Savatgy Shines Amidst Setback: Quad Lock Honda’s Promising Start at Pala
Pala, California – Joey Savatgy, a seasoned campaigner with a storied career marred by injuries and team changes, showcased resilience during Round 1 of the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship with Quad Lock Honda. Despite facing adversity, Savatgy’s performance underscored his tenacity and competitive spirit.
Savatgy, a two-time 250 AMA Pro Motocross bronze medalist and the 2019 450 Rookie of the Year, marked his first full Pro Motocross season by qualifying 6th in Q1, ahead of numerous factory riders, demonstrating his capability after a two-year hiatus from the 450 class.
However, misfortune struck in Q2 when Savatgy fractured a finger after hitting a medical track marker. Undeterred, he completed both motos, finishing 8th in Moto 1 and 10th in Moto 2, securing an overall 8th place for the round.
“Breaking my finger in Q2 wasn’t ideal, but there are a lot of positives to take from the weekend," Savatgy stated. “We’re working hard with Factory Connection to gather data and improve. The bike is solid, and I know there’s more in the tank.”
Savatgy emphasized the importance of continuous improvement as he bounces back from a prior Supercross injury. “I need to keep building my speed. Jett [Lawrence] has shown the bike’s potential, and we can close the gap," he added, reflecting on his competitive finish against established factory riders.
Team Principal Martin Davalos commended Savatgy’s determination: “Joey showed a lot of heart. He rode through real pain and still delivered a strong result. We’re proving ourselves as a competitive team in the privateer ranks.”
Davalos also highlighted the collective efforts of the team, noting that both Savatgy and teammate Charli Cannon raced despite injuries. “No one wants to see their riders hurt, but their spirit is inspiring. It drives us all to work harder,” he remarked.
As the team shifts focus to Round 2 at Prairie City SVRA, the priority remains on recovery and honing performance for better results in the competitive landscape of motocross.
