Oliveira stuns Styria to win the 900th premier class race in style
A thriller to the last, the final corner sees the Portuguese rider make history – and win for KTM on home turf
Sunday, 23 August 2020
Miguel Oliveira (88) leads Pol Espargaro (44), Jack Miller (43), Joan Mir (36), Alex Rins (42), Andrea Dovizioso (04), and Takaaki Nakagami (30) across the finish line at the Red Bull Ring. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The BMW M Grand Prix of Styria was already a guaranteed history maker as it hosted the 900th premier class race, but what a race it was. Another Red Flag and shortened sprint to the line gave us a dash of early drama, but more milestones were achieved once again in 2020 as Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira took his first ever premier class victory in serious style. It’s the first premier class win for the Tech 3 squad, the first for Portugal, and the first KTM win on home turf for the factory and for Red Bull. It all went down to the final corner too as the Portuguese rider sliced past the duelling Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and kept it inch perfect to beat both to the line.
On the first start, Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) took the holeshot from the front row – kind of – but the Suzuki headed wide and was then told to give the place back up. Espargaro was second before a scrappy few corners that saw the Spaniard demoted, before Miller took over at the front from Mir – position change complied with, voluntarily or not – and the number 36 slotted back in ahead of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). The two would duel as Miller tried to bolt, but it was Mir who would manage that as he made his way back into the lead and then set the fastest lap.
Miller and Nakagami just about stayed with him though, as Pol Espargaro and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) dueled it out for fourth in a little clear air. Behind them, Dovizioso had his hands full with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), too. Soon enough though, Dovi pulled away – and a KTM armada of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Oliveira and his teammate Lecuona all slammed past the Yamaha in quick succession, leaving Viñales tenth.
The Spaniard appeared to have an issue and put his arm up once, but then disaster would strike not long after he’d managed to tuck back in and carry on. At Turn 1, the number 12 was forced to do a high speed bail out and he jumped off his machine just in time, the stricken Yamaha then hurtling towards the air fence and catching fire. That caused the Red Flag to come out to do repairs, but Viñales was immediately on his feet – rider ok and seemingly pretty mad about the incident.
Mir, Miller and Nakagami’s advantage was gone in a sudden puff of drama, and we were heading back to the grid for the quick restart procedure not long after. How would the start shuffle the pack second time around?
Mir got the perfect start from pole, with Miller getting bogged down from third. Pol Espargaro powered away from the line well but ran slightly wide into Turn 1, allowing Miller to regain ground on the run into Turn 2 and 3. Miller, sporting fresh soft Michelin front and rears, was then leading. The GP20’s speed powered the Aussie through. Mir fought back on the exit but the Ducati rider held the inside line for Turn 6, with Nakagami one rider getting a bit beaten up at the start as the Japanese rider dropped to seventh.
Just like they were in the first part of the race though, KTM’s Oliveira and Binder were scrapping away in the fight for P4, with Dovizioso also up with the leading group. Miller then slammed in a 1:23.928 as the pace in the restarted contest heated up, with Mir second but the Spaniard on the same front tyre he’d used to pull clear of the field before the red flags – was it costing him?
With eight laps to go, Pol Espargaro set the fastest lap of the race. The KTM rider then made his move on Mir at Turn 3, before the number 44 was then clambering all over the back of Miller. Pol then attempted a pass up into Turn 1 but he was in deep and wide, allowing Miller to blast straight past and Oliveira and Mir to close in, the Portuguese rider now up into third.
The leading quartet was gapping Dovizioso and Nakagami, and then Dovi was wide at Turn 1 and then again at Turn 9 with six laps to go. It worked for a while as it was a lead group of seven, although Binder then lost touch as the South African ran wide at Turn 1 a lap later.
Pol Espargaro then took the lead from Miller at Turn 9 but he wasn’t able to pull the pin. Next, Mir was wide at Turn 4, allowing Dovizioso to grab fourth as Miller and Oliveira tagged onto the back of Pol’s RC16. The top five were close, but Mir and Dovizioso were dropping off slightly and ultimately couldn’t get in the fight in the final lap.
Heading onto that last lap, it all came down to two KTMs vs a Ducati: Pol Espargaro vs Miller vs Oliveira. Two riders chasing their first win, one chasing their first dry race win. It was Pol Espargaro who begun the lap in the lead and got a good run out of the first corner, but coming into the braking zone, the KTM went very defensive – maybe too defensive. That compromised his exit and Miller was all over him before managing to get alongside the number 44 and make the move stick into the tricky, downhill right-hander.
Miller held firm through the left-handers, but coming up was where the KTM rider was strongest. Pol Espargaro got the run up the hill and managed to slice back up the inside of Miller, meaning everything was going down – once again – to the final corner in Styria.
Getting a better run down into Turn 10, Miller braked late and the Aussie, of course, went for it. And he technically got it done as he got past the KTM – but both headed so wide, the door was wide open behind them. Enter wily Oliveira, who had been calmly stalking the pair, as the Portuguese rider blasted past the two errant machines and straight to the line for his first historic victory, in a historic race.
Miller held onto second to pick up his second Red Bull Ring rostrum of 2020, with Pol Espargaro forced to settle for P3, although it’s his first dry podium in MotoGP™ after an impressive ride at the front.
Mir came fourth and was a key victim of the restart, but it’s another impressive performance and haul of points for the Spanish sophomore. Dovizioso couldn’t make it two-from-two as the Italian crossed the line 5th, 1.4 from the victory, but the Italian closes the gap to Quartararo as they’re now three points apart. Another unfortunate victim from the red flag was Nakagami, who has to settle for P7 in Styria after looking odds on to picking up a maiden podium. Binder’s late Turn 1 run-off cost him a chance of a top six finish, the Czech GP winner crossing the line in P8, although four tenths clear of leading Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).
It was a difficult day for the Iwata factory with Viñales’ crash seeing the Spaniard take zero points from Styria. Quartararo’s P13 finish ultimately keeps him top of the standings, but the Yamaha riders will be happy to see the back of the Red Bull Ring and head for happier hunting grounds at Misano.
10th place went the way of rookie Iker Lecuona, who caps off a fantastic day for Red Bull KTM Tech 3 with his second top 10 on the bounce Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) finished just ahead of Quartararo, with Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) – who started from pitlane in the first race and recently broke his scaphoid – and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the points.
It really was another Spielberg stunner, and a truly history-making day. Who would have predicted that? Three points between Quartararo and Dovizioso really spices things up heading to one of the Italian’s home tracks at Misano, and Miller isn’t far off either. From there down to ninth overall, there’s almost nothing in it in one of the most astonishing seasons we’ve seen.
A hard-earned two-week break now sees the paddock catch our breath before Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli awaits. Predict what will happen there at your own peril… but most definitely tune in!
Miguel Oliveira: “I’m very emotional, there’s so much I want to say but I won’t be able to. Just a big thank you to all the people who have believed in me, there are so many coming to mind right now but starting from my family at home, the team, my sponsors, the Portuguese crowd, thank you so much for your support. History today, for me and my country, and I couldn’t be happier to have done it here and the home of KTM and Red Bull.”
