Today’s top three finishers would be the final trio qualifying for the Jr. Supermoto Challenge series championship event next month in Las Vegas, so it was no surprise the on-track action here at the Del Mar Fairgrounds was some of the hottest — and most exciting — of the season. No fewer than four riders battled their way to the stripe, fighting for those highly coveted spots, and in the end, it was Andy Wood of Fallbrook, California, emerging victorious after masterfully slicing through lapped traffic to secure the flag.

It was the first and only time Wood had led the race, but he managed to get in front when it counted most — on the last lap. He made his move through the lappers moments after he and the three other riders in the lead pack — Tommy Aquino, Toby Stay and Ryan Ferris — all took the white flag separated by mere inches.

Once Wood got through, the fight was for second and third, spots that Aquino and Ferris, respectively, would snatch.

And so with the “regular” series rounds now in the can, the action moves to Las Vegas on November 13, where 15 young guns will vie for the 2004 Jr. Supermoto Challenge crown in what promises to be a barnburner of a finale.