MCR: Hangtown Race Report
Spokane, WA - - MotoConcepts Racing, funded by MotoConcepts owner Mike Genova, captured its first-ever AMA 450cc National podium at the series opener at Hangtown. Mike Alessi, on his MCR450, one of the most consistent riders this past year in Supercross, showed everyone why he’s considered one of the favorites for the title finishing a solid 3rd overall.
For the past several years, MotoConcepts Racing as taken the “Give back to the Sport” tagline to new heights, supporting numerous racers in their efforts to race at the highest level. Without factory support, MotoConcepts Racing continued their efforts at Hangtown with another team racing all classes including Marina Balbi, #11 (WMX), Jake Canada, #57 (Lites), Vince Freise, #59 (450), and Mike Alessi, #800 (450).
A perfect day of weather was welcomed by race fans that packed the hills of Hangtown, located on the outskirts of Sacramento, CA, for the first round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. On the tough, rutted hillside track MotoConcepts riders displayed the best overall performance of all non-factory backed teams. Despite crashing early in the second moto, Marina Balbi finished the day 7th while Jake Canada (MCR250) finished inside the top 10 in Moto 1 to earn a hard-fought 11th overall. Vince Freise, racing the MCR450, put in great rides, including a near moto-long battle with Factory Honda rider Justin Brayton to finish an impressive 16th overall.
The highlight of the weekend, and a sign of things to come, was Mike Alessi’s performance handing MotoConcepts Racing is first overall podium. A hard fought battle in the first moto was quickly upstaged in the second moto when Alessi took his MCR450 into the lead with a monster holeshot. Knowing his position in the first moto would not earn him the overall win against James Stewart and Ryan Dungy, Mike rode a fast, yet smart and safe, for the nearly 40 minute second moto to stand atop the podium at the series opener.
MotoConcepts thanks the dedication of the Alessi family, the support from sponsors JT, We All Ride, Silkolene, and MB1 and the determination of all racers for making a dream come true with a podium finish for this non-factory supported effort. However, now that one goal has been accomplished, the next goal is a win. See you at Freestone!
MOTOCONCEPTS:
Building on decades of experience, MotoConcepts brings American (Spokane, WA) manufactured premium-quality products to those who are as passionate about riding as our employees. MotoConcepts principals include extensive support for the sport, charitable organization donations, and using 100% recycled material exemplifying core American business values.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
MotoConcepts welcomes involvement with endemic and non-endemic sponsorship opportunities. To be part of this highly visible team, with either title or associate sponsorships, please contact pushmrktg@gmail.com