AFT Production Twins Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 39.288
2. Ben Lowe (Yam), 39.316
3. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), 39.471
4. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), 39.633
5. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 39.760
6. Chad Cose (Har), 39.784
7. Hayden Gillim (Har), 39.965
8. Dylan Bell (Har), 39.995
9. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), 40.037
10. Danny Eslick (Kaw), 40.050
11. Cory Texter (Yam), 40.143
12. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), 40.162
13. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), 40.186
14. Cody Johncox (Yam), 40.301
15. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), 41.440
16. Garret Wilson (Kaw), 41.856
17. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), 41.962
18. Scott Barrett (Kaw), 43.100
AFT Singles Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Wyatt Anderson (KTM), 39.993
2. Henry Wiles (Hon), 39.996
3. Morgen Mischler (KTM), 40.047
4. Tanner Dean (Hon), 40.064
5. James Ott (KTM), 40.070
6. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), 40.076
7. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), 40.076
8. Andrew Luker (Yam), 40.147
9. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 40.183
10. Cole Zabala (Hon), 40.210
11. Ryan Wells (KTM), 40.246
12. Chad Cose (Suz), 40.249
13. Kevin Stollings (Hon), 40.259
14. Justin Jones (Hon), 40.271
15. Michael Rush (Yam), 40.365
16. Aidan RoosEvans (Yam), 40.378
17. Max Whale (Kaw), 40.384
18. Shayna Texter (KTM), 40.428
19. Cameron Smith (Hon), 40.437
20. Trent Lowe (Hon), 40.469
21. Trevor Brunner (Hon), 40.624
22. Jayson Bloss (KTM), 40.633
23. Jesse Janisch (Hus), 40.798
24. Jordan Jean (Hon), 40.906
25. Dylan Bell (Hon), 40.971
26. Kasey Sciscoe (Hon), 41.247
27. Nicholas Myers (Hon), 41.638
28. Kyler Adams (KTM), 42.128
29. Scott Barrett (Hon), 44.144
30. David Wiggin (KTM), no time recorded
AFT SuperTwins Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (Ind), 37.916
2. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 38.347
3. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), 38.382
4. Bryan Smith (Har), 38.388
5. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 38.680
6. Brandon Price (Ind), 38.694
7. Jared Mees (Ind), 38.789
8. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 38.793
9. Dan Bromley (Ind), 38.800
10. Davis Fisher (Ind), 38.825
11. Dalton Gauthier (Har), 38.875
12. Robert Pearson (Ind), 39.056
13. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), 39.118
14. Larry Pegram (Ind), 39.240
15. JD Beach (Yam), 39.428
16. Andrew Luker (Ind), 39.556
17. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 39.687
18. Jay Maloney (Ind), 39.883
AFT Production Twins Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 39.483
2. Chad Cose (Har), 39.517
3. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 39.655
4. Dylan Bell (Har), 39.709
5. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), 39.735
6. Ben Lowe (Yam), 39.735
7. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), 39.778
8. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), 39.904
9. Danny Eslick (Kaw), 39.997
10. Hayden Gillim (Har), 40.240
11. Cory Texter (Yam), 40.328
12. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), 40.435
13. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), 40.522
14. Cody Johncox (Yam), 40.525
15. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), 41.501
16. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), 41.581
17. Garret Wilson (Kaw), 41.745
18. Scott Barrett (Kaw), 43.941
AFT Singles Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Ryan Wells (KTM), 39.798
2. Chad Cose (Suz), 39.843
3. Henry Wiles (Hon), 39.860
4. Kevin Stollings (Hon), 39.862
5. Morgen Mischler (KTM), 39.953
6. Max Whale (Kaw), 39.963
7. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), 39.969
8. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), 40.045
9. Cole Zabala (Hon), 40.206
10. Michael Rush (Yam), 40.238
11. Tanner Dean (Hon), 40.242
12. Trent Lowe (Hon), 40.258
13. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 40.281
14. Andrew Luker (Yam), 40.323
15. Justin Jones (Hon), 40.345
16. Shayna Texter (KTM), 40.349
17. James Ott (KTM), 40.351
18. Cameron Smith (Hon), 40.409
19. Trevor Brunner (Hon), 40.481
20. Jordan Jean (Hon), 40.491
21. Aidan RoosEvans (Yam), 40.507
22. Wyatt Anderson (KTM), 40.549
23. Jayson Bloss (KTM), 40.623
24. Dylan Bell (Hon), 40.626
25. Jesse Janisch (Hus), 40.941
26. Nicholas Myers (Hon), 41.107
27. Kasey Sciscoe (Hon), 41.229
28. Kyler Adams (KTM), 41.626
29. David Wiggin (KTM), no time recorded
30. Scott Barrett (Hon), no time recorded
AFT SuperTwins Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 38.174
2. Briar Bauman (Ind), 38.184
3. Jared Mees (Ind), 38.186
4. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 38.563
5. Brandon Price (Ind), 38.637
6. Bryan Smith (Har), 38.639
7. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 38.699
8. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), 38.706
9. Davis Fisher (Ind), 38.758
10. Andrew Luker (Ind), 38.795
11. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), 38.803
12. Robert Pearson (Ind), 38.828
13. Dalton Gauthier (Har), 38.867
14. Larry Pegram (Ind), 39.157
15. Dan Bromley (Ind), 39.178
16. JD Beach (Yam), 39.211
17. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 39.396
18. Jay Maloney (Ind), 39.738
AFT Production Twins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 8 laps
2. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -06.226 seconds
3. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), -06.444
4. Cory Texter (Yam), -07.409
5. Dylan Bell (Har), -09.334
6. Hayden Gillim (Har), -11.605
7. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), -11.877
8. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), -21.228
9. Garret Wilson (Kaw), -27.955
AFT Production Twins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Chad Cose (Har), 8 laps
2. Ben Lowe (Yam), -00.226 seconds
3. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -01.349
4. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -04.931
5. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -05.247
6. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), -05.806
7. Cody Johncox (Yam), -06.589
8. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), -22.211
9. Scott Barrett (Kaw), -32.870
AFT Singles Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), 8 laps
2. Henry Wiles (Hon), -00.001 seconds
3. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -00.191
4. Michael Rush (Yam), -00.218
5. Morgen Mischler (KTM), -00.494
6. Ryan Wells (KTM), -00.497
7. James Ott (KTM), -00.659
8. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.915
9. Trevor Brunner (Hon), -00.931
10. Aidan RoosEvans (Yam), -01.080
11. Justin Jones (Hon), -01.752
12. Jesse Janisch (Hus), -03.705
13. Jayson Bloss (KTM), -03.757
14. Kasey Sciscoe (Hon), -3 laps
AFT Singles Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Chad Cose (Suz), 8 laps
2. Tanner Dean (Hon), -00.012 seconds
3. Shayna Texter (KTM), -00.154
4. Cole Zabala (Hon), -00.196
5. Kevin Stollings (Hon), -00.227
6. Andrew Luker (Yam), -00.228
7. Max Whale (Kaw), -00.264
8. Cameron Smith (Hon), -01.002
9. Wyatt Anderson (KTM), -02.283
10. Trent Lowe (Hon), -04.588
11. Dylan Bell (Hon), -05.050
12. Jordan Jean (Hon), -08.207
13. Kyler Adams (KTM), -08.759
14. Nicholas Myers (Hon), -8 laps
AFT SuperTwins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (Ind), 8 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -00.000 seconds
3. Bryan Smith (Har), -00.184
4. Brandon Price (Ind), -01.638
5. Davis Fisher (Ind), -04.230
6. Robert Pearson (Ind), -05.021
7. Dan Bromley (Ind), -07.695
8. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -08.458
9. Larry Pegram (Ind), -10.103
AFT SuperTwins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 8 laps
2. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -00.057 seconds
3. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -00.365
4. Dalton Gauthier (Har), -02.168
5. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), -04.217
6. JD Beach (Yam), -06.429
7. Andrew Luker (Ind), -07.215
8. Jay Maloney (Ind), -11.276
9. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -2 laps
AFT Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 18 laps
2. Cory Texter (Yam), -12.397 seconds
3. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -12.864
4. Chad Cose (Har), -13.880
5. Ben Lowe (Yam), -13.900
6. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -16.861
7. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -17.610
8. Hayden Gillim (Har), -22.630
9. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), -25.744
10. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -30.614
11. Dylan Bell (Har), -30.745
12. Garret Wilson (Kaw), -4 laps
13. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), -17 laps
14. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), -18 laps
15. Cody Johncox (Yam), -18 laps
16. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), -18 laps
17. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), -18 laps
AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Henry Wiles (Hon), 17 laps
2. Cole Zabala (Hon), -00.052 seconds
3. Shayna Texter (KTM), -00.419
4. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.497
5. Ryan Wells (KTM), -00.540
6. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), -00.958
7. Kevin Stollings (Hon), -00.964
8. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -01.202
9. Tanner Dean (Hon), -01.368
10. Andrew Luker (Yam), -02.181
11. Max Whale (Kaw), -02.238
12. Trent Lowe (Hon), -03.017
13. James Ott (KTM), -03.102
14. Cameron Smith (Hon), -09.542
15. Michael Rush (Yam), -34.773
16. Morgen Mischler (KTM), -4 laps
17. Chad Cose (Suz), -17 laps
AFT SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (Ind), 24 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -01.148 seconds
3. Bryan Smith (Har), -02.004
4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -04.969
5. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -05.407
6. Bronson Bauman (Ind), -05.427
7. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -06.940
8. Brandon Price (Ind), -07.140
9. Robert Pearson (Ind), -13.870
10. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), -13.888
11. Davis Fisher (Ind), -16.888
12. Dan Bromley (Ind), -17.934
13. JD Beach (Yam), -26.316
14. Andrew Luker (Ind), -26.553
15. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -29.824
16. Larry Pegram (Ind), -29.835
17. Jay Maloney (Ind), -1 lap, -10.246
18. Dalton Gauthier (Har), -8 laps,
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Bauman Doubles Up With Indy Mile II Masterclass
Smith’s characteristic finesse earns Harley-Davidson’s first Mile podium for XG750.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – It took Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) nine seasons in American Flat Track’s premier class to finally claim his maiden Mile victory and complete the career Grand Slam. It took just one day for him to earn a second.
