Release from 17.10.2023

AUSTIN WALTON AND ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA SEAL THIRD PLACE IN NGPC STANDINGS

COMPLETES CHALLENGING ROUND IN LAKE HAVASU TO CLAIM 2023 SERIES PODIUM RESULT
This press release has: 5 Images

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Austin Walton has claimed third place in the final 2023 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) Pro Class standings, with an eighth-place finish at the final round of the season in Lake Havasu enough to clinch the final podium position.


After entering the round with a positive feeling on his FX 450 following a recent suspension setting adjustment, Walton surged to a fast start, which would see him positioned third by the time the first lap concluded.

A small mishap on the second lap, however, resulted in a tweaked ankle for the number 50, who from there was in damage limitation mode as he navigated the treacherous circuit while managing the pain. A spirited ride saw him make his way through the field after the fall, eventually crossing the line in P8.

“I entered today with a really good feeling after the team and I came up with a shock setting that had me comfortable,” Walton commented. “Everything was looking up for the round as my sessions up until the race were good, and even in the race we were P3 there for the first lap. Then a small mistake on the second lap resulted in a tweaked ankle, and that set the tone for the race as it was a struggle to get through from there. I was uncomfortable and just had to manage the race, so not the result we were after, but happy to come away with third overall for the championship after a tough season.”

For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammate Dalton Shirey, a strong start saw him running as high as P3 on the third lap. His pace in those early stages wasn't able to be maintained though, eventually dropping to a ninth-place result in class and that same position in the final championship standings.

I got a mid-pack start, then made a few passes and got myself into third place," said Shirey. "First was starting to come back to me, but then I was starting to fade, too, around lap four and five. But, it was cool being up there in the lead pack, seeing what the pace was again, so I just have to keep working and keep progressing.

Pro Results
1.Dante Oliveira, KTM
2. Cole Martinez, HON
3. Mateo Oliveira, KTM
8. Austin Walton – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
9. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing

Pro Class Standings
1. Dante Oliveira, 232 points
2. Ryan Surratt, 175
3. Austin Walton – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 167
...
9. Dalton Shirey – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, 107

Husqvarna Mobility North America, Inc.
Husqvarna Mobility has continued to expand its professional race team to compete in AMA Supercross, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA National Enduro, GNCC, AMA EnduroCross, and AMA National Hare & Hound championships. Husqvarna team riders are competing aboard Husqvarna FC 450, FC 350, FC 250, FE 350, TC 250 and TE 300 models.


Rockstar Energy Drink
Rockstar Energy Drink is designed for those who lead active lifestyles – from Athletes to Rockstars. Available in over 20 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries, Rockstar supports the Rockstar lifestyle across the globe through Action Sports, Motor Sports, and Live Music. For more information visit: www.RockstarEnergy.com


All contents of this press release as .zip: Direct download Save to lightbox

Images (5)

Austin Walton - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2 000 x 1 333 © Mark Kariya
Austin Walton - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (2)
2 000 x 1 331 © Mark Kariya
Austin Walton - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (3)
2 000 x 1 333 © Mark Kariya
Dalton Shirey - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing
2 000 x 1 333 © Mark Kariya
Dalton Shirey - Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (3)
2 000 x 1 333 © Mark Kariya

Contact

Marketing USA
Husqvarna Motorcycles North America, Inc.
Media and Public Relations

30125 KTM Way
Murrieta, CA 92563