Nicole’s Corner - Round 2 - Englishtown
USA’s Garden State of New Jersey became part of Supermoto history this weekend by hosting its very first AMA National round. As the second event of the AMA Supermoto calender, the organizers had their hands full attempting to surpass the already high expectations that were set two weeks prior in St. Louis.
This road racing circuit’s sweeping tar corners were followed by two hard pack rhythm sections, which included large step-on, step-off jumps and wide birms that left the riders spoilt for choice when it came to picking lines. Just thirty miles out of New York, this track promised record entries and masses of spectators – both of which streamed in over the course of the weekend.
The Amateur Races were held on Saturday. Hundreds of riders came from across the country to test their skill against the local amateur favourites, and to rub shoulders with superstars like Jeff Ward in pit lane. The action-packed heat races were followed up with the Official Promoter Practice sessions that gave Pro riders a chance to get to know the track.
On Sunday, the action began with two timed practice sessions which determined grid positions for the qualifying heats. Team HMC KTM started off in a promising fashion, with Brian Capper, Kurt Nicoll, Troy Herfoss and John Lewis all posting top six lap times. As these times were only separated by milliseconds, it was sure to be a nail-biting day’s racing.
Capper’s incredible pace placed him in third position for his heat race. Unfortunately, Brian’s luck for the day ended on the start line. The South African star had been warned of a previously faulty lighting system, and being prepared for the jump of the start lights from three green lights to one, he was caught off-guard when it did not malfunction. So instead of waiting for the last light, he took off one light too early, earning himself a frustrating stop-go penalty and dashing his hopes of pole position for the main. This mistake saw HMC KTM’s newest Unlimited class rider starting ninth, back on the third row of the grid. Capper readied himself for a tough fight, knowing full well of the challenge that lay ahead.
The task of passing seasoned riders was not made any easier, as the heavens opened half way through the final, turning the rough black asphalt into a slippery surface spotted with dry patches famous for high-siding even the most experienced motorcyclist. Brian began working his way up the field, but was thwarted by a muddy rut in the dirt where the front end washed out beneath him. He got back up and fought his way to ninth position by the end of the race. Capper’s ‘bad day at the office’ was bitterly disappointing as he was hoping for his first podium finish in Englishtown. He did however bring home valuable championship points, which put him into 5th position in the title standings, only 5 points shy of second place. Now determined and more motivated than ever, Brian has his sights firmly set on success at the next race in Utah.
I look forward to rectifying my mistakes and redeeming myself at the next round, I am disappointed with my result, but in the same breath I need to remember that its all part of racing. I have learned to take the good with the bad, and after many years of successful racing, I’m still learning.
- Brian Capper
South African Brian Capper put a third factory KTM in the top ten, finishing ninth in the 12-lap affair. He was joined by Rockstar-backed Travis Marks (fifth), BP Racing’s Josh Chisum (sixth), AJAX KTM’s Monte Frank (tenth), in helping KTM secure over half of the Unlimited race’s top ten finishing positions.
- KTMpress.com
The team was still in high spirits however, as all three of the other riders mounted the podium. Although the coveted first place finish eluded them in both the premier and unlimited classes, they still managed a second and two thirds – a result envied by all teams.
Veteran racer and the face of KTM North America, Kurt Nicoll, took the rest of the field by storm when he logged the fastest lap time of the day, and made a charge for the leader Benny Carlson late into the main event. This was his first race of the 2007 season, and his second place finish showed that experience can still triumph youth. 17 year old local favourite John Lewis was keen to use his knowledge of the track to his advantage, and that he did, finishing on the back wheel of Nicoll and rounding off the podium for KTM.
Troy Herfoss brought his 450 SXF across the line in third place, after chasing the winner Mark Burkhart and second place finisher Jeff Ward from start to finish. This podium was a sweet one for Herfoss, following the first round’s ninth place finish.
I couldn’t ask for more right now. I just have to say a big thank-you to the team for all the time and effort they have put into this, I couldn’t have done it without them.
- Troy Herfoss
This formidable team is making quite the name for themselves along pit lane, and are looking forward to the third round to be held at the Miller Motorsports Park in Salt Lake City, Utah on the 23rd and 24th of June.
All in all it was a great weekend. Not a perfect weekend, that elusive one you always hope for, but a great one for the team none the less. Everyone is motivated and looking forward to Utah.
- Mitch Hansen, HMC KTM team owner
All-new podcast interviews have been posted on hmcracing.com, and Brian Capper’s website is being updated regularly for those of you who want a front row seat for the action. Live lap times can also be viewed at amasupermoto.com every race weekend.
Thanks once again to all my friends, family and loyal sponsors for your ongoing support in helping me reach my goals. Just as the success of the KTM team depends on teamwork, so my success in this AMA series depends on the strength of my team – thank you for standing behind me.
- Brian Capper
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21 -KTM Racer Johnny Lewis Lucky 13 - KTM Racer Brian Capper
6 -Mark Burkhart 8 - KTM Racer Kurt Nicoll
1 - Jeff Ward 7 - KTM Racer Troy Herfoss
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