Rockstar Energy Husqvarna's Zach Osborne has been fined $7500 by the AMA for his last lap pass on Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Joey Savatgy during the Las Vegas 250SX Main Event.
The AMA’s announcement informs us a protest was filed following the race, in which Osborne clinched the 250SX East Championship, and after review, the pass was found to be “aggressive in nature”.
Osborne was fined $7500 but suspect his win bonus will cover that…
The penalty has no impact on points so Osborne retains the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship.
Read AMA’s statement below;
Decision of the Race Director,
Las Vegas, Nev., Supercross
On May 6, 2017, after the 250SX main event, a protest was filed in regards to an on-track incident involving rider #17 Joey Savatgy and rider #16 Zach Osborne. After a complete review of the incident, including video and eyewitness accounts, it was determined by the Race Director that rider #16 Zach Osborne was in violation of the rule Appendix A.2.c.17.
A2 General Offenses and Penalties
i. The following offenses will be subject to disciplinary action by the Race Director and/or the competent bodies. This list is provided as guidance to licensed competitors and event credential holders but does not restrict AMA from invoking penalties for other actions detrimental to the sport that are not specifically contemplated herein.
17. Riding on or off the track at any time in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of other riders, officials or the public.
It was determined that the pass was aggressive in nature and per the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship rulebook, the current action in Las Vegas caused a fine of $7,500.00 to be issued.
The protesting party did not agree with the severity of the penalty and chose to appeal the Race Director’s decision. An appeal hearing was then convened and all evidence presented by both parties were reviewed. It was determined by the appeals panel that the penalty was justified. The decision of the Race Director was confirmed and the decision of the appeals panel is final. No further appeal is possible.