This week in US Powersports business.
THE 2027 KTM 790 DUKE – EXPERIENCE THE MASTERY OF CONTROL
The 2027 KTM 790 DUKE marks a bold return of ‘The SCALPEL’, representing the most extensive evolution within the lifecycle of this model to date. With an aggressive styling update, more intuitive tech, and rider focused ergonomic improvements, reinforcing its position as the benchmark in the middleweight Naked bike segment.
For 2027, the KTM 790 DUKE returns to the tarmac with a renewed focus on control.
Known in previous iterations as the sharpest tool for carving up apexes, the 2027 model has evolved to be even more masterful in its approach.
Immediately evident in its styling, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE adopts the same aggressive stance as the KTM 990 DUKE and KTM 1390 SUPER DUKE R. It features a redesigned headlight unit, streamlined bodywork, a larger front fairing, and a reshaped fuel tank.
Under the skin, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE retains the proven, EURO 5+ compliant 799 cc LC8c parallel-twin powerplant, delivering 105 hp in the standard version and 95 hp in the A2 license compliant variant. A newly designed exhaust and muffler complete the package.
However, the biggest improvements in the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE focus on a completely reworked rider triangle. A new handlebar shape featuring a more open angle, repositioned rider and passenger footpegs, and an improved seat all work together to deliver a more natural, connected riding position. Despite its larger, more ‘grown-up’ appearance, a 2 kg weight reduction further enhances agility. These, together with a new subframe, new triple clamps, and a new tank design, further improve handling and ergonomics and provide excellent chassis and front-wheel feedback.
Most importantly, we listened and we acted. Rider feedback has been taken on board with intent, leading to the phased withdrawal of Demo Mode from future models. A clear decision, shaped by those who ride. At the same time, the tire specification has been upgraded to Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, further strengthening the bike’s dynamic and rider-focused character.
High-specification components, including a WP steering damper, and all-new WP radial brakes are fitted as standard to further refine overall handling.
The new WP braking is a complete braking system developed in-house, marking a major step forward in rider-focused performance, offering improved braking power with less effort at the lever, a smooth, linear response without a harsh initial bite, and enhanced control and feel.
The suspension hasn’t been left untouched either, with the proven WP APEX hardware receiving an update at both ends. The WP APEX 43 mm open-cartridge upside-down front fork features 150 mm of suspension travel and implements split-function technology with adjustable compression and rebound damping. At the rear, an adjustable, gas-assisted WP APEX Monotube shock absorber features 170 mm of travel, offering adjustable rebound damping and preload for improved control.
The suspension is also adjustable via an easy-to-use 5-click dial, giving riders the confidence to fine-tune the bike to their own feel, ensuring a precise and controlled response without unnecessary complexity.
As a riding experience, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE is steadfast in its ‘Cut on Command’ philosophy. It feels like a natural extension of its pilot, behaving and reacting in perfect synchronization with every input. As a machine, it retains the same apex-hunting agility and sharp handling DNA as before, but with an elevated Naked authority.
Said simply, the 2027 KTM 790 DUKE sets the new standard in the middleweight class.
A full range of KTM PowerParts and KTM PowerWear is also available for riders to personalize their motorcycles and get kitted out with READY TO RACE riding gear.
The 2027 KTM 790 DUKE will be available at authorized KTM dealers from end of July with availability varying by market. For more information on pricing and availability, please contact your local KTM dealer or visit KTM.com.
Polaris Appoints Dustin Semach to Board of Directors
Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) announced today that it has appointed Dustin J. Semach to the Company’s Board of Directors, effective June 19, 2026.
“On behalf of the Board, it’s a pleasure to welcome Dustin, an accomplished leader in the industrial and technology sectors whose experience across finance, strategy and operations brings valuable perspective to Polaris,” said Polaris’ Board Chair, John Wiehoff. “His background complements the Board’s strategic focus on advancing our powersports strategy and positioning the Company for its next phase of growth, while delivering long-term value for shareholders.”
Semach currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Sealed Air Corporation, a leading global provider of packaging solutions. He was appointed President and CEO in February 2025 after joining the company as Chief Financial Officer in 2023. Semach has extensive experience leading business transformation, finance, operations, and technology across global public companies. Prior to Sealed Air, he served as Chief Financial Officer of TTEC Holdings, Inc. and Rackspace Technology, Inc., and held leadership roles at DXC Technology, Computer Sciences Corporation and IBM.
