Seeing Double in Monterey
MotoAmerica’s annual stop in Monterey marks the mid-season for teams and riders. The wear and tear of the season begins to take its toll. Losing sponsors, injuries, and mechanical breakdowns tax the resolve of everyone in the paddock. Somehow though, the riders are internally programed to lay it on the line and race as if nothing else matters. This provided the fans an exciting two days of wheel-to-wheel action at the famed Laguna Seca circuit.
Turn 3 is a high-speed sweeper, and a great place to watch the riders less than 25 feet away from the track. They are hot on the throttle down and out of Turn 2, then race flat out until the right hander of Turn 4 tightens up. Being a notoriously fast part of the track, it is also a great place to photograph. It’s a challenging exercise for us to catch the action in such a short distance, as they drag race past us, competing for every inch of track to the edge of the rumble strip then drift back again to set up for Turn 4.
Super Hooligans #172 Steven Shakespeare & #16 AJ Peaslee.
The Super Hooligan class on Saturday illustrates how dedicated the riders are to racing in MotoAmerica. In the photos below, you can make out the damage sustained to #1 James Rispoli’s handlebars after a crash. Out of 21 starting riders he finished 13th. But he was determined to finish.
#1 James Rispoli, Super Hooligan race 1.
Saturday’s Race 1 for the Superbike class had us seeing double in Turn 3, as #11 Mathew Scholtz and #95 JD Beach went head-to-head flying past us. JD Beach would ultimately win both on Saturday and Sunday while sporting the 50th Anniversary red and white Yamaha livery (top featured photo). It was also a double win for Talent Cup rider #74 Kensei Matsudaira as he and #19 Nathan Gouker were battling faring to faring both days.
Seeing double? #74 Kensei Matsudaira & #19 Nathan Gouker battling for position both days.
Perhaps the most exciting race of the entire weekend was Sunday’s Race 2 in the Supersport class, and the battle between #2 Josh Herrin and #53 Darryn Binder. Josh kept the pressure on Darryn lap after lap, as each rider’s talent and determination was on display for the crowd. Josh would take the victory after Darryn crashed in the Corkscrew but was able to rejoin and finish the race. Fans can look for more championship action between these two riders at MotoAmerica’s next stop in Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
#2 Josh Herrin & #53 Darryn Binder wheel to wheel onto the front straight.
There is nothing quite like a race at the legendary Laguna Seca. From the famous Corkscrew, to the super fast Rainey Curve and Turn 2, every curve and elevation change in between, this world renown track never fails to bring out the best in riders. It’s always a thrill to watch and photograph the races here.
Geoff & Barb Nickless
All photos by Nickless Photos
*Top featured photo: Superbike riders #11 Mathew Scholtz & #95 J.D. Beach coming out of Turn 3.
For more on the upcoming MotoAmerica race rounds, results and current standings in each class, click here:
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