500 Class History According to RD

 

Mike LaRocco earned the 1993 500 National Championship, but never got to defend it. The AMA no longer recognized the class from 1994 forward. How could the 500s go from being the most prestigious class in motocross to being dropped? In the December, 1993 issue of Dirt Bike, Roger DeCoster told us how it went down.

Congratulations and condolences to Mike LaRocco. Last month he wrapped up his first 500 National Championship. Unfortunately, it will also be his last. In fact, it will be America’s last. Mike will never even get to ride with his #1 plate, because next year there will be no 500 class in America.
Even in Europe, the 500 class is taking a back seat, with the FIM directing TV coverage to the 250s and the manufacturers directing their teams likewise. What happened? How is it possible that the 500 National Championship, once the most prestigious class in motocross, has come to an end? It’s a complicated issue, but in truth, the 500 class hasn’t suddenly dropped dead just now. This is only the burial. The class actually died, or at least began to die, back in the early ’80s. That was when various forces first started to combine to eventually result in this situation. The first factor was the rise of Supercross as a 250/125-only sport. Open-class bikes simply weren’t suited for tight stadium tracks, so they were excluded and relegated to outdoor-only tracks. It didn’t take long for manufacturers to realize that Supercross was where the bulk of MX spectators were. Soon, most of each company’s development effort was concentrated on the 250 class. Marketing executives wanted their teams to win in front of the big Supercross crowds, so the factories went all-out and made major changes on the 250s more often than on the other models.

Mike LaRocco rides with his number one plate on his KX500 for a Dirt Dike Photo shoot. He never got to race with it, at least not in the U.S.

The next blow to the 500 class came in the form of a worldwide sales slump in the mid-’80s. Motocross bikes were less affected by the slump than street models, but nonetheless the factories suddenly had less resources to draw upon for racing. Suzuki and Yamaha made the first big cutbacks, deciding to stop competing in the 500 class in both Europe and in the U.S. Their Open bikes had sold poorly–Suzuki stopped manufacturing its RM500 altogether. In the U.S., that left Honda and Kawasaki as the only two manufacturers to support the 500 class.
Another factor was the changing nature of track design. Outdoor tracks became more and more like supercross. It was only natural–spectators got used to seeing riders get big air in stadiums and began to expect it outdoors, too. Also, young riders wanted more jumps. They had grown up learning to double jump before they even knew how to ride down a rough straight. Those kinds of tracks are more suited to 250s.

So, now we get to the point where there are not enough teams in the 500 class, not enough riders and not enough bikes. It was time for the burial. At this point, it seems silly to point out what could have been done to save the class. Some action would have been better than no action, though. While I don’t have all the answers, I think the class could have been saved if early action had been taken, both in Europe and in the U.S. In Europe, the FIM is notorious for ignoring problems or denying that they exist. It would have been possible to design tracks with Open bikes in mind, for example. It’s kind of boring to watch a 500 on a really tight track, but the sounds and the power that a big 500 makes when it has a little open space are exciting in a very different way. I think spectators would respond to that and be eager to see 500s in the right environment. That, in turn, might have brought more sales to the 500 class.
Another possibility might have been to enforce the production rule in just two classes while the 500 class was left open to works bikes. In Europe and in the U.S., each class could have its own attraction: The 500 class would be for works bikes, and maybe even four-strokes in the future, the 250 class for production-based 250s, and the 125 class for younger riders. Now the 125 class has the most rigorous travel schedule in both Europe and the U.S. In America, the 125 outdoor schedule is as long as the 250 and 500 circuits put together, and in Europe the 125 s are required to travel to South America twice in the series. With less travel and perhaps an age limit (or a champion-moves-up rule like the U.S. had), the 125 class would be cheaper for manufacturers as well as privateers, allowing budgets to be stretched to cover all three classes.

Roger DeCoster performed his own 500 shootout in the pages of Dirt Bike in 1995. Click on the image above to see which was his favorite.

