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CSBK: Guérin Wins Superbike Race 2 at RAD Torque

The fight for the Canada Cup was blown open in race two of the GP Bikes Pro Superbike tripleheader on Sunday, as Sam Guerin dominated for a start-to-finish victory in the rain at RAD Torque Raceway.

The pole-sitter showed just why he’s considered a wet-weather specialist as he stormed away from the field and led every single lap, stretching out an eight-second lead at one point as Guerin cruised to his third win in the last four races.

The EFC Group BMW rider had already done exactly what he needed to as he tries to make up for his round one setbacks, but his team was paying a little extra attention to the fight behind him as the story became a three-rider battle between Jordan Szoke, Alex Dumas, and race one winner Ben Young.

Dumas would slot in behind Guerin off the line with Szoke third while Young got a lackluster start in fourth, but the trio would tighten up for majority of the race in a pivotal battle for second.

Szoke would look for a few ways by on Dumas before eventually making a lunge into turn four on lap four, though with Guerin too far up the road as he continued to hammer out fast laps.

That would set up a brief battle between rivals Young and Dumas behind him, with Young attempting a bold move into turn two – the same spot where he made his race-winning pass on Saturday – before Dumas slammed the door on the championship leader.

The group would then settle into their respective positions as Szoke gradually chipped away at Guerin’s lead, though it was too little too late as the Quebec City native held on for his fifth career victory.

“I was really happy when I saw the forecast this morning. I wanted to just get a lead right away and avoid any spray, so it all went according to plan,” Guerin said. “We needed this one for the championship, so I’m super happy. Hopefully it stays wet for race three this afternoon.”

The title fight would see a major shift with the one-two finish for Guerin and Szoke, with just 16 points covering the entire top four down to Guerin, who’s one point behind Szoke for third in the standings.

As for the Canadian Kawasaki Motors rider, Szoke felt his early laps stuck behind Dumas prevented a shot at the win – a valid belief given his strong lap times – though he was happy to salvage a crucial second and keep his title hopes in good shape.

“I’ve been a bit under the weather, so I just tried to hang in there as long as I could yesterday. I knew Sam would be tough to beat in the rain, but I think I could have gone with him if I had got by Alex sooner,” Szoke said, which prompted Guerin to jokingly shake his head. “I know Sam’s making fun of me. But I know we have a good bike, so we’ll see what race three brings.”

GP Bikes Pro Superbike Race 2 podium (L-R): Alex Dumas, Sam Guérin, and Jordan Szoke. Photo credit: Rob O'Brien / courtesy CSBK.
GP Bikes Pro Superbike Race 2 podium (L-R): Alex Dumas, Sam Guérin, and Jordan Szoke. Photo credit: Rob O’Brien / courtesy CSBK.

 

The main championship battle between Dumas and Young was also tightened slightly, with the Economy Lube/Fast Company BMW rider fending off the race one winner to take the last podium spot and cut his deficit to only four points.

“Sam pulled a gap right away, so I tried to follow Jordan and hope for an opportunity, but he was just a bit quicker,” Dumas admitted. “I didn’t want to push too much, so I just tried to keep Ben behind me and pick up points for the championship.”

The result sees Young’s personal-best 23 race podium streak come to an end, a stretch dating back to the CTMP finale in 2023, but more crucially puts the Van Dolder’s Home Team Honda squad back under pressure following a breakthrough on Saturday.

Completing the top five was rookie Laurent Laliberte-Girard, an incredible effort aboard his Supersport-spec Nadon Sport Yamaha YZF-R6 in the tricky conditions.

The reigning Amateur Supersport champion managed to peel away from a number of Superbike riders early in the race, including the Honda duo of Phil DeGama-Blanchet and David MacKay.

DeGama-Blanchet struggled in the early stages of the race before finding a bit of a late rhythm aboard his Mots Machining Honda, salvaging a decent points haul in sixth after his crash on Saturday.

MacKay appeared to be dealing with a few issues in the rain setup for the ODH Snow City Cycle Honda crew, initially battling with DeGama-Blanchet before settling back into a lonely seventh.

The result sees BMW stretch their lead significantly atop the Constructors Championship, exiting with a 40-point advantage over Honda after a disappointing race one.

The field will return to the track for the final leg of this tripleheader, a massive one in the championship battle ahead of the season finale in August.

Full results can be found on the series’ official website.

For more information on the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca or email info@csbk.ca.

MotoGP: Martin Returning For Private Test On Aprilia RS-GP

Aprilia Racing have confirmed that Jorge Martin’s MotoGP return is all set for Wednesday the 9th of July at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

The reigning MotoGP World Champion was back on a motorcycle for the first time since his Qatar GP crash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week, and after that was successful, Martin will now hop back on his Aprilia RS-GP25 thoroughbred ahead of returning to Grand Prix action.

Martin, who suffered a rib contusion on the right thorax with a pneumothorax at Lusail, underwent his latest medical check on the 30th of June and Aprilia confirmed that the healing process was positive, and on that basis, two more weeks were needed for complete healing regarding the rib injuries the #1 suffered. Nine days on from that examination, Martin will be getting to grips with a MotoGP bike again.

MotoAmerica: Asia Talent Cup Rider Makes Supersport Debut

The leaders were gone, and the battle for the final podium spot was a ways up the road as well. But the fight for sixth place in the second MotoAmerica Motovation Supersport race at The Ridge Motorsports Park was noteworthy. Battling with five-time MotoAmerica Supersport winner Tyler Scott and CSBK Supersport Championship leader Torin Collins was a young Japanese rider in his first outing on a Supersport-spec machine and his first time at the track.

 

Ryota Ogiwara (30). Photo by Michael Gougis.

But the round at The Ridge was definitely not the first rodeo for Ryota Ogiwara, 16. Ogiwara is a seasoned and experienced International-level rider. He burst onto the IDEMITSU Asia Talent Cup scene in 2023, scoring podiums in his last three races of the season and finishing third in the Championship. In 2024, Ogiwara crashed out of the first two races of the season in Qatar, then went on a tear, taking seven podiums, including two wins, on his way to second in the Championship. In 2025, he leads the Championship, as he is undefeated in the first four races.

Ogiwara’s family knows the family that owns Vesrah, best known in the U.S. for its motorcycle brake components and its long association with motorcycle road racing. Last year, Vesrah Racing entered Hayden Gillim in the Daytona 200 on a Suzuki GSX-R750. Team Principal Mark Junge said that during his conversations with Vesrah, the company mentioned that they wanted to give Ogiwara a chance to race in the U.S. Ogiwara has spend time with Junge training and practicing in the States, but the chance to get him onto the racetrack didn’t happen until The Ridge.

There were, as they say, lots of moving parts to align. At The Ridge, Junge was heading up the Honda Superbike efforts, and he had visitors from Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) on hand. The bike that Ogiwara was riding was the same Suzuki that Gillim rode to first in the 2024 Loudon Classic, third in the 2024 Daytona 200 and second in the AHRMA Pro Challenge Race at Barber Motorsports Park; “That bike won $76,000 last year,” Junge said. While it is a well-fettled racebike–and it actually recorded the highest Supersport trap speed, according to MotoAmerica timing and scoring–the optics of having a Suzuki under the Honda awning were not optimal, so Ogiwara was pitted well away from the Honda rig and Junge was shuttling back and forth over the weekend.

Still, Ogiwara came to grips quickly with the Suzuki, although he described it as “much bigger, heavier and faster” than the Honda NSF250R Moto3 bikes he has raced in the Asia Talent Cup series. He qualified 12th, a bit more than two seconds off the pace of polesitter and defending Supersport Champion Mathew Scholtz. Race One was a struggle, and Ogiwara finished 14th, 43 seconds behind at the flag. But in Race Two, Ogiwara ran as high as sixth before dropping to eighth, 30 seconds behind Scholtz and within a second of Scott, who was recovering from an off-track excursion, and Collins.

While Ogiwara’s plans for next year are not yet settled, his eyes are on the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series. But it would be no surprise to see him on a MotoAmerica grid again.

CSBK: Young Wins Superbike Race 1 At RAD Torque

Young wins epic last-lap battle over Dumas to kick off tripleheader at RAD Torque

The latest chapter in the rivalry between Ben Young and Alex Dumas was written on Saturday, as Young claimed a memorable race one victory after a tense last-lap battle in the third round of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship at RAD Torque Raceway.

The pair found themselves in a race long fight to begin a pivotal GP Bikes Pro Superbike tripleheader, though with pole-sitter Sam Guerin at the front for majority of the contest in what was a thrilling three-rider scrap virtually from start to finish.

Guerin would pace the first 17 laps of the 20-lap feature race, setting a new lap record early on and briefly threatening to run away with a third consecutive victory as Young defended masterfully from Dumas behind.

However, Guerin would begin to fade slightly back to the duo in the closing stages, with Young eventually taking the lead on the crossover between turns five and six while Dumas almost immediately followed him through into second.

Guerin would keep a watchful eye in third as the two former champions got their elbows out in front of him, with Dumas lining up a move out of the last corner as he carried a bit more speed down the finish straightaway.

Dumas would get the drive he needed on the final lap as he moved past Young into turn one, hitting the front for the first time in what was a crucial battle for the championship with just two points separating them.

However, their often friendly rivalry reached a more contentious point almost straight away, as Young instantly responded with a bold – but fair – pass into the tight turn two right hander, standing Dumas up and nearly allowing Guerin back into the lead.

Young would then produce a flawless final 2.7 kilometres, fending Dumas off in the last few corners to escape with his first win of the year by just 0.080 seconds.

The Van Dolder’s Home Team Honda rider would hand his new brand their first victory in nearly eleven years on Saturday, joining Jodi Christie in 2014 (who was in attendance on Saturday) as the most recent Superbike winners for Honda.

“That was such a great race with these guys. It’s tight racing these BMW’s, but I know a few things from having been in their shoes all those years,” Young said. “It’s been a challenging year. We were working on things even this morning, but the bike delivered today. I’m so happy for Honda, it feels like a long time coming.”

The race winning pass was perhaps the most memorable of Young’s career, extending his championship lead to seven points in the process.

“That was probably the most aggressive I’ve ever been, but when you’re that close on the last lap you have to go for it,” Young added.

While Dumas was frustrated by the nail-biting loss, the Economy Lube/Fast Company BMW rider is still well positioned in the championship entering a doubleheader on Sunday, having flashed more than enough race-winning pace on Saturday.

“I didn’t get the start we wanted, and at one point I thought Sam was gone, but we were able to close the gap and then I followed Ben through,” Dumas said. “I knew the goal was to beat him because of the championship. He raced hard, but hopefully we can be back on top tomorrow.”

While Guerin’s end result doesn’t tell the full story of his race, having led majority of the contest with incredible pace, the EFC Group BMW rider took most of the blame for his late-race slide into what was a still strong third place.

Podium picture, from left to right, Alex Dumas, Ben Young and Samuel Guerin. Photo courtesy CSBK.
Podium picture, from left to right, Samuel Guérin, Ben Young and Alex Dumas. Photo courtesy CSBK.

 

“I pushed too much early on. The tires were still okay, but I had less grip than them for sure,” Guerin said. “I made a few mistakes because of that, but it was good experience to lead so many laps.”

The double-podium for BMW also keeps their 18-point lead intact atop the Constructors Championship, though with Young and Honda mounting the pressure in the middle part of the season.

Settling for a distant fourth at the line was Jordan Szoke, who ran with the lead group early on but could never fully match the pace of the other trio, eventually putting his CKM Kawasaki into a safe but lonely result.

That will keep Szoke four points ahead of Guerin in the battle for third overall, and still only 23 points behind Young atop the standings.

Rounding out the top five was David MacKay, who fended off an early attack from local phenom and fellow Honda rider Phil DeGama-Blanchet.

