AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Utah

David Swarts

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May 12, 2024

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Utah

Chase Sexton Wins Supercross Final, Jett Lawrence Takes Title in Rookie Year

RJ Hampshire and Tom Vialle Win Regional Titles at Supercross Showdown

Salt Lake City, Utah – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Chase Sexton took the win, his second of the season, at the final round of the 17-round 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper delivered his season-best performance in his rookie year and took second place inside Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb, riding injured yet with a mathematical chance at the championship, finished in third place, netting him second overall on the season. Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence, after racking up eight wins in his rookie 450SX Class Supercross season, rode near the front early, but appeared to back it down to finish a safe seventh place and secure his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in the 450SX Class. Lawrence became only the third rider in the sport’s history to take the title in his rookie season.

In the 250SX Class, both Regional Championships battled in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot and defended the lead against several challenges to take the win, the third of his career and his first East/West Showdown victory.

Chase Sexton (1). Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

“It definitely means a lot. I had to kind of claw myself back to where I felt like I was riding good. It’s been a tough journey. The team and I have put a lot of work in. It’s taken us about, I don’t know, 16 rounds to get it good, but we’re in a good spot now. Today was a big day for me. I feel like I had really good speed and a really good start in that Main Event. I tried second gear [on the gate] for the first time all day and it paid off. I needed a good start and just rode a solid race. But overall, I’m looking forward to outdoors. I’ve been doing a lot of outdoor riding and testing and [I’m] ready to start a new championship. It’s a good way to end this one and head into that new season.” – Chase Sexton

“I was looking for this podium all year and it just happened to come at the last round. We saved the best for last. I just have to give it up to the whole team. Yamaha, they gave me a chance this year and really took me under their wing and worked hard with me. I had some great teammates this year and they pushed me the whole way. I’m glad to end on a high note. I just gotta give it up to the whole Star Racing Yamaha crew, Monster Energy, Alpinestars, Oakley, Dunlop, Toyota of Escondido – we lost a great one there, Damian, this one’s for him.” – Justin Cooper

“It’s been a great year. Second in the championship’s not what you want, but as we can see Jett’s a once-in-a-generation guy and he’s the real deal. I’m proud of my year, I’m proud of my team, I’m proud of my family. I truly know what we’ve been dealing with these last few races and rounds, I don’t know if there’s many guys that would’ve finished this season, so I can hang my head high on that. And I know I’ll be back stronger next year, and with some fight, and we know what we need to work on. Congrats to Jett and [that] whole team, they killed it this year. I just want to give it up to my team; they really invested a lot into me this whole year and they believed in me from the start, and I got back to championship form this year and probably the best version of myself. So, I’m super proud of that, super proud of the way I held myself in there all year. And it’s going to be a great thing, we’ll get surgery Monday on this thumb and enjoy my second baby coming and some down time. So yeah, we’ll be back next year, I know that’s for damn sure.” – Cooper Webb, referencing his torn UCL thumb injury.

Jett Lawrence, the 2024 AMA Supercross Champion. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

“I think it hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but, I mean, we had times when we sucked really bad this year then also times when we weren’t too bad, so, nah, [I’m] super happy for the team and doing it for them. They’ve been awesome. They’re family now and to give them another title is just the biggest ‘thank you’ to them, I feel like. So thank you to them, to everyone around me… I couldn’t do it without the team around me, I’m just super happy… [when asked to look back on what it took to get to this point] There’s so many hard moments that we’ve had that you can’t even put it in an interview, it’s just so long. No, I’m just super happy just for my family and the team and yeah, I’m just going to leave it at that because it’s too much.” – Jett Lawrence

The Western Regional 250SX Class and Eastern Regional 250SX Class each wrapped up their seasons with the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown. Haiden Deegan grabbed the Holeshot and led every lap to end the season with his third win. Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire crossed the line in second and secured his first Supercross Championship by taking the Western Regional 250SX Class title. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith crashed late in the race attempting to take the lead, but he remounted and landed on the Utah podium in third. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen took fifth place after going into Utah tied for the lead in the West. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle, entering the race with a 15-point lead, cruised to eighth to take his first Supercross championship with the title in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class.

“That was sick. That was my first East/West Shootout win. I came into this race, I’m like, ‘You know what, I’ve got nothing to lose. I’m just going to go out there and execute what I do,’ and that’s what I did today. I was top of the board all day long, so that was perfect. I kinda feel like I’ve come around now. At the beginning of the season, obviously [there were] a few things [an injury], no excuses though, congrats to Tom, congrats to RJ, that’s dope. And yeah, got the Dub, that’s awesome.” – Haiden Deegan

Haiden Deegan (38). Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports.

“Man, [I’m] just so thankful. From the beginning, like my dad, the Grondahls, Kevin Keen, just so many people have helped me get to this point right here and just believed in me. So [I’m] thankful to my wife, my daughters, it’s truly special. This whole Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna Racing team from Nate to Murph to my mechanic Amos, Aldon, Throttle, all the guys back home. They know how much I put into this, so it’s truly special. Just a massive thank you to Salt Lake. Man, you guys are going to be one I’m always going to remember. It’s truly special tonight. Thank you.” – RJ Hampshire

“It was a bummer how it went down [with the crash]. I felt good all night, felt like I had the speed to win, and yeah, we [Deegan and I] started playing games there about halfway through. I was just trying to be smart. I kind of backed off for a couple laps. I knew I was faster in the whoops, and kinda of catching him a little bit everywhere, so I was just trying to be smart and got a run on him in the whoops. [I was] just trying to stay low [in the following corner] and he came across and I think my fork guard got caught on his bike. It almost pulled us both down. It was a bummer, [I’m] not very pumped about how that went down, but we live to fight another day. Happy to be back on the box. Shout out to the whole Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team. Toyota of Escondido, a big shout out to those guys. We lost Damian this past week. He’s been a huge supporter of this sport and of us racers for a long time and this podium’s dedicated to him…” – Jordon Smith

“I had a bad Heat race. I mean, the day was really hard. Actually, [before the Main Event] I was like, ‘Okay, this is the moment I need to do the start.’ I had a great start, actually. The last five laps I was really nervous, but I made it. I’m really happy. You know: coming from Europe, moving here to the U.S., and I’ve already got the Supercross title in my second year. It’s amazing, so I’m very happy. I want to thank everyone on the team who believed in me, my family, and I’m really happy about the day. Thank you.” – Tom Vialle

After four qualifying rounds throughout the season that did not pay points, the Supercross Futures AMA National Championship wrapped up with one race in Utah. Troy Lee Designs GASGAS’s Cole Davies, who won the opening SX Futures round, took the win in Utah and the title. After leading for the majority of the race, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams crashed exiting a turn. He remounted but had to settle for second place in the championship. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Gavin Towers rounded out the season’s podium with a third-place finish inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.

