Cairoli Faces Challenges in AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Antonio Cairoli’s campaign in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues to be a test of resilience on the all-new Ducati Desmo450 MX. Following a turbulent outing at the RedBud National, where electrical issues limited him to 14th overall with finishes of 9-39, Cairoli faced further obstacles at the Spring Creek National.
During the first moto, Cairoli encountered adversity early, crashing and becoming trapped under his bike. In a display of sportsmanship, rival rider Marshal Weltin, on a Yamaha, stopped to assist him, providing crucial help before returning to his race. Weltin humorously noted, “I was [already] in last place,” during a subsequent interview with Jason Weigandt.
After being assessed by the Alpinestars medical crew, Cairoli remounted but finished 23rd in the first moto. However, he rebounded in the second moto, securing a commendable tenth place. Notably, Cairoli achieved top-ten finishes in both motos where he avoided crashes or mechanical issues, showcasing the potential of Ducati’s new platform amid challenging circumstances.
This performance solidifies Cairoli’s ability to compete at a high level even as he navigates hurdles, marking a noteworthy chapter in his transition to the American motocross scene.


