TOM VIALLE

The KTM racer knew that a solid finish would have to be secured, while stationed in Massachusetts. Tom Vialle’s knowledge in the sand was next-level, and after a substantial display of momentum and tenacity was put forth in qualification, the number sixteen was aspiring to race for the lead as the green flag waved for moto-one of the afternoon. He resided within the top-five in the earliest of moments, and Vialle quickly moved into third, after overtaking Levi Kitchen. He was hounding the rear wheel of Honda’s Chance Hymas before the second lap was completed, and it was easy to see the prowess of the French rider be unveiled among the countless berms on the Southwick course. This led to the halfway point, where Vialle had then overtaken the Honda competitor. He was second, with roughly an eight-second gap that was left to be tackled, in order to surpass Haiden Deegan. The charge that was put forth by Vialle was commendable, but the Yamaha rider was too far ahead to be overtaken. In the end, Tom’s concluding finish (of second place) was solid — and enough to keep him within the fight, for an overall victory. In moto two, he was able to regather his sense of determination and focus, following the red flag restart. And after drifting to the outside in turn number one, he would occupy fourth before quickly surpassing Jo Shimoda. Levi Kitchen was next to be overtaken, and the pass on the Kawasaki rider would be conducted before the second lap was over. He then stalked the rear fender of Haiden Deegan, and was somehow gaining time on the Californian! Which led to a critical mistake being presented by the number thirty-eight rider, when he would tuck the front-end in the proceeding right-handed bend, directly after the mechanic’s area. This was immediately after seven minutes of action had been completed, and Tom appeared to have an open raceway of sorts, at his disposal. His lead would stretch, continuously amplifying to a significant margin over the next few laps. All seemed to be well, until the final four laps (or so) would present a shift, in favor of Vialle’s opponents (i.e. Shimoda and Deegan). The shift, when coupled with an incident that Vialle would undergo with a lapped rider, drastically swayed the momentum to the aforementioned adversaries...resulting in only bike lengths separating the three, just before the two-lap board was showcased! At that point, Vialle would put forth all of his effort...but a move by Shimoda was made, two corners before the finish line with two laps remaining! Vialle attempted to counter, but couldn’t generate the energy needed to definitively take the spot...and while defending the second-place position, with roughly half of a lap to go, the French rider would slide out on a slight uphill/straightaway section! This resulted in Haiden Deegan working his way by, but Vialle remained composed enough, to remount the motorcycle and obtain third — remaining in the championship fight, for second overall, respectively.