MDK/KTM Race Report: AMA Supercross Lites West Series: San Diego, CA

MDK KTM Team riders earned three top ten finishes over the weekend at
the sixth round of the AMA Supercross Series.

MDK KTM Lites Team rider Billy Laninovich had a spell of bad luck when
he suffered a last place start in his heat which set him back from
qualifying directly from the heat to the main. He turned up later in the
LCQ where he finished in the top four to qualify into the main program.

His teammate, Justin Brayton, carried the same luck into his heat when
he came around the first corner in 15th. However, he plowed through
riders and was able to work his way into 6th place by the 6th lapsending
him and his KTM machine into the main event.

Both MDK KTM Lites riders got a good jump when the gate dropped for
the Lites Main Event. However, Brayton got squeezed off as they neared
the first turn pushing him back to 15th. Laninovich looked like he might
break into the top ten until another rider forced him off of the track
sending him into 19th position as he completed the first turn. Both riders
rode strong and merged through the pack. By lap 3 Brayton had moved
into 7th place. Laninovich had passed four riders and was now in 15th.
The crowd stood on their feet as the battle progressed among the riders
inside the top ten. Throughout the race Brayton battled with Dungey,
Metcalfe and Stroupe. At the conclusion of the race Brayton had
mustered his way into the top five finishing fifth for the night. Laninovich
worked his way up from last position to 10th.

MDK KTM Lites Team Manager Danny Paladino stated, “Both riders have
the speed to be up top but their starts continue to hold them back. We
will go home this week and focus on those weaknesses to ensure we’re
on the leader board in Houston.” ktmpress.com - pic from
vitalmx.com