Kawasaki have released their press release as to why Jorge Prado qualified a seemingly impossible 43rd at Budds Creek.
The team said: “In the 450 Class, Prado qualified 43rd after multiple bike changes in both qualifying sessions but was seeded into the 41st gate pick as the No. 70 sits in the Top 10 of the championship points standings.
At the start of Moto 1, Prado rocketed out from the far outside gate and was pushed wide but crossed the green flag in ninth. He quickly made key passes on the opening lap to move into fifth and climbed to fourth by the second lap. Prado battled to stay in the Top 5, but a few mistakes saw him fall back to sixth. Maintaining consistency around the halfway point, he slipped to seventh and ultimately finished 11th after fighting to stay in the Top 10.
In Moto 2, Prado once again showed his strong starting ability, launching into third off the gate. He was quickly pushed back to fifth but stayed competitive with the lead group. By the halfway mark, he had slipped to ninth and, despite consistent efforts, minor mistakes pushed him outside the Top 10, resulting in a 12th-place finish in the moto, but secured 10th overall on the day and sixth in the Pro Motocross championship.
In the press release Prado commented: “The Pro Motocross season has come to an end, and while it wasn’t the year I expected, I’m still thankful for the experience. Coming into the season, my goal was to battle for the championship, win races, and earn podiums, and even though things didn’t go as planned, I learned a lot along the way. It was a challenging season, but challenges make you stronger. Now I’m focused on taking those lessons, figuring things out with the team, and coming back ready to fight at the front again.”
But he was more forthcoming on social media: “P-6 Overall in the @promotocross standings. It was a very tough season to say the least. Cruising around every single race was heartbreaking for me, especially knowing my capabilities… Never felt comfortable on the bike, not even a bit! This builds to an unsafe feeling on it. Didn’t expect this year to go this way at all. Happy to be in one piece and fit. Hopefully we’re back where we belong soon 🫡 Note: With cruising I meant, that I couldn’t ride to my full potential , even tho I gave my 100% and had to set myself to ride on a safe speed.”
There were unsubstantiated rumours Kawasaki didn’t even bring the changes they found at Ironman to Budds Creek because they heard he was talking to KTM, there are also rumours Prado won’t be on a Kawasaki by SMX… although Steve Matthes heard he would, prior to Budds Creek.
Since that press release things have got worse with Kawasaki engine builder Dean replying to Prado on Instagram saying: “I call bullsh*t. I have never in my 35 years seen anyone give up like you! You are not a champion in my eyes! Thank you for nothing. And everyone on this team worked endlessly to help you and we did not give up like you. Sorry not sorry.“
Is it possible Prado could be at the MXoN on orange?! Let’s see, Spain have still to name their team as they wait to hear Prado’s decision on if he is going or not. Farres, Fernandez and an on-form Prado would be a very strong team!
