Ferrandis emerges with the title after SX finale thriller in Vegas

“I think I would have been fine if the bike didn’t get mangled in the crash,” a dejected AC said. “It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t get back out there to fight back. There are a lot of guys that have helped me get here and as much as I’m going to be hard on myself, I wanted to get this for them too. I made the mistake and wish I didn’t. But you can’t turn back time and I have to keep looking forward. I’m going to get one of these things some day.”

Ferrandis ploughed on for the chequered flag and his date with destiny. “To win the title here in Vegas is unbelievable. I cannot believe it is happening right now and I’m very thankful.”

“I was joking all week that we’ll take second this year,” he added. “AC made good starts all season and I didn't, and [normally] by the Main Event it was always too late to catch him but we worked on my starts this week and I changed everything: my position, my technique, the bike back to the base.”

“I wanted to finish the season strong and with a good bonus check. I wanted a decent final race but when I saw he was outside the top ten it was just crazy. We always believe until the last lap is done but he was so strong all season. I was really surprised but this is racing. I made it happen tonight.”

“I came over the finish line, opened the throttle and closed my eyes,” Ferrandis said of his moment of exultation. “I thought I was dreaming! I wanted to make a burnout in front of the podium but the team said the engine was done!”