MacKay had just started to put a bit of breathing room between himself and DeGama-Blanchet when the 17-year-old crashed in turn eight, handing a more comfortable finish to MacKay and the ODH Snow City Cycle Honda team.

A pair of Edmonton natives would earn career-best results at their home track, with Brian Worsdall claiming sixth ahead of Eric Russnak in seventh.

Worsdall put in a strong but lonely ride aboard his Hindle/DP Brakes BMW, while Russnak overcame an early battle behind him to settle into seventh for Motorheads Kawasaki, picking up valuable Constructors points in the absence of the injured Connor Campbell.

Laurent Laliberte-Girard extended his advantage in the fight for top Pro Rookie of the Year honours, earning an excellent eighth aboard his Supersport-spec Nadon Sport Yamaha.

Young will now try to build on his first win of the season with a challenging doubleheader on Sunday, with rain forecasted for race two of the weekend at roughly 11:30 am MT before conditions improve for race three at roughly 3:00 pm MT.

Full results can be found on the series’ official website.

For more information on the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca or email info@csbk.ca.

 

Pro Superbike - Race 1

European Talent Cup: Sanchez P12 in Race 1

This weekend the FIM JuniorGP made its debut for the first time in France at the Nevers Magny Cours Circuit. 

Mikey Lou Sanchez started the weekend off pretty good, finishing in the top 10 of both free practices on Friday. 
 
Saturday in Practice, Mikey was P10 which put him directly into Q2. In Qualifying Mikey finished P12 which put him 23rd on the grid but because of a few penalties from other riders he ended up starting P20. 
 
Race 1 was tricky, the race was delayed because of rain, and then it was dry, so all riders went from slicks to wet tires back to slicks. The race had been changed from 12 laps to 9 Laps.On the first lap there was a crash in turn 3 which caused a split between the front group. Mikey was able to avoid the riders and continue. He was able to finish P12, putting in the second fastest lap of the race on the last lap!
 
Race 2 was a completely different race. The track was super wet from heavy rains. We were confident Mikey would do well in the rain, as he moved up from 21st to 13th on the first lap but then on the second lap he high sided coming out of turn 10.
 
Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) during the wet race at Magny-Cours. Photo credit Danny Vela / LIFEBELUCKY
Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) during the wet race at Magny-Cours. Photo credit Danny Vela / LIFEBELUCKY
 
Mikey is ok, and he is determined to fight with the front group in 3 weeks July 26-27 at Motorland Aragon!
 
“He’s continuing to learn the new Team with this being his second race weekend with AC Racing. I know he’s capable of running with these front guys!” Trinity – Mickey’s mom says. 
 
We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support.

SPN Riders Academy, Chic-fil-a East Dallas, TexasMotorcycleAcademy, Fred and Maggie Beck , HJC helmets, Moto Liberty, williams custom painting, Paul Stamper Ben Fondu Theo Bick Mark Niemi and Stephen Hagberg.

ETC - RACE 1 - RESULTS
ETC – RACE 1 – RESULTS
ETC - RACE 2 -RESULTS
ETC – RACE 2 -RESULTS

JuniorGP: Race Results From Magny-Cours In France

Esteban returned to winning ways while Ramadhipa claimed a first ETC victory as the rain fell on the JuniorGP™ paddock on Sunday.

On a dramatic day of racing in the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship with rain falling at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Joel Esteban (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team) claimed a first JuniorGP™ victory since 2023 while the Moto2™ European Championship wins were shared between Alberto Ferrandez (GV EBC Moto2) and Alberto Surra (Andifer American Racing). In the European Talent Cup, Kiandra Ramadhipa (Honda – Asia Dream Racing Talent Team) took a first win in the class as Fernando Bujosa (AC Racing Team) claimed his second victory of the year. Stock™ European Championship honours went to Pier Francesco Venturini (AC Racing Team).

 

JUNIORGP: 

In JuniorGP, rain fell ahead of the sole race of the weekend which resulted in the race being shortened to 10 laps as riders were given more time for sighting laps. Spain’s Joel Esteban battled from 14th on the grid to take victory in the wet race, ahead of Ireland’s Casey O’Gorman (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and his teammate, Rico Salmela. Championship leader Brian Uriarte (UAX SeventyTwo Artbox) got a sensational start when lights went out, building up a huge lead over his rivals, before he crashed at Turn 5; he was able to re-join the race and finished in 10th.

 

 

MOTO2 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: 

Alberto Ferrandez made it two wins in the last three races as he claimed victory in Race 1 of the Moto2 ECh. The Spaniard started from fourth but soon found himself in the lead of an eventful 14-lap race as he fended off Milan Pawelec (AGR Team) for victory. Polesitter Xabi Zurutuza (Andifer American Racing) rounded out the podium places, just over a second away from victory with Championship leader Unai Orradre (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro) settling for fourth.

 

 

The rain fell heavily ahead of Moto2 ECh’s Race 2 and that mixed up the results. Alberto Surra (Andifer American Racing) put in some incredibly fast laps at the start of the shortened race to take the lead, and he didn’t look back from there, claiming victory by more than 10 seconds ahead of Facundo Llambias (Estrella Galicia 0,0) as the Uruguayan claimed a first podium after starting from 15th. The rostrum was once again completed by Zurutuza. Orradre salvaged a P11 finish in Race 2 after he had a crash at Turn 13 in the wet, re-joining the race to just finish out of the top ten.

 

 

EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: 

In Race 1 in the European Talent Cup, Indonesia’s Kiandra Ramadhipa claimed a stunning maiden victory by less than a tenth of a second ahead of Alvaro Lucas (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team), while Cristian Borrelli (Team Echovit Pasini Racing) claimed his maiden rostrum in the class with third. Fernando Bujosa was fourth despite serving a double Long Lap Penalty for crashing into Lucas at Jerez. Reigning Champion Carlos Cano (UAX SeventyTwo Artbox) fought back from 26th to fight for victory but a crash at the Imola Chicane, which also involved Alex Longarela (Snipers Igax Team), resulted in both riders scoring no points.

 

 

In ETC Race 2, Bujosa got a great launch to move into an early lead in the wet but was soon hauled in by his rivals. The #69 and Longalera battled for victory as they created a four-second gap to Lucas in P3 as the #46 completed an all-Spanish rostrum. Cano once again fought his way through the field, this time from 27th, to finish in sixth, in a race that was red-flagged on Lap 7 after it was shortened to 9 laps to give riders more sighting laps.

 

 

STOCK EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP:

In Stock ECh, Pier Francesco Venturini claimed a maiden podium and victory in the class after a fight with Hungary’s Tibor Varga (IUM Motorsports S.L). The pair were scrapping over second and third initially but were promoted to first and second respectively after Filippo Fuligni (Promo Racing) crashed on the exit of Turn 8 on Lap 5, with the race red flagged and the results declared; it was the second red flag in Stock ECh’s only race after David Jimenez (MDR Competición) crashed in the original start, with the track needing to be cleaned. 

 

 

For all the results from the past, present and future and more news regarding the Championship, www.fimjuniorgp.com

ProMotocross : Results From Buchanan, Michigan

The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, officially reached its halfway point at the crown jewel event on the calendar from Michigan’s legendary RedBud MX. The Honda RedBud National Presented by Dixxon Flannel Co. signified Race 6 of the summer campaign and Round 23 of the SMX World Championship regular season in a showcase of American motocross’ own Independence Day tradition. In the 450 Class, Honda HRC Progressive rider and championship point leader Jett Lawrence put forth one of his most impressive single-moto performances to complete a 1-1 sweep and capture a sixth straight victory. In the 250 Class, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda completed a dominant afternoon for the brand with a 1-1 performance of his own to put the “Red Riders” atop both classes at Honda’s title event.

 

Impressive Come-From-Behind Performance at RedBud Nets Jett Lawrence Sixth Straight Pro Motocross Championship Victory.

 

Moto 1

The opening moto of the afternoon began with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire side-by-side exiting the first turn, with Lawrence narrowly securing the Pro Motocross Holeshot and control of the lead. Hampshire went on the attack, nearly making the pass, but the Australian fended him off. As this unfolded, Jett Lawrence closed in on Hampshire from third. The top three then settled in briefly, but Jett Lawrence pushed to make the move on Hampshire for second and gave chase to his older brother out front. Behind them, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger made the pass for third and was able to close in on the lead duo.
 

Just before the completion of the opening 10 minutes Jett Lawrence made his move on Hunter, briefly making the pass before Hunter responded to retake the position. Jett persisted and after a brief side-by-side battle eventually took hold of the lead. The increased pace allowed the Lawrences to pull away from Plessinger and the rest of the field, as the KTM rider was then forced to deal with a hard-charging Eli Tomac and his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine. Once he got to Plessinger’s rear fender, Tomac made quick work to move into third.
 

The top three settled in through the middle of the moto, with Jett Lawrence moving out to a lead of about five seconds. However, as the moto entered its final 10 minutes considerable smoke started to come out of Tomac’s Yamaha. He eventually came to a stop, which ultimately brought his moto to a premature end. That misfortune left the battle for third to be settled between Plessinger and Hampshire, with the Husqvarna rider able to make the move in the closing stages of the moto.
 

Out front, Jett Lawrence’s lead eventually surpassed 10 seconds as he surged to his ninth moto win of the season by 16.1 seconds over Hunter Lawrence. Hampshire captured his first career moto podium in third, followed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper in fourth. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton finished fifth, as the reigning series champion and defending RedBud winner made his anticipated return to action following a crash at the opening race of the season.

 

Jett Lawrence passed 17 riders in the final moto to put an exclamation point on his sixth straight victory and another 1-1 performance.Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Jett Lawrence passed 17 riders in the final moto to put an exclamation point on his sixth straight victory and another 1-1 performance. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

Moto 2

The deciding moto got underway with Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha’s Coty Schock out front with the Pro Motocross Holeshot, just ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jorge Prado, the back-to-back FIM Motocross World Champion. The Spaniard pressured Schock and eventually made his move into the lead halfway through the opening lap. Behind him, both Lawrences started from deep in the top 10. As he looked to make passes, Jett Lawrence went down and remounted in 18th place. Hunter Lawrence, meanwhile, looked to move forward from seventh.
 

After a wild opening five minutes the field settled in with Prado leading Cooper and Hunter Lawrence, while Hampshire, Sexton, and Jett Lawrence ran in sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively. Jett Lawrence was on the move and passed both Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson to break into the top five. He then passed Hampshire for fourth just over 10 minutes into the moto. The march continued past his brother, as Jett broke into the top three before the halfway point.
 

Out front, a patient Cooper waited for an opening to attempt a pass on Prado and successfully made his way into the lead with just over half the moto to go. That left Prado to fend with Jett Lawrence, who made quick work of the Spaniard to move into second. Prado then lost hold of third to Sexton, who was following Lawrence’s path to the front. As the fastest rider on the track Jett gained chunks of time on Cooper and easily took over the lead with less than five minutes remaining. Sexton was then able to make his way around Cooper for second but went down. He remounted in fourth as Cooper and Hunter Lawrence made their way past.
 

In arguably the most impressive single-moto performance of his young career, Jett Lawrence passed 17 riders to complete the sweep of the motos by 8.3 seconds over Cooper, who equaled his career-best moto result in second. Hunter Lawrence followed in third.

Hunter Lawrence finished in the runner-up spot to give the Lawrence brothers three consecutive 1-2 finishes. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Hunter Lawrence finished in the runner-up spot to give the Lawrence brothers three consecutive 1-2 finishes. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing,Inc. 