Bauman completed the Indianapolis double with a tactical ride to win Saturday night’s AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event at the Indy Mile II.
Saturday’s rematch at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center took on a different shape compared to Friday’s Indy Mile I, as Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) was determined to prevent the reigning Grand National Champion from executing another early escape.
Lap after lap, Mees would dive back into the lead on corner entrance. Doing so not only kept Bauman corralled behind him, it also put him under threat with both Bryan Smith (No. 4 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) running in close contention.
After taking and losing the lead on numerous occasions early, Bauman switched up tactics and spent the bulk of the second half of the race just waiting in third, leaving the Mile-proven virtuosos of Mees and Smith to exercise a well-known mutual rivalry.
After Mees had secured a solid lead ahead of a still-determined Smith, Bauman seized the opportunity to make the high line work to his advantage, powering past both living legends to rip open a multiple bike-length lead. Mees did his best to respond on the final lap but couldn’t quite muster enough pace to reel Bauman back to within striking distance.
Bauman took the checkered flag with 1.147 seconds in hand over Mees, while Smith earned Harley’s first Mile podium since the .
Bauman said, “It’s pretty crazy. Honestly, I had both Jared’s and Bryan’s posters on my wall when I was growing up. I watched them every chance I could. Getting to race with them is a little bit surreal… The racing was clean and fast and the track was gnarly. All-in-all, it’s a dream come true.”
Robinson lost touch with the leaders with around three minutes to go but had built up just enough space to hold off a charging Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for fourth.
Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing FTR750), Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), Robert Pearson (No. 27 R/J Performance Racing/Hite Trucking Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) completed the top ten.
Bauman’s twin victories move him ahead of Mees in what’s promising to be a season-long heavyweight title fight, 90-87. Halbert is a distant third with 66 points to his credit.
AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
Henry Wiles (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R) earned his first victory since transitioning to the AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class following one of the most entertaining races in recent memory.
As many as ten riders still held a shot at the win as the clock showed 0:00, setting up an epic final two laps to decide the race.
No matter how massive the pack, Wiles ran near the front throughout, swapping the lead on countless occasions with last night’s surprise winner, Brandon Kitchen (No. 105 Donley Excavating/TCD Suspension Honda CRF450F), former teammate Cole Zabala (No. 51 Cornerstone Masonry/B&M Masonry CRF450R) and prodigy Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).
Long-time AFT Singles standouts Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Ryan Wells (No. 94 Waters Autobody Racing/D&D PowerSports KTM 450 SX-F) emerged late, both flashing the potential to steal the win away in the same fashion that Kitchen had the night before.
As the final lap played out, it became increasingly obvious the race would come down to a final straight shootout between Wiles and Zabala. Wiles worked hard to open up a small advantage through Turns 1, 2 and 3 but appeared vulnerable after making a slight bobble while exiting 4. Zabala pulled right up behind Wiles and then swung out of his draft with the checkered flag in sight. While he managed to speed up alongside his opponent’s bike, he didn’t have quite enough steam to complete the winning maneuver.
Wiles said, “We had some guys up there in the mix in the Main Event we hadn’t really seen all day. Cole was riding the wheels off his bike. I’m really happy to see him up here on the podium.
“The guys at RMR and American Honda have been giving us a good effort, and it showed up tonight. Everybody had been saying I’m kind of a big boy and genetically at a disadvantage, but we got it done tonight. I’m really stoked that I could come through.”
Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Zabala’s eye-opening effort still qualifies as a breakthrough performance; it not only marked his first career AFT podium, but his first-ever top-five in the series.
Texter finished third, with Daniels, Wells and Kitchen taking fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.
After an unfortunate mechanical, title hopeful Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) finished an uncharacteristic 15th. As a result, Wiles now leads Kitchen 68-65 with Texter jumping up to third with 58 points.
AFT Production Twins
James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) got a second chance to end his run of AFT Production Twins second-place finishes. He responded by winning by more than 12 seconds in an absolute show of force.
“The Rocket” had been knocking on the door ever since returning to dirt track in 2019 after assembling a national championship-winning roadracing career. He notched up four podiums a year ago, and opened his 2020 campaign with three consecutive runner-up finishes.
Rispoli established himself as the heavy favorite on Saturday night, topping both qualifying sessions and running away with his Semi. Despite the lofty expectations set by his pace, he was quickly swallowed up and shuffled back to fourth as the Main Event got underway.
The race was completely reset, however, following a Michael Inderbitzin (No. 54 Weirbach Racing/Rekluse Kawasaki Ninja 650) crash. And this time around, Rispoli stole the holeshot and quickly erased any aspirations of victory his rivals might have entertained as he disappeared into the distance.
Rispoli was consistently a full second per lap better than the rest of the field, ultimately taking the checkered flag with a massive 12.396-second margin of victory.
The win was Rispoli’s first in American Flat Track competition in more than a decade. Afterward, he was suitably excited: “I’m so stoked! I’m so fired up, I lost my voice on the cooldown lap. It’s been so long since I won… I’ve got to thank George Latus for putting the team together, ProBEAM, all the guys on the team for just getting through the grind, and Vance & Hines for giving us a rocketship.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had this big of a lead in my entire career. That’s what we want to do — we want to stamp our authority. They say it’s hard but when everything is flowing it’s easy. I’m just pumped!”
The race for second was considerably less predictable with as many as six riders in contention for the position deep into the contest. Friday winner Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07) and 2015 GNC2 Indy victor Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Lessley Brothers Racing/Competitive SheetMetal Yamaha MT-07) resumed last night’s intense scrap as they repeatedly went side-by-side angling for the spot.
At least they did until both riders found themselves outclassed by reigning class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), who sailed past and then eked out a gap on the final lap to finish as the race’s runner-up.
Armstrong held on for third to score his first AFT podium result since the aforementioned ‘15 Indy win. Chad Cose (No. Wally Brown Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) came home fourth, edging Lowe at the stripe by 0.019 seconds.
Texter’s late-race flurry helped minimize the championship damage, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Rispoli from taking a commanding lead of the early-season title fight. Rispoli now leads with 85 points to Texter’s 76 while Lowe sits third with 68.
Both of this weekend’s races will air on NBCSN, with the Indy Mile I airing on Thursday, August 27, starting at 1:00 a.m/10:00 p.m., and the Indy Mile II to follow on Saturday, August 29, at 12:00 a.m. ET/9:00 p.m. PT. The broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of AFT legend Chris Carr.
Next Up:
American Flat Track will follow up two days of racing at the Indy Mile with a Springfield tripleheader. The AFT Singles will kick the weekend off in Springfield, Illinois, with the Springfield ST on Friday, September 4. After that, the AFT SuperTwins and AFT Production Twins will take over for two days of racing at the “World’s Fastest Mile,” with the Springfield Mile I on Saturday, September 5, and the Springfield Mile II on Sunday, September 6. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for less than $1 per event via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
Fans can keep up-to-date with American Flat Track on Facebook (@American Flat Track), Twitter (@AmericanFlatTrk) and Instagram (@AmericanFlatTrack). AFT mobile apps are available for iPhone on the App Store and for Android at Google Play. For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.
