This Week in Powersports - The week of 8/27/23
Scott Lukaitis
Powersports, Motorsports & Racer Marketing, Management, and Media - Director of Sales and Marketing with Engine Ice at KOST USA, Inc.
Gavin Towers Dominates Final Scouting Moto Combine Gathering of 2023 Season from Ironman Raceway
The 2023 MX Sports Pro Racing Scouting Moto Combine, presented by?U.S. Air Force Special Warfare, hosted its final gathering of the summer on the eve of the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National, the 11th and final round of the 2023?Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. The highly regarded development program has helped foster the budding professional career of many young racers by providing a platform to showcase the sport’s most promising prospects. The gathering at Ironman Raceway featured the Combine’s latest breakthrough effort as newly signed Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Gavin Towers put forth a dominant 1-1 performance to become the program’s sixth different winner.
Prior to hitting the track for a pair of 25-minute-plus-two-lap motos, the invited group of 24 top A & B Class prospects were given invaluable insights into training, nutrition, and media engagement in a classroom-style setting. Additionally, riders were divided into five groups and assigned one of five combine coaches – Buddy Antunez, Michael Byrne, Broc Glover, Chad Reed, and Broc Tickle – for mentorship from some of the sport’s most respected and successful former pros.
Ironman Raceway hosted the final Scouting Moto Combine of the 2023 season. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing
Moto 1
One could argue that Towers is the best starter in amateur motocross, well known for his ability to get a perfect launch out the gate and position himself at or near the front of the field. That prowess was on full display at Ironman as Towers emerged from the first turn to open Moto 1 with the holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Krystian Janik. The lead pair soon pulled away from the field, with Towers able to put some distance between himself and Janik to establish a comfortable hold on the top spot.
A battle for third soon emerged as New Zealand rider Cole Davies, riding a Yamaha, came under pressure from Husqvarna rider Landon Gibson. The fight for third then turned into a three-rider affair as NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Avery Long was on a charge to the front after starting outside the top five. Long made the move on Gibson for fourth and set his sights on Davies. Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Enzo Temmerman added himself into the mix as well and fought hard with Long for a couple laps before the Yamaha rider got the upper hand and eventually made his way into third at the halfway point of the moto.
The top three remained unchanged through the closing stages of the moto, as Towers built a double-digit lead over the field that he managed with ease. The Yamaha pilot enjoyed a wire-to-wire effort to capture the Moto 1 win 14.7 seconds ahead of Janik, who ran second through the entirety of the moto. Long rounded out the top three, with Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams in fourth and Temmerman in fifth.
Newly signed Star Yamaha rider Gavin Towers dominated with a pair of wire-to-wire victories. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing
Moto 2
As riders roared out the starting gate for the final moto of the day it was once again Towers leading the field to the holeshot, this time with NSA Yamaha Amateur Factory Team rider Logan Best and Adams in tow. As Towers took advantage of the clear track to sprint away on the opening lap, Best and Adams engaged in battle for second that saw Adams secure control of the position. Behind them, Janik was mired deep in the field after some early misfortune and never factored into the race.
It didn’t take long for Towers and Adams to assert themselves at the head of the pack while Long was on another impressive climb through the field, starting sixth and clawing his way up to third after just a few laps. Temmerman was able to latch onto him in fourth.
The running order didn’t change through the remainder of the moto. Adams was able to keep Towers honest, but it was another wire-to-wire ride for the Yamaha rider who wrapped up a totally dominant afternoon by eight seconds over Adams. Long followed with another third-place result.
Drew Adams’ consistent 4-2 finishes landed him in the runner-up spot. Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing
Overall
Towers’ 1-1 performance comes on the heels of a breakthrough first title at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship just a few weeks ago and effectively solidifies his position as one of the top prospects in amateur motocross. A consistent afternoon for Adams landed him in the runner-up spot (4-2) while Long’s resiliency in each moto was rewarded with third overall (3-3).
Avery Long’s come-from-behind effort in each moto resulted in third overall (3-3). Photo Courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing
Ironman Moto Combine Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)
Ironman Combine overall podium finishers and their coaches (left to right): Drew Adams with Broc Tickle, Gavin Towers with Chad Reed, and Avery Long with Buddy Antunez. Photo: Align Media
For information about the Pro Motocross Championship, please visit?ProMotocross.com?and be sure to follow all of the Pro Motocross social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
DOUBLE PODIUMS FOR AARON PLESSINGER AND TOM VIALLE TO CLOSE OUT 2023 AMA PRO MOTOCROSS SEASON
?Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Aaron Plessinger and Tom Vialle both claimed third-place results to?conclude the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship on the podium at today's Ironman National, with fan favorite Plessinger also finishing P3 in the final 450MX standings.
Plessinger qualified in sixth place at the 11th and final round of the season, before powering his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION to two strong starts across the two-moto format, battling for the race lead early on in both motos. After spirited?rides in each race, the Ohio native finished with 5-3 moto results,?securing third place overall for the day.
A strong season?highlighted by three round podiums sees Plessinger finish the 450MX series in?third position, with the number 7 having to overcome moments of adversity throughout the year to eventually?earn a career-high result in the premier 450 Class.
With his combined results across both the 2023 AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross championships, Plessinger enters the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Finals series as the second seed in the 450 division, with the first of three events to take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway's zMAX Dragway on Saturday, September 9.
Aaron Plessinger:?"I’m pumped to finish this season’s outdoor championship on the box! We experienced a few ups and downs this year, which is all part of racing, although continued to fight and ended up with P3 overall in the championship. My first motos remained the difficult part of the day, which was the same deal today, although we rebounded well in moto two for third place. Onto the SMX playoffs now, I’m stoked and intrigued to see what the tracks will be like, and excited to take the sport to all-new venues also."
