PJ victorious as Cameron and Corey suffer double DNF at Brainerd
PJ Jacobsen kept the Tytlers Cycle Racing team on the top step of the podium in the latest round of the 2023 MotoAmerica Superbike Championship at Brainerd International Raceway, the #99 BMW M1000 RR rider converting his front row of the grid starting position to a superb second place finish on Saturday afternoon before romping to his maiden SBK win on Sunday.
On the pace from free practice PJ was the one to watch, putting together his strongest weekend of the year so far. The results move him into fourth overall in the points standings.
Cameron Beaubier, already a multiple winner this year, was also on the pace, the former champion putting his #6 machine in Pole Position for the weekend’s two races. A strong start in Saturday’s opener saw a dramatic first lap, with Cameron tagging the back of Jake Gagne. Contact between PJ Jacobsen and Mathew Scholtz brough out the red flag meaning a race restart. When the lights went out again Beaubier was once again looking good before a scary look crash saw him high side out of contention. With a medical examination revealing a concussion, Cameron withdrew from all track activity on Sunday.
The team’s third rider, Corey Alexander, also had an eventful weekend. The #23 destroyed a bike after a fast crash on Friday but thanks to the great work of the team was able to make it out for qualifying. P12 on the gird, Corey dug deep but unfortunately failed to finish either race, despite running inside the top six on Sunday.
The next round of the series takes place at fan favourite Pitt Race in the middle of August.
PJ Jacobsen:“Race one was pretty hectic with everything that happened at the start. There were a few crashes, and we had a restart. Unfortunately, Cam (Beaubier) went down but I was able to run a strong pace and run with Jake (Gagne) the rest of the race. I got P2 and the closest we have been to a win which was good for me, and the team and I was looking forward to seeing what we could do on Sunday. Race two was pretty awesome. I got my first superbike win in MotoAmerica. It was a really hard race and I just focused on not making mistakes. I made the pass, but I knew I couldn’t relax. Jake (Gagne) kept the pressure up, but we were able to hold on and get the win that has eluded me for so long. It’s a pretty cool feeling and I can’t wait for Pittsburgh. I want to thank the whole team, see you at the next one!”
Cameron Beaubier:“We had good pace Friday and Saturday morning that I was happy about but had a big crash at the beginning of race one that put us out for the weekend. I am bummed but I will get healthy and move on. It was good to see PJ win on Sunday so well done to him. I am looking forward to Pittsburgh so see you there.”
Corey Alexander:“I felt great right off the bat with our bike and our pace was strong. Unfortunately, I had a big crash on one of the fastest turns of the track in Q1 that destroyed the bike. The guys built a new one, but we spent most of Saturday sorting out the bugs of a new bike and it cost us a finish in the opening race. Race two was back to normal with the bike, and I felt strong in the middle of the race and was pushing hard. Unfortunately, I lost the front with a few laps ago. It has been a weekend to forget but I am happy with what we have learned yet again and my pace overall. Thanks, team, for everything”