September 11, 2020
Courtesy of American Flat Track
James Rispoli (No. 43 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R) continued his recent tear, scoring his third AFT Production Twins victory in the class’ most recent four Main Events.
“The Rocket” tracked down reigning champion Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) early and the two spent the next several minutes determining who had the superior line around Williams Grove Speedway.
Texter appeared to have the early advantage running down low, but Rispoli’s high line got progressively stronger as the race developed. With around three minutes remaining on the clock, there was no longer a debate concerning who found the fast way around; Rispoli blasted away at the front and furthered his standing as the championship favorite.
With three wins and three seconds this season, Rispoli has quickly assembled a full race advantage in the points. “You never get used to winning,” he said. “We’re kind of having a dream season right now. We were struggling mid-day and Cory had kind of been in a class of his own. But as soon as the sun went down, something a little special happened. We saw Briar running around the top in the SuperTwins Semi, and I said to the boys, ‘This is our only shot.’ It worked — sometimes it doesn’t. I’m just fired up. The Latus Motors Racing team has done a beautiful job today.”
Ryan Varnes (No. 68 RVR/RoyBuilt Don’s Kawasaki Ninja 650) not only made up for a less-than-ideal start, he managed to overcome a mid-race encounter with the wall to take the final spot on the box.
Varnes reeled in Indy Mile winner Ben Lowe (No. 25 Roof Systems of Dallas/Bruce Lowe Excavating Yamaha MT-07) and the two then engaged in a scrap for third position. With around four minutes remaining, Lowe ran up the inside of Varnes and the ‘19 class runner-up actually impacted the fence in the melee.
Varnes somehow managed to remain upright, maintained his composure, ran Lowe back down, and beat him to the flag in the end.
Rispoli’s fellow multinational championship-winning roadracer, Danny Eslick (No. 64 Scott Powersports/R&D Machine Kawasaki Ninja 650), rounded out the top five.
In case you missed it, The Williams Grove Half-Mile I & II will air back-to-back on NBCSN on Saturday, September 26, starting at 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT. The broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and the expert commentary of AFT legend Chris Carr.