Iddon claims first Bennetts British Superbike victory in dramatic Snetterton opener
VisionTrack Ducati’s Christian Iddon claimed his first victory in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Snetterton this afternoon, becoming the third different race winner of 2020 following a dramatic opening race in Norfolk.
Josh Brookes got off to a flying start with the pack instantly on the attack and Danny Buchan had grabbed the lead as the pack hit Wilson for the first time with Iddon in second. However, a crash on the opening lap for Andrew Irwin, and his stricken Honda Racing Fireblade in the middle of the track at Agostini, caused the deployment of the BMW Safety Car.
The pack lined up with Buchan, Iddon, Brookes, and Jason O’Halloran the leading contenders; but when the race went green on lap four, Buchan crashed his Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki out of the lead at Palmer, putting him out of contention.
Iddon then had the lead and he had begun to edge out an advantage, but as the race continued the chasing pack had reeled him back in and Bradley Ray was soon into second for the SYNETIQ BMW team ahead of Brookes and Tommy Bridewell.
The battle for the podium places went down to the wire and Iddon had the margin he needed to claim his first win, but behind the pack had shuffled again and Brookes and Bridewell had managed to get back ahead of Ray.
Brookes was able to hold off an equally determined Bridewell to the chequered flag as they completed a Ducati podium top three, but Glenn Irwin was in the fight too. The Honda Racing rider was also able to make a last lap move on Ray to claim fourth place to maintain his championship lead ahead of rounds four and five tomorrow.
Lee Jackson was sixth on the remaining Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki with the McAMS Yamaha team locking out the next two places in seventh and eighth with Ryan Vickers in ninth.
Buildbase Suzuki’s Kyle Ryde completed the top ten after an impressive performance of carving through the field during the race, following a problem on the opening lap, which put him at the very end of the train of riders behind the BMW Safety Car before the race resumed.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Round 4 result:
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati)
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.303s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.345s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +1.470s
Bradley Ray (SYNETIQ BMW) +2.228s
Lee Jackson (Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki) +2.451s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +6.961s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +7.093s
Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki) +7.182s
Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) +9.339s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Round 4:
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 73
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 59
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 59
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) 50
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 48
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 46
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 37
Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) 28
Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki) 27
Lee Jackson (Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki) 26
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Christian Iddon
(VisionTrack Ducati)
Round 4 race winner
“The race was an interesting one! From the very first lap I had a problem with the gearbox and I hit neutral going in to the second corner. Thankfully, because there was a bit of everything going on, it gave me a bit of an escape route and I had to be very careful in to the first gear corners, of which there are three on the track for me here.
“We had the Safety Car and the minute that we got going Danny lost the front immediately and that put me in the lead. I kind of thought to myself, ‘well here we are’ and I just tried to keep it consistent.
“Josh came through and I thought I wanted to continue to lead. He came through with a couple of laps to go and I had done all the donkey work and I didn’t want someone else to reap the benefits so I tried to get him straight back, which I did make stick.
“I actually won the race twice; I had the emotion twice because I misread the pit board so I came out the last corner with two laps to go, thinking it was the last lap and I was all excited thinking that no one had managed to pass me and then had to do it all over again!
“It was a horrible last two laps rather than just a horrible last lap, thinking about all the things that we had been through to get to this point, so a big thank you to the team.
“I don’t think we have dropped on the setting that any of us are really looking for but to be able to win the race without feeling absolutely awesome on the bike is amazing. A big thanks to everyone who has supported me for a very long period, hopefully this is a bit of a repayment.”
Three from three for Pedro Acosta, another brilliant ride and perfect last lap from the 16-year-old Spaniard to claim Styrian Grand Prix victory at the Red Bull Ring. The same 4 filled the top positions as last weekend though Daniel Holgado jumped in front of David Muñoz this time with David Alonso 4th again.
As usual a huge pack of KTM RC 250 Rs battled at the front of the third Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race of the season but it shook out to 6 on the last lap.
Acosta settled it at the second tight right hander letting the opposition out-brake themselves. “Yes I knew that it would be all about the last two laps again,” said Acosta. “I got myself close to the front and made sure I was not too fast going in there because I knew that the speed coming out was more important.”
Job done
“When I came out ahead I knew I could win again,” explained Acosta. “I just needed to make no mistakes, the same as last weekend.”
“Of course I’m happy about these three wins, I hate to put pressure on myself so I’m not thinking about the championship, I’m not thinking about anything but tomorrow’s race and enjoying it and doing a good job.”
Another great lesson
It’s not going to be easy because while Acosta relies on a year of Rookies Cup experience the chasing pack are in their first season and learning all the time, learning from a winner. “Yes I am learning,” stated 15-year-old Spaniard Holgado after taking second. “The bike is good, Pedro is just very hard to beat. I did one place better today and another step forward tomorrow will do it!”
He got in front of fellow country man, 14-year-old David Muñoz this time and Muñoz knows why. “The bike was moving around a lot towards the end, the rear was making it quite difficult. I don’t know if we will change something for tomorrow or not, I’ll talk to the technical guys, we don’t want to make it worse.”
Some progress
Alonso, the 14-year-old Colombian, was not upset with another 4th. “That’s OK, the races are getting faster and I could still match the pace so that’s good. It was quite aggressive in the middle of the race but I managed that OK as well. It all comes down to the last lap, I was 6th and I got through to 4th. I have got to work out how to do even better at the end tomorrow.”
Some disappointment
Again it was the newbies who were closest to Acosta. 18-year-old Australian Billy van Eerde did manage to lead mid race. “At least that’s something. I’m happy about that and happy that we have the pace to run in the front of the group but late in the race I lost it and couldn’t get it back. I still need to do more and be able to be at the front all the way.”
So keen was van Eerde to get back to the front that he exceeded track limits too often and a post race 3 second penalty dropped him from 8th where he crossed the line to 11th and just 5 points.
Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.
Race 1 is at 16:30 CET on Saturday and Race 2 is on Sunday at 15:30, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Marc Marquez will continue recovering in the coming weeks. The MotoGP World Champion together with HRC, have consulted with and compared the opinions of a number of specialists in regard to the injury to the humerus of the right arm that Marc suffered on July 19 at the Spanish Grand Prix. As a result, all parties have decided to modify the planned recovery process. The objective of both Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team is to return to the World Championship when Marc’s arm has fully recovered from the serious injury that occurred in Jerez. It is estimated it will take between two to three months before Marc can return to the RC213V. HRC has not set a Grand Prix for the return of the reigning World Champion and will continue to report on the evolution of his recovery.
Alberto Puig
Team Manager
“There has been a lot of talk about Marc’s recovery and the various deadlines, but from the first day after the second operation we have said that the only objective that exists is for him to be one hundred percent. We do not want to rush. Once Marc is in a position to return and compete at the level he knows, then we will think about the next objective.”
Oliveira stuns Styria to win the 900th premier class race in style
A thriller to the last, the final corner sees the Portuguese rider make history – and win for KTM on home turf
Sunday, 23 August 2020
Miguel Oliveira (88) leads Pol Espargaro (44), Jack Miller (43), Joan Mir (36), Alex Rins (42), Andrea Dovizioso (04), and Takaaki Nakagami (30) across the finish line at the Red Bull Ring. Photo courtesy Dorna.
The BMW M Grand Prix of Styria was already a guaranteed history maker as it hosted the 900th premier class race, but what a race it was. Another Red Flag and shortened sprint to the line gave us a dash of early drama, but more milestones were achieved once again in 2020 as Red Bull KTM Tech 3’s Miguel Oliveira took his first ever premier class victory in serious style. It’s the first premier class win for the Tech 3 squad, the first for Portugal, and the first KTM win on home turf for the factory and for Red Bull. It all went down to the final corner too as the Portuguese rider sliced past the duelling Jack Miller (Pramac Racing) and Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) and kept it inch perfect to beat both to the line.
On the first start, Joan Mir (Team Suzuki Ecstar) took the holeshot from the front row – kind of – but the Suzuki headed wide and was then told to give the place back up. Espargaro was second before a scrappy few corners that saw the Spaniard demoted, before Miller took over at the front from Mir – position change complied with, voluntarily or not – and the number 36 slotted back in ahead of Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda Idemitsu). The two would duel as Miller tried to bolt, but it was Mir who would manage that as he made his way back into the lead and then set the fastest lap.