In 250MX, dual MX2 World Champion Vialle capped off a successful debut season in AMA Pro Motocross, beginning?the Ironman?National by setting the seventh-fastest qualifying time onboard his KTM 250 SX-F. A?solid start?resulted in?a third-place finish in the opening moto, before having to charge through the field for P4 in the second moto and?taking third overall for the final round.
Vialle showed immense speed throughout?his maiden campaign on U.S. soil, which culminated in an overall win at Round 6 of the?season in the sands of Southwick. Posting a string of consistent finishes, the Frenchman?was ranked?sixth place overall in the final season standings.
Tom Vialle:?"I really didn't know what to expect this year, to be honest, racing my first?season of Pro Motocross. Learning how these guys race, learning the tracks at every round for the first time, and then how to set the bike up over here too. Racing Supercross in the winter and motocross through the summer, this was all new to me, so I am very happy to finish my season here at Ironman with a podium, also to get the win in Southwick, and to come out of my first full season in America healthy."
250MX teammate Maximus Vohland shadowed Vialle in qualifying by posting the eighth-fastest time, before two calculated rides saw the Californian achieve an 8-8 moto scorecard, which earned him?P8 overall for the round. In what marked a consistent season, Vohland?ended the series in seventh place overall.
Maximus Vohland:"It was a tough weekend here in Ironman. I had to fight back to eighth in moto one after going down in the opening lap carnage, then in the second moto I really charged hard, was in sixth, and then an off-track excursion cost me a couple of places. Seventh overall for the championship, I would've liked for more, although I was happy with the improvements I made this year and now we'll come back for the SMX playoffs next up."
With their performances across both the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross championships, Vialle and Vohland enter the SMX Finals P6 and P7, respectively in the 250 category.The Ironman National marked another invaluable learning experience for 250MX Class?newcomer Julien Beaumer, who qualified in 12th position, before racing to 15th in the?first moto after being caught up in an opening lap crash. A top-five start in moto two saw the?teenager on-pace with the front-runners, before an untimely fall resulted in an early retirement from the race.
Julien Beaumer:?"The weekend here at Ironman was decent for me. I qualified in 12th?place and felt pretty good, before I got caught up in the opening lap pile-up in moto one, so I had to come back through the field, which I did before I went down again. I recovered to 15th?and then in moto two, I got a great start, ran fourth and then dropped to seventh, where I was comfortable. Then I ended up having a crash, which took me out, but all-in-all I learned a lot these last two nationals, especially around the intensity these guys carry, and I’ll take these lessons into next year’s Supercross season. I’ve got a great team behind me, who have my back at all times, so I’m excited for the future." Next Race:?September?9 – Concord,?North Carolina (SuperMotocross Playoff 1)
Results 450MX Class – Ironman National 1. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 1-1 2. Chase Sexton (USA), Honda, 2-2 3. Aaron Plessinger (USA), KTM, 5-3 OTHER KTM 14.?Jess?Pettis (CAN), KTM 21. Max Miller (USA), KTM 26. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM 31. Crockett Myers (USA), KTM 34.?Anthony Rodriguez?(VEN), KTM
Results 250MX Class – Ironman National 1. Jo Shimoda (JPN), Kawasaki, 1-1 2. Haiden Deegan (USA), Yamaha, 2-3 3. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM, 3-4 OTHER KTM 8. Maximus Vohland (USA), KTM, 8-8 18. Derek Kelley (USA), KTM 20. Josh Varize (USA), KTM 21. Julien Beaumer (USA), KTM, 15-DNF 25. Slade Smith (RSA), KTM 28. Cameron Durow (RSA), KTM 29. Matti Jorgensen (USA), KTM 30. Hunter Cross (USA), KTM 31. Brock Bennett (USA), KTM 32. Marcus Phelps (USA), KTM 33. Leo Tucker (USA), KTM 34. Gerhard Matamoros (GRE), KTM 35. Jesse Jacobsen (USA), KTM Standings 450MX Class 2023 after 11 of 11 rounds 1. Jett Lawrence, 550 points 2. Dylan Ferrandis, 399 3. Aaron Plessinger, 386 OTHER KTM 12. Cooper Webb, 147 31. Max Miller, 26 40. Dante Oliveira, 15 42. Christopher Prebula, 12 43. Tyler Stepek, 11 44. Jess Pettis, 11 47. Brandon Scharer, 7 48. Kevin Moranz, 7 52. Trevor Schmidt, 4 69. Jeffrey Walker, 1 71.?Anthony Rodriguez, 1
Standings 250MX Class 2023 after 11 of 11 rounds 1. Hunter Lawrence, 419 points 2. Justin Cooper, 399 3. Jo Shimoda, 393 OTHER KTM 6. Tom Vialle, 306 7. Maximus Vohland, 295 24. Derek Kelley, 46 25. Josh Varize, 34 27. Slade Smith, 28 28. Julien Beaumer, 28 36. Jimmy Decotis, 13 37. Brock Bennett, 12 40. Matti Jorgensen, 7 41. Lux Turner, 7 44. Preston Boespflug, 4 46. Marcus Phelps, 2
Jett Lawrence Completes Fourth Perfect Season in Pro Motocross Championship History at Ironman Raceway
A multitude of history was made at Indiana’s Ironman Raceway on Saturday as the 2023?Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, came to a close with the Tucker Freight Lines Ironman National. Headlining the 11th and final round of the summer was the completion of the fourth perfect season in American motocross history as Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence captured moto wins 21 and 22 to put the finishing touch on what will be one of the most memorable championship campaigns the sport has ever witnessed. In the 250 Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence completed his own championship journey to cap off a historic feat for the Australian duo as the first ever siblings to sweep each respective title. To top it all off, Honda became the first manufacturer to successfully claim every championship in a single season following a sweep of the trio of titles up for grabs in Monster Energy Supercross earlier this year.
