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MotoAmerica: Medallia Superbike Race Two Results From Ridge

Cameron Beaubier came from behind to win MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.

Two-time and defending Champion Jake Gagne got the holeshot and led the first nine laps on his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha, but Beaubier passed his former teammate on lap 10 of 16 and held on to take his third win of the season on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 R.

Gagne pushed Beaubier to the end but came up 2.045 seconds short and finished second, but he still left Washington with the Championship point lead.

Josh Herrin, battered and bruised from a high-speed crash in qualifying on Saturday, dug deep to pull off a close third-place finish — just 1.2 seconds behind and closing on Gagne — on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Richie Escalante crossed the finish line fourth on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R, just 4.750 seconds behind Beaubier.

Beaubier’s teammate Corey Alexander rounded out the top five finishers only 2.9 seconds behind Escalante.

 

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More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Beaubier And BMW Stop Yamaha’s Win Streak At Ridge Motorsports Park

Cameron Beaubier Tops Jake Gagne To Win At The Washington Racetrack

 

Jake Gagne (1) leads the field through the Turn One chicane at the start of Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Jake Gagne (1) leads the field through the Turn One chicane at the start of Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

SHELTON, WA (June 25, 2023) – The talk coming into the Ridge Motorsports Park round of the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike class was that the track is tailor made for Yamaha, as evidenced by six straight wins for the YZF-R1. In Saturday’s race one, Jake Gagne ran that streak to seven straight wins for Yamaha, but it ended on Sunday with a BMW M 1000 RR crossing the finish line first.

Ironically, that BMW was ridden to victory by the man who started Yamaha’s win streak at Ridge in 2020 – Cameron Beaubier.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Beaubier hinted at the possibility of a BMW win in Washington when he ran down Gagne and his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1 on Saturday, only to crash out of the race on the 14th of 16 laps while on the R1’s rear wheel. On Sunday, Beaubier replicated the feat only this time he didn’t falter. He caught the fast-starting Gagne, took over at the front on the 10th lap and beat the championship points leader to the flag by a tick over two seconds.

For Beaubier it was his third win of the year and the 57th AMA Superbike win of his career.

 

Cameron Beaubier (6) topped Jake Gagne (1) in Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Cameron Beaubier (6) topped Jake Gagne (1) in Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

When he was passed by Beaubier, Gagne knew he didn’t have the pace to match his former teammate and he opted to make certain of second place in the closing laps. At the finish Gagne was 2.045 behind Beaubier and 1.2 seconds ahead of third-place finisher Josh Herrin on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Herrin was fighting the injuries suffered in a qualifying crash on Saturday morning, didn’t get much sleep on Saturday night, and limped his way through his Sunday and onto the podium for a second straight day.

With Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante getting the better of the rest to finish fourth, it translated to the top four featuring four different manufacturers – BMW, Yamaha, Ducati, and Suzuki.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Corey Alexander had his second straight day of Superbike success with a fifth-place finish on his BMW M 1000 RR. Alexander was some three seconds behind Escalante and 3.4 seconds ahead of Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen.

PJ Jacobsen was seventh on the third of the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMWs with Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim eighth. Thrashed Bike Racing’s Max Flinders and CW Moto Racing’s Benjamin Smith rounded out the top 10.

Among the non-finishers were Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz and Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Taylor Knapp with both riders crashing out in separate incidents.

After four rounds and eight races, Gagne leads Beaubier in the Medallia Superbike Championship by 23 points, 156-133. Herrin is third with 122 points, 21 more than Scholtz. Jacobsen rounds out the top five with 91 points.

The series heads to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 7-9, for round five.

Superbike Race Two

  1. Cameron Beaubier (BMW)
  2. Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
  3. Josh Herrin (Ducati)
  4. Richie Escalante (Suzuki)
  5. Corey Alexander (BMW)
  6. Cameron Petersen (Yamaha)
  7. PJ Jacobsen (BMW)
  8. Hayden Gillim (Suzuki)
  9. Max Flinders (Yamaha)
  10. Benjamin Smith (Yamaha)

Quotes…
 

Cameron Beaubier – Winner

“Yesterday the race was a really good confidence boost for us because, let’s be honest, Jake (Gagne) was setting the pace all weekend and also (Josh) Herrin was really fast on Saturday morning. So, I felt like going into the race we could do a couple of those laps, but I didn’t think we could sustain them. The guys have not stopped working on the thing and we came up with a good race bike yesterday and they made it even better overnight for today. I was feeling really good. Herrin and I were going back and forth there at the beginning. I feel like we were honestly both kind of making a couple mistakes. I was running wide here and there and so was he. Once the race kind of settled down, I put my head down and I was really surprised how good my bike felt. It was a pretty amazing feeling. I was able to run Jake down, but he was really strong getting off the last corner onto the front straight. I was struggling. I was spinning out of there pretty good. But I knew I had some spots that I was better than him in. Same for him, he had some spots that he was better than me in. I was able to get the lead and just kind of kept my head down but kept a little in reserve just so I didn’t throw it away like I did yesterday. I was honestly really surprised to see a little gap on my board. Feels great for the team. It’s a bummer yesterday, falling down like that, but it feels really good to cap a weekend off like we did. Plain and simple, the Superbike class is just pretty gnarly this year. To have three different manufacturers on the box and all the incredible riders up in the top 10, it’s tough but it’s pretty fun.”

Jake Gagne – Second Place

“I wasn’t surprised, for sure. I watched the race last night. I got off to a clean start and kind of made that gap from him, but once Cam (Beaubier) made his way through yesterday, he just reeled me in. Same thing today. At one point, I had a second gap on my pit board, and then by the top of the chicane I could hear him right behind me. That’s probably the lap he did a 39.6. At that point, I was struggling a little bit. I thought we kind of made the bike a little bit better today, but I was struggling a little more to even run the 40s that we ran yesterday. I knew Cam was going to make his way by at some point, and then once he made his way by, I tried to latch on a little bit but there was nothing I could do. At that point, I knew Josh (Herrin) was back there and I knew he was going to be strong until the end, so I just tried to do what I could to bring it home in second. Either way, I think we learned a lot. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to race with these guys really for this full race distance and kind of see what the bikes are doing differently. All three of these bikes really have different strengths and different weaknesses. So, we got some good data. Know what we need to improve. I think we’re still in the points lead, so that’s always a good day.”

Josh Herrin – Third Place

“Both third places I wasn’t expecting, so I guess it’s the hard weekends that count. I tried my hardest to take advantage of it and, luckily, we were able to come out with two thirds. I’m bummed because I wanted to be there. I feel like this weekend nobody thought that me or Cam (Beaubier) were going to be here at this track, I don’t think. I think they thought it was going to be a Yamaha show all weekend. He’s (Beaubier) riding super strong, and I felt super strong up until race one. I think we’re going to be there all year. No matter what track we go to, I think we’ll be competitive. I just got to keep trying to find more out of this thing. I’m still riding a little bit… Up until Saturday, I was riding timid on this thing, like nervous to really throw it in there. I’m finally getting the confidence. Obviously, found the limit now on the front. I’m really happy with this. I’ve been lucky enough to win three championships and know that consistency is key. The only problem is that I’m dealing with two guys that have more championships than I do. So, they know the name of the game also. It’s going to be a hard year, but I’m glad that we’re still all pretty tight in the championship and it seems like it’s going to be a really good battle the whole year, which is the way that everybody wants to win a title. Nobody wants to win a title by running away. It’s always fun to just look back at years like this. I just hope that we can have a really good weekend at Laguna and rest up and heal as much as I can. I’m stoked. Hats off to these guys and thanks to my team.”

MotoAmerica: Supersport Race Two Results From Ridge

Xavi Fores took a convincing victory in MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Riding his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Fores pulled away from the start and won the 15-lap race by 5.008 seconds. It was the Spaniard’s seventh win in a row, tying him with Garrett Gerloff for the longest MotoAmerica Supersport winning streak.

Tyler Scott bounced back from an electronically troubled Race One to score a solid second-place finish on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.

Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs followed up his career-first Supersport podium finish in Race One by taking third place in Race Two.

 

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More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Landers Rebounds, Forés Still Undefeated At Ridge Motorsports Park

Rocco Landers Bounces Back From Penalty, Xavi Forés Takes Seventh Straight Supersport Victory

SHELTON, WA (June 25, 2023) – On Saturday, Rocco Landers won the REV’IT! Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park but was docked two places for passing under a waving yellow flag. Nothing could stop Landers on Sunday, however, as the Robem Engineering-backed 18-year-old dominated race two with an 11-second win – his fourth victory of the season.

In other support class action from Ridge Motorsports Park, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Forés kept his undefeated season alive. Ditto for Mikayla Moore in the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race where she took her fourth consecutive victory.

REV’IT! Twins Cup – The Revenge Of Landers

Robem Engineering’s Rocco Landers was still fuming about his penalty from Saturday when Sunday’s REV’IT! Twins Cup left the start line for its 12-lap race two and he promptly took out his aggression on the rest of the field.

 

(From left) Blake Davis, Rocco Landers and Gus Rodio celebrate their top-three finishes in the REV'IT! Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
(From left) Blake Davis, Rocco Landers and Gus Rodio celebrate their top-three finishes in the REV’IT! Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

Landers led from the start on his Aprilia RS 660 and was never headed in topping defending class champion Blake Davis and his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto-backed Yamaha YZF-R7 by a tick over 11 seconds. Davis, in turn, had his hands full with Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering’s Gus Rodio leading the Virginian on the final lap only to have the 16-year-old pass him on the final lap.

Rodio held onto third, ending a three-race podium drought after finishing fourth on Saturday. Sunday’s result was his fifth podium of the season.

Davis still leads the title chase though Landers has closed to within 11 points, 127-116. Rodio is still very much in the mix and just two points behind Landers.

“The bike was working amazing,” Landers said. “Robem Engineering/Rodio Racing worked really hard to make the thing work as good as possible. I don’t even think we made a change since qualifying one. The thing has just been on rails all weekend. I felt good. The thing felt like it was just doing whatever I wanted. The wind was a bit gnarly. Felt like it was kind of screwing with the front end, especially long corners. But on the track, we’ve been undefeated this season on paper though some would say different. But I see no reason why we can’t continue this momentum into Laguna.”

Supersport – Xavi Times Seven

Seven MotoAmerica Supersport races have been held thus far in 2023 and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Forés has won all of them. That’s seven for seven. That’s a perfect 200 points. Spanish for perfect is perfecto. An easy one to remember. And about as easy as Forés had it on Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park.

 

Xavi Forés (12) led the Supersport race at Ridge Motorsports Park from start to finish for his seventh consecutive victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Xavi Forés (12) led the Supersport race at Ridge Motorsports Park from start to finish for his seventh consecutive victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

Although changes to the fork of his Ducati Panigale V2 didn’t pan out the way he wanted them to, it didn’t do much to hamper his performance as he sped away to a five-second victory over Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, who in turn was some three seconds ahead of his teammate Teagg Hobbs.