Miller and Nakagami just about stayed with him though, as Pol Espargaro and Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar) dueled it out for fourth in a little clear air. Behind them, Dovizioso had his hands full with Maverick Viñales (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP), too. Soon enough though, Dovi pulled away – and a KTM armada of Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Oliveira and his teammate Lecuona all slammed past the Yamaha in quick succession, leaving Viñales tenth.
The Spaniard appeared to have an issue and put his arm up once, but then disaster would strike not long after he’d managed to tuck back in and carry on. At Turn 1, the number 12 was forced to do a high speed bail out and he jumped off his machine just in time, the stricken Yamaha then hurtling towards the air fence and catching fire. That caused the Red Flag to come out to do repairs, but Viñales was immediately on his feet – rider ok and seemingly pretty mad about the incident.
Mir, Miller and Nakagami’s advantage was gone in a sudden puff of drama, and we were heading back to the grid for the quick restart procedure not long after. How would the start shuffle the pack second time around?
Mir got the perfect start from pole, with Miller getting bogged down from third. Pol Espargaro powered away from the line well but ran slightly wide into Turn 1, allowing Miller to regain ground on the run into Turn 2 and 3. Miller, sporting fresh soft Michelin front and rears, was then leading. The GP20’s speed powered the Aussie through. Mir fought back on the exit but the Ducati rider held the inside line for Turn 6, with Nakagami one rider getting a bit beaten up at the start as the Japanese rider dropped to seventh.
Just like they were in the first part of the race though, KTM’s Oliveira and Binder were scrapping away in the fight for P4, with Dovizioso also up with the leading group. Miller then slammed in a 1:23.928 as the pace in the restarted contest heated up, with Mir second but the Spaniard on the same front tyre he’d used to pull clear of the field before the red flags – was it costing him?
With eight laps to go, Pol Espargaro set the fastest lap of the race. The KTM rider then made his move on Mir at Turn 3, before the number 44 was then clambering all over the back of Miller. Pol then attempted a pass up into Turn 1 but he was in deep and wide, allowing Miller to blast straight past and Oliveira and Mir to close in, the Portuguese rider now up into third.
The leading quartet was gapping Dovizioso and Nakagami, and then Dovi was wide at Turn 1 and then again at Turn 9 with six laps to go. It worked for a while as it was a lead group of seven, although Binder then lost touch as the South African ran wide at Turn 1 a lap later.
Pol Espargaro then took the lead from Miller at Turn 9 but he wasn’t able to pull the pin. Next, Mir was wide at Turn 4, allowing Dovizioso to grab fourth as Miller and Oliveira tagged onto the back of Pol’s RC16. The top five were close, but Mir and Dovizioso were dropping off slightly and ultimately couldn’t get in the fight in the final lap.
Heading onto that last lap, it all came down to two KTMs vs a Ducati: Pol Espargaro vs Miller vs Oliveira. Two riders chasing their first win, one chasing their first dry race win. It was Pol Espargaro who begun the lap in the lead and got a good run out of the first corner, but coming into the braking zone, the KTM went very defensive – maybe too defensive. That compromised his exit and Miller was all over him before managing to get alongside the number 44 and make the move stick into the tricky, downhill right-hander.
Miller held firm through the left-handers, but coming up was where the KTM rider was strongest. Pol Espargaro got the run up the hill and managed to slice back up the inside of Miller, meaning everything was going down – once again – to the final corner in Styria.
Getting a better run down into Turn 10, Miller braked late and the Aussie, of course, went for it. And he technically got it done as he got past the KTM – but both headed so wide, the door was wide open behind them. Enter wily Oliveira, who had been calmly stalking the pair, as the Portuguese rider blasted past the two errant machines and straight to the line for his first historic victory, in a historic race.
Miller held onto second to pick up his second Red Bull Ring rostrum of 2020, with Pol Espargaro forced to settle for P3, although it’s his first dry podium in MotoGP™ after an impressive ride at the front.
Mir came fourth and was a key victim of the restart, but it’s another impressive performance and haul of points for the Spanish sophomore. Dovizioso couldn’t make it two-from-two as the Italian crossed the line 5th, 1.4 from the victory, but the Italian closes the gap to Quartararo as they’re now three points apart. Another unfortunate victim from the red flag was Nakagami, who has to settle for P7 in Styria after looking odds on to picking up a maiden podium. Binder’s late Turn 1 run-off cost him a chance of a top six finish, the Czech GP winner crossing the line in P8, although four tenths clear of leading Yamaha rider Valentino Rossi (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP).
It was a difficult day for the Iwata factory with Viñales’ crash seeing the Spaniard take zero points from Styria. Quartararo’s P13 finish ultimately keeps him top of the standings, but the Yamaha riders will be happy to see the back of the Red Bull Ring and head for happier hunting grounds at Misano.
10th place went the way of rookie Iker Lecuona, who caps off a fantastic day for Red Bull KTM Tech 3 with his second top 10 on the bounce Danilo Petrucci (Ducati Team) and Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) finished just ahead of Quartararo, with Johann Zarco (Esponsorama Racing) – who started from pitlane in the first race and recently broke his scaphoid – and Franco Morbidelli (Petronas Yamaha SRT) completing the points.
It really was another Spielberg stunner, and a truly history-making day. Who would have predicted that? Three points between Quartararo and Dovizioso really spices things up heading to one of the Italian’s home tracks at Misano, and Miller isn’t far off either. From there down to ninth overall, there’s almost nothing in it in one of the most astonishing seasons we’ve seen.
A hard-earned two-week break now sees the paddock catch our breath before Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli awaits. Predict what will happen there at your own peril… but most definitely tune in!
Miguel Oliveira: “I’m very emotional, there’s so much I want to say but I won’t be able to. Just a big thank you to all the people who have believed in me, there are so many coming to mind right now but starting from my family at home, the team, my sponsors, the Portuguese crowd, thank you so much for your support. History today, for me and my country, and I couldn’t be happier to have done it here and the home of KTM and Red Bull.”
