AMA report.

Utah. Rd3 2007.

 

Carlson still holds maximum points.

 

Ben Carlson took the top step for the third time in a row on the Podium for the Aprilia Factory- Rip-It Racing squad in the high elevation and hot Tooele, Utah circuit. Team Owner Darryl Atkins showed his speed at the start of the race closing in on Carlson and second place rider Kurt Nicoll, but pushed his line too tight on one corner and hit his frame sending him into the gravel. Atkins picked up his SXV 550 and still managed a strong sixth place.

Carlson and Atkins dominated warm-up / qualifying sessions in both the Supermoto Unlimited classes and had strong showings in the 450cc based Supermoto Premier Class warm-ups. “The development on the 550’s shows,” says Atkins. “We have that motor dialed in, and understand how it will affect the chassis. The 450 is a tougher class for sure because of the sheer dollars being put into some factory programs. Once we catch up on development and can get a bit more torque for punch out of the corners, the SXV 450 will be on par for sure.”

Carlson won his Supermoto Unlimited heat race with Atkins taking a second place in his. Both riders relished the long straights, but had to muscle the machines in the dirt. “The extra weight of the bike is physically very demanding,” says Carlson. “We carry extra weight per the rules, but when the racing starts – that weight and the fact that we are on the same tires as everybody else means we have to be much more precise when things get technical.”

Carlson put all the SXV 550 power to the ground starting on the pole for the main event. With several thousand spectators lining the track courtesy of the finish of the AMA Superbike program, the Rip-It racers pulled away from the pack. A few laps in and it seemed as if both riders would be on the podium, when Atkins hit the ground at close to 60 miles per hour. “When the frame hit the curbing, it unloaded the tires just enough for me to slide out. I hit my head but when I got up I found my bike still running and was going right away.” Atkins felt strong enough to push for a higher place on the podium. “I could see Kurt and Ben up front and I was starting to find some time here and there – but one inch made the difference – I knew the speed was there, I’m happy Ben won, but bummed that we were not both on the podium.”

“The SXV 550 railed that track,” enthused Carlson. “I felt good on the bike all day and we only made some small adjustments with the bike. I am really pumped to give the Aprilia Factory Rip-It Racing team another win, and keep building my points lead.” Carlson now holds a twenty point overall margin on the Unlimited class.
While the weight rule didn’t seem to slow Carlson or Atkins in the race –both riders suffered the effects of heat and high altitude complaining of some dizziness after the race. “I sat down on the podium after the race and was just exhausted.” Carlson received some medical attention and downed fluids and fruit in the short time-out before the Supermoto Premier class. As the grid lined up for the next class, racing adrenalin got him going, but not so for Atkins.

“When I was on the grid for the Supermoto Premier (450cc) race, I knew something was not quite right. I felt a bit shaky and still dropped the clutch when the green came out.” Atkins pulled off the course after the first two corners. “It was weird – I hit the brakes for turn one, and suffered severe blurred vision for a few seconds – I immediately pulled out for my safety and that of the other racers.” A post-race medical exam showed clear signs of concussion, but Atkins refused advise to seek further examination at the hospital.

Carlson took a strong seventh place finish, battling with the other factory riders in the Supermoto Premier class. “I was not quite 100% - but we did pretty well on that course. I know that with some more time on the dyno we will get the 450 motor strong enough to balance the weight penalty, but that’s tough to do during the racing season!”

The Aprilia Factory Rip-It Energy Fuels racing team rolls on to the next race outside of Detroit on July 7&8 at the Waterford Hills raceway. For more information log on to www.amasupermoto.com.

Atkins was upto third position when he fell.

AMA Supermoto 2007 Round 1.

History of the Backflip

Round 1 AMA report. 2006

Atkins and Aprilia team up.

www.amasupermoto.com

2005 AMA Final Report

AMA Round 2 2005 Report

Nasmoto Report

Atkins fourth at round 1 AMA 2005

Atkins team announcement.

Atkins Supercross report.

Atkins 2004 Supermoto bio

2004 Wrap up.

Back