Moto 1
The penultimate moto of the season for the 450 Class kicked off with an incredible start by Jett Lawrence who easily grabbed the?MotoSport.com?Holeshot ahead of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton. A torrid pace in the opening laps saw Lawrence move out to a 1.7 second lead while Sexton was able to fight his way around Plessinger for second.
The Honda duo were in a class of their own and easily distanced themselves from the rest of the field. They traded fast laps, and each enjoyed better sections of the track, creating a bit of a yo-yo effect with the gap. Sexton was able to move within just over a second, but Lawrence responded and picked up the pace significantly to move out 4.4 seconds ahead of his teammate. Behind them, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson made moves from a fifth place start to break into podium position with a pass on Plessinger.
Back up front, Lawrence added to his lead over the second half of the moto and soon found himself more than nine seconds ahead of Sexton as time ran out on the moto clock. While the leaders found themselves well ahead of the rest of the field, the battle for third persisted as Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis was on a torrid charge to the podium. The Frenchman started ninth and was impressive in his forward progression, which culminated with a pass on Anderson for third inside the final 10 minutes of the moto.
Lawrence enjoyed another wire-to-wire effort to capture moto win 21, crossing the line 5.8 seconds ahead of Sexton, with Ferrandis a distant third. Anderson followed in fourth, while Plessinger rounded out the top five.
Jett Lawrence became the third rider in Pro Motocross history to complete a perfect season. Photo Courtesy?MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media
Moto 2
All the key players emerged at the front of the field to start the final moto of the season, with Ferrandis snagging the?MotoSport.com?Holeshot ahead of Lawrence, Sexton, and Plessinger. Just a few turns into the race Ferrandis crashed hard, which ended the Frenchman’s race and handed the lead to Lawrence as Sexton and Plessinger settled into second and third, respectively.
Lawrence put the hammer down on the opening laps to establish a 1.5 second lead over Sexton as the rest of the field settled into race pace. As each lap passed, Lawrence’s margin grew, little by little, and soon sat at more than four seconds approaching the halfway point of the moto. Sexton kept his teammate honest, which allowed both riders to distance themselves from Plessinger in third.
As the final 10 minutes of the season approached Sexton had chipped away to gain about a second on Lawrence and was the fastest rider on the track at this point of the moto. The gap between the teammates continued to shrink and soon dipped under three seconds, partially impacted by the leaders navigating through lapped traffic. As the final five minutes approached the gap was just 1.4 seconds, but as he’s done for much of the year Lawrence was able to pick up the pace again and pull back out. As time ran out on the moto clock the lead had grown to 3.4 seconds with just two laps to go.
Lawrence looked to manage the lead on the final lap as Sexton went all out and started to gain ground. However, it was too little too late for Sexton as Lawrence completed the perfect season with moto win 22. The final margin of victory was 1.7 seconds. Plessinger finished in a distant third.
Chase Sexton captured his sixth runner-up finish of the season (2-2). Photo Courtesy?MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media
Overall
The most dominant and impressive rookie season in 450 Class history saw Lawrence join elite company with the sport’s rarest feat. He becomes just the third rider in 52 seasons to go undefeated, joining AMA Hall of Famers Ricky Carmichael, who compiled two perfect seasons, and James Stewart. Lawrence’s 11 career wins already place him into a tie for 15th all time after just one season of competition.
Sexton’s sixth runner-up finish (2-2) of the season capped off an impressive summer for the Supercross Champion, despite missing three races with injury. He failed to finish off the podium just once in eight starts. Plessinger rounded out the overall podium in third (5-3) for his third podium result of the season.
Lawrence’s final margin in the 450 Class standings is 151 points over Ferrandis, while Plessinger earned his best-career championship finish in the premier class in third.
Aaron Plessinger finished third overall (5-3) at his home race. Photo Courtesy?MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media
Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC “[The perfect season] doesn’t feel real. I started off so nervous hitting the gate [in Moto 2]. I don’t know how I led the first lap. Now we’re undefeated. To all the people who doubted me, here we are now. Also, congrats to Hunter [Lawrence]. No one deserved that [250 Class] title more than him.”
Chase Sexton, Team Honda HRC “Jett upped the game a bit [this season]. I had to play catch up when I came back [from injury], but then he got better. You haven’t seen the last of me winning [in Pro Motocross]. I’m determined to come back stronger next season.”
Aaron Plessinger, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing “I don’t know what it is, but I love these second motos. I ride way better in the second motos than the first, so I’ve got to get that figured out. I heard these home fans every lap, it was amazing. I’m really happy with what we accomplished this season.”
450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)
450 Class Championship Final Standings
Moto 1
The first moto of the 250 Class saw Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco lead the field to the?MotoSport.com?Holeshot ahead of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing ride of Tom Vialle and the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki duo of Seth Hammaker and Jo Shimoda. Deep in the field was championship point leader Hunter Lawrence, who started 17th aboard after being forced to avoid a crash in the first turn. The early adversity also impacted Lawrence’s primary title rival, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper, who was one of several riders collected in the incident and forced to fight his way forward from well outside the top 20.
