Washougal, Wash. (July 29, 2018) – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy had a breakthrough weekend at Washougal MX Park outside Portland, Oregon where he claimed his first moto win of the season and wrapped up the day with an overall podium in third (1-9). Austin Forkner gave Savatgy a run for the win in the opening moto before ultimately finishing second. He was forced to finish 13th overall (2-39) after going down in Moto 2 and retiring from the race early.

Savatgy could see the potential of a good day after starting the morning second overall in qualifying. When the gate dropped for Moto 1, Savatgy edged out his teammate to claim his second holeshot of the season and lead the field for the first part of the race. Although Forkner got by him, Savatgy was determined and eventually passed Forkner back and kept his lead until the checkered flag.

In Moto 2, he wasn’t able to match his first moto start and was forced to come through the pack after completing the opening lap in 24th. The No. 17 was quick to make up time, but the leaders had already gapped much of the field, leaving Savatgy to only make up ground to ninth. The 1-9 was still good enough to land him on the overall podium for the first time this season in third.

“While I felt good enough to get the overall, getting the moto win and on the overall podium is a step in the right direction,” said Savatgy. “The track was tough and technical so after my bad start in Moto 2, it was good to at least get into the top 10. I’m ready to close out the season stronger than ever.”

Austin Forkner #35
Even though he’s only ridden at Washougal in his rookie season, Forkner looked comfortable from the start. He qualified right behind his teammate in third and as he rounded the first turn of Moto 1, Forkner tucked in behind Savatgy and followed him for the first five laps of the race. Eventually Forkner made his move around Savatgy and tried to put a gap but couldn’t shake his teammate. As the minutes went by, Savatgy would get by and Forkner would settle for second. In Moto 2, Forkner was near the top 10 on the start but went down and was unable to continue, scoring him 39th for the moto. His 2-39 was still good enough for 13th overall.
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250MX Class Results (Moto Results)

  1. Aaron Plessinger, Yamaha (4-3)
  2. Shane McElrath, KTM (9-1)
  3. Joey Savatgy, Kawasaki (1-9)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, Yamaha (11-2)
  5. RJ Hampshire, Honda (10-4)
  6. Alex Martin, KTM (8-6)
  7. Justin Cooper, Yamaha (6-8)
  8. Jordon Smith, KTM (3-13)
  9. Chase Sexton, Honda (5-10)
  10. Mitchell Harrison, Husqvarna (12-7)

      13. Austin Forkner, Kawasaki (2-39)

250MX Class Points Standings

  1. Aaron Plessinger, Yamaha, 371
  2. Alex Martin, KTM, 312
  3. Justin Cooper, Yamaha, 267
  4. Shane McElrath, KTM, 251
  5. Austin Forkner, Kawasaki, 238
  6. RJ Hampshire, Honda, 230
  7. Jordon Smith, KTM, 225
  8. Chase Sexton, Honda, 222
  9. Joey Savatgy, Kawasaki, 214
  10. Dylan Ferrandis, Yamaha, 204
About Pro Circuit
Based in Corona, Calif., Pro Circuit Products, Inc. is a leader in off-road motorcycle and ATV exhausts and aftermarket performance parts. Started in 1978, Pro Circuit is the go to shop for recreational riders and professionals for everything from suspension work to complete engine packages and everything in between.
Author

Dan Lamb is a 12+ year journalist and the owner of MotoXAddicts.