Benoit Paturel (102), the MXGP racer in his first season racing the AMA Pro Motocross Championship, continued to find incredible speed against racers more familiar with the US race circuit. Paturel claimed his career-best overall qualifying spot in the US with a blistering lap in the final qualifying session. When the gate dropped for moto one, Paturel launched his Suzuki into a top-ten start. Unfortunately, his assault on Washougal got derailed just a few turns into the racing when another rider pushed Paturel off the track and into a crash. Paturel remounted and took chase, but he was not able to re-claim a points-paying position. A poor gate pick in the second moto compounded the day’s problems, and Paturel was not able to gain points in the championship standings.
“I’m so disappointed,” stated Paturel. “I was feeling great in the morning. The bike was really good, and everything was working to make for a good day. It’s very frustrating to not be able to put that into results on paper. It’s time to regroup, focus, and be strong for the last three motocross races.”