“It’s definitely cool to win this race. The track is gnarly at the moment. I was able to get a pretty good start. I made some mistakes at the start there, but Drew [Adams] made a mistake, and I was able to capitalize on that and yeah, I’m stoked.” – Cole Davies

“The 2024 AMA Supercross season was one of the greatest in recent memory, with season-long battles for all three titles,” AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman said. “We at the AMA offer our congratulations to Jett Lawrence, R.J. Hampshire and Tom Vialle, and we’re inspired by the determination and tenacity they showed throughout the season. The AMA also appreciates the efforts of Feld Motor Sports, series partners, racers and teams who, along with the AMA, worked tirelessly to deliver incredible racing week after week.”

With the 17-round Monster Energy Supercross indoor stadium season concluded, the racers now start the 11-round outdoor season of Pro Motocross, Sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. In August, combined points from the Monster Energy Supercross season and the Pro Motocross season will seed the top 20 riders into the SuperMotocross League’s post-season racing. Riders in positions 21-30 will gain a spot on the starting line of the Last Chance Qualifier for a chance to fill-out the 22-rider gate at each of the three post-season races. Riders who earned a Main Event win in Supercross or a Moto win in Motocross in 2024 will also earn a spot on the LCQ line. The SuperMotocross World Championship will consist of two Playoff Rounds and one Final to determine an overall SuperMotocross World Champion in the 450SMX and 250SMX classes.

All 31 SuperMotocross World Championship rounds are available live and on-demand through PeacockTV, with select rounds also broadcast or streamed domestically on NBC, USA Network, CNBC, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app. CNBC will air next-day encore presentations of all 31 rounds of 2024 racing. Live audio coverage for each Supercross race can be heard via NBC Sports Audio on SiriusXM Channel 85. For domestic coverage in Spanish language, the final rounds of the Supercross, Motocross, and SuperMotocross championships will be available on Telemudo Deportes’ YouTube channel as well as on the NBC Sports app. For international coverage, the racing can be found at the SuperMotocross Video Pass (supermotocross.tv) live and on-demand, in both English and Spanish.

The Love Moto Stop Cancer auction concludes this Monday, May 13th at 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Until then, fans can view and bid on incredible gear and bike parts from the sport’s top racers, as well as other great items. All proceeds help raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s fight against childhood cancer. To participate in the auction or find other great ways to get involved, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com/St-Jude.

Tickets are on sale now for the Pro Motocross season as well as all three SuperMotocross World Championship rounds. For tickets, event information, race results, and more please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From Le Mans (Updated)

David Swarts

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May 12, 2024

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MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From Le Mans (Updated)

Jorge Martin won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati Desmosedici on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard held on to win the 27-lap race by 0.446 second and extend his lead in the point standings.

Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez was the runner-up on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

Two-time and defending MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia made it a Ducati sweep of the podium by taking a close third (-0.585 second to Martin) on his Lenovo Ducati.

It was four Ducatis in the top four finishing positions thanks to Bagnaia’s teammate Enea Bastianini.

Maverick Vinales was fifth — and the top non-Ducati finisher — on his factory Aprilia RS-GP.

MotoGP Race
MotoGP Points after Race

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Martin vs Marquez vs Bagnaia: last lap decider at Le Mans

Three of the biggest names in the sport throw down in France – and this time it’s Martin who writes a victory to remember

Jorge Martin (89) held off Marc Marquez (93) and Francesco Bagnaia (1) to win in France. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Sunday, 12 May 2024

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) soaked up the pressure and threw down the gauntlet at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, coming out on top in a three-way fight for glory against Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) and Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) that rolled all the way to the final lap. Nearly 300,000 fans streamed into the event over the weekend and they were treated to a proper show as the #89 shadowed Bagnaia, passed him, and then shut every door in Le Mans to pull off a seriously impressive 25-point haul. And just behind him, Marc Marquez did find an open door – or manage to create one. The #93 pulled a last lap divebomb on Bagnaia that got the job done for second, perfectly crafted to demote the reigning Champion to third.

Off the line, Martin made a good start from pole but Bagnaia bettered it, the #1 taking the holeshot from second on the grid. Behind, Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) was threatening but ran in hot at the chicane, leaving teammate Aleix Espargaro to challenge Martin for second on the exit as the #12 Aprilia slotted in just behind Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) in fourth. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, was up to eighth almost immediately, slicing up from his P13 grid slot.

At the front, Bagnaia had the hammer down but Martin was absolutely glued to him at the front. The two pulled a small gap on the chasing pack led by Espargaro, with Diggia in fourth and rookie Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) looking to attack Viñales. He did so not long after, setting the fastest lap on Lap 2, before another shuffle as DiGiannantonio briefly diced with Espargaro just ahead.

However, the rookie then proved the protagonist of the first drama. Looking for a way through on that duel ahead, he overcooked it into Turn 8 going for a move on the VR46 machine ahead, and then only just avoided tagging both as he slid out. More drama then hit nearly immediately after as Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slid out as he pushed to try and duel with Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team).

At the front, Bagnaia pounded on. Martin shadowed, equally pitch perfect until one small mistake from both with 19 to go, heading ever so slightly wide. But they gathered it back up as the podium fight behind started to light up, the race split between a duel and a melee.

Diggia was homing in on Espargaro, but Viñales, Marquez and Bastianini lurked. The next move came there as Marquez attacked Viñales but was repelled, and Diggia then had a shot at the #41 Aprilia, also forced to hold station. But a lap later the #49 was through into third, and Viñales then began to line up his teammate. He needed no second invite after the door was just left open, with Marquez then striking straight away too.

Next was Bastianini. The Beast came from a long way back and also went in hot, gathering it back up but Espargaro then taking to the run off before rejoining. Bastianini didn’t make the apex either, but his was a shortcut and he was then given a Long Lap for the time not lost.

Meanwhile, Marquez had picked Viñales’ pocket after the #12 was slightly wide, and the eight-time World Champion was homing in on Diggia. By Lap 16, the #93 made his first attack through Turn 3. The Italian responded and in the shuffle, Viñales almost nearly made his way through too. But it was as you were until a lap later as Marquez went for it again, and this time Diggia ran wide trying to take it back. The #93 and Viñales were both past, and the #49 then got a Long Lap for the time he didn’t lose as he tried to rejoin.

By just under ten laps to go, Bagnaia led Martin, the two still absolutely glued together, but now it was Marquez on the chase. Soon, the chess match had its first big move.

