Last night at the legendary DuQuoin Mile, Dalton Gauthier returned to the start line in Mission AFT SuperTwins competition and battled through for an intense 6th-place finish aboard the Racing Unlimited / Parts Bros / D&D Cycles Kawasaki Ninja 650. With limited track time and a penalty early in the week, Dalton’s result was a testament to grit and experience.
🔍 A Race of Inches & Strategy
Dalton crossed the line just 0.060 seconds behind podium finisher Declan Bender, who edged out the win. It was a tightly stacked top tier—just fractions separating the front four riders.
Despite a high-stakes field, Dalton rode solid and calculated his charge well. Earlier in the event, a last-minute grid adjustment put him deeper in the pack—but he still managed consistent lap times in the 37‑second range.
⚙️ What It Means for Dalton
This was a strong rebound after stepping into a new team setup midseason. While he missed the podium, his ride underscored stability and speed.
He closes the DuQuoin weekend in 21st place in SuperTwins points, but the momentum is building for the second half of the season.
🧠 In Dalton’s Voice:
“Tracks like DuQuoin are where you learn quick—or fall behind. I was smashed back in the heat line-up, but worked the plan, stayed clean, and didn’t overcook it. I know what this bike feels like when it’s straight—you’ll notice it soon.”
🔜 What’s Next?
Next race: Venturing into July with a stretch of Half-Mile and Short Track rounds on the calendar—expect incremental improvements and growth each weekend.
Fan preview: On the blog soon—his Inside the Track Setup series: get a full breakdown of the Kawasaki Ninja 650 build and updates designed around DuQuoin’s conditions.
Final Thoughts
Sixth at a hard-charging Mile isn’t a trophy—but it’s a statement. Especially when you’re up against factory squads and elite mile specialists. Dalton’s focus is dialed in, and the fight for those podiums is very much alive.
Stay tuned for next call—and ride along as the comeback continues on new ground.
— Team Dalton