Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Marvin Musquin took the win in the 250cc class at the inaugural Red Bull Straight Rhythm held at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California. Musquin´s new teammate, Justin Hill placed second in the 250cc class on his debut ride for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team.
The Red Bull Straight Rhythm is a unique event where riders are paired in head-to-head races down a series of rhythm and whoop sections. To advance to the next round, riders must win two of three races against their opponent.
Marvin Musquin went up against Jarryd McNeil in the opening round and sealed the first two runs to advance to the next round. The French rider then delivered a flawless performance edging out both Darrin Durham and Justin Bogle to land in the 250cc final.
Meanwhile, Justin Hill delivered impressive rides in the B-Group bracket in his first event as a Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider. He also topped his bracket after wins against Michael Leib and Nico Izzi. In the semi-final, Hill was paired with fellow KTM rider Jesse Nelson. Hill won the first race down the rhythm, but had his work cut out for him against Nelson in the second race. Then Nelson made a mistake before the mid point and Hill went on to advance to the final.
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The all-KTM final between the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing teammates Musquin saw Hill come off the start half a bike length in front, but Musquin caught him in the step-on step-off section to take the win in the first pass. Hill was again fast out of the gate in race two but Musquin made up time in the rollers. Hill was back in the lead over the quad section but Musquin took a clear line through the triple-triple section to claim the first-ever 250cc Red Bull Straight Rhythm Championship.
“I’m so happy, everything went perfect,” commented Musquin. “Each run everyone was getting better and faster so I just had to be really consistent and hit all of the rhythms perfectly. It was such a fun event and I’m also happy that KTM went 1-2-3!”
Dean Wilson also made his debut race for the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team competing in the Open class. Wilson made it to the semi-final round of the B-Group bracket but fell short to KTM rider Justin Brayton. Brayton finished second to James Stewart and Wilson was fourth in the open class behind Malcolm Stewart.
Results Red Bull Straight Rhythm, Pomona/California
Open Class Top Four
1. James Stewart (USA), Suzuki
2. Justin Brayton (USA), KTM
3. Malcolm Stewart (USA), Honda
4. Dean Wilson (USA), KTM
250 Class Top Four
1. Marvin Musquin (FRA), KTM
2. Justin Hill (USA), KTM
3. Jessy Nelson (USA), KTM
4. Justin Bogle (USA), Honda
via KTM
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