At Turn 3, Martin attacked. And he got through, but on the cutback Bagnaia judged it to the absolutely millimetre to nudge back ahead. As you were, until a lap later. Same move, different result as this time the #89 was able to hold it. There was a new race leader, but there was also a new fastest lap… from Marquez.

The Gresini was on the factory machine of Bagnaia in what seemed like a flash as it became a leading trio. It seemd Martin was starting to pull out the centimetres as he dug in, but then the #89 was deep into the chicane with three to go, and it was absolutely locked together once again. Bagnaia was close as anything and showed a wheel but couldn’t barge the door open, leaving a six-wheeled fight for the win to roll on.

Over the line for the last lap, Martin and Bagnaia were almost one machine round Turn 1 and 2, but a hail Mary on the brakes from Marquez saw that #93 re-appear in the shot by the time the trio dropped anchor at the chicane. Bagnaia was harrying, impatient and looking for any inch of space to make a move on Martin, but there was none – so Marquez made some instead.

The Gresini divebombed it but divebombed it to perfection, getting it stopped to take over in second as the remaining apexes ticked down. Would Bagnaia be able to respond at the final corner? As Martin gained some breathing space thanks to the duel behind him, the focus shifted to that one final opportunity. But if Marquez had opened the door for himself corners prior, this time he kept it firmly closed.

Up ahead, Martin crossed the line to take one of his most impressive wins to date, soaking up the pressure and making it a serious statement Sunday. His lead goes out to an incredible 38 points – enough to guarantee he leaves the next GP as Championship leader too – and it’s Bagnaia and Marquez on his tail in that order. Marquez’ back-to-back podiums are his first since 2021 and he’s 40 points off the top, but Bagnaia remains second despite that 0 from the Sprint in France.

Behind the podium battle, Bastianini charged back from his Long Lap to get past Viñales late on, with the #12 forced to settle for fifth. Di Giannantonio took P6 ahead of Franco Morbidelli (Prima Pramac Racing), who pipped Espargaro late on and the Aprilia dropped back to P9.

Between the two was Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), whose tough French GP had a much sweeter conclusion on Sunday. From the back of the grid, the #33 charged through to P8. An honourable mention also goes to a savage ride from Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) in an awesome home GP livery, with the Frenchman making it as far up as sixth before a crash out of contention. Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) completed the top ten.

That’s a wrap on the best-attended Grand Prix in history, and Martin leaves it with a serious and stylish statement win. Next up it’s Barcelona and another chance for the world’s most exciting sport to prove its moniker, so join us for more in two weeks as we go back-to-back with two more classic events from Catalonia to Mugello!

Sergio Garcia (3) won the Moto2 race in France. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Garcia storms Le Mans to grab the points lead

Sergio Garcia (MT Helmets – MSI) returned to winning ways at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France after a stunning ride to victory, taking back the Championship lead in the process. It was an MT Helmets – MSI 1-2 after serious charge from Ai Ogura, who carved through the field from P17 on the grid, with Alonso Lopez (Folladore SpeedUp) perfectly defending from Joe Roberts (OnlyFans American Racing) on the last lap to take third from the American.

Garcia pulled off the perfect start, pulling out a steady gap on the opening lap as the rest of the field battled behind hard behind. Polesitter Aron Canet (Fantic Racing) was swallowed by the pack in the opening stage of the race after a big mistake on the first lap, dropping to eighth in a fight with Fermin Aldeguer (Folladore SpeedUp).

A number of crashers, including Manuel Gonzalez (QJMOTO Gresini Moto2™), saw the order chop and change, but the rider on the move was Canet. After setting a fastest lap, the #44 attacked Roberts for second in a brilliant three-way fight joined by Lopez, with the American bumped to the back of the trio – for now.

At the front, Garcia charged on to keep the gap consistent, with all attention turning to the battle for second between Canet and Lopez. It was gloves off with three laps remaining, with Lopez slipping into second before making a mistake at turn four, allowing Canet to show his front wheel. The battle for second then bunched up even more with Ogura fancying a podium – charging into third on the last lap.

Garcia crossed the line to win the French GP with Ogura finding a gap to pass Lopez for second, holding onto it to make it a historic 1-2. Lopez was then left to fend off a final corner move from Roberts, with contact but no drama and the Spaniard holding on to the line.

Behind Roberts to cross the line in fifth was Somkiat Chantra (IDEMITSU Honda Team Asia) a further 0.171s behind. The #35 held off Canet to the line, who dropped to sixth after battling with Roberts on the last lap. Aldeguer found time late in the race to comfortably finish ahead of Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) and Albert Arenas (QJMOTO Gresini Moto2™), with CFMOTO Inde Aspar Team’s Izan Guevara taking the final spot inside the top 10.

That’s a wrap on France with Garcia back in the hot seat ahead of the Catalan GP – and the likes of Roberts and Aldeguer looking to hit back. Join us for more from Barcelona!

David Alonso (80) topped Daniel Holgado (96), and Collin Veijer (95) to win the Moto3 race. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Alonso fends off Holgado and Veijer to bounce back in style

The Colombian defends to perfection in France to move to within a single point of Holgado’s Championship lead

David Alonso (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) put in a masterclass at Le Mans to bounce back from heartbreak in Jerez, attacking early on the final lap and then keeping the door firmly shut to deny Dani Holgado (Red Bull GASGAS Tech3) the top step. Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) completed the podium as three key contenders went toe-to-toe at the front.

Alonso got the launch and initial lead, but through the chicane Holgado struck for first and took it. The Championship leader headed his closest rival as fellow front row starter Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) harried the duo, but in no time at all it became the classic Moto3™ freight train.

The first key drama saw Riccardo Rossi (CIP Green Power) pipped out of contention by David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports), for which the #64 then got a double Long Lap. That dropped him out the group before he than also crashed and rejoined, leaving his fellow podium finishers from Jerez to fight it out at the front with the top two in the title fight.

Alonso, Holgado, Veijer and Ivan Ortola (MT Helmets – MSI) duked it out at the front, with close company from rookie Joel Esteban (CFMoto Gaviota Aspar Team) and Ortola’s teammate Ryusei Yamanaka.

Onto the final lap it bubbled up to a three-way fight between the top three in the title fight as Holgado led Alonso led Veijer. But not for long, as the Colombian hit quick to edge out the 96, leading into and through the 3-4 chicane. And he kept leading, with Holgado just not able to find a way through through 9 and 10, nor into 12 as he looked tempted to try.

That left Alonso to completes his bounce back mission from Jerez in style, back on the top step and with it closing the gap to Holgado at the top of the Championship to a single point. Veijer was likewise not able to nudge open the door to attack on the final lap, but third to follow up his victory at Jerez makes it the second time he’s taken back to back GP podiums.

