Team HRC triumphs in the opener of the E-Xplorer Cup
Honda Racing Corporation won the first race of the FIM E-Xplorer Cup in Osaka last weekend. They held off Robbie Maddison Racing in the electric motocross race.
The Japanese have already established their authority in electric off-road racing in the first competition. As a newcomer to the all-electric off-road competition, Team HRC was surrounded by formidable opponents, many of whom have already gained a full year of experience in the 2023 championship.
But with consistently strong performances throughout the entire race day in Osaka, Team HRC not only managed to keep pace with its rivals, but also to finish this first race at the top of the rankings. However, the competitors did not make it easy for the newcomer and with 132 championship points, victory was secured by just one point.
Robbie Maddison Racing was hot on their heels and finished the weekend in second place with 131 points. RMR riders Zaragoza and Germond pushed Team HRC to the end, but were ultimately passed. Closely behind RMR in third place was INDE Racing with 121 points. Achieving a podium finish on their debut was a strong signal for the Indian team and they will look to maintain their pace throughout the season.
HRC drivers Francesca Nocera and Tosha Schareina competed against 14 other drivers in three individual races at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, posting consistently fast times despite the unique conditions and challenges. Despite the cold weather, 1750 motorsports fans were present at the Expo '70 Commemorative Park to witness the kick-off of E-Xplorer Season 2.
Among the riders, INDE Racing's Sandra Gomez took the honors as the fastest female rider of the weekend, while RMR's Jorge Zaragoza topped the list as the fastest male rider. With close racing from start to finish, it was all in Japan and the result came down to the final race in both the men's and women's categories.
Honda delicately had their electric CR photographed with 2025 glued to the number plates. This makes it appear that this machine will be in stores next year. With the first round of the 2024 FIM E-Xplorer World Cup having successfully concluded, all eyes are on round two, which moves to Europe and Norway in early May.
MALE CLASIFICATION
1. Jorge Zaragoza (ESP, Robbie Maddison Racing) 75 POINTS
2. Tosha Schareina (ESP, Team HRC) 64 POINTS
3. Dylan Woodcock (UK, Bonell Racing) 56 POINTS
4. Alex Andreis (ITA, Gravity) 56 POINTS
5. Spencer Wilton (CAN, Inde Racing) 52 POINTS
6. Stuart Edmonds (IRL, PCR-E) 44 POINTS
7. Yoshikazu Hosaka (JPN, Caofen) 41 POINTS
8. Jack Field (AUS, AUS-E Racing) 41 POINTS
3. Tanja Schlosser (GER, Gravity) 62 POINTS
4. Virginie Germond (SUI, Robbie Maddison Racing) 56 POINTS
5. Nieve HOLMES (GBR, PCR-E) 45 POINTS
6. Kristie McKinnon (AUS, Bonnell Racing) 45 POINTS
7. Yuka Sugahara (JPN, Caofen) 44 POINTS
8. Jessica Gardiner (AUS, AUS-E Racing) 40 POINTS
TEAM CLASIFICATION
3. INDE RACING 121 POINTS
4. GRAVITY 118 POINTS
5. BONNELL 101 POINTS
6. PCR-E 89 POINTS
7. CAOFEN 85 POINTS
8. AUS-E RACING 81 POINTS
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