The Quad Lock Honda team continued its impressive rise at Round 2 of the World SuperMotocross Championship, with Joey Savatgy charging to a superb fifth place aboard the CRF450RWE , a credible and encouraging step forward for the privateer-backed Honda effort as it pushed and beat a string of factory teams and riders.
The result underlines the capability of both the team and the Honda CRF450RWE platform, with Quad Lock Honda proving once again that commitment, belief and hard work can deliver world-class performance on the sport’s biggest stage.
Team Principal Martin Davalos praised the collective effort and unity behind the result:
“This result means a lot to our whole group. The riders, staff and sponsors believe in what we are building and in our capabilities, and this fifth place is rewarding for every single one of them. I am so happy for everyone involved, especially Joey.”
Savatgy was equally upbeat after delivering another career highlight:
“The heat race was good and the speed was there, but in the final we executed well. My goal coming in was to race with the front runners, whether that was eighth, third or better, I just wanted to be in the fight. After last weekend this is a big relief for me, our sponsors and the team. Everyone is working incredibly hard and this is a great reward for that selfless effort.”
Savatgy spent more than half of the main event inside the top four and ultimately crossed the line fifth, less than two seconds from fourth place.
“It’s a long series and I wasn’t taking unnecessary risks. We need to be able to do this for the full 20 minutes and I’m taking all the positives from the race. Chase was riding well and I’m proud to finish fifth and fight again next weekend.”
Christian Craig and Shane McElrath both qualified directly from their respective heat races but endured challenging main events.
Team Director Yarrive Konsky remained optimistic about the team’s trajectory:
“Joey was outstanding, and while Shane and Christian struggled in the main, we are frustrated because we know there is so much more potential there. At the same time, we are very positive, what we have seen during the week shows that our ceiling is far higher than what we showed on race day. We will work together as a team to find solutions. Both riders have incredible talent.”
Craig finished 15th and McElrath 18th, both determined to rebound:
“That wasn’t good enough for me. I expect more. Over 24 laps I lost touch with the lead group by too much, but I know I am better than that. I just need to keep building and keep improving,” said Craig.
“It’s simply not good enough. I qualified 12th and didn’t turn that into the race pace we know we have. We’ve already debriefed and I need to get to work, we can’t have these types of races,” said McElrath.
After two rounds, Savatgy sits equal ninth in the championship standings, with Craig 12th and McElrath 17th.
The World SuperMotocross Championship continues this weekend in Anaheim, as Quad Lock Honda looks to build on its momentum.