Esteban nabbed fourth from Ortola on the final lap, taking his best Grand Prix result yet as his rookie year continues to impress. Ortola completed the top five though, with Adrian Fernandez (Leopard Racing) coming back to P6 from two Long Laps given for slow riding in practice.

Yamanaka, Rueda, Tatsuki Suzuki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) and rookie Angel Piqueras (Leopard Racing) completed the top ten.

With just one point in it now, it’s next stop Barcelona! Will the tale twist again?

Moto2: World Championship Race Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 12, 2024

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Moto2: World Championship Race Results From Le Mans

Sergio Garcia won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his MT Helmets – MSI Boscoscuro on Pirelli control tires, the Spaniard won the 22-lap race by 3.174 seconds.

Garcia’s Japanese teammate Ai Ogura was the runner-up, and Folladore SpeedUp’s Alonso Lopez made it a Boscoscuro sweep of the podium in third.

American Joe Roberts was fourth, less than 0.5 second behind Ogura at the finish, on his OnlyFans American Racing Team Kalex.

Somkiat Chantra rounded out the top five finishers on his Idemitsu Honda Team Asia Kalex.

Moto2 Race
Moto2 Points After Race

Moto3: World Championship Race Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 12, 2024

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Moto3: World Championship Race Results From Le Mans

David Alonso won the Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Gaviota Aspar Team CFMOTO on Pirelli control tires, the young Colombian won the 20-lap race by a scant 0.105 second.

Red Bull GAGAS Tech3 rider Daniel Holgado retained a small lead in the World Championship point standings by snagging the runner-up spot, and Collin Veijer finished third on his Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna.

The top nine finishers were separated by just 1.1 seconds at the end of the race.

Moto3 Rac
Moto3 Points after Race

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race Two Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 12, 2024

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race Two Results From Le Mans

RBR Race 2

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull:

Uriarte snatches Le Mans Race 2 Rookies win from Quiles at final turn

The perfect, dramatic, braking lunge into Le Mans’ final first-gear double right gave victory to Brian Uriarte. Fellow Spaniard and Rookies Cup Race 1 victor Màximo Quiles survived the shock and a nasty front wheel slide to hold 2nd ahead of Malaysian Hakim Danish.

Argentina’s Valentin Perrone, one of the race’s many leaders, and Spain’s Álvaro Carpe were right on their tail with 0.617 seconds covering the top 5 KTMs.

Brian made the risk pay off in Race 2

“I’m super happy with this. I had a good ride yesterday and I was certainly going out to win today but you never know, there are many many things that should happen in the correct way if you are going to take the victory,” said the calm, well-spoken 15-year-old.

“I didn’t sleep that well last night and I could feel it today that I was a bit tired. The sleep wasn’t that good but when I woke up I did everything as usual and was completely focused. I was a bit angry with myself for yesterday’s mistake.”

“The track was a bit cooler today, in the second sighting lap I felt a couple of slippery patches but even in the opening laps it was completely perfect and the bike was great all through the race.”

“I worked a lot this weekend, the track is new for me, I tried so hard yesterday and I learnt, I used that today. You have to take a risk to win, I risked a lot into the last corner and I won.

Maximo takes 2nd and Cup points lead

“It was a great race, a bit difficult at the beginning to overtake,” explained the 16-year-old. “Then I got into the lead and everyone seemed a bit nervous because they knew I would have a good rhythm. I opened the group a bit it was not so close.”

“The bike did feel a bit different today, there was good grip but when I really pushed the front was sliding and a little bit uncomfortable for me.”

“Then in the last lap, I didn’t know what to do, I was in front and that’s not easy. They have the reference to brake and they used that, Brian braked later than me into the last corner and won.”

“Still second place is great, points for the championship and I am happy for that, looking forward to Mugello.”

Hakim did most of the leading after style change

“I made a good start and I managed to run at the front,” the 16-year-old enthused. “Better than yesterday as in Race 1 I struggled to match the pace of the front guys. This time I changed my riding, I had my body further forward and pushed my elbow down, I was scraping it through the corners and tried to open the throttle earlier in the corners and it worked very well.”

“In the last lap I tried to lead but two people overtook me, That’s OK I tried to overtake again. Into the last corner, I almost wanted to try a pass on Maximo and Brian but I was just too far away. I already overtook another rider the turn before and that cost me a little bit, I couldn’t go for the win at the last corner.”

“Anyway, I finished P3 and I look forward to the next race in Mugello, I thank everyone who supports me here and at home.”

Valentine learning well

“It was a difficult race with so many riders in the group,” explained the 16-year-old. “In the last lap, it was crazy with so many overtakes, I just couldn’t finish more in front, to be on the podium.”

“I am happy though with P4 with good points for the championship in what was a new track for me, I think I did a good job here and I am already looking forward to Mugello.”

Alvaro takes points rather than risk

“I enjoyed this race so much,” said the 16-year-old Spaniard who holds 2nd in the points chase. “It was faster than yesterday, my KTM was working well, good on the brakes and through the corners. The lead group was very fast, not too many overtakes but a really good pace.”

“Again I am happy with the points for the championship. When it came to the last 2 laps I didn’t feel confident enough to really push the extra to make the podium this time.”

Marco Morelli worked hard for 6th

“I enjoyed that a lot, it was a fast race,” enthused the Argentine 16-year-old who had fallen off early on the first lap on Saturday. “I don’t know if I did the fastest lap but I think I did a 43 so I think that was good,” he stated and indeed he did take the fastest lap of the race and a new lap record officially at 1m 44.019s.

“I was a bit cautious in the opening lap after yesterday’s mistake. Mid-race I was in the second group and that is not good enough. With 5 laps to go you need to be up front so I had to push hard.”

“I tried, I finished P6, that’s better than yesterday when I got no points and let’s see in Mugello.”

Veda Pratama recovered from error to take 7th

“I am happy with the race and the result,” stated the 15-year-old Indonesian. “I managed to get into the front group and that is what I needed to do. Just in the last two laps I made a mistake and I lost the group and had to fight back in the last lap.”

“The result could have been better but I will learn and try to do better in Mugello.”

Rico Salmela suffers technical issue.

“In the middle of the race I started to feel that when opening the gas there wasn’t the same power and it just got less and less,” explained the 16-year-old Finn who had run at the front early on and was 2nd in Race 1.

More, from a press release issued by Kristian Daniel Jr. Racing:

RED BULL MOTOGP ROOKIES CUP: KRISTIAN DANIEL JR WITH ANOTHER STRONG PERFORMANCE IN FRANCE

Kristian Daniel Jr with a top 10 finish in his first ever visit to Circuit Le Mans

American Kristian Daniel, Jr. (70) leads a group of riders at Le Mans. Photo courtesy Red Bull.