Semach will serve on the Board’s Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.
Polaris and the National Forest Foundation Announce Recipients of the 2026 Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants
Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE:PII), a global leader in powersports, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) announced the 2026 recipients of the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants. The announcement also marks a major milestone in the partnership—the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation is now fully endowed, securing long-term support for outdoor recreation. This achievement provides ongoing, sustainable funding to advance off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation access, trail stewardship, responsible riding education, and conservation efforts across America’s National Forests and surrounding land.
Established through a $5 million commitment announced in 2021, the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation supports annual grants that improve OHV trail systems, restore recreation infrastructure, enhance signage, and help promote safe and enjoyable riding experiences. With the endowment now fully established, this support will continue for generations to come.
“Our relationship with the National Forest Foundation is rooted in a shared commitment to investing in the future of American outdoor recreation and caring for the places that make it possible,” said Jess Rogers, Vice President of Communications and Community Giving at Polaris. “With the endowment now fully funded, we’re proud to not only announce the 2026 projects, but to extend this commitment well beyond today—supporting trail stewardship, access improvements, and responsible recreation so future generations of riders can continue to create memories outdoors.”
2026 Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grant Recipients
This year, nearly $200,000 in funding will support seven initiatives across multiple National Forests located in Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Vermont to help address trail maintenance, safety, sustainability, and responsible riding education for both OHV and snowmobile users. Projects selected for 2026 include:
- Sedona Forest Road Speed Pilot Project – Coconino National Forest, Arizona: Installation of speed-limit and radar signage along a popular OHV route to improve safety and promote responsible riding practices.
- Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area Snowmobile Support – White River National Forest, Colorado: Donation of a snowmobile and equipment to support U.S. Forest Service winter patrols, helping manage rider safety, enforce designated use areas, and protect sensitive wildlife habitat.
- Tenderfoot Mountain Trail Maintenance – White River National Forest, Colorado: Volunteer crews will complete tread repair and corridor clearing on a popular multi-use trail to improve safety and long-term sustainability for motorized and non-motorized users.
- Cadillac ORV Scenic Ride Sustainability Project – Huron-Manistee National Forests, Michigan: Maintenance and trailhead improvements to support a shared off-road vehicle (ORV) and snowmobile route and improve the year-round visitor experience.
- Corridor 19 Improvements – White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire: Drainage and trail surface improvements along approximately four miles of a key snowmobile corridor to enhance safety and long‑term maintenance, while supporting early‑season grooming operations.
- Wayehutta OHV Trail System Improvements – Nantahala National Forest, Tennessee: Trail restoration and erosion-control work to repair Hurricane Helene-related damage, improve drainage, and restore safe public access.
- Sucker Pond Trail Relocation – Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont: Relocation of a portion of the trail to protect wetlands and local water resources while improving rider safety and trail connectivity.
“Polaris has been a steadfast champion of our National Forests,” said Dieter Fenkart Froeschl, President and CEO of the National Forest Foundation. “By creating a source of lasting annual support, Polaris empowers us to strengthen recreation opportunities and uplift the communities who find adventure and connection in these treasured places.”
The endowment issued its first grant in 2022. Since then, Polaris and the NFF have supported ten on‑the‑ground projects across eight National Forests.
To learn more about the Polaris and NFF partnership please visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/national-forest-foundation-partnership/.
Massimo Group Secures Up to US$4 Million in Controlling Shareholder Funding to Accelerate Intelligent Patrol Systems Development and Terminates Previously Announced FST Acquisition
Massimo Group (NASDAQ: MAMO) (“Massimo” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and distributor of powersports vehicles, UTVs, ATVs and innovative mobility solutions, today announced that it has terminated its previously announced proposed acquisition of FST Development Company Limited (“FST”), originally disclosed on February 3, 2026.
Under the previously contemplated transaction structure, a portion or all of the acquisition consideration could have been satisfied through the issuance of Company shares. Following a comprehensive review of the Company’s strategic priorities, capital allocation plans and recent internal development progress, the Company has elected not to proceed with the proposed acquisition and will no longer pursue the previously contemplated stock-based acquisition structure.
