to fourth.

Vialle fell in the opening laps of the second moto, but recovered for third position, which in turn sealed him P3 on the podium to commence the season. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 250MX teammate Julien Beaumer began his first full Pro Motocross campaign with a 13-9 scorecard for 11th overall.

Tom Vialle: “I had a great start in the first moto, was able to lead a few laps, and I got a little tight with some arm-pump, so I finished third. Second moto, I had a crash early in the moto, so I was around sixth and came back to third. At the end of the day, of course, I wanted to do a little bit better, but we started the first round of the podium overall and I think we can only do better in the next races. I feel good with the bike and physically, so I’m really excited for Hangtown.”

Julien Beaumer: “It was a tough first round for me. I didn’t ride the best and wasn’t the comfiest, so we’ve got some work to do this week, and we’ll come back out swinging at Hangtown.”

Next Race: June 1 – Hangtown, California

---

DANTE OLIVEIRA AND JOHNNY GIRROIR CONTINUE WINNING WAYS WITH FMF KTM FACTORY RACING

FMF KTM Factory Racing riders Dante Oliveira and Johnny Girroir both tasted victory over the weekend, with Oliveira winning Round 6 of the National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) and Girroir standing on top of the U.S. Sprint Enduro Series podium at Round 5. It was also a strong weekend out for FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers, with both Gus Riordan and Brandy Richards taking P1 in their respective classes at the Sprint Enduro round.

NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP – ROUND 6

A fifth win in six rounds saw Dante Oliveira extend his advantage in the 2024 NGPC Series, climbing from third position at the conclusion of lap one and hitting the lead by the time the third lap was completed in Marysville, Northern California.

Defending Pro Class Champion Oliveira has once again been the class of the field onboard his KTM 450 XC-F in NGPC, controlling the race once he made his way into P1 at what is considered to be his home round on the schedule.

Dante Oliveira: “I came into the first turn hot, then put on a hard charge back from there. I put my head down, had a couple of spots where I was quicker, and I kind of like it more because I ride a little more aggressively when I’m charging from behind – it’s fun finding those passing opportunities and we had a killer battle. Being my home race, I definitely wanted to do well here!”

FMF KTM Factory Racing teammate and younger brother Mateo Oliveira also put forward one of his best performances of the season, finishing just outside of the podium in fourth position, but proved consistently quick throughout the 11-lap duration.

Mateo Oliveira: “This is as local as it gets for us, so it was a good weekend, and I had good vibes with the track. Today’s the closest I’ve been to the lead and the best I’ve felt – the rougher and more technical the track is, the more I like it, and seem to perform. It’s good for the series to have a good mix of conditions.”

Pro Class Results
1. Dante Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Dare Demartile, Beta
3. Cole Martinez, Honda
4. Mateo Oliveira, FMF KTM Factory Racing
7. Austin Walton, Husqvarna

U.S. SPRINT ENDURO SERIES – ROUND 5

Reigning U.S. Sprint Enduro Series number one Johnny Girroir has been dominant in 2024 and continued his perfect season at the weekend’s High Voltage event on his FMF KTM Factory Racing 350 XC-F.

Despite rainfall in the Dilliner, Pennsylvania, region making for tricky conditions on Sunday, Girroir was at his consistent best and managed to deliver a fifth-consecutive victory to extend his series lead to a commanding 70 points.

Johnny Girroir: “There was nothing really on the track to separate the riders, so Liam [Draper] and I had a pretty good battle and he won a few tests. Last night we got a big thunderstorm and today’s track was slick and technical, so I was able to make up some more time and take the win.”

FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers riders Gus Riordan and Brandy Richards on their KTM 250 XC-F machinery made for a memorable round across the board. Defending Pro 2 Class Champion Riordan led the way on both days to build on his points advantage, as did Richards, who like Girroir is perfect so far in 2024.

Angus Riordan: “It was pretty tight all weekend. On Saturday, it was a little closer than my liking, but I was happy with the result. On Sunday I kind of put myself on the back foot, going down twice, and the boys picked up 10 seconds on me, but I just put my head down and got on with it for the win.”

Brandy Richards: “My weekend definitely started off really good! I loved the grass track, it was a little slick and pretty fast, while the enduro test was super hard-packed with no ruts and pretty slick as well, so I was a little more patient on that test. We got pretty good rain on Saturday afternoon and that made part of the course tricky for Sunday – that last test was icy and slick, but it was a good weekend overall.”

Pro 1 Class Results
1. Johnny Girroir, FMF KTM Factory Racing
2. Liam Draper, Yamaha
3. Cody Barnes, Honda
4. Craig DeLong, Husqvarna

Pro 2 Class Results
1. Angus Riordan, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Dominick Morse, Husqvarna
3. Jason Tino, Husqvarna

Pro Women Class Results
1. Brandy Richards, FMF KTM Factory Racing Team Landers
2. Korie Steede, Husqvarna
3. Olivia Judy, KTM

U.S. HARD ENDURO SERIES – ROUND 4

A tough fourth round of the U.S. Hard Enduro Series challenged even the most capable riders in the nation at the Tough Like RORR event in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, doubling as part one of The Keystone Challenge.

FMF KTM Factory Racing’s defending Pro Class title-holder Trystan Hart overcame damage to be credited second position overall, earning more important points toward his championship tally following an entertaining early battle with race winner and title rival Cody Webb.

Hart will be straight back onboard his KTM 300 XC-W tomorrow for the second leg of The Keystone Challenge and Round 5 of the U.S. Hard Enduro Series when he takes on the Locked & Loaded Hard Scramble in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania.

Trystan Hart: “We had a really good race going, Cody [Webb] and I were running 1-2 and had a good gap on everybody else, so I was feeling really good, but I ended up picking up some damage. I was able to get going again, got back to second place, and pushed as much as I could – my body was completely failing on me in the end though! I went as hard as I could for as long as I could, so in the end it was second on the day.”

Pro Class Results
1. Cody Webb, Sherco
2. Trystan Hart, FMF KTM Factory Racing
3. Will Riordan, GASGAS
5. Ryder LeBlond, Husqvarna
6. Colton Haaker, Husqvarna

UPCOMING OFFROAD RACES – MAY 2024
5/27: U.S. Hard Enduro Series – Round 5

---

Share