May 12th – Circuit Bugatti Le Mans

The picturesque Circuit Bugatti – Le Mans hosted the 2nd round of the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup (alongside the MotoGP event), which was young American Kristian Daniel Jr’s first visit to the French iconic track. The format of the Rookies Cup race weekends is that there are two 25 minute practice sessions held Friday, followed by 20 minute qualifying. One race is held Saturday afternoon and another race held early Sunday morning. This means that there aren’t many laps for first year Rookies like Kristian Daniel to get up to speed on new tracks, but in spite of the limited track time, the young Californian was able to end the weekend with two good results.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in France, which had over 200,000 spectators across the whole weekend, Kristian put on quite a show! Starting the first race from 13th position, he had already made it up to 8th position within the first few corners. A rider just ahead ended up hitting a false neutral, causing Kristian to slam into the back of his bike, almost crashing and demoting him back to 15th. The young American gathered himself and was quickly on the rebound. The front 7 riders had made a gap, so his goal was to at least make it to the front of the 2nd group (10th position). After he made it to the front of the group, he and Indonesian rider Veda Pretama called a truce for a few laps, sitting in 10th and 11th, and put down a few fast laps which created a 2.1 second gap to the 12th place rider. Kristian sat patiently behind Pretama, waiting for the last corner of the last lap to make a lunge, which he did but Pretama was able to cut back and took 10th position by .0018 of a second, Kristian Daniel finishing 11th.

Race two was underway early the next morning at 8:30 AM, but that wasn’t too early for the French fans as the Grandstands were packed already! Kristian Jr started race 2 similar to race 1, where he found himself sitting in the top 8 for the first few laps. After riding at a hot pace with the front group, the excitement and anxiousness got the best of him, and with a fatigued body and mind made a few mistakes and fell back to 11th. The young LA native gave himself a few laps to calm his nerves, and set off after the 10th place rider. Closing the gap, he prepared the end of the race much like the day before, planning on making a lunge at the end of the race. Half way through the final lap, he made a strong move into 10th position, and held it until the finish line!

Starting his first Red Bull MotoGP Rookie Cup season with another top 10 shows great promise for the rest of the season! His next race is in the 2nd championship he races, called the JuniorGP European Talent Cup, and will be held May 19th in Barcelona, Spain! The next Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup will be in Italy, at the majestic Mugello circuit!

American Flat Track: Race Results From The Ventura Short Track

David Swarts

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May 11, 2024

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Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) Championship

Ventura Short Track

Ventura, California

May 11, 2024

Provisional Royal Enfield BTR Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Kenzie Luker (Roy), 10 laps

2. Shasta L’Heureux (Roy), -01.220 seconds

3. Mya Maffei (Roy), -03.083

4. Mikaela Nichols-Lionetti (Roy), -07.249

5. Hannah Lange (Roy), -10.180

6. Morgan Piller (Roy), -16.728

7. Hannah Robertson (Roy), -18.314

8. Kristiana Ross (Roy), -1 lap, -04.573

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Tom Drane (Yam), 27 laps

2. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -01.394 seconds

3. Trent Lowe (Hon), -02.105

4. Kody Kopp (KTM), -02.744

5. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -03.329

6. Evan Renshaw (Hon), -06.385

7. Tarren Santero (Hon), -07.619

8. James Ott (Hus), -07.937

9. Logan Eisenhard (KTM), -08.896

10. Tyler Raggio (KTM), -11.820

11. Travis Petton (KTM), -12.102

12. Jared Lowe (Hon), -12.354

13. Michael Inderbitzin (Hon), -12.568

14. Cole Frederickson (Hon), -1 lap, -01.154

15. Hunter Bauer (Yam), -1 lap, -01.495

16. Justin Anselmi (Yam), -1 lap, -02.580

17. Ian Wolfe (Hon), -1 lap, -10.088

18. Olin Kissler (KTM), -1 lap, -11.188

19. Chad Cose (KTM), -2 laps

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 42 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -04.613 seconds

3. Jared Mees (Ind), -07.170

4. Jarod VanDerKooi (Ind), -07.812

5. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -09.251

6. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -09.978

7. Kayl Kolkman (Yam), -12.627

8. Trevor Brunner (KTM), -14.414

9. Dan Bromley (Hon), -14.979

10. Max Whale (Har), -1 lap, -00.817

11. Brandon Price (Yam), -1 lap, -02.988

12. Cameron Smith (KTM), -1 lap, -06.510

13. Ben Lowe (KTM), -1 lap, -13.576

14. Davis Fisher (Ind), -2 laps, -01.411

15. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -2 laps, -02.333

16. Sammy Halbert (Har), -10 laps, DNF

17. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -41 laps, DNF

18. Declan Bender (Ind), -41 laps, DNF

19. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -41 laps, DNF

More, from a press release issued by AFT:

Bauman Takes Ventura Short Track in Beachside Blowout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 11, 2024) – Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke) scored his first victory of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, with an utterly dominant performance in Saturday night’s Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track at Ventura Raceway in Ventura, California.

The two-time Grand National Champion came into the weekend seeking not just his first Mission AFT SuperTwins win of the year but his first podium of any kind. He ended that uncharacteristic drought in most convincing fashion, backing up a stirring win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge with a wire-to-wire runaway in the Main Event.

Bauman’s superiority finally brought order to what had been a chaotic affair in the early going. A red flag flew moments after the initial start due to a terrifying incident that saw Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) carom off the wall and crash back into the pack that had not yet separated.

That triggered a chain reaction that also collected Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke), Declan Bender (No. 70 GOMR/BriggsAuto.com/Martin Trucking Indian FTR750), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 Big Red Super Twins/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp), who completed a full forward flip in the air after contacting the downed Lewis and his machine. Miraculously, all four returned to their feet with Lowe managing to return for the staggered restart.

A second red was issued just as quickly following a spill by hometown hero Kayl Kolkman (No. 98 Yamaha MT-07), who would also return for the subsequent restart.

A third red flag was narrowly avoided when Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) bounced back up from a crash and immediately remounted, allowing the race to continue and at last find its rhythm.

And the beat it drummed up was a victory march for Bauman, who was never challenged on his way to a 4.613-second margin of victory.

Bauman, who lapped his way inside the top ten, said, “First and foremost, I can’t thank Shayna (Texter-Bauman) and Kenny Coolbeth enough, along with everyone else with Rick Ware Racing. We could write a novel about what’s gone on this season. We had quite the offseason, let me tell you. This might have been a bigger change for me, going to a new group of guys, than it was going from an Indian to a KTM last year. It was so big. I kept telling myself all week long that no one understands how long I’ve been waiting on this, and my team deserves it more than I do.”