 

Overall

Jett Lawrence’s 16th career 1-1 performance netted him the 21st victory in the 450 Class, which equaled two-time champion Ken Roczen for sixth all-time. With 21 victories in 22 career starts, his career winning percentage stands at an incredible 95%. Hunter Lawrence completed the third straight 1-2 finish for the siblings in second (2-3), while Cooper earned his second overall podium result of the season in third (4-2).
 

Jett Lawrence’s lead in the championship standings now sits at just over an entire race, 51 points over Hunter Lawrence, who moved into second. Cooper’s podium result allowed him to move from fifth to third, 69 points out of the lead.
 

The podium result also helped Cooper close to within 14 points of the top seed in the SMX World Championship standings, as he continued to gain ground on his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammate Cooper Webb, who finished ninth (15-8).

Justin Cooper was solid all afternoon to earn his second podium finish of the summer. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Justin Cooper was solid all afternoon to earn his second podium finish of the summer. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

1st Place: Jett Lawrence, Honda HRC Progressive (1-1)

“I put my heart into that race [Moto 2]. I didn’t get an ideal start and made a silly mistake that made it really hard on myself. We lost a young star in the racing community this past week [Aidan Zingg] and I rode with him and his family on my mind, so this one is for the Zingg family.”

 
2nd Place: Hunter Lawrence, Honda HRC Progressive (2-3)

“That one [Moto 2] was tough. I had to fight for it since I didn’t get a great start. I’m happy to do it [finish on the podium] on a holiday weekend. It was an epic race, with epic fans. It was a great day.”

 
3rd Place: Justin Cooper, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing (4-2)

“I had a good start [in Moto 2] and was second behind Jorge [Prado]. I wanted to get by him as quick as I could and made a sprint for three or four laps. Then hit a wall [physically]. I ended up losing my front brake for a bit, but thankfully it came back. It was a great ride and I’m really happy to be on the podium.”

 

Podium picture, from left to right, Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence and Justin Cooper. Photo courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Podium picture, from left to right, Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence and Justin Cooper. Photo courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda (2-3 // 42)
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (4-2 // 40)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (3-6 // 36)
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., KTM (5-4 // 35)
  6. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Kawasaki (7-5 // 32)
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., GASGAS (8-9 // 27)
  8. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna (11-10 // 23)
  9. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (15-8 // 21)
  10. Harri Kullas, Tallinn, Estonia, Husqvarna (12-11 // 21)

 

450 Class Championship Standings (Race 6 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 290
  2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 239
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 221
  4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha – 217
  5. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 204
  6. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 185
  7. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 151
  8. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Kawasaki – 147
  9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Honda – 124
  10. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki – 111

 

450SMX Regular Season Standings (Round 23 of 28)

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 516
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 502
  3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 459
  4. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., KTM – 398
  5. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna – 382
  6. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 361
  7. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 301
  8. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha – 297
  9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Honda – 277
  10. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Germany, Suzuki – 271

 

Jo Shimoda Completes Honda Sweep with 1-1 Performance in 250 Class. 

 

Moto 1

The first moto saw the Shimoda surge to the front off the start for the Pro Motocross Holeshot, his first since 2023, but he was soon passed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle, with Triumph Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll in third. Defending champion and point leader Haiden Deegan started deep in the top 20 aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine. The clear track allowed Vialle to quickly establish a lead of more than two seconds over Shimoda, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker made the pass on Swoll for third.
 

As the leaders settled in, all eyes were on Deegan as he made a charge through the field. The season’s most dominant rider clawed his way into the top 10 a mere five minutes into the moto. However, as he looked to move closer to the top five Deegan tipped over and lost a few positions. Back out front, Vialle’s advantage grew to more than five seconds nearing the halfway point of the moto.
 

As the final 10 minutes approached, Shimoda’s pace picked up and he started to chip away at the deficit to Vialle. Behind him, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen was the rider to watch, as he made multiple passes to make his way into the top three. Shimoda, meanwhile, caught Vialle to initiate a battle for the lead. The Japanese rider bided his time and waited for the opportunity to make a pass attempt on the Frenchman and successfully did so to take over the top spot with just under nine minutes remaining. Behind them, Deegan had worked his way up to fifth as smoke began to come out of his Yamaha. He then crashed on one of the track’s downhill sections and remounted outside the top 10.
 

As Shimoda closed out the moto in emphatic fashion a last-lap battle for second emerged as Kitchen was on a torrid charge in the closing laps. He caught the Vialle and after a brief battle made the move to take over second. Shimoda took his first moto win since Southwick last season by a margin of 7.2 seconds over Kitchen, followed by Vialle in third. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman finished fourth, with Hammaker rounding out the top five. Deegan soldiered home in 14th for his worst moto result since the penultimate round of the 2023 season.

 

Jo Shimda took advantage of two stellar starts to complete an impressive 1-1 effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Jo Shimda took advantage of two stellar starts to complete an impressive 1-1 effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

Moto 2

The final moto of the day kicked off with Swoll edging out Shimoda for the Pro Motocross Holeshot as Shimoda then dropped to third behind another Triumph Factory Racing rider in Jordon Smith. Kitchen slotted into fourth and made the move around Shimoda for third. Deegan, meanwhile, started outside the top 10 but was able to climb up to ninth in the early stages of the opening lap. Back up front, Kitchen passed Smith for second but then lost traction and slid out, quickly remounting in 11th place.
 

As the top three settled in, Smith went off track and crashed, which allowed Shimoda to move into second and Mosiman into third, just ahead of Deegan in fourth. Deegan then went down and dropped two positions to sixth. Not long after Deegan’s misfortune, Kitchen was forced to visit the mechanics area, which dropped him outside the top 30 and ultimately out of contention.
 

Ten minutes into the moto Swoll continued to lead Shimoda, with about a second separating the two riders. Shimoda started to get pressure from Mosiman in third, which forced him to pick up his pace and take the lead from Swoll. Mosiman quickly followed into second. From there a battle for the lead took shape between Shimoda and Mosiman, who quickly distanced themselves from Swoll. After some initial pressure, Shimoda fended off Mosiman and soon built a near three-second advantage.
 

As the moto wore on, Shimoda continued to build on his lead and eventually moved nearly 20 seconds clear of the field as Mosiman encountered misfortune and lost his hold of second to Swoll. Mosiman was then forced to contend with Deegan in the closing stages for third, with the championship leader able to make the pass. Deegan wasn’t done as he put in a late charge to catch Swoll and made the pass with two laps to go.
 

Shimoda dominated en route to the 10th moto win of his career, finishing 17.7 seconds ahead of Deegan. Swoll earned his first moto podium since the 2023 season.

 

In just his third race back from a ruptured Achilles, Jalek Swoll secured a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
In just his third race back from a ruptured Achilles, Jalek Swoll secured a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

Overall

Shimoda’s first victory for Honda came via a compelling 1-1 performance, the second of his career, and now gives him four career wins. It was also his second victory at RedBud. Swoll (6-3) and Mosiman (4-4) ended up tied for the runner-up spot, with the second moto tiebreaker going to Swoll for his third career podium and the second Pro Motocross podium for Triumph. Mosiman made his return to the box for the first time since 2021 and the fourth time in his career.
 

Shimoda gained 20 points on Deegan, who finished fifth (14-2), with 38 points now separating the top two. Kitchen, who finished seventh (2-19), moved into third, 85 points behind Deegan.

After a challenging couple years marred by injury, Michael Mosiman made his return to the overall podium for the first time since 2023. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
After a challenging couple years marred by injury, Michael Mosiman made his return to the overall podium for the first time since 2023. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

1st Place: Jo Shimoda, Honda HRC Progressive (1-1)

“I needed those starts. My riding hasn’t been bad; I just needed starts. We tried some new mapping on the bike for the starts, and it really worked out. This is such a big confidence booster.”

 
2nd Place: Jalek Swoll, Triumph Factory Racing (6-3)

“It feels great. I was riding the best I ever had before my [Achilles] injury. It sucks I couldn’t race Supercross but to get on the podium in just my third race back for Triumph feels amazing.”
 

3rd Place: Michael Mosiman, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (4-4)

“I’m just stoked. I put in a lot of hard work. A lot of hours, sweat, blood, and tears to get back here [on the podium]. It means a lot to make a comeback, and I know I have the ability to overcome anything.”

 

Podium picture, from left to right, Jalek Swoll, Jo Shimoda and Michael Mosiman. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Podium picture, from left to right, Jalek Swoll, Jo Shimoda and Michael Mosiman. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Triumph (6-3 // 36)
  3. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha (4-4 // 36)
  4. Mikkel Haarup, Silkeborg, Denmark, Triumph (5-6 // 33)
  5. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (14-2 // 30)
  6. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., GASGAS (12-6 // 26)
  7. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki (2-19 // 25)
  8. Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Yamaha (11-10 // 23)
  9. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (5-16 // 23)
  10. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki (10-12 // 22)

 

250 Class Championship Standings (Race 6 of 11)

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 274
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda – 236
  3. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 189
  4. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 186
  5. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki – 184
  6. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha – 149
  7. Mikkel Haarup, Silkeborg, Denmark, Triumph – 144
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 132
  9. Maximus Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 124
  10. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki – 122

 

250SMX Regular Season Standings (Round 23 of 28)

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 495
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda – 399
  3. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 366
  4. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki – 329
  5. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki – 299
  6. Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM – 295
  7. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha – 280
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 262
  9. Maximus Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 244
  10. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Triumph – 233

 

The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship continues next Saturday, July 12, with Round 24 of the SMX regular season, when Minnesota’s Spring Creek MX Park will bring the series to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for the FXR Spring Creek National Presented by Frescados Tortillas. The seventh race of the summer will feature exclusive comprehensive live coverage on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET, followed by uninterrupted coverage of the motos at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET. Additionally, the championship will make its summer debut on USA Network with a Sunday encore telecast on July 13, beginning at 9 a.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET.

AFT: Dallas Daniels Wins Magic Mile At DuQuoin

The “Magic Mile” lived up to its nickname by delivering yet another last-lap stunner as Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) claimed a scant-yet-pivotal victory in Saturday night’s Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile, Round 8 of the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 

Daniels’ win at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois, wasn’t assured until the checkered flag flew, which confirmed an official 0.037-second margin of victory following a hectic five-rider showdown to the very end.  

An early eight-rider scrap whittled down to six after a few minutes of fighting. It then took its final form of five – which included Daniels, title rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R), James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTB Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) – after Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) was forced out due to mechanical issues. 

Bauman kept himself relevant with some impressive cornering and line choice, but as the laps wound down, it became more and more apparent that the Yamahas of Daniels, Ott, and Bender had the steam on this night. 

With less than two minutes left on the clock, Bauman dropped back from first to fifth and then struggled mightily in his attempts to claw his way back into winning contention from that point forward. 

Ott, meanwhile, gave Daniels all he could handle, while Bender looked more than capable of springing a massive upset with a perfect final lap. 

But Daniels did what aspiring championship winners do, countering Ott’s final lap Turn 2 pass with a counter of his own, running back up the inside entering Turn 3. He then put his head down and narrowly outraced his challengers’ draft-pass attempts as the three completed a Yamaha lockout of the podium. 

Ott earned his maiden Mission AFT SuperTwins podium 0.037 seconds off the win while Bender claimed the first of his Progressive AFT career a further 0.092 seconds adrift. 

Daniels said, “That was huge… Not even just the win, but how we felt on the motorcycle today. It’s no secret that at the beginning of the season we’ve been struggling a little bit, just with some stuff. It’s not for lack of effort. My team has been busting their butts so much. This track – with the way that the corners are – is one where we’ve always lacked on the Yamaha the last few years. We’ve been making headway, and last year we were close to Jared (Mees), but not that close. This morning, I didn’t really feel the greatest, but I had a quiet confidence. I knew we were going to figure it out. I can’t give a big enough of a thanks to my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team… 

“It was an amazing day. It’s the first time I’ve won a Grand National in my home state. It’s something special.” 

