Image: Octopi Media.

Triumph Factory Racing will address the black flag situation that ultimately ruled Jalek Swoll out of Washougal altogether after he crashed while leading the opening 250MX moto and was delayed upon remounting, triggering what appeared to be concussion concerns.

Swoll was grounded for an extended period of time after washing the front-end, trapped beneath his TF 250-X, according to the team. It’s that point that Triumph will seek clarity over with race direction.

The 25-year-old would eventually remount, only to be shown the black flag moments later, with the concussion protocol in question as the series medical team declared him unfit to continue the race or moto two.

“Jalek pulled the holeshot in moto one, then crashed on the second lap and was stuck under his bike,” explained Triumph Factory Racing team manager Steve Westfall. “That created a controversy that will be addressed, where he was not allowed to race the second moto.”

As for Swoll, he labelled Washougal a ‘weird’ day given the circumstances, while also rueing the missed opportunity to convert from a strong start in the opening moto.

“It was a weird day – there was some confusion after my fall,” recounted Swoll. “Hero to zero would describe the weekend… I tried to dust myself off and continue, but ultimately was black-flagged and told I was done for the day. It is what it is – it won’t be the last time I put myself up front this year, so I won’t be too down about it. I’ll just actually take advantage of it next time.

“I’ve been very proud of the effort myself and the team have put in to come back to racing this year, just very grateful to be able to have these flashes and moments that are spiking my confidence in a positive way.

“We expected to have all the ups and downs racing can throw at you in building what my potential is for next year, so it’s all a part of the process and [we’re] enjoying the good and the bad through it.”

After missing the early portion of the series and scoring zero points at round eight, Swoll sits 19th in the 250MX standings since returning to racing at High Point. He has a season-high finish of second overall at RedBud.