The only rider who could even pretend to keep Bauman in sight on this evening was title hopeful Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT). The Estenson Racing pilot actually started his push from fifth, slicing underneath Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750) before putting himself in a position to make an honest try at reeling in Bauman.

After that challenge proved insurmountable, Daniels had to be content to solidify his grip on second while Vanderkooi, Mees, and Robinson disputed the final spot on the box behind.

Reigning champ Mees raced his way to that honor as he so often does, with Vanderkooi and Robinson completing the top five.

Sixth and seventh went to twin chargers Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke) and Kolkman, who battled their way up from 15th and 16th, respectively.

Meanwhile, rookies Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing KTM 790 Duke) and Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R) finished eighth and tenth, with Honda-mounted Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp) splitting the two up by claiming the new machine’s second top ten in ninth.

Daniels now leads the Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight by two points over Robinson (103-101) with Mees third at 93 and Bauman closing to within striking distance at 84.

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) secured his second victory of the ‘24 season in an action-packed Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Main Event that saw the tables turned more than once.

Polesitter, points leader, and double defending champion Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) was immediately shuffled back to fifth off the line while Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R) jumped at the opportunity to potentially run away with a second career victory after finally earning his maiden win last time out in Texas.

While Saathoff built up an early second-plus advantage at the front, Drane, Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), Kopp, and Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Hannum’s Harley-Davidson KTM 450 SX-F) formed a big second group, each one trying to find a way to respond to the leader’s immediate pace.

Gauthier was the first to find it, slowly closing the gap to first, taking back approximately a tenth each time around the tight circuit. But by the time he found his way onto the Honda pilot’s rear wheel, he found himself under assault by a charging Drane.

Gauthier was unable to provide much resistance, giving way to the Australian ace in short order, a fate Saathoff would suffer himself moments later with Drane slamming through to grab the lead.

Saathoff attempted to counter but Drane rebuffed the attempt and then proceeded to make his escape; the Yamaha runner ultimately worked up a 1.394-second margin by the time he took the checkered flag.

“At the start of the race, I had to really work hard and figure a few things out,” Drane said. “Toward the end I started finding some lines that really worked. (Once in front) I wasn’t letting (Saathoff) him back through. I was making sure I was making that move happen. I can’t thank my whole team enough. We had that bike dialed from the start of the day. We continued to chip away at it and got it better and better. The team put in a really big effort and we’re here now.”

While Drane cleared off, Gauthier jumped on Saathoff and promptly created his own separation on the way to second. Lowe and Kopp piled on from there with the Turner Honda rider stealing away the final spot on the box and Rick Ware Racing star pushing his title rival down to the fifth in the final order.

As a result, Kopp continues to lead the championship chase, now by 14 points over Drane (108-94) with Saathoff now far behind in third (90).

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will complete its run of five early-season Short Tracks next weekend with the inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on Saturday, May 18. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/silver-dollar-short-track-89147 to secure your tickets today.

For those who can’t catch the action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of the the weekend’s on-track action, from the first practice to the victory podium, at https://flosports.link/aft.

FOX Sports coverage of the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, May 19, at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT).

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

North West 200: Hickman, Irwin, Todd Win

David Swarts

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May 11, 2024

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North West 200: Hickman, Irwin, Todd Win

IRWIN MAKES HISTORY IN THE SUN AT THE 2024 BRIGGS EQUIPMENT NORTH WEST 200

A weather forecast for a day of blazing sunshine saw a massive crowd descend upon the north coast on Saturday, May 11 for the principal race day of the 2024 Briggs Equipment North West 200. The race fans didn’t go home disappointed after a day of record-breaking action around the 8.9 mile Triangle course as Glenn Irwin won his 11^th consecutive Superbike race to become the event’s most successful premier class competitor.

Irwin had already equalled the tally of nine Superbike wins shared by existing record holders, the late Joey Dunlop and Michael Rutter, during Thursday evening’s Briggs Equipment Superbike race. Victories in both the Anchor Bar and Merrow Hotel and Spa sponsored events on the PBM Hager Ducati during Saturday made it a hat-trick of Superbike wins at this year’s event for the Carrtickfergus rider. Irwin didn’t have it all his own way though with Davey Todd pushing him hard on the Milwaukee BMW in both races.

During the Anchor Bar six lapper Irwin led past the pits on five of the six laps before eventually taking the chequered flag by 0.382 seconds from Todd. Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Honda) finished over 19 seconds behind the winner after over-shooting Magherabouy chicane as Irwin set the fastest lap of the race at 124.854mph.

“Although it feels wrong to take a record from Joey Dunlop, I’m incredibly proud to do it.” Irwin said after clinching a record he had set his sights on breaking. “I’ve worked so hard for this and although when I first came here I probably won some races on talent alone, since 2020 I’ve worked my ass off in areas like training, diet and mindset and that’s why I keep winning races. I felt comfortable out there and having sat behind Davey for a couple of laps, I knew where he was strong. Hats off to both him and Michael. I can still go to another level though. It’s my favourite event in the world, so to be the most successful Superbike rider ever is special.”

Glenn Irwin (1) held off Davey Todd (74) to win both Superbike races Saturday at the North West 200. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

Todd said he was gutted to have lost the race after the Milwaukee TAS Racing squad gave him a bike he thought he should have won on.

“I felt super confident out there and after Thursday’s race I tried something different this time. I led initially but then shadowed Glenn so I could see what he was doing and he was very strong along the coast road. I felt I could have him on the last lap but we came across a backmarker and it’s dangerous when you come across someone going so much slower.”

Irwin’s Superbike domination continued in the Merrow Hotel and Spa event as he made it three wins from three starts on the PBM Hager Ducati at this year’s North West after another tough battle with Todd. This time the leading pair had Honda Racing’s Dean Harrison for company.

Todd led the first two laps past the grandstand before Irwin moved in front at Juniper as the pair continued to duel throughout the six laps. Todd reclaimed the lead at Station but Irwin got his nose in front again at University and held it until the chequered flag, winning by 0.464 seconds from Todd with Harrison a further 2.9 seconds further back to complete his Superbike hat-trick.

Jubilant celebrations duly followed his 11^th consecutive NW200 victory in the premier class.

“I love this event.” Irwin smiled. “To take a hat-trick feels really, really special. I feel on top of my game and love the team so much, every single one of them, so let’s sign the contract for next year now! I’ve worked so hard this season, as have the team, and to respond to the challenges of great riders like Davey and Dean isn’t easy. It was a hard race as the bike jumped out of gear a few times letting Davey get away but when you feel like something’s going to happen, it happens, so I kept believing and kept working hard. Dreams do come true and to win eleven Superbike races at the NW200, and eleven in a row, is awesome. With the hat-trick here and at Oulton Park last weekend, it’s been my best week in racing.”

