PODIUM FINISH FOR TEAM BABBITT’S/MONSTER ENERGY®/KAWASAKI RIDER JACOB HAYES IN NAMPA

Courtesy of  Kawasaki

The Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho hosted the first round of the 2018 AMA Arenacross Race to the Cup this weekend as the points reset for the final five rounds. Team Babbitt's/Monster Energy®/Kawasaki rider Jacob Hayes returned to action and raced his KX™250F to a second place podium finish, while Idaho native Ryan Breece collected his first 250AX Class podium and second consecutive AX Lites West Coast Class victory. Two-time defending champion and Team Babbitt's/Monster Energy/Kawasaki rider Gavin Faith entered the weekend with the championship points lead but was unable to compete after crashing in an afternoon practice session and is currently undergoing further evaluation.

Hayes got off to a second place start in 250AX Main Event 1 with GPF Babbitt's Online Kawasaki supported rider Ryan Breece in seventh. A battle for the lead quickly began as Hayes applied heavy pressure on the leader until the halfway point in the race, eventually making the pass stick to take control of the race lead. Hayes went on to win 250AX Main Event 1, while Breece made his way up through the pack to finish fourth. In Main Event 2, it was Hayes capturing the holeshot and Breece rounded out the top five. Hayes would hold onto the lead until the halfway point of the race before he was passed and shuffled back to second, which is where he would remain until the checked flag. Breece raced his way up to third place to capture his first 250AX Class podium. Hayes would finish second, just ahead of Breece in third.

"I'm pumped on how the whole day went," said Hayes. "We were a little off in qualifying, but I got a great start in the heat race and rode smart and consistent to get the win. My starts were on point tonight and I am really happy to have won the first main after last weekend's crash. Second place is a great place to start in the Race to the Cup. Looking forward to next weekend."

"I'm still pretty shocked that I got on the podium," said Breece. "I can't thank everyone enough who has helped me get to this point. My starts were really good all night, which put me in the right position to make a few passes and get on the box. I'm so stoked to get on the podium in the 250AX Class and win my second main event in the AX Lites West Coast Class."

In the AX Lites West Coast Class, Breece rode his KX250F to a second consecutive win by leading every lap, while teammate Isaac Teasdale finished in second place and Kawasaki rider Preston Taylor rounded out the podium in third, making it an all green podium in Idaho.

250AX Class Results

1. Chris Blose (2-1)

2. Jacob Hayes (1-2)

3. Ryan Breece (4-3)

250AX Class Race to the Cup Championship Standings

1. Chris Blose 42

2. Jacob Hayes 40

3. Heath Harrison 29

8. Gavin Faith 10

AX Lites West Coast Class Results

1.Ryan Breece

2.Isaac Teasdale

3.Preston Taylor

AX Lites West Coast Championship Standings

1. Ryan Breece 32

2. Kevin Moranz 27

3. Preston Taylor 26

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