Over the past several months, the Company’s internal development programs and strategic development partnerships have achieved significant progress across multiple advanced security technology initiatives, including intelligent patrol systems, autonomous patrol vehicle platforms, drone-assisted security technologies, AI-powered command and monitoring platforms, and related intelligent security solutions. These developments have strengthened management’s confidence in the Company’s internal technology roadmap and reduced the need to pursue external acquisitions to obtain similar capabilities.
To support the Company’s disciplined capital allocation strategy while preserving operating flexibility, the Company’s controlling shareholder made the decision to provide up to US$4 million in funding support to accelerate the Company’s internal development programs focused on intelligent patrol systems, autonomous security technologies, AI-powered monitoring platforms and related next-generation security solutions.
The funding is expected to support product development, testing, optimization, pilot deployments, commercialization efforts and continued technology advancement across the Company’s intelligent security platform initiatives.
Quenton Petersen, Chief Executive Officer of Massimo Group, commented:
“Our internal development initiatives have advanced significantly over the past several months. After evaluating multiple strategic alternatives, we believe focusing on our existing intelligent patrol and advanced security technology programs is the best path forward for Massimo and its shareholders.
The commitment from our controlling shareholder reflects confidence in our technology roadmap, development progress and long-term growth opportunities. With this support, we will focus on product development, commercialization and market expansion while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.”
Importantly, Massimo is not starting from zero. The Company already has an established nationwide sales network, dealer relationships, distribution channels, operational infrastructure, and manufacturing capabilities across the United States. With its commercial platform already in place, management believes the most efficient path forward is to enhance and expand that platform through advanced security technologies, intelligent patrol systems, autonomous mobility solutions, and AI-enabled security applications.
U.S. Marine Corps Places First Polaris MRZR Alpha Order on New ULTV Contract
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has placed its first delivery order to Polaris Government and Defense on the new Ultra-Light Tactical Vehicle (ULTV) contract, ordering more than 70 MRZR Alphas and numerous accessories vital to mission success. More than half the vehicles ordered were the new 5kW export power variant and the remaining were the standard, 1kW version – all are green, four-seat vehicles.
Polaris accessories included in the order have been commonly incorporated on MRZR Alpha ULTVs for the Marines and include:
- Roof Kit – reversible roof kit with multicam-patterned camouflage on one side and olive drab on the other for mission planning flexibility while protecting occupants from exposure to the elements.
- Road March Kit – turn signals, horn, rear view and side mirrors to provide operators enhanced auditory and visual situation awareness during off-road administrative movements.
- Modular Cargo System – siderails and tailgate enclose the rear deck to contain cargo and provide many attachment points for securing gear and other vehicle accessories. The heavy-duty tailgate can also drop down for additional cargo space in the down position. Aircraft rails are built in for optional accessories, like integration of litter mounts.
- Fire Extinguisher – Class 5-BC fire extinguisher can be mounted to the roll cage in various spots, using a vinyl mount secured by two heavy duty Velcro straps with special rubber attached to ensure mount is securely fastened.
- Towbar Mount – specifically designed clamps mount a towbar provision for storage during non-use.
“Polaris engineering and development efforts resulted in expanded accessories developed specifically for MRZR Alpha customers, like the Marines,” said Erin Telander, Defense program manager, Polaris Government and Defense. “That includes the ability to export 5kW of power directly from the vehicle itself, which the Marines will be able to leverage with their latest order.”
The MRZR Alpha is Polaris’ most advanced light tactical vehicle, engineered to meet the evolving demands of expeditionary forces. Designed for enhanced payload capacity, tactical air transport and off-road performance, the MRZR Alpha enables rapid unit deployment and exceptional maneuverability across difficult terrain while reducing logistical demand due to the vehicle’s superior durability.
The indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract was awarded May 22, 2026, through Program Acquisition Executive Marine Corps (PAE-MC) and has a ceiling of up to $98M, with an order period of up to five years. This contract reinforces the value that Polaris brings to the warfighter – a responsive and engaged team with off-road engineering expertise, world-class manufacturing and a built-in global support network.
Commercial platforms like the Polaris MRZR Alpha have been instrumental in accelerating delivery of highly mobile systems to the field. Polaris provides global parts availability through its existing worldwide network of dealers and distributors, empowering greater self-sufficiency for distributed forces.
