Antonio Balbi Learning The SX Ropes
Brazilian sensation Antonio Balbi is quickly learning the ins and outs of Supercross.
MURRIETA, Calif., (Jan. 23, 2007) – Maley Motorsports team rider Antonio Balbi is proving that he has what it takes to learn the ropes in supercross. Over the weekend at the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross held at Anaheim, Balbi was fighting for a shot at the main out of his heat race. After battling during the heat with Nate Ramsey the two came together in the last timing section before the finish knocking Antonio’s bike into neutral in the air which resulted in a crash less than 40 feet from the finish line. Balbi remounted to finish the heat in 12th position and get sent to the LCQ.
The LCQ started with some controversy, when the gate dropped 5 riders were left stuck on the line. With no red flag Antonio was forced to play catch up through a very tough field of riders. Racing from almost last place Antonio made his way up to 10th after a last lap banzai pass on fellow privateer Ted Campbell.
The week prior to Anaheim 2 Balbi transferred straight to the main out of his heat race after finishing 8th. It was an incredible ride considering a couple short months ago Balbi was at a loss about how to ride supercross. After many days coaching and technique work with his riding coach Antonio has turned it all around and is a genuine threat to start making mains at every event.
“I am really disappointed after A2 because I felt great and had a transfer spot until Ramsey and I came together,” said Balbi “I’m just focusing on next week now.”
Balbi continues to amaze the critics that had him pegged as a “outdoors only” rider and after only 3 rounds he is well ahead of where many thought he would be. Faced with a lack of practice tracks, money and equipment Balbi looks set to have a break out season both indoors and out in 2007.
Antonio’s sponsors include Maley Motorsports, Riffel, DRD, John Burr Cycles, Fox, MB1, cti2, All Service Cleaning, Dunlop, Smith.
