13.08.2023

FOURTH-PLACE FINISH FOR RED BULL KTM’S MAX WHALE AT CASTLE ROCK TT

Round 16 – American Flat Track Championship
This press release has: 5 Images
CASTLE ROCK, Wash. – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider Max Whale has raced to a fourth-place finish in Round 16 of the 2023 American Flat Track Championship at the Castle Rock TT, with teammate and current AFT Singles points-leader Kody Kopp riding to 10th position.
After piloting his 450 SX-F to the fourth-fastest qualifying time, Whale charged his way to finish third place in the second Heat of the round, earning a second row starting position for the Main Event. Engaged in a battle for the front-running positions all race long, Whale fought hard to P4, crossing the line a marginal 0.5s from the leader. He sits fifth in the standings.

Max Whale: "Castle Rock TT, didn't feel overly special today, although as the day progressed I became increasingly comfortable on the track. Qualified in fourth, then finished up with third place in my Heat race, which put me on the second row for the Main Event. I got a good jump, moved my way into fourth, and that's where I stayed for the remainder as I was right on the front guys all race. This was a really difficult circuit to make passes on, but we'll shift our focus now to Springfield and finsh this championship out strong."

Defending champion Kopp experienced a difficult day in Castle Rock, as the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider struggled to achieve comfort on the Washington circuit. After qualifying in ninth place, Kopp raced to seventh in the second Heat race, before posting a quiet run in the Main Event to take P10.

With seven wins to date this season, Kopp continues to lead the 2023 AFT Singles Championship with a 35-point margin as just two rounds remain. He will have another opportunity to potentially clinch back-to-back crowns next time out.

Kody Kopp: "The result from this round stings. We came into the day looking to wrap up the championship, although have now pushed it into Springfield. We came out of here healthy, at least, and that's a blessing in itself as this place can be chaotic. I notched the fastest lap-time in the Main Event, which was a positive, though the pressure mounted here today and we didn't execute. Huge shoutout to the team, we're off to Sprinfield now to chase down this championship!" 

Next Race: Springfield Mile I – Springfield, IL – September 2, 2023

Round 16 Results

AFT Singles Main Event
1. Trevor Brunner, Yamaha
2. Dalton Gauthier, KTM
3. Tanner Dean, Honda
4. Max Whale, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
OTHER KTM
10. Kody Kopp, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing
16. Olin Kissler, KTM
18. Declan Bender, KTM

2023 AFT Singles Point Standings
1. Kody Kopp, 308 points
2. Trevor Brunner, 273
3. Tom Drane, 264
OTHER KTM
5. Max Whale, 244
6. Dalton Gauthier, 235
11. Travis Petton IV, 97
16. Shayna Texter-Bauman, 69
19. Logan Eisenhard, 43
20. Declan Bender, 38
22. Tanner Dean, 27
25. Landen Smith, 15
27. Hayden Gillim, 14
28. Olin Kissler, 14
30. Clarke Morian V, 12
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Images (5)

MAX WHALE - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2 000 x 1 333 © Tim Lester
MAX WHALE 02 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2 000 x 1 333 © Tim Lester
KODY KOPP - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2 000 x 1 333 © Tim Lester
KODY KOPP 02 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2 000 x 1 333 © Tim Lester
KODY KOPP 03 - RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2 000 x 3 555 © Tim Lester

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