Robinson, meanwhile, held Bauman off for fourth just back of the top three.  

As a result, Daniels and Bauman now boast 162 points and four wins apiece, with Bauman technically in the championship lead as a result of his three runners-up to Daniels’ two. It doesn’t get much closer than that with the Grand National Championship fight now officially at its halfway point. 

Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Racing Unlimited/Parts Bros/D&D Kawasaki Ninja 650) finished a lonely sixth, while Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) rounding out the night’s top ten in that order. 

 

AFT Singles presented by KICKER 

In just over the span of a week, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) took a protracted wins drought and vulnerable AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship position and transformed them into a three-race victory streak and a commanding 20-point advantage. 

The Australian did so in an intense Main Event that saw an eight-rider lead freight train storm past the checkered flag separated by a combined 0.342 seconds. 

As it went, the heated rivalry between Drane and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) got that much hotter Saturday night. Saathoff came up just 0.020 seconds short of defeating Drane after spending the entire race in a struggle just to prevent the Estenson Racing ace from making an escape and instead forcing him to fight it out in a pack war. 

The two gestured angrily at one another following the conclusion of the race after being locked in ultra close quarters combat, including one particularly perilous moment in which Saathoff’s boot contacted Drane’s handlebar as they railed around a corner in tight proximity. 

Afterward, Drane said, “I just wanted to get out there straight to the front and do everything I could to win that one, because that was dangerous coming off the last corner doing that. It is what it is, and I guess I just have to put my head down and do what I did and come out on top.” 

In response, Saathoff said, “I thought I set myself up good (on the final lap), but it seems to me that Tom Drane doesn’t know how to go in a straight line sometimes. But, that’s okay. We’re going to look past it and move on to the next (race).” 

Saathoff was joined in the joint attempt to overcome Drane’s day-long speed advantage for the bulk of the Main by eventual third-place finisher Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who was shuffled back to sixth at the flag despite finishing just 0.252 seconds back of the win. 

Despite his impressive form, Pfanders was displaced in that final rush to the stripe by Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/Reel Medics Yamaha YZ450F) and Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who rounded out the top five. 

Meanwhile, Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) and Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) were rewarded with just seventh- and eighth-place results despite being in with a shot at the win as late as the race’s final corner. 

Drane’s recent surge has granted him a significant advantage over Saathoff at the title fight’s halfway point, as he now leads 153-133. Brunner sits third at 114, while Santero is well back in fourth with 87 points. 

 

Next Up: 

Progressive American Flat Track will at last make its debut at the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, on Friday, July 18. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2025-lucas-oil-short-track-141381 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 Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 13, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT). 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

World Endurance: Take Five With Johann Zarco

MotoGP star Johann Zarco will go for back-to-back victories in Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC). The 34-year-old from France took time out of his preparations for the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race to answer five key questions.

Johann Zarco on the podium at the Suzuka 8 hours in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco on the podium at the Suzuka 8 hours in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

After winning on your EWC debut in Suzuka last season, what’s brought you back and how confident are you of a repeat victory, especially with Iker Lecuona joining you and Takumi Takahashi in the Honda HRC line-up?


“I am very pleased to be back as a member of Honda HRC in this traditional and prestigious race. I will bring my good momentum from MotoGP to Suzuka and, clearly with this trio, we’re in contention to win. Whether we’ll have enough margin to win is something I don’t know, and we’ll still have to do everything right. But Iker had some very good tests after me. My tests were good. We were still able to work well and get a good feel for the rain. It was also very instructive on a drying track, especially on a track lasting over two minutes per lap. This allowed us to gather information for tyre management. Then, on the second day, we were able to do quite a few laps in the dry and test many settings.”

 

Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

What’s changed on your Honda compared to 2024?

“The biggest change is the suspension. Last year we rode with Showa suspension, while this year we’re using Öhlins suspension. So that was the priority of the tests: setting up the bike with this new suspension. I really liked the stability the Öhlins provide during braking. I think there’s still work to be done, especially on the ease of riding to be faster without having to push harder.” 

 

Last year, you said that you had a lot to learn from your teammates and that you needed to adapt. Given your experience and 2024 victory has your contribution been greater so far in terms of set-up?


“Since I managed to set a very good pace from the first test, I was able to try different settings on the bike. The goal was to give feedback and information to Honda and thus compare it with what Takumi Takashi, my team-mate, might like. Despite everything, I think Suzuka is a very technical track, and it’s by knowing the track that you can save the most time, rather than trying to set the bike up perfectly for different riding styles.”

 

Johann Zarco on his Honda HRC at Suzuka in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco on his HRC Honda at Suzuka in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

Jack Miller will also be racing in Japan’s EWC round this year, do you think your participation 12 months ago and your victory has sparked even greater interest in the Suzuka 8 Hours?


“I honestly think so. I dared to take on the challenge last year and I enjoyed it, and the victory was great. I think Jack’s presence is a good thing for Yamaha; it’ll give them a bike in addition to the YART one. He’ll also have some good riders with him. Besides, for Jack, this may not be the best time for him right now, and if it works out well, it will certainly allow him to score points with Yamaha.”

 

Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

How do you manage all this traveling during your MotoGP season, especially with all the time differences?

“It was planned, it was worth doing, because it’s an additional experience to learn how to best manage these MotoGP seasons from year to year. Next year, I’ll probably only do one test. This year, two tests were perhaps a bit too much, even if it allowed me to familiarise myself with Suzuka in the rain. Now that I’ve gained this additional experience, I’ll be more careful to prioritise my MotoGP season because that’s where the level is most demanding. The slightest drop in energy or form is immediately felt.”

The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August. Click HERE for more information.

JuniorGP: Poles Decided On Saturday At Magny-Cours

Brian Uriarte’s good form continued as he made it two consecutive pole positions, while a new face will lead away the ETC grid. 

The all-important pole positions were set during the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship’s first visit to the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. In the JuniorGP™ class, Brian Uriarte (UAX SeventyTwo Artbox) made it two poles in a row while Xabi Zurutuza (Andifer American Racing) will lead away the Moto2™ European Championship grid on Sunday. In the European Talent Cup, Matteo Gabarrini (Team Echovit Pasini Racing) claimed a maiden pole while Iker Garcia (Yamaha GV Racing) topped the times in the Stock™ European Championship.

 

Poleman JuniorGP™ Brian Uriarte. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman JuniorGP™ Brian Uriarte. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

JUNIORGP: 

Brian Uriarte continued his excellent form as he claimed a second consecutive JuniorGP™ pole after posting a 1:43.640s, finishing seven tenths clear of Marco Morelli (GRYD – MLav Racing) as he backed up his Jerez success at Magny-Cours. As for Morelli, he secured P2 on the grid for his first front row start in JuniorGP, while Jesus Rios (Finetwork XTI Mir Racing Team) was denied a first pole in over a year; after initially going into P1 in the closing stages of Q2, the Spaniard was demoted by Uriarte and Morelli.

Rico Salmela (Estrella Galicia 0,0) will lead away the second row after securing fourth place with a 1:44.474s, with Hakim Danish (SIC Racing MSI) lining up alongside him. Row 2 will be completed by Leonardo Zanni (Finetwork XTI Mir Racing Team) after the Italian posted a 1:44.599s to claim sixth place; just two tenths separated Morelli in second and Zanni in sixth.

Sunday’s sole JuniorGP action kicks off at 13:00 Local Time (UTC+2) on Sunday.

 

Poleman Moto2™ Xabi Zurutuza. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman Moto2™ Xabi Zurutuza. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

 

MOTO2 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: 

Xabi Zurutuza secured pole position in the Moto2™ ECh after he set a blistering 1:37.933s to beat Championship leader Unai Orradre (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro). The two Spanish stars were separated by less than a tenth at the end of the 15-minute Q2 session, with Jerez polesitter Milan Pawelec (AGR Team) completing the front row as he set a 1:38.153s. Francesco Mongiardo (Fau55 Tey Racing), second in the Championship, will start from the second row after finishing sixth in Q2.

There are two races in the Moto2™ ECh in France, with racing from 11:00 Local Time (UTC+2).

 

Poleman ETC Matteo Gabarrini. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman ETC Matteo Gabarrini. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: 

Matteo Gabarrini took his first European Talent Cup pole position after setting a 1:47.971s to claim P1 in Q2. The Italian was the only rider to lap in the 1:47s bracket when he topped Group B’s Q2 session. Kiandra Ramadhipa (Honda Asia – Dream Racing Team Junior) was fastest in Group A, but slower than Gabarrini, so will go from second place while Fernando Bujosa (AC Racing Team) will complete the front row.

ETC has two races at Magny-Cours, tune in to the action from 12:00 Local Time (UTC+2).

 

Poleman Stock Iker García. FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman Stock Iker García. FIM JuniorGP.

STOCK EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP:

Iker Garcia claimed a second pole of the 2025 season after setting a 1:41.586s to secure P1 ahead of Hungary’s Tibor Varga (IUM Motorsports S.L). The #47 was almost threes tenths slower than Garcia’s pole-setting time, while Garcia’s teammate, Blai Trias, will complete the front row of Sunday’s Stock ECh race after taking third in Q2 with a 1:42.170s.

Stock ECh’s sole race takes place at 16:00 Local Time (UTC+2) on Sunday.

 

Saturday’s action is in the books and now attention is turning to Sunday with two Moto2 ECh races, two ETC races, one JuniorGP race and one Stock ECh race from Magny-Cours – with the action kicking off at 11:00 Local Time (UTC+2).

CSBK: Guérin Wins Superbike Race 2 at RAD Torque

Sam Guérin (2) took the lead from the start of Sunday's Superbike race two at RAD Torque Raceway and went on to win after leading every lap over Jordan Szoke (partially hidden, 2nd), Alex Dumas (23, 3rd), and Ben Young (1, 4th). Photo credit: Rob O'Brien / courtesy CSBK.
Sam Guérin (2) took the lead from the start of Sunday's Superbike race two at RAD Torque Raceway and went on to win after leading every lap over Jordan Szoke (partially hidden, 2nd), Alex Dumas (23, 3rd), and Ben Young (1, 4th). Photo credit: Rob O'Brien / courtesy CSBK.

The fight for the Canada Cup was blown open in race two of the GP Bikes Pro Superbike tripleheader on Sunday, as Sam Guerin dominated for a start-to-finish victory in the rain at RAD Torque Raceway.

The pole-sitter showed just why he’s considered a wet-weather specialist as he stormed away from the field and led every single lap, stretching out an eight-second lead at one point as Guerin cruised to his third win in the last four races.

The EFC Group BMW rider had already done exactly what he needed to as he tries to make up for his round one setbacks, but his team was paying a little extra attention to the fight behind him as the story became a three-rider battle between Jordan Szoke, Alex Dumas, and race one winner Ben Young.

Dumas would slot in behind Guerin off the line with Szoke third while Young got a lackluster start in fourth, but the trio would tighten up for majority of the race in a pivotal battle for second.

Szoke would look for a few ways by on Dumas before eventually making a lunge into turn four on lap four, though with Guerin too far up the road as he continued to hammer out fast laps.

That would set up a brief battle between rivals Young and Dumas behind him, with Young attempting a bold move into turn two – the same spot where he made his race-winning pass on Saturday – before Dumas slammed the door on the championship leader.

The group would then settle into their respective positions as Szoke gradually chipped away at Guerin’s lead, though it was too little too late as the Quebec City native held on for his fifth career victory.

“I was really happy when I saw the forecast this morning. I wanted to just get a lead right away and avoid any spray, so it all went according to plan,” Guerin said. “We needed this one for the championship, so I’m super happy. Hopefully it stays wet for race three this afternoon.”