At any rate, the time for thinking about what could have been done is past. It’s more beneficial to think about the future, and what will fill the place of the 500 National series here in the U.S. I think the AMA’s plan is a good one. The 500 class will be replaced by a new six- to eight-race series called the “Fall Classic” (interesting how it could become a classic before the first race is run). By the time you read this, the new series will already be underway. The attraction of the new series will be the fact that it will be open to any bike over 250cc. No weight limit, no production rule, two-stroke or four-stroke, as big as you like. In a way, it’s an attempt to revive the old Trans AMA series.
The rules, or the lack of rules, might stir up some interest in big bikes. Someone like Eyvind Boyesen might send a rider to test some new ideas in an actual race. I don’t think there will be many works bikes from Europe showing up, though–basically, there aren’t any, aside from Jacky Martens’ Husqvarna four-stroke. Still, the possibility is there.
Whether or not he rides, I think that Martens will have an effect on this new series in the U.S. He just won the 500 GP title in Europe on his thumper, becoming the first rider to do so since Jeff Smith did it in ’65 with his works BSA. On top of that, Joel Smets finished third on a Husaberg four-stroke this year. This seems to be generating a resurgence of interest in four-stroke motocross. This new class is a natural for four-strokes. In the future, it might even be conceivable to change it to an all-four-stroke series, although if that were to happen right now, they might have a hard time filling the gate. It will be interesting to watch and see if interest keeps going in that direction. The sounds alone might be enough to draw spectators to big four-stroke races. I have even heard that Honda has talked with Martens about testing a new four-stroke in Europe next year, with the intention of racing it in ’95. Wouldn’t that be an interesting twist?
So while I would be dishonest if I said the death of the 500 class didn’t disappoint me, I think it’s pointless to mourn for it now. The future actually looks more exciting than it has in years. Motocross, as always, is in the process of big change–and change isn’t such a bad thing.

Liam Everts Extends His KTM Contract

 

James BurfieldJuly 19, 20230

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing took another step towards cementing their FIM Motocross World Championship MX2 line-up for 2024 with confirmation of a multi-year contract extension for Liam Everts. The Belgian will enter his second Grand Prix term with the works crew alongside current teammate Andrea Adamo.

Everts is a factory rider ‘rookie’ in 2023 and has already impressed with top five speed, four podium finishes – the first MX2 trophies of his career – and his maiden Grand Prix victory; seized in Germany last month. 2023 is only Everts’ second season at world championship level. He recovered from a broken finger at the beginning of his debutant campaign in 2022 and was soon a regular name inside the MX2 top ten, logging four top-five moto results and rising to 10th in the championship standings.

Plucked to star in Red Bull KTM Factory Racing colors for ’23, Everts has again learned and progressed. He sprayed podium champagne for the first time in Italy and the Grand Prix of Trentino (round four) and has since taken the factory KTM 250 SX-F to the rostrum on three other occasions to-date: France, Germany and Indonesia. He sits 5th in the MX2 points table ahead of his home event in Lommel this weekend.

Liam heralds from famous motocross racing stock, and his maturity, attitude and versatility means he continues to be an important part of the KTM motorsport talent development program.

Liam Everts: “I’m really happy to extend my contract with KTM and to have found a ‘home’. I’m working really well with the team and have been building my way to the front. The progress we have made this year has been very good and very nice and to have won a GP already is above expectations. I’m hungry for more. To continue in orange is what I wanted and now I’m looking forward to a couple more seasons together.”

MXoN - The Super Six

Repost from MXlarge.com

Here is it July 18, and I haven’t really spoken about the October 8, 2023, Monster Energy Motocross of Nations. A little maybe, but nothing too substantial. I have mentioned, we have the possibilities of one of the best MXoN ever and a handful of teams capable of winning.

Always a brilliant event, that often sorts out which series is stronger and while the Euro's have dominated in the last decade, the AMA boys came out firing in 2022 to take the Chamberlain trophy back to USA.

There are six teams that all have a shot at winning in 2023 and if you start with defending champions Team USA, they have some questions marks, with Chase Sexton moving teams and maybe not available, Eli Tomac not sure if he races and then several elite American riders struggling with injuries of poor form. Justin Cooper also not going due to a wedding and we might have a totally different team than the victors last year.

For starters, Haiden Deegan seems a must for the 250 class, and he will be a legendary MXoN rider of the future. For now, in his rookie debut, he can win the class, but we all know the euros in both MXGP and MX2 have so much competition, that he will have it tough, but he must be picked. In the 450 class for America, I think names like Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson, Aaron Plessinger, Adam Cianciarulo could all be picked and while Webb is changing teams, he is probably already on his new bike and has time enough to adjust. I would love to see Webb and Anderson come, but the other two are not bad either. Let’s go with Deegan, Webb and Anderson and that is a team capable of winning, with a little luck.

