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/1543816
Havasu WORCS: DeMartile Tops Island Invasion GP T he Island Invasion GP at Lake Havasu once again proved why it stands as one of the most-anticipated and best- attended stops on the WORCS Racing Series calendar. With more than 1350 entries spread across the March 7-8 weekend, the pits were packed, and the energy was unmistakable as racers and fans alike descended on the shoreline for a round that has become one of the champi- onship's crown jewels. When the gate dropped for the Pro 450 class on Sunday, it was Tyler Lynn who wasted no time asserting himself at the front of the pack. Lynn grabbed the holeshot and immediately began pushing the pace, laying down a scorching 5:11.501 lap, which would stand as the fastest lap of the entire weekend across the pro divisions. Still recover- ing from a wrist injury sustained earlier in the season in Blythe, Lynn knew he was walking a fine line between pushing for a win and protecting his health for the remainder of the championship. As the race wore on and the rough Havasu terrain continued to punish riders, he managed his pace and brought the bike home in fourth place, salvaging valuable championship points. The speed he showed early on made it clear that once he's fully healed, he'll be right back in the fight, and he's already looking ahead to make a statement at the next round in Reno. Up front, the race eventually belonged to Beta's Dare DeMar- tile, who once again demonstrat- ed the kind of composure and consistency that wins champion- ships. DeMartile kept himself in contention early with steady laps in the low 5:20 range, avoiding mistakes while others began to feel the effects of the deteriorat- ing course. As riders ahead fal- tered or struggled with the brutal terrain, DeMartile capitalized, moving into the lead and eventu- ally stretching the gap, taking his first win of the season. Close behind was KTM rider Mason Semmens, who deliv- ered an impressive ride to finish second. Semmens stayed within striking distance throughout much of the race, matching the leaders' pace and maintain- ing consistent laps as the ruts deepened and the sand sections became increasingly unforgiving. The final podium position went to Yamaha rider Justin Hoeft. Hoeft avoided major issues and WIND IN THE P54 Beta's Dare DeMartile (1) scored a big win in Pro 450 at the Lake Havasu round of the WORCS Championship, closing to within just four points of leader Mason Semmens. PHOTOS: CONNOR MOORE