After showing improved results in Round 2, the Quad Lock Honda team returned to Florida for additional testing ahead of this weekend’s AMA Supercross – Round 3. However, our preparations were interrupted by severe weather, including over 8 inches of snow—an unusual sight in Cairo, Georgia.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Team Principal Martin Davalos. “The tracks were completely covered in snow, which limited us to just one day of testing. That said, we feel we made positive gains, and I believe the few days off will benefit our riders. They’ve been racing non-stop since September, competing in Australia and the World Supercross Championship.”
450cc rider Joey Savatgy agreed, emphasizing the importance of recovery. “The rest will do me good; it’s been non-stop for four months. I feel the bike is working well, and San Diego was a positive step forward,” said Savatgy, who finished 10th in Round 2.
Davalos is optimistic about Savatgy’s performance and expects him to continue improving. “Joey has proven he can run with the top riders in the 450 class. A bad night for him should be a 10th-place finish, and anything less would be disappointing,” said Davalos.
Shane McElrath, currently sitting 13th overall, is determined to improve this weekend. “There’s no hiding my frustration and disappointment, but we’re staying patient. We worked on some new settings this week, and I feel we’re finding a direction that’s comfortable for me, though it won’t happen overnight. My goal is a top-12 finish this weekend. With more than 15 factory 450 riders out there, I need to be racing among them,” said McElrath.
Images by Michael Antonovich – Course-Heading
