With unusually dry conditions, the track was choppy, rocky, and slippery, presenting challenges for riders after the two-weekend break. While Unadilla hasn’t been a track that Tomac has found great success at in the past, he started the day on a good note earning the fourth gate pick after qualifying. It helped him as he shot out to a third-place start, quickly taking over the lead by the third lap. Tomac continued a high pace at the front but fell back to second just after halfway, maintaining the position until the checkered flag.
In the second moto, Tomac got an even better start by claiming his second holeshot of the season and started to put down quick lap times. He was shuffled back to second on Lap 5 but was able to hold on to the runner-up spot for the remaining laps, giving him second overall. He now sits one point out of the 450MX Championship lead heading into Budds Creek - a track he’s been historically exceptional at.
The No. 1 of Ferrandis returned to racing after sitting out the first eight rounds with injury, coming back to face one of the toughest tracks of the season. The Frenchman was quickly comfortable and qualified sixth in the morning sessions. His eagerness to be back at the races translated into the opening moto’s holeshot, with his Yamaha YZ450F leading the first few turns before moving into second. He was shuffled back to fifth after a few laps but was able to make a pass for fourth late in the race to finish just off the Moto 1 podium. Ferrandis wasn’t as fortunate off the start in the second moto and came around the first lap in 12th. He used the whole race to try and drive forward, finishing the race in 10th to score seventh overall in his first race back.
While his teammates were dialing in their bikes during the morning practice sessions, Craig was making the tough decision of whether or not he would be able to line up after a big crash early in the first practice. Ultimately, Craig felt good enough to race and came away with a top 10 overall finish. In Moto 1, he started 13th and was up to 11th by Lap 4. He was unable to push as hard as he wanted and settled for 11th. The Californian got a slightly better start in the second moto in ninth, riding it out in that position until the finish, giving him 10th overall.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team is back again next weekend for Round 10 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Budds Creek MX Park on Saturday, August 20.