Peter Hickman also claimed a Saturday double in the Milltown Service Station and JM Paterson Supertwin races, starting from pole position on his Swan Racing Yamaha.

Peter Hickman (60) leads Richard Cooper (47) during a Supertwin race Saturday at the North West 200. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

In the opening encounter, Hickman got the better of Richard Cooper (Jack Reid Cars/KMR Kawasaki) 0.489 seconds after a race long battle. Mike Browne claimed his first NW200 rostrum finish after finishing third on a Scott Racing Aprilia by 10.4 seconds from Jeremy McWilliams (IFS/Bayview Paton).

In the second Twins encounter Hickman and Cooper finished first and second again after Hickman dived up the inside of the Nottingham rider at Metropole on the final lap and held on to win by 0.855 seconds. This time it was McWilliams in third, 5.2 seconds behind Cooper with Browne in fourth, 6.1 seconds further back.

The Tides Restaurant Supersport six lapper produced a thrilling battle between Davey Todd and Richard Cooper (Russell Racing/BPE Yamaha) with Michael Dunlop and Mike Browne getting into the mix.

Davey Todd (1) won the Supersport races on a Ducati Panigale V2. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

The Englishman steered his Powertoolmate Ducati to victory by just 0.462 seconds after a race long battle with Richard Cooper to claim his second success at this year’s NW200 following his Superstock win on Thursday evening.

Cooper’s teammate, Mike Browne and Michael Dunlop (MD Racing Triumph) had threatened the leading duo before, Todd and Cooper began to open a slight gap on the pair by half race distance. Todd eventually took the chequered flag by 0.462 seconds from Cooper with Dunlop 0.3 seconds further back to complete the podium.

Todd went on to make it a 2024 NW200 hat-trick with a 1.57 second victory in the CP Hire Superstock race on his Milwaukee BMW over runner-up, Peter Hickman on the PHR Performance BMW.

Davey Todd (74) also won both Superstock races. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office. — Davey Todd (74) also won both Superstock races on Saturday. Photo courtesy NW200 Press Office.

But perhaps the biggest cheer of a wonderful weekend of road racing was reserved for third-placed finisher, John McGuinness. The 52 year old Honda Racing veteran made his debut at the north coast event 30 years ago and has built a huge following amongst Irish race fans during those three decades.

The six lapper was initially red-flagged after a crash at Magherabouy on the opening lap with Todd getting the hole-shot in the restart. McGuinness’s Honda Racing team-mate, Dean Harrison pushed the Milwaukee BMW rider hard before Todd opened a 0.8 second gap by half distance with Hickman holding third from James Hillier (WTF Honda) and McGuinness in fifth. Hillier and McGuinness were battling for fourth spot when Harrison retired and McGuinness inherited the final podium position.

As the huge crowds that had lined the coast road throughout a race week of sunshine began to head home, Davey Todd was declared the Man of the Meeting, winning the Robert Dunlop trophy.

The Around a Pound sponsored top newcomer was South Africa’s, Allann John Venter and Erno Kostamo received the Ramore Restaurant Best Overseas competitor award. The Station Bar Best Team trophy went to Milwaukee BMW as Peter Hickman received the Spirit of the North West 200 award which was sponsored by Domino’s Pizza in memory of the late Daley Mathison.

MotoE: Race Two Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 11, 2024

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Nicholas Spinelli won FIM MotoE World Championship Race Two Saturday at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. On board his Tech3 Racing Ducati electric racebike fitted with Michelin control tires, the Italian won the eight-lap race by a scant 0.139 second.

Mattia Casadei came up just a bit short in second place on his LCR E-Team machine, and Axxis-MSI’s Oscar Gutierrez was a very close third.

MotoE Race 2
MotoE Points after R2

Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race One Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 11, 2024

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race One Results From Le Mans

RBR Race 1

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull:

Quiles wins over Salmela and Carpe in great Rookies Race 1 Le Mans battle

Màximo Quiles was congratulated by Marc Márquez in Parc firmé after a brilliantly executed last-lap pass on Rico Salmela stole victory in 15 thrilling laps of Le Mans.

The 3rd Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup podium of the season was completed by Álvaro Carpe and the 16-year-old Spaniards share the points lead going into Sunday’s race.

Finland’s Salmela is tied for 3rd on points with Argentina’s Valentin Perrone who took 4th in only his third Rookies Cup race, backing up the 2nd he grabbed in the season opener in Spain.

Fellow countryman Marco Morelli, winner of that first race, did his Cup chances no favours by falling on lap 1.

Max had it all worked out

“It was a great race, we could see a big crowd watching us and that also made me happy.”

“I tried to push from the beginning, to open a gap and I was able to stretch the group a bit but then one guy overtook me and slowed us a bit and the group closed up again. Then Rico tried to push again, I kept behind him because he had good rhythm and was fast.”

“Then on the last lap, I prepared to overtake him in corner 8, I managed it and it worked well. Then in the last sector, I just pushed hard to make sure no one could overtake me.”

“Then I crossed the line first and it was a great feeling, I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

“It wasn’t an easy win at all. Rico was really fast, very late braking in corner 7 and some others. His riding style is really different to mine. I am carrying more mid-corner speed and a bit softer in braking so I can’t pass him everywhere but I made it work.”

“The bike was not totally comfortable because I had to save the front quite a few times and I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted and I felt the bike was better in FP2 and Quali but perhaps it was because the track was so hot I don’t know. Tomorrow in the morning will be cooler so maybe I won’t change anything.”

Rico will have a new plan for Sunday

“It’s my first podium of the year so I am happy with that. The race was good, I felt more or less good on the bike. I was struggling a bit on the front but I have a good feeling for tomorrow and I will take a look at the race and try to make another plan for Race 2.”

“I was not the best in the last sector and it was not possible for me to overtake Max at the end of the last lap. It was already difficult for me to stay with them in the last sector so I knew I did not have anything extra for the last lap there. I just decided to take the P2.”

“P1 was not possible but I tried, I came close to Maximo in the back straight on the last lap and he hit the limiter but was right on the white line and there was no way past. Now I will focus on tomorrow.”

“I do have a different style to Max, I am braking late and the only thing I am missing now is the mid-corner turning, I still need to practice this a bit but it is coming better all the time. I’m not planning to change the bike, I lost the front just a few times but more from my mistake I think than anything else.”

Alvaro already playing it clever

“I enjoyed that race so much,” enthused the 16-year-old. “It was a race with not too many overtakes but still a lot of fun, a great way to start the weekend. Max and Rico had a great pace, they were pushing very hard. I was at the back but still in the first group.”

