Words and images from Manluk Rock River Racing
Returning to California for a demanding event in all facets, the Manluk Rock River Racing team was prepared for the technical layout that was created for racing action at RingCentral Coliseum. The design of this course would provide a challenge for all involved in the 250 and 450cc programs, though these Yamaha athletes were able to showcase their true talent at the highest level(s) in the sport throughout the course of events on Saturday.
Continuing to ascend with momentum, Benny Bloss would immediately display notable lap times in qualification. The number forty-four was a staple amongst the top twenty, battling amongst the best in the world to eventually reside ninth in the final standing(s). This would transfer him to heat racing sequences, where the quest for direct qualification was immediately engaged. Fighting upon a difficult course while contesting world-renowned opponents, his final residency of seventh would be well respected before beginning the main event. With the circuit now at its roughest state of the day, Bloss again would rise to the occasion. Displaying a surge of momentum from the moment he passed the green flag, his tenacity from that moment forward would help him obtain an incredible result as action eventually ceased. Solidified in seventeenth, his performance in Oakland was certainly worthy of recognition.
The number seventy-eight of Grant Harlan exhibited an array of excellent skills and techniques while racing in front of thousands in Northern California. Harlan’s corner speed and willingness to jump through the multitude of taxing rhythm sections would lead to the twenty-seventh overall position being obtained within the final standing of lap times. His confidence then translated into numerous hard-fought sequences being displayed in heat two, where his final result of eleventh would be followed by another strong ride in the Last Chance Qualifier. And within the final sprint of the evening, Harlan would prove that he could compete alongside riders of the highest caliber; accruing sixth, prior to looking forward to action in Dallas.
With the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship concluding its tenure in California, the Manluk Rock River Racing team will now travel to Arlington, Texas, to compete at AT&T Stadium. The Yamaha assembly has already showcased tremendous promise in the Lone Star State this year (i.e., Houston). They will look to continue moving forward amid round seven of the series.
