MotoConcepts Racing: Hangtown Report

SPOKANE, WA (May 18, 2013) – The opening round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, stationed at the legendary Hangtown MX Park, brought a great deal of excitement for team MotoConcepts by Smartop Racing. Returning with the team is the Holeshot King Mike Alessi (#800/450), Jake Canada (#23/250), and a supported women’s rider Mariana Balbi. 2013 brings some of the fiercest competition yet in both the 450 and 250 classes; however, Race Director, Tony Alessi, is confident the MCR bikes and riders are ready for the challenge.

The day started out with the 450 power roaring off the line in the first Moto of the day. An uncharacteristic 5th place start placed Mike Alessi in the mix with other riders like Canard, Short, and Barcia. The fast pace in the front of the pack pushed Alessi back into 9thplace. He continued to fight strong for any position he could grab, battling among M. Stewart and Wilson. Unfortunately, near the end of the 30 minute Moto, Alessi collided with a lapped rider and lost 4 positions placing him in 13th but would cross the finish line in 12th.

Determined for a better outcome, Alessi lined up for the 2nd Moto of the day. Coming out of the gate, Alessi held onto 3rd and this time stayed with the front of the pack battling with J. Stewart and Dungey for several laps. Alessi remained  inside the top 5 for a large majority of the race, putting forth a strong and valiant effort. A small mistake set him back to 6th near one of the last laps of the race, where he would soon cross the finish line in. 8th overall for the day was what Alessi would claim for the first round of the Motocross season.

Jake Canada lined up for his first 250 Moto of the 2013 season. Grabbing a 13th place start, Canada stuck with the pack of clustered riders up to the top of the horsepower hill. In an effort to pass several riders, he squeezed his way into the inside line but the tight parameters caused him to lose his position. Now sitting in 22nd, Canada pushed hard to make up some positions he had lost. He would battle with several riders throughout the race and with an empowered drive he finished the Moto in 16th.

In the 2nd 250 Moto, Canada pushed his way through the rest of the pack in the first corner and came out in 9th place. Unfortunately, another early crash hindered his ability to stay in the top 10 and fell back into 35th. Once again Canada kept charging, picking away at several riders one by one each lap. An outstanding endeavor by Canada placed him all the way up 18 positions into 17th place. Overall, Canada left Hangtown 18th in points. Mariana Balbi ended the day 7th overall in points by obtaining 7th in both Moto’s.

We wish to thank our sponsors including Smartop, JT Racing, FMF, Silkolene, Ohlins Suspension, MotoGraphics, EverRev, Moto Tassinari, Pro Taper, Shoei, Alpinestars, NorthWest Steel Fab, Boyesen, Dunlop, UFO, CV4, Leo Vince Carbon Products, Peg Armor, VP Fuels, Guts, KSR Wheels, DT1, MotoOptics, Works Connection, All Balls, Galfer, Supersprox, Excel, Hinson, and Victorville MC Center.