Now, I say luck, because the Dutch, the Spanish, the French and the Aussies all have super teams. We start with the home team, but they can pick a number of riders, from Romain Febvre, Dylan Ferrandis and Tom Vialle, that would be my team, but then waiting in the wings are the likes of Thiabault Benistant, Maxime Renaux (if back in time), Jordi Tixier, Benoit Paturel or maybe Marvin Musquin, if he wants to race. Let’s not forget, the French haven’t always had the strongest teams for this event, with names like Christophe Charlier, Tixier or Paturel all coming in when not on the same level as some of the other teams’ riders, but they get it done anyway.

How about the Dutchies (my adopted country)? Jeffrey Herlings, Glenn Coldenhoff and Kay de Wolf would be my pick, but the Dutch, like the other leading nations have guys like Brian Bogers, Roan Van De Moosdijk, Calvin Vlaanderen and Rick Elzinga to fall back on if the big three don’t make it due to injuries. If Herlings is one, hard to go past this team as a major threat to adding the 2023 Chamberlain trophy to their 2019 victory. Sure, its hard pack, but all three riders I would select are good on all types of tracks.

The Aussies, my place of birth, well, same as last year, but with some improvement in their results. Jett Lawrence and Mitch Evans on the 450s and Hunter Lawrence on the 250. Simple picks and while there are some fast Aussies in waiting, not have the credentials of this group, although Jed Beaton wouldn’t be a bad choice of needed. Also, veteran Dean Ferris, or one of the two Yamaha boys down under, Aaron Tanti, or Luke Clout.

Spain, another serious contender with Jorge Prado and Ruben Fernandez two of the best in the MXGP class and then on the 250, I guess young sensation Guillem Farres, if he is fit. Oriol Oliver has also been putting his name out there on occasions this year, but he would without question be a little of a weak link. Then again, he is Spanish and Ernee is perfect for the riders from Spain. Funnily enough, his best results have been in the sand in Italy and Latvia. Still, Prado and Fernandez around Ernee could easily both finish top three in a moto and hand Spain an easy route for their MX2 guy.

Don’t look past Belgium either as they are starting to really build some momentum with a bunch of good, fast young riders. I would pick Jeremy Van Horebeek as team captain and one of their 450 riders, then Jago Geerts on the other 450 and take your pick from Liam Everts or Lucas Coenen. Could nearly put either of these guys on a 450 if Van Horebeek wanted to give the young blood some experience. A win would be hard, but a podium very much a possibility with some luck on their side.

Italy, without the great Antonio Cairoli have good riders, like Andrea Adamo, Alberto Forato, Mattia Guadagnini and Alessandro Lupino, but I can’t see them battling for more than a top five place at best.

If I had to pick now, I would go with the Netherlands winning, but saying that, Herlings is obviously out injured at the moment, but we all know what he offers when he is back. I could see Australia second and third France. Of course, it could also be USA, Spain and Belgium. Who really knows?

MX Half Way

Post: Dylan Wills - Motoonline.com

Key points to be aware of at the halfway stage of the 2023 season.

The first half of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship has delivered some big surprises and notable battles across the two classes. As the series heads into the final five rounds, MotoOnline takes a closer look at the Top 10 topics to follow.

1. The possibility of Jett Lawrence going 22-0 as a rookie:
After teenager Jett Lawrence shocked many by beating Team Honda HRC teammate and recently-crowned Monster Energy Supercross 450SX champion Chase Sexton at the opening round of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship at Fox Raceway, the question, ‘can Lawrence really go 22-0?’ started to get thrown around. Then, Sexton missed a few rounds after a practice crash ruled him out with a concussion. As the series has hit its midway point, the 450MX rookie has grown even more since his initial 1-1 at the season-opener, he looks even better now. The first real challenge for Lawrence came at High Point when Ken Roczen lined up for a one-off outdoor race. The Suzuki rider lead laps during the motos, but even then, Lawrence would overcome him in both outings, even after a decent-sized crash in the opening moto. Since then, Lawrence has cruised to moto wins over his rivals, and the question has almost become, ‘who’s actually going to beat him?’.

