Moto XXX Motocross Round 3 Race Report: Southwick, Massachusetts
Motocross 338 in Southwick, Massachusetts has long been known as one of the most unique, physically demanding tracks on the circuit. The sandy turns and whooped out straights of MX338 welcomed riders and fans alike for the third round of the AMA Motocross Championship this past weekend. Uncharacteristically cool weather swept over southern Massachusetts and it wasn't until the start of the second motos that the sun finally broke through and warmed things up.
With the new practice/qualifying schedule in place, it is crucial to get out early in the sessions and immediately post some fast laps before the track begins to deteriorate. Unfortunately for Mitch Dougherty, the team's Lites pilot, he was unable to put together that one super-fast lap and missed the 40 rider cut by less than half a second. In the Motocross class, both team riders: Josh Summey and Kyle Lewis easily advanced to the Sunday program where Summey would head to the line 14th with Lewis in 27th.
Motocross class moto one would get off to an excellent start for the number 36 of Josh Summey as he rounded the sweeping first turn in 3rd place. Summey's start was his best thus far this season but would be short lived as he would fall victim to the sandy potholes less than one lap later. "I came over a rise in the back of the track sitting in 4th place. The next thing I know I'm on the ground, riders are falling all over the place, and I can't get to my bike." Commented Summey on his crash. Josh remounted and as the pack completed the first lap of the 30 minute plus 2 lap moto, Summey would be stuck all the way back in 37th place. His teammate, Kyle Lewis, fared a little better as "Lucky" was holding down the 21st position after a mid-pack start.
As the moto progressed, Summey continued to ride strong, slicing his way through the pack and making up valuable positions. As the half way mark came out, Summey had worked his way up to 24th while Lewis had advanced up to 18th. The laps began to tick off and as the other riders began to tire both XXX riders got stronger. When the checkered flag flew it was Lewis leading the way in 14th place with Summey right behind in 15th.
Moto two would not start off well as a group of riders went down in the first turn causing Summey to hit the sand. Fortunately, Lewis was able to get through the traffic unscathed and emerged in the 16th position. Summey completed lap one in 30th place and immediately put on a charge. After four laps, Summey had worked his way up to 24th but his luck would end there. Josh went down hard and by the time he got going again was over a lap down. After riding a couple of laps Summey headed back to the truck, disappointed. Out on the track, Kyle Lewis continued to put in consistent laps holding on to 16th place. Lewis would hold off charges by other riders and avoid mistakes on his way to 16th place in the moto. Good for 15th overall on the day. Summey would ultimately be credited with 39th for the moto and 20th overall.
The team and the series look ahead to next weekend and round four of the AMA Motocross Championship held at Budds Creek Motocross Park in Mechanicsville, Maryland. Budds Creek is not only home to round four of the AMA series but also the site of the Motocross des Nations later this year. Next Sunday is also Father's Day so bring Dad out for an exciting day of racing and we'll see you there!