With his first opportunity to lead a Pro Motocross moto DiFrancesco took hold of the top spot and managed a lead for the opening nine minutes before Vialle closed in and made the pass. Vialle was followed by Shimoda, who dropped his teammate to third. From there a battle for lead ensued as the international duo engaged in a spirited fight, with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rookie Haiden Deegan lurking in third. As the moto approached its halfway point the top three on the track were separated by a mere 1.5 seconds.
Shimoda ramped up his aggression and managed to make the pass on Vialle, which put the Frenchman into the clutches of Deegan. The battle for second saw both riders swap lines throughout the track, trading bursts of momentum. Meanwhile, Shimoda moved out to a one-second lead. Behind them, Lawrence broke into the top 10, while Cooper remained mired in 15th.
Deegan mounted another charge to make the pass on Vialle and then looked to erase a 2.1 second deficit to Shimoda with less than 12 minutes remaining. Deegan made an initial push to close the gap, but Shimoda responded and continued to build on his advantage as the moto wore on and eventually moved ahead by nearly 7.5 seconds. From there the top three settled into their respective positions while Lawrence’s climb through the field continued to the cusp of the top five in sixth.
Shimoda’s single-best-moto of the season saw the Japanese rider take the seventh moto win of his career and his second of the season, crossing the line 7.6 seconds ahead of Deegan, followed by Vialle in third. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner finished in fourth, while Lawrence clawed his way up to fifth. Cooper managed to fight his way back to 13th, but it wasn’t enough to keep Lawrence from clinching the championship with his top-five result.
Jo Shimoda wrapped up the season with the first win of 2023 for both he and Kawasaki following the Japanese rider’s first ever 1-1 outing. Photo Courtesy?MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media
Moto 2
The final 250 Class moto of the summer started off with a sweep of the?MotoSport.comHoleshots by DiFrancesco with Shimoda right on his rear fender ahead of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen. A persistent Kitchen went on the attack against Shimoda and made the pass before setting his sights on DiFrancesco. Shimoda bided his time in third, several positions ahead of all his rivals in the battle for the overall as Vialle sat sixth, Deegan seventh, and Lawrence 10th.
After settling into a groove Shimoda’s pace ramped up again. He caught the leaders and made a quick, savvy move to reclaim second from Kitchen. He proceeded to close in on his teammate for the lead and apply pressure. The top three pulled away from the rest of the field and sat more than five seconds clear of fourth.
Shimoda started to look for a way around DiFrancesco, but the rookie withstood the attack initially. However, Shimoda’s persistence paid off and he took control of the lead with 18 minutes remaining. Kitchen then made the move on DiFrancesco for second and looked to track down Shimoda once more. At the turn of the midway point of the moto Shimoda’s lead hovered around two seconds over Kitchen, while Cooper rebounded from his adversity filled first moto with a move into podium position, which dropped DiFrancesco to fourth.
With a little more than 10 minutes to go Kitchen crashed out of second and was forced to retire from the moto, which moved Cooper up to second and Vialle up to third. For Shimoda the dominance continued through the remainder of the race as he wrapped up the first moto sweep of his career, finishing 2.1 seconds ahead of Cooper, while Deegan made a late pass on Vialle to nab third. In his first moto as champion, Lawrence savored the moment and cruised home to a ninth-place finish.
Haiden Deegan wrapped up Rookie of the Year honors with a runner-up finish (2-3). Photo Courtesy?MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media
Overall
Shimoda’s maiden 1-1 performance and third career win proved significant for Kawasaki, which had yet to win throughout Monster Energy Supercross and the first 10 rounds of Pro Motocross, and helped the manufacturer avoid its first winless season since 1981. Deegan’s late pass for third in Moto 2 allowed the newly crowned Rookie of the Year to finish in the runner-up spot (2-3), while Vialle ended his first year on American soil with his third podium result in third (3-4).
While Shimoda enjoyed the spoils of victory, it was Lawrence who savored the celebration of a championship. The veteran Australian captured seven victories over the course of the summer and eight podium finishes to finish the season with a final margin of 20 points over Cooper, who earned his fourth career championship podium result, while Shimoda earned a second straight championship podium finish in third.
Team Honda HRC is now in the midst of a three-year winning streak for 250 Class titles following back-to-back crowns by Jett Lawrence in 2021 and 2022.
Tom Vialle completed his first season of U.S. competition in third (3-4). Photo Courtesy?MX Sports Pro Racing / Align Media
Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC “I saw the chaos in the second turn. I saw blue bikes and then the No. 32 and thought, ‘That sucks.’ I was way, way back, trying to be patient and trying not to rush anything. Man, what a year. Never say die, never give up. It’s unbelievable. So honored to thank the team with five championships, and the year’s not done.”
Jo Shimoda, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki “I’m so happy to end the last race like this. I got two good starts and it turned into a 1-1. It’s been a long, great season and I’m excited for the SMX rounds.”
Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing “This year’s been crazy. To be honest, I woke up sick as a dog, but there ain’t no quit in me. I’m going to fight until the end. This year’s been hard, but I never gave up. I’m going to go home, work my butt off, and come back swinging next year.”
Tom Vialle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing “It’s nice to finish the season on the podium. This track was sick. I’m really looking forward to coming back and having a better season next summer.”
250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)
250 Class Championship Final Standings
While the sport’s regular season has drawn to a close, its first ever postseason awaits in a matter of 14 days. The inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs will commence with three rounds of postseason competition, beginning on Saturday, September 9, with Playoff 1 from Charlotte’s zMAX Dragway. Playoff 2 will take place one week later, on Saturday, September 16, from Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois, before the SMX Finale on Saturday, September 23, from the hallowed grounds of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Coverage from all three events will be streamed live on Peacock, in addition to network coverage from Charlotte and Los Angeles on USA Network. Tickets can be purchased at?www.SuperMotocross.com.
