Ferrandis Secures 450MX Championship Runner-Up Finish
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis scores a hard-fought podium finish in Moto 1 at Ironman Raceway and ends the 2023 Pro Motocross season second overall in the 450MX Championship / Aug 27, 2023 /
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis returned to the podium yesterday at the Ironman National and secured a runner-up finish in the 2023 Pro Motocross 450MX Championship. The Frenchman battled back through the field to finish third in the first moto but unfortunately was unable to finish the second moto after an early crash, ending the day 11th overall. Fill-in rider Jay Wilson was hoping to race yesterday’s season finale at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana, but ultimately withdrew from the event with an ankle injury.
Despite still not feeling 100% from his illness last week, Ferrandis had a strong qualifying effort in third. He didn’t get off the gate as he had hoped in the first moto and was around mid-pack, but he quickly charged his way back to ninth on the opening lap. The Frenchman kept pushing and had a strong pace in the punishing hot and humid conditions, battling his way to third a few laps after the halfway point, where he would finish. Ferrandis grabbed the holeshot in the second moto, but unfortunately crashed in the third turn and withdrew from the race. He ultimately ended the day 11th overall and finished the year runner-up in the Pro Motocross premier class championship. It was a strong season for the 2021 450MX Champion, who notched 16 podiums and earned enough points at the season finale to break into the top five of the SuperMotocross World Championship combined points standings despite being sidelined most of the supercross season with an injury.
After twisting his ankle in a crash at the previous round at the Budds Creek MX Park, Wilson was hoping to race the season finale to complete his three-round tenure as a fill-in rider with the team. He rode the first session but ultimately withdrew to focus on returning to full fitness. The Australian enjoyed his time testing with the team and making his debut in the Pro Motocross Championship. Wilson now returns back home to Japan to resume his duties as a development rider for Yamaha Motor Company and to continue his title campaign aboard the YZ450F in the All-Japan Motocross Championship.
Next up for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team is the first SuperMotocross Playoff race and Round 29 of the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship at the zMax Dragway at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, on September 9.
Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager“Dylan faced a challenging start to the day with a crash in practice but made an impressive comeback, qualifying third. Jay was battling an ankle injury and unfortunately had to sit this one out, especially with his commitments in Japan. While Dylan’s initial moto saw a rocky start, his determination led him back to third. In the season’s final race, he was off to a promising start but had an unfortunate crash in the third corner, ending his race. Our focus now shifts to preparing for the playoff rounds, and we look to come out swinging.”
Dylan Ferrandis – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing“I was still not feeling my best after my illness from last week, but we gave everything we had, and I felt good on the bike, which is most important. In the first moto, I was struggling a bit physically, but a bad start didn’t help. I had to pass many good riders and come back through the field, so third was the best I could do in that moto. In the second one, we got a great start but had a big crash and unfortunately didn’t finish. I’m pretty sore, but fortunately, I’m okay. We’ll rest up and keep working to get back on top in these new SMX races.”
Jay Wilson – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing“I twisted my ankle in Moto 2 at Budds Creek. I was hoping to ride today, but after practice, we realized it wasn’t possible to ride at the level I needed to. It was a difficult decision to sit out today, but I have to focus on the big picture. I have other jobs I have to stay healthy for. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had here with the team, and I’m excited to continue working together in the future.”
2023 Pro Motocross 450MX Ironman National Resultshttp://www.americanmotocrossresults.com/xml/MX/events/M2355/M1F2PRESS.pdf
2023 Pro Motocross 450MX Championship Standingshttp://www.americanmotocrossresults.com/xml/MX/events/M2355/M1F2POINTSPOSITION.pdf
2023 SuperMotocross World Championship 450SMX Combined Pointshttp://www.americanmotocrossresults.com/xml/MX/events/M2355/X1F2SMXPOINTS.pdf
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