“I think it was a really fast race, I did a really good job, thinking a little about the championship, making sure to get some good points. Finally, I got third and I can be very happy with that.”

“Tomorrow I plan to do the same, my KTM is working well, no thought to change anything, a little bit of chatter on the brakes, but nothing to worry about and I plan to run the same sort of race again.”

Valentin had nothing left

“It was a really difficult race,” stated the 16-year-old. “In the beginning, I was pushing so hard and closing the line all the time so no one could get past. Then in the last 5 laps I paid for it because Rico was in front pushing so hard with really good pace and doing 44s, I was on my limit.”

“The last lap was a bit crazy because I overtook Uriarte and then it was impossible to overtake Carpe but it is still a good finish and good points for the championship.”

“The bike is great I feel really comfortable and I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

Brian Uriarte 5th after a big risk

“I’m happy with that,” the Spanish 15-year-old stated plainly. “Yesterday I struggled a bit in qualifying and today I did better. I checked the lines some of the other guys were using and I learn from that.”

“So for my first time in Le Mans, I think it was OK, I will talk to the guys about maybe changing the bike a bit for tomorrow but also I am still learning.”

“There is time to be made using different lines but also perhaps with the bike if I can find more grip at the rear. The others didn’t seem to slide as much as me.”

“I was really fast in corner 11and I tried the move there with a couple of laps to go but lost the front so that was not the place on the last lap. Instead, I tried in the chicane off the back straight and risked a lot there, it didn’t work but you have to try.”

Hakim Danish wanted more than 6th

“I had a good start,” explained the Malaysian 16-year-old. “In the beginning, I was a little bit struggling with the pace because when the riders passed me their pace was very quick and it was a little bit difficult for me to follow.”

“I tried to find something more and to follow. I managed to stay in the group but then in the last couple of laps I made a little mistake and one rider passed me a little bit hard and I lost the group. I managed to push more and get the group back but it was only P6.”

“The bike is good, I will watch the race and see what I can do better for tomorrow.”

Ruche Moodley knows what he must do to better 7th

“It was a really fast race compared to last year and I struggled a lot in the first chicane,” The South African 17-year-old pointed out. “It seemed every time I went into the first chicane I made a mistake because my line going in is wrong and I would lose the group.”

“Then I would have to catch the group again and so I could never make my way through the group, I was always playing catch up.”

“So I’ve got to get to get that fixed tomorrow, work out what I need to do differently, then I can have a better race.”

Marco looking forward

“I feel OK, nothing hurt from the crash, this is the main thing,” said the 16-year-old. “I made a good start and I pushed, OK so I pushed a little too hard but this is racing.”

“Today it was too much, it might be different tomorrow, or in Mugello, in Racing you have to push and anything can happen.”

MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Le Mans

David Swarts

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May 11, 2024

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MotoGP: Sprint Race Results From Le Mans

Jorge Martin won the MotoGP World Championship Sprint Race Saturday at the Bugatti Circuit, in Le Mans, France. Riding his Prima Pramac Racing Ducati on Michelin control tires, the Spaniard won the 13-lap race by 2.280 seconds.

Six-time MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez started 13th on the grid but charged forward to finish in the runner-up spot on his Gresini Racing Ducati.

Maverick Vinales placed third on his factory Aprilia RS-GP, less than two seconds behind Marquez.

Two-time and defending World Champion Francesco Bagnaia retired from the race and DNF.

MotoGP Sprint Race
MotoGP Points after Sprint Race

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Martin hits back, Marquez charges, Bagnaia fails to score as drama hits in the Sprint

The Championship twists again after bad luck for Bagnaia and a stunner for his fellow frontrunners in France

The start of the MotoGP Sprint Race in Le Mans. Photo courtesy Dorna.

Saturday, 11 May 2024

Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing) bounced back from Jerez in style at the Michelin® Grand Prix de France, getting an incredible launch from pole to take off and escape to his 12th Tissot Sprint win. Marc Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) pulled off an awesome comeback to thread through to second from P13 on the grid, with Maverick Viñales (Aprilia Racing) completing the Sprint podium. Where was reigning Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team)? Read on…

It was a stunning start from Martin to take the holeshot, and the exact opposite for Bagnaia as he plummeted from second to mid-pack, seemingly with some sort of issue. Meanwhile some friendly-fire – within the limit – between the Aprilias added another shuffle, and with that it was Marco Bezzecchi (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) slotting into second on the chase behind Martin.

Jorge Martin (89). Photo courtesy Dorna.

Meanwhile, as Bagnaia went backwards, Marc Marquez was storming forwards. The number 93 threaded the needle to perfection off the start and was into fifth within a few corners. Within a few laps, he was the rider on the chase behind the Martin-Bezzecchi duel at the front.

Aleix Espargaro was then the next to drop out of that front battle as his start proved too good to be true, given a double Long Lap for the jump start. The drama then amped up again for Bagnaia just behind that, as he ran wide from the back of the field. Something was definitely wrong for the #1 as he then headed into pitlane. The reigning Champion was out of the Sprint.

That left Martin leading Bezzecchi leading Marquez, with Viñales next up. A gaggle of Enea Bastianini (Ducati Lenovo Team), Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team), Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) had the gloves off too, and Espargaro then rejoined in their midst.

Suddenly, there was more drama at the front. Yellow flashed across the run off at Turn 9 as Bezzecchi slid out from that second place, leaving Marquez on the chase behind Martin. The gap between the two was now at over two seconds, however, and the clock was counting down. The Sprint King was on his way to another Saturday stunner, and he got the job done in style to capitalise on a tough Sprint for Bagnaia.

Behind Martin’s impressive charge at the front, Marquez took second after an awesome comeback ride from P13 on the grid, with Viñales holding onto third in the last laps as Bastianini put in a late charge for glory. The ‘Beast’ had to settle for fourth.

Espargaro recovered from his double Long Lap to finish fifth, with Acosta taking a solid sixth and putting in a final corner save. Di Giannantonio held off Miller for seventh, with Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse Racing) taking the final point on Saturday… just marginally ahead of home hero Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™).

Another 27 laps await the grid on Sunday, with Bagnaia now the rider looking to hit back, Martin needing another showstopper to keep that ground gained, and Marquez looking down the barrel of the start from P13 once again. Can he pull it off twice? Will there be fireworks? Find out at 14:00 (UTC +2)!

AMA Supercross: Race Report And Video Highlights From Utah

May 12, 2024

Rice-Eccles Stadium hosted the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Final for the fifth straight year. A weather delay temporarily paused the racing, but the storm passed, and the track provided great racing to crown four Supercross championships. Photo courtesy Feld Motor Sports, Inc.