Goerke Celebrates First AMA Pro Podium

Star Racing/Lucas Oils Matt Goerke made his first Pro podium finish in the second moto of the Lites Class at round 9 of the AMA Toyota Motocross National Championship series in Millville, Minnesota. 

The Florida resident, in just his second season as a pro, came from well down in the field to charge all the way to third at the checkers, passing factory-supported riders Troy Adams, Ryan Villopoto, Josh Grant, and factory Honda’s Andrew Short along the way.  After Mike Alessi was docked 10 seconds for an off-track excursion, Goerke was moved up to second in the moto, earning his career-best finish. 

After getting oh-so close to reaching the podium at both Southwick and Washougal this season, Matt finally got the breakout performance he’s been working towards, and is looking to build on the momentum from his stellar ride for the last three rounds of the series.  “My team has been working really hard on building me the best possible bike from the resources they have, and it’s great to finally get on the podium for them.  I’ve been in the top ten for most of the series, and I’ve always known I belonged at the front of the pack.  Now it’s on to my next goal – to get an overall podium, and then to start winning.  I know I can do it.”  Said Goerke of his finish at Millville – the sight of the first top-four moto finish of his career, which came last year in the Motocross Class on a nearly stock 450. 

Goerke’s 10-2 effort netted him 5th overall on the day – matching his career best overall finish from the previous round at Washougal – and he currently lies 8th in Lites Class points heading into round 10 at Binghampton, NY.  Goerke remains unsigned for the ’07 season, and his recent finishes have put him on the radar for landing a spot on a top team next year.