Savatgy loses championship lead following New Jersey penalty

Joey Savatgy has been docked five positions by the AMA following Saturday night’s 250SX race in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Savatgy was running in second when he suffered a crash in the rhythm section, allowing Dylan Ferrandis to sneak by. The Kawasaki rider managed to remount quickly and finish third behind race winner Zach Osborne and Ferrandis. 

However, the AMA later determined that Savatgy failed to re-enter the racetrack at the closest safe point (cut track), resulting in an unfair advantage. The penalty drops him from third to eighth and costs him the points lead.

Jordon Smith, who crossed the finish line in fourth, is rewarded third place as well as the championship lead. Smith will now hold a one-point advantage over Savatgy and Osborne as the series heads to Las Vegas for the finale.