The long-awaited Supermotocross Playoffs are officially underway, with Round 1 taking place at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s iconic ZMAX Dragway this past Friday and Saturday. Fans packed the venue on Friday for practice sessions and autograph signings in the unique two-day format.
On Saturday, Mother Nature became an unexpected challenge. After the opening moto, severe thunderstorms rolled in, forcing multiple 30-minute delays. Ultimately, officials were left with no choice but to call the event after just one moto, finalizing results based on those scores.
Despite the weather, the action on track delivered.
“Overall it was kind of a so-so weekend just getting back into the swing of things,” said Ken Roczen. “These tracks are always unique and we definitely got challenged with how soft it was—the jumps were big, the ruts were deep, and it got really gnarly. I had a great start in the first moto and ended up 6th. I know I can be better, but right now it’s about improving every race. With points being doubled and even tripled in these rounds, every finish is crucial. The second moto was canceled due to lightning and heavy rain, so we’ll take 6th and look to improve in the next rounds.”
“It was definitely a challenging weekend,” added Team Manager Larry Brooks. “The track started out great, but Thursday night’s rain made Friday practice really muddy. The crew did a great job fixing it, but it created one main line that was tough to get around without mistakes. Kyle [Chisholm] unfortunately missed qualifying by one spot in the LCQ. Ken qualified 5th in only his second race back, grabbed a top-three start in the first moto, and held strong up front before finishing 6th. Considering he’s only been back on the bike for three or four weeks, I thought he rode really well. Then the storm hit, and with the track destroyed, they had to call it after Moto 1.”
Kyle Chisholm shared a similar outlook:
“I didn’t have super high expectations coming in, since I only had seven days of riding before this race. With that, I actually felt good—my lap times were strong, and I rode better than I expected. I just need to qualify a little better and get better starts. Missing the main by one spot stings, but we’ll get more prep in this week and come ready for St. Louis.”
The Supermotocross World Championship continues this Saturday, September 13, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Fans can catch all the action live on Peacock TV, beginning with Race Day Live at 10:30 a.m. PST, followed by the Pre-Race Show at 3:30 p.m. PST, and the first gate drop at 4:00 p.m. PST.
For a closer look behind the scenes, follow the team on Instagram and Facebook.
Partners:
TWISTED TEA/ HEP SUZUKI: Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, Suzuki Motor of America, INC. (SMAI), Progressive Insurance, ECSTAR, Dixxon Flannel Co, Albek, Cycle Gear, Leatt, Pro Circuit, Twisted Development, SKDA Graphics, WD-40 Brand, DID, Dunlop, JE Pistons, Hinson Clutch Components, Mika Metals, DT1 Air Filters, Nissin Brake Components, Galfer Brakes, Acerbis, Boyesen, GUTS Factory Seats, Motion Pro, Works Chassis Lab, Works Connection, Scar, CV-4, Crank Works, XTRIG, Midland Tractor, Showa, record7.
Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki: Progressive Insurance, Suzuki Motor of America, INC. (SMAI), ECSTAR, Dixxon Flannel Co, Albek, Cycle Gear, Pro Circuit, Renthal, Twisted Development, SKDA Graphics, WD-40 Brand, DID, Dunlop, JE Pistons, Hinson Clutch Components, DT1 Air Filters, Nissin Brake Components, Galfer Brakes, Acerbis, Boyesen, GUTS Factory Seats, Motion Pro, Works Chassis Lab, Works Connection, Scar, CV-4, Crank Works, XTRIG, Midland Tractor, Showa, record7.
