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/872564
ROAD RACE ROUND 9 / SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2017 NEW JERSEY MOTORSPORTS PARK / MILLVILLE, NEW JERSEY P58 MOTOAMERICA hero and MotoAmerica CEO, Wayne Rainey. "He braked too late [and] I braked late too, and [I'm] sorry. I wanted to pass him, but not take him out," he said. "Today I felt I was able to ride more free, less pressure on my shoulders [with the title clinched]. It was nice to be able to win like this." Gagne equaled his season best result with fourth after besting Hayes and Herrin in sixth, but the biggest cheer was reserved for the likeable South African Mathew Scholtz, who crossed the line in seventh and first in class, 19.923 seconds behind Toni Elias as the new MotoAmerica Superstock 1000 Champion. He bested season-long rival Bobby Fong (Quicksilver Latus Championship that went to true privateer Kyle Wyman, who put in nothing short of a stellar ride to take a popular second place, the best of his MotoAmerica Su- perbike career. Wyman had held Hayden within sight for 23 laps and finished just 1.9 seconds behind the charging Elias, the New York native understandably ecstatic with his performance. "I don't want to say that I was surprised, because I know what I'm capable of, but it's kind of nice to be sitting there and feel- ing really good," Wyman said. "Today was my day, and now I know I can do it." Elias was apologetic for the pass on Hayden as he marched his way to his 10th MotoAmerica Superbike career victory that puts him equal with childhood lead from Hayden at turn one of the final lap in similar style to Marc Marquez and Danilo Petrucci in Elias' old hunting ground of MotoGP. Elias dropped back after hitting some wayward debris with his foot, losing concentra- tion and places as he gathered his composure and began his fight back. He steadily disposed of Herrin, Hayes, Gagne and Wyman, setting up a last-lap showdown with his teammate. In the end, Hayden was on the receiving end of a typical Elias hard pass and was forced off the track, keeping the factory Suzuki upright but surrendering a lead he'd held for the entire duration to that point. But there's always a silver lining, and for the MotoAmerica Anthony West (13) made another appearance for the ADR Fly Racing team, run by compatriot David Anthony. He took 10th overall in race two for his troubles.