Triumph factory rider in USA, Mikkel Haarup romped to fifth in moto one and sixth in the 250MX overall classification. Haarup of course has finished with a runner-up spot in MX2 on the Grand Prix scene and claimed seven podium places in GP battle, so nothing is new that he belongs at the front of a motocross race, but doing it in USA, well, that is always special for a European racer.

It is also no surprise, that his position on the weekend at Southwick, was pretty similar to his GP results from 2024, where he spent most of that season running anywhere from 8th to second overall. In fact, his 2024 GP season consisted of just one result outside the top ten, an 11th in Spain in round two. Other than that, result he went 3-7-8-8-7-8-8-7-6-6-7-8-4-2-5-5-4-8-5-5-4-6. Pretty damn consistent if you ask me.

Unsurprisingly, Haarup was immediately comfortable in the softer conditions of Southwick and qualified in fifth despite a lack of track knowledge. Starting in fourth position in moto one allowed him to show his raw pace, climbing to third momentarily before ultimately reaching the chequered flag in fifth.

A mediocre start hindered him in the second moto, but he battled hard to secure sixth via four moves in the final three laps. Haarup was classified in sixth overall too – a season-best result – and launched from 11th to eighth in the championship standings.

"The team did a great job with the bike today. The first moto was good – I battled for a position in the top three and eventually took a season-best finish of fifth. There was some bar banging on the start straight in moto two, which forced me to let off a little bit. Things started clicking at the halfway point and I eventually made my way to sixth. I took advantage of some other riders getting tired. I am proud of my performance today, as well as what the team did."

Jeremy Coker – General Manager, Triumph Racing America was also impressed with the former GP riders’ results but not surprised. Haarup has shown in MX2 in Europe, that he knows his way around a motocross track.

“What a positive day and step in the right direction. Mikkel had a very, very good day. The first moto was a good indication of where he belongs, then he stayed strong in moto two and showed his true speed after the halfway mark. I am so proud of him.”

From 2019 until 2024 Mikkel Haarup was a Grand Prix racer and put in some performances that made people realize what a talent he is, now racing the AMA Nationals in the 250 class, he is starting to turn heads in America and if he does return to GP in the 450 class, do not be surprised if he becomes a regular top five guy.