The title fight would see a major shift with the one-two finish for Guerin and Szoke, with just 16 points covering the entire top four down to Guerin, who’s one point behind Szoke for third in the standings.

As for the Canadian Kawasaki Motors rider, Szoke felt his early laps stuck behind Dumas prevented a shot at the win – a valid belief given his strong lap times – though he was happy to salvage a crucial second and keep his title hopes in good shape.

“I’ve been a bit under the weather, so I just tried to hang in there as long as I could yesterday. I knew Sam would be tough to beat in the rain, but I think I could have gone with him if I had got by Alex sooner,” Szoke said, which prompted Guerin to jokingly shake his head. “I know Sam’s making fun of me. But I know we have a good bike, so we’ll see what race three brings.”

GP Bikes Pro Superbike Race 2 podium (L-R): Alex Dumas, Sam Guérin, and Jordan Szoke. Photo credit: Rob O'Brien / courtesy CSBK.
GP Bikes Pro Superbike Race 2 podium (L-R): Alex Dumas, Sam Guérin, and Jordan Szoke. Photo credit: Rob O’Brien / courtesy CSBK.

 

The main championship battle between Dumas and Young was also tightened slightly, with the Economy Lube/Fast Company BMW rider fending off the race one winner to take the last podium spot and cut his deficit to only four points.

“Sam pulled a gap right away, so I tried to follow Jordan and hope for an opportunity, but he was just a bit quicker,” Dumas admitted. “I didn’t want to push too much, so I just tried to keep Ben behind me and pick up points for the championship.”

The result sees Young’s personal-best 23 race podium streak come to an end, a stretch dating back to the CTMP finale in 2023, but more crucially puts the Van Dolder’s Home Team Honda squad back under pressure following a breakthrough on Saturday.

Completing the top five was rookie Laurent Laliberte-Girard, an incredible effort aboard his Supersport-spec Nadon Sport Yamaha YZF-R6 in the tricky conditions.

The reigning Amateur Supersport champion managed to peel away from a number of Superbike riders early in the race, including the Honda duo of Phil DeGama-Blanchet and David MacKay.

DeGama-Blanchet struggled in the early stages of the race before finding a bit of a late rhythm aboard his Mots Machining Honda, salvaging a decent points haul in sixth after his crash on Saturday.

MacKay appeared to be dealing with a few issues in the rain setup for the ODH Snow City Cycle Honda crew, initially battling with DeGama-Blanchet before settling back into a lonely seventh.

The result sees BMW stretch their lead significantly atop the Constructors Championship, exiting with a 40-point advantage over Honda after a disappointing race one.

The field will return to the track for the final leg of this tripleheader, a massive one in the championship battle ahead of the season finale in August.

Full results can be found on the series’ official website.

For more information on the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca or email info@csbk.ca.

MotoGP: Martin Returning For Private Test On Aprilia RS-GP

Jorge Martin. Photo courtesy Aprilia Racing.

Aprilia Racing have confirmed that Jorge Martin’s MotoGP return is all set for Wednesday the 9th of July at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.

The reigning MotoGP World Champion was back on a motorcycle for the first time since his Qatar GP crash at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last week, and after that was successful, Martin will now hop back on his Aprilia RS-GP25 thoroughbred ahead of returning to Grand Prix action.

Martin, who suffered a rib contusion on the right thorax with a pneumothorax at Lusail, underwent his latest medical check on the 30th of June and Aprilia confirmed that the healing process was positive, and on that basis, two more weeks were needed for complete healing regarding the rib injuries the #1 suffered. Nine days on from that examination, Martin will be getting to grips with a MotoGP bike again.

MotoAmerica: Asia Talent Cup Rider Makes Supersport Debut

Ryota Ogiwara (30). Photo by Michael Gougis.

The leaders were gone, and the battle for the final podium spot was a ways up the road as well. But the fight for sixth place in the second MotoAmerica Motovation Supersport race at The Ridge Motorsports Park was noteworthy. Battling with five-time MotoAmerica Supersport winner Tyler Scott and CSBK Supersport Championship leader Torin Collins was a young Japanese rider in his first outing on a Supersport-spec machine and his first time at the track.

 

Ryota Ogiwara (30). Photo by Michael Gougis.

But the round at The Ridge was definitely not the first rodeo for Ryota Ogiwara, 16. Ogiwara is a seasoned and experienced International-level rider. He burst onto the IDEMITSU Asia Talent Cup scene in 2023, scoring podiums in his last three races of the season and finishing third in the Championship. In 2024, Ogiwara crashed out of the first two races of the season in Qatar, then went on a tear, taking seven podiums, including two wins, on his way to second in the Championship. In 2025, he leads the Championship, as he is undefeated in the first four races.

Ogiwara’s family knows the family that owns Vesrah, best known in the U.S. for its motorcycle brake components and its long association with motorcycle road racing. Last year, Vesrah Racing entered Hayden Gillim in the Daytona 200 on a Suzuki GSX-R750. Team Principal Mark Junge said that during his conversations with Vesrah, the company mentioned that they wanted to give Ogiwara a chance to race in the U.S. Ogiwara has spend time with Junge training and practicing in the States, but the chance to get him onto the racetrack didn’t happen until The Ridge.

There were, as they say, lots of moving parts to align. At The Ridge, Junge was heading up the Honda Superbike efforts, and he had visitors from Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) on hand. The bike that Ogiwara was riding was the same Suzuki that Gillim rode to first in the 2024 Loudon Classic, third in the 2024 Daytona 200 and second in the AHRMA Pro Challenge Race at Barber Motorsports Park; “That bike won $76,000 last year,” Junge said. While it is a well-fettled racebike–and it actually recorded the highest Supersport trap speed, according to MotoAmerica timing and scoring–the optics of having a Suzuki under the Honda awning were not optimal, so Ogiwara was pitted well away from the Honda rig and Junge was shuttling back and forth over the weekend.

Still, Ogiwara came to grips quickly with the Suzuki, although he described it as “much bigger, heavier and faster” than the Honda NSF250R Moto3 bikes he has raced in the Asia Talent Cup series. He qualified 12th, a bit more than two seconds off the pace of polesitter and defending Supersport Champion Mathew Scholtz. Race One was a struggle, and Ogiwara finished 14th, 43 seconds behind at the flag. But in Race Two, Ogiwara ran as high as sixth before dropping to eighth, 30 seconds behind Scholtz and within a second of Scott, who was recovering from an off-track excursion, and Collins.

While Ogiwara’s plans for next year are not yet settled, his eyes are on the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series. But it would be no surprise to see him on a MotoAmerica grid again.

CSBK: Young Wins Superbike Race 1 At RAD Torque

Ben Young (1) won the first Superbike race of the RAD Torque Raceway CSBK weekend on Saturday after a last lap pass over Alex Dumas (hidden). Sam Guérin (2) completed the podium after leading most of the race. Photo credit : Rob O'Brien / courtesy CSBK.
Ben Young (1) won the first Superbike race of the RAD Torque Raceway CSBK weekend on Saturday after a last lap pass over Alex Dumas (hidden). Sam Guérin (2) completed the podium after leading most of the race. Photo credit : Rob O'Brien / courtesy CSBK.

Young wins epic last-lap battle over Dumas to kick off tripleheader at RAD Torque

The latest chapter in the rivalry between Ben Young and Alex Dumas was written on Saturday, as Young claimed a memorable race one victory after a tense last-lap battle in the third round of the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship at RAD Torque Raceway.

The pair found themselves in a race long fight to begin a pivotal GP Bikes Pro Superbike tripleheader, though with pole-sitter Sam Guerin at the front for majority of the contest in what was a thrilling three-rider scrap virtually from start to finish.

Guerin would pace the first 17 laps of the 20-lap feature race, setting a new lap record early on and briefly threatening to run away with a third consecutive victory as Young defended masterfully from Dumas behind.

However, Guerin would begin to fade slightly back to the duo in the closing stages, with Young eventually taking the lead on the crossover between turns five and six while Dumas almost immediately followed him through into second.

Guerin would keep a watchful eye in third as the two former champions got their elbows out in front of him, with Dumas lining up a move out of the last corner as he carried a bit more speed down the finish straightaway.

Dumas would get the drive he needed on the final lap as he moved past Young into turn one, hitting the front for the first time in what was a crucial battle for the championship with just two points separating them.

However, their often friendly rivalry reached a more contentious point almost straight away, as Young instantly responded with a bold – but fair – pass into the tight turn two right hander, standing Dumas up and nearly allowing Guerin back into the lead.

Young would then produce a flawless final 2.7 kilometres, fending Dumas off in the last few corners to escape with his first win of the year by just 0.080 seconds.

The Van Dolder’s Home Team Honda rider would hand his new brand their first victory in nearly eleven years on Saturday, joining Jodi Christie in 2014 (who was in attendance on Saturday) as the most recent Superbike winners for Honda.

“That was such a great race with these guys. It’s tight racing these BMW’s, but I know a few things from having been in their shoes all those years,” Young said. “It’s been a challenging year. We were working on things even this morning, but the bike delivered today. I’m so happy for Honda, it feels like a long time coming.”

The race winning pass was perhaps the most memorable of Young’s career, extending his championship lead to seven points in the process.

“That was probably the most aggressive I’ve ever been, but when you’re that close on the last lap you have to go for it,” Young added.

While Dumas was frustrated by the nail-biting loss, the Economy Lube/Fast Company BMW rider is still well positioned in the championship entering a doubleheader on Sunday, having flashed more than enough race-winning pace on Saturday.

“I didn’t get the start we wanted, and at one point I thought Sam was gone, but we were able to close the gap and then I followed Ben through,” Dumas said. “I knew the goal was to beat him because of the championship. He raced hard, but hopefully we can be back on top tomorrow.”

While Guerin’s end result doesn’t tell the full story of his race, having led majority of the contest with incredible pace, the EFC Group BMW rider took most of the blame for his late-race slide into what was a still strong third place.

Podium picture, from left to right, Alex Dumas, Ben Young and Samuel Guerin. Photo courtesy CSBK.
Podium picture, from left to right, Samuel Guérin, Ben Young and Alex Dumas. Photo courtesy CSBK.

 

“I pushed too much early on. The tires were still okay, but I had less grip than them for sure,” Guerin said. “I made a few mistakes because of that, but it was good experience to lead so many laps.”

The double-podium for BMW also keeps their 18-point lead intact atop the Constructors Championship, though with Young and Honda mounting the pressure in the middle part of the season.

Settling for a distant fourth at the line was Jordan Szoke, who ran with the lead group early on but could never fully match the pace of the other trio, eventually putting his CKM Kawasaki into a safe but lonely result.

That will keep Szoke four points ahead of Guerin in the battle for third overall, and still only 23 points behind Young atop the standings.

Rounding out the top five was David MacKay, who fended off an early attack from local phenom and fellow Honda rider Phil DeGama-Blanchet.

MacKay had just started to put a bit of breathing room between himself and DeGama-Blanchet when the 17-year-old crashed in turn eight, handing a more comfortable finish to MacKay and the ODH Snow City Cycle Honda team.

A pair of Edmonton natives would earn career-best results at their home track, with Brian Worsdall claiming sixth ahead of Eric Russnak in seventh.

Worsdall put in a strong but lonely ride aboard his Hindle/DP Brakes BMW, while Russnak overcame an early battle behind him to settle into seventh for Motorheads Kawasaki, picking up valuable Constructors points in the absence of the injured Connor Campbell.

Laurent Laliberte-Girard extended his advantage in the fight for top Pro Rookie of the Year honours, earning an excellent eighth aboard his Supersport-spec Nadon Sport Yamaha.

Young will now try to build on his first win of the season with a challenging doubleheader on Sunday, with rain forecasted for race two of the weekend at roughly 11:30 am MT before conditions improve for race three at roughly 3:00 pm MT.

