Triumph Racing Narrowly Misses Budds Creek Podium
Triumph Racing rode a wave of momentum into Budds Creek, Maryland, for the penultimate round of the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, thanks to a historic podium at the previous event. The popular track was another welcome chapter in the TF 250-X's maiden trip through the SuperMotocross World Championship season.
Jalek Swoll, hot off of his podium appearance, underlined his potential to collect consistent silverware, as he missed a top-three position by the narrowest of margins. A sixth in moto one was a solid start – he had to push from outside of the top 10 to reach that position in what was an impressive effort. Much like last week, it was the second moto where he shined. The '33' launched off the start line aboard his TF 250-X and held third for much of the stint before dropping to fourth in the closing stages. A 6-4 scorecard was enough for fifth in the 250MX overall classification. Swoll enters the final fixture with a realistic shot at sixth in the final championship standings.
A fifth place in moto one was a better indication of the speed that Joey Savatgy possesses, but a challenging start in moto two made it was difficult to repeat that score. The '17' finished lap one outside of the top 20 and entered 'salvage mode' as he stormed up the scoreboard. Unfortunately, he failed to reach the chequered flag and so he had to rely on his 17 points from moto one to slot into 14th overall. Savatgy continues to hold 12th in the 250MX championship standings.
The 2024 AMA Pro Motocross season will conclude at Ironman Raceway, near Indianapolis, next weekend. The SuperMotocross World Championship playoffs will be prioritised after that – the first is set to be run at Charlotte Motor Speedway on September 7.
Jalek Swoll: "I just wish that I could have had a better start in moto one! It was a decent day all around though. A few mistakes stopped me from being on the box in the second moto, but we have been closing the gap to the front. We are getting closer and closer! We will keep fighting for that last little bit. I am proud of today."
Bobby Hewitt – Triumph Racing USA Team Principal: "Budds Creek has been such a positive weekend! Both riders did a superb job. Jalek really showcased the steps that he has taken on the TF 250-X. It is just a shame that he missed out on the overall podium! Joey finished fifth in moto one, which is where he should be each week. We just need two consistent motos out of him. I'm looking forward to the motocross finale next week!"
Results: Pro Motocross 250MX – Round 10, Budds Creek Motocross Park (Mechanicsville)
1. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) 3-1
2. Tom Vialle (KTM) 2-3
3. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 1-10
4. Chance Hymas (Honda) 8-2
5. Jalek Swoll (Triumph) 6-4
14. Joey Savatgy (Triumph) 5-37
250MX Standings after 10 of 11 rounds
1. Haiden Deegan (Yamaha) 445 points
2. Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki) 383 points
3. Tom Vialle (KTM) 369 points
4. Chance Hymas (Honda) 311 points
5. Jo Shimoda (Honda) 289 points
8. Jalek Swoll (Triumph) 255 points
12. Joey Savatgy (Triumph) 179 points
