Supermoto Unlimited Utah Recap - Carlson Wins
AMA Proracing Press
By Chris Martin
Defending AMA PPG Supermoto Unlimited champ Ben Carlson continued the dominating form he’s displayed ever since bringing the #1 plate over to the Factory Aprilia Rip It Energy Racing squad at Miller Motorsports Park on Saturday, claiming his third consecutive victory in as many rounds this season.
The Wisconsin-native once again powered away from pole to a wire-to-wire victory aboard his twin-cylinder RXV500, riding an inch-perfect race throughout the 8-lap affair. His former KTM team boss Kurt Nicoll worked hard to keep Carlson honest and did an impressive job of doing so, only falling off the chase for the win in the contest’s late stages.
Afterwards, an excited Carlson said, “Three in a row, we’ve had a good run. Knock on wood, hopefully everything keeps going this way this season. It was hot out there, it just takes your breath away from you a little bit but we gave it 110% in that race. The whole crew has been great. We’ve been working really hard and it’s what you get.”
Former World MX star Nicoll remarked, “I did as best as I could. I really thought I could push Benny and I pushed him as hard as I could being he beat me out of the start. I managed to keep pace with him but I couldn’t catch him. I tried as hard as I could.
“I’ve had two seconds in a row; I want to turn that into a first place. This track is pretty wide and the asphalt is quite difficult for me. I think I’ll like it better in Detroit so we’ll give it a go there.”
BP Racing’s Josh Chisum stormed by factory KTM runner Brian Capper to take over third with just over two laps remaining and carried onto score his second podium finish of the season.
The privateer commented, “This is awesome. I don’t know what to say, I’m not really used to all this, but I like it. The track was awesome. It got a little slick towards the end. I was just charging as hard as I could and I got a little tired towards the end, but I just had a lot of fun.”
Husaberg’s Robert Loire finished behind South African Capper in fifth, followed by Aprilia team manager Darryl Atkins.
Husqvarna-mounted Gary Trachy took seventh, with Rockstar’s Travis Marks, Stocks X-Factor Racing’s Cole Walsdorf, and Barton Racing’s Graham Gustin rounding out the top ten.
Carlson’s three-for-three start to the season sees the reigning class king firmly out in the front, leading the title hunt 75-55 over Chisum.