Full results can be found on the series’ official website.

For more information on the Bridgestone Canadian Superbike Championship, visit www.csbk.ca or email info@csbk.ca.

 

Pro Superbike - Race 1

European Talent Cup: Sanchez P12 in Race 1

Mikey Lou Sanchez (55( at Magny-Cours Circuit in France. Photo credit Danny Vela / LIFEBELUCKY
Mikey Lou Sanchez (55( at Magny-Cours Circuit in France. Photo credit Danny Vela / LIFEBELUCKY

This weekend the FIM JuniorGP made its debut for the first time in France at the Nevers Magny Cours Circuit. 

Mikey Lou Sanchez started the weekend off pretty good, finishing in the top 10 of both free practices on Friday. 
 
Saturday in Practice, Mikey was P10 which put him directly into Q2. In Qualifying Mikey finished P12 which put him 23rd on the grid but because of a few penalties from other riders he ended up starting P20. 
 
Race 1 was tricky, the race was delayed because of rain, and then it was dry, so all riders went from slicks to wet tires back to slicks. The race had been changed from 12 laps to 9 Laps.On the first lap there was a crash in turn 3 which caused a split between the front group. Mikey was able to avoid the riders and continue. He was able to finish P12, putting in the second fastest lap of the race on the last lap!
 
Race 2 was a completely different race. The track was super wet from heavy rains. We were confident Mikey would do well in the rain, as he moved up from 21st to 13th on the first lap but then on the second lap he high sided coming out of turn 10.
 
Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) during the wet race at Magny-Cours. Photo credit Danny Vela / LIFEBELUCKY
Mikey Lou Sanchez (55) during the wet race at Magny-Cours. Photo credit Danny Vela / LIFEBELUCKY
 
Mikey is ok, and he is determined to fight with the front group in 3 weeks July 26-27 at Motorland Aragon!
 
“He’s continuing to learn the new Team with this being his second race weekend with AC Racing. I know he’s capable of running with these front guys!” Trinity – Mickey’s mom says. 
 
We’d like to thank all of our sponsors for their continued support.

SPN Riders Academy, Chic-fil-a East Dallas, TexasMotorcycleAcademy, Fred and Maggie Beck , HJC helmets, Moto Liberty, williams custom painting, Paul Stamper Ben Fondu Theo Bick Mark Niemi and Stephen Hagberg.

ETC - RACE 1 - RESULTS
ETC – RACE 1 – RESULTS
ETC - RACE 2 -RESULTS
ETC – RACE 2 -RESULTS

JuniorGP: Race Results From Magny-Cours In France

JuniorGP Podium picture, from left to right, Casey O'Gorman, Joel Esteban and Rico Salmela. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
JuniorGP Podium picture, from left to right, Casey O'Gorman, Joel Esteban and Rico Salmela. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

Esteban returned to winning ways while Ramadhipa claimed a first ETC victory as the rain fell on the JuniorGP™ paddock on Sunday.

On a dramatic day of racing in the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship with rain falling at the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, Joel Esteban (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team) claimed a first JuniorGP™ victory since 2023 while the Moto2™ European Championship wins were shared between Alberto Ferrandez (GV EBC Moto2) and Alberto Surra (Andifer American Racing). In the European Talent Cup, Kiandra Ramadhipa (Honda – Asia Dream Racing Talent Team) took a first win in the class as Fernando Bujosa (AC Racing Team) claimed his second victory of the year. Stock™ European Championship honours went to Pier Francesco Venturini (AC Racing Team).

 

JUNIORGP: 

In JuniorGP, rain fell ahead of the sole race of the weekend which resulted in the race being shortened to 10 laps as riders were given more time for sighting laps. Spain’s Joel Esteban battled from 14th on the grid to take victory in the wet race, ahead of Ireland’s Casey O’Gorman (Estrella Galicia 0,0) and his teammate, Rico Salmela. Championship leader Brian Uriarte (UAX SeventyTwo Artbox) got a sensational start when lights went out, building up a huge lead over his rivals, before he crashed at Turn 5; he was able to re-join the race and finished in 10th.

 

 

MOTO2 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: 

Alberto Ferrandez made it two wins in the last three races as he claimed victory in Race 1 of the Moto2 ECh. The Spaniard started from fourth but soon found himself in the lead of an eventful 14-lap race as he fended off Milan Pawelec (AGR Team) for victory. Polesitter Xabi Zurutuza (Andifer American Racing) rounded out the podium places, just over a second away from victory with Championship leader Unai Orradre (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro) settling for fourth.

 

 

The rain fell heavily ahead of Moto2 ECh’s Race 2 and that mixed up the results. Alberto Surra (Andifer American Racing) put in some incredibly fast laps at the start of the shortened race to take the lead, and he didn’t look back from there, claiming victory by more than 10 seconds ahead of Facundo Llambias (Estrella Galicia 0,0) as the Uruguayan claimed a first podium after starting from 15th. The rostrum was once again completed by Zurutuza. Orradre salvaged a P11 finish in Race 2 after he had a crash at Turn 13 in the wet, re-joining the race to just finish out of the top ten.

 

 

EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: 

In Race 1 in the European Talent Cup, Indonesia’s Kiandra Ramadhipa claimed a stunning maiden victory by less than a tenth of a second ahead of Alvaro Lucas (CFMoto Aspar Junior Team), while Cristian Borrelli (Team Echovit Pasini Racing) claimed his maiden rostrum in the class with third. Fernando Bujosa was fourth despite serving a double Long Lap Penalty for crashing into Lucas at Jerez. Reigning Champion Carlos Cano (UAX SeventyTwo Artbox) fought back from 26th to fight for victory but a crash at the Imola Chicane, which also involved Alex Longarela (Snipers Igax Team), resulted in both riders scoring no points.

 

 

In ETC Race 2, Bujosa got a great launch to move into an early lead in the wet but was soon hauled in by his rivals. The #69 and Longalera battled for victory as they created a four-second gap to Lucas in P3 as the #46 completed an all-Spanish rostrum. Cano once again fought his way through the field, this time from 27th, to finish in sixth, in a race that was red-flagged on Lap 7 after it was shortened to 9 laps to give riders more sighting laps.

 

 

STOCK EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP:

In Stock ECh, Pier Francesco Venturini claimed a maiden podium and victory in the class after a fight with Hungary’s Tibor Varga (IUM Motorsports S.L). The pair were scrapping over second and third initially but were promoted to first and second respectively after Filippo Fuligni (Promo Racing) crashed on the exit of Turn 8 on Lap 5, with the race red flagged and the results declared; it was the second red flag in Stock ECh’s only race after David Jimenez (MDR Competición) crashed in the original start, with the track needing to be cleaned. 

 

 

For all the results from the past, present and future and more news regarding the Championship, www.fimjuniorgp.com

ProMotocross : Results From Buchanan, Michigan

SMX Round 23 - Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud MX, Michigan. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
SMX Round 23 - Pro Motocross Championship at RedBud MX, Michigan. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, officially reached its halfway point at the crown jewel event on the calendar from Michigan’s legendary RedBud MX. The Honda RedBud National Presented by Dixxon Flannel Co. signified Race 6 of the summer campaign and Round 23 of the SMX World Championship regular season in a showcase of American motocross’ own Independence Day tradition. In the 450 Class, Honda HRC Progressive rider and championship point leader Jett Lawrence put forth one of his most impressive single-moto performances to complete a 1-1 sweep and capture a sixth straight victory. In the 250 Class, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda completed a dominant afternoon for the brand with a 1-1 performance of his own to put the “Red Riders” atop both classes at Honda’s title event.

 

Impressive Come-From-Behind Performance at RedBud Nets Jett Lawrence Sixth Straight Pro Motocross Championship Victory.

 

Moto 1

The opening moto of the afternoon began with Honda HRC Progressive’s Hunter Lawrence and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire side-by-side exiting the first turn, with Lawrence narrowly securing the Pro Motocross Holeshot and control of the lead. Hampshire went on the attack, nearly making the pass, but the Australian fended him off. As this unfolded, Jett Lawrence closed in on Hampshire from third. The top three then settled in briefly, but Jett Lawrence pushed to make the move on Hampshire for second and gave chase to his older brother out front. Behind them, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger made the pass for third and was able to close in on the lead duo.
 

Just before the completion of the opening 10 minutes Jett Lawrence made his move on Hunter, briefly making the pass before Hunter responded to retake the position. Jett persisted and after a brief side-by-side battle eventually took hold of the lead. The increased pace allowed the Lawrences to pull away from Plessinger and the rest of the field, as the KTM rider was then forced to deal with a hard-charging Eli Tomac and his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine. Once he got to Plessinger’s rear fender, Tomac made quick work to move into third.
 

The top three settled in through the middle of the moto, with Jett Lawrence moving out to a lead of about five seconds. However, as the moto entered its final 10 minutes considerable smoke started to come out of Tomac’s Yamaha. He eventually came to a stop, which ultimately brought his moto to a premature end. That misfortune left the battle for third to be settled between Plessinger and Hampshire, with the Husqvarna rider able to make the move in the closing stages of the moto.
 

Out front, Jett Lawrence’s lead eventually surpassed 10 seconds as he surged to his ninth moto win of the season by 16.1 seconds over Hunter Lawrence. Hampshire captured his first career moto podium in third, followed by Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper in fourth. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton finished fifth, as the reigning series champion and defending RedBud winner made his anticipated return to action following a crash at the opening race of the season.

 

Jett Lawrence passed 17 riders in the final moto to put an exclamation point on his sixth straight victory and another 1-1 performance.Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Jett Lawrence passed 17 riders in the final moto to put an exclamation point on his sixth straight victory and another 1-1 performance. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

Moto 2

The deciding moto got underway with Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha’s Coty Schock out front with the Pro Motocross Holeshot, just ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jorge Prado, the back-to-back FIM Motocross World Champion. The Spaniard pressured Schock and eventually made his move into the lead halfway through the opening lap. Behind him, both Lawrences started from deep in the top 10. As he looked to make passes, Jett Lawrence went down and remounted in 18th place. Hunter Lawrence, meanwhile, looked to move forward from seventh.
 

After a wild opening five minutes the field settled in with Prado leading Cooper and Hunter Lawrence, while Hampshire, Sexton, and Jett Lawrence ran in sixth, seventh, and eighth, respectively. Jett Lawrence was on the move and passed both Sexton and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson to break into the top five. He then passed Hampshire for fourth just over 10 minutes into the moto. The march continued past his brother, as Jett broke into the top three before the halfway point.
 

Out front, a patient Cooper waited for an opening to attempt a pass on Prado and successfully made his way into the lead with just over half the moto to go. That left Prado to fend with Jett Lawrence, who made quick work of the Spaniard to move into second. Prado then lost hold of third to Sexton, who was following Lawrence’s path to the front. As the fastest rider on the track Jett gained chunks of time on Cooper and easily took over the lead with less than five minutes remaining. Sexton was then able to make his way around Cooper for second but went down. He remounted in fourth as Cooper and Hunter Lawrence made their way past.
 

In arguably the most impressive single-moto performance of his young career, Jett Lawrence passed 17 riders to complete the sweep of the motos by 8.3 seconds over Cooper, who equaled his career-best moto result in second. Hunter Lawrence followed in third.

Hunter Lawrence finished in the runner-up spot to give the Lawrence brothers three consecutive 1-2 finishes. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Hunter Lawrence finished in the runner-up spot to give the Lawrence brothers three consecutive 1-2 finishes. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing,Inc. 

