News   Contact Me   Supermoto Girl   Photo Galleries   Events Calendar   Shopping Cart   Retail Store   2008 AMA Schedule   2008 FIM Schedule


 

ESPN X Games 14 – Carson, CA

 

It was an honor for both Benny Carlson, and Darryl Atkins to have received invitations to participate in the ESPN Summer X Games. The prestigious event is one of our most anticipated races of the season, and we were glad to have Italian World Supermoto Championship contender Ivan Lazzarini join aprilia for the event. However due to energy drink sponsor conflicts Lazzarini had his own equipment and team set up but promoted some of the teams sponsors which did not conflict.

Friday was practice and qualifying. To our disappointment, Darryl Atkins was forced to withdraw after his fractured wrist was re injured during practice. The X Games format this season had changed from the previous endurance style pit stop agenda, to a supercross elimination format. It consisted of 2 heats with 5 riders transferring, and a last chance qualifier with 2 riders transferring, making a 12 rider final. This epic demo derby style event was exciting for spectators, and somewhat of a misfortune for riders.

 

 

Heat 1: (Benny Carlson’s Heat)
 
Position 6th
 
*After a 3rd place start, Benny was well on his way to transfer to the final, however he left the door a little bit open in the dirt section which allowed for some aggressive block passing from his competitors - ultimately pushing him back to 6th position – 1 spot away from qualification.
 
Heat 2: (Ivan Lazzarini’s Heat)
 
Position 4th
 
*Ivan was pushed wide in the 1st corner, and started in last position. He rode an amazing 6 lap race, showing his world class skills, finishing 4th and transferring him to the final.
 
Last Chance Qualifier:
 
Benny got a good start, and unfortunately got pushed out in the 1st corner. This forced him to take some risks in order to get himself into a qualifying position, however,  he went down after getting tangled up with another rider. This ruined his chances of securing a qualifying position.
 
Final:
 
Ivan Lazzarini -5th
 
While Ivan was fighting for a metal position, he was involved in a tie up with another rider in the dirt. All in all we are extremely appreciative of his great effort, and are pleased with his outstanding result. Commented Darryl Atkins.

 
 
“It was a fun and exciting race, and I found the American supermoto riders to be absolutely crazy! Even though I missed my goal of getting a medal, I was extremely happy to finish 5th in this unique, but very special event.” Commented the Italian after the race.

 
 
Benny added: “It was frustrating for me not to make the final, which got me fired up and disappointed. I know I have the speed to run with these top guys, and look forward to Connecticut this coming weekend to make a come back.”
 

Our next event will be AMA Supermoto round 2 in Hartford Connecticut. The team wishes to thank you for all of your support you’ve so generously offered to make this effort a great success! We’d also like to extend a special thanks to our hard working crew that made the weekend the games run especially smooth. These outstanding individuals include: Amauri Nunes, Chuck McCarty, John Weiss, Steve Mora, Robert from RC racing and Mike Thompson RV for their great support and Motorhomes supplied.


 

 
Factory Aprilia Rip-it Racing
Ph: + 1 310 3475455