Round 3 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship was another sellout and it delivered another strong performance for the Quad Lock Honda Team, reinforcing the importance of consistency as the season unfolds.
Joey Savatgy continued his impressive form, challenging, passing, and racing head-to-head with factory riders to secure 6th place for the second consecutive weekend. Remarkably, this marks only the second time in Savatgy’s seven-year 450SX career that he has finished inside the top six in back-to-back rounds, last achieved during his rookie season in 2019.
“It was great tonight. I felt stronger than last weekend,” said Savatgy. “I came from around 10th or 11th and caught and passed some really good riders and teams on my way to sixth.”
Savatgy was forced to fight back twice after off-track excursions but remained composed and determined throughout the race.
“I caught Malcolm and RJ mid-race, then went off track and had to do it all again. I’m really happy with my riding, the bike, and the team, it’s all working well. The goal now is to bridge the gap to the podium guys and just chip away at it each week.”
Savatgy now sits eighth in the championship, just four points shy of fifth.
Christian Craig also delivered a solid ride, finishing 13th overall, while continuing to rebuild intensity and endurance in the 20-minute-plus-one main events. While Craig is not content with the result, he remains focused and committed to the process.
“I have to admit the intensity of the 20 minutes plus one is something I still need to build,” said Craig. “I worked hard to be ready for World Supercross, and those are 10-minute races. Doubling that intensity takes time. I’m not quite where I need to be physically on the bike yet, but that will come with changes to the program and riding with other guys. We have a plan, and I’ve got a great team around me.”
Craig currently sits equal 11th in championship standings.
Shane McElrath endured a challenging night that began with a difficult heat race, forcing him into the LCQ, his first in a long time.
“I was really bummed with my riding in the heat,” said McElrath. “I didn’t capitalize on an okay start, went backwards, and overthought things. The small mistakes were costly and put me in the LCQ. No one wants to be there, but I’m glad I was able to win it.”
While McElrath showed strong speed in the LCQ, a mediocre start in the main event limited his ability to move forward.
“Three weeks in a row now I’ve struggled in the main event,” he added. “I’m sorry to the team and our sponsors. I need to be better. I need to make some big changes and see where that takes us. I want to get back to where I was last year, it’s disappointing to be here.” concluded McElrath, who sits 17th in the championship.
Team Principal Martin Davalos was encouraged by the team’s overall performance and the competitiveness of the motorcycles, while acknowledging areas that still require attention.
“Joey is exactly where we know he can be, and our bikes are strong and competitive, everyone in the team can see that,” said Davalos. “Christian is solid; we just need to lift the intensity during the week, and that will take some time to show results. Shane and the team need to work together on changing his program. We know how fast he can be. Everyone in the main event has potential. it’s what you do with it that matters.” said Davalos
As the season progresses, Quad Lock Honda continues to focus on preparation, adaptability, and consistency, key ingredients in building long-term success at the highest level of Supercross competition.