With seven races in the books, Forés’s 200 points puts him 76 points clear of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa with the Floridian finishing fifth on Sunday in Washington. Scott is third in the standings – 12 points behind Mesa and nine clear of Squid Hunter Racing’s Josh Hayes, who crashed out of today’s race.

“I felt worse the front (fork) today,” Forés said. “I felt a little bit already this morning on the warmup, but I thought it was the track temperature. We keep the bike with stiffer springs on the front, but definitely was worse. I had a couple of moments on the front, especially in turn 13. I lost the front a couple of times. I wanted to try to stay all the race in 43s, but it was impossible to have the same feeling on the front, so I had to roll off a little bit and stay in the 44 mid, 44 low. I was expecting Tyler (Scott) coming strong today, because already this morning on the warmup I felt good. I saw good lines from him when he was in front of me. I was trying to put the gap as yesterday and I felt worse, so I couldn’t stay quite focused. I did a lot of mistakes on the laps, the speed, the pace. But anyway, another victory is good for me and good for the team and also for the championship points. We move now to Laguna. The track I know from the past. A track that I love. I always did good on the World Championship, so I hope to keep this momentum.”

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. – Even More Of Moore

Race two of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race program kicked off the final day of MotoAmerica Superbikes at Ridge Motorsports Park, and it’s quite obvious that we’re starting to see a pattern here. Among the 12 ladies selected to compete in the spec series, Mikayla Moore has firmly established herself as the alpha-rider. She was recommended to the program by last year’s champion Kayleigh Buyck because Buyck felt Moore would be great competition for her. Is she ever. In Saturday’s race one, Moore beat Buyck by more than 16 seconds, and then, on Sunday, Moore won by more than 18 seconds over Buyck. That’s four consecutive wins for Moore, and she already seems unbeatable even though we’re only at the halfway point of the season.

 

Mikayla Moore (78) kept her perfect 2023 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. record intact with a fourth straight victory on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Mikayla Moore (78) kept her perfect 2023 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. record intact with a fourth straight victory on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

The Sunday race-two podium was a carbon copy of Saturday’s race-one podium with Moore first, Buyck second, and Sonya Lloyd rounding out the podium.

“When I’m out there, I have a lap timer on my bike so it’s really easy for me to keep myself going,” Moore said. “As long as I hit my marks, and I always try to find time wherever I can. Every lap, I was finding time and finding better pace. In yesterday’s race, I caught a false neutral, so I wasn’t trying to have that happen again today. I just made sure I was really smooth with the bike and wasn’t aggressive at all with it.”

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – All Change

Following Sunday’s race two of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, the Indian FTR1200 motorcycles ridden by race winner Jeremy McWilliams and second-place finisher Tyler O’Hara were protested by another team. Upon inspection, the ends of the handlebars were found to be below the top plane of the triple clamp, which is a violation of the class’s technical rules.

 

Tyler O'Hara (1) leads Andy DiBrino (62) and Jeremy McWilliams (99) in the Mission Super Hooligan race on Sunday. McWilliams won on track, but both he and O'Hara were DQ'd for a technical infraction which resulted in DiBrino taking the victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Tyler O’Hara (1) leads Andy DiBrino (62) and Jeremy McWilliams (99) in the Mission Super Hooligan race on Sunday. McWilliams won on track, but both he and O’Hara were DQ’d for a technical infraction which resulted in DiBrino taking the victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

As a result, McWilliams and O’Hara were disqualified, and third-place finisher Andy DiBrino, who was aboard a DiBrino Racing KTM, was declared the race winner. Second place went to Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson rider Cory West, and Roland Sands Design/Indian Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong completed the revised podium.

MotoAmerica: REV’IT! Twins Cup Race Two Results From Ridge

Rocco Landers rebounded from disappointment on Saturday to take a victory in MotoAmerica REV’IT Twins Cup Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.

In Race One, Landers crossed the finish line first but was demoted two finishing positions to third for passing a backmarker under a waving yellow flag.

In Race Two, however, Landers had clean running and won the 12-lap race by 11.024 seconds on his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha’s Blake Davis used a last-lap pass to take the runner-up spot from Rodio Racing Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia’s Gus Rodio, who placed third.

 

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MotoAmerica: Mission Super Hooligan Race Two Results From Ridge (Updated With DQs)

Jeremy McWilliams turned the tables on his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian teammate Tyler O’Hara in MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park. McWilliams out braked defending Champion O’Hara on the last lap to capture his first win in the class. Pole-sitter Andy DiBrino finished third for the second straight day on his DiBrino Racing KTM 890 Duke R.

Update: Following the conclusion of Race Two, Team Saddlemen (the entrant of rider Cory West) protested the legality of the handlebars on the factory Indian FTR 1200s of winner Jeremy McWilliams and runner-up Tyler O’Hara.

Section 2.7.10.8.b of the Super Hooligan Technical Regulations states: “No clip-ons that have been converted to top-mounted handlebars permitted. The end of the handlebar must sit above the top plane of the upper triple clamp.”

 

Jeremy McWilliams' Indian FTR 1200, as seen in MotoAmerica Technical Control after Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by David Swarts.
Jeremy McWilliams’ Indian FTR 1200, as seen in MotoAmerica Technical Control after Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by David Swarts.

 

The protest was upheld by the AMA/FIM North America Stewards Panel. The Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian team appealed that decision to the AMA/FIM Appeals Panel, but the appeal was denied.

As a result, McWilliams and O’Hara were disqualified from Race Two and revised results were issued with DiBrino the winner of Race Two. The revised results are immediately below and the original results are below them.

 

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race Two Results From Assen

Session for NED RookiesCup RAC2

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull:

Piqueras takes the Assen double and the Rookies Cup
Stealing the win from arch-rival Màximo Quiles on the brakes into the final chicane Angel Piqueras took his 7th win of the season, his 2nd of the weekend and enough points to secure the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for 2023.

 

Angel Piqueras, the 2023 Red Bull MotoGP Champion. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
Angel Piqueras, the 2023 Red Bull MotoGP Champion. Photo courtesy Red Bull.

 

Again, the 16-year-old Spaniard had to fight for victory from first corner to last. Quiles, the 15-year-old Spaniard was determined to make amends for his Saturday fall and did much of the leading often swapping places with fellow countryman Álvaro Carpe who came into the race closest to Piqueras on points.

16-year-old Carpe had the front for most of the second half of the race but so intense was the lead battle that he crossed the line 6th.

It was Australian 18-year-old Jacob Roulstone who joined Piqueras and Quiles on the podium, getting the better of Casey O’Gorman and Alberto Ferrandez on the last lap.

Piqueras perfect but almost not

“Coming into the chicane on the last lap I thought that Carpe was behind me and I knew that I needed to finish in front of him to take the Cup. So I went as late as possible and passed Quiles.”

“Then I caught neutral in the middle of the corner, I was in trouble, I got a gear and got the win but it nearly didn’t happen.”

“I didn’t think the year would be like this when I injured myself in the off-season. I had to work very hard to be fit. I knew I could race for the win after last year but I didn’t know it would be possible to win so many races.”

“It’s very special and very important for my career to win the Cup and unbelievable to do it like this.”

Quiles gave it everything

“I really enjoyed riding here in Assen, Race 2 was a very good race. On the last lap, I took a lot of risk to go first, I knew that on the back straight everyone would get the slipstream.”

“Coming back to the finish, Piqueras took the slipstream to catch me. I braked as late as I possibly could, I covered a bit but when I saw he was coming past I let him go and tried to get the better run through the corner but the finish was too close and I couldn’t get him.”

“Still, 2nd is good and I have to be happy with that.”

Roulstone racing wise

“I am super happy, it was a very tricky race, with the heat it was very tough. I was just trying to keep myself and the tyres a bit cool for the last lap. I was just moving out of the slipstream a bit where I could to catch some fresh air for myself and the tyres.”

“I’m happy with the podium, happy with the way I rode and congratulations to Angel, he’s been amazing all season. For me, looking forward to the next races, keep the ball rolling.”

O’Gorman on the edge of another podium

“It was good, in the beginning, I was really struggling even to stay on the back of the group,” explained the 15-year-old Irishman. “The group kept pulling away but then they’d battle, slow themselves down and I’d catch up again.”

“A few crashes helped me and then in the last lap I started at the back of the group, made 3 overtakes, into the last sector. I thought that Jacob went on the green in front of me so I thought there was no need to pass him. But he didn’t go on the green, my mistake.”

Ferrandez fighting for grip

“I made a good enough start and I push so hard but it was such a hot race, the track was hot, the tyres were hot and I slid the front so many times but managed to keep it up,” stated the 15-year-old Spaniard.

“I was also hot and it was also a tough race for the mind, push so hard, sliding so much, so much on the limit and keep pushing.”

“Finally in the last corner, I braked too late and went across off track. I’m happy with my pace though and happy with the weekend.”

Carpe not in front when it mattered

“I was leading but you know, sometimes things just don’t finish the way you want.”

“I finished 6th but I am still second in the Cup points, I’m really happy about that.”

“Today’s race was a lot hotter than yesterday, there was again a lot of overtaking like yesterday and always in Rookies Cup. This time I couldn’t make the podium but I still want to say thanks to all the Rookies Cup staff and my family.”

Marco Morelli led the early laps

“The start was very good, I opened up a lead,” enthused the 15-year-old Argentine. “But then I made a very little mistake… and if you do a little mistake here the group catches you.”

“But I’m happy with the race. At least I could show that I am fast. We now have a bit of a break and I am going to train very hard to come back in Austria to score a podium or even more in the last races.”

Guido Pini out of luck

“The second race crash was just bad luck, Moodley touched my back wheel,” explained the 15-year-old Italian.

“Not the best results, two falls but I still think it was one of the best weekends. The feeling with the bike was so good. In the 2nd race, there was a big gap from us to the front group but I got to the front of the 2nd group and closed right up to the front group and was fighting for at least a podium place or even the win.”

“So I have a great feeling with the bike and I am looking forward to the next races.”

MotoAmerica: Royal Enfield BTR Race Two Results From Ridge

Mikayla Moore took another dominant victory in MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Riding her Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, 19-year-old Moore won the eight-lap race by 18.321 seconds. It was her fourth win in four starts so far in 2023.

Defending Champion Kayleigh Buyck hung with Moore for the first lap, but Buyck said her bike developed a front-end chatter and she had to slow her pace and settle for second place.

Sonya Lloyd repeated her Race One performance by taking third again, just 4.120 seconds behind Buyck, in Race Two.

 

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MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From Assen (Updated)

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at TT Circuit Assen. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici, the defending World Champion won the 26-lap race by 1.223 seconds over pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi, who rode a Mooney VR46 Racing Ducati to second place. Aleix Espargaro finished third on his factory Aprilia RS-GP just 1.925 seconds behind Bagnaia.

Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder crossed the finish line third, but the South African was penalized one finishing position for exceeding track limits on the final lap and was scored fourth.

Prima Pramac Racing Ducati’s Jorge Martin placed fifth, just 1.934 seconds behind Bagnaia.

