Moto XXX Tamer Motocross Round 1 Race Report
San Bernardino, CA. 05/26/08 - The first round of the AMA Motocross Championship kicked off this past weekend at Glen Helen raceway in San Bernardino, California. The riders took to the California hillside under uncharacteristically gray skies and cool temperatures with hopes of getting their season off on the right foot.
Leading the way for the Hooters/Moto XXX team was Brazilian Antonio Balbi Jr. who notched the 11th fastest qualifying time. Balbi’s teammate, New Yorker Mitch Dougherty, struggled on the long Glen Helen track and failed to qualify for the motos.
In the first Motocross class moto of the year Antonio held his Honda 450 wide-open going down the long start straight and emerged inside the top 10. But as the pack headed up the first of many hills, contact was made between Balbi and Steve Boniface causing Balbi to hit the dirt. He remounted in 20th position and began charging through the pack picking off riders. Just passed the half way point in the race Antonio had moved into 13th place just behind Cody Cooper. Then, with a few laps remaining Balbi made the pass on Cooper for the 12th position where he would finish.
“I felt good, I rode a very smart race and it is a good start to the season.” Commented Balbi after the first moto.
In the second Motocross class moto Antonio again got a strong start as he sat just outside of the top 10. By the third lap of the race Balbi had moved into ninth place and was riding really well. He put together fast and consistent laps and held down the ninth spot until making a mistake on the 13th lap and hitting the dirt. Balbi was able to get going again while only losing two positions and finishing in 11th place.
At the end of the day Antonio’s 12-11 moto finishes would be good enough for 11th overall in the highly competitive Motocross class.
Next weekend the series heads north to Sacramento, California for the Hangtown Motocross Classic where both Hooters/Moto XXX team riders look to post solid finishes. See you there!
Moto XXX Tamer Racing is proudly supported by:
Hooters, Cumberland, Moto XXX, Tamer Racing, Perfex Corp, Akrapovic Exhaust, American Honda Motor Co., Race Tech Suspension, Pirelli Tires, Wiseco, Sidi Boots, O’Neal MX, Motion Pro, Ti Lube, Moto XXX Performance, Honda Genuine Parts, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals, Enjoy Graphics, Deluge Sport, Vortex Sprockets and Bars, JD Jetting, Excel A60 Wheel Sets, RK Chains, Tamer Billet Starting Devices, VP Fuels, Mock Racing, ARC Levers, Honda Rider’s Club of America, Cometic Gaskets, Metaltek, Crower Power, Group D Pit Wear, Interlakes Sport Center, KG Clutch Factory, SDG USA, Polisport Plastics, Ogio, Ready Filter, Vortex Ignitions, Scott USA, Carbon Fiber Works, Bud Racing, Clutch Wipes Hand Cleaner.
For more information or to contact Moto XXX please visit www.motoxxx.com or call (951) 359-6999, Tamer Motorsports www.tamerracing.com or call (402) 438-0088.
