Photo submitted by Gimpy | Privateer
Skill Issue Racing League Pre-Season Event Recap: Alabama’s Virtual Showdown
The 2025 Skill Issue Racing League (SIRL) kicked off its pre-season in style on January 12th with a thrilling event hosted at the virtual Alabama track, meticulously crafted by Austin Crank. The pre-season opener saw riders battling for glory in both the 450 and 250 classes, delivering heart-stopping action and setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable season.
450 Class Highlights
The 450 class showcased high-speed precision and fierce competition, with 3 Palms | Prospect Designs rider #466 taking the top spot. Despite incurring an 8-second penalty, they clocked in at an impressive 21'56"613, securing 26 points for their team.
Close behind, Lynds | AJP x FXR aboard a KTM 450 SX-F 2023 finished in 22'06"424, claiming second place with 23 points. Lynds’ consistency and aggressive riding proved to be the key to keeping the pressure on the leader.
In third, Pax | Charged Cycle Works on the Beta RX 450 2024 crossed the finish line in 22'25"417. With a penalty of 4 seconds, Pax still earned 21 points and a solid start to their campaign.
450 Final Results:
- #466 - 3 Palms | Prospect Designs - KTM 450 SX-F 2023 - 26 points
- #357 - Lynds | AJP x FXR - KTM 450 SX-F 2023 - 23 points
- #143 - Pax | Charged Cycle Works - Beta RX 450 2024 - 21 points
250 Class Highlights
The 250 class provided equally gripping entertainment as Henrique | BERL x AVANTIS x CDS (#112) claimed the victory on a Husqvarna FC 250 2023. Henrique’s precise handling and speed led to a 16'22"143 finish, earning them 26 points, despite a 3-second penalty.
Second place went to Dev | ZDC x Dept x Storm (#123), also riding a Husqvarna FC 250 2023. Dev showcased consistent laps and finished 22.986 seconds behind Henrique, collecting 23 points for their efforts.
Rounding out the podium, Apex | JGFX | CYS | RC (#109) crossed the line in 16'46"336, just over two seconds behind Dev. Their performance earned 21 points and highlighted the depth of talent in the 250 class.
250 Final Results:
- #112 - Henrique | BERL x AVANTIS x CDS - Husqvarna FC 250 2023 - 26 points
- #123 - Dev | ZDC x Dept x Storm - Husqvarna FC 250 2023 - 23 points
- #109 - Apex | JGFX | CYS | RC - Husqvarna FC 250 2023 - 21 points
A Track to Remember
Austin Crank’s Alabama track offered riders a unique challenge, blending high-speed straights with technical sections requiring razor-sharp control. The virtual setting brought out the best in the competitors, with fans and viewers left buzzing about the high-energy performances and tight battles.
What’s Next?
With the pre-season opener in the books, all eyes now turn to the official start of the 2025 SIRL MXBikes Supercross Series starting on Sunday, January 19th. As teams fine-tune their strategies and riders push for peak form, fans can expect even more adrenaline-pumping action in the coming races.
Stay tuned for updates, race highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage as the Skill Issue Racing League gears up for its biggest season yet!
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