Six riders crashed during the race including Jack Miller, Johann Zarco, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini, and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Marc Marquez did not start the race. He aggravated injuries he sustained in crashes at Sachsenring and was declared unfit to ride.

 

MotoGP Race
MotoGP Points after Race

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia bites back in brilliant battle at Assen

The reigning Champion sends a clear message to his rivals, with Bezzecchi second and Aleix Espargaro taking third as Binder loses out on ANOTHER top three

 

Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Sunday, 25 June 2023

A lot was riding on the Motul TT Assen as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) went from struggling for form in Practice 1 to adding another win to his 2023 title tilt, outpacing Tissot Sprint winner Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) on Sunday. Bezzecchi went into the Grand Prix race as the rider to beat with incredible pace around Assen, but was forced to settle for second place on Sunday. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) once again crossed the line in third but was demoted out of the top three for exceeding track limits, this time on the last lap, which promoted Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) into third to take an important Grand Prix podium.

Action underway in Assen

The grid settled on one of the most iconic circuits on the 2023 MotoGP™ calendar, as with points to be won ahead of the summer break. The pressure was on for the title-fighting trio as third-placed rider in the standings, Bezzecchi, was looking strong in the Netherlands after taking pole and the Sprint win. With just 31 points covering the top three, there was plenty to play for with Championship leader Bagnaia sat alongside Bezzecchi on the front row and third overall, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), faced a mountain to climb from the fourth row.

When the lights went out it was Binder who flew his way into the lead of the race from fifth on the grid, diving up the inside of Bagnaia at Turn 1 to snatch the holeshot at the apex, elbows out as ever.  Binder led the way on lap one ahead of Bagnaia and Bezzecchi, with Aleix Espargaro and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) keeping themselves in contention in fourth and fifth.

Meanwhile, Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) had made a good start to his Grand Prix, flying up to fifth from seventh on the grid. The opposite was true for Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he then crashed out from behind the Aprilia, leaving Viñales to shoot off.  He was the fastest rider on the circuit, too, past Marini on a charge until he crashed out.

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) also suffered early dramas, he enjoyed a return to the top three in Saturday’s Tissot Sprint but got a terrible start in Sunday’s Grand Prix dropping down to 12th place from 4th on the grid, and then crashed out alongside Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) in a premature end to their races.

At first there were three

Meanwhile at the front, Bagnaia took the lead from Binder with 24 laps to go, making light work of the South African to put down a blistering pace at the front. The Italian began to put the hammer down, with Binder latched onto his rear wheel and Bezzecchi next up, the top three beginning to break away from the rest of the field.

The laps ticked away and it seemed Bagnaia was controlling the pace, stretching out the leading battle. But Binder and Bezzecchi were still very much on the chase, and with 10 to go Bezzecchi had had enough of following the KTM. The Italian decided it was his turn to follow the race leader Bagnaia as he pushed the South African to one side to take over in second, the mission now: catch Pecco.

It went down to eight tenths, back up to a second and then down to nine tenths. Then it was 1.3, 1.1… but Bezzecchi couldn’t breach the gap. Binder wasn’t going down without a fight either, as he tried all he could to bite back.

By the last lap, it was clear: Bagnaia had controlled the race perfectly, just staying clear of Bezzecchi as the two came home separated by just over a second. But the fight for third rolled on…

Fine margins make the difference in MotoGP™

By the last few laps, Binder had company from Aleix Espargaro and Martin, with the three glued together. First it looked like the Aprilia was closest to try and strike on the KTM, and the number 41 homed in on the first part of the final lap. But Binder put in a masterclass defensive performance and fended off the two behind to take third… or did he?

Fine margins decided the South African’s fate once again, however, as a track limits breach on the final lap warranted a +1 position penalty, demoting him to fourth.

Espargaro had his hands full on the last lap with Martin trying to find his way through, too. It was an epic drag to the line that saw the Prima Pramac Ducati pull alongside the factory Aprilia as they crossed the line side by side, with almost nothing in it – but that almost nothing was enough to see Aleix Espargaro awarded that final place on the rostrum. Binder is classified fourth, and Martin fifth.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) finished sixth ahead of Marini as the Italian got mugged through the final chicane mid-race, losing four positions at once. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda IDEMISTU) bagged P8, some distance up the road from Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and rookie Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), who rounded out the top ten in a solid Sunday effort.

It was a big weekend for Bagnaia’s 2023 Championship campaign as the Italian not only displayed the ability he and Ducati have to overcome a lack of feeling in Practice, but also showed his Championship rivals he means business in 2023. MotoGP™ now takes a short break for the summer before returning to action at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix from the 4th to the 6th of August. Make sure to join us there!

 

Jake Dixon (96). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jake Dixon (96). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

That winning feeling! Dixon takes first Grand Prix victory at Assen

The Brit takes to the top step for the first time after fending off Ogura and Acosta in a memorable showdown at Assen

Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar M2) is now a Grand Prix winner! The British rider converted some serious form into a maiden win at the Motul TT Assen, getting the better of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) late in the race. Ogura was back on the box after taking a step back into the frontrunning postcodes we’ve seen him challenge before, and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completed the podium after an eventful journey into third.

Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) took the holeshot from pole and Ogura jumped Dixon off the line, with the Brit slotting into third and that trio then immediately getting the hammer down. But Acosta was on the move, picking his way past his teammate, Albert Arenas, and Championship leader Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) to get into clear air and then chase them down.

It became a quartet as Dixon stalked Ogura and got past, then Lopez, and the Brit then made a move stick at Turn 1 to take over. Ogura then shoved his way past Lopez and the even Spaniard dropped behind Acosta not long after, before then Dixon then headed wide and gave up the lead dropping to third.

Ogura led Acosta led Dixon, but the next to suffer a moment was Acosta as the Spaniard was forced into a save at the Geert Timmer chicane, heading wide and letting Dixon back through. At that moment, it seemed Ogura had checked out in the lead too – over a second clear and on fine form. It was a reset, reload, and gear up for seven laps to go for those on the chase.

That’s what Dixon did, and when the Brit struck at Turn 1 it was a slightly brutal move – one he apologized for as his bike got sucked in – but he made it stick. And then he kept it clean to the flag for that fabulous first Grand Prix win, and in convincing style.

Ogura may well not have taken that win but after a stunning weekend running back at the front, the second place is a great sign for last year’s title challenger after an injury-hit start to 2023. And Acosta, on a tougher weekend, kept himself on the podium – despite some late drama.

After an adventurous start, the number 37 was then also hit with a Long Lap after that moment and subsequent shortcut at Turn 17. And when he complied, it was on the limit. Just on the white line as he caned it round, it was deemed completed and he took that all the way to another podium – but it still wasn’t plain sailing. A late race charge from Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) saw him glued to Acosta into the final chicane on the final lap, and the two had a drag race to the line, just won by the number 37 by hundredths.

Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) was only a few tenths behind in fifth, with Lopez fading to sixth – just ahead of Arbolino. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp), Arenas and Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing), the latter despite a Long Lap, completed the top ten in a close trio.

That’s all she wrote at Assen, and Dixon leaves the track on top of the world just in time for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix next time out. The top two? The lead for Arbolino is just eight points over Acosta heading into the summer break… so make sure to come back for more from Silverstone!

 

Jaume Masia (5) held off Ayumu Sasaki (71) to win in Moto3. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jaume Masia (5) held off Ayumu Sasaki (71) to win in Moto3. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Masia takes masterful Assen win as the standings close up

A 0 for Holgado sees the top four at Assen – Masia, Sasaki, Öncü and Ortola – make big gains after a classic final chicane decider

Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) put in a stunner at the Motul TT Assen, taking his first victory of the season and making serious gains on Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), who failed to score. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) was just denied at the last corner once again but takes yet another podium as his roll continues, and likewise German GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as the Turkish rider completed the rostrum at Assen.

Polesitter David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) took the holeshot from Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), but the Aussie was through soon after as the two went side by side. It didn’t take long for those on the chase to get back into the groove though, and the drama was amping up elsewhere.

After a disastrous qualifying that left him last on the grid, Championship leader Holgado was already facing a mountain to climb – and on the first lap it only got worse. Crashing and off into the gravel early on, losing a whole chunk of time, the race was on for him to try and recover the impossible.

Meanwhile fellow Championship challenger Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), who qualified well down the order too, was on a mission. He was straight into the top ten, then into the top three, and despite serving his Long Lap given on Saturday for not respecting a black and orange flag, right in the fight at the front in a seriously impressive performance under pressure.

And so, with Ortola back in the mix and a top group of ten escaping the rest, the freight train to decide the podium rolled on. As ever, it all went down to the final chicane, and Sasaki was at the head of the group – one week on from the Japanese rider just losing out at the final corner at the Sachsenring. This time around, an attack came again as Masia shot up the inside into the Geert Timmer chicane, and the number 5 made the move stick, and made it cleanly. The drag to the line saw Masia just hold onto it by 0.081, with Sasaki forced to settle for second but both making big strides in the standings.

Likewise does Öncü, who held onto third for another podium finish – just edging out Ortola after the Angeluss MTA Team rider’s stunning charge from 20th. Muñoz, after a late tangle with Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team), takes fifth, ahead of Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and fellow rookie Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) on his home turf. Fenati was forced to settle for eighth after the late shuffle, with Kelso ninth and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), after straightlining the chicane, completing the front group and the top ten.

That’s a wrap on Assen and it’s next stop Silverstone for the Monster Energy British GP. Holgado now heads Masia by 16 points, with Sasaki 26 off the top and both Ortola and Öncü 31 in arrears. Join us for more once Moto3™ has recharged!

Moto2: World Championship Race Results From Assen

Jake Dixon won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at TT Circuit Assen, in The Netherlands. Riding his Inde GASGAS Aspar Team Kalex, the British racer won the 22-lap race by 1.334 seconds over Idemitsu Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura. Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Pedro Acosta finished third.

American Joe Roberts finished 18th on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, while his countryman Sean Dylan Kelly brought his OnlyFans American Racing Kalex into the pits and retired with seven laps remaining.

 

Moto2 Race
Moto2 Points

Moto3: World Championship Race Results From Assen

Jaume Masia won the Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at TT Circuit Assen, in The Netherlands. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Spaniard won the 20-lap race by just 0.081 second over Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna rider Ayumu Sasaki. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Oncu was a very close third, just 0.276 second behind Masia.

The top eight finishers were covered by just 1.056 seconds at the end of the race.

