MARIETTA, Ga. – September 9, 2023 – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing’s Jake Gagne kept his win streak rolling with another masterclass performance in today’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 1 at the Circuit of The Americas. Fill-in rider JD Beach fought back to third to give the team a double-podium finish in the punishing conditions in Austin, Texas.
After securing his third-consecutive MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at the previous round, Gagne’s hot streak continued at COTA. The Californian hit the ground running despite the triple-digit temperatures, leading every session, claiming another pole position, and setting a new track record. When the lights went out for Race 1, he got a great start and slotted into second. Gagne battled for the lead and was able to secure it on the opening lap. From there, he threw down some fast laps to remain unchallenged and earn his fourth-consecutive victory. It also marked Gagne’s 10th MotoAmerica
Superbike victory this season and brings his career tally to 39.
Beach continued to make progress on the Attack Yamaha R1 in his second outing with the team as a fill-in rider for Cameron Petersen. The Kentucky rider, who has been racing full-time in the American Flat Track series since 2020, had a solid qualifying effort in fifth. He tried to grab the holeshot but ultimately was shuffled back to sixth.
Undeterred, Beach put his head down and steadily made his way forward to third with three laps to go. He tried to advance to the runner-up spot but ultimately ran out of time and crossed the line third for his first MotoAmerica Superbike podium since 2019 at the New Jersey Motorsports Park.
The Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing team looks to keep the momentum rolling for tomorrow’s MotoAmerica Superbike Race 2 at the Circuit of The Americas.
Richard Stanboli – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing Team Manager
“It was a great day for our riders and team. Everyone and everything functioned perfectly. Jake and our Yamaha R1s love the heat. Getting a first and third, as well as a new track record, showed the capability of both riders and the machine. We look forward to Race 2 tomorrow.”
Jake Gagne – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing
“It was a good little battle on the first lap, which was fun. Then I tried to put my head down on Lap 2 and managed to pull a little lead. It was very hot conditions, but the Yamaha handled it well, and it was awesome to see JD on the podium as well!”
JD Beach – Fresh N Lean Progressive Yamaha Racing
“Today’s race was a battle for me all the way through. I got a good start but messed up Turn 1 a bit and went backward. I kept charging all race long and slowly picked off the guys. It was brutal in the hot
conditions, but I still felt solid at the end. I’m happy that I was able to put two Yamahas on the box and look forward to Race 2!”