2. 250MX title tightening up:
With the recent misfortunes of longtime red plate-holder Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC), the hunt for the 250MX title has well and truly tightened up. The vibe from the outside is that a lot of these guys feel they’ve now got a second chance at winning this title. Lawrence was looking primed to run away with it, but that has quickly turned on its head, with Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) at the top of the standings and the top five separated by only 22 points with five rounds remaining in the series.

3. Deegan takes the red plate:
After a successful rookie season in Monster Energy Supercross, everyone was eager to see how Deegan would fare in his first full Pro Motocross campaign. The 17-year-old impressed early, landing on the podium at the opening two rounds with second at Fox Raceway and third at Hangtown. He’s since gone on to podium two more times, including a popular win at RedBud. While it’s obvious that Deegan has inherited the points lead due to the disastrous last two rounds of Lawrence, you can’t discredit the professionalism of Deegan and how he’s conducted himself being in the title hunt at such a young age and, at times, it makes you forget that he’s a rookie

4. The arrival of Ty Masterpool:
Now, it’s not really the ‘arrival’ of Ty Masterpool as such, because we’ve seen him put in rides like this before. But, it is the apparent arrival of Masterpool into the 450MX fold. The number 81 has really shocked the industry with some outstanding rides this season, the most notable coming at Thunder Valley when he seemingly rode his way around a number of factory riders in the second moto to finish fourth. Since then, the privateer Kawasaki rider has continued to impress, finishing every single moto since stepping into the premier class inside the top 10, barring one DNF when his bike let go in moto two at RedBud. Masterpool sits P6 in the 450MX standings with five rounds remaining in the series.

5. Vialle gets his first Pro Motocross win:
One of the biggest talking points heading into 2023 was the addition of two-time MX2 world champion Tom Vialle. Many thought the Frenchman would be in the hunt for race and overall wins straight off the bat, but it’s taken until round six at Southwick for the Red Bull KTM rider to get both of those. Vialle has shown tonnes of promise throughout the opening rounds, finishing inside the top five overall and in the top three in the second moto at every round except for Thunder Valley, where a crash in the opening moto ruled him out for the remainder of the day. Observers were curious to see Vialle in action in the sand at Southwick and he delivered, taking 1-3 in the motos to secure his first-career overall win on American soil.

6. Webb exits Red Bull KTM:
It was a pleasant surprise to see Webb even line up outdoors to begin with, as most assumed that after his crash at Nashville ruled him out of the remaining Monster Energy Supercross rounds, he would likely miss the Pro Motocross Championship. But, in a last-minute decision, it was announced that Webb would be there for the opening round of the series at Fox Raceway, where he would go on to finish a respectable fifth overall. The improvements were swift as he landed back-to-back podiums at Hangtown and Thunder Valley with third overall, before finishing in fifth again at High Point. Unfortunately, a crash in the two-week break ruled Webb out of the RedBud round and then, the real shock would come afterward, as Red Bull KTM announced that Webb and the team would mutually part ways prior to Southwick. Now the big question remains around what the two-time Monster Energy Supercross champion will do next… He’s been linked to returning to his former team, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, however, time will tell how that plays out.

7. Time to bounce back for Hunter Lawrence:
After Lawrence opened the series by winning the first four overalls, the wheels have started to somewhat fall off for the Australian, but to no fault of his own. A DNF at RedBud in moto two was almost the beginning of the end as he went down in a first-turn pile-up and left the track clutching his arm. Many thought that might’ve been it for Lawrence, but in gritty fashion, he returned to the starting line at the following round at Southwick, only to DNF the opening moto due to a bike malfunction in the closing stages. Battered and bruised following his RedBud incident, it was apparent that Lawrence was not at 100 percent at Southwick, as he fought to P8 in the final moto of the day. After entering round five at RedBud with a 28-point lead in the championship, he leaves round seven at Spring Creek in second place, five points down on Deegan with five rounds left in the series.

8. Sexton fighting to get back to last season’s form:
When title rival Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) bowed out of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross Championship with an achilles injury at the penultimate round, it was expected that Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton could potentially run away with the 450MX Pro Motocross title after last year’s battle. A crash after the opening round at Fox Raceway left Sexton sidelined with a concussion, until he returned at RedBud, going 2-3 for third overall and losing second place on a countback to Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing). He then went on to finish second in both motos at Southwick to Team Honda HRC teammate Jett Lawrence. Not to be mistaken, these are still great results, but it feels as though we have yet to see the Chase Sexton we saw challenge Tomac down to the wire in 2022. Or is it a case of Lawrence really being that good?

