Max Van Wins at Road Atlanta, Takes Points Lead
Max Van nabbed his first win in MotoAmerica SportbikeTrackGear.com Junior Cup Race Two at Road Atlanta this past weekend, April 22-24.
The win comes after the SportbikeTrackGear.com team had both Max Van and Joseph Limandri Jr. sharing the podium with second and third, respectively, in Race One. The strong performance gives Van the points lead and confidence going into the next round. Unfortunately, Limandri got tangled up in another rider’s crash in the last corner of the last lap of Race Two that also took two other riders out of contention.
“Max Van deserved this win. All these kids work hard, put their heart, soul and bodies on the line every weekend. The off-season training saw a 24-pound weight loss, and incredible focus. I’m not just proud of Max, but I’m proud of Joey and the whole SportbikeTrackGear.com team,” owner Brian Van said.
Addressing some controversy over a yellow flag incident in Race Two, Brian Van added, “MotoAmerica enforces the rules, not me or my team. Based on the fact Max led several laps during the weekend and had the fastest lap time in Race Two it is fair to say he does not need a freebie. He showed grace and humility despite the emotional roller coaster.”
While Limandri didn’t walk away with the points haul he wanted he proved his speed with the third in Race One and escaped merely battered and bruised after the crash that saw another rider run over his legs.
“We had the pace all weekend to run up front, and my Bauce Racing Ninja 400 is a weapon,” said LiMandri. “It’s good to know I can be there at the end where racecraft is the difference between first or fifth. We’re happy to escape with a podium and motivation for the next round.”
The next MotoAmerica round is at VIRginia International Raceway on May 20-22.
The SportbikeTrackGear.com team appreciates the support of: all the SportbikeTrackGear.com customers, Helmet House, Bauce Racing, Cybersafe Solutions, Racing for a Reason, Vortex Racing, M4 Exhaust, REB Graphics, Armour Bodies, Woodcraft Technologies, Motul, Alpinestars, Shoei Helmets, RST, Arai Helmets, SportbikeTrackTime, Evolve GT Track Days, N2 Track Days, Gazebo Contracting, UTR/Torres Racing, Brake Tech USA, Ferodo Racing, Scott Powersports, Spiegler USA, Hanshaw Racing Engines, Precision Auto Works and Driven Racing.