Charles Lefrancois Logs Valuable Seat Time with JGR Suzuki RM-Z450 in Daytona
2020 UK 450 Arenacross Champion joins JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki for round 10 of Supercross
JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Racing was in Daytona, Florida this past weekend for round 10 of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series. Newly-crowned 2020 UK Pro 450 Arenacross champion Charles Lefrancois was a last minute addition to JGR Suzuki as a fill-in rider for the injury-plagued team. Teammate Jimmy Decotis qualified for the evening show on his Suzuki RM-Z250, but was unable to continue.
Lefrancois had a smooth transition to the JGR team thanks to winning his 2020 UK title on a Suzuki. After a last minute call to join the team, the Frenchman was eager to continue the momentum he gained prior to Daytona and show he has what it takes to advance aboard the familiar RM-Z450. Although the high-speed Florida track was difficult, Lefrancois turned in strong lap times during daytime qualifying but was unable to secure a transfer position in his heat race and the LCQ. Lefrancois looks to show his true potential and talent in Indianapolis, and will be working on stronger starts to advance further in the competition.
"I felt comfortable on the bike from the start of timed practice,” said Lefrancois. “I managed to get the 19th fastest time in the first timed session and qualified 22nd overall after the second session. I knew a direct transfer into the main was possible for me with a good start, and usually starts are my strength, but not tonight. I worked hard to make passes, but it was not enough in my heat or the LCQ to transfer to the main. Despite my bad result I really liked the bike, and also the track, and will work hard this week to get better results in Indy."
"Charles rode well in qualifying and improved each time he hit the track," said Jeremy Albrecht, Team Manager. "He showed speed, but bad starts did not help him get into the main event. We will focus on starts to help him improve for next weekend. He has a great attitude and wants to prove he can make us and Suzuki proud. I believe he will make improvements each weekend."
Jimmy Decotis also showed good pace on his RM-Z250 during qualifying but ultimately chose to opt out of the night show. A series of unfortunate events over the last few weeks has kept him from competing to the level he is capable of. Decotis is working with the team and is hopeful to getting back on track next weekend.
“We went into the weekend wanting to turn things around for Jimmy D,” added Albrecht. “He had a few crashes that have held him back over the last few weeks and has felt weak and not himself. After qualifying for the night, he made the decision to not continue in his heat race. He will get some testing this week and try to figure out how to get back to competing.”
Images courtesy of Brown Dog Wilson
About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (SMAI) distributes Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Outboard Motors and Automotive Parts and Accessories via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of Motorcycles, ATVs, Scooters, Automobiles, Outboard Motors and related products. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has business relations with 201 countries/regions. For more information, visit www.suzuki.com.
About JGRMX: Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross (JGRMX), based in Huntersville, NC, was founded in 2007 by Coy Gibbs, son of NFL Hall of Fame head coach and multi-time NASCAR Championship winning team owner Joe Gibbs. JGRMX competes in both the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series as well as the Monster Energy Supercross series with support from Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. aboard Suzuki RM-Z250 and RM-Z450 race machines.
About Yoshimura R&D of America: Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for 65 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge, and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket. Yoshimura exhaust systems are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit, and quality that has been their trademark for six decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.