The 2024-25 AMA Arenacross series roared to life on Friday, December 16, with an electrifying start in Reno, Arizona. MCR Honda’s Vince Friese delivered a flawless performance, claiming victory in every session.
Friese set the fastest qualifying lap, won his heat race, and then swept both Main Events for a perfect opening night. Reigning champion Kyle Peters (Phoenix Honda) secured second overall with consistent 2-2 finishes, while Rock River Yamaha’s Michael Hicks rounded out the podium with a solid 3-4 effort.
Main Event 1: Friese Takes Command
Veteran rider Kyle Bitterman grabbed the holeshot in the first Main Event, surprising the field with a blazing start. However, his lead was short-lived as Friese quickly made his move to the front, followed closely by reigning champ Kyle Peters. Despite Peters’ efforts to pressure Friese, the MCR Honda rider steadily pulled away, asserting his dominance.
Michael Hicks powered his way into third place, while Bitterman and Robbie Wageman completed the Top 5. Meanwhile, Ryan Breece’s night got off to a rough start with a DNF, leaving him with ground to make up in the second Main Event.
Main Event 2: Déjà Vu with a Friese-Peters Battle
The second Main Event mirrored the first, with Bitterman once again nailing the holeshot. Yet, Friese and Peters wasted no time overtaking him in the opening laps. Friese maintained a steady lead over Peters, keeping the Phoenix Honda rider at bay until the checkered flag dropped.
Ryan Breece rebounded from his earlier disappointment with a strong third-place finish, while Hicks and Bitterman rounded out the Top 5.
Friday Night Results: Top 10 Overall
- #66 Vince Friese (Honda): 1-1
- #1 Kyle Peters (Honda): 2-2
- #460 Michael Hicks (Yamaha): 3-4
- #4 Kyle Bitterman (Honda): 4-5
- #64 Robbie Wageman (Yamaha): 5-6
- #943 Noah Viney (Honda): 6-7
- #636 Luke Kalaitzian (Kawasaki): 8-9
- #200 Ryan Breece (Honda): 15-3
- #446 Blaine Silveira (Suzuki): 9-11
- #11 Chandler Baker (Husqvarna): 13-8
What’s Next: Round 2 Action on Saturday Night
The AMA Arenacross series resumes on Saturday night in Reno with Round 2, promising another evening of high-octane action. All eyes will be on Vince Friese to see if he can extend his perfect streak and on Kyle Peters to challenge for the top spot. With riders like Michael Hicks, Kyle Bitterman, and Ryan Breece hungry for redemption, the stage is set for more thrilling battles.
Stay tuned as the series continues to unfold with intense rivalries and incredible performances.