About Polaris Government and Defense – Polaris Government and Defense vehicles are forged from more than 70 years of off-road innovation and leadership. The commercial prowess and innovative culture of Polaris are leveraged to deliver unique value to government entities and military forces worldwide. This dedicated division provides highly capable, simple to use, and affordable mobility platforms and vehicles that are readily available through easy procurement channels and supported through lifecycle training, service and maintenance from Polaris – the original equipment manufacturer.
Polaris Government and Defense | Mobility Made Easy | Polaris.com/Gov
Deegan Finishes Third Overall at High Point
Four rounds into his rookie 450MX campaign, Haiden Deegan continues to build momentum, earning his second overall podium finish of the Pro Motocross season at the High Point National in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania.
As the series made its first stop in the East at High Point Raceway, Deegan showed speed from the start, topping the first qualifying session and ending up fourth in the combined times. In the first moto, he had a good start in the top five but got shuffled back to 10th. The six-time 250 class champion put his head down and charged back to fifth five laps in and then made the pass on his teammate Cooper Webb on the following lap. As the clock wound down, he closed the gap to Jorge Prado and tried to advance further, but would cross the line fourth.
“We had a good first qualifying, one of my best qualifying sessions,” said Deegan. “The second qualifying session was still pretty good, but I was a little off on the time. I feel like the day came around really well. In the first moto, I ran fourth, but the boys were right there. Obviously, Hunter (Lawrence) was riding well today. I didn’t have much for him.”
In Moto 2, it was another strong start with Deegan quickly making his way to fifth. On Lap 5, he passed Aaron Plessinger and then closed the distance to Prado, passing him at the halfway mark and riding away. The 20-year-old threw down some fast laps in the latter half of the moto and started to eat away at the gap to Jett Lawrence, but the series points leader answered back. Deegan would ride on to finish third, securing his fourth moto podium of the season and third overall with a 4-3 score. He continues to maintain third in the championship standings, 38 points from the leader and 22 points clear of fourth.
“It’s cool to see me bridge the gap and get that quick in four rounds,” Deegan said. “The second moto, I started about sixth and made my way up to third. I put on a charge to Jett at the end and got pretty close. It was good. We’re trending in the right direction. Last round, I was 30 seconds behind Jett in the second moto, and this round I was three to four seconds behind. We’re putting in a lot of work and getting more consistent and stronger. We’re just heading in the right direction.”
It was an up-and-down day for Webb at High Point. He qualified inside the top 10 and from there, got another great start in third and quickly claimed the lead in Moto 1. Hunter Lawrence made his way back through, but Webb maintained the runner-up spot for the first three laps. It soon became a three-rider battle with Prado and Jett Lawrence on his heels. On Lap 4, both riders made their way through, with Deegan passing Webb on Lap 6. The North Carolina rider remained fifth before dropping back in the latter half of the moto, finishing seventh for his best moto result of the season. Webb got another good start in Moto 2, but unfortunately a technical issue forced him to withdraw early, ending the day 13th overall.
“Today was a good day at High Point,” said Webb. “I qualified ninth, which was good, and then got a great start, made the pass for the lead, and led for a few turns. I ran top-five for a bit before making my way to seventh. Unfortunately, about 10 minutes into Moto 2, I had to pull in with an issue with the bike, and I wasn’t able to complete the race. I’m bummed about that, but I’m happy overall with my best day at the races so far. I’m looking forward to the break and coming out swinging at RedBud for the Fourth of July weekend!”
“Overall, it was a really good day here at High Point,” said Rich Simmons, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 450 Team Manager. “In the first qualifying session, Haiden was P1. He followed that up with a fourth in the second one, but was really close on the time. It was good to see him come out and learn the track that quickly and show some speed. He had a really good start to the first moto, but he got caught up with somebody and had to come back from 10th. So it was a good recovery there. In the second moto, same thing, he got a good start and came through the pack, but to show that speed at the end of the moto, it was really good to see. He’s worked hard, and the team’s worked hard, so it’s good to see that it’s starting to show and pay off.
“For Webb, it’s been an improvement every weekend. His starts are really good. Unfortunately, there was a little bike problem in the second moto, but overall, another positive day for him. We’ll just keep building and do some more work during this break, and come back at RedBud.”
The series now takes a short break before returning to action at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan – Round 5 of the Pro Motocross Championship, and Round 22 of the Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship – held on the Fourth of July.