AFT Production Twins Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 39.288
2. Ben Lowe (Yam), 39.316
3. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), 39.471
4. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), 39.633
5. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 39.760
6. Chad Cose (Har), 39.784
7. Hayden Gillim (Har), 39.965
8. Dylan Bell (Har), 39.995
9. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), 40.037
10. Danny Eslick (Kaw), 40.050
11. Cory Texter (Yam), 40.143
12. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), 40.162
13. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), 40.186
14. Cody Johncox (Yam), 40.301
15. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), 41.440
16. Garret Wilson (Kaw), 41.856
17. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), 41.962
18. Scott Barrett (Kaw), 43.100
AFT Singles Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Wyatt Anderson (KTM), 39.993
2. Henry Wiles (Hon), 39.996
3. Morgen Mischler (KTM), 40.047
4. Tanner Dean (Hon), 40.064
5. James Ott (KTM), 40.070
6. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), 40.076
7. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), 40.076
8. Andrew Luker (Yam), 40.147
9. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 40.183
10. Cole Zabala (Hon), 40.210
11. Ryan Wells (KTM), 40.246
12. Chad Cose (Suz), 40.249
13. Kevin Stollings (Hon), 40.259
14. Justin Jones (Hon), 40.271
15. Michael Rush (Yam), 40.365
16. Aidan RoosEvans (Yam), 40.378
17. Max Whale (Kaw), 40.384
18. Shayna Texter (KTM), 40.428
19. Cameron Smith (Hon), 40.437
20. Trent Lowe (Hon), 40.469
21. Trevor Brunner (Hon), 40.624
22. Jayson Bloss (KTM), 40.633
23. Jesse Janisch (Hus), 40.798
24. Jordan Jean (Hon), 40.906
25. Dylan Bell (Hon), 40.971
26. Kasey Sciscoe (Hon), 41.247
27. Nicholas Myers (Hon), 41.638
28. Kyler Adams (KTM), 42.128
29. Scott Barrett (Hon), 44.144
30. David Wiggin (KTM), no time recorded
AFT SuperTwins Qualifying 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (Ind), 37.916
2. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 38.347
3. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), 38.382
4. Bryan Smith (Har), 38.388
5. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 38.680
6. Brandon Price (Ind), 38.694
7. Jared Mees (Ind), 38.789
8. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 38.793
9. Dan Bromley (Ind), 38.800
10. Davis Fisher (Ind), 38.825
11. Dalton Gauthier (Har), 38.875
12. Robert Pearson (Ind), 39.056
13. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), 39.118
14. Larry Pegram (Ind), 39.240
15. JD Beach (Yam), 39.428
16. Andrew Luker (Ind), 39.556
17. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 39.687
18. Jay Maloney (Ind), 39.883
AFT Production Twins Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 39.483
2. Chad Cose (Har), 39.517
3. Nick Armstrong (Yam), 39.655
4. Dylan Bell (Har), 39.709
5. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), 39.735
6. Ben Lowe (Yam), 39.735
7. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), 39.778
8. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), 39.904
9. Danny Eslick (Kaw), 39.997
10. Hayden Gillim (Har), 40.240
11. Cory Texter (Yam), 40.328
12. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), 40.435
13. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), 40.522
14. Cody Johncox (Yam), 40.525
15. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), 41.501
16. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), 41.581
17. Garret Wilson (Kaw), 41.745
18. Scott Barrett (Kaw), 43.941
AFT Singles Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Ryan Wells (KTM), 39.798
2. Chad Cose (Suz), 39.843
3. Henry Wiles (Hon), 39.860
4. Kevin Stollings (Hon), 39.862
5. Morgen Mischler (KTM), 39.953
6. Max Whale (Kaw), 39.963
7. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), 39.969
8. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), 40.045
9. Cole Zabala (Hon), 40.206
10. Michael Rush (Yam), 40.238
11. Tanner Dean (Hon), 40.242
12. Trent Lowe (Hon), 40.258
13. Dallas Daniels (Yam), 40.281
14. Andrew Luker (Yam), 40.323
15. Justin Jones (Hon), 40.345
16. Shayna Texter (KTM), 40.349
17. James Ott (KTM), 40.351
18. Cameron Smith (Hon), 40.409
19. Trevor Brunner (Hon), 40.481
20. Jordan Jean (Hon), 40.491
21. Aidan RoosEvans (Yam), 40.507
22. Wyatt Anderson (KTM), 40.549
23. Jayson Bloss (KTM), 40.623
24. Dylan Bell (Hon), 40.626
25. Jesse Janisch (Hus), 40.941
26. Nicholas Myers (Hon), 41.107
27. Kasey Sciscoe (Hon), 41.229
28. Kyler Adams (KTM), 41.626
29. David Wiggin (KTM), no time recorded
30. Scott Barrett (Hon), no time recorded
AFT SuperTwins Qualifying 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Sammy Halbert (Ind), 38.174
2. Briar Bauman (Ind), 38.184
3. Jared Mees (Ind), 38.186
4. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 38.563
5. Brandon Price (Ind), 38.637
6. Bryan Smith (Har), 38.639
7. Brandon Robinson (Ind), 38.699
8. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), 38.706
9. Davis Fisher (Ind), 38.758
10. Andrew Luker (Ind), 38.795
11. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), 38.803
12. Robert Pearson (Ind), 38.828
13. Dalton Gauthier (Har), 38.867
14. Larry Pegram (Ind), 39.157
15. Dan Bromley (Ind), 39.178
16. JD Beach (Yam), 39.211
17. Kolby Carlile (Yam), 39.396
18. Jay Maloney (Ind), 39.738
AFT Production Twins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 8 laps
2. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -06.226 seconds
3. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), -06.444
4. Cory Texter (Yam), -07.409
5. Dylan Bell (Har), -09.334
6. Hayden Gillim (Har), -11.605
7. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), -11.877
8. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), -21.228
9. Garret Wilson (Kaw), -27.955
AFT Production Twins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Chad Cose (Har), 8 laps
2. Ben Lowe (Yam), -00.226 seconds
3. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -01.349
4. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -04.931
5. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -05.247
6. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), -05.806
7. Cody Johncox (Yam), -06.589
8. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), -22.211
9. Scott Barrett (Kaw), -32.870
AFT Singles Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), 8 laps
2. Henry Wiles (Hon), -00.001 seconds
3. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -00.191
4. Michael Rush (Yam), -00.218
5. Morgen Mischler (KTM), -00.494
6. Ryan Wells (KTM), -00.497
7. James Ott (KTM), -00.659
8. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.915
9. Trevor Brunner (Hon), -00.931
10. Aidan RoosEvans (Yam), -01.080
11. Justin Jones (Hon), -01.752
12. Jesse Janisch (Hus), -03.705
13. Jayson Bloss (KTM), -03.757
14. Kasey Sciscoe (Hon), -3 laps
AFT Singles Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Chad Cose (Suz), 8 laps
2. Tanner Dean (Hon), -00.012 seconds
3. Shayna Texter (KTM), -00.154
4. Cole Zabala (Hon), -00.196
5. Kevin Stollings (Hon), -00.227
6. Andrew Luker (Yam), -00.228
7. Max Whale (Kaw), -00.264
8. Cameron Smith (Hon), -01.002
9. Wyatt Anderson (KTM), -02.283
10. Trent Lowe (Hon), -04.588
11. Dylan Bell (Hon), -05.050
12. Jordan Jean (Hon), -08.207
13. Kyler Adams (KTM), -08.759
14. Nicholas Myers (Hon), -8 laps
AFT SuperTwins Semi 1 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (Ind), 8 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -00.000 seconds
3. Bryan Smith (Har), -00.184
4. Brandon Price (Ind), -01.638
5. Davis Fisher (Ind), -04.230
6. Robert Pearson (Ind), -05.021
7. Dan Bromley (Ind), -07.695
8. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -08.458
9. Larry Pegram (Ind), -10.103
AFT SuperTwins Semi 2 Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Bronson Bauman (Ind), 8 laps
2. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -00.057 seconds
3. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -00.365
4. Dalton Gauthier (Har), -02.168
5. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), -04.217
6. JD Beach (Yam), -06.429
7. Andrew Luker (Ind), -07.215
8. Jay Maloney (Ind), -11.276
9. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -2 laps
AFT Production Twins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. James Rispoli (Har), 18 laps
2. Cory Texter (Yam), -12.397 seconds
3. Nick Armstrong (Yam), -12.864
4. Chad Cose (Har), -13.880
5. Ben Lowe (Yam), -13.900
6. Danny Eslick (Kaw), -16.861
7. Ryan Varnes (Kaw), -17.610
8. Hayden Gillim (Har), -22.630
9. Patrick Buchanan (Kaw), -25.744
10. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -30.614
11. Dylan Bell (Har), -30.745
12. Garret Wilson (Kaw), -4 laps
13. Jacob Lehmann (Kaw), -17 laps
14. Michael Inderbitzin (Kaw), -18 laps
15. Cody Johncox (Yam), -18 laps
16. Brock Schwarzenbacher (Kaw), -18 laps
17. Jimmy McAllister (Kaw), -18 laps
AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Henry Wiles (Hon), 17 laps
2. Cole Zabala (Hon), -00.052 seconds
3. Shayna Texter (KTM), -00.419
4. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.497
5. Ryan Wells (KTM), -00.540
6. Brandon Kitchen (Hon), -00.958
7. Kevin Stollings (Hon), -00.964
8. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -01.202
9. Tanner Dean (Hon), -01.368
10. Andrew Luker (Yam), -02.181
11. Max Whale (Kaw), -02.238
12. Trent Lowe (Hon), -03.017
13. James Ott (KTM), -03.102
14. Cameron Smith (Hon), -09.542
15. Michael Rush (Yam), -34.773
16. Morgen Mischler (KTM), -4 laps
17. Chad Cose (Suz), -17 laps
AFT SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):
1. Briar Bauman (Ind), 24 laps
2. Jared Mees (Ind), -01.148 seconds
3. Bryan Smith (Har), -02.004
4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -04.969
5. Sammy Halbert (Ind), -05.407
6. Bronson Bauman (Ind), -05.427
7. Jeffrey Carver Jr. (Ind), -06.940
8. Brandon Price (Ind), -07.140
9. Robert Pearson (Ind), -13.870
10. Jarod Vanderkooi (Har), -13.888
11. Davis Fisher (Ind), -16.888
12. Dan Bromley (Ind), -17.934
13. JD Beach (Yam), -26.316
14. Andrew Luker (Ind), -26.553
15. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -29.824
16. Larry Pegram (Ind), -29.835
17. Jay Maloney (Ind), -1 lap, -10.246
18. Dalton Gauthier (Har), -8 laps,
More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:
Bauman Doubles Up With Indy Mile II Masterclass
Smith’s characteristic finesse earns Harley-Davidson’s first Mile podium for XG750.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – It took Briar Bauman (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) nine seasons in American Flat Track’s premier class to finally claim his maiden Mile victory and complete the career Grand Slam. It took just one day for him to earn a second.