 

Moto3 Race
Moto3 Points

American Flat Track: Race Results From The Lima Half-Mile (Updated)

American Flat Track/Lima Half-Mile

Lima, Ohio

June 24, 2023

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 4 laps

2. Tom Drane (Yam), -00.390 seconds

3. James Ott (Hus), -01.308

4. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -02.789

 

 

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 4 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.078 seconds

3. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -01.601

4. JD Beach (Yam), -02.865

 

 

Provisional Hooligans Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Shawn Baer (BMW), 5 laps

2. George Roeder (Har), -02.785 seconds

3. Dominic Beaulac (Har), -04.386

4. Shawn Raggio (Har), -04.420

5. Dave Kilkenny (Har), -05.068

6. Kole King (KTM), -07.634

7. JJ Flairty (Har), -13.075

8. Jeremy DeRuyter (Har), -13.088

9. Steven Glasgow (Har), -13.473

10. Daniel Poole (Har), -13.688

11. Johnny Bova (Har), -15.822

12. Charles Holmes (Har), -16.250

13. Joseph Houston (Har), -16.561

14. Blake Berry (Kaw), -18.354

15. Scott Jones (Har), -26.149

16. Lowell Bronstad (Har), -5 laps, DNF

17. Erik Hartley (Tri), -5 laps, DNF

18. Matt Johnson (Har), -5 laps, DNF

19. Kirt Emerick (Har), -5 laps, DNF

 

 

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

1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 21 laps

2. Tom Drane (Yam), -02.533 seconds

3. James Ott (Hus), -08.178

4. Max Whale (KTM), -09.703

5. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -13.393

6. Trent Lowe (Hon), -16.447

7. Chad Cose (Hus), -19.077

8. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -21.731

9. Jared Lowe (Hon), -22.914

10. Cole Zabala (Hon), -23.638

11. Tarren Santero (Hon), -26.032

12. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -1 lap

13. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -1 lap, -01.286

14. Travis Petton (KTM), -1 lap, -01.386

15. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -1 lap, -03.737

16. Jacob Vanderkooi (Hus), -1 lap, -05.004

17. Declan Bender (KTM), -1 lap, -05.519

18. Clarke Morian (KTM), -1 lap, -11.544

19. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -12 laps, DNF

 

 

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

1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 25 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -01.145 seconds

3. Jared Mees (Ind), -03.459

4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -08.154

5. JD Beach (Yam), -08.503

6. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -12.197

7. Davis Fisher (Ind), -14.931

8. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -15.868

9. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -23.625

10. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -24.356

11. Ben Lowe (Ind), -24.671

12. Henry Wiles (Ind), -26.948

13. Ryan Wells (Roy), -1 lap

14. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -1 lap, -19.674

15. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -1 lap, -19.727

16. Billy Ross (Kaw), -16 laps, DNF

17. Cody Johncox (Yam), -17 laps, DNF

18. Cameron Smith (Yam), -21 laps, DNF

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:

Bauman Makes History at Lima Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 24, 2023) – Two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) took an emotional and historic victory in Saturday night’s Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio.

Following an often challenging half-season spent developing an all-new racebike for an all-new team, Bauman kicked off the second half of 2023 by claiming the first premier-class victory for a KTM twin in the history of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

And that win came at the conclusion of a thrilling Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event. Bauman, who earned the crown in 2019 and 2020, spent all ten minutes plus two laps embroiled in a non-stop dogfight with the rider who currently has the inside track on this year’s title, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

Bauman and Daniels alternated high and low lines as theft continually swapped the lead, running side-by-side when one or the other wasn’t making a futile attempt to shake loose at the front. And all the while, their engagement threatened to transform the race for the win into a three-rider affair with reigning king Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) lurking right around one second back and just waiting for his chance to strike.

Finally, with less than minute to go, Bauman seized the upper hand and then refused to allow Daniels a last-gasp bid to steal away his hard-earned win for Rick Ware Racing.

The emotion of the victory was further amplified as Bauman reflected on both the recent passing of his mother as well as his triumphant performance at the scene of his maiden Mission SuperTwins win.

He said, “I think these guys are probably going to start making fun of me because I think I cry every time I win. But aside from all that, my brother (Bronson) and I lost our mom six months ago last Sunday, and this is where I got my first Twins win. The love that everyone gives in this sport no matter how hard you’re going up against one another… We’re fighting for everything we can get. I just appreciate all these guys a lot more than maybe I used to.

“There are so many people who have supported us. To actually get this done… It’s an honor to be a part of this program. I’m just proud, and I know my mom is proud. We did it.”

Last year’s Lima HM winner, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), outlasted JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) as the two finished fourth and fifth, respectively, just over eight seconds behind the fight for the win.

Sixth went to Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), who quietly earned his best result yet aboard the Fastrack KTM. Just behind in seventh and eighth were Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750).

Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) finished ninth, while Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) completed the top ten in his return to action even after suffering an ugly heat race crash earlier in the evening.

Despite falling short of victory, Daniels maintained his season-long perfect podium record and picked up some points in the title fight in the process. He now leads Mees by 12 points (219-207), while Bauman has moved ahead of Beach to take control of third (166-161).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Reigning Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) notched up a timely victory on a night that proved to be a huge boon for his title defense.

Kopp came to Lima as the odds-on favorite due to his performance here a year ago, along with his general Half-Mile mastery, but this one did not come easily. Kopp took the holeshot but soon found himself in second and losing ground to rising star Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

The KTM ace regrouped and successfully countered Drane’s bid to shake free, clawing his way back to the Australian at mid-distance. The two then wove the lead back-and-forth with around three minutes remaining on the clock before Kopp finally got a firm grip on the position.

He then stretched open his advantage as the two slithered through lapped traffic, ultimately claiming his fourth victory of the season with more than two seconds in hand.

“That was a tough one,” Kopp said. “I got a good start and led it for a couple laps, but Tom is so fast on this stuff, it’s really underrated. We had a heck of a fight, and it was really fun. A lot of hard work went into this one. Those last three Miles were really frustrating as a team in general, but we never gave up and we’re here to fight for a championship.”

Kopp and Drane were joined on the podium by the resurgent James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), who fought off second factory KTM pilot Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) to register his second trophy-earning ride of the season.

Drane’s teammate, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), rounded out the top five.

Kopp’s championship outlook was further enhanced by the misfortune of Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), who entered the weekend having closed to within ten points of the title leader. That advantage is significantly greater now, as Saathoff’s momentum was slammed to a halt by a mechanical DNF suffered while running in third position.

Kopp’s lead more than tripled as a result, expanding from just nine points to 29 (191-162). His closest challenger shifted as well, with Whale taking over second from Saathoff, who is now ranked third with 158 points after being credited with 19th place in the Main.

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will now travel to Mineral Wells, West Virginia, for the All Seasons Powersports West Virginia Half-Mile at West Virginia Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 1. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/west-virginia-half-mile-58480 to reserve your seats today.

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT).

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

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

DEFENDING AFT SINGLES CHAMPION KODY KOPP BACK ON TOP AT LIMA HALF-MILE

Round 10 – American Flat Track Championship

 

Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

 

LIMA, Ohio. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has returned to victory lane at tonight’s Lima Half-Mile, Round 10 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with teammate Max Whale recording a fourth-place finish in the AFT Singles Main Event.

The defending class champion, 18-year-old Kopp powered the KTM 450 SX-F to his fourth win of the season, importantly extending his advantage in the current standings to 29 points as a result.

It was a convincing day on-track for Kopp, qualifying in third position and then claiming P2 in the opening Heat race. From there he went on to win the Dash-For-Cash and took that momentum into the 21-lap Main Event, where he ultimately took charge in the closing stages for a 2.533-second victory.

Kody Kopp: “It’s a really good feeling to get back on top here at the Lima Half-Mile and to build on our lead in the championship. We put up a strong fight here tonight and it paid off, so I’m stoked with the result and had a lot of fun out there. Now I’m looking forward to hopefully keeping this going in the coming rounds!”

As for Whale, he finished directly behind Kopp in the Heat and marginally missed out on a podium in the Main Event. After a race-long battle, he crossed the finish-line in fourth position, gaining valuable points in the process and climbing to second in the championship.

Max Whale: “I felt good out there and ended up finishing fourth. We were in the battle for third, but couldn’t quite get there in the end, so that was disappointing because it would have been cool to get up there with Kody. But, we will look to the next one and definitely aim to keep this thing rolling.”

Next Race: West Virginia Half-Mile – Mineral Wells, WV – July 1, 2023

Round 10 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

2. Tom Drane, Yamaha

3. James Ott, Husqvarna

4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

13. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

14. Travis Petton IV, KTM

15. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

17. Declan Bender, KTM

18. Clarke Morian V, KTM

 

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 191 points

2. Max Whale, 162

3. Chase Saathoff, 158

4. Dalton Gauthier, 155

OTHER KTM

11. Travis Petton IV, 53

12. Justin Jones, 52

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 49

16. Hunter Bauer, 37

20. Logan Eisenhard, 28

23. Declan Bender, 23

24. Hayden Gillim, 14

25. Landen Smith, 13

26. Clarke Morian V, 12

27. Tanner Dean, 9

34. Olin Kissler, 4

MotoAmerica: Medallia Superbike Race Two Results From Ridge

Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.
Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.

Cameron Beaubier came from behind to win MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.

Two-time and defending Champion Jake Gagne got the holeshot and led the first nine laps on his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha, but Beaubier passed his former teammate on lap 10 of 16 and held on to take his third win of the season on his Tytlers Cycle Racing BMW M 1000 R.

Gagne pushed Beaubier to the end but came up 2.045 seconds short and finished second, but he still left Washington with the Championship point lead.

Josh Herrin, battered and bruised from a high-speed crash in qualifying on Saturday, dug deep to pull off a close third-place finish — just 1.2 seconds behind and closing on Gagne — on his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Richie Escalante crossed the finish line fourth on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000R, just 4.750 seconds behind Beaubier.

Beaubier’s teammate Corey Alexander rounded out the top five finishers only 2.9 seconds behind Escalante.

 

23_6_RIDGE_SBK_R2_res
23_6_RIDGE_SBK_PTS_points

 

More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Beaubier And BMW Stop Yamaha’s Win Streak At Ridge Motorsports Park

Cameron Beaubier Tops Jake Gagne To Win At The Washington Racetrack

 

Jake Gagne (1) leads the field through the Turn One chicane at the start of Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Jake Gagne (1) leads the field through the Turn One chicane at the start of Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

SHELTON, WA (June 25, 2023) – The talk coming into the Ridge Motorsports Park round of the MotoAmerica Medallia Superbike class was that the track is tailor made for Yamaha, as evidenced by six straight wins for the YZF-R1. In Saturday’s race one, Jake Gagne ran that streak to seven straight wins for Yamaha, but it ended on Sunday with a BMW M 1000 RR crossing the finish line first.

Ironically, that BMW was ridden to victory by the man who started Yamaha’s win streak at Ridge in 2020 – Cameron Beaubier.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Beaubier hinted at the possibility of a BMW win in Washington when he ran down Gagne and his Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing YZF-R1 on Saturday, only to crash out of the race on the 14th of 16 laps while on the R1’s rear wheel. On Sunday, Beaubier replicated the feat only this time he didn’t falter. He caught the fast-starting Gagne, took over at the front on the 10th lap and beat the championship points leader to the flag by a tick over two seconds.

For Beaubier it was his third win of the year and the 57th AMA Superbike win of his career.

