Motorsports Report: Unadilla MX Recap
Unadilla, NY — The latest round of the motocross season at Unadilla presented a mix of challenges and noteworthy performances, particularly among top competitors.
Jorge Prado’s Struggles: Defending champion Jorge Prado started strong with a holeshot in moto one but quickly fell to 15th, struggling with lap times indicative of deeper issues within his Kawasaki setup. Despite showing slight improvement in the second moto with a 12th-place finish, speculation mounts about his future with Kawasaki, with rumors suggesting a potential return to KTM. Those close to Prado indicate a loss of faith in the current team setup, mirroring a mutual frustration.
Valentin Guillod’s Rise: Privateer Valentin Guillod continued to impress, consistently finishing ahead of Prado aboard a stock YZ450F. With grit and determination, Guillod’s performances signal his commitment to the sport despite the challenges he faces.
Statistical Insights: According to MX Reference, a rider’s fifth-lap position often correlates with their tenth-lap position, underscoring consistency. Malcolm Stewart notably improved his standing by over two spots from the fifth to tenth lap, distinguishing him from his competitors.
Drew Adams’ Qualifying Success: In a notable achievement, Drew Adams secured the top qualifying spot, marking a career first, though his performance in the motos suffered due to track conditions.
Challenges for Michael Mosiman: Michael Mosiman experienced a severe crash in moto one, raising concerns about his condition moving forward. He has secured a contract renewal with Star Racing for the coming year.
Parker Ross’ Progress: Parker Ross faced setbacks after a couple of crashes led to a DNF in moto one. However, his overall performance this summer has been commendable, and he has signed a deal with Bar X Yamaha extending through 2026.
As the season progresses, riders will look to address these challenges in preparation for the upcoming SMX series.
