Duel MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle is taking plenty of positives from his first-ever AMA Supercross start, where he enjoyed valuable track position and led the opening laps on his way to an eventual result of seventh in the Main Event at Houston, Texas.
After qualifying ninth for the 250SX East season-opener, the Frenchman opened his 250SX account with an impressive third place in his Heat. A fast start aboard the 2023 KTM 250 SX-F saw Vialle complete the opening lap inside the top three before he withstood early pressure from behind to finish P3 and progress directly to his first-ever Main Event.
Another precise launch off the gate in the Main Event saw Vialle in first place and he managed to lead the first two laps. After dropping two positions early on, he looked comfortable and appeared to be on track for a memorable podium. Unfortunately, a couple of late mistakes saw him cross the finish line in seventh place, gaining valuable race experience in the process.
“I was a little nervous in the first practice, but I felt more comfortable as the day went on,” the 22-year-old said. “In my Heat I was again a bit nervous as it was my first-ever Supercross in a stadium at night, but I had a good start and finished P3, so I was happy with that. In the Main Event, I had a great start again and got to lead for two laps. Then with five laps to go, while in third, I had a small crash when I missed the rear brake and went over the corner. I’m disappointed as we could’ve finished on the podium, but I learned a lot and it was a good day overall,” Vialle concluded.