Cole Davies Earns First Pro Motocross Victory with a Perfect Score at High Point
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cole Davies was smiling again at High Point Raceway. After a tough weekend at the previous round in Colorado, the New Zealander needed to make up some ground in the Pro Motocross 250 Championship, and there was no better way to do that than winning. Which is precisely what the 18-year-old did in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania, winning both motos en route to his first overall victory, which closed the gap to within seven points of the leader.
Davies wasn’t the only Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider to enjoy a breakthrough weekend at the High Point National. Kayden Minear also posted personal best results, scoring his first podium in Moto 2 and a career-best top-five overall.
“It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 250 Team General Manager. “Cole rose to the occasion and did what we knew he could do. So we are all around stoked on a perfect day. And for Minear, it’s also technically his rookie season, so to get third in that second moto is pretty cool. Dudney, as well, was up there early at one point. All the guys were making progress this weekend. We need to work on qualifying with some of the guys, and if we can get the first motos to be a little bit better, we’ll be battling for the podium.”
High Point Raceway was another all-new track for the 2026 250SX East Champion, but Davies found his stride straight away. He was the fastest qualifier for the second weekend in a row and got much better starts to both of his motos. In the first one, he slotted into second, but in the chaos, Davies was shuffled back to sixth on that opening lap. He steadily worked his way back to the front and was in the runner-up spot mid-moto, and was closing in on Julien Beaumer.
On the following lap, the leader crashed by the finish line, with Davies inheriting the lead and riding away to claim his second moto win of the season. In Moto 2, the 18-year-old New Zealander grabbed the holeshot and would remain unchallenged to complete a perfect day at what is referred to as the “Country Club of Motocross.”
“It was a perfect day for me,” said Davies. “First in both qualifying sessions and 1-1 in both motos. I felt good. I feel like myself again, and I feel like my starts are back. I’m just excited for more racing.”
Minear’s day was a bit of a slow start, qualifying 18th, but despite not having the best gate pick, the 19-year-old Australian had a decent start in sixth. On the opening lap, he dropped back to 10th, where he would ultimately finish. In the second moto, Minear got a great start and slotted into second behind Davies. He held down the runner-up spot, but was passed by Beaumer after the halfway mark. He then found himself under pressure from another one of the title contenders, Jo Shimoda. Minear put up a good fight to fend off challenges, including a well-calculated countermove on the final lap to hold onto third, earning his first Pro Motocross podium and a career-best fifth overall finish.
“It was a good day at High Point,” said Minear. “I started off slow in qualifying; I really need to sort that out. The first moto was rough, with an alright start. I just didn’t have the intensity at the start and ended up 10th in that one. In the second moto, I got a really good start and was running second for a long time, and dropped back to third. I was battling with Jo (Shimoda) for most of the moto, so it was good fun. It’s definitely one to remember.”
Michael Mosiman joined them in the top 10. He qualified sixth, but did not get the start he was hoping for in the first moto and found himself back in 19th. The Californian charged through to 10th before the halfway mark, and then battled with his teammate Minear, making the pass for ninth on the final lap. In Moto 2, he got a better start and broke the top 10 in the opening laps, once again finishing ninth to end the day eighth overall.
“There was more progress today, but I’m not stoked on the end result,” said Mosiman. “I was able to qualify sixth, which was pretty solid. Then I had a really bad start to the first moto, and that kind of set me back, but I was able to push through and get up to ninth. I battled my teammate, Minear, for a good while and got him on the last lap. Then the second moto, I got a better start, but I got shuffled back a little bit in the first couple laps. I was rolling pretty decent, and then towards the end, I just started having bad lines. I had one big near-moment, and I think I started riding a little tentatively. We were still trying to push and move forward, but it just wasn’t happening. We’ll get back to work.”
Caden Dudney also made improvements. He had his best qualifying result so far this season in seventh, and then got a good start to Moto 1 and was battling for a podium position in the opening laps. After being passed by his teammate on Lap 6, Dudney found himself under pressure from Shimoda, but held him off until Lap 11. He lost a couple of positions on that lap and ultimately dropped back to eighth. In Moto 2, a bad start made for an uphill battle with the 16-year-old finishing 17th and ending the day 12th overall.
“The day was good,” said Dudney. “Qualifying was much better, so that’s an improvement, and the first moto was good. I got a good start and was up in third for a while. It was just a different pace, and I wasn’t really used to it, but I know what it’s like now. The second moto was alright. I didn’t get that great of a start, but I just couldn’t push it the whole time.”
