2023 Arenacross Round 12 Results
Cycle News Staff | March 21, 2023
The 2023 AMA Arenacross Championship was decided March 17, and defending champion Kyle Peters clinched the title with two rounds still left on the schedule. He split main-event wins with Jared Lesher to take top honors at his home race in Salem, Virginia.
Main one started off with Preston Taylor in the lead followed closely by Lesher and Peters. Taylor’s been a podium contender all year but ultimately lost the top spot to Lesher.
Lesher said he “felt Peters putting the pressure on” and knew he “had to make the move for the lead.”
Once Peters moved into second, the race was on and the two raced closely to the checkered flag. Lesher held on for the win aboard his fan-favorite YZ250 two-stroke.
Main two flipped the running order which put the front runners on the back row. Lesher again got out to a great start and moved into first after avoiding a big pileup in the second turn. Eventually Peters and Kyle Bitterman both made their way around Lesher who ended up 1-3 on the night. Peters claimed the win in main two and with it, his fourth consecutive Arenacross championship. He has an insurmountable 70-point lead overall Bitterman, who has a commanding 89-point advantage over Aaron Simone. Clark is just 17 points behind Simone. Taylor is currently holding down fifth in the championship, 19 points ahead of Matthew Curler.
“It’s been a long road, a long year,” Peters said. “A year ago, I didn’t know if I’d ever race again or even ride a dirt bike. So, to be standing here is truly a blessing.” CN
Pro Main 1
- Jared Lesher (Yam)
- Kyle Peters (Hon)
- Preston Taylor (Kaw)
- Kyle Bitterman (Hon)
- Izaih Clark (Hon)
Pro Main 2
- Kyle Peters (Hon)
- Kyle Bitterman (Hon)
- Jered Lesher (Yam)
- Preston Taylor (Kaw)
- Izaih Clark (Hon)