Superprestigio Dirt Track: The Battle is On!
Superprestigio Dirt Track III Will Be Broadcast Live On FansChoice.tv Starting Saturday at Noon ET
BARCELONA, Spain – Free practice has been completed in preparation for the third Superprestigio Dirt Track. The Open and Superprestigio class riders were broken down into groups and headed out onto the track for their first taste of the Palau Sant Jordi Arena. Marc Márquez was the fastest rider with a lap time of 11.767 seconds, followed by Toni Elias and AMA Pro Flat Track star Brad Baker.
The Palau Sant Jordi Arena played host to the first practice of the Open and Superprestigio class in the Superprestigio Dirt Track. The practice was incident-free and American riders Jared Mees and Brad Baker were on the pace early, as were Marc Márquez, Toni Elías and Ferran Cardús.
In the Open Class, Brad Baker was the fast man on the track with a lap time of 11.917, followed by Ferran Cardús (11.949) and Jared Mees (11.978).
In the Superprestigio Class, four-time MotoGP champion Marc Márquez set the fastest lap of 11.767, followed very closely by Toni Elías (11.866) and Marcos Ramírez.
Marc Márquez: “I’ve enjoyed every year of the Superprestigio Dirt Track. This is a different discipline, and my mentality is also another one! But the level of the contenders is bigger so I’ll try to put my best! Yesterday we had a great practice day in Rufea. To achieve a good result you also need a bit of luck. Yesterday we switch the bikes with Jared (Mees) and I feel his bike has much more grip. Both are Hondas but they are completely different. I ride my bike using mostly the front Wheel, and his is basically the opposite!”
Toni Elías: “Be part of this Event is so special because here in the same Arena, my father and my uncle Jordi participated in the first Dirt Track and lately Jordi in the Supercross. I’ve been in Las Vegas and I learned the American Style! This morning we have improved in regards to yesterday. The start is so crucial in this kind of races, and that’s my weak point! I’m more expert than last year. I made some mistakes in the past edition and hope not to repeat them this year. . Marc is doing such a great Season, I have to learn a lot from him!”
Brad Baker: “I have gone through a difficult season this year, but now I have recovered quite well. Being back in Barcelona is such a fantastic feeling. I’m so excited to race but I don’t think it’s going to be me, Jared and Marquez having had a look on the other rivals! Everybody has increased their level! But well, to win is my goal, so let’s bring it on!”
Fans in the United States can live stream the Superprestigio Dirt Track III on FansChoice.tv. Commentary will be provided by seven-time Grand National Champion Chris Carr with play-by-play by World Superbike anchor Gregory Haines. Coverage will begin at 12:00 noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT) at http://www.fanschoice.tv.
How to Watch:
FansChoice.tv is the official home for live streaming coverage of AMA Pro Flat Track events. The site also provides coverage of IMSA’s development and single-make series, and NASCAR’s touring and weekly series. Catch all the action at http://www.FansChoice.tv.
About AMA Pro Racing:
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.
More, from another press release issued by RPM Racing:
VICTORY FOR USA AS BRAD BAKER WINS 2015 SUPERPRESTIGIO FROM MARC MARQUEZ AND JARED MEES
The victory for Brad Baker, winner of the first Superprestigio Dirt Track in January 2014, came as the American saw off a stiff challenge from Marc Marquez in front of 8,700 fans, winner of the second edition in December 2014.
The victory for Baker means the balance of victories has swung back in favour of the Americans, with two wins to Europe’s one. Marquez and Mees joined Baker on the podium after a Superfinal which also featured Alex Rins, Dani Ribalta, Xavi Vierge, Masatoshi Ohmori and Fredrik Lindgren.
The race had its memorable moments. At the start – crucial in dirt track – Baker took the advantage over the other riders; an advantage that Marquez reduced over the 16 laps as the Spaniard looked to attack in the closing stages. The rider from Cervera almost went past at the last corner, but was forced to settle for second place, just one tenth of a second behind Baker. Mees was left to make up for a poor start and finished proceedings in fourth (sic) position, completing an exclusive podium.
WHAT THEY SAID
Brad Baker: “It’s been an incredible moment, I’ve been so many days in Barcelona that I feel this City to be like my second place! I get along so well with everyone here, it’s fantastic. It’s been a crazy year for me, one year ago I was in the hospital with a broken shoulder, and now here I’m with a new victory! The SuperFinal has been brutal! Mentally it has been very demanding; I did look back only once. Everytime I heard the crowd louder I knew Marc was coming closer! I want to thank RPM Racing for all their support and help throughout these days!”
Marc Márquez: “Thanks to the organisers for putting such a great event together, every year is getting bigger. I wasn’t my best start, I regain some space at the beginning, but it wasn’t an easy task to overtake Brad! All in all is a great race, and it’s fantastic to be in the podium with these two amazing riders, looking forward to come back next year!
Jared Mees: “I had great time in Barcelona, maybe this race was not my best, the start wasn’t great and that conditioned my result. I managed to step to the third position, getting closer but I could not get in the same pace as Marc and Brad, both were extremely fast today!