Savatgy Keeps Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Podium Streak Alive In Oakland
OAKLAND, Calif. (February 4, 2018) – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy collected his second runner-up finish of the season inside Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The ever-changing soft track conditions made for a challenging race, but Savatgy made moves to the front and finished second. Teammate Adam Cianciarulo had a rough first lap coming around in last, but he was able to get all the way up to seventh by the end of the race. Savatgy now sits second in the standings, just eight points down, while Cianciarulo is fourth.
Savatgy had a good start to the evening with a solid heat race, but really turned it on in the main event. With a track that seemed to eat riders up and cause mistakes, Savatgy raced strong and consistent. He battled all the way until the end to take over second place with just two laps to go. Savatgy moved up into second in the championship standings as the Western Regional 250SX championship hit its halfway mark.
“At the beginning of the race I felt like I was riding a bit tight,” said Savatgy. “By about halfway, I settled in and tried to hang with the rider in front of me and see what he was doing different. It helped me relax and then I was able to turn it on at the end. I had a great time. I just hope next time we are battling for the lead and the win.”
The day was going great for Cianciarulo as he earned the fastest qualifying time and scored second in his heat race. Off the start he was pushed far inside and was forced to go inside the tough blocks, pushing him to the back of the pack. While making moves forward on the opening lap, he got caught up in a crash that happened right in front of him and went down. He remounted in last place, giving him the whole race to make up time. Cianciarulo never gave up and pushed until the end to finish seventh.
“After the start and going over the tough block I was trying to not get too flustered but I was forced to regroup after going down on the first lap,” said Cianciarulo. “It’s mentally tough knowing you have the speed to at least run up front, but not being able to be there and battle with those guys. There is still a lot of racing left so we’ll get back at it this week and try and learn from the mistakes.”
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250SX Class Western Regional Main Event Results
1. Aaron Plessinger (Yamaha)
2. Joey Savatgy (Kawasaki)
3. Justin Hill (Suzuki)
4. Christian Craig (Honda)
5. Alex Martin (KTM)
6. Chase Sexton (Honda)
7. Adam Cianciarulo (Kawasaki)
8. Kyle Chisholm (Yamaha)
9. Mitchell Harrison (Yamaha)
10. Hayden Mellross (Yamaha)
250SX Class Western Region Points Standings
1. Aaron Plessinger, Yamaha, 118
2. Joey Savatgy, Kawasaki, 110
3. Shane McElrath, KTM, 99
4. Adam Cianciarulo, Kawasaki, 93
5. Christian Craig, Honda, 89
6. Chase Sexton, Honda, 86
7. Justin Hill, Suzuki, 79
8. Kyle Chisholm, Yamaha, 68
9. Mitchell Oldenburg, Yamaha, 58
10. Mitchell Harrison, Husqvarna, 58
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About Pro Circuit
Based in Corona, Calif., Pro Circuit Products, Inc. is a leader in off-road motorcycle and ATV exhausts and aftermarket performance parts. Started in 1978, Pro Circuit is the go to shop for recreational riders and professionals for everything from suspension work to complete engine packages and everything in between.
Created by former desert racer Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit proves its products and services week-in and week-out through its tagline “We Race.” Every product that dons the Pro Circuit stamp stems from the legendary Pro Circuit race team. A staple in the professional paddock, Pro Circuit Racing has earned 30 AMA championships and more than 250 race wins in more than 30 years of competition.