Larry Lawrence | May 4, 2016
Two weeks after missing the podium by one spot at Road Atlanta, Conner Blevins raced to a strong second place in the Superstock 600 Race One at the Moto America Superbike Championship of New Jersey on his Excel Machine Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R. Unfortunately, a crash in another rider’s spilled oil caused Conner to injure his shoulder and miss the restart of Sunday’s red-flagged Race Two. With the DNF, Conner slips to sixth in season points after two rounds.
Race One – Saturday
Conner was fast from the start of the two free practice sessions on Friday, both held in damp/drying/wet conditions. He was third fastest in the first session and first in the second session. In the cold but dry Saturday morning qualifying session, Conner qualified third for the two races on the weekend. With a good start, Conner was able to run the same pace as winner Bryce Prince, but could not close the gap during the 23-lap race. “I got away with Bryce early, but I couldn’t close on him. It ended up being a lonely race,” said Conner. “I knew Dakota was behind me, but I managed the gap.”
Race Two – Sunday
The Sunday weather was wet and cold as predicted. Conner was sixth fastest in the wet morning warm-up session, and was ready to race in the rain. Conner made a good start and was settling in when on lap seven another rider crashed behind him and spilled oil in the Turn Two area. Conner came through on the next lap and crashed without the benefit of warning flags. He fell directly on his shoulder. After several other riders crashed, the race was red-flagged and stopped. Conner was unable to restart due to his injury.
Pending the results of a doctor’s evaluation, Conner’s next event of the 2016 Moto America Superstock 600 championship series is at VIRginia International Raceway in Danville, Virginia on May 13-15, 2016.
For the 2016 season, Conner is proud to be sponsored by Excel Machine Racing, House of Kawasaki, JP43 Training, Dainese, Kawasaki USA, Dunlop Tires, STAR Motorcycle School, Ohlins Suspension, Arai Helmets and Defy All Odds.
For more information, contact Conner Blevins at connerblevins@gmail.com or visit Conner on Facebook at www.facebook.com/conner.blevins.
