Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Tom Vialle raced his way to the top step of the 250MX podium at Round 6 of the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship in the sands of Southwick, with teammate Maximus Vohland finishing seventh overall. 450MX front-runner Aaron Plessinger claimed consistent fourth-place moto finishes for P4 overall.
Two-time MX2 World Champion Vialle posted the sixth fastest time in the morning’s combined qualifying sessions, quickly coming to grips with the iconic sands of The Wick 338 circuit. A strong start in the first moto saw the Frenchman sit in P2, putting pressure on the leader and taking charge by the halfway mark. From there, Vialle would post a calculated ride to take a maiden Pro Motocross race win.
Moto two saw Vialle power his KTM 250 SX-F to the all-important holeshot, putting himself in a great position from the outset. Engaged in a race-long battle, the 22-year-old newcomer to U.S. competition would fight hard for third, which is where he finished, and that was enough to land his first-career Pro Motocross round victory. He’s currently seventh in the 250MX Championship as the series enters its second half.
Results 250MX Class – Southwick National
1. Tom Vialle (FRA), KTM, 1-3
2. Justin Cooper (USA), Yamaha, 2-2
3. Jo Shimoda (JPN), Kawasaki, 6-1
Tom Vialle: “It means a lot to get my first national win! I’ve had a few tough races, so to get on the podium with an overall win is nice, as it’s been challenging to get a good feeling at all of these new circuits. I feel like we are making great progress and we’re in a good position for the rest of the season. The track here was nice, way different to Lommel and places like that, but it felt good to be back in sandy conditions, and I’m looking forward now to next weekend in Millville.”
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photos (c) Align Media