John Knowles
John Knowles made the trip to the inaugural Invite presented by Dunlop at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit all the way from the sunny coastal climate of Modesto, California. The twenty-six-year-old competed has experience in the MotoAmerica Junior Cup class and brought his Kawasaki Ninja 400 to the epicenter of America’s Midwest for a weekend chock-full of two-wheeled action. Knowles spent plenty of time out on the track throughout the three day weekend as he signed up to participate in a total of three different classes, contesting the 300 & 400 +25 class, 300 & 400 Shoot-Out, as well as the 400 Expert division. The Californian had some solid battles in the 300 & 400 +25 class as he alternated 3rd and 4th place finishes between both races, eventually finishing in 4th place in the overall standings. In the 300 & 400 Shoot-Out, Knowles remained consistent in both outings and fought valiantly in a tight battle for 6th position with Brian Bartlow, setting nearly identical lap times throughout the ten-lap race. Knowles ended up grabbing 7th position in both races and set consistent lap times in the high 1:25.00 second range, showing solid speed in the process. The Californian made improvements in the 400 Expert division as he improved off of his 6th place result in race one and finished the three remaining races in a comfortable 5th place, continuing to set a consistent pace in the 1:25’s all the way to the checkered flag.