Why is this news? Because neither former World champ Kenny Roberts Jr. nor his father’s team, Team Roberts, has been this quick against the competition on a dry race track in over half a decade. How quick? Roberts was the only rider to break into the 1.42 second bracket in the first practice (yes, he topped the charts), and was second quickest in the second practice (behind Valentino Rossi) again running in the high 1.42 range. Roberts and Rossi were the only two riders to dip under 1.43 flat in the combined practice sessions.
Perhaps, Team Roberts has finally sorted its chassis to go along with the new Honda V-5 engine it is using this year. With good tires, a solid engine package, and a sorted chassis, Kenny Roberts Jr. can run up front. If it happens Sunday in the race, it will be huge news!
