KTM RC CUP CHAMPIONSHIP DOWN TO THE WIRE AS THE 2016 MOTOAMERICA SERIES CONCLUDES THIS WEEKEND IN NEW JERSEY
Following an exciting season-long battle, the KTM RC Cup Championship will be determined this weekend in New Jersey for the final two races of the 2016 MotoAmerica Championship Series.
MURRIETA, Calif. – The KTM RC Cup Series will crown a first-time National Champion this Sunday as title contenders Brandon Paasch and Anthony Mazziotto III are set to go head-to-head aboard identically prepped KTM RC390 CUP bikes at the final round of the 2016 AMA MotoAmerica Championship Series in Millville, New Jersey. Additional stakes are on hand as the up-and-coming road racing talent continues to vie for a top spot in the final standings, where the top three finishers will go on to represent North America at the RC Cup World Final in Assen, Netherlands.
In his first full season of RC Cup competition, 15-year-old Paasch sits 19 points ahead of 16-year-old Mazziotto, who finished 2nd overall in the series in 2015. Both Paasch and Mazziotto view New Jersey Motorsports Park as a home race, making the title fight that much more exciting. With two races remaining in the championship season, Paasch holds five wins while Mazziotto holds four.
While the 3rd place rider Ashton Yates isn’t mathematically in contention for the series championship, the Georgia native is heavily favored for the race win at this point in the series. Yates didn’t begin the 2016 season on a strong note but the 17-year-old has made impressive strides in the results, where he currently holds a two-race winning streak heading into the final round of racing. Yates has a total of three race-wins and great momentum behind him as the series winds down this weekend.
The competition runs much deeper than the top-three as riders such as Jody Barry and Alejandro Gutierrez have also been amidst the lead battles all season long. Barry, who currently sits 4th in the standings, has one race-win behind him, while Gutierrez has two podium appearances and several top-five finishes this season.
Following the MotoAmerica finale, the top three North America finishers will qualify for the global run-off in The Netherlands. Additionally, the winner of the eight-round U.S. RC Cup Series will earn USD 3,500 in KTM Cash, while the 2nd place finisher in the championship standings will take home USD 2,500 in KTM Cash and 3rd place will earn USD 1,000 in KTM Cash.
Since its inception, the KTM RC390 has not only proven itself on the road as a versatile and capable machine, its Supersport track potential has also been exploited by utilizing KTM’s wide range of performance PowerParts and fully adjustable WP Suspension to create an affordable ‘CUP’ specification for racing.
In addition to the U.S.-based MotoAmerica Series, KTM RC Cup race grids composed of identical versions of these machines have been battling it out on race circuits in Germany, The Netherlands, Mexico, United Kingdom, Finland, France, Italy and South Africa. As well as a level playing field with a competitive and adjustable bike, these youth race series provide top-level coaching and rewards packages within existing high profile national championships to nurture future stars and help bring their racing careers to the next level.
The KTM RC Cup World Final will allow these ultra-competitive young talents the opportunity to compete for the top position on a Grand Prix circuit, while earning incredible prizes courtesy of KTM. 1st: KTM RC390 + Coaching with KTM Factory Rider; 2nd: RC390 CUP bike for season (loan) + Coaching with KTM Factory Rider; 3rd: RC390 CUP bike for season (loan); 4th: WP RC390 Cup bike suspension kit (front fork and rear shock); 5th: Motorex Swiss Oil – voucher; 6th: KTM parts, gear and accessories voucher; 7th – 25th: KTM parts, gear and accessories package.
The 2016 MotoAmerica KTM RC Cup Championship concludes this weekend, Sept. 9-11 in Millville, New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.ktmrccup.com.
KTM RC Cup Championship Standings (through Round 7)
1. Brandon Paasch – 266 (5 Wins)
2. Anthony Mazziotto – 247 (4 Wins)
3. Ashton Yates – 210 (3 Wins)
4. Jody Barry – 150 (1 Win)
5. Alejandro Gutierrez – 142