For information about the Pro Motocross Championship, please visit?ProMotocross.com?and be sure to follow all of the Pro Motocross social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
领英推荐
JUSTIN BARCIA WRAPS UP MX SEASON WITH A TOP-FIVE MOTO FINISH AT IRONMAN
The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team wrapped up a tough injury-plagued outdoor season at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, with a goal of building momentum for the upcoming inaugural SuperMotocross playoffs.
250 MX
After qualifying just outside the top ten of the talent-laden 250 class, Pierce Brown’s first moto got off to a rough start when he went down with a cluster of riders in the second turn. After remounting his MC 250F Factory Edition, he made his way back to 17th. In moto two, he got off to a better start and was 14th?at the end of the first lap. From there, he picked off four riders, making his way to tenth at the finish.
Pierce Brown:?“The first moto was a little bit rough. I got tangled up with some riders after the start which was unfortunate. I had to start from basically dead last, and was able to make it up to 17th. Not a good moto, but I was happy with my riding. In moto two it wasn't a great start or a terrible start, but I was able to make some passes and ended up tenth. So, for how the last couple motos have been I'm pretty happy with how I rode in moto two and how it went so hopefully we're building some momentum for the SuperMotocross rounds."
450 MX
In his third race back since returning to action, Justin Barcia qualified tenth aboard his MC 450F Factory Edition on the fast and flowing Ironman circuit. Unfortunately, a crash early in moto one dropped him deep into the 40-rider pack. He salvaged what he could for the moto by charging his way back to 11th?at the finish. In moto two, a much better start had him running in the top four, and he dropped one spot to finish fifth at the checkers.
Justin Barcia:?“I had a tough first moto. I got into a little pile-up and came back to 11th. It definitely wasn't happy with that. In the second moto, I had a decent start and rode really hard. I found some decent lines, had a good flow going, and ended up fifth. I was definitely happier with the second moto considering where I was at a couple weeks ago to now. Not bad, but I definitely have a lot of work to do. I'm looking forward to SuperMotocross and getting back to my winning self.”
Next Event (SuperMotocross Round 1): September 9, 2023 – zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C.
Results – 2023?AMA Pro Motocross Championship,?Round?11
250 MX
1. Jo Shimoda (Kawasaki) 1-1; 2. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 2-3; 3. Tom Vialle (KTM) 3-4 …?13. Pierce Brown (GASGAS)?17-10;?23. Mark Fineis (GASGAS)?21-20;?27. Gage Linville (GASGAS)?24-27
450 MX
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 1-1; 2. Chase Sexton (Honda) 2-2; 3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 5-3…?7. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)?11-5;?15. Jose Butron (GASGAS)?39-11;?20. Romain Pape (GASGAS)?40-15;?42. Raimundo Trasolini (GASGAS)?35-DNS
Final Championship Standings
250 MX
1. Hunter Lawrence (Honda) 419 points; 2. Justin Cooper (Yamaha) 399 points; 3.?Jo Shimoda (Honda) 393 points…?19. Pierce Brown (GASGAS)?76 points;30. Michael Mosiman (GASGAS)?20 points;?36. Tyson Johnson (GASGAS)?13 points;?45. Joel Rizzi (GASGAS)?3 points;?48. Mark Fineis (GASGAS)?2 point
450 MX
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 550 points; 2. Dylan Ferrandis (Yamaha) 399 points; 3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM)?386 points …?11. Jose Butron (GASGAS)?152 points;?14. Lorenzo Locurcio (GASGAS)?110 points;?17. Romain Pape (GASGAS)?90 points;?19. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)?67 points;?30. Chris Canning (GASGAS)?27 points;?53. Jacob Runkles (GASGAS)?4 points;?62. Cody Groves (GASGAS)?3 points; 70.?Jakub Teresak (GASGAS)?1 point
JALEK SWOLL LEADS THE WAY FOR ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA WITH 7TH-PLACE OVERALL
The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team finished up their 2023 Pro Motocross campaign at Ironman Raceway, with Jalek Swoll leading the charge, as RJ Hampshire opted to sit out another round ahead of the upcoming SuperMotocross playoffs.
250 MX
After starting inside the top 15 of moto one on his FC250, Jalek Swoll fought his way to an 11th-place finish. Jalek got off to a much better start in moto two, and battled to a fifth-place score, giving him seventh overall for the day, and cementing a ninth-overall tally for the season. He also goes into the SuperMotocross season in the 11th?overall spot in the 250 class standings.
“It could have been a lot better with a start in the first moto, but it was an okay day. I feel like I kind of struggled with the flow of the track all day. It came around a bit in moto two, and I'm happy with it. P5, so not bad. It’s something to end the season on and carry into SMX.,”?said?Swoll.?“I feel like I need to get my starts dialed in and I can't keep messing up the first motos. We'll come out swinging for SMX and try to end the year on a good note.”
Talon Hawkins matched his best-ever moto finish in moto one, finishing in tenth. But a crash early in moto two made for a long slog to a 19th-place score. But he did finish in 12th?overall for the series in his rookie campaign.
“Wow. I definitely like to make it hard on myself in the second moto. But I got a top ten in the first one, and I was riding well all day. I had my best overall qualifying of the year, so that's a positive to take away. I also matched my best moto finish, I just needed to put it together for the second one. Unfortunately, I had a crash on the second lap and pretty much came from dead last up to 19th,”?said?Hawkins.“This is a tough game, but I'm ready to get back on the track in the next couple of weeks for SuperMotocross.”