 

Cameron Beaubier (6) topped Jake Gagne (1) in Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Cameron Beaubier (6) topped Jake Gagne (1) in Race Two. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

When he was passed by Beaubier, Gagne knew he didn’t have the pace to match his former teammate and he opted to make certain of second place in the closing laps. At the finish Gagne was 2.045 behind Beaubier and 1.2 seconds ahead of third-place finisher Josh Herrin on the Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V4 R.

Herrin was fighting the injuries suffered in a qualifying crash on Saturday morning, didn’t get much sleep on Saturday night, and limped his way through his Sunday and onto the podium for a second straight day.

With Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Richie Escalante getting the better of the rest to finish fourth, it translated to the top four featuring four different manufacturers – BMW, Yamaha, Ducati, and Suzuki.

Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Corey Alexander had his second straight day of Superbike success with a fifth-place finish on his BMW M 1000 RR. Alexander was some three seconds behind Escalante and 3.4 seconds ahead of Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Cameron Petersen.

PJ Jacobsen was seventh on the third of the Tytlers Cycle Racing BMWs with Disrupt Racing’s Hayden Gillim eighth. Thrashed Bike Racing’s Max Flinders and CW Moto Racing’s Benjamin Smith rounded out the top 10.

Among the non-finishers were Westby Racing’s Mathew Scholtz and Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Taylor Knapp with both riders crashing out in separate incidents.

After four rounds and eight races, Gagne leads Beaubier in the Medallia Superbike Championship by 23 points, 156-133. Herrin is third with 122 points, 21 more than Scholtz. Jacobsen rounds out the top five with 91 points.

The series heads to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, July 7-9, for round five.

Superbike Race Two

  1. Cameron Beaubier (BMW)
  2. Jake Gagne (Yamaha)
  3. Josh Herrin (Ducati)
  4. Richie Escalante (Suzuki)
  5. Corey Alexander (BMW)
  6. Cameron Petersen (Yamaha)
  7. PJ Jacobsen (BMW)
  8. Hayden Gillim (Suzuki)
  9. Max Flinders (Yamaha)
  10. Benjamin Smith (Yamaha)

Quotes…
 

Cameron Beaubier – Winner

“Yesterday the race was a really good confidence boost for us because, let’s be honest, Jake (Gagne) was setting the pace all weekend and also (Josh) Herrin was really fast on Saturday morning. So, I felt like going into the race we could do a couple of those laps, but I didn’t think we could sustain them. The guys have not stopped working on the thing and we came up with a good race bike yesterday and they made it even better overnight for today. I was feeling really good. Herrin and I were going back and forth there at the beginning. I feel like we were honestly both kind of making a couple mistakes. I was running wide here and there and so was he. Once the race kind of settled down, I put my head down and I was really surprised how good my bike felt. It was a pretty amazing feeling. I was able to run Jake down, but he was really strong getting off the last corner onto the front straight. I was struggling. I was spinning out of there pretty good. But I knew I had some spots that I was better than him in. Same for him, he had some spots that he was better than me in. I was able to get the lead and just kind of kept my head down but kept a little in reserve just so I didn’t throw it away like I did yesterday. I was honestly really surprised to see a little gap on my board. Feels great for the team. It’s a bummer yesterday, falling down like that, but it feels really good to cap a weekend off like we did. Plain and simple, the Superbike class is just pretty gnarly this year. To have three different manufacturers on the box and all the incredible riders up in the top 10, it’s tough but it’s pretty fun.”

Jake Gagne – Second Place

“I wasn’t surprised, for sure. I watched the race last night. I got off to a clean start and kind of made that gap from him, but once Cam (Beaubier) made his way through yesterday, he just reeled me in. Same thing today. At one point, I had a second gap on my pit board, and then by the top of the chicane I could hear him right behind me. That’s probably the lap he did a 39.6. At that point, I was struggling a little bit. I thought we kind of made the bike a little bit better today, but I was struggling a little more to even run the 40s that we ran yesterday. I knew Cam was going to make his way by at some point, and then once he made his way by, I tried to latch on a little bit but there was nothing I could do. At that point, I knew Josh (Herrin) was back there and I knew he was going to be strong until the end, so I just tried to do what I could to bring it home in second. Either way, I think we learned a lot. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to race with these guys really for this full race distance and kind of see what the bikes are doing differently. All three of these bikes really have different strengths and different weaknesses. So, we got some good data. Know what we need to improve. I think we’re still in the points lead, so that’s always a good day.”

Josh Herrin – Third Place

“Both third places I wasn’t expecting, so I guess it’s the hard weekends that count. I tried my hardest to take advantage of it and, luckily, we were able to come out with two thirds. I’m bummed because I wanted to be there. I feel like this weekend nobody thought that me or Cam (Beaubier) were going to be here at this track, I don’t think. I think they thought it was going to be a Yamaha show all weekend. He’s (Beaubier) riding super strong, and I felt super strong up until race one. I think we’re going to be there all year. No matter what track we go to, I think we’ll be competitive. I just got to keep trying to find more out of this thing. I’m still riding a little bit… Up until Saturday, I was riding timid on this thing, like nervous to really throw it in there. I’m finally getting the confidence. Obviously, found the limit now on the front. I’m really happy with this. I’ve been lucky enough to win three championships and know that consistency is key. The only problem is that I’m dealing with two guys that have more championships than I do. So, they know the name of the game also. It’s going to be a hard year, but I’m glad that we’re still all pretty tight in the championship and it seems like it’s going to be a really good battle the whole year, which is the way that everybody wants to win a title. Nobody wants to win a title by running away. It’s always fun to just look back at years like this. I just hope that we can have a really good weekend at Laguna and rest up and heal as much as I can. I’m stoked. Hats off to these guys and thanks to my team.”

MotoAmerica: Supersport Race Two Results From Ridge

Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.
Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.

Xavi Fores took a convincing victory in MotoAmerica Supersport Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Riding his Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati Panigale V2, Fores pulled away from the start and won the 15-lap race by 5.008 seconds. It was the Spaniard’s seventh win in a row, tying him with Garrett Gerloff for the longest MotoAmerica Supersport winning streak.

Tyler Scott bounced back from an electronically troubled Race One to score a solid second-place finish on his Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R750.

Scott’s teammate Teagg Hobbs followed up his career-first Supersport podium finish in Race One by taking third place in Race Two.

 

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More, from a press release issued by MotoAmerica:

Landers Rebounds, Forés Still Undefeated At Ridge Motorsports Park

Rocco Landers Bounces Back From Penalty, Xavi Forés Takes Seventh Straight Supersport Victory

SHELTON, WA (June 25, 2023) – On Saturday, Rocco Landers won the REV’IT! Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park but was docked two places for passing under a waving yellow flag. Nothing could stop Landers on Sunday, however, as the Robem Engineering-backed 18-year-old dominated race two with an 11-second win – his fourth victory of the season.

In other support class action from Ridge Motorsports Park, Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Forés kept his undefeated season alive. Ditto for Mikayla Moore in the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race where she took her fourth consecutive victory.

REV’IT! Twins Cup – The Revenge Of Landers

Robem Engineering’s Rocco Landers was still fuming about his penalty from Saturday when Sunday’s REV’IT! Twins Cup left the start line for its 12-lap race two and he promptly took out his aggression on the rest of the field.

 

(From left) Blake Davis, Rocco Landers and Gus Rodio celebrate their top-three finishes in the REV'IT! Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
(From left) Blake Davis, Rocco Landers and Gus Rodio celebrate their top-three finishes in the REV’IT! Twins Cup race at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

Landers led from the start on his Aprilia RS 660 and was never headed in topping defending class champion Blake Davis and his N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto-backed Yamaha YZF-R7 by a tick over 11 seconds. Davis, in turn, had his hands full with Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering’s Gus Rodio leading the Virginian on the final lap only to have the 16-year-old pass him on the final lap.

Rodio held onto third, ending a three-race podium drought after finishing fourth on Saturday. Sunday’s result was his fifth podium of the season.

Davis still leads the title chase though Landers has closed to within 11 points, 127-116. Rodio is still very much in the mix and just two points behind Landers.

“The bike was working amazing,” Landers said. “Robem Engineering/Rodio Racing worked really hard to make the thing work as good as possible. I don’t even think we made a change since qualifying one. The thing has just been on rails all weekend. I felt good. The thing felt like it was just doing whatever I wanted. The wind was a bit gnarly. Felt like it was kind of screwing with the front end, especially long corners. But on the track, we’ve been undefeated this season on paper though some would say different. But I see no reason why we can’t continue this momentum into Laguna.”

Supersport – Xavi Times Seven

Seven MotoAmerica Supersport races have been held thus far in 2023 and Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati’s Xavi Forés has won all of them. That’s seven for seven. That’s a perfect 200 points. Spanish for perfect is perfecto. An easy one to remember. And about as easy as Forés had it on Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park.

 

Xavi Forés (12) led the Supersport race at Ridge Motorsports Park from start to finish for his seventh consecutive victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Xavi Forés (12) led the Supersport race at Ridge Motorsports Park from start to finish for his seventh consecutive victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

Although changes to the fork of his Ducati Panigale V2 didn’t pan out the way he wanted them to, it didn’t do much to hamper his performance as he sped away to a five-second victory over Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki’s Tyler Scott, who in turn was some three seconds ahead of his teammate Teagg Hobbs.

With seven races in the books, Forés’s 200 points puts him 76 points clear of Tytlers Cycle Racing’s Stefano Mesa with the Floridian finishing fifth on Sunday in Washington. Scott is third in the standings – 12 points behind Mesa and nine clear of Squid Hunter Racing’s Josh Hayes, who crashed out of today’s race.

“I felt worse the front (fork) today,” Forés said. “I felt a little bit already this morning on the warmup, but I thought it was the track temperature. We keep the bike with stiffer springs on the front, but definitely was worse. I had a couple of moments on the front, especially in turn 13. I lost the front a couple of times. I wanted to try to stay all the race in 43s, but it was impossible to have the same feeling on the front, so I had to roll off a little bit and stay in the 44 mid, 44 low. I was expecting Tyler (Scott) coming strong today, because already this morning on the warmup I felt good. I saw good lines from him when he was in front of me. I was trying to put the gap as yesterday and I felt worse, so I couldn’t stay quite focused. I did a lot of mistakes on the laps, the speed, the pace. But anyway, another victory is good for me and good for the team and also for the championship points. We move now to Laguna. The track I know from the past. A track that I love. I always did good on the World Championship, so I hope to keep this momentum.”

Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. – Even More Of Moore

Race two of the Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race program kicked off the final day of MotoAmerica Superbikes at Ridge Motorsports Park, and it’s quite obvious that we’re starting to see a pattern here. Among the 12 ladies selected to compete in the spec series, Mikayla Moore has firmly established herself as the alpha-rider. She was recommended to the program by last year’s champion Kayleigh Buyck because Buyck felt Moore would be great competition for her. Is she ever. In Saturday’s race one, Moore beat Buyck by more than 16 seconds, and then, on Sunday, Moore won by more than 18 seconds over Buyck. That’s four consecutive wins for Moore, and she already seems unbeatable even though we’re only at the halfway point of the season.

