Nick Brocha Wins 2008 XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship / Dan Jackson Claims 2008 Aprilia All Star Challenge Title
 The XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship closed out the 2008 season in Long Beach in spectacular fashion. Both of the points battles came down to the final event. Nick Brocha, Bill Dixon and Alex Flores were only 9 points apart for the Sportbike Freestyle Championship, while Dan Jackson and Bill Dixon were separated by only 6 points in the Aprilia All Star Challenge. With 45 points up for grabs for first place in each competition, it was still anyone’s game.
But in order for either Bill Dixon or Alex Flores to take the championship from Nick Brocha he had to make a big mistake. Instead Brocha managed to put on a flawless outing, taking both the top qualifying spot, as well as the win. Said Brocha: "My expectations were that my friend Bill Dixon or I would be the champions...I’m happy it was me though." Bill Dixon left nothing on the table but couldn’t match Brocha’s execution: "I had a few execution problems with my run. The difference between first and second was execution. Nick Apex is a phenomenal rider and he deserves it." Alex Flores put in a valiant effort but was unable to defend his 2007 crown. Stated Flores: "I came out to win. I gave it my best but I came out 4th."
A full event report will be posted at motorcycle.com
2008 XDL National Point Standings (top 5)
- Nick Brocha 215 pts.
- Bill Dixon 208 pts.
- Alex Flores 196 pts.
- Ernie Vigil 156 pts.
- Rick Hart 147 pts.
In the Aprilia All Star Challenge, which takes place on stock Aprilia SXV 4.5s, points leader, record holder and previously unbeaten Dan Jackson secured his 2008 crown with a solid second place finish. Dixon still had plenty to smile about because XDL eligibility rules prevented Jackson from winning the SXV 4.5 awarded to the winner since he is already a member of the Aprilia Demo Team. So Dixon’s second place points finish earned him a new Aprilia SXV 4.5.
2008 Aprilia All Star Challenge (top 3)
- Dan Jackson 132 pts.
- Bill Dixon 129 pts.
- Rick Hart 108 pts.
Complete results are available here. |
