Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1527275
Oliveira Retakes WHS Points Lead H aving broken his collarbone at the AMA Pro Motocross National at Washougal after a run-in with another rider, one might think FMF KTM Fac- tory Off-Road Team star Dante Oliveira would consider Washou- gal Motocross Park somewhat bad luck. Instead, the defending champ in the AMA West Hare Scrambles (WHS) Regional Championship Series, presented by MojoMotoSport, looked at the Mt. Scott Motorcycle Club's Dick Jagow Memorial Hare Scramble as a chance for redemption. In his first race back from that injury—having missed round four of the series three weeks ago— Oliveira returned to his winning ways aboard his Red Bull/ Mo - torex/ Alpinestars-backed 350 XC-F, besting round-four winner Giacomo Redondi by 17 seconds after nearly three hours. Mateo Oliveira took third. Having started the race tied in series points with Redondi, Dante Oliveira now has a five- point cushion over the 3Bros/ Hatch Racing GasGas-mounted Italian, 120-115, though Pro/AA points show a slim one-point advantage, 120-119. Though Redondi got the hole - shot, Dante Oliveira got a better drive up Horsepower Hill and led until he had to pit. Redondi then led for a couple of laps, but Dante Oliveira got him back. "That was a little close with one lap to go, or whatever it was," Dante Oliveira said. "But I put the hammer down, and I was just able to maintain to the end. I didn't even notice the collarbone out there at all. I felt good, but I tell you what, the hands are going to be destroyed after tomorrow!" Oliveira and his brother, Mateo, along with Redondi and Pro Wom - en winner Ava Silvestri all caught flights to Southern California to race the next day's AMA National Grand Prix Championship round. Redondi said, "From lap two, lappers were playing a big part. I know the lappers were a problem for everybody, but it's where you catch the lapper." WIND IN THE P44 Having missed round four due to injury, Dante Oliveira picked up where he left off and claimed the win at Washougal West Hare Scrambles. PHOTOS: MARK KARIYA