The championship returned after a weekend off for the 50th Anniversary of Unadilla motocross with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo adding another podium finish to his resume with a second-place overall after finishing 1-2 for the day and maintained a 28-point lead in the 250 class standings.
Weather at Unadilla MX typically consists of high humidity and a threat of rain. This year there were mostly sunny skies and the temperature never exceeded 70 degrees, providing ideal weather conditions for the 40-rider field.
Cianciarulo capitalised on the ideal conditions and kicked the morning off by qualifying with the fastest lap time of 2:14.6, almost a full second ahead of the rest of his 250 class competition for pole position.
Moto 1 in the 250 class saw Cianciarulo jump out to a second-place start aboard his KX250. As he continued to stalk the front-runner, Cianciarulo was able to capitalise on his mistake to take the lead on lap five. After being challenged by another competitor for a few laps, Cianciarulo kicked it up a notch to create some real estate between himself and second place. Cianciarulo led the remaining 11 laps, crossing the finish line 3.6 seconds ahead of his nearest contender to clinch his seventh moto win of the season.
As the gate dropped on Moto 2 for the 250 class, Cianciarulo would have another great start in second place. Despite his efforts to battle for the top position, Cianciarulo went on to finish in second, earning a 1-2 score for second overall.
Cianciarulo would neither gain or lose any points on his nearest championship rival and maintains a 28-point advantage standings.
Adam Cianciarulo: āToday wasnāt easy; the track was difficult and physically challenging but I know we were all out there with the same gruelling conditions. The top spot is always the goal but Iām still pumped on the second overall. Two more, letās do this!ā
Team-mate Garrett Marchbanks rode consistently for two solid motos and a top-10 overall finish in ninth (13-9).
Garrett Marchbanks: āThe track was a tough one so Iām proud of what we were able to do and finish with another top-10 overall finish. This season has been a rollercoaster with many challenges, which I couldnāt do without the help and support of my Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. I continue to apply what Iām learning each week and weāre all looking forward to Budds next weekend.ā
Veteran Martin Davalos made his return to action this weekend after taking a few rounds off to allow his body to rest and fully recover from a lingering injury. Davalos started the day off by qualifying in 10th but struggled in Moto 1 after a poor start in 24th. Managing to make his way around six other riders, Davalos finished 18th.
Moto 2 saw a similar story as he started from the back in 18th, making his way around six others once again to finish 12th in the race for 14th overall.
Martin Davalos: āIt was good to get back out there and race this weekend. The team and I made the decision to take some time off and allow my body to fully recover and I believe it was the best thing for me. Obviously I have a lot of work to still do but it feels great to be back at what I love doing.ā
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