Jorge Prado on a nightmare day at Hangtown

Jorge Prado endured a challenging day at Hangtown, where mechanical issues severely impacted his championship ambitions. While chasing Haiden Deegan for a podium position in the first moto, Prado suffered an engine failure that dashed his hopes of finishing third. This setback had a cascading effect on his second moto, as the US scoring system places riders on the gate based on their first moto results rather than qualifying times. Consequently, Prado started from the outside gate in race two, found himself near the back of the pack early on, and although he fought back to 13th, he lost valuable points to his title rivals. The repercussions of this difficult day were significant for Prado’s championship standing, as he dropped to 41 points behind the leader. Reflecting on the day, Prado acknowledged the impact of the first moto issue and the disadvantageous gate pick for the second race. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on the remainder of the season, expressing determination to perform at his best and recover ground in the title chase. His resilience in the face of adversity will be crucial as the championship progresses. Ian Harrison, who spoke about Prado’s signing and transition to American racing, highlighted the challenges the Spanish rider faced adapting to the US supercross and motocross scene. Harrison admitted initial doubts about Prado’s ability to make the leap from European GP racing directly to the 450 class, noting the steep learning curve involved. However, he praised Prado’s dedication and rapid improvement, crediting the extensive preparation and time spent on the bike at the start of the season for his progress. Harrison compared Prado’s early adaptation to that of Ken Roczen, underscoring the young rider’s natural talent and potential. The Hangtown experience, while a setback, may serve as a valuable learning opportunity for Prado as he continues to acclimate to the demands of the US series. With his evident skill and work ethic, Prado remains a formidable contender despite the points deficit. How he responds in upcoming rounds will be closely watched by fans and commentators alike, as the championship battle intensifies and every point becomes increasingly crucial.