NGPC Round 5 Results: Who Dominated at Lake Havasu?
The action at Fox Raceway for the NGPC Round 5 Results was absolutely electric. You could feel the intensity right from the start line. Fans were treated to a nail-biting finish in the pro class. It was a battle that went down to the wire, showcasing incredible skill and determination. Watching the leaders trade positions lap after lap kept everyone on the edge of their seats. These NGPC Round 5 Results really delivered some top-tier racing excitement, rivaling dramatic finishes seen at previous events like the Vikings MC Lake Havasu Grand Prix. Epic Pro Battle Highlights NGPC Round 5 Results Round five of the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA National Grand Prix Championship Series, presented by FMF, was hosted by the Sunland Shamrocks Motorcycle Club. The Fox Raceway Grand Prix delivered everything fans hoped for, especially in the Pro race. The story of the day was the relentless duel between two titans of the national grand prix scene. FMF KTM Factory Racing Team's Dante Oliveira faced immense pressure all afternoon. Liqui Moly Beta's Dare DeMartile was absolutely glued to Oliveira's rear wheel, challenging the FMF KTM rider constantly. For 90 intense minutes, DeMartile searched for a way past the reigning champ on the challenging course, reminiscent of the tight battles often seen at the classic grand prix events. Oliveira, a five-time national grand series champion, showed his experience. He masterfully controlled the race pace from the front, handling the pressure cooker situation. Although DeMartile managed to pull alongside a few times, displaying incredible speed on his Beta, he just couldn't make the pass stick against the calculated defense of the ktm factory racing star. The two competitors were rarely separated by more than a couple of seconds throughout the long race. Oliveira, riding his Red Bull/Motorex/Alpinestars 450 XC-F prepared by the FMF KTM Factory Racing team, held firm under the relentless challenge. DeMartile, aboard the Bridgestone/Acerbis/FXR 480 RR, pushed hard but had to settle for a very close second place finish in this demanding grand prix. At the checkered flag, only two seconds separated the pair after a grueling hour and a half of racing. It was a display of high-speed chess on a demanding course that blended motocross elements with off-road terrain. Oliveira acknowledged the fierce fight DeMartile brought, highlighting the competitive spirit of the National Grand Prix Championship. "It was a great race," Oliveira mentioned, recounting the constant pressure he felt. He noted how first Giacomo Redondi, then DeMartile, kept him honest throughout the race, never allowing him a moment to relax. DeMartile felt he learned a lot from chasing the champion at such close quarters. "It was a great race, and I learned a lot from it," he stated post-race. He's already looking forward to the next round, the MMX Marysville Grand Prix, with renewed determination to take the top step. There was even a bit of contact between the leaders, showing just how close and intense the racing was. Oliveira mentioned protecting his lines carefully, admitting to maybe a little "brake check" strategy to keep DeMartile behind him. It's that kind of close-quarters action and strategic riding that defines National Grand Prix racing and keeps fans returning, whether it's at Fox Raceway, Lake Havasu, or the famous Viewfinders MC Desert Classic Grand Prix. Redondi Secures Solid Third Behind the lead duo fighting for the win, Giacomo Redondi put in a strong and consistent performance. The Pro Circuit/Precision Coatings Kawasaki rider started the race fast, showing great initial speed. He even held second place briefly in the early stages, mixing it up with Oliveira and DeMartile. Riding his Team Green/Hatch Racing/Acerbis-backed KX450SR, Redondi eventually settled into third position. He maintained a solid pace throughout the race, keeping the leaders within sight for a significant portion of the event. He finished just 11 seconds behind DeMartile, securing the final podium spot with a commendable ride. Interestingly, Redondi had experienced a tumble the day before during a separate race. This happened during the 30+ Vet race, an event he still managed to win despite the fall. That victory continued an impressive unbeaten streak in the Vet class dating back to early 2023, showcasing his versatility and resilience. Pro II Class Sees Semmens Dominate Again The Pro II class featured its own share of excitement and storylines. Reigning Pro II champion Mason Semmens continued his impressive winning ways at Fox Raceway. He claimed his fourth consecutive victory in the class, further stamping his authority on the 250cc division. Semmens, riding for the highly regarded FMF/RPM Racing KTM team, delivered a commanding performance from start to finish. He finished an impressive fifth overall, mixing it up effectively with many of the premier class 450cc riders. His AEO Powersports/Precision Concepts/Moose Racing 250 XC-F looked perfectly dialed in for the course conditions. He finished comfortably ahead of the next Pro II competitor, managing his race strategically. Semmens wasn't just focused on the Pro II win, though; his comments revealed ambition for the future. He already has his eyes set on a potential move up to the premier Pro class. "I want to keep building this points lead," Semmens shared after his victory. He hopes to wrap up the Pro II title early, perhaps even getting the chance to step up and race a 450cc machine later this season. This would give him valuable experience before a planned full-time move to the Pro class next year. He understands the significant challenge that awaits him in the premier class. Moving up means racing against the absolute best in the sport, like Oliveira and DeMartile, every single race weekend. Semmens is aiming to be competitive right away but acknowledges it will be a learning process against