Bauman completed the Indianapolis double with a tactical ride to win Saturday night’s AFT SuperTwins presented by Vance & Hines Main Event at the Indy Mile II.
Saturday’s rematch at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center took on a different shape compared to Friday’s Indy Mile I, as Jared Mees (No. 9 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) was determined to prevent the reigning Grand National Champion from executing another early escape.
Lap after lap, Mees would dive back into the lead on corner entrance. Doing so not only kept Bauman corralled behind him, it also put him under threat with both Bryan Smith (No. 4 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 HCRR Racing/Ben Evans Racing Indian FTR750) running in close contention.
After taking and losing the lead on numerous occasions early, Bauman switched up tactics and spent the bulk of the second half of the race just waiting in third, leaving the Mile-proven virtuosos of Mees and Smith to exercise a well-known mutual rivalry.
After Mees had secured a solid lead ahead of a still-determined Smith, Bauman seized the opportunity to make the high line work to his advantage, powering past both living legends to rip open a multiple bike-length lead. Mees did his best to respond on the final lap but couldn’t quite muster enough pace to reel Bauman back to within striking distance.
Bauman took the checkered flag with 1.147 seconds in hand over Mees, while Smith earned Harley’s first Mile podium since the .
Bauman said, “It’s pretty crazy. Honestly, I had both Jared’s and Bryan’s posters on my wall when I was growing up. I watched them every chance I could. Getting to race with them is a little bit surreal… The racing was clean and fast and the track was gnarly. All-in-all, it’s a dream come true.”
Robinson lost touch with the leaders with around three minutes to go but had built up just enough space to hold off a charging Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Coolbeth-Nila Racing Indian FTR750) for fourth.
Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750), Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Happy Trails Racing FTR750), Brandon Price (No. 92 Roof Systems of Dallas, Texas Indian FTR750), Robert Pearson (No. 27 R/J Performance Racing/Hite Trucking Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Harley-Davidson/Vance & Hines XG750R Rev X) completed the top ten.
Bauman’s twin victories move him ahead of Mees in what’s promising to be a season-long heavyweight title fight, 90-87. Halbert is a distant third with 66 points to his credit.
AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys
Henry Wiles (No. 17 RMR Honda/Honda Talon CRF450R) earned his first victory since transitioning to the AFT Singles presented by Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys class following one of the most entertaining races in recent memory.
As many as ten riders still held a shot at the win as the clock showed 0:00, setting up an epic final two laps to decide the race.
No matter how massive the pack, Wiles ran near the front throughout, swapping the lead on countless occasions with last night’s surprise winner, Brandon Kitchen (No. 105 Donley Excavating/TCD Suspension Honda CRF450F), former teammate Cole Zabala (No. 51 Cornerstone Masonry/B&M Masonry CRF450R) and prodigy Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).
Long-time AFT Singles standouts Shayna Texter (No. 52 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) and Ryan Wells (No. 94 Waters Autobody Racing/D&D PowerSports KTM 450 SX-F) emerged late, both flashing the potential to steal the win away in the same fashion that Kitchen had the night before.
As the final lap played out, it became increasingly obvious the race would come down to a final straight shootout between Wiles and Zabala. Wiles worked hard to open up a small advantage through Turns 1, 2 and 3 but appeared vulnerable after making a slight bobble while exiting 4. Zabala pulled right up behind Wiles and then swung out of his draft with the checkered flag in sight. While he managed to speed up alongside his opponent’s bike, he didn’t have quite enough steam to complete the winning maneuver.
Wiles said, “We had some guys up there in the mix in the Main Event we hadn’t really seen all day. Cole was riding the wheels off his bike. I’m really happy to see him up here on the podium.
“The guys at RMR and American Honda have been giving us a good effort, and it showed up tonight. Everybody had been saying I’m kind of a big boy and genetically at a disadvantage, but we got it done tonight. I’m really stoked that I could come through.”
Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Zabala’s eye-opening effort still qualifies as a breakthrough performance; it not only marked his first career AFT podium, but his first-ever top-five in the series.
Texter finished third, with Daniels, Wells and Kitchen taking fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.
After an unfortunate mechanical, title hopeful Mikey Rush (No. 15 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) finished an uncharacteristic 15th. As a result, Wiles now leads Kitchen 68-65 with Texter jumping up to third with 58 points.
AFT Production Twins
James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) got a second chance to end his run of AFT Production Twins second-place finishes. He responded by winning by more than 12 seconds in an absolute show of force.
“The Rocket” had been knocking on the door ever since returning to dirt track in 2019 after assembling a national championship-winning roadracing career. He notched up four podiums a year ago, and opened his 2020 campaign with three consecutive runner-up finishes.
Rispoli established himself as the heavy favorite on Saturday night, topping both qualifying sessions and running away with his Semi. Despite the lofty expectations set by his pace, he was quickly swallowed up and shuffled back to fourth as the Main Event got underway.
The race was completely reset, however, following a Michael Inderbitzin (No. 54 Weirbach Racing/Rekluse Kawasaki Ninja 650) crash. And this time around, Rispoli stole the holeshot and quickly erased any aspirations of victory his rivals might have entertained as he disappeared into the distance.
Rispoli was consistently a full second per lap better than the rest of the field, ultimately taking the checkered flag with a massive 12.396-second margin of victory.
The win was Rispoli’s first in American Flat Track competition in more than a decade. Afterward, he was suitably excited: “I’m so stoked! I’m so fired up, I lost my voice on the cooldown lap. It’s been so long since I won… I’ve got to thank George Latus for putting the team together, ProBEAM, all the guys on the team for just getting through the grind, and Vance & Hines for giving us a rocketship.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had this big of a lead in my entire career. That’s what we want to do — we want to stamp our authority. They say it’s hard but when everything is flowing it’s easy. I’m just pumped!”
The race for second was considerably less predictable with as many as six riders in contention for the position deep into the contest. Friday winner Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07) and 2015 GNC2 Indy victor Nick Armstrong (No. 60 Lessley Brothers Racing/Competitive SheetMetal Yamaha MT-07) resumed last night’s intense scrap as they repeatedly went side-by-side angling for the spot.
At least they did until both riders found themselves outclassed by reigning class champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07), who sailed past and then eked out a gap on the final lap to finish as the race’s runner-up.
Armstrong held on for third to score his first AFT podium result since the aforementioned ‘15 Indy win. Chad Cose (No. Wally Brown Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) came home fourth, edging Lowe at the stripe by 0.019 seconds.
Texter’s late-race flurry helped minimize the championship damage, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Rispoli from taking a commanding lead of the early-season title fight. Rispoli now leads with 85 points to Texter’s 76 while Lowe sits third with 68.
Both of this weekend’s races will air on NBCSN, with the Indy Mile I airing on Thursday, August 27, starting at 1:00 a.m/10:00 p.m., and the Indy Mile II to follow on Saturday, August 29, at 12:00 a.m. ET/9:00 p.m. PT. The broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of AFT legend Chris Carr.
Next Up:
American Flat Track will follow up two days of racing at the Indy Mile with a Springfield tripleheader. The AFT Singles will kick the weekend off in Springfield, Illinois, with the Springfield ST on Friday, September 4. After that, the AFT SuperTwins and AFT Production Twins will take over for two days of racing at the “World’s Fastest Mile,” with the Springfield Mile I on Saturday, September 5, and the Springfield Mile II on Sunday, September 6. Live coverage of the entire weekend’s racing activities will be available on any device for less than $1 per event via TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold.
