06.02.2023

FMF KTM FACTORY RACING'S NGPC CHAMPION DANTE OLIVEIRA CLAIMS FIRST VICTORY OF 2023 SEASON IN TAFT

Round 2 - AMA National Grand Prix Championship
This press release has: 6 Images
Taft, Calif. – FMF KTM Factory Racing rider Dante Oliveira picked up his first victory of the 2023 AMA National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) season on Sunday, the defending champion putting forward a commanding performance for the Pro class overall. Teammate Mateo Oliveira claimed sixth position in what was round two of the series.
After finishing third at the opening round, Oliveira arrived in Taft with the aim of rebounding and that's exactly what he managed to achieve, equipped with the KTM 450 XC-F. He completed the opening two laps in fourth, before taking charge on lap three and that's where he would remain, crossing the finish with a six-second advantage over round one winner Ryan Surratt. Dante is now P2 in the series, four points outside the lead.

Dante Oliveira: “The conditions were great out there today. I always really look forward to Taft and the flowing track and awesome dirt. I didn’t get the jump on the start, but once I moved into the lead on lap three I settled in and started to build the gap. I rode it all the way to the finish for the win. I’m really happy with how the day went and can’t thank the team enough.”

More experience was gained by Pro class newcomer and brother Mateo Oliveira in his second NGPC appearance with FMF KTM Factory Racing, the Pro 2 champion from last year placing sixth overall on Sunday. After factoring in the podium race during the mid-stages – running as high as second following four laps – he would eventually claim a sixth-place result aboard his KTM 450 XC-F and that sees Mateo maintain fifth in the points.

Mateo Oliveira: “It wasn’t the best day, but I am still pretty happy with the progress we’re making. I had a decent start and thought I had a good grip on a podium position mid way. But Austin [Walton] was putting in solid laps and I gave him all I had. I’m looking forward to the next one.”

The Pro Women's category was once again won by defending champion Brandy Richards, the KTM-supported rider earning a strong 21st overall for the weekend. She led a KTM 1-2 in class ahead of Mikayla Nielsen and now enjoys a 14-point lead in the championship standings.

Round 3: Blythe, California – February 19, 2023

Results: Round 2

Pro Results
1. Dante Oliveira, KTM
2. Ryan Surratt, HON
3. Cole Martinez, HON
OTHER KTM
6. Mateo Oliveira, KTM

Pro Women Results
1. Brandy Richards, KTM
2. Mikayla Nielsen, KTM
3. Ava Silvestri, GAS
4. Kaitlyn Jacobs, KTM

Pro Championship Standings
1. Ryan Surratt, 55 points
2. Dante Oliveira, 51
3. Cole Martinez, 39
OTHER KTM
5. Mateo Oliveira, 31
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Images (6)

DANTE OLIVEIRA - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING
5 282 x 3 521 © Mark Kariya
DANTE OLIVEIRA 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING
5 568 x 3 712 © Mark Kariya
MATEO OLIVEIRA 02 - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING
5 568 x 3 712 © Mark Kariya
MATEO OLIVEIRA - FMF KTM FACTORY RACING
5 568 x 3 712 © Mark Kariya
DANTE OLIVEIRA PODIUM
5 568 x 3 712 © Mark Kariya
DANTE OLIVEIRA PODIUM 02
5 568 x 3 712 © Mark Kariya

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