Hill, Decotis, and Lopes move up in the points standings
Jimmy Decotis (#64) attacked the rough conditions and Mile High altitude on his RM-Z250.
Brea, CA (April 15, 2019) - The JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team was in Denver, Colorado this past weekend for round 15 of the 2019 Monster Energy Supercross Championship, and the ninth stop of the 250 Western Regional Supercross Series. Suzuki RM-Z450 rider Justin Hill, along with Suzuki RM-Z250 riders Jimmy Decotis and Enzo Lopes , all improved their positions in the overall points standings. The trio finished inside the top-ten despite the frigid conditions.
Jimmy Decotis fought through sickness to score another strong result on his Suzuki RM-Z250. After qualifying fourth-fastest in combined qualifying, “The Rippa” finished second in his heat race. With a favorable gate pick for the main, Decotis shot out to a top-five start and quickly moved up to third place in full attack mode. Unfortunately, the high altitude and lingering sickness sapped his energy. Decotis finished seventh but continued momentum as he recorded his sixth top-ten finish of the 250 West campaign.
“It was cool to watch Jimmy race,” said Jeremy Albrecht, Team Manager. “He rode well all day. He wasn’t feeling great, but he was fast. He was strong in the main and had a good start.”
Enzo Lopes (#67) fought through the pain to move up in the points standings on his RM-Z250.
Rookie Enzo Lopes was dealing with a freshly healed dislocated shoulder and tender wrist in Denver, yet he still lined up to the gate. After qualifying through the Last Chance Qualifier, Lopes cautiously rode to tenth place. The gutsy ride moved him up in the points standings and looking to take on the final challenge is Vegas.
“Lopes did a really good job, considering that he was racing with a cracked wrist,” said Albrecht. “He’s a super tough kid. I was happy to see him finish tenth, given the circumstances.”
Justin Hill (#46) was determined to get back on the Denver track after an injury caused in Nashville.
Justin Hill was dealing with a bulging disc in his lower back after misjudging a triple jump at the Nashville Supercross. He underwent extensive physical therapy this past week in an effort to race Denver and his hard work paid off. Hill put his Suzuki RM-Z450 in the main event, and proceeded to score his second top-ten of the year. As a result, Hill improved his position in the points standings.
“I’m ultimately proud of my effort coming into Denver,” said Hill. “I put in a lot of work to get my lower back moving. I’m definitely riding in a lot of pain, but I’m getting through it. I feel like I will be better as soon as I’m back to 100 percent health.”
The JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team will travel to MetLife Stadium at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, April 27th for the 16th round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. This will also serve as the eighth round of the 250 East Regional Supercross series.
Please visit www.jgrmxraceteam.com for more team news.
Photos courtesy of BrownDogWilson.