 

Overall

Jett Lawrence’s 16th career 1-1 performance netted him the 21st victory in the 450 Class, which equaled two-time champion Ken Roczen for sixth all-time. With 21 victories in 22 career starts, his career winning percentage stands at an incredible 95%. Hunter Lawrence completed the third straight 1-2 finish for the siblings in second (2-3), while Cooper earned his second overall podium result of the season in third (4-2).
 

Jett Lawrence’s lead in the championship standings now sits at just over an entire race, 51 points over Hunter Lawrence, who moved into second. Cooper’s podium result allowed him to move from fifth to third, 69 points out of the lead.
 

The podium result also helped Cooper close to within 14 points of the top seed in the SMX World Championship standings, as he continued to gain ground on his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammate Cooper Webb, who finished ninth (15-8).

Justin Cooper was solid all afternoon to earn his second podium finish of the summer. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Justin Cooper was solid all afternoon to earn his second podium finish of the summer. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

1st Place: Jett Lawrence, Honda HRC Progressive (1-1)

“I put my heart into that race [Moto 2]. I didn’t get an ideal start and made a silly mistake that made it really hard on myself. We lost a young star in the racing community this past week [Aidan Zingg] and I rode with him and his family on my mind, so this one is for the Zingg family.”

 
2nd Place: Hunter Lawrence, Honda HRC Progressive (2-3)

“That one [Moto 2] was tough. I had to fight for it since I didn’t get a great start. I’m happy to do it [finish on the podium] on a holiday weekend. It was an epic race, with epic fans. It was a great day.”

 
3rd Place: Justin Cooper, Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing (4-2)

“I had a good start [in Moto 2] and was second behind Jorge [Prado]. I wanted to get by him as quick as I could and made a sprint for three or four laps. Then hit a wall [physically]. I ended up losing my front brake for a bit, but thankfully it came back. It was a great ride and I’m really happy to be on the podium.”

 

Podium picture, from left to right, Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence and Justin Cooper. Photo courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Podium picture, from left to right, Hunter Lawrence, Jett Lawrence and Justin Cooper. Photo courtesy MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish // Points)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda (2-3 // 42)
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (4-2 // 40)
  4. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna (3-6 // 36)
  5. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., KTM (5-4 // 35)
  6. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Kawasaki (7-5 // 32)
  7. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., GASGAS (8-9 // 27)
  8. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna (11-10 // 23)
  9. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha (15-8 // 21)
  10. Harri Kullas, Tallinn, Estonia, Husqvarna (12-11 // 21)

 

450 Class Championship Standings (Race 6 of 11)

  1. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 290
  2. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 239
  3. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 221
  4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha – 217
  5. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 204
  6. RJ Hampshire, Hudson, Fla., Husqvarna – 185
  7. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 151
  8. Jorge Prado, Lugo, Galicia, Spain, Kawasaki – 147
  9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Honda – 124
  10. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Kawasaki – 111

 

450SMX Regular Season Standings (Round 23 of 28)

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 516
  2. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha – 502
  3. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM – 459
  4. Chase Sexton, La Moille, Ill., KTM – 398
  5. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Husqvarna – 382
  6. Jett Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 361
  7. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Queensland, Australia, Honda – 301
  8. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha – 297
  9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Honda – 277
  10. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Germany, Suzuki – 271

 

Jo Shimoda Completes Honda Sweep with 1-1 Performance in 250 Class. 

 

Moto 1

The first moto saw the Shimoda surge to the front off the start for the Pro Motocross Holeshot, his first since 2023, but he was soon passed by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle, with Triumph Factory Racing’s Jalek Swoll in third. Defending champion and point leader Haiden Deegan started deep in the top 20 aboard his Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing machine. The clear track allowed Vialle to quickly establish a lead of more than two seconds over Shimoda, while Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker made the pass on Swoll for third.
 

As the leaders settled in, all eyes were on Deegan as he made a charge through the field. The season’s most dominant rider clawed his way into the top 10 a mere five minutes into the moto. However, as he looked to move closer to the top five Deegan tipped over and lost a few positions. Back out front, Vialle’s advantage grew to more than five seconds nearing the halfway point of the moto.
 

As the final 10 minutes approached, Shimoda’s pace picked up and he started to chip away at the deficit to Vialle. Behind him, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen was the rider to watch, as he made multiple passes to make his way into the top three. Shimoda, meanwhile, caught Vialle to initiate a battle for the lead. The Japanese rider bided his time and waited for the opportunity to make a pass attempt on the Frenchman and successfully did so to take over the top spot with just under nine minutes remaining. Behind them, Deegan had worked his way up to fifth as smoke began to come out of his Yamaha. He then crashed on one of the track’s downhill sections and remounted outside the top 10.
 

As Shimoda closed out the moto in emphatic fashion a last-lap battle for second emerged as Kitchen was on a torrid charge in the closing laps. He caught the Vialle and after a brief battle made the move to take over second. Shimoda took his first moto win since Southwick last season by a margin of 7.2 seconds over Kitchen, followed by Vialle in third. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Michael Mosiman finished fourth, with Hammaker rounding out the top five. Deegan soldiered home in 14th for his worst moto result since the penultimate round of the 2023 season.

 

Jo Shimda took advantage of two stellar starts to complete an impressive 1-1 effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Jo Shimda took advantage of two stellar starts to complete an impressive 1-1 effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

Moto 2

The final moto of the day kicked off with Swoll edging out Shimoda for the Pro Motocross Holeshot as Shimoda then dropped to third behind another Triumph Factory Racing rider in Jordon Smith. Kitchen slotted into fourth and made the move around Shimoda for third. Deegan, meanwhile, started outside the top 10 but was able to climb up to ninth in the early stages of the opening lap. Back up front, Kitchen passed Smith for second but then lost traction and slid out, quickly remounting in 11th place.
 

As the top three settled in, Smith went off track and crashed, which allowed Shimoda to move into second and Mosiman into third, just ahead of Deegan in fourth. Deegan then went down and dropped two positions to sixth. Not long after Deegan’s misfortune, Kitchen was forced to visit the mechanics area, which dropped him outside the top 30 and ultimately out of contention.
 

Ten minutes into the moto Swoll continued to lead Shimoda, with about a second separating the two riders. Shimoda started to get pressure from Mosiman in third, which forced him to pick up his pace and take the lead from Swoll. Mosiman quickly followed into second. From there a battle for the lead took shape between Shimoda and Mosiman, who quickly distanced themselves from Swoll. After some initial pressure, Shimoda fended off Mosiman and soon built a near three-second advantage.
 

As the moto wore on, Shimoda continued to build on his lead and eventually moved nearly 20 seconds clear of the field as Mosiman encountered misfortune and lost his hold of second to Swoll. Mosiman was then forced to contend with Deegan in the closing stages for third, with the championship leader able to make the pass. Deegan wasn’t done as he put in a late charge to catch Swoll and made the pass with two laps to go.
 

Shimoda dominated en route to the 10th moto win of his career, finishing 17.7 seconds ahead of Deegan. Swoll earned his first moto podium since the 2023 season.

 

In just his third race back from a ruptured Achilles, Jalek Swoll secured a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
In just his third race back from a ruptured Achilles, Jalek Swoll secured a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

Overall

Shimoda’s first victory for Honda came via a compelling 1-1 performance, the second of his career, and now gives him four career wins. It was also his second victory at RedBud. Swoll (6-3) and Mosiman (4-4) ended up tied for the runner-up spot, with the second moto tiebreaker going to Swoll for his third career podium and the second Pro Motocross podium for Triumph. Mosiman made his return to the box for the first time since 2021 and the fourth time in his career.
 

Shimoda gained 20 points on Deegan, who finished fifth (14-2), with 38 points now separating the top two. Kitchen, who finished seventh (2-19), moved into third, 85 points behind Deegan.

After a challenging couple years marred by injury, Michael Mosiman made his return to the overall podium for the first time since 2023. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
After a challenging couple years marred by injury, Michael Mosiman made his return to the overall podium for the first time since 2023. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

1st Place: Jo Shimoda, Honda HRC Progressive (1-1)

“I needed those starts. My riding hasn’t been bad; I just needed starts. We tried some new mapping on the bike for the starts, and it really worked out. This is such a big confidence booster.”

 
2nd Place: Jalek Swoll, Triumph Factory Racing (6-3)

“It feels great. I was riding the best I ever had before my [Achilles] injury. It sucks I couldn’t race Supercross but to get on the podium in just my third race back for Triumph feels amazing.”
 

3rd Place: Michael Mosiman, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (4-4)

“I’m just stoked. I put in a lot of hard work. A lot of hours, sweat, blood, and tears to get back here [on the podium]. It means a lot to make a comeback, and I know I have the ability to overcome anything.”

 

Podium picture, from left to right, Jalek Swoll, Jo Shimoda and Michael Mosiman. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Podium picture, from left to right, Jalek Swoll, Jo Shimoda and Michael Mosiman. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

 

250 Class Overall Results (Moto Finishes // Points)

  1. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda (1-1 // 50)
  2. Jalek Swoll, Belleview, Fla., Triumph (6-3 // 36)
  3. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha (4-4 // 36)
  4. Mikkel Haarup, Silkeborg, Denmark, Triumph (5-6 // 33)
  5. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (14-2 // 30)
  6. Ryder DiFrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., GASGAS (12-6 // 26)
  7. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki (2-19 // 25)
  8. Parker Ross, Herald, Calif., Yamaha (11-10 // 23)
  9. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki (5-16 // 23)
  10. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki (10-12 // 22)

 

250 Class Championship Standings (Race 6 of 11)

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 274
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda – 236
  3. Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Kawasaki – 189
  4. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 186
  5. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki – 184
  6. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha – 149
  7. Mikkel Haarup, Silkeborg, Denmark, Triumph – 144
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 132
  9. Maximus Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 124
  10. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki – 122

 

250SMX Regular Season Standings (Round 23 of 28)

  1. Haiden Deegan, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha – 495
  2. Jo Shimoda, Suzuka, Japan, Honda – 399
  3. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM – 366
  4. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki – 329
  5. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Pa., Kawasaki – 299
  6. Julien Beaumer, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., KTM – 295
  7. Michael Mosiman, Sebastopol, Calif., Yamaha – 280
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda – 262
  9. Maximus Vohland, Sacramento, Calif., Yamaha – 244
  10. Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Triumph – 233

 

The 2025 Pro Motocross Championship continues next Saturday, July 12, with Round 24 of the SMX regular season, when Minnesota’s Spring Creek MX Park will bring the series to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” for the FXR Spring Creek National Presented by Frescados Tortillas. The seventh race of the summer will feature exclusive comprehensive live coverage on Peacock, beginning with Race Day Live at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET, followed by uninterrupted coverage of the motos at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET. Additionally, the championship will make its summer debut on USA Network with a Sunday encore telecast on July 13, beginning at 9 a.m. PT / 12 a.m. ET.

AFT: Dallas Daniels Wins Magic Mile At DuQuoin

Dallas Daniels (32) races down the straightaway ahead of other Mission AFT SuperTwins riders at the DuQuoin Mile. Photo credit: Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.
Dallas Daniels (32) races down the straightaway ahead of other Mission AFT SuperTwins riders at the DuQuoin Mile. Photo credit: Tim Lester / courtesy American Flat Track.

The “Magic Mile” lived up to its nickname by delivering yet another last-lap stunner as Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) claimed a scant-yet-pivotal victory in Saturday night’s Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile, Round 8 of the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. 

Daniels’ win at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois, wasn’t assured until the checkered flag flew, which confirmed an official 0.037-second margin of victory following a hectic five-rider showdown to the very end.  

An early eight-rider scrap whittled down to six after a few minutes of fighting. It then took its final form of five – which included Daniels, title rival Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R), James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07), Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTB Racing Yamaha MT-07), and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R) – after Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) was forced out due to mechanical issues. 