seasoned factory racing professionals. The depth of talent in the National Grand Prix Championship means the step up is considerable. Success requires not only speed but also the fitness and race craft to handle 90 minutes of high-intensity racing. The varied circuits, from the faster layouts to technical tracks like those sometimes seen at the Desert Classic Grand Prix hosted by the Viewfinders MC near Ridgecrest, demand adaptability. Pro II Podium and Contention Following Mason Semmens across the finish line in the Pro II category was Sam Pretscherer. Mounted on his 3Bros/Hatch Racing Husqvarna, Pretscherer put in a solid ride, steadily working his way forward through the field. His Precision Concepts/Golden Tyres/Troy Lee Designs FX 250 carried him to second place in class and a respectable sixth overall. The battle for the final Pro II podium spot involved some post-race drama. Dustyn Davis, aboard his Zip-Ty Racing GasGas machine, initially crossed the finish line third in the Pro II class, which corresponded to seventh place physically among all riders. However, race officials handed him a significant two-minute penalty after the race concluded. The penalty was reportedly assessed for using a worn-in line that deviated from the marked course, inadvertently cutting a small section. This penalty dropped the first-year Pro rider down the order considerably in the official results. He ended up classified fifth in Pro II and 11th overall according to the initial results posted by Moto-Tally timing and scoring. Reports circulated, potentially originating from sources like Cycle News or Dirt Bike Mag, suggesting a protest might have been filed regarding the penalty. This means these results could potentially change pending an official review. Such situations highlight the importance of adhering strictly to the marked course in grand prix racing. The penalty provisionally promoted Kai Aiello onto the Pro II podium. The 3Bros/Hatch Racing/Fox Husqvarna rider was credited with third place in the Pro II class and seventh overall. This marked a strong result for Aiello. Cole Zeller followed Aiello closely, finishing fourth in Pro II and eighth overall on his Gainslinger Human Performance/Lake Elsinore Casino/O'Neal Racing FC 250. It was a tightly packed group of riders battling just outside the top five overall positions, demonstrating the depth of the Pro II field this season. Nielsen Unstoppable in Pro Women's Class The Pro Women's class saw a familiar face atop the podium once again. SLR Honda's Mikayla Nielsen continued her absolutely perfect season in the series. She took another convincing win at Fox Raceway, making it five victories in five rounds – an impressive display of dominance. Nielsen looked comfortable and in control aboard her Monster Energy/Lava Propane/Alpinestars CRF250RX. She mentioned recently focusing heavily on her off-road setup and bike preparation for the specific demands of NGPC racing. However, she's also eager to switch gears soon and get back to some pure motocross training on her CRF250R MX bike. "It definitely keeps it fresh and fun," Nielsen commented about balancing the different disciplines of motocross and grand prix racing. Her remarkable consistency and speed this season have set her apart from the competition. Maintaining such a high level across diverse tracks, including potentially sandy ones like Lake Havasu or rocky courses, is a testament to her skill. Finishing in the runner-up position, a place she has unfortunately become familiar with this season, was Ava Silvestri. The 395 Motorsports/Racer Decal/Troy Lee Designs GasGas rider put in another solid and determined ride. She continues to be Nielsen's most consistent challenger, always pushing but so far unable to break Nielsen's winning streak. Making her first appearance on the Pro Women podium this season was Maddy Weber. Competing in her first year as a Pro, Weber rode her North County Motorsports KTM 250 XC to a well-deserved and comfortable third place finish. It's always positive to see new talent emerging and making their mark in the Pro Women's class, adding depth for the future. Other Notable Performances and Standings Outside the top three finishers in the Pro class, the racing was still fierce and competitive. SLR Honda's Tyler Lynn, who had tasted victory earlier in the season at round three, couldn't quite replicate that winning form at Fox Raceway. He found himself riding in a somewhat lonely fourth place overall for much of the 90-minute race. Lane Lorenzo had a fantastic day, producing one of the standout rides outside the main Pro classes. The 707 Suspension/Dunlop/Seven GasGas rider finished an impressive ninth overall against the Pros and Pro II riders. Even more impressively, he also claimed the top A overall honors among the amateur competitors and secured his fourth Four-Stroke A class win this season, showcasing his speed and consistency. Ryan Surratt, another SLR Honda team rider, gutted out a hard-earned tenth-place overall finish. According to a race report likely found in Cycle News or Dirt Bike Mag, Surratt was racing through significant physical discomfort. He was dealing with knee problems and apparently needed urgent dental work, which makes his top-ten finish even more commendable and shows incredible toughness. The demanding nature of National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) tracks, often blending fast, motocross-style sections with tighter, technical off-road trails, tests riders and their machines completely. Fox Raceway, known primarily for its national motocross track featured in AMA Pro Motocross, offered a specific challenge by incorporating the surrounding rugged terrain for this grand prix event. Success requires versatile bikes that can handle high speeds on the straights but are also nimble and forgiving enough for navigating rocks, roots, and uneven ground – a different challenge than the deep sand often found at the Lake Havasu Grand Prix hosted by