Proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, Baja Legend Johnny Campbell’s boy Preston Campbell claimed his first World Cup Rally 2 stage victory on Stage 2 Desafío Ruta 40. It was also the second stage sweep for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Campbell’s wingmen flew in formation to the finish.
Although Campbell admitted to not feeling fully comfortable in the opening kilometres, the young American quickly found his rhythm. By the first waypoint, he had already built a lead of nearly 30 seconds over Martim Ventura as he pushed for a breakthrough stage win. Excelling in the sandy sections aboard his Honda CRF450RX RALLY, Campbell powered to victory with a commanding margin of 2’49” over second place. The result also elevated him to the overall Rally 2 lead, where he now holds a 2’17” advantage over Ventura.
The trio now firmly control the Rally 2 overall standings, covered by just 2’35”, while extending their advantage to more than seven minutes over fourth place.
“Today was super good for me. When I started off, I felt a little uncomfortable, like I was kind of fighting myself and just had to relax a little bit and adjust my riding style as quickly as possible,” admits Campbell. “Halfway through the stage it changed to just sand, sand roads, sand whoops and I felt super comfortable and was able to push. I’m super stoked on the stage today, looking forward to the rest of the week.
Stage 3 takes the riders into the dunes of Nihuil on a southern loop from San Rafael. Marking the midway point of the Rally, the stage will feature a demanding 575 km in total, including 408 km against the clock for the Monster Energy Honda HRC riders.
Provisional Rally 2 Standings After Stage 2
Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Time/Gap
1 Preston Campbell 85 USA Honda HRC 05:46:04
2 Ventura Martim 84 POR Honda HRC + 02:17
3 Crivilin Bruno 69 BRA Honda HRC + 02:35
4 Pellicer Alfredo 50 SPA Xraids Experience + 09:27
5 Mulec Toni 16 SLO BAS World KTM Racing Team + 10:00
6 Herrera Ried Benjamín 8 CHI Xraids Experience + 21:36
7 Pascual Benjamín 59 ARG Kove Argentina + 29:09
8 Pascual Jeremías 58 ARG Kove Argentina + 29:22
9 Escofet Marti 49 SPA Joyride Race Service + 32:22
10 De Gavardo Tomás 20 CHI De Gavardo Team + 01:00:35
Provisional Rally 2 Standings After Stage 2
Pos. Rider Num Nation Team Time/Gap
1 Preston Campbell 85 USA Honda HRC 05:46:04
2 Ventura Martim 84 POR Honda HRC + 02:17
3 Crivilin Bruno 69 BRA Honda HRC + 02:35
4 Pellicer Alfredo 50 SPA Xraids Experience + 09:27
5 Mulec Toni 16 SLO BAS World KTM Racing Team + 10:00
6 Herrera Ried Benjamín 8 CHI Xraids Experience + 21:36
7 Pascual Benjamín 59 ARG Kove Argentina + 29:09
8 Pascual Jeremías 58 ARG Kove Argentina + 29:22
9 Escofet Marti 49 SPA Joyride Race Service + 32:22
10 De Gavardo Tomás 20 CHI De Gavardo Team + 01:00:35
