Solis wins Rookies Cup opener

From KTM North America

Benny Solis, Jr., from North Hollywood, CA, won a thrilling 11-lap race with Argentine rider Leandro Mercado at Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday.

The two riders battled for position all race, with Solis winning out to take the first-ever victory in the North American version of the Red Bull Rookies Cup. Hayden Gillim, from Owensboro, KY, earned third place after several on-track dramas.

Thirteen-year-old Solis took the lead from Mercado, 16, on the first lap but the Argentine thwarted any attempts at a breakaway. Mercado shadowed Solis for the entire event (and even took the lead on a couple of occasions) and both riders broke into the 1:33-range with their lap times, breaking the existing track 125cc record in the process.

Mercado's bid for a final lap challenge came up short when he clipped the trackside grass at turn 12.

"I got a good start and I was just pushing it, riding as hard as I could," said Solis. "I didn't know how fast we were going lap time-wise, but I think we were both giving it all we had. I'm really happy to be able to win our first Red Bull Rookies Cup race and do the burnout in front of all the fans."

Gillim took third place after Joey Pascarella and Tomas Puerta crashed late in the race in separate incidents while battling for the final podium spot.

Bermudan Toriano Wilson took fourth place despite a bad start.

Results
1 Benny Solis
2 Leandro Mercardo
3 Hayden Gillim
4 Toriano Wilson
5 Corey Rech

Standings
1 Benny Solis 25
2 Leandro Mercardo 20
3 Hayden Gillim 16
4 Toriano Wilson 13
5 Corey Rech 11