The track in Charlotte was one of a kind. Huge ruts, huge jumps and a huge rhythm section left riders just happy they left healthy after seeing the crashes for the likea of a lucky Seth Hammaker and a not so lucky, Julien Beaumer who suffered a burst vertebrae and needed surgery that night.
Difficult tracks are great and the riders had to think a lot and be precise in Charlotte but the consequences of a small mistake were huge, maybe it was just too much.
Chase Sexton commented: “Round one of the Playoffs here in Charlotte was a good day. I qualified first, then finished second in Moto 1 after getting a really good start – I just went too wide and had to come back from fifth or so. I had a good flow, even if the track was really sketchy today, so I’m happy to be leaving healthy. We go into the next race nine points down, and we have double and triple points upcoming. It’s time to shine and have some good upcoming weekends.”
While Hunter Lawrence commented: “I’m happy to be safe, first and foremost; there were a lot of guys unfortunately having big crashes, so I’m happy to be safe and in one piece. Top five, salvaged points, made points up on guys ahead of me. I’m ready for St. Louis.”
While Ken Roczen commented: “Rd 1 of SMX is done. Really not much to talk about. 6th in the first main. Simply need and want to be better. I m going to take it for what it is and just keep working to be better each weekend. Track was really challenging and sketchy. We are healthy and ready to continue working on being more up front.”
Let’s see how the St. Louis track shapes up this weekend, at least it has a roof so the second motos won’t be cancelled due to thunderstorm and lightening!
