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ROUND 2 / FEBRUARY 1-2, 2025 SHORTY'S SPORTS PARK / BLYTHE, CALIFORNIA OFF-ROAD I AMA NATIONAL GRAND PRIX CHAMPIONSHIP (NGPC) SERIES P74 the pit a wheel ahead. But on the brutal sandy lower section of the course, he couldn't really shake Mateo. "The rougher the track, I think I perform better," Mateo said. "The slower the track, I know I perform better. The slower and rougher the track, the more relaxed I think I can be. I almost get confidence coming in, knowing it's going to be a nasty track." SLR Honda's Lynn came into the race confident after his win here the week before at the WORCS opener on his Monster Energy/Lava Propane/Fly Racing CRF450RX. Third off the start is where he found himself the rest of the day. about time he was out here pres - suring me other than during the week. He rode awesome; hats off to him. It made it fun. I was telling the REVd [Productions video interviewer] it reminded me of when I was a new Pro and used to battle with Taylor Rob - ert. I knew with just how fast we were going that we were both going to get worn out sooner or later, so I tried to ride smart and stay smooth." After following Mateo for most of the first hour, Dante made the decisive pass when they pitted at the hour mark, with mechanic Bobby Dawson fueling Dante's bike just a hair quicker, allowing him to leave But that breakthrough victory will have to wait for another day, though Mateo did lead a substantial portion of round two's 90-minute, $8000 feature race and finished a scant four seconds short, while Slam Life Racing (SLR) Honda's Tyler Lynn claimed third after an afternoon riding alone. From the outset, the Oliveiras made the super-rough sand track of Shorty's Sports Park their own, with Dante getting the holeshot aboard his Red Bull/Motorex/ Alpinestars 450 XC-F, and Mateo a close second on his Dunlop/ Renthal/100% 450 XC-F. "It's cool to have a battle like that with Mateo," said Dante. "It's Defending Pro II champ Mason Semmens met his goal of riding strong throughout the 90 minutes to win the class and a laudable fourth overall.