The weather also made for a shortened qualifying schedule, giving riders just one shot to put their best foot forward for the day. Ferrandis, in spite of those conditions, qualified second and built on that qualifying effort to lead from the start and finish top in his heat race.
The Frenchman admittedly said that the track was tough and he felt it was going to be difficult in the main. Difficult it was, but Ferrandis was in the hunt for a podium.
Unfortunately that elusive podium was not to be, a technical issue ending the 24yr old’s podium streak just two turns before the finish. He still managed to score seventh in the race, and sits fourth in the standings, 12 points behind the leader.
As for Nichols, he too had a solid heat race, finishing in second, but didn’t get the start he needed, making a few mistakes and ending up 10th. It was a tough race that meant relinquishing the red plate, but looking at the big picture, Nichols leaves San Diego healthy and focused on preparing for the East-West Shootout in Atlanta. He sits 10-points back in third in the overall standings.
The Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing Team switches gears for the first round of the 250SX East Championship in Minneapolis, Minnesota, next Saturday, February 9, at U.S. Bank Stadium
