21.02.2021
Round 2 - WORCS - February 21, 2021
PEORIA, Ariz. – It was another 1-2 podium finish for the FMF KTM Factory Racing Team at Round 2 of the 2021 World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) but this time it was reigning champion Taylor Robert who emerged victorious with a dominant performance, while teammate Dante Oliveira claimed the runner-up finish. Splitting the first two race-wins of the series, the duo sits tied in the early championship standings as they set the stage for an exciting battle in 2021.
It was a near-perfect day for Robert, who powered his KTM 450 XC-F out front right away with the holeshot and early lead. He set sail from the start, slowly inching his way from the rest of the field over the course of the 14-lap race. Ultimately securing the win by just under one-minute, the reigning champion put forth an impressive flag-to-flag performance in front of his hometown crowd, where he now sits tied with teammate Dante Oliveira in the early championship standings.
Robert: “The race went pretty much perfect for me today. I had a really good holeshot, I kind of swept the guys around the outside, got into the lead and was able to ride my own race. I had guys on my heels early on but I tried not to ride the race behind me and just focus on what’s in front of me and I crept away from those guys by making the least number of mistakes. There were a lot of places out there today to make some mistakes and I didn’t really make any, which was awesome. It was a great race and I’m happy to be back on top for this race and now tied in the points with Dante.”
Oliveira, the round one winner, got off to a decent start in fifth and he worked his way up to third by lap three. He battled for the second-place spot early on and made a mistake in the tires that cost him some time but he was able to recover and make the pass to overtake second once again on lap seven. From there, he settled into a good pace and maintained that through the checkers to finish second on the day.
It was another standout day for FMF/RPM/KTM Racing Team Maxxis rider Mateo Oliveira, who secured his second-straight victory in the Pro 250 division. Oliveira got off to a great start and although it took a few laps for him to get situated, he put forth a dominant performance to finish first in class and seventh overall on the day.
Round 3: Havasu, Arizona – March 26-28, 2021
Results – Round 2
Pro 450 (MC) Results
1. Taylor Robert, KTM, 14 laps
2. Dante Oliveira, KTM, +52.884
3. Zach Bell, KAW, +01:01.317
Pro 250 (MC) Results
1. Mateo Oliveira, KTM, 14 laps
2. Mason Ottersberg, YAM, +25.638
3. Colton Aeck, KTM, +02:03.420
Pro Am (MC) Results
1. Alex Morgan, HQV, 13 laps
2. Cody Miller, KTM, +02:08.207
3. Evan Stice, HON, +01.287
Championship Standings – After Round 2
Pro 450 (MC) Standings
1. Taylor Robert, 47 points
2. Dante Oliveira, 47
3. Cole Martinez, 33