Round 8 of the AMA World SuperMotocross Championship took place at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, where riders faced one of the most demanding tracks of the season—an intense hybrid of motocross and supercross unlike any other. The Quad Lock Honda Team delivered another solid performance, proving they belong among the best.
Qualifying Success & Continued Progress
Joey Savatgy set a competitive pace early, clocking the 8th fastest time in combined qualifying—just under a second off the top three on a track that stretched well over a minute. Shane McElrath secured 12th, a position that may not have seemed significant on paper, but his lap times reflected a noticeable improvement compared to previous rounds. Meanwhile, in the 250 class, Carson Mumford qualified 9th, giving the team a solid foundation to build upon.
Heading into the night program, both Savatgy and McElrath opted to keep their bike settings unchanged, with Team Principal Martin Davalos confident in their setups.
“I was pleased with what I saw in qualifying. Joey was on pace, Shane looked the most comfortable he’s been all season, and Carson continues to build with every session. We’re making steady progress,” said Davalos.
Strong Heat Performances
All three riders advanced directly to their respective finals, with standout moments in the heat races. McElrath grabbed the early lead and led early before finishing 2nd, while Savatgy followed close behind in 3rd. The result was a testament to the team’s progress, and Savatgy was encouraged by their pace.
“Our bikes are clearly competitive. Shane was riding incredibly well, and my speed in the heat was solid. But I still need to improve my starts,” said Savatgy.
Main Event Battles & Takeaways
In the 250SX Main Event, Mumford was caught in an early tangle with Max Anstie, forcing him off track. While he re-entered safely, he was later penalized four positions by the AMA for gaining positions, dropping him to 11th.
“The penalty was frustrating, but I need to move forward. My goal is to finish inside the top five in the championship, so we’ll keep building,” said Mumford.
In the 450SX Main Event, McElrath ran as high as 6th before finishing 12th. While the result didn’t fully reflect his progress, he and the team are encouraged by his increasing speed and consistency.
“My riding is improving, and I’m feeling stronger, especially after battling illness recently. The bike was great, and we’re sticking to the plan,” said McElrath.
Savatgy, once again hindered by a poor start, found himself outside the top 15 on the opening lap. Fighting through a stacked field, he worked his way to 9th but was left frustrated by the result.
“This isn’t where I want to be. The team and bike are performing well, and I’m not delivering the starts I need. We’ll keep working because I know we belong inside the top five,” said Savatgy.
The team now shifts focus to Indianapolis for Round 9 as they continue their push toward the front.