 

Mikayla Moore (78) kept her perfect 2023 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. record intact with a fourth straight victory on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Mikayla Moore (78) kept her perfect 2023 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. record intact with a fourth straight victory on Sunday. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

The Sunday race-two podium was a carbon copy of Saturday’s race-one podium with Moore first, Buyck second, and Sonya Lloyd rounding out the podium.

“When I’m out there, I have a lap timer on my bike so it’s really easy for me to keep myself going,” Moore said. “As long as I hit my marks, and I always try to find time wherever I can. Every lap, I was finding time and finding better pace. In yesterday’s race, I caught a false neutral, so I wasn’t trying to have that happen again today. I just made sure I was really smooth with the bike and wasn’t aggressive at all with it.”

Mission Super Hooligan National Championship – All Change

Following Sunday’s race two of the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship, the Indian FTR1200 motorcycles ridden by race winner Jeremy McWilliams and second-place finisher Tyler O’Hara were protested by another team. Upon inspection, the ends of the handlebars were found to be below the top plane of the triple clamp, which is a violation of the class’s technical rules.

 

Tyler O'Hara (1) leads Andy DiBrino (62) and Jeremy McWilliams (99) in the Mission Super Hooligan race on Sunday. McWilliams won on track, but both he and O'Hara were DQ'd for a technical infraction which resulted in DiBrino taking the victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.
Tyler O’Hara (1) leads Andy DiBrino (62) and Jeremy McWilliams (99) in the Mission Super Hooligan race on Sunday. McWilliams won on track, but both he and O’Hara were DQ’d for a technical infraction which resulted in DiBrino taking the victory. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

 

As a result, McWilliams and O’Hara were disqualified, and third-place finisher Andy DiBrino, who was aboard a DiBrino Racing KTM, was declared the race winner. Second place went to Team Saddlemen Harley-Davidson rider Cory West, and Roland Sands Design/Indian Motorcycle’s Bobby Fong completed the revised podium.

MotoAmerica: REV’IT! Twins Cup Race Two Results From Ridge

Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.
Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.

Rocco Landers rebounded from disappointment on Saturday to take a victory in MotoAmerica REV’IT Twins Cup Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington.

In Race One, Landers crossed the finish line first but was demoted two finishing positions to third for passing a backmarker under a waving yellow flag.

In Race Two, however, Landers had clean running and won the 12-lap race by 11.024 seconds on his Robem Engineering Aprilia RS 660.

N2 Racing/BobbleHeadMoto Yamaha’s Blake Davis used a last-lap pass to take the runner-up spot from Rodio Racing Powered by Robem Engineering Aprilia’s Gus Rodio, who placed third.

 

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MotoAmerica: Mission Super Hooligan Race Two Results From Ridge (Updated With DQs)

Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.
Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.

Jeremy McWilliams turned the tables on his Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian teammate Tyler O’Hara in MotoAmerica Mission Super Hooligan Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park. McWilliams out braked defending Champion O’Hara on the last lap to capture his first win in the class. Pole-sitter Andy DiBrino finished third for the second straight day on his DiBrino Racing KTM 890 Duke R.

Update: Following the conclusion of Race Two, Team Saddlemen (the entrant of rider Cory West) protested the legality of the handlebars on the factory Indian FTR 1200s of winner Jeremy McWilliams and runner-up Tyler O’Hara.

Section 2.7.10.8.b of the Super Hooligan Technical Regulations states: “No clip-ons that have been converted to top-mounted handlebars permitted. The end of the handlebar must sit above the top plane of the upper triple clamp.”

 

Jeremy McWilliams' Indian FTR 1200, as seen in MotoAmerica Technical Control after Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by David Swarts.
Jeremy McWilliams’ Indian FTR 1200, as seen in MotoAmerica Technical Control after Race Two at Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo by David Swarts.

 

The protest was upheld by the AMA/FIM North America Stewards Panel. The Progressive Insurance/Mission Foods Indian team appealed that decision to the AMA/FIM Appeals Panel, but the appeal was denied.

As a result, McWilliams and O’Hara were disqualified from Race Two and revised results were issued with DiBrino the winner of Race Two. The revised results are immediately below and the original results are below them.

 

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Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup: Race Two Results From Assen

Angel Piqueras (18) leads the field in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Race Two at Assen. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
Angel Piqueras (18) leads the field in Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Race Two at Assen. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
Session for NED RookiesCup RAC2

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Red Bull:

Piqueras takes the Assen double and the Rookies Cup
Stealing the win from arch-rival Màximo Quiles on the brakes into the final chicane Angel Piqueras took his 7th win of the season, his 2nd of the weekend and enough points to secure the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup for 2023.

 

Angel Piqueras, the 2023 Red Bull MotoGP Champion. Photo courtesy Red Bull.
Angel Piqueras, the 2023 Red Bull MotoGP Champion. Photo courtesy Red Bull.

 

Again, the 16-year-old Spaniard had to fight for victory from first corner to last. Quiles, the 15-year-old Spaniard was determined to make amends for his Saturday fall and did much of the leading often swapping places with fellow countryman Álvaro Carpe who came into the race closest to Piqueras on points.

16-year-old Carpe had the front for most of the second half of the race but so intense was the lead battle that he crossed the line 6th.

It was Australian 18-year-old Jacob Roulstone who joined Piqueras and Quiles on the podium, getting the better of Casey O’Gorman and Alberto Ferrandez on the last lap.

Piqueras perfect but almost not

“Coming into the chicane on the last lap I thought that Carpe was behind me and I knew that I needed to finish in front of him to take the Cup. So I went as late as possible and passed Quiles.”

“Then I caught neutral in the middle of the corner, I was in trouble, I got a gear and got the win but it nearly didn’t happen.”

“I didn’t think the year would be like this when I injured myself in the off-season. I had to work very hard to be fit. I knew I could race for the win after last year but I didn’t know it would be possible to win so many races.”

“It’s very special and very important for my career to win the Cup and unbelievable to do it like this.”

Quiles gave it everything

“I really enjoyed riding here in Assen, Race 2 was a very good race. On the last lap, I took a lot of risk to go first, I knew that on the back straight everyone would get the slipstream.”

“Coming back to the finish, Piqueras took the slipstream to catch me. I braked as late as I possibly could, I covered a bit but when I saw he was coming past I let him go and tried to get the better run through the corner but the finish was too close and I couldn’t get him.”

“Still, 2nd is good and I have to be happy with that.”

Roulstone racing wise

“I am super happy, it was a very tricky race, with the heat it was very tough. I was just trying to keep myself and the tyres a bit cool for the last lap. I was just moving out of the slipstream a bit where I could to catch some fresh air for myself and the tyres.”

“I’m happy with the podium, happy with the way I rode and congratulations to Angel, he’s been amazing all season. For me, looking forward to the next races, keep the ball rolling.”

O’Gorman on the edge of another podium

“It was good, in the beginning, I was really struggling even to stay on the back of the group,” explained the 15-year-old Irishman. “The group kept pulling away but then they’d battle, slow themselves down and I’d catch up again.”

“A few crashes helped me and then in the last lap I started at the back of the group, made 3 overtakes, into the last sector. I thought that Jacob went on the green in front of me so I thought there was no need to pass him. But he didn’t go on the green, my mistake.”

Ferrandez fighting for grip

“I made a good enough start and I push so hard but it was such a hot race, the track was hot, the tyres were hot and I slid the front so many times but managed to keep it up,” stated the 15-year-old Spaniard.

“I was also hot and it was also a tough race for the mind, push so hard, sliding so much, so much on the limit and keep pushing.”

“Finally in the last corner, I braked too late and went across off track. I’m happy with my pace though and happy with the weekend.”

Carpe not in front when it mattered

“I was leading but you know, sometimes things just don’t finish the way you want.”

“I finished 6th but I am still second in the Cup points, I’m really happy about that.”

“Today’s race was a lot hotter than yesterday, there was again a lot of overtaking like yesterday and always in Rookies Cup. This time I couldn’t make the podium but I still want to say thanks to all the Rookies Cup staff and my family.”

Marco Morelli led the early laps

“The start was very good, I opened up a lead,” enthused the 15-year-old Argentine. “But then I made a very little mistake… and if you do a little mistake here the group catches you.”

“But I’m happy with the race. At least I could show that I am fast. We now have a bit of a break and I am going to train very hard to come back in Austria to score a podium or even more in the last races.”

Guido Pini out of luck

“The second race crash was just bad luck, Moodley touched my back wheel,” explained the 15-year-old Italian.

“Not the best results, two falls but I still think it was one of the best weekends. The feeling with the bike was so good. In the 2nd race, there was a big gap from us to the front group but I got to the front of the 2nd group and closed right up to the front group and was fighting for at least a podium place or even the win.”

“So I have a great feeling with the bike and I am looking forward to the next races.”

MotoAmerica: Royal Enfield BTR Race Two Results From Ridge

Ridge Motorsports Park. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.
Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Photo courtesy of TrackTime.

Mikayla Moore took another dominant victory in MotoAmerica Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) Race Two Sunday at Ridge Motorsports Park, in Shelton, Washington. Riding her Royal Enfield Continental GT 650, 19-year-old Moore won the eight-lap race by 18.321 seconds. It was her fourth win in four starts so far in 2023.

Defending Champion Kayleigh Buyck hung with Moore for the first lap, but Buyck said her bike developed a front-end chatter and she had to slow her pace and settle for second place.

Sonya Lloyd repeated her Race One performance by taking third again, just 4.120 seconds behind Buyck, in Race Two.

 

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MotoGP: World Championship Race Results From Assen (Updated)

TT Circuit Assen. Photo courtesy Michelin.
TT Circuit Assen. Photo courtesy Michelin.

Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia won the MotoGP World Championship race Sunday at TT Circuit Assen. Riding his Lenovo Ducati Desmosedici, the defending World Champion won the 26-lap race by 1.223 seconds over pole-sitter Marco Bezzecchi, who rode a Mooney VR46 Racing Ducati to second place. Aleix Espargaro finished third on his factory Aprilia RS-GP just 1.925 seconds behind Bagnaia.

Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder crossed the finish line third, but the South African was penalized one finishing position for exceeding track limits on the final lap and was scored fourth.

Prima Pramac Racing Ducati’s Jorge Martin placed fifth, just 1.934 seconds behind Bagnaia.

Six riders crashed during the race including Jack Miller, Johann Zarco, Fabio Quartararo, Maverick Vinales, Enea Bastianini, and Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Marc Marquez did not start the race. He aggravated injuries he sustained in crashes at Sachsenring and was declared unfit to ride.

 

MotoGP Race
MotoGP Points after Race

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by Dorna:

Bagnaia bites back in brilliant battle at Assen

The reigning Champion sends a clear message to his rivals, with Bezzecchi second and Aleix Espargaro taking third as Binder loses out on ANOTHER top three

 

Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia (1). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Sunday, 25 June 2023

A lot was riding on the Motul TT Assen as Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) went from struggling for form in Practice 1 to adding another win to his 2023 title tilt, outpacing Tissot Sprint winner Marco Bezzecchi (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) on Sunday. Bezzecchi went into the Grand Prix race as the rider to beat with incredible pace around Assen, but was forced to settle for second place on Sunday. Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) once again crossed the line in third but was demoted out of the top three for exceeding track limits, this time on the last lap, which promoted Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing) into third to take an important Grand Prix podium.