In just his second Pro Motocross round, Carson Wood continued to make progress with a season-best 16th overall finish. The 16-year-old qualified 11th, but then a bad start and a crash in Moto 1 had him working his way from the back of the field to finish 18th. In Moto 2, it was a much better start, with Wood in 14th after the opening lap. He continued to fight, crossing the line 13th.
“It went really well,” said Wood. “I was P11 in qualifying. Then the first moto, I got a bad start, went down, and finished 18th. In the second moto, I got a decent start and ended up 13th, which put me 16th overall. But I’m pretty pumped about it. I was kind of under the weather, so it was a little bit tough on me. I’m still proud of my effort.”
Fellow rookie Landen Gordon had a good start to the day with a top-10 qualifying result in ninth. Unfortunately, the young Californian was unable to find his flow at High Point Raceway and finished 15th in Moto 1 and 16th in Moto 2, ending the day 17th overall.
“It was a rough weekend for me,” said Gordon. “I struggled to flow with the track all day, and struggled with my starts as well. I’m going to work on a few things during the break, and going to be better these next few rounds!”
The series now takes a short break before returning to action at RedBud MX for the RedBud National – Round 5 of the Pro Motocross Championship, and Round 22 of the Monster Energy SuperMotocross World Championship – during Fourth of July weekend in Buchanan, Michigan.
Lachlan Turner Maintains Championship Lead with Gritty Runner-Up Finish at High Point
Champions always find a way. At Round 3 of the WMX Championship at High Point Raceway, reigning champions from both sides of the Atlantic showed their resilience, with defending WMX Champion Lachlan Turner and reigning FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion Lotte van Drunen both finishing on the overall podium.
For Turner, the Altus Motorsports BLU CRU Yamaha rider was fresh off another dominant victory at the previous round at Thunder Valley Motocross Park, but unfortunately came down with an illness after the Colorado round and was still under the weather in Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania. Despite feeling less than 100%, Turner dug deep and charged from eighth to third in Moto 1.
“I was sick all week and in bed every day before High Point,” said Turner. “On Friday, we had a decent practice, but in the moto, I didn’t get the best start. I was quite far back, and I had to work my way up. I was ripping. I worked my way up to third. I feel that if I had one more lap, I could’ve gotten first or second. I was literally right there at the finish line, but that’s racing. It was a good moto.”
Turner once again put in a gritty ride and showed her speed in Saturday’s Moto 2. After the restart, she grabbed the holeshot and built a comfortable lead before a crash with two laps remaining dropped her to second. The result secured second overall on the day.
“I got a horrible start in the first gate drop,” said Turner. “I was in the pile-up after the start, but there was a red flag and a restart. I made the most of that and pulled the holeshot. I was leading and had like a 10-second lead with two laps to go, then I got cross-rutted. I fell and hit my chest, and I finished second. Overall, it was a decent weekend for being sick. It’s lit a fire underneath me to get better.”
Although it wasn’t the victory she was chasing, Turner’s 3-2 moto scores were enough to maintain her nine-point championship lead heading into the midseason break.
Joining Turner on the overall podium was fellow BLU CRU Yamaha rider Lotte van Drunen. The rider from the Netherlands who also has a proven championship pedigree, made the leap to come overseas and race the WMX Championship in the U.S., with Slade Racing/HGS/Monster Energy/Fox stepping up to support the effort, which came together quickly for the reigning FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion.
In just her second round in the series, van Drunen showed the speed to run up front and overcame adversity to finish third overall with 2-4 moto scores at High Point Raceway. In Moto 1, she got a great start and slotted into second and finished there. In Moto 2, van Drunen had mixed fortunes. She grabbed the holeshot but then had a technical issue before the red flag was drawn. After the restart, she found herself at the back of the field. Undeterred, van Drunen stormed from 22nd to fourth by Lap 5 and maintained that position to secure third overall.
“Yesterday was pretty good,” said van Drunen. “Today I had some bad luck. I pulled the holeshot, and my holeshot device got stuck. Then there was the red flag, I hope she’s okay, and gets back soon. Starting without the holeshot device – it’s just impossible, but it wasn’t my best ride, either. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be on the podium, and maybe I’ll come back.”
The WMX Championship now heads into its midseason break before returning to action August 15 at the Unadilla National in New Berlin, New York.
