With another main-event sweep at the 2022 AMA Arenacross finale in Denver’s Events Center at National Western Complex, Kyle Peters wrapped up his third consecutive championship in the series, stretching the Phoenix Racing Honda team’s record to four crowns in a row. (Phoenix won with Jace Owen in 2019.)
The series hosted 10 rounds while visiting six venues, and Peters was dominant aboard his 2022 CRF250R. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native topped 19 of 20 main events, taking the title with a 222-point margin over the second-place racer. (Only a runner-up finish to fellow Red Rider Lance Kobusch in the first 450 Pro main event prevented Peters from repeating last year’s perfect season.) Peters’ Phoenix teammate Cullin Park took fifth in the series, despite missing early rounds with an injury.
“It was a great season,” said Peters, 25. “When I first tried the new bike during the off-season, it was a lot different, but I knew right away it was going to be a great platform for Arenacross. Coming in, there were obviously high expectations from last year. I wanted to keep the win streak going, but unfortunately some things happened at the first round. Honestly, I think that took a weight off my shoulders, and from then on, it was head down, hammer down. I had a couple races where I made things hard on myself — like crashing in Oklahoma and getting a bad start this weekend — but I was able to get through those and win, and to take the championship again.”
With the AMA Arenacross series completed, Phoenix now turns its attention to other championships, including the AMA Supercross 250SX East Region series and the GNCC series.
“We’re extremely proud of Kyle and everyone at Phoenix Racing,” said American Honda Manager of Sports and Experiential Brandon Wilson. “Over the past few years, they’ve become something of a powerhouse in AMA Arenacross, proving the competitiveness of the CRF250R. The fact that they’ve enjoyed this success while also fielding efforts in other racing series just shows what a professional operation they run. They’re a great partner, and we look forward to more success together in the future.”
