Minneapolis, MN (February 18, 2017)
– Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Jordon Smith and Alex Martin made their team and season debut inside the new U.S. Bank stadium for the opening round of the Eastern Regional 250 SX Championship on Saturday night. Smith scored his first podium since San Diego in 2016 and was just 1.4 seconds behind the winner. Martin wasn’t as lucky as his teammate and after going down in the first turn, went down a second time, which forced him to retire from the race early.
Smith had a rough start to the day, but made improvements throughout the day and came away with an awesome holeshot in the main event. He led nine laps before being overtaken, but remained close and was just over a second behind when the checkered flag waved.
“The first day was a bit of a rollercoaster but we came away with a podium and it’s a great way to start,” said Smith. “We want to learn something every time we’re on the track and I think we did that this weekend.”
Martin started the day with a solid ride in timed practice, and almost qualified after coming through the pack in the heat race. He made it to the main event through the Last Chance Qualifier. After a great jump at the start of the main event, he was involved in a first turn crash. He was able to remount but while pushing through the pack when down and was unable to rejoin the race.
The KTM Junior Supercross Challenge riders were decked out in the
Youth GP Quest gear and gave the crowd a fun race to watch. Malikhi Lowery ran away with the race and claimed the win, while Cash Petersen made the pass for second, overtaking Parker Dwyer who claimed the final podium spot.
The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM team heads to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta for the second round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Championship next Saturday, February 25th.
Smith and Martin were wearing the
SE Corse Orange Racewear, which was complemented by the
SE4 Factory Orange Helmet. See all of the
2017 gear sets and the
2017 Moto Helmets online and at your
local TLD retailer.
Photo Credit: Jeff Kardas
250SX Class Main Event Results
- Joey Savatgy (Kawasaki)
- Jordon Smith (KTM)
- Zach Osborne (Husqvarna)
- RJ Hampshire (Honda)
- Adam Cianciarulo (Kawasaki)
- Dylan Ferrandis (Yamaha)
- Anthony Rodriguez (Yamaha)
- Luke Renzland (Yamaha)
- Kyle Peters (Suzuki)
- Colt Nichols (Yamaha)
22. Alex Martin (KTM)
KTM Junior Supercross Challenge Results
- Malikhi Lowery
- Cash Petersen
- Parker Dwyer
- Cailyn Hoyer
- Cole Hammond
- Scott Swenson
- Kahler Omann
- Brotton Kinney
- Brody Thyssen
- Tanner Wells
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