the Vikings MC, or the potential dust of the Desert Classic Grand Prix. Fitness is always a critical factor in these grueling 90-minute pro races. Maintaining focus and intensity while navigating lapped traffic, reading the changing track conditions, and managing physical exertion is crucial. The riders who prepare the best both physically and mentally, adhering to rigorous training schedules, often rise to the top, especially as the race wears on. The diversity of machinery near the front was evident, showcasing the health of the sport. Factory racing efforts and privateer teams using KTM, Beta, Kawasaki, Honda, Husqvarna, and GasGas motorcycles all had riders finishing within the top ten overall. This parity demonstrates the competitiveness of the national grand prix series and the quality of equipment available from various manufacturers, including the powerhouse FMF KTM Factory Racing squad. These national grand prix events are not just about the professional classes either; they are large-scale celebrations of off-road motorcycling. NGPC races typically draw huge numbers of amateur racers competing across a wide variety of age and skill classes. From young children on 50cc dirt bikes learning the ropes to seasoned veterans in the plus-50 categories, it's a full weekend packed with racing action, adhering to a carefully planned race day schedule to accommodate everyone. Understanding the typical race day schedule helps paint a picture of the event weekend. Usually, Saturday features practice sessions for various groups and hosts the majority of the amateur races, youth races, and often the Vet and Women's Pro races. Sunday morning might see remaining amateur classes before the premier Pro II and Pro races cap off the weekend, ensuring peak excitement for the finale. This packed day schedule requires efficient organization by the hosting club, like the Sunland Shamrocks MC here or clubs like the Viewfinders MC for their Desert Classic. Clubs like the Viewfinders MC, famous for the Desert Classic Grand Prix often held near Ridgecrest, and the Vikings MC, hosts of the popular Lake Havasu Grand Prix, play a vital role in the series. Their efforts in course preparation, logistics, and managing the entire event contribute significantly to the success of the National Grand Prix Championship. Each venue offers distinct challenges, keeping the series fresh and demanding for the riders throughout the season. Updated Championship Points With the NGPC Round 5 Results from Fox Raceway now provisionally finalized (pending the outcome of any potential protests, particularly in Pro II), the championship points chase across the major classes is heating up as the series moves past the halfway mark. In the premier Pro class, Dante Oliveira extended his lead with his crucial victory. He now sits more comfortably atop the standings with 138 points, building a buffer thanks to his consistency and multiple wins. Behind Oliveira, the battle for the second position in the points standings has become incredibly close. SLR Honda's Tyler Lynn and Liqui Moly Beta's Dare DeMartile are now tied for second place, each holding 108 points. Their results in the upcoming rounds, starting with the MMX Marysville Grand Prix, will be critical in deciding who emerges as the primary challenger to Oliveira. Giacomo Redondi's consistent podium finishes, including his third place at Fox Raceway, have solidified his fourth position in the standings. The Kawasaki rider holds 94 points. Consistency is paying off for Redondi as he keeps himself within striking distance should the top three falter. Unfortunately, Mateo Oliveira, Dante's brother and fellow FMF KTM Factory Racing rider, missed this round as he continues to recover from hand surgery sustained earlier in the season. Despite missing the points from round five, he remains fifth in the overall standings with 85 points accumulated from the earlier rounds. He hopes to make his return to racing for round six in Marysville. In the Pro II class, Mason Semmens has further solidified his championship lead with his fourth consecutive win. His dominance puts him in a commanding position as the series progresses. Barring unforeseen issues, he looks well on his way to defending his title and potentially making that move to the 450 class soon. Mikayla Nielsen remains perfect in the Pro Women's class, extending her lead with her fifth win. Her flawless season continues to build a substantial points advantage over Ava Silvestri and the rest of the field. The consistency shown by champions like Oliveira, Semmens, and Nielsen across varied conditions is truly impressive. The entire National Grand Prix series now looks ahead with anticipation to round six. Racers and teams will travel north in California for the MMX Marysville Grand Prix, scheduled for June 14-15. Fans can expect more thrilling off-road racing action as the championship battles continue to unfold at the popular Marysville track, an event promoted under names like Grand Prix â Marysville or simply the MMX Marysville Grand Prix â Marysville event. Conclusion The NGPC Round 5 Results from the Fox Raceway Grand Prix certainly gave fans and followers of the national grand prix series plenty to talk about. The premier Pro main event saw a classic, race-long duel between Dante Oliveira and Dare DeMartile, with the FMF KTM Factory Racing star Oliveira narrowly taking the hard-fought win. Giacomo Redondi delivered another solid ride to complete the Pro podium. Mason Semmens continued his commanding run in the Pro II class, making it four wins in a row, while Mikayla Nielsen kept her perfect season alive and well in the Pro Women category. With close points battles shaping up, especially for second place in the Pro standings, the remainder of the season promises more great dirt bike racing excitement. These NGPC Round 5 Results effectively set the stage for an exciting summer of competition, starting with the upcoming grand prix in Marysville.

