Wilson makes strong AMA Supercross return at Nashville

Dean Wilson narrowly misses out on top 10 result as Quad Lock Honda returns to a full strength squad for the final rounds

Quad Lock Honda achieved a significant milestone at Round 13 of the AMA Supercross Championship in Nashville, placing four riders into the 450SX main event, its the first time this season all four riders were competing .

With the return of Dean Wilson for the final five rounds, the team was at full strength in the premier class, although still without 250 rider Brodie Connolly, who continues to recover from a back injury sustained earlier this year.

Qualifying was solid across the board, with all four riders placing inside the top 16. Wilson’s return was particularly impressive, qualifying 13th and just 1.4 seconds off the top time.

“I felt good. The team has done a great job getting the bike ready, and I’ve been putting in work at the Lawrence compound preparing,” said Wilson. “All in all, it’s been a solid lead-in, the grind is real.”

All four riders transferred directly from their heat races into the main event. Joey Savatgy, still managing injury, delivered a strong ride in his heat race to finish fourth, despite limited preparation.

“I haven’t ridden properly for five weeks due to the pain, so I haven’t been able to train the way I’d like,” said Savatgy. “It’s frustrating, but we’re out here doing it and that’s what matters.”

Shane McElrath showed his strongest pace of the season, running inside the top eight for more than half the race before fading slightly to finish 10th.

“It’s on me,” McElrath said. “I finally felt stronger and had better speed. There’s still work to do, but I feel like I can push harder, everything felt good.”

Wilson, returning to AMA Supercross competition after nearly a year away, finished 11th and was encouraged by his performance.

“It felt so good to be back racing in America,” he said. “I need to focus on my starts, it’s been a while since I’ve had a gate drop at this level, and that let me down. I’m happy with my riding and the bike, but I want to be closer to the front.”

Christian Craig endured another challenging round after an early crash forced him to fight back through the field, ultimately finishing 14th.

“Again, it’s on me,” said Craig. “Crashing and overall riding, I just need to figure it out. The team has been patient, and I need to turn it around before the season ends.”

Savatgy’s main event was compromised early after being taken down by another rider, followed by a second minor crash later in the race, leaving him to finish 16th, he still sits 7th in the championship.

“I got hit hard, plain and simple,” Savatgy said. “I’m not sure what’s considered aggressive riding, but it felt like it crossed the line. It was a tough night, but we’ll rebound. I’m hoping to get more riding in this week and be back where we should be.”

The team now turns its focus to Round 14 in Cleveland this weekend.