The second Pro Motocross National was a tough one for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team newcomer Casey Cochran, but he’ll use to experience to learn and build toward future events.
“It was a rough weekend as far as the racing. I had too many crashes, but we'll bounce back and learn from the situations that we put ourselves in,”?said?Cochran.
Next Event (SuperMotocross Round 1): September 9, 2023 – zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C.
Round 11 Results: Ironman
250 MX Results
1. Jo Shimoda (Kawasaki), 1-1 2. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha), 2-3 3. Tom Vialle (KTM), 3-4 … 7. Jalek Swoll – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 11-5 16. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 10-19 19. Jorgen Talviku (Husqvarna), 19-16 37. Casey Cochran – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing,?28-39 39. Peyton Jackson (Husqvarna), 38-34
450 MX Results
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda), 1-1 2. Chase Sexton (Honda), 2-2 3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM), 5-3 … 27. Justin Rodbell (Husqvarna), 20-28 29. John Adamson (Husqvarna), 26-23 37. Scott Meshey (Husqvarna), 32-40
250 MX Rider Point Standings 1. Hunter Lawrence – 419 points 2. Justin Cooper – 399 points 3. Jo Shimoda – 393 points … 8. RJ Hampshire – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 288 points 9. Jalek Swoll – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 221 points 12. Talon Hawkins – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 129 points 29. Jorgen Talviku (Husqvarna) -?26 points 47. Casey Cochran - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 2 points 49. Kai Aiello?(Husqvarna)- 2 points
450 MX Rider Point Standings 1. Jett Lawrence – 550 points 2. Dylan Ferrandis – 399 points 3. Aaron Plessinger – 386 points … 29. Anton Gole?- 29 points 54. Luke Renzland?- 4 points 55. John Adamson?- 4 points 59. Tanel Leok - 3 points 63. Scott Meshey?- 3 points 64. Justin Rodbell?- 3 points
MONSTER ENERGY?/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI RIDER JO SHIMODA TAKES THE OVERALL WIN AT THE FINAL ROUND OF AMA PRO MOTOCROSS
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 27, 2023) - Monster Energy?/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Jo Shimoda brought home the overall win and the first two-moto sweep of his career at the final round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Ironman MX on Saturday. Teammates Ryder DiFrancesco, Seth Hammaker and Austin Forkner finished sixth (9-6), ninth (6-12) and 11th (4-35) to round out the season in the 250 Class. Monster Energy? Kawasaki riders Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo wrapped up the Pro Motocross season in the 450 Class finishing fourth (4-4) and fifth (6-6) overall, respectively.?
Located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Ironman MX originally started in 1995 as an iconic GNCC track known for its elevation changes and steep jumps and now is a favorite amongst the Pro Motocross paddock as the finale.? During qualifying, Monster Energy?/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders filled the Top 11 positions with Hammaker placing third, less than a second behind the top qualifier, Shimoda placing fifth overall, DiFrancesco placing ninth, and Forkner 11th.
At the start of 250 Moto 1, DiFrancesco shot out of the gate, grabbing his second holeshot of the season, with Shimoda, Hammaker and Forkner quickly in tow. DiFrancesco held the lead for the first four laps, as his teammates Shimoda and Hammaker battled for the remaining podium spots. DiFrancesco soon fell back to third, moving Shimoda up into second. Forkner began maneuvering his KX?250 through the field, quickly making his way into the Top 5. Shimoda battled with the No. 128 of Tom Vialle for a few laps until he overtook the lead and began to walk away from the rest of the field, finishing with a staggering 7.5 second lead to secure the win. Hammaker remained in the fourth position until a mistake on the last lap that sent him off his machine, which he quickly remounted and finished sixth. Forkner made a remarkable charge finishing fourth, and DiFrancesco finished ninth.?
In Moto 2, DiFrancesco would claim another holeshot with Shimoda following closely in third, Hammaker ninth and an early fall sent Forkner to the back of the field. Shimoda and DiFrancesco battled for a few laps until the No. 30 overtook the lead where he progressively pulled away from the pack. DiFrancesco lost a few positions falling back to sixth, where he would stay for the remainder of the moto. Hammaker made minor mistakes throughout the moto, finishing 12th. Forkner made his way through the field until a costly mistake sent him off his machine, which ultimately retired him from the moto. Shimoda would maintain his lead, crossing the finish line in first, clinching Kawasaki’s first overall win of the season.
“Honestly I don’t have words for how this feels. Thank you to my Monster Energy?/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and everyone behind me. I couldn’t have asked for better motos going 1-1. I am so stoked to finish off the motocross season on a high note. I’m ready to switch gears and do it again at SuperMotocross in a few weeks.” ?
??- Jo Shimoda?
“I had great starts and decent motos today. I know I can be up front, so my Monster Energy?/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and I will put in work for the upcoming SMX rounds.”
- Ryder DiFrancesco
“I had a great first moto until my crash and I was lucky to salvage sixth. The second moto was brutal, but I fought hard to get through it on my KX?250. I’m?
ready to reset and go back to work and prepare for SMX.”
- Seth Hammaker
“I had a great first moto, and then in the second moto had nothing but problems. We took some steps forward and need to limit the ones going backwards. I’m leaving healthy and will get ready for the next.”
- Austin Forkner
Monster Energy? Kawasaki riders Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo started off the weekend strong on their KX?450SR machines qualifying fourth and fifth and were ready for one last battle in Pro Motocross for the season.?
In Moto 1, both Anderson and Cianciarulo came out with great Top 5 starts to be in position to challenge at the front of the pack. Anderson charged his way into the third position for the first half of the moto, but fell back to fourth near the end where he would finish. The No. 9 continued to persevere through the heat at a steady pace, but eventually fell back to sixth where he would finish.?
