MotoAmerica: Laguna Seca Qualifying Report

July 8, 2023Ramon Jones
MotoAmerica

Qualifying for MotoAmerica Speedfest weekend has concluded. In pursuit of the lap record the Medallia Superbike headed out this morning in optimal morning conditions. The track was cold but there was no moisture while allowed the riders to run full race pace earlier in the session. The sun came out about 1/3 of the way through the session. Cameron Beaubier (Tytlers Cycle Racing) beat out Jake Gagne (Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha) and a flying Richie Escalante (Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki) to secure pole in Medallia Superbike. Cameron Petersen (Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha) finished p4 and Mathew Scholtz (Westby Racing) finished P5.

Josh Herrin (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati) secured a hard fought P6. Herrin is riding in pain through a broken foot he suffered at the Ridge Motorsports Park two weeks ago. Herrin is 7 tenths off of the leader Beaubier.

Supersport

Josh Hayes (Squid Hunter) secured pole for the upcoming 38 lap endurance race that will occur this evening. Championship leader Xavi Fores (Warhorse HSBK Racing Ducati); who has won every Supersport race this year finished P8 after crashing during the qualifying session. He appeared to avoid major injury and was up walking after the crash. Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki teammates Teagg Hobbs and Tyler Scott complete the top 3. Stefano Mesa finished 4th fastest ahead of Disrupt Racing’s Jake Lewis. Lewis is pulling triple duty this weekend with King of the Baggers, Super Hooligans and Supersport. We will determine if this has an effect on his performance in the 38 lap race.

One challenge the riders in the endurance race face is rapidly changing track temperatures. We will see if this is a factor in tonight’s race.

REV IT Twins Cup

Rodio Racing – Powered By Robem Engineering teammates Gus Rodio and Rocco Landers locked out the top spots in Twins Cup. Dominic Doyle secured P3 ahead of Blake Davis and Jackson Blackmon. Two riders in the class didn’t post lap times in Qualifying 2.

King of the Baggers

Kyle Wyman (H-D Screamin’ Eagle) secured pole in KOTBs ahead of rival Tyler O’Hara (Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods) and Bobby Fong (Sac Mile/SDI Racing/Roland Sands/Indian). Vance & Hines/Mission/Harley-Davidson riders Hayden Gillima and James Rispoli rounded out the top 5 in class.

Super Hooligans

After a controversial disqualification during the last MotoAmerica round at the Ridge Motorsports Park Jeremy McWilliams (Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods) secured pole ahead of Andy DiBrino (DiBrino Racing KTM) and teammate Tyler O’Hara (Indian Motorcycle/Progressive/Mission Foods). The Super Hooligans class had over 45 bike entries for the weekend. Due to the volume MotoAmerica ran two separate groups for qualifying and practice to circumvent safety issues related to an overcrowded track.

Racing kicks off this afternoon starting with Mission Super Hooligan National Championship Race 1. For live coverage check out MotoAmerica Live+.