9. The physical condition of Adam Cianciarulo:
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo has really been through injury after injury since stepping up to the premier class in 2020 and, unfortunately, the injury that stands out most is the nerve injury in his right arm. It’s been a lingering issue since 2021 and, while outright speed is never the issue for AC, the question still remains, will we ever see the best of him? So far, Cianciarulo sits fourth in the 450MX standings and stood on the podium with third overall at High Point.

10. Ferrandis gaining comfort on new YZ450F:
When Eli Tomac went on to dominate the early stages of Monster Energy Supercross on the 2023 YZ450F, it was obvious that this new-generation Yamaha was the real deal… on a Supercross track, at least. Unfortunately, Dylan Ferrandis sat out the majority of the 450SX season due to injury, which also meant losing valuable time learning the new model. After the first few rounds of Pro Motocross, it was obvious that the Frenchman wasn’t 100 percent at one with the bike. But, as the rounds have gone on, 2021 champion Ferrandis has been vocal about his progression and appears to be creeping closer to the lead, moto-by-moto. He currently sits second in the 450MX series, some 67 points back from Team Honda HRC’s Lawrence, but if Supercross was any indication, it’s not over, until it’s over.

Jett Goes 1-1 Again!

Lawrence stays undefeated despite Sexton challenge at Millville

Another 1-1 result sees talented teenager continue to extend 450MX points lead.

Image: Octopi Media.

Despite a concerted challenge from his team-mate Chase Sexton, Team Honda HRC’s series leader Jett Lawrence continued to dominate the 450MX field, finishing the seventh round of the Pro Motocross Championship at Spring Creek with another 1-1 result.

Lawrence has now won 14 motos in a row, and stood atop the round podium flanked by Sexton and Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha’s Dylan Ferrandis.

Lawrence survived a serious challenge from Sexton to win the opening 450MX moto.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo scored the holeshot, closely followed by Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM) and Lawrence, but the series leader wasted no time moving into the lead.

A fall on the opening lap saw Sexton drop from third to seventh, but remounted and angrily worked his way back up and closed down the five-second lead that Lawrence had stretched out.

The 2023 450Sx Supercross Champion mounted a challenge for the lead, but got held up by a lapped rider with five minutes remaining and lost valuable time. Sexton then he slid out again on the final lap, allowing Lawrence to cruise to an 11.9-second lead and keep his perfect season intact.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson put in a great moto to finish third ahead of a Plessinger, while Ferrandis – who also spun out on the last lap – finished fifth.

Garrett Marchbanks (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha), Cianciarulo, Ty Masterpool (Kawasaki), Grant Harlan (Manluk Rock River Racing Yamaha) and Fredrik Noren (Twisted Tea HEP Suzuki) completed the top 10.

Lawrence coasted to an easy win in the second moto and kept his perfect season win streak intact for at least another week.

Sexton led a Team Honda HRC 1-2 off the start and scored the holeshot from Lawrence, but a mistake in the third corner handed the lead to the young Australian.

Sexton managed to claw his way back onto Lawrence’s rear wheel, but then lost the front end and went down again, allowing Lawrence to coast to another easy 17-second win and remain undefeated in 2023.

Ferrandis finished the moto in third after a lengthy battle with Plessinger, while Cianciarulo completed the top five positions.

Masterpool, Harlan, Marchbanks, Noren and Jose Butron (Wildcat Race Team) filled positions fifth through 10^th.

In the championship standings, Lawrence now sits on 350 points with Ferrandis 81 points behind in second, and

3 Straight for Febvre

KTM offer Herlings update – nearing return!

Jeffrey Herlings is nearing a return to racing but will unfortunately miss this weekend’s GP in Lommel.

KTM said: “Jeffrey Herlings is recovering well from neck injury but will miss the Belgian Grand Prix and look for a racing return as soon as possible after the Lommel fixture.”

And, in more positive news, according to Lewis Phillips, Herlings could also race the final AMA round at Ironman to take on Jett Lawrence and Chase Sexton, if KTM allow – what a race that would be!