At the start of Moto 2, Cianciarulo would secure the sixth position, while Anderson had an early jump, catching himself in the gate and leaving the line last. By the end of Lap 1 Anderson already made his way from the 38th position into the Top 10. Remarkably by Lap 3, Anderson broke into the Top 5, passing teammate Cianciarulo in the process. The No. 9 progressively battled with the No. 69 of Phil Nicoletti for a few laps, until he made the pass for sixth where he would finish. The No. 21 continued to charge for the remainder of the moto, finishing fourth after an impressive comeback.
“I made a few mistakes that kept me off the podium this weekend, but we have the speed to be up front. I’m stoked to be improving and now it’s time to switch gears to SMX.”
- Jason Anderson
“It’s been a rewarding year with my Monster Energy? Kawasaki team. Our work is far from done, but I’m happy with the progress we made this season. Next stop, Charlotte!”
- Adam Cianciarulo
David Zemla exits S&S Cycle
After an eight year tenure, industry veteran David Zemla has announced he’ll be stepping away from S&S Cycle. “I’ve had the honor of working with some incredible teams while at S&S and together we’ve transformed this storied brand, readying it for an evolving market and many years of success. Now it’s time for me to take a break, spend some time with my family and prepare for the next challenge.” Shares David.
Zemla had led the sales & marketing efforts at Performance Machine, Progressive Suspension and helped revive Burly Brand before moving to Wisconsin to assume the VP of Marketing role at S&S Cycle.
Beginning in mid 2015 Zemla took the reins of the then struggling S&S marketing department and soon established best in class media and product management teams. Leveraging a combination of creativity, innovation and a data focused approach they helped usher the brands marketing efforts into an industry leading role. During the challenging Covid years he led the space in innovative marketing efforts including digital training sessions and a brand centric podcast. We suspect DZ will return to the powersports space and look forward to working with him again.
David Zemla 714-615-1150 [email protected]
Dunlop Riders Win Both Pro MX Championships Again
The Tucker Freight Lines National at Ironman Raceway, just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana, was the eleventh and final round of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. After winning all the AMA Pro Supercross and Motocross championships since 2010, it was no surprise that Dunlop riders won both the 2023 250MX and 450MX Pro Motocross Championships for the 14th consecutive year. The Dunlop Domination continued throughout the overall championship standings, with riders running Dunlop’s capturing the top sixteen spots in the premier 450MX class and the top twenty-eight positions in the 250 class. By capturing all the AMA Pro titles in 2023, Dunlop riders have now won a remarkable 178 AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross Championships.
While the 450 title might have caught some by surprise, a rookie in this class emerged as an absolute dominator. With last year’s 450 champion sidelined due to injury, it opened the door for a new title holder. Jett Lawrence, Team Honda HRC’s two-time 250MX champion, displayed unwavering determination and exceptional riding throughout the season, regardless of the conditions. The Australian sensation secured the championship with two rounds to spare and triumphed in all twenty-two of his motos, establishing himself as the torchbearer for the next generation of motocross racers!
The 250 title was the one to watch as it all came down to the final round. The 450 champion’s older brother and 2023 250 East Supercross champion, Hunter Lawrence, started the series on a hot streak with four consecutive overall wins, and held a twenty-two-point lead going into the final Ironman National event. The Aussie rode a calculated first moto to secure his first 250 Pro Motocross championship! Hunter ultimately clinched overall victories in seven out of the eleven 250MX events.
“This 2023 AMA Pro Motocross series has etched its place in history. The pendulum-like shifts within the fiercely competitive 250MX championship, and Jett Lawrence’s awe-inspiring 22-for-22 perfect season, made each race unique to itself. For the remarkable fourteenth consecutive year, Dunlop riders demonstrated their supremacy, clinching both 250MX and 450MX championships, and did so by capturing every available podium position across all eleven rounds,” stated Broc Glover, Senior Manager of Off-Road Motorcycles at Dunlop. “This isn’t just a streak; it’s a testament to the resilience of the brand, the excellence of our products, and the unwavering commitment of the Dunlop team. In addition to our well-regarded MX14 soft terrain “scoop” tire, the Geomax MX34 soft/intermediate tire showcased its true potential, providing excellent options for these elite riders. Tires make a difference in motocross, and we extend our profound appreciation to all the teams and riders who entrusted Dunlop for their racing endeavors.”
Dunlop wants to congratulate Team Honda HRC and the Lawrence family for an outstanding season! It takes a lot of sacrifices and hard work to win both championships! Dunlop is proud to have them as a part of the Dunlop Family. Now it’s time to regroup and focus on the new SuperMotocross World Championship finals!
About Dunlop Motorcycle Tires:
Dunlop is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S.A. For more information, visit?www.DunlopMotorcycleTires.com. Follow @ridedunlop on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest Dunlop news. Use #RideDunlop and/or #RaceDunlop to share your Dunlop moments.
Risk Racing Unveils the VENTilate PRO “MIX & Match” Motocross Riding Gear
Risk Racing, a trusted name in motocross gear, is thrilled to introduce its highly-anticipated Limited Release: the VENTilate PRO – MIX & Match motocross riding gear.
Over the years, Risk Racing has quietly earned a reputation for producing top-quality motocross riding gear. For the 2024 season, they’ve harnessed their extensive experience, user feedback, and comprehensive competitive research to create their most impressive line to date: the VENTilate PRO, Mix & Match MX gear.