Fans can keep up-to-date with American Flat Track on Facebook (@American Flat Track), Twitter (@AmericanFlatTrk) and Instagram (@AmericanFlatTrack). AFT mobile apps are available for iPhone on the App Store and for Android at Google Play. For more information, please visit http://www.americanflattrack.com.
Danny Buchan (83) leads the start of British Superbike Race One at Snetterton. Photo courtesy MSVR.
Iddon claims first Bennetts British Superbike victory in dramatic Snetterton opener
VisionTrack Ducati’s Christian Iddon claimed his first victory in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship at Snetterton this afternoon, becoming the third different race winner of 2020 following a dramatic opening race in Norfolk.
Josh Brookes got off to a flying start with the pack instantly on the attack and Danny Buchan had grabbed the lead as the pack hit Wilson for the first time with Iddon in second. However, a crash on the opening lap for Andrew Irwin, and his stricken Honda Racing Fireblade in the middle of the track at Agostini, caused the deployment of the BMW Safety Car.
The pack lined up with Buchan, Iddon, Brookes, and Jason O’Halloran the leading contenders; but when the race went green on lap four, Buchan crashed his Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki out of the lead at Palmer, putting him out of contention.
Iddon then had the lead and he had begun to edge out an advantage, but as the race continued the chasing pack had reeled him back in and Bradley Ray was soon into second for the SYNETIQ BMW team ahead of Brookes and Tommy Bridewell.
The battle for the podium places went down to the wire and Iddon had the margin he needed to claim his first win, but behind the pack had shuffled again and Brookes and Bridewell had managed to get back ahead of Ray.
Brookes was able to hold off an equally determined Bridewell to the chequered flag as they completed a Ducati podium top three, but Glenn Irwin was in the fight too. The Honda Racing rider was also able to make a last lap move on Ray to claim fourth place to maintain his championship lead ahead of rounds four and five tomorrow.
Lee Jackson was sixth on the remaining Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki with the McAMS Yamaha team locking out the next two places in seventh and eighth with Ryan Vickers in ninth.
Buildbase Suzuki’s Kyle Ryde completed the top ten after an impressive performance of carving through the field during the race, following a problem on the opening lap, which put him at the very end of the train of riders behind the BMW Safety Car before the race resumed.
Bennetts British Superbike Championship, Snetterton, Round 4 result:
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati)
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) +1.303s
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) +1.345s
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) +1.470s
Bradley Ray (SYNETIQ BMW) +2.228s
Lee Jackson (Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki) +2.451s
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) +6.961s
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) +7.093s
Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki) +7.182s
Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) +9.339s
Bennetts British Superbike Championship standings after Round 4:
Glenn Irwin (Honda Racing) 73
Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati) 59
Tommy Bridewell (Oxford Products Racing Ducati) 59
Andrew Irwin (Honda Racing) 50
Jason O’Halloran (McAMS Yamaha) 48
Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati) 46
Tarran Mackenzie (McAMS Yamaha) 37
Kyle Ryde (Buildbase Suzuki) 28
Ryan Vickers (RAF Regular and Reserve Kawasaki) 27
Lee Jackson (Massingberd-Mundy Kawasaki) 26
For more information on the Bennetts British Superbike Championship visit www.britishsuperbike.com
Christian Iddon
(VisionTrack Ducati)
Round 4 race winner
“The race was an interesting one! From the very first lap I had a problem with the gearbox and I hit neutral going in to the second corner. Thankfully, because there was a bit of everything going on, it gave me a bit of an escape route and I had to be very careful in to the first gear corners, of which there are three on the track for me here.
“We had the Safety Car and the minute that we got going Danny lost the front immediately and that put me in the lead. I kind of thought to myself, ‘well here we are’ and I just tried to keep it consistent.
“Josh came through and I thought I wanted to continue to lead. He came through with a couple of laps to go and I had done all the donkey work and I didn’t want someone else to reap the benefits so I tried to get him straight back, which I did make stick.
“I actually won the race twice; I had the emotion twice because I misread the pit board so I came out the last corner with two laps to go, thinking it was the last lap and I was all excited thinking that no one had managed to pass me and then had to do it all over again!
“It was a horrible last two laps rather than just a horrible last lap, thinking about all the things that we had been through to get to this point, so a big thank you to the team.
“I don’t think we have dropped on the setting that any of us are really looking for but to be able to win the race without feeling absolutely awesome on the bike is amazing. A big thanks to everyone who has supported me for a very long period, hopefully this is a bit of a repayment.”
Three from three for Pedro Acosta, another brilliant ride and perfect last lap from the 16-year-old Spaniard to claim Styrian Grand Prix victory at the Red Bull Ring. The same 4 filled the top positions as last weekend though Daniel Holgado jumped in front of David Muñoz this time with David Alonso 4th again.
As usual a huge pack of KTM RC 250 Rs battled at the front of the third Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup race of the season but it shook out to 6 on the last lap.
Acosta settled it at the second tight right hander letting the opposition out-brake themselves. “Yes I knew that it would be all about the last two laps again,” said Acosta. “I got myself close to the front and made sure I was not too fast going in there because I knew that the speed coming out was more important.”
Job done
“When I came out ahead I knew I could win again,” explained Acosta. “I just needed to make no mistakes, the same as last weekend.”
“Of course I’m happy about these three wins, I hate to put pressure on myself so I’m not thinking about the championship, I’m not thinking about anything but tomorrow’s race and enjoying it and doing a good job.”
Another great lesson
It’s not going to be easy because while Acosta relies on a year of Rookies Cup experience the chasing pack are in their first season and learning all the time, learning from a winner. “Yes I am learning,” stated 15-year-old Spaniard Holgado after taking second. “The bike is good, Pedro is just very hard to beat. I did one place better today and another step forward tomorrow will do it!”
He got in front of fellow country man, 14-year-old David Muñoz this time and Muñoz knows why. “The bike was moving around a lot towards the end, the rear was making it quite difficult. I don’t know if we will change something for tomorrow or not, I’ll talk to the technical guys, we don’t want to make it worse.”
Some progress
Alonso, the 14-year-old Colombian, was not upset with another 4th. “That’s OK, the races are getting faster and I could still match the pace so that’s good. It was quite aggressive in the middle of the race but I managed that OK as well. It all comes down to the last lap, I was 6th and I got through to 4th. I have got to work out how to do even better at the end tomorrow.”
Some disappointment
Again it was the newbies who were closest to Acosta. 18-year-old Australian Billy van Eerde did manage to lead mid race. “At least that’s something. I’m happy about that and happy that we have the pace to run in the front of the group but late in the race I lost it and couldn’t get it back. I still need to do more and be able to be at the front all the way.”
So keen was van Eerde to get back to the front that he exceeded track limits too often and a post race 3 second penalty dropped him from 8th where he crossed the line to 11th and just 5 points.
Broadcast
This weekend’s Rookies Cup races can be seen live on www.redbull.tv and on TV stations around the world.
Race 1 is at 16:30 CET on Saturday and Race 2 is on Sunday at 15:30, the show starts 10 minutes before the race.
Marc Marquez at Jerez, after having the first of three surgeries on his broken right arm. Photo courtesy Repsol Honda.
Marc Marquez and HRC focus on recovery
Marc Marquez will continue recovering in the coming weeks. The MotoGP World Champion together with HRC, have consulted with and compared the opinions of a number of specialists in regard to the injury to the humerus of the right arm that Marc suffered on July 19 at the Spanish Grand Prix. As a result, all parties have decided to modify the planned recovery process. The objective of both Marquez and the Repsol Honda Team is to return to the World Championship when Marc’s arm has fully recovered from the serious injury that occurred in Jerez. It is estimated it will take between two to three months before Marc can return to the RC213V. HRC has not set a Grand Prix for the return of the reigning World Champion and will continue to report on the evolution of his recovery.
Alberto Puig
Team Manager
“There has been a lot of talk about Marc’s recovery and the various deadlines, but from the first day after the second operation we have said that the only objective that exists is for him to be one hundred percent. We do not want to rush. Once Marc is in a position to return and compete at the level he knows, then we will think about the next objective.”
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