Following a DNF in the first moto of Supermini 2, Haiden Deegan’s hopes for a pair of titles in both Supermini divisions all but ended. However, there was still work to be done for the KTM Orange Brigade rider in Supermini 1, which contested its second moto on Thursday.
Off the start it was Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Krystian Janik who earned the STACYC Holeshot. Janik and Deegan came together in a scary incident for both riders on Wednesday during the Supermini 2 race, and they found themselves alongside one another again in a battle for the Supermini 1 lead on Thursday. Deegan took advantage of a slight bobble by Janik to move into the lead with ease and never looked back.
Both Deegan and Janik controlled the moto from the front and distanced themselves from NorthPoint Trailers/Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM’s Jude Smerlick in third. Janik was no match for Deegan’s relentless pace, as the second-generation racer cruised to his second moto win of the week. Janik finished second.
Following a tense battle for the opening moto win, Shift MX Husqvarna’s Jeff Emig and The Wick 338/Pilgrim Powersports Kawasaki’s Keith Johnson renewed their fight on Thursday for the second moto. Out of the gate Johnson grabbed the upper hand with the STACYC Holeshot while Emig made some quick passes on the opening lap to move into second.
Once this duo ran 1-2 on the track their battle for the lead began almost immediately, at a torrid pace. While Emig had more pace in the early stages of the moto, Johnson showed tremendous poise to fend off the constant pressure.
As the moto reached the halfway point Emig finally got the upper hand and put his Husqvarna at the head of the pack. At this point the leaders enjoyed an advantage of more than 30 seconds over the rest of the field.
Despite losing the lead, Johnson kept his head down and kept the pressure on the multi-time national champion. On the final lap Johnson was all over Emig’s rear fender and sought an opportunity to make a pass.
Suddenly, Emig went down, which caused Johnson to get stuck in Emig’s bike. Both riders patiently tried to separate themselves and Johnson was able to get going first, which allowed him to carry on to the moto win as Emig recovered for second.