This new gear line represents a complete overhaul, with every component meticulously reimagined and redesigned. The materials are state-of-the-art performance fabrics, ensuring exceptional breathability and flexibility. The fit is contemporary, athletic, and supremely comfortable. The design strikes the perfect balance between lightweight construction and durability, making it capable of withstanding the rigorous demands of motocross. Additionally, the Ventilate PRO pant features a unique venting system. Open or close? the adjustable “intake and exhaust” venting on the front and the back of the legs and keep your body at the right temperature during any riding season.? The VENTilate PRO Gear boasts an exceptional blend of craftsmanship and style, and Risk Racing is confident that the VENTilate PRO gear will shine prominently among the top contenders in the market.
What sets the VENTilate PRO line apart is its inclusion in the “MIX & MATCH” collection, an innovative approach that allows riders to create 1, 2, or 3 unique looks at the track without the expense of purchasing multiple full gear sets. The VENTilate PRO pant is designed to work harmoniously with all VENTilate PRO Jerseys, so riders can keep their trackside style fresh week after week, and save money by investing in a single pair of pants that pairs seamlessly with the all 3 VENTilate PRO Jerseys.
To complete the ensemble, Risk Racing offers two sets of gloves within the VENTilate PRO Mix & Match collection, designed to perfectly complement any combination of jersey and pant.
The VENTilate PRO MIX & MATCH Riding Gear is available now in both adult and youth sizes, with jerseys retailing at $49.99, pants at $149.99, and gloves at $32.99. You can find them at your local dealer or conveniently online at riskracing.com.
About Risk Racing: Risk Racing is a trusted name in the world of motocross gear, known for its commitment to producing high-quality, innovative products that enhance the riding experience. With the VENTilate PRO Mix & Match Riding Gear, they continue to raise the bar in the industry, offering riders both superior performance and style.
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative Achieves Monumental $6 Million Milestone, Bolstering Diverse Riding Opportunities in Oregon
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) has surpassed a remarkable $6 million in cumulative funding. A trailblazer in the powersports industry, Yamaha’s OAI remains steadfast in its commitment to championing and safeguarding access to lands for both motorized and outdoor recreation. Since its inception in 2008, the program has fueled the realization of over 470 projects nationwide.
Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager, shared, “Fifteen years ago, when Yamaha conceived the Outdoor Access Initiative, we foresaw the positive impact it would have on our valued customers, dedicated dealership network, and the public landscapes we enjoy today. While much work remains, we take immense pride in our contribution of over $6 million thus far. This support underscores our commitment to foster safe, sustainable riding and recreation across public lands.”
The second quarter of 2023 witnessed the endorsement of three pivotal projects in Oregon through OAI. These initiatives provide enhanced riding experiences across the Oregon Sand Dunes National Recreation Area, the Tillamook State Forest, and the Prospect OHV riding area on the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest. The range of projects, from erecting informative wayfinding signs to constructing vital bridges and staging areas, epitomizes the essence of OAI’s dedication to lasting improvements in Oregon’s recreational opportunities. Amongst the pool of Q2 applications, 18 grants were awarded, totaling an impressive $311,355. The recipients span the following organizations:
American Sand AssociationIsland Trails Network Inc., AlaskaBur Oak Land Trust, IowaL.A.N.D.S., CaliforniaDoe Mountain Recreation Authority, TennesseeNational Forest FoundationDouglas County, OregonOff Road Business AssociationDrummond Dirt & Sno-Jacks, WisconsinODF: Tillamook State Forest, OregonFriends of Cow Mountain, CaliforniaSo. California Mountains FoundationGarland Trail Hawks ATV Club, MaineStarbuck Police Department, MinnesotaGreat Lot Sportsman’s Club Corp., New YorkTrash Dogs AZ, Inc.High Desert Keepers, CaliforniaWilderness Wheelers, Minnesota
Individuals passionate about leading projects to enhance and safeguard access to public lands for motorized and outdoor recreation are encouraged to apply for an OAI grant. Notably, this initiative has expanded to embrace Yamaha’s Power Assist Bicycle group, further preserving access to public spaces for all forms of outdoor and motorized recreation.
The application deadline for the third quarter funding cycle is September 30, 2023. Yamaha welcomes the participation of OHV and bicycling clubs, land stewardship groups, and related nonprofit outdoor recreation organizations. To explore the application process, submission guidelines, and access the Yamaha OAI grant application form, visit YamahaOAI.com. The website also features an enlightening blog replete with project highlights to fuel inspiration.
Stay seamlessly connected with Yamaha through avenues such as the Yamaha Outdoors podcast, social media channels via @YamahaOutdoors, and by tracking the following hashtags: #Yamaha, #YamahaOAI, #REALizeYourAdventure, #ProvenOffRoad, and #AssembledInUSA.
About the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative
Since 2008, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has led the powersports industry in supporting responsible access to our nation’s public lands for outdoor enthusiasts. With more than $6 million contributed to over 470 projects across the country, Yamaha has directly and indirectly supported thousands of miles of motorized recreation trails, maintained and rehabilitated riding and hunting areas, improved staging areas, supplied organizations with essential OHV safety education, built bridges over fish-bearing streams, helped children learn to ride bicycles, and partnered with local outdoor enthusiast communities across the country to improve access to public lands. Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations including OHV riding and cycling clubs and associations, national, state, and local public land-use agencies, outdoor enthusiast associations, and land conservation groups with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding, and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible, and sustainable public use.
Updated guidelines, an application form, and news about the Outdoor Access Initiative are available at YamahaOAI.com. For specific questions about the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, call the dedicated hotline at 1-877-OHV-TRAIL (877-648-8724), email [email protected], or write to:
Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative 3065 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Bldg. 100 Marietta, GA 30066