Style In Any Era

Wow! Cooper Webb, KTM Part Ways—Effective Immediately

A huge bomb just dropped from the KTM camp: Cooper Webb and the Red Bull KTM team have mutually agreed to part ways, effective immediately. The team announced last week that Webb would miss the RedBud National, via a very vague press release. Now, the two have parted ways.

In their five years together (2019 through now) Webb claimed two 450SX titles with the team (2019 and 2021), 21 AMA Supercross 450SX main event wins and his maiden 450 Class AMA Motocross overall win (2019 Spring Creek National).

As we understand it from multiple sources, Webb has likely signed with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing for 2024. Will we see Webb on a Star Yamaha YZ450F this summer, or in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) playoff rounds this fall? The #2 sits second in 450SMX standings behind Chase Sexton.

The following press release is from KTM:

RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING THANKS Cooper Webb FOR FOR FIVE YEARS OF RACING SUCCESSES

MURRIETA, Calif. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing would like to thank Cooper Webb for his achievements, commitment and determination following a highly-successful five seasons together. At this time, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and the 27-year-old Webb have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.

Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager:

“On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Cooper for the years of successes we have had together. Over the past five years, we have been on the 450SX podium 52 times and of those, 21 were victories. We won the 450SX titles in 2019 and 2021, had a strong runner-up season in 2020 and finished third this year despite an unfortunate season-ending crash in Nashville.

Cooper had the option in his contract as to whether he wanted to race outdoors and he decided at Daytona that he would not compete in AMA Pro Motocross in 2023. However, following his SX season-ending crash in Nashville, Cooper reached out about racing MX and KTM agreed to support him for the summer. Both sides came into the series somewhat underprepared and a practice crash before RedBud sidelined Cooper once again.

Both Cooper and the team have decided to part ways, this will give him time to recover and then move on to the next chapter of his racing career. The team and myself wish him all the best. I will always be reminded of the success we have had together because Cooper’s championship bikes and trophies stand proudly in the KTM race shop lobby.”

Webb joined Red Bull KTM Factory Racing in 2019 and went on to clinch a first-career 450SX Championship in that inaugural campaign, before again claiming the premier class crown in 2021 onboard the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION.

Collectively, between 2019-2023, Webb and Red Bull KTM Factory Racing amassed a total of 21 Main Event wins together in the 450SX division of the AMA Supercross Championship, as well as a single AMA Pro Motocross Championship 450MX round victory in 2019. The entire team wishes Cooper well in his future endeavors.

Ferrandis Says...Must Be Perfect To Beat Jett

Moto two at RedBud a promising showing for former 450MX champion.

Image: Octopi Media.

An improved second moto by Dylan Ferrandis highlighted a step made at RedBud, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider believing there is scope to beat runaway 450MX leader Jett Lawrence, but he is ‘going to have to be perfect’ to do so.

Ferrandis has continued to build and gain comfort on the all-new 2023 YZ450F across the opening rounds of the Pro Motocross Championship, with crucial testing carried out during the weekend off in the series.

As round five of the season got underway, the number 14 qualified ninth fastest, but featured in the top three in the early stages of moto one. Ferrandis was shuffled back to fifth on lap seven but was able to ultimately elevate to third, where he finished the race.

In what was one of his stronger showings of the season so far, Ferrandis charged his way forward in moto two to pressure Lawrence at times, bridging the gap down to as low as two seconds. He later completed the race in the runner-up position to secure second overall on the day.

“Like I said a lot during the season, it took some time to understand the new bike and that week off was good, we used it a lot, we tested a lot and it is better,” commented 2021 champion Ferrandis. “The first moto was not that great – I spent many, many time behind [Ty] Masterpool and never found a way to pass him, lost too much time and energy.

“In the second moto I was behind Jett, I tried everything I could to try to pass him, but yeah, he was still a little bit better. I think there is room to beat him, but we are going to have to be perfect and maybe, for sure, if we can get a better start than him, that would help us a lot. A think we made a big step this weekend.”

With five rounds of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship complete, Ferrandis trails Lawrence – winner of all 10 of the 450MX motos contested so far this year – by 57 points as the series moves to Southwick this Saturday.

Ferrandis is yet to confirm his future beyond the current SuperMotocross World Championship season, not expected to be returning to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing, and with little indication surrounding where he could potentially land from season 2024.