Bauman kept himself relevant with some impressive cornering and line choice, but as the laps wound down, it became more and more apparent that the Yamahas of Daniels, Ott, and Bender had the steam on this night. 

With less than two minutes left on the clock, Bauman dropped back from first to fifth and then struggled mightily in his attempts to claw his way back into winning contention from that point forward. 

Ott, meanwhile, gave Daniels all he could handle, while Bender looked more than capable of springing a massive upset with a perfect final lap. 

But Daniels did what aspiring championship winners do, countering Ott’s final lap Turn 2 pass with a counter of his own, running back up the inside entering Turn 3. He then put his head down and narrowly outraced his challengers’ draft-pass attempts as the three completed a Yamaha lockout of the podium. 

Ott earned his maiden Mission AFT SuperTwins podium 0.037 seconds off the win while Bender claimed the first of his Progressive AFT career a further 0.092 seconds adrift. 

Daniels said, “That was huge… Not even just the win, but how we felt on the motorcycle today. It’s no secret that at the beginning of the season we’ve been struggling a little bit, just with some stuff. It’s not for lack of effort. My team has been busting their butts so much. This track – with the way that the corners are – is one where we’ve always lacked on the Yamaha the last few years. We’ve been making headway, and last year we were close to Jared (Mees), but not that close. This morning, I didn’t really feel the greatest, but I had a quiet confidence. I knew we were going to figure it out. I can’t give a big enough of a thanks to my whole Estenson Racing Monster Energy Yamaha team… 

“It was an amazing day. It’s the first time I’ve won a Grand National in my home state. It’s something special.” 

Robinson, meanwhile, held Bauman off for fourth just back of the top three.  

As a result, Daniels and Bauman now boast 162 points and four wins apiece, with Bauman technically in the championship lead as a result of his three runners-up to Daniels’ two. It doesn’t get much closer than that with the Grand National Championship fight now officially at its halfway point. 

Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Racing Unlimited/Parts Bros/D&D Kawasaki Ninja 650) finished a lonely sixth, while Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), and Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) rounding out the night’s top ten in that order. 

 

AFT Singles presented by KICKER 

In just over the span of a week, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) took a protracted wins drought and vulnerable AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship position and transformed them into a three-race victory streak and a commanding 20-point advantage. 

The Australian did so in an intense Main Event that saw an eight-rider lead freight train storm past the checkered flag separated by a combined 0.342 seconds. 

As it went, the heated rivalry between Drane and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R) got that much hotter Saturday night. Saathoff came up just 0.020 seconds short of defeating Drane after spending the entire race in a struggle just to prevent the Estenson Racing ace from making an escape and instead forcing him to fight it out in a pack war. 

The two gestured angrily at one another following the conclusion of the race after being locked in ultra close quarters combat, including one particularly perilous moment in which Saathoff’s boot contacted Drane’s handlebar as they railed around a corner in tight proximity. 

Afterward, Drane said, “I just wanted to get out there straight to the front and do everything I could to win that one, because that was dangerous coming off the last corner doing that. It is what it is, and I guess I just have to put my head down and do what I did and come out on top.” 

In response, Saathoff said, “I thought I set myself up good (on the final lap), but it seems to me that Tom Drane doesn’t know how to go in a straight line sometimes. But, that’s okay. We’re going to look past it and move on to the next (race).” 

Saathoff was joined in the joint attempt to overcome Drane’s day-long speed advantage for the bulk of the Main by eventual third-place finisher Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who was shuffled back to sixth at the flag despite finishing just 0.252 seconds back of the win. 

Despite his impressive form, Pfanders was displaced in that final rush to the stripe by Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/Reel Medics Yamaha YZ450F) and Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who rounded out the top five. 

Meanwhile, Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450) and Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R) were rewarded with just seventh- and eighth-place results despite being in with a shot at the win as late as the race’s final corner. 

Drane’s recent surge has granted him a significant advantage over Saathoff at the title fight’s halfway point, as he now leads 153-133. Brunner sits third at 114, while Santero is well back in fourth with 87 points. 

 

Next Up: 

Progressive American Flat Track will at last make its debut at the Short Track at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, on Friday, July 18. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2025-lucas-oil-short-track-141381 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 Memphis Shades DuQuoin Mile, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 13, at 11:30 a.m. ET (8:30 a.m. PT). 

For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com

World Endurance: Take Five With Johann Zarco

Johann Zarco during the Suzuka 8 hours in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco during the Suzuka 8 hours in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.

MotoGP star Johann Zarco will go for back-to-back victories in Japan’s round of the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC). The 34-year-old from France took time out of his preparations for the 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race to answer five key questions.

Johann Zarco on the podium at the Suzuka 8 hours in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco on the podium at the Suzuka 8 hours in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

After winning on your EWC debut in Suzuka last season, what’s brought you back and how confident are you of a repeat victory, especially with Iker Lecuona joining you and Takumi Takahashi in the Honda HRC line-up?


“I am very pleased to be back as a member of Honda HRC in this traditional and prestigious race. I will bring my good momentum from MotoGP to Suzuka and, clearly with this trio, we’re in contention to win. Whether we’ll have enough margin to win is something I don’t know, and we’ll still have to do everything right. But Iker had some very good tests after me. My tests were good. We were still able to work well and get a good feel for the rain. It was also very instructive on a drying track, especially on a track lasting over two minutes per lap. This allowed us to gather information for tyre management. Then, on the second day, we were able to do quite a few laps in the dry and test many settings.”

 

Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

What’s changed on your Honda compared to 2024?

“The biggest change is the suspension. Last year we rode with Showa suspension, while this year we’re using Öhlins suspension. So that was the priority of the tests: setting up the bike with this new suspension. I really liked the stability the Öhlins provide during braking. I think there’s still work to be done, especially on the ease of riding to be faster without having to push harder.” 

 

Last year, you said that you had a lot to learn from your teammates and that you needed to adapt. Given your experience and 2024 victory has your contribution been greater so far in terms of set-up?


“Since I managed to set a very good pace from the first test, I was able to try different settings on the bike. The goal was to give feedback and information to Honda and thus compare it with what Takumi Takashi, my team-mate, might like. Despite everything, I think Suzuka is a very technical track, and it’s by knowing the track that you can save the most time, rather than trying to set the bike up perfectly for different riding styles.”

 

Johann Zarco on his Honda HRC at Suzuka in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco on his HRC Honda at Suzuka in 2024. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

Jack Miller will also be racing in Japan’s EWC round this year, do you think your participation 12 months ago and your victory has sparked even greater interest in the Suzuka 8 Hours?


“I honestly think so. I dared to take on the challenge last year and I enjoyed it, and the victory was great. I think Jack’s presence is a good thing for Yamaha; it’ll give them a bike in addition to the YART one. He’ll also have some good riders with him. Besides, for Jack, this may not be the best time for him right now, and if it works out well, it will certainly allow him to score points with Yamaha.”

 

Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.
Johann Zarco. Photo courtesy EWC.

 

How do you manage all this traveling during your MotoGP season, especially with all the time differences?

“It was planned, it was worth doing, because it’s an additional experience to learn how to best manage these MotoGP seasons from year to year. Next year, I’ll probably only do one test. This year, two tests were perhaps a bit too much, even if it allowed me to familiarise myself with Suzuka in the rain. Now that I’ve gained this additional experience, I’ll be more careful to prioritise my MotoGP season because that’s where the level is most demanding. The slightest drop in energy or form is immediately felt.”

The 46th Coca-Cola Suzuka 8-Hours Endurance Race takes place from 1-3 August. Click HERE for more information.

JuniorGP: Poles Decided On Saturday At Magny-Cours

Brian Uriarte (51), Rico Salmela (27) and Haki Danish (13) at Magny-Cours Circuit. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Brian Uriarte (51), Rico Salmela (27) and Haki Danish (13) at Magny-Cours Circuit. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

Brian Uriarte’s good form continued as he made it two consecutive pole positions, while a new face will lead away the ETC grid. 

The all-important pole positions were set during the FIM JuniorGP™ World Championship’s first visit to the Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. In the JuniorGP™ class, Brian Uriarte (UAX SeventyTwo Artbox) made it two poles in a row while Xabi Zurutuza (Andifer American Racing) will lead away the Moto2™ European Championship grid on Sunday. In the European Talent Cup, Matteo Gabarrini (Team Echovit Pasini Racing) claimed a maiden pole while Iker Garcia (Yamaha GV Racing) topped the times in the Stock™ European Championship.

 

Poleman JuniorGP™ Brian Uriarte. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman JuniorGP™ Brian Uriarte. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

JUNIORGP: 

Brian Uriarte continued his excellent form as he claimed a second consecutive JuniorGP™ pole after posting a 1:43.640s, finishing seven tenths clear of Marco Morelli (GRYD – MLav Racing) as he backed up his Jerez success at Magny-Cours. As for Morelli, he secured P2 on the grid for his first front row start in JuniorGP, while Jesus Rios (Finetwork XTI Mir Racing Team) was denied a first pole in over a year; after initially going into P1 in the closing stages of Q2, the Spaniard was demoted by Uriarte and Morelli.

Rico Salmela (Estrella Galicia 0,0) will lead away the second row after securing fourth place with a 1:44.474s, with Hakim Danish (SIC Racing MSI) lining up alongside him. Row 2 will be completed by Leonardo Zanni (Finetwork XTI Mir Racing Team) after the Italian posted a 1:44.599s to claim sixth place; just two tenths separated Morelli in second and Zanni in sixth.

Sunday’s sole JuniorGP action kicks off at 13:00 Local Time (UTC+2) on Sunday.

 

Poleman Moto2™ Xabi Zurutuza. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman Moto2™ Xabi Zurutuza. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

 

MOTO2 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP: 

Xabi Zurutuza secured pole position in the Moto2™ ECh after he set a blistering 1:37.933s to beat Championship leader Unai Orradre (Team Ciatti – Boscoscuro). The two Spanish stars were separated by less than a tenth at the end of the 15-minute Q2 session, with Jerez polesitter Milan Pawelec (AGR Team) completing the front row as he set a 1:38.153s. Francesco Mongiardo (Fau55 Tey Racing), second in the Championship, will start from the second row after finishing sixth in Q2.

There are two races in the Moto2™ ECh in France, with racing from 11:00 Local Time (UTC+2).

 

Poleman ETC Matteo Gabarrini. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman ETC Matteo Gabarrini. Photo courtesy FIM JuniorGP.

EUROPEAN TALENT CUP: 

Matteo Gabarrini took his first European Talent Cup pole position after setting a 1:47.971s to claim P1 in Q2. The Italian was the only rider to lap in the 1:47s bracket when he topped Group B’s Q2 session. Kiandra Ramadhipa (Honda Asia – Dream Racing Team Junior) was fastest in Group A, but slower than Gabarrini, so will go from second place while Fernando Bujosa (AC Racing Team) will complete the front row.

ETC has two races at Magny-Cours, tune in to the action from 12:00 Local Time (UTC+2).

 

Poleman Stock Iker García. FIM JuniorGP.
Poleman Stock Iker García. FIM JuniorGP.

STOCK EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP:

Iker Garcia claimed a second pole of the 2025 season after setting a 1:41.586s to secure P1 ahead of Hungary’s Tibor Varga (IUM Motorsports S.L). The #47 was almost threes tenths slower than Garcia’s pole-setting time, while Garcia’s teammate, Blai Trias, will complete the front row of Sunday’s Stock ECh race after taking third in Q2 with a 1:42.170s.

Stock ECh’s sole race takes place at 16:00 Local Time (UTC+2) on Sunday.

 

Saturday’s action is in the books and now attention is turning to Sunday with two Moto2 ECh races, two ETC races, one JuniorGP race and one Stock ECh race from Magny-Cours – with the action kicking off at 11:00 Local Time (UTC+2).

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