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MotoAmerica, Scholtz triumphs in the wet in Austin

The South African rides his R1 to victory for the first time this year, the second in his career, besting Herrin and Beaubier, Elias 4th

MotoAmerica: Scholtz triumphs in the wet in Austin

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Despite having one of the worst starts from the grid, Mathew Scholtz managed to come back, overtaking all the top riders and winning the Austin race which was characterized by the rain. In short, the South African is now – definitively – also one of the best with his first win of the season.

For Mathew, this is his second MotoAmerica win. The first arrived in last season’s finale at Barber Motosports Park in Alabama. The team Westby rider skillfully controlled his Yamaha R1 on the slippery COTA asphalt as if it were dry, taking full advantage of his long limbs. Because of his height, in some maneuvers the South African is reminiscent of a certain Ben Spies…

Scholtz had to deal primarily with two-time champion Cameron Beaubier and Josh Herrin, a racer who had already been seen in the Moto2 championship a few years ago. The former make a mistake, sending his chances at the win up in smoke, whereas the latter tried to resist all the way to the finish, but to no avail: Mathew was the fastest in Texas: The start was terrible for me – admitted the South African – but then I began to catch up until reaching Beaubier and Herrin. Then Cameron crashed, and I focused on catching Josh, managing to pass him with about three laps left, and I just put my head down and took the victory. I’ve got to give a big shout-out to the Yamalube/Westby guys. They gave me a faultless bike today.”

With Herrin on the second step, the third fell to Beaubier who, after the crash, was able to rejoin to take home the good result. The Austin podium was dominated by three riders astride R1 machines from Iwata.

The first Suzuki to finish was the one ridden by Toni Elias, fourth. The MotoAmerica defending champion held nothing back in the water, but he had neither the pace nor the grip he needed to win. A couple of close calls convinced him to settle and it turned out to be the right thing to do. The Spaniard is leading in the overall standings, just ahead of Scholtz.

Jake Lewis, a young man from Kentucky, finished fifth astride his GSX-R, ahead of another two Yamahas mounted by Wyman and Gerloff. David Anthony finished on his Kawasaki, Danny Eslick with his BMW. Cameron Petersen’s Honda did not finish the race.

 

 

Translated by Jonathan Blosser
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