Action underway in Assen

The grid settled on one of the most iconic circuits on the 2023 MotoGP™ calendar, as with points to be won ahead of the summer break. The pressure was on for the title-fighting trio as third-placed rider in the standings, Bezzecchi, was looking strong in the Netherlands after taking pole and the Sprint win. With just 31 points covering the top three, there was plenty to play for with Championship leader Bagnaia sat alongside Bezzecchi on the front row and third overall, Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing), faced a mountain to climb from the fourth row.

When the lights went out it was Binder who flew his way into the lead of the race from fifth on the grid, diving up the inside of Bagnaia at Turn 1 to snatch the holeshot at the apex, elbows out as ever.  Binder led the way on lap one ahead of Bagnaia and Bezzecchi, with Aleix Espargaro and Luca Marini (Mooney VR46 Racing Team) keeping themselves in contention in fourth and fifth.

Meanwhile, Maverick Vinales (Aprilia Racing) had made a good start to his Grand Prix, flying up to fifth from seventh on the grid. The opposite was true for Jack Miller (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) as he then crashed out from behind the Aprilia, leaving Viñales to shoot off.  He was the fastest rider on the circuit, too, past Marini on a charge until he crashed out.

Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) also suffered early dramas, he enjoyed a return to the top three in Saturday’s Tissot Sprint but got a terrible start in Sunday’s Grand Prix dropping down to 12th place from 4th on the grid, and then crashed out alongside Johann Zarco (Prima Pramac Racing) in a premature end to their races.

At first there were three

Meanwhile at the front, Bagnaia took the lead from Binder with 24 laps to go, making light work of the South African to put down a blistering pace at the front. The Italian began to put the hammer down, with Binder latched onto his rear wheel and Bezzecchi next up, the top three beginning to break away from the rest of the field.

The laps ticked away and it seemed Bagnaia was controlling the pace, stretching out the leading battle. But Binder and Bezzecchi were still very much on the chase, and with 10 to go Bezzecchi had had enough of following the KTM. The Italian decided it was his turn to follow the race leader Bagnaia as he pushed the South African to one side to take over in second, the mission now: catch Pecco.

It went down to eight tenths, back up to a second and then down to nine tenths. Then it was 1.3, 1.1… but Bezzecchi couldn’t breach the gap. Binder wasn’t going down without a fight either, as he tried all he could to bite back.

By the last lap, it was clear: Bagnaia had controlled the race perfectly, just staying clear of Bezzecchi as the two came home separated by just over a second. But the fight for third rolled on…

Fine margins make the difference in MotoGP™

By the last few laps, Binder had company from Aleix Espargaro and Martin, with the three glued together. First it looked like the Aprilia was closest to try and strike on the KTM, and the number 41 homed in on the first part of the final lap. But Binder put in a masterclass defensive performance and fended off the two behind to take third… or did he?

Fine margins decided the South African’s fate once again, however, as a track limits breach on the final lap warranted a +1 position penalty, demoting him to fourth.

Espargaro had his hands full on the last lap with Martin trying to find his way through, too. It was an epic drag to the line that saw the Prima Pramac Ducati pull alongside the factory Aprilia as they crossed the line side by side, with almost nothing in it – but that almost nothing was enough to see Aleix Espargaro awarded that final place on the rostrum. Binder is classified fourth, and Martin fifth.

Alex Marquez (Gresini Racing MotoGP™) finished sixth ahead of Marini as the Italian got mugged through the final chicane mid-race, losing four positions at once. Takaaki Nakagami (LCR Honda IDEMISTU) bagged P8, some distance up the road from Franco Morbidelli (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP™) and rookie Augusto Fernandez (GASGAS Factory Racing Tech3), who rounded out the top ten in a solid Sunday effort.

It was a big weekend for Bagnaia’s 2023 Championship campaign as the Italian not only displayed the ability he and Ducati have to overcome a lack of feeling in Practice, but also showed his Championship rivals he means business in 2023. MotoGP™ now takes a short break for the summer before returning to action at the Monster Energy British Grand Prix from the 4th to the 6th of August. Make sure to join us there!

 

Jake Dixon (96). Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jake Dixon (96). Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

That winning feeling! Dixon takes first Grand Prix victory at Assen

The Brit takes to the top step for the first time after fending off Ogura and Acosta in a memorable showdown at Assen

Jake Dixon (Inde GASGAS Aspar M2) is now a Grand Prix winner! The British rider converted some serious form into a maiden win at the Motul TT Assen, getting the better of Ai Ogura (Idemitsu Honda Team Asia) late in the race. Ogura was back on the box after taking a step back into the frontrunning postcodes we’ve seen him challenge before, and Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Ajo) completed the podium after an eventful journey into third.

Alonso Lopez (Beta Tools SpeedUp) took the holeshot from pole and Ogura jumped Dixon off the line, with the Brit slotting into third and that trio then immediately getting the hammer down. But Acosta was on the move, picking his way past his teammate, Albert Arenas, and Championship leader Tony Arbolino (Elf Marc VDS Racing Team) to get into clear air and then chase them down.

It became a quartet as Dixon stalked Ogura and got past, then Lopez, and the Brit then made a move stick at Turn 1 to take over. Ogura then shoved his way past Lopez and the even Spaniard dropped behind Acosta not long after, before then Dixon then headed wide and gave up the lead dropping to third.

Ogura led Acosta led Dixon, but the next to suffer a moment was Acosta as the Spaniard was forced into a save at the Geert Timmer chicane, heading wide and letting Dixon back through. At that moment, it seemed Ogura had checked out in the lead too – over a second clear and on fine form. It was a reset, reload, and gear up for seven laps to go for those on the chase.

That’s what Dixon did, and when the Brit struck at Turn 1 it was a slightly brutal move – one he apologized for as his bike got sucked in – but he made it stick. And then he kept it clean to the flag for that fabulous first Grand Prix win, and in convincing style.

Ogura may well not have taken that win but after a stunning weekend running back at the front, the second place is a great sign for last year’s title challenger after an injury-hit start to 2023. And Acosta, on a tougher weekend, kept himself on the podium – despite some late drama.

After an adventurous start, the number 37 was then also hit with a Long Lap after that moment and subsequent shortcut at Turn 17. And when he complied, it was on the limit. Just on the white line as he caned it round, it was deemed completed and he took that all the way to another podium – but it still wasn’t plain sailing. A late race charge from Fermin Aldeguer (Beta Tools SpeedUp) saw him glued to Acosta into the final chicane on the final lap, and the two had a drag race to the line, just won by the number 37 by hundredths.

Aron Canet (Pons Wegow Los40) was only a few tenths behind in fifth, with Lopez fading to sixth – just ahead of Arbolino. Manuel Gonzalez (Correos Prepago Yamaha VR46 Master Camp), Arenas and Celestino Vietti (Fantic Racing), the latter despite a Long Lap, completed the top ten in a close trio.

That’s all she wrote at Assen, and Dixon leaves the track on top of the world just in time for the Monster Energy British Grand Prix next time out. The top two? The lead for Arbolino is just eight points over Acosta heading into the summer break… so make sure to come back for more from Silverstone!

 

Jaume Masia (5) held off Ayumu Sasaki (71) to win in Moto3. Photo courtesy Dorna.
Jaume Masia (5) held off Ayumu Sasaki (71) to win in Moto3. Photo courtesy Dorna.

 

Masia takes masterful Assen win as the standings close up

A 0 for Holgado sees the top four at Assen – Masia, Sasaki, Öncü and Ortola – make big gains after a classic final chicane decider

Jaume Masia (Leopard Racing) put in a stunner at the Motul TT Assen, taking his first victory of the season and making serious gains on Championship leader Daniel Holgado (Red Bull KTM Tech3), who failed to score. Ayumu Sasaki (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) was just denied at the last corner once again but takes yet another podium as his roll continues, and likewise German GP winner Deniz Öncü (Red Bull KTM Ajo) as the Turkish rider completed the rostrum at Assen.

Polesitter David Muñoz (BOE Motorsports) took the holeshot from Joel Kelso (CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP), but the Aussie was through soon after as the two went side by side. It didn’t take long for those on the chase to get back into the groove though, and the drama was amping up elsewhere.

After a disastrous qualifying that left him last on the grid, Championship leader Holgado was already facing a mountain to climb – and on the first lap it only got worse. Crashing and off into the gravel early on, losing a whole chunk of time, the race was on for him to try and recover the impossible.

Meanwhile fellow Championship challenger Ivan Ortola (Angeluss MTA Team), who qualified well down the order too, was on a mission. He was straight into the top ten, then into the top three, and despite serving his Long Lap given on Saturday for not respecting a black and orange flag, right in the fight at the front in a seriously impressive performance under pressure.

And so, with Ortola back in the mix and a top group of ten escaping the rest, the freight train to decide the podium rolled on. As ever, it all went down to the final chicane, and Sasaki was at the head of the group – one week on from the Japanese rider just losing out at the final corner at the Sachsenring. This time around, an attack came again as Masia shot up the inside into the Geert Timmer chicane, and the number 5 made the move stick, and made it cleanly. The drag to the line saw Masia just hold onto it by 0.081, with Sasaki forced to settle for second but both making big strides in the standings.

Likewise does Öncü, who held onto third for another podium finish – just edging out Ortola after the Angeluss MTA Team rider’s stunning charge from 20th. Muñoz, after a late tangle with Romano Fenati (Rivacold Snipers Team), takes fifth, ahead of Jose Antonio Rueda (Red Bull KTM Ajo) and fellow rookie Collin Veijer (Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP) on his home turf. Fenati was forced to settle for eighth after the late shuffle, with Kelso ninth and Stefano Nepa (Angeluss MTA Team), after straightlining the chicane, completing the front group and the top ten.

That’s a wrap on Assen and it’s next stop Silverstone for the Monster Energy British GP. Holgado now heads Masia by 16 points, with Sasaki 26 off the top and both Ortola and Öncü 31 in arrears. Join us for more once Moto3™ has recharged!

Moto2: World Championship Race Results From Assen

TT Circuit Assen. Photo courtesy Michelin.
TT Circuit Assen. Photo courtesy Michelin.

Jake Dixon won the Moto2 World Championship race Sunday at TT Circuit Assen, in The Netherlands. Riding his Inde GASGAS Aspar Team Kalex, the British racer won the 22-lap race by 1.334 seconds over Idemitsu Honda Team Asia’s Ai Ogura. Red Bull KTM Ajo rider Pedro Acosta finished third.

American Joe Roberts finished 18th on his Italtrans Racing Kalex, while his countryman Sean Dylan Kelly brought his OnlyFans American Racing Kalex into the pits and retired with seven laps remaining.

 

Moto2 Race
Moto2 Points

Moto3: World Championship Race Results From Assen

TT Circuit Assen. Photo courtesy Michelin.
TT Circuit Assen. Photo courtesy Michelin.

Jaume Masia won the Moto3 World Championship race Sunday at TT Circuit Assen, in The Netherlands. Riding his Leopard Racing Honda, the Spaniard won the 20-lap race by just 0.081 second over Liqui Moly Intact GP Husqvarna rider Ayumu Sasaki. Red Bull KTM Ajo’s Deniz Oncu was a very close third, just 0.276 second behind Masia.

The top eight finishers were covered by just 1.056 seconds at the end of the race.

 

Moto3 Race
Moto3 Points

American Flat Track: Race Results From The Lima Half-Mile (Updated)

The Lima Half-Mile. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.
The Lima Half-Mile. Photo by Scott Hunter, courtesy AFT.

American Flat Track/Lima Half-Mile

Lima, Ohio

June 24, 2023

Provisional Parts Unlimited AFT Singles Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 4 laps

2. Tom Drane (Yam), -00.390 seconds

3. James Ott (Hus), -01.308

4. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -02.789

 

 

Provisional Mission SuperTwins Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 4 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -00.078 seconds

3. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -01.601

4. JD Beach (Yam), -02.865

 

 

Provisional Hooligans Main Event Results (all on Dunlop tires):

1. Shawn Baer (BMW), 5 laps

2. George Roeder (Har), -02.785 seconds

3. Dominic Beaulac (Har), -04.386

4. Shawn Raggio (Har), -04.420

5. Dave Kilkenny (Har), -05.068

6. Kole King (KTM), -07.634

7. JJ Flairty (Har), -13.075

8. Jeremy DeRuyter (Har), -13.088

9. Steven Glasgow (Har), -13.473

10. Daniel Poole (Har), -13.688

11. Johnny Bova (Har), -15.822

12. Charles Holmes (Har), -16.250

13. Joseph Houston (Har), -16.561

14. Blake Berry (Kaw), -18.354

15. Scott Jones (Har), -26.149

16. Lowell Bronstad (Har), -5 laps, DNF

17. Erik Hartley (Tri), -5 laps, DNF

18. Matt Johnson (Har), -5 laps, DNF

19. Kirt Emerick (Har), -5 laps, DNF

 

 

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

1. Kody Kopp (KTM), 21 laps

2. Tom Drane (Yam), -02.533 seconds

3. James Ott (Hus), -08.178

4. Max Whale (KTM), -09.703

5. Trevor Brunner (Yam), -13.393

6. Trent Lowe (Hon), -16.447

7. Chad Cose (Hus), -19.077

8. Hunter Bauer (Hon), -21.731

9. Jared Lowe (Hon), -22.914

10. Cole Zabala (Hon), -23.638

11. Tarren Santero (Hon), -26.032

12. Morgen Mischler (Hon), -1 lap

13. Dalton Gauthier (KTM), -1 lap, -01.286

14. Travis Petton (KTM), -1 lap, -01.386

15. Shayna Texter-Bauman (KTM), -1 lap, -03.737

16. Jacob Vanderkooi (Hus), -1 lap, -05.004

17. Declan Bender (KTM), -1 lap, -05.519

18. Clarke Morian (KTM), -1 lap, -11.544

19. Chase Saathoff (Hon), -12 laps, DNF

 

 

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

1. Briar Bauman (KTM), 25 laps

2. Dallas Daniels (Yam), -01.145 seconds

3. Jared Mees (Ind), -03.459

4. Brandon Robinson (Ind), -08.154

5. JD Beach (Yam), -08.503

6. Bronson Bauman (KTM), -12.197

7. Davis Fisher (Ind), -14.931

8. Jarod Vanderkooi (Ind), -15.868

9. Kolby Carlile (Yam), -23.625

10. Johnny Lewis (Roy), -24.356

11. Ben Lowe (Ind), -24.671

12. Henry Wiles (Ind), -26.948

13. Ryan Wells (Roy), -1 lap

14. Jeremiah Duffy (Kaw), -1 lap, -19.674

15. Jeffery Lowery (Yam), -1 lap, -19.727

16. Billy Ross (Kaw), -16 laps, DNF

17. Cody Johncox (Yam), -17 laps, DNF

18. Cameron Smith (Yam), -21 laps, DNF

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by American Flat Track:

Bauman Makes History at Lima Half-Mile

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 24, 2023) – Two-time Grand National Champion Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke) took an emotional and historic victory in Saturday night’s Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio.

Following an often challenging half-season spent developing an all-new racebike for an all-new team, Bauman kicked off the second half of 2023 by claiming the first premier-class victory for a KTM twin in the history of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

And that win came at the conclusion of a thrilling Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Main Event. Bauman, who earned the crown in 2019 and 2020, spent all ten minutes plus two laps embroiled in a non-stop dogfight with the rider who currently has the inside track on this year’s title, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT).

Bauman and Daniels alternated high and low lines as theft continually swapped the lead, running side-by-side when one or the other wasn’t making a futile attempt to shake loose at the front. And all the while, their engagement threatened to transform the race for the win into a three-rider affair with reigning king Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) lurking right around one second back and just waiting for his chance to strike.

Finally, with less than minute to go, Bauman seized the upper hand and then refused to allow Daniels a last-gasp bid to steal away his hard-earned win for Rick Ware Racing.

The emotion of the victory was further amplified as Bauman reflected on both the recent passing of his mother as well as his triumphant performance at the scene of his maiden Mission SuperTwins win.

He said, “I think these guys are probably going to start making fun of me because I think I cry every time I win. But aside from all that, my brother (Bronson) and I lost our mom six months ago last Sunday, and this is where I got my first Twins win. The love that everyone gives in this sport no matter how hard you’re going up against one another… We’re fighting for everything we can get. I just appreciate all these guys a lot more than maybe I used to.

“There are so many people who have supported us. To actually get this done… It’s an honor to be a part of this program. I’m just proud, and I know my mom is proud. We did it.”

Last year’s Lima HM winner, Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), outlasted JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) as the two finished fourth and fifth, respectively, just over eight seconds behind the fight for the win.

Sixth went to Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing/2 Wheelz KTM 790 Duke), who quietly earned his best result yet aboard the Fastrack KTM. Just behind in seventh and eighth were Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750) and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750).

Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) finished ninth, while Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) completed the top ten in his return to action even after suffering an ugly heat race crash earlier in the evening.

Despite falling short of victory, Daniels maintained his season-long perfect podium record and picked up some points in the title fight in the process. He now leads Mees by 12 points (219-207), while Bauman has moved ahead of Beach to take control of third (166-161).

Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Reigning Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) notched up a timely victory on a night that proved to be a huge boon for his title defense.

Kopp came to Lima as the odds-on favorite due to his performance here a year ago, along with his general Half-Mile mastery, but this one did not come easily. Kopp took the holeshot but soon found himself in second and losing ground to rising star Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).

The KTM ace regrouped and successfully countered Drane’s bid to shake free, clawing his way back to the Australian at mid-distance. The two then wove the lead back-and-forth with around three minutes remaining on the clock before Kopp finally got a firm grip on the position.

He then stretched open his advantage as the two slithered through lapped traffic, ultimately claiming his fourth victory of the season with more than two seconds in hand.

“That was a tough one,” Kopp said. “I got a good start and led it for a couple laps, but Tom is so fast on this stuff, it’s really underrated. We had a heck of a fight, and it was really fun. A lot of hard work went into this one. Those last three Miles were really frustrating as a team in general, but we never gave up and we’re here to fight for a championship.”

Kopp and Drane were joined on the podium by the resurgent James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450), who fought off second factory KTM pilot Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) to register his second trophy-earning ride of the season.

Drane’s teammate, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), rounded out the top five.

Kopp’s championship outlook was further enhanced by the misfortune of Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), who entered the weekend having closed to within ten points of the title leader. That advantage is significantly greater now, as Saathoff’s momentum was slammed to a halt by a mechanical DNF suffered while running in third position.

Kopp’s lead more than tripled as a result, expanding from just nine points to 29 (191-162). His closest challenger shifted as well, with Whale taking over second from Saathoff, who is now ranked third with 158 points after being credited with 19th place in the Main.

Next Up:

Progressive American Flat Track will now travel to Mineral Wells, West Virginia, for the All Seasons Powersports West Virginia Half-Mile at West Virginia Motor Speedway on Saturday, July 1. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/west-virginia-half-mile-58480 to reserve your seats today.

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv.

FOX Sports coverage of the Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT).

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

 

 

 

More, from a press release issued by KTM Factory Racing:

DEFENDING AFT SINGLES CHAMPION KODY KOPP BACK ON TOP AT LIMA HALF-MILE

Round 10 – American Flat Track Championship

 

Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.
Kody Kopp (1). Photo courtesy KTM Factory Racing.

 

LIMA, Ohio. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Kody Kopp has returned to victory lane at tonight’s Lima Half-Mile, Round 10 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship, with teammate Max Whale recording a fourth-place finish in the AFT Singles Main Event.

The defending class champion, 18-year-old Kopp powered the KTM 450 SX-F to his fourth win of the season, importantly extending his advantage in the current standings to 29 points as a result.

It was a convincing day on-track for Kopp, qualifying in third position and then claiming P2 in the opening Heat race. From there he went on to win the Dash-For-Cash and took that momentum into the 21-lap Main Event, where he ultimately took charge in the closing stages for a 2.533-second victory.

Kody Kopp: “It’s a really good feeling to get back on top here at the Lima Half-Mile and to build on our lead in the championship. We put up a strong fight here tonight and it paid off, so I’m stoked with the result and had a lot of fun out there. Now I’m looking forward to hopefully keeping this going in the coming rounds!”

As for Whale, he finished directly behind Kopp in the Heat and marginally missed out on a podium in the Main Event. After a race-long battle, he crossed the finish-line in fourth position, gaining valuable points in the process and climbing to second in the championship.

Max Whale: “I felt good out there and ended up finishing fourth. We were in the battle for third, but couldn’t quite get there in the end, so that was disappointing because it would have been cool to get up there with Kody. But, we will look to the next one and definitely aim to keep this thing rolling.”

Next Race: West Virginia Half-Mile – Mineral Wells, WV – July 1, 2023

Round 10 Results

AFT Singles Main Event

1. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

2. Tom Drane, Yamaha

3. James Ott, Husqvarna

4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing

OTHER KTM

13. Dalton Gauthier, KTM

14. Travis Petton IV, KTM

15. Shayna Texter-Bauman, KTM

17. Declan Bender, KTM

18. Clarke Morian V, KTM

 

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings

1. Kody Kopp, 191 points

2. Max Whale, 162

3. Chase Saathoff, 158

4. Dalton Gauthier, 155

OTHER KTM

11. Travis Petton IV, 53

12. Justin Jones, 52

13. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 49

16. Hunter Bauer, 37

20. Logan Eisenhard, 28

23. Declan Bender, 23

24. Hayden Gillim, 14

25. Landen Smith, 13

26. Clarke Morian V, 12

27. Tanner Dean, 9

34. Olin Kissler, 4