The Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup series, in its inaugural year, was created by and is managed by Red Bull as a platform for showcasing young road-racing talent between 13 and 16 years old, on identical KTM RC 125 machines.

Seven states and six nations are represented among the 23 riders. Former 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz is the series' rider coach.

This exciting series will compete during the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP on Sept. 12-14 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The race-long battle for the lead at Road America featured numerous lead changes between the two riders and came down to the final run to the checkers, one that left both riders wondering if they had earned the victory. Gagne was credited with leading five laps and Mercado two.

Mercado was able to get by Gagne at the flag and took the win by inches.

"The last lap was the longest lap ever for me," said Mercado, 16. "Much longer than 4 miles! I was hoping in the last corner to get in Jake's draft. