This week in US Powersports racing.
Wyman Wins Fourth Straight Daytona Mission King Of The Baggers Race
Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman continued his love affair with Daytona International Speedway with his fourth Mission King Of The Baggers win in a row on a sunny and warm Friday in Florida.
With a new lap record from qualifying, Wyman started from pole position and showed his speed from the get-go as he stormed to a lead and was never headed in Friday’s first of two Mission King Of The Baggers races at the “World Center Of Racing.”
Wyman wasn’t completely without worry, however, as he started to feel the heat from behind as defending class champion Troy Herfoss clawed away at the 19-time race winner’s lead. But it didn’t last as Herfoss crashed his S&S/Indian Motorcycle Challenger with five laps to go in turn six, leaving Wyman to back off and cruise to a 2.6-second victory.
Herfoss, meanwhile, was able to remount to finish eighth, scoring eight points that may prove valuable in his title defense.
Wyman’s new Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing teammate Bradley Smith finished second. If you had to read that twice, you’re not alone. Even the Brit was shocked at his performance just a day after he made his first laps in fear at Daytona International Speedway.
Smith won a last-lap battle with SDI Racing’s Cameron Petersen by .42 of a second with the South African making the mistake of leading out of the chicane on the final lap. Still, Petersen was also elated to finish on the podium in his maiden Mission King Of The Baggers race.
TAB Performance Racing’s Kyle Ohnsorg was fourth, less than half a second ahead of Saddlemen Race Development’s Jake Lewis.
S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Tyler O’Hara fought through some mechanical issues to finish sixth, with Rocco Landers riding the RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson to seventh and Herfoss riding his crashed factory Indian to eighth.
What of the other stars of the class? Two of them were eliminated in the first corner of the opening lap when Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s James Rispoli ran into the back of S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Loris Baz, wrecking Baz’s Mission King Of The Baggers debut.
The other two retirements were RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Gillim and Lyndall Brakes/M3’s Max Flinders.
SC-Project Twins Cup – Chapin Wins A Thriller
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Matthew Chapin earned the first SC-Project Twins Cup victory of his young career today and, if that wasn’t impressive enough, that debut win came at Daytona International Speedway.
The race was a battle to the bitter end with four riders breaking away and fighting for the duration. As is often the case at Daytona, all that really mattered was the run to the flag from the chicane, and Chapin seemed to be able to show his cards without paying the price. His Suzuki GSX-8R was fast enough that the reigning MotoAmerica Junior Cup Champion seemed to be able to get to the finish line first no matter what spot he was in on the exit to the chicane.
Chapin ended up crossing the line just .087 of a second ahead of defending class champion Alessandro Di Mario and his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660. Third place went to Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle, who was just .174 of a second behind Chapin.
The fourth rider in the lead pack was Koch Racing’s Sean Ungvarsky with the Yamaha YZF-R7-mounted Arizonan just a tick over a second behind and well clear of fifth-placed Avery Dreher on the Bad Boys Racing Suzuki GSX-8R.
“I may not have been the fastest in the infield, but I knew I had the bike underneath to get out there and get this done,” Chapin said. “Everyone else rode great. Props to Dom (Dominic Doyle), Alessandro (Di Mario) and Sean (Ungvarsky). They were all ripping, and this one feels great. I think I learned that I need to just send it a little bit harder into turn one. It seems like that was where I was really struggling, but I will try and do the same thing tomorrow.”
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – It’s West In The East
Saddlemen Racing Development’s Cory West showed that the weight of carrying the number-one plate wasn’t too heavy as the defending series champion held off his teammate Travis Wyman to win the opening round of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship at Daytona International Speedway.
The margin of victory was typical Daytona – .042 of a second.
Third place, some four seconds adrift, was the first of the KWR Harley-Davidsons ridden by class rookie James Rispoli, who was 2.5 seconds ahead of his teammate Cody Wyman.
Edge Racing’s Jason Waters and his Triumph 765RS were fifth and the first non-Harley-Davidson to cross the finish line.
“I didn’t really want to lead out of the chicane because you’re not supposed to do that here,” West said. “But the bike was running strong. We’ve got a few little things we need to work on to make it better for tomorrow, but I’m super happy, and this first one is for my wife and our baby. This was awesome.”
Earlier in the day, West earned pole position for the two Super Hooligan National Championship races at Daytona with a new lap record of 1:51.032.
Daytona 200 Time Attack – Scott Great Again
Daytona Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott earned his second successive pole position for the Daytona 200 with the 19-year-old lapping Daytona International Speedway at a clip of 1:48.135 in Friday’s Time Attack that featured the fastest 12 qualifiers.
Scott turned in his quick lap on his seventh and final go-around of the 3.51-mile Daytona International Speedway and that put him ahead of three-time Daytona 200 winner Josh Herrin and his Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V2 by just .383 of a second.
TOBC Racing’s Brandon Paasch will complete the front row of the grid for Saturday’s Daytona 200 after lapping at 1:48.55 on his Triumph Street Triple 765 RS.
Row two of the grid will feature PHR Performance Triumph teammates Peter Hickman and Richard Cooper with Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante joining the two Brits.
Truelove Brothers Racing’s Matt Truelove will lead row three alongside Rodio Racing’s Gus Rodio and Team Classic Suzuki’s Danny Webb.
Friday results:
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship
Complete practice, qualifying and race results are availableHERE.
Daniels and Kopp Double Up in DAYTONA
Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) opened his 2025 Grand National Championship campaign in perfect double-victory fashion by completing the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II sweep on Friday night. However, he was forced to do so in a manner that yet again promised an incredible Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, to come.
After stealing Thursday’s victory from Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) despite struggling pretty much all day long, Daniels was more in his expected Mission AFT SuperTwins title favorite form throughout Friday’s program.
Daniels continued that trend by breaking free early in the Main Event while Bauman found himself caught up in a four-rider melee that also included Henry Wiles (No. 911 J&M Logging/Ray C’s Harley-Davidson Kawasaki Ninja 650), Sammy Halbert (No. 69 OnlyFans/Castrol Kawasaki Ninja 650), and Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke).
By the time Bauman established himself in second, Daniels had a cushion of nearly 1.4 seconds at the front. But just when Bauman started to whittle away at that advantage, he was forced to play defense after Fisher came charging up in third. That chase/defend accordion continued to play out in both directions, with Bauman freed up again when Wiles closed on Fisher from fourth.
But Bauman’s golden opportunity to give the XG750R its maiden premier-class win didn’t come until the leaders hit traffic – the exact situation that cost him Thursday’s win with their positioned swapped.
And in fact, the RWR star managed to momentarily grab the lead with just 20 seconds remaining on the clock. However, his Estenson Racing Yamaha-mounted rival countered in the very next turn and managed to hold his adversary at bay over the final two laps to prevent the reversal of fortunes.
Daniels said, “Man, I thought last night was the toughest I ever had to ride, but I think tonight beat that. I had a really good night going – won the heat race, won the (Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge). I was feeling really good. I got a really good start and was out front. But I could just feel the pressure coming in. I was keeping an eye out, and I knew he was getting closer and closer… It was just such a nailbiter. Brian rode a hell of a race, gave me a good battle, and it was super fun.”
Fisher came home in third, equaling his ‘24 podium total in the season’s opening week. Combined with his Thursday fourth, Daytona proved a seamless transition for Fisher who was expected to take more time to come to grips with his Rackley Racing KTM after spending the previous seven seasons on an Indian.
The experienced duo of Wiles and Halbert earned fourth and fifth, respectively, pushing down a handful of strong title contenders in the process. That list was headlined by Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who took sixth, and Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke), who finished seventh.
Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S) returned to action after suffering a laceration to his foot on Thursday and did so most impressively with an eighth-place result aboard his Suzuki.
Meanwhile, Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp) and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) made it a remarkable seven different manufacturers in the race’s top ten as the premier class’ new production-only ruleset shine in their debut.
Daniels has the early title advantage following Rounds 1 & 2 after grabbing the maximum of 46 points in Daytona. He’s followed by Bauman at 38 with Fisher and Wiles locked even in third at 30.
AFT Singles presented by KICKER
24 hours spent by the field hoping to find a solution to combat the Thursday form of reigning-but-not-defending AFT Singles presented by KICKER champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Bob Lanphere/KTM/Fastrack Racing KTM 450 SX-F) ultimately proved fruitless. In fact, the class’ three-time champ was even more dominant on Friday night.
An increase in the level of difficulty with the track’s surface and visibility only served to widen the margin separating Kopp from his would-be challengers. Operating on another level, the new Talent Cup competitor was quite easily the fastest rider in every practice and qualifying session and then won both his heat and the 1st Impressions AFT Singles Challenge going away.
The only hitch in his evening was a shock crash he suffered while working the sighting lap ahead of the Main Event. No worries – Kopp popped back up, straightened out his handlebars, grabbed the holeshot, and pulled an immediate gap at the front.
Up by 1.5 seconds in the race’s opening minute, Kopp continued to pile it before finally taking the checkered flag with nearly five seconds in hand.
Already the all-time winningest rider in AFT Singles history, Kopp came into the week with 21 wins to his name and leaves Daytona with a career tally of 23. That puts him four victories up on second-ranked Shayna Texter-Bauman and a full ten ahead of the next closest riders (premier-class ace Daniels and ‘19 class champ Gauthier).
Five of those wins came here in Daytona. After earning the latest of those triumphs, he said, “I’ve never won a race after crashing on the sight lap! There’s a first for everything. That start was hectic because my lever was bent to the moon, so I couldn’t really feel anything. But we straightened it out and went for it. I couldn’t ask for a better week to come back and have some fun with the boys. Now it’s time to go lean on the asphalt and keep learning over there.”
Even beyond Kopp’s runaway, the contest was a rather processional one; the entire top five – Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R), Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Certified Racing KTM 450 SX-F), and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F) – ran their own races pretty much throughout.
There was more significant (and more typical) fighting further down the field. Tyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio/Sluggo/Unsettled Racing KTM 450 SX-F) held off Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), while Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) slashed his way up from the back of the field after being forced to burn his provisional start in the season’s opening week.
Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) was the final rider remaining on the lead lap in ninth, while rookie Ethan Kitchen (No. 105 Lucky Thumb M/C Yamaha YZ450F) rounded out the top ten.
Even though Kopp technically leads with a perfect 46-point opener, the effective title lead falls to Drane, who put together a solid effort to open his ‘25 title campaign with 35 points. Gauthier is next with 30, one point up on championship hopeful Saathoff at 29.
Meanwhile, in the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Main Event, Taia Little (No. 11 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) got her revenge in the rematch, narrowly fending off Thursday winner Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited) to take the checkered flag first. Mya Maffei (No. 28 Royal Enfield) completed the podium in third.
Next Up:
The 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season will resume in three weeks’ time with the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on Saturday, March 29 at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/senoia-short-track-122449 to secure your tickets today.
For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://flosports.link/aft.
FOX Sports coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, March 15, at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT), with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA II set to air the following day, Sunday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).
For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.
Wyman Perfect In King Of The Baggers At The Beach
Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Kyle Wyman started his 2025 Mission King Of The Baggers season in perfect fashion with wins in both races at Daytona International Speedway. His win on Saturday afternoon in the final race of the MotoAmerica weekend was his fifth straight victory at the “World Center of Racing.”
Unlike Friday when he secured a rare runaway Daytona victory, S&S/Indian Motorcycle’s Troy Herfoss made Wyman earn Saturday’s win. The pair battled at the front, played the cat-and-mouse game on the final lap, and then pulled the pin with Wyman holding Herfoss off at the finish line by .056 of a second.
Herfoss had crashed while gaining ground on Wyman on Friday and was fortunate to score a handful of points after remounting to finish eighth.
Third place on Saturday went to Mission King Of The Baggers rookie Loris Baz, the Frenchman earning his first podium in just his second outing, and he did so with an injured left arm from Friday’s turn-one crash.
The third member of the S&S/Indian Motorcycle team, Tyler O’Hara, finished fourth, behind his two teammates.
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson’s Rocco Landers was fifth, some three seconds ahead of his teammate Hayden Gillim. Friday’s fourth-place finisher Kyle Ohnsorg was seventh on his TAB Performance Indian Challenger, well clear of Saddlemen Race Development’s Jake Lewis and Cory West.
Harley-Davidson x Dynojet Factory Racing’s Bradley Smith crashed but managed to finish 10th a day after finishing second in his Mission King Of The Baggers debut.
“I was confident because all five of these wins, I’ve led out of the chicane,” Wyman said. “Leading the 200, two out of three of the XR wins, I led out of the chicane. So, it’s not all what everybody kind of worries. It’s how you get around the banking, how you place yourself, how you use the banking to your advantage to get a better run when the track flattens out. There’s a lot of things that I’ve learned over the course of 16 years coming here, and then flat track before that. Drafting on the miles. It’s definitely my element. It was super fun. Just the game of it’s eight laps. We’re kind of just waiting until the last lap, trying to figure out where each of us are going to try to do what. I think we both tried to bite off a lap at one point or another, and then realized that nobody was really going to go away. I knew tire conservation was going to be a big deal. Tried to really chill out in the first half of the race, tried to leave a little bit for the end. It worked out.”
SC-Project Twins Cup – Chapin Again
RevZilla/Motul/Vance & Hines Suzuki’s Matthew Chapin may not get any calls from his high school football coach, but his 120 pounds works just fine when racing a motorcycle at Daytona International Speedway.
For the second day in a row, Chapin was able to draft his way to victory on his Suzuki GSX-8R by a scant .019 of a second over defending series champion Alessandro Di Mario and his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.
Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle was third, making the podium identical to race one yesterday. A fourth rider entered the fray today with Koch Racing’s Sean Ungvarsky joining the lead pack for the duration and even taking a turn at the front.
The top four were covered by just .080 of a second. Yes, .080 of a second.
Bad Boys Racing’s Avery Dreher was fifth again, but it was a much closer fifth as the Suzuki GSX-8R-mounted Dreher was just 1.6 seconds from the leader after finishing some 15 seconds back in Friday’s race one.
Chapin has a perfect 50 points from the opening two races, 10 more than Di Mario and 18 more than Doyle.
“I think that race, my whole plan was just to be patient until the last lap,” Chapin said. “I let those guys fight it out at the front. I didn’t want to take any unnecessary risks. Just kind of waited until the end. I knew I had the bike underneath me to do it. Just used the draft at the end and got it done.”
Super Hooligan National Championship – Lewis Wins A Thriller
Who says a big boy can’t win a drafting battle at Daytona International Speedway? Saddlemen Race Development’s Jake Lewis crammed his six-foot, four-inch frame into the tightest tuck possible and came out on top of a thrilling six-rider battle to the finish line in the second of two Super Hooligan National Championship races.
The margin of victory? .039 of a second with the top six separated by just .419 of a second.
Second place for the second day in a row was Lewis’ teammate Travis Wyman with Friday’s winner Cory West third to make it a Saddlemen Race Development sweep of the podium.
The race to the flag was anybody’s to win, but it would have taken a brave person to bet on Lewis getting the job done from sixth going into the final chicane. But the draft worked perfectly for the Kentuckian as he swept past all five riders to score the victory, the third of his Super Hooligan career.
The win was also Lewis’ first-ever in any class at Daytona International Speedway.
KWR Harley-Davidson’s Cody Wyman was fourth with his teammate James Rispoli fifth. The first non-Harley-Davidson Pan America was the Yamaha MT-09 SP of Giaccmoto Yamaha Racing’s Dominic Doyle in sixth.
After yesterday’s mechanical issue thwarted their progress, the ARCH Racing team bounced back in a big way with Corey Alexander giving the Keanu Reeves-owned team its first-ever top-10 finish with an impressive seventh and the first rider outside the lead pack of six.
Alexander held off KWR Harley-Davidson’s Hayden Schultz with Competition Werkes Racing’s Andy DiBrino and Strack Racing’s Hawk Mazzotta rounding out the top 10.
“That’s how Hooligan racing is supposed to be,” Lewis said, who was ninth in yesterday’s race one. “Yesterday, there were big gaps between everybody, but today there were six of us in that pack. I was trying to lead it through the infield, second through the infield, but then the draft on these bikes is so huge. Coming to the white flag, Cody (Wyman) came by me and gave me a little elbow, so I was like, ‘Alright I’m gonna play my cards right.’ I know how important the draft is on these bikes, but I certainly didn’t want to be in sixth in that chicane on the last lap. I got as small as I could, and I hit my shifts perfect, and they went three wide coming out of four. The draft on these things is unreal and the bike started shaking and I pulled out to the left and Travis (Wyman) was right there and it was just a perfect draft. I’m a little bit hoarse; I was yelling on the cooldown lap. This is my first ever time winning at Daytona and it’s bad ass.”
Saturday results:
Mission Super Hooligan National Championship
Complete practice, qualifying and race results are available HERE.
History Made: Herrin Wins Third Straight Daytona 200 And Fourth Overall
Josh Herrin made history on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway when he became the first rider in Daytona 200 history to win “The Great American Motorcycle Race” three times in a row. It was also Herrin’s fourth Daytona 200 victory, putting him one win away from tying the all-time win leaders, Scott Russell and Miguel Duhamel.
Herrin won the 83rd running of the Daytona 200 by being consistently faster than his pursuers in the infield, especially late in the race. Case in point: With just six laps to go, Herrin ripped off a 1:47.879 lap on his Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati Panigale V2 to seal the deal. It was a new race lap record and just .046 of a second shy of Richie Escalante’s qualifying lap record from 2024.
The 57-lap race was red-flagged twice. Once when a brief rainstorm passed through the area after 24 laps, and again on the first lap of the restart when Get Fast Performance’s Jason Farrell crashed in turn one.
Escalante’s bad Daytona luck turned around on Saturday with the Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki rider finishing second to Herrin after running in the lead pack for the duration. When Herrin dropped the hammer, however, Escalante didn’t have the pace to go with him and once the draft was broken it was game over.
At the finish line, Herrin was 5.33 seconds ahead of Escalante, who had his hands full with his teammate Tyler Scott. Scott, who started the race from pole position, was also in the hunt from the get-go. His teammate beat him to the line by his teammate by a miniscule .008 of a second.
Fourth place went to Isle of Man TT lap record holder Peter Hickman, the Brit returning to Daytona with knowledge gained from last year’s debut. The PHR Performance Triumph team owner also led a few laps of the race. Hickman’s teammate Richard Cooper also had the speed to run in the lead group, but his Triumph suffered a mechanical failure that put him out of the race.
Two-time Daytona 200 winner Brandon Paasch rode his TOBC Racing Triumph to fifth, one spot better than his teammate, four-time race winner Danny Eslick, who was celebrating his 20th Daytona 200.
The British Truelove brothers, Matt and Harry, finished seventh and eighth, respectively, with Matt being the last rider on the lead lap.
Isle of Man TT legend Michael Dunlop rode his Milwaukee Ducati MD Racing Panigale V2 to ninth, with Bauce BARTCON Racing’s Joseph LiMandri Jr. rounding out the top 10 on his Yamaha YZF-R6.
Quotes
Tyler Scott – Third Place
Yeah. Our pit stops were really good. The whole Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki team did a phenomenal job this weekend getting those dialed in. Honestly, I feel way better than I did last year. I think the gap to first place was a little bit closer. The pace was a little bit better this year. Physically, I feel more fit with the bike going into the MotoAmerica season. I feel really good. I think the bike is 10 times better. Just right there after the second stint, we were actually out ahead of Josh (Hayes) at the last pit stop there. I made a few mistakes. Hit a false neutral. Just some stuff with the shifting, ran wide. Richie (Escalante) made some mistakes as well. It kind of bridged the gap for him to just put his head down and do them fast lap times. I just couldn’t catch back up to him.
Richie Escalante – Second Place
I want to start to say big thanks to my team, Vision Wheel M4 Ecstar Suzuki, working this winter also this week. For sure the bike is much better compared last year, but for some reason, I didn’t feel really good during the weekend. I just take time to have confidence with the front feeling. Today I made a big step. I feel super good, especially with the group in the beginning. Also the team is working really good on the pit stops. Same like Tyler said. I made a couple mistakes, too. Also Josh is super strong this weekend. No mistakes. Just go forward. More difficult to stay behind, but really happy to finish on the podium. It’s a special weekend, special race, and I’m happy to finish finally on the podium. But I need to keep working for the future. A couple things still missing. But I’m happy and ready, back to the superbike class.
Josh Herrin – Winner
With the way that the chicane is this year, I think it slows us down a couple tenths also. So, the guys have redefined that V2 for this year. I think Cam (Petersen) is going to have a good year on that thing. I’m honestly speechless. I don’t really know what to say. I know I said it earlier, but being mentioned in the same sentence as (Scott) Russell and (Miguel) Duhamel is special. It’s not something that happens all the time. It’s easy to say I want to go and get a bunch more wins, but if I could just be cemented in history with those guys, that would be amazing. Just getting the chance to be able to be on a good enough team to get a win three times in a row. I think not only that but now we also have the record for the longest gap from the first win to the latest win, because last year I tied Duhamel. So now this year we have the biggest gap, I think. Fifteen years. So, it just feels so special. I have so many people on the list to thank. Most importantly is the entire Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati USA team. Economy Lube and Tire, Brew Watch Co. Last week I put up a post on Instagram looking for some brands to come and be a part of our effort. The first person to reach out was Jonathan over at Brew Watch Co. It means the world to me. It was really cool to get that that late. I hustled super hard with Chris Kruzel at Drippin’ Wet to get the stickers done in time. I was putting stickers on yesterday for the final spots on the bike, which was the Binky Bro guys, Jamaica Bearings, and a couple others. Watson Services, Elite Seal. Just a handful of people that just made this program happen. We were told by a bunch of people coming into this race that they didn’t want us racing it, and we kind of just pushed through and did it. I couldn’t be any more stoked, leaving here with three wins and a couple new records for the books. Get to celebrate with my family. This will probably be one of the last races that poor Rachel gets to go to, because she’s got twins in her belly and she’s already ready to pop. So, this has just been an amazing experience. Like I said, I’m just lucky to be able to be in this position to even have a chance at this. I would have never imagined to get three in a row. So, thank you, everybody.
Saturday results:
Complete practice, qualifying and race results are available HERE.
(From left to right) Richie Escalante, Josh Herrin and Tyler Scott celebrate in Victory Lane.
Photo by Brian J. Nelson
Deegan Doubles 250SX West Points Lead with Podium Finish at East-West Showdown
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan made championship gains with a third-place finish at the first Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250 East-West Showdown of the season in Indianapolis, Indiana. The back-to-back 250SMX Champion’s efforts have him heading into the break with a 12-point lead in the 250SX West Championship. Rookie Cole Davies put in another impressive charge back to score a fifth-place finish in the tricky conditions at the Lucas Oil Stadium. Max Anstie salvaged points in his 250SX East title fight, securing a seventh-place finish. Daxton Bennick and Nate Thrasher finished 11th and 14th, respectively, with Michael Mosiman crossing the line 15th after a late race crash.
Deegan, who topped the timesheets for both 250 divisions in practice and qualifying, got off to a flying start in the 250SX West Heat Race, grabbing the holeshot and securing a wire-to-wire victory. However, during the East-West Showdown Main Event, a less-than-ideal start left him sixth after the first lap. Undeterred, he made his way to third just four laps in and worked to reel in the competition, but an error had him going off track. Deegan quickly recovered and kept it on two wheels, holding onto third to score his fifth podium of the season and expand his championship lead to 12 points.
Davies had a strong qualifying as well, getting the second gate pick for the 250SX West Heat Race. In fourth after the first lap, the young New Zealander threw down a strong pace in the tricky conditions, claiming second with four laps remaining and holding off advances to finish in the runner-up spot. Davies got another good start to the main event and was riding in fourth before unfortunately, having a tip-over in the sand section on the second lap. The rookie rejoined towards the back of the field and launched an impressive comeback to fifth, maintaining third in the 250SX West Championship standings.
Anstie had a strong start to the day in Indianapolis. The 250SX East red plate holder qualified for the second gate pick in his 250 divisional heat race and then got a good start to grab the holeshot. Anstie continued to ride a strong pace and kept cool under pressure, earning a hard-fought heat race victory. Unfortunately, in the main event, he did not get off the gate as he had hoped and was ninth after the opening lap. The British rider kept pushing and secured a seventh-place finish to salvage some points on a tough night at the Lucas Oil Stadium, staying within one point of the top spot in the 250SX East Championship.
After qualifying for the ninth gate pick in the 250SX East Heat Race, Bennick had a good start in sixth after the first lap and kept pushing to earn a top-five finish. Unfortunately, he did not get the start he was hoping for in the main event and was 12th after the first lap. Bennick continued to battle, quickly making his way to eighth. Although he was later shuffled to 14th, the 19-year-old continued to fight and crossed the line 11th.
Feeling less than 100% with his finger injury, Thrasher continued to work throughout the day and secured the 10th gate pick for the 250SX East Heat Race. The Tennessee rider had a great start and was fifth after the first lap, ultimately crossing the line sixth behind Bennick. In the main event, he was 15th after the first lap and did what he could to finish 14th.
In qualifying, Mosiman secured the seventh gate pick for the 250SX West Heat Race, and from there, got a great start and slotted into second. He continued to run a strong pace but ultimately finished third to round out a stellar 1-2-3 finish for the team. In the main event, he found himself 11th and continued to battle, making his way to 10th. Unfortunately, with around five laps to go, Mosiman had a crash in the whoops and rejoined in 15th, where he would ultimately finish.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team returns to action in two weeks’ time for Round 5 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship at the Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 22. On the following weekend, racing resumes for the Western Divisional 250 class with Round 7 on March 29 at the Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“It was another up-and-down day for us at Indy. This track can be really tough, and the East-West Shootout adds a whole other level to it. We had a pretty good qualifying. Haiden was fast all day, and then in the heat races, we went 1-2-3 on the West Coast, with Haiden winning that one. On the East Coast, Max had a great ride and fought hard for the win. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the main event we were looking for, but looking at the big picture, it was a good night overall. Haiden had a great night for points with another podium finish and leaves with a 12-point lead. Max was able to salvage some points and leaves one point behind the leader. We’re looking forward to the break and will come back swinging in Birmingham.”
Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #38
“Yeah, today was good. I qualified 1-1, which was perfect for me, and then won the heat race with a pretty good lead, which was cool. In the main event, I got to third place pretty quickly. I was reeling in those guys at the front and then made a pretty crucial mistake where I ended up going over the berm and into the net. From there, I just had to be smart and ride it in for third because the guy that’s second in points on my coast was pretty far back. I just wanted to make some good points, and we did that tonight.”
Cole Davies – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #100
“Man, it could have been a really good night for me. I ended up going down early in the main event and was way back, but I reset and made my way through the pack the best I could and came back from 17th to fifth. I’m really happy with my riding tonight, but I need to limit the mistakes. I rode one time at The Farm since Arlington because I was super sick the last couple of weeks, so all in all, it was still a really good night for me, but I’m always wanting more. I’m looking forward to Seattle.”
Max Anstie – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #31
“I won my heat race but did not have a great main in Indy. I’m happy to have a two-week break before the next round and will come back stronger in Alabama.”
Daxton Bennick – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #34
“It was a tough night in Indy. I’m excited for the break to keep building and be better in Birmingham.”
Nate Thrasher – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #41
“It was a tough night for me in Indy. I struggled all day. We’re going to try and get healthy in the next two weeks and come out swinging in Alabama.”
Michael Mosiman – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #93
“We’re going to put Indianapolis behind us. It was not the East-West Shootout I was hoping for. I had a good heat race and wish I could’ve replicated a similar start for the main event, but I have a lot to take away from this race and a lot to learn from. Sometimes things go sideways, but that’s a part of racing. I’m still building, and tonight’s experience is going to help that cause.”
Webb and Cooper Enjoy Stellar 1-2 Finish in Indianapolis
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb and Justin Cooper topped the podium at Lucas Oil Stadium with a thrilling 1-2 finish at Round 9 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross and the SuperMotocross World Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana. Webb’s dominant victory expanded his lead in the 450SX Championship to 15 points. Cooper’s runner-up finish not only marked his first podium of the season but also made championship gains, advancing him to fourth in the points standings.
It was a rollercoaster day for Webb in Indianapolis. He qualified fourth despite a get-off in the second session of qualifying and then got a great start to the heat race, quickly claiming the lead. Unfortunately, the two-time 450SX Champion had a tipover in the sand section and rejoined in sixth, but he put his head down and finished fourth. In the main event, Webb got another great start and swiftly claimed the lead to take command of the race. He maintained a strong pace up front to remain unchallenged and crossed the line by a healthy 8.455-second margin, earning his 28th premier-class win and third victory of the season.
Cooper spent the day working to find his comfort zone on the soft, rutted track and ultimately qualified sixth. After starting sixth in the heat race, he pushed hard and moved into fifth but unfortunately, went down on the final lap and finished seventh. Despite the less-than-ideal gate pick for the main event, the New Yorker got a great start in third and continued to battle, making the pass for second with around four minutes on the clock. Cooper’s first podium of the season advanced him two positions in the championship standings to fourth.
In two weeks’ time, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team returns to action for the final Triple Crown event of the season and Round 10 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross and the SuperMotocross World Championship at the Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, on March 22.
Rich Simmons – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“Practice was a little rough for Webb, but you can never count him out in the main event. We made a few changes with the bike to make him more comfortable, and he came through in the main like he always does. As for Justin, we always knew he had it in him. A couple of fourth-place finishes in a row were disappointing to him. Although they were good finishes, this is where he belongs. I’m proud of the team and their effort today.”
Cooper Webb – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #2
“It was an up-and-down race day. I had a pretty good practice crash that left me a little sore. In the heat race, I was out front and had another mistake that cost me, so I was pretty ticked off. Then in the main event, I got a great start and made a quick move to first. I led every lap and kind of put it on cruise control. I felt great tonight and had a great flow. It was just a dream ride. We’ve extended the points lead going into the break. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #32
“The day started out pretty slow. I made a call with the team and made a big suspension change for me, and it paid off tonight. I felt comfortable with all the big rhythms and the tough track, so I have to give it up to the team on this one. We’ll keep working. It’s been going well, and we’re looking to keep the ball rolling.
Talladega GNCC sees Craig DeLong storm to first podium of the 2025 series
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong scored his first podium finish of the 2025 Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series following a second-place result in the XC1 Open Pro Class at the Talladega GNCC, on a weekend where teammate Korie Steede extended her podium form in WXC with P2.
Inclement weather in the lead up to the race left riders and teams facing treacherous conditions, with slippery mud set to provide a sizable challenge. For DeLong, a good start onboard his Husqvarna FX 350 followed by consistent riding led to second position in class and valuable championship points as the checkered flag flew. He was also ranked third overall at Round 3.
“I finally had a good day and result in GNCC for this year!” DeLong commented. “I got a solid start and put myself in a strong position for a really good race. I was pretty much top-five most of the race, trying to stay smooth and consistent in the tough conditions, so I’m pumped to put my FX 350 on the podium and gain some valuable points after a difficult first couple of rounds.”
Equipped with the Husqvarna FC 250, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate Steede continued her impressive run of podiums, earning her third-successive WXC podium of 2025, with a second-place result elevating her to P2 in the series standings. After finishing third in the opening two rounds, a runner-up result signified another step forward this weekend.
“I was feeling really good on the bike today,” Steede recalled. “Overall, it was an awesome day. I was a bit sick entering this round, which made it tough, so I am excited to have a break and let my body recover and keep the momentum going. A big thank you to the whole team, our sponsors, and all those who help out.”
XC1 Open Pro Class Results
1. Steward Baylor Jr, Kawasaki
2. Craig DeLong, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Michael Witkowski, Honda
4. Ben Kelley, KTM
7. Johnny Girroir, KTM
WXC Class Results
1. Rachael Archer, Kawasaki
2. Korie Steede, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
3. Tayla Jones, Honda
4. Brandy Richards, KTM
Consistent results from RJ Hampshire and Malcolm Stewart in Indianapolis Supercross
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider RJ Hampshire raced to a fourth-place result in Indianapolis’ 250SX East/West Showdown tonight, as 450SX teammate Malcolm Stewart delivered a consistent performance with sixth position after winning his Heat Race earlier on.
Current 250SX West Champion Hampshire put in a solid display during the Eastern Division Heat Race, powering his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition to P2 after challenging for the win.
A hard charge in the Main Event saw Hampshire positioned well outside the top 10 in the early stages, with an impressive comeback ride in challenging track conditions resulting in a fourth-place finish, and a solid haul of points toward his title chances.
“Overall, we got a couple of points back toward the championship, which is positive,” reflected Hampshire. “I had a pretty big crash there in the last qualifier on the last lap, which definitely didn’t help the night. I felt good in the Heat, then had a terrible start in the Main – I think I was around 17th – but passed some good guys and fought my way up to fourth. It was a good charge, but probably should’ve been better. We have a weekend off now, then we’ll come out swinging in Birmingham.”
The team lined up with a special ‘Love Moto Stop Cancer’ livery in support of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital round this weekend.
Indianapolis served up its typical rutty, technical environment, with a mixture of patience and lap-speed at a premium for success on the night. For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Stewart, P2 in 450SX qualifying was quickly backed up by a popular Heat Race victory on board his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition.
Spending the Main Event battling around the top-five, Stewart would find himself in P6 by the time the checkered flag flew, and remains fifth in the 450SX standings.
“Indy fans always show me love,” commented Stewart. “Back-to-back Heat Race wins were good from Daytona and Indy, and then in the Main Event, I didn’t get a great start and tried to pick my way through. But with the track being rutty and technical, if you’re not 100 percent on, it can be difficult. I felt a little off in the Main, got a bit tight, and that’s just racing. We live and learn, because we know we’re capable of more, but we’ll get some rest and come back stronger at the next one.”
Next Race: March 22 – Birmingham, Alabama
Results 450SX Class – Indianapolis
1. Cooper Webb (Yamaha)
2. Justin Cooper (Yamaha)
3. Chase Sexton (KTM)
4. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)
5. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)
6. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)
Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 9 of 17 rounds
1. Cooper Webb, 193 points
2. Chase Sexton, 178
3. Ken Roczen, 167
5. Malcolm Stewart, 140
7. Justin Barcia, 129
9. Aaron Plessinger, 105
Results 250SX East/West Showdown – Indianapolis
1. Seth Hammaker (Kawasaki)
2. Tom Vialle (KTM)
3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha)
4. RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing)
8. Julien Beaumer (KTM)
Standings 250SX East Class 2025 after 4 of 10 rounds
1. Tom Vialle, 79 points
2. Max Anstie, 78
3. Seth Hammaker, 68
4. RJ Hampshire, 67
FOURTH IN INDIANAPOLIS A SEASON-BEST 450SX FINISH FOR JUSTIN BARCIA
Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia charged to a season-best fourth-place finish at Round 9 of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship in Indianapolis, piecing together a strong result after producing front-running speed throughout the event.
• Justin Barcia scores season-best fourth place finish in Indy
• Front-running pace on show from BAMBAM across all sessions!
• Special livery worn in support of ‘Love Moto Stop Cancer’ round
In the 450SX qualifying sessions, Barcia set the 10th-fastest time equipped with the GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition, effectively building an understanding of the rutted and tricky Indianapolis terrain.
A mid-field start in the Heat Race saw BAMBAM steadily make his way through the pack, making a series of decisive passes that would earn the number 51 a commendable second place score by race’s end.
In the premier class Main Event, Barcia launched to his first holeshot of the season, battling up front as the gates dropped. Remaining strong and fast on a track that proved ultra-challenging by the closing stages of the race, the New York native came home in an inspired fourth position, continuing his mid-season trend in the right direction. As a result, he retains seventh in the 450SX standings.
Justin Barcia: “We’ve been grinding down at the Baker’s Factory and I have a new baby now, so it’s been a lot, for sure! I can’t thank my whole Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team enough, it’s been challenging at times, but they keep believing in me – I have grit and heart, so this was a big step tonight. I wanted that podium, but we’ve got a weekend off, so we’ll grit our teeth and work hard. We tried a few things on the bike at Daytona and went the wrong way, but today we went back to our base and changed barely anything, so that’s where we need to stay at. It’s more about me riding hard with the boys during the week now, they’re great riders and it’s really elevating me, so I’m excited for what’s to come!”
RED BULL KTM’S TOM VIALLE RECLAIMS 250SX EAST RED PLATE IN INDIANAPOLIS
Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s defending Eastern Division Champion Tom Vialle reclaimed the series red plate via a second-place finish at the first 250SX East/West Showdown race of season 2025 in Indianapolis. In 450SX, Chase Sexton earned valuable AMA Supercross Championship points with P3 in the premier class Main Event tonight.
Vialle recorded the fifth-fastest lap-time in combined qualifying onboard his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, meeting the 250SX West contenders on-track for the first time this year. His form remained consistent from there, racing to fourth in his Heat as he prepared for the Showdown Main Event.
A measured ride following a top-three start in the saw ever-consistent French standout Vialle take a well-earned P2 result in the Showdown on a highly-deteriorated track, with the result seeing the two-time MX2 World Champion climb into the lead in the 250SX East point-standings following four rounds.
Tom Vialle: “Overall, today was a pretty good day. I started slow in Tampa and Detroit, then Daytona was a good turning point last weekend – I got close to the win and then the same this weekend. I spent the Main Event behind Seth [Hammaker], and I was trying to catch him, but he was riding good. The track was very tricky tonight, so I am pretty happy with second and we’re right in the championship, which is where we want to be.”
450SX Class title-challenger Sexton posted the third quickest time in the afternoon’s qualifying sessions, dialing in his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION on the rutted, technical Indianapolis layout.
In charging to a fast start in the second 450SX Heat, Sexton battled Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammate Aaron Plessinger at the head of the field during the opening laps, before taking the lead and taking a commanding victory.
A top-three start in the Main Event saw the number 4 push the pace in the early laps, keeping the pressure on before a late-race mishap resulted in a third-place finish. With five podiums in nine races, Sexton sits P2 in the championship as the second half looms.
Chase Sexton: “Back on the podium and tonight was good early on, with the Heat Race win. In the Main, the line I was taking in the sand rollers just went away and I lost the front, which is pretty easy to do especially when you get down into that clay dirt. It took me four or five laps to get back into my groove, which I did, but by the time I did there were only two laps to go. It’s unfortunate, but it’s racing. Now we have a week off to regroup and come out in Birmingham strong. Typically, when I come back from the break in the Supercross season I tend to be better, so hopefully I can do that again and get some good momentum back on my side.”
Also equipped with the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION, Plessinger took ninth in qualifying, before a holeshot in his Heat Race saw ‘The Cowboy’ eventually greet the checkered flag in fourth place.
Battling inside the top-five for the duration of the Main Event, Plessinger would fall while attempting a pass for fourth, before remounting and continuing an impressive charge, which earned the number 7 fifth place as the momentum towards his season continues to build.
Aaron Plessinger: “That was a really, really good ride – the bike’s feeling awesome and a fifth place on this type of night where I hit the ground, I cannot be mad at that. Especially with how the season has been going… it’s been a wild ride, but we are getting through it and getting better and better. Shoutout to Aldon Baker, we’re doing a lot of laps down at the Baker’s Factory, but it’s paying off, plus a big thanks to the whole team and everyone behind me.”
250SX West Class prospect Julien Beaumer returned to action in Indianapolis, nursing a shoulder injury sustained at the previous Western Division round. The Arizona native fought through the pain, powering his KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to P7 finishes in both the combined qualifying times and in his Heat Race.
Come the Main Event, Beaumer salvaged an eighth-place result, which sees him retain second position in the 250SX West point standings, and he continues to remain in title contention leading into Seattle’s next round of the region at the end of this month.
Julien Beaumer: “I’m happy with my night in Indy. Obviously I came in a little bit down, I haven’t ridden since Arlington, so to get P8 in the Showdown was a good night of salvaging points. We’ll get back into therapy this week, get back to 100 percent, and back on the bike before Seattle.”
MONSTER ENERGY® PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RIDER SETH HAMMAKER
DOMINATES THE 250SX EAST/WEST SHOWDOWN
| Nearly four years to the day since he stood on the top step of the 250SX class podium, Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Seth Hammaker dominated the 250SX class with a commanding win at the first East/West Showdown of the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross season at Round 9 in Indianapolis. His teammate, Garrett Marchbanks battled against the stacked class to secure ninth place, while Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson worked his way through the field after two tip-overs in the 450SX Main Event to take home 11th place. |
| “My day started off good, in qualifying I ended up fifth and in the Heat Race I was fifth. In the Main Event I had a crash in the first corner and another crash early on. I came through the pack and ended up P11. The track was difficult with how tacky it was and how it broke down, it felt like it was pulling my bike around as I rode. I’m frustrated with how the night went, but I did the best I could after going down. We look to make some improvements and I’m aiming for better results after the break.” – Jason Anderson |
| “It feels really unreal to get this win at the East/West Showdown. It has been a while since I’ve stood on the top step of the podium, so it feels amazing to finally do it again. I got myself off to an excellent start and tried to sprint away in those first couple of laps. It was a tough track out there, you had to be really focused, and I feel like I did a pretty good job with that. When you’re out there in the lead with a little bit of a gap, it’s a little challenging to stay focused. I’ve made a lot of changes and sacrifices this year with moving to Florida and training at the Dog Pound. I’m very grateful that I have people around me that have stuck with me from Mich Payton and the whole Kawasaki crew to my family. This one feels really good and I’m super excited.” – Seth Hammaker |
Jo Shimoda Sixth in Indianapolis East/West Showdown
Honda HRC Progressive took on the season’s first 250SX East/West Showdown in Indianapolis, where both Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas represented the team on their CRF250RWE race machines. Shimoda battled near the front early on before finishing sixth, while Hymas fought through adversity after an early fall but was unable to finish. In the 450SX division, Honda’s satellite teams continued to lead the brand’s efforts while the factory riders remained sidelined with injuries.
In the 250SX East/West main event, Shimoda got a strong jump out of the gate and ran near the front early. After engaging in several battles on the soft, rutted, technical track, the Japanese rider crossed the finish line in sixth place. Meanwhile, Hymas experienced a challenging evening. A tip-over in the whoops set him back early, but he pushed forward with determination. Unfortunately, a late crash on the over-under jump ended his night before the race was finished. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cullin Park finished 13th, with Quad Lock Honda Racing’s Carson Mumford and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers finishing 19th and 20th, respectively.
Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis delivered a solid performance in the 450SX main event, finishing eighth, while Quad Lock Honda Racing’s Shane McElrath claimed a top-10 result.
NOTES
- Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas participated in Friday’s Media Day before joining other riders on the track for a practice session ahead of race day.
- Although Jett and Hunter Lawrence remain sidelined as they recover from surgeries, both brothers attended the Indianapolis round, engaging with fans, signing autographs, and supporting the team. Jett also stepped into the broadcast booth to provide commentary during the 250SX main event.
- In attendance at the Indianapolis race was a group of approximately 150 R&D staff from Honda’s plant in Marysville, Ohio, as well as some of their family members. Approximately 30 Honda associates enjoyed the race from a suite.
- Tom Wood Powersports, Indiana’s premier Honda Powerhouse dealer, set up a pop-up activation booth in the Honda HRC Progressive pits, where they displayed a CRF450R and a CRF50F, and engaged with fans and customers.
- In support of Supercross and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s #LoveMotoStopCancer campaign, Honda HRC Progressive sported custom Throttle Jockey graphics on their bikes, as well as special riding gear. The look was designed by St. Jude patients, adding a special touch to the event. The bike plastics will be auctioned off for the campaign.
- Shimoda posted the eighth-best time in the combined 250SX qualifying results, with Hymas 11th. Carson Mumford (Quad Lock Honda Racing) was 13th, and Lance Kobusch (SPR) rounded out the top 20.
- Shimoda finished fifth in the 250SX West heat, with Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers finishing eighth to secure a direct transfer to the main event. In the 250SX East heat, Mumford placed seventh, followed by Hymas in eighth, both earning direct transfers. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Cullin Park advanced to the main via a third-place finish in the LCQ.
- In 450SX heat 1, Quad Lock Honda Racing’s Joey Savatgy claimed third, while teammate Shane McElrath finished sixth, both earning spots in the main. In heat 2, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis secured third to transfer directly to the main. Red Rider Jeremy Hand (Valley Motorsports) claimed his spot with a third-place finish in the LCQ.
- On race day, Honda HRC Progressive riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence did a meet-and-greet with a group of 10 IndyCar drivers at the Honda rig.
- Commentator and former factory Honda rider Justin Brayton rode Jett Lawrence’s bike, fitted with Brayton’s #10, for a broadcast feature and first look at the track on Press Day.
- Next up, the series enters its first break of the season before Honda HRC Progressive returns for round 10 in Birmingham, Alabama, where racing resumes with 250SX East competition in a Triple Crown format.
KEN ROCZEN FASTEST QUALIFIER AT INDY SUPERCROSS
Lucas Oil Stadium hosted round nine of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The covered stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana provided a rutted track that upheld its reputation for breaking down rapidly throughout the racing. The Indy Supercross marked the midpoint of the 17-round season.
Race Highlights:
- Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki
- 450 Class
- Ken Roczen earned the fastest qualifying time; he used that track speed to recover strongly from a first turn tangle in the main event.
- 450 Class
- Twisted Tea Suzuki Presented by Progressive Insurance
- 450 Class
- Colt Nichols delivered his fifth-straight top-15 result.
- Kyle Chisholm matched his season-best performance under the challenging Indy track conditions.
- 450 Class
Ken Roczen (94) and his Suzuki RM-Z450, fresh off a Daytona Supercross win the weekend prior, started the day in Indianapolis again at the top of the boards. Roczen put up the fastest lap in qualifying and followed that up with a second-place result in his heat race. In the main event, another rider fell in the first turn and Roczen got tangled as he stopped to avoid a hard collision. Roczen extracted his bike and got going in 20th place. The track’s deep and unpredictable ruts made passing difficult, but Roczen was able to slice his way to a top-ten result.
“It was tough day for me, going in a little under the weather,” Roczen said. “We were the fastest qualifier and followed that up with a good heat race. Unfortunately, I was caught in a wreck in the first corner and was only able to fight my way back up to 7th. The team will reset and attack this off-weekend so we can give our best effort in Birmingham.”
Colt Nichols (45) found the speed to pick up three additional spots in the second timed qualifying session at Indy. A direct transfer from the heat race gave him a decent gate pick for the main event. Nichols was in the battle from the start of the main. After the 20-minute plus one lap race was completed, Nichols had made hard-fought progress to record his fifth top-fifteen result in a row.
“Indy 2025 was not that great for me,” admitted Nichols. “But I’m looking forward to having the week off, then coming back swinging in Birmingham in two weeks.”
Kyle Chisholm (11) had a strong pace early in the day, delivering his season-best qualifying spot from the first A-group qualifying session. Chisholm was on the move in his heat race; he recovered brilliantly from a poor start to claw his way all the way up to his season-best heat race result.
Kyle Chisholm (11) was held up in the first turn of the LCQ when another rider crashed across his path. Chisholm quickly worked his way up to the leader’s rear wheel, then held steady for a second-place result and transfer into the main event. In first corner of the main, Chisholm got caught up with the same rider who slowed Roczen. Chisholm put the passing lines he’d discovered to good use and advanced six positions before the checkered flag flew in Indianapolis.
“Indy is aways a tough track. You’ve got to change up your rhythm sometimes because the ruts get so bad; it keeps you on your toes all day, for sure,” reported Chisholm. “The bike worked really well all weekend. The team did a great job but, for me, I struggled putting it all together and connecting the sections and all the ruts. In the heat race, I rode pretty well and made some passes. I got up to 7th but ultimately, I wasn’t able to push; I rode a little bit tight, lost a couple of spots, and just missed out a direct transfer to the main… In the main event I came from pretty much last back up to 15th… I still want to do better, but the riding was better this week, so I was happy with that.”
“Coming off a victory at Daytona, this weekend just didn’t go as well as that one,” said Larry Brooks, Team Manager for the Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports/Suzuki presented by Progressive Insurance team. “In the main event, Ken Roczen got caught up with another rider in the first turn. He came back to seventh, which salvaged quite a few points. Colt Nichols finished 14th, and Kyle Chisholm finished 15th. So, although we had three Suzukis in the main event, the night didn’t go as well as we wanted. But we’re going to come back and fight again another day. It happens sometimes in racing, so we just need to keep our heads up and keep pounding away.”
The Supercross season now takes a rare weekend off, then returns to action on March 22nd inside Protective Stadium, in Birmingham, Alabama. The Birmingham Supercross will be the third Triple Crown event of the season and the popular championship-within-a-championship will be awarded. Ken Roczen earned podium finishes at both previous Triple Crown rounds, and he sits just five points out of the Monster Energy Supercross Triple Crown Championship points lead heading into the final Triple Crown event.
Please visit SuzukiCycles.com/Racing/Motocross and HEPMotorsports.com for more team news.
Dunlop Riders Sweep the top Six at Daytona 200 with Josh Herrin on top once again!
Dunlop Riders Sweep the top Six at Daytona 200 with Josh Herrin on top once again!
Josh Herrin and Ducati once again triumphed at the 83rd edition of the Daytona 200, with five more competitors on Dunlop tires close behind!
This year’s Daytona 200 celebrated its 83rd anniversary, known for delivering unparalleled racing excitement. With an exceptional lineup of talent from all over the world, the 2025 race upheld this tradition. Josh Herrin, representing Celtic/Economy Lube+Tire/Warhorse HSBK Ducati, started from the first row, successfully building on his previous 2023 and 2024 victories aboard his Dunlop-supported Ducati Panigale V2. This win locks him in the record books as the first rider ever to win the Daytona 200 three years in a row and four in total, all on Dunlop tires.
Trailing Herrin by 5.33 seconds were fellow Dunlop riders Richie Escalante on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki, teammate and pole-sitter Tyler Scott, Peter Hickman on his PHR Performance Triumph, and then the TOBC Racing teammates Brandon Paasch and Danny Eslick, all claiming the top six positions, each on Dunlop tires!
Thanks to the efforts of MotoAmerica, the Daytona 200 continues to thrive, drawing top competitors such as Pirelli and Bridgestone, all competing for victory at one of the most challenging and revered events of the year. Dunlop’s steadfast commitment to excellence and winning remains evident, making success a foreseeable outcome. While Dunlop supports tire control programs, Dunlop eagerly awaits the next chance to showcase Dunlop’s unrivaled quality. This year, Dunlop has again demonstrated that its technology and performance are second to none, especially with the continuation of the Sportmax Slick line of race slicks.
Dunlop’s deep passion for success, along with a firm dedication to technological advancement and thorough testing, has cemented its reputation in the industry. As the exclusive tire supplier for the MotoAmerica Championship, Dunlop has leveraged their extensive racing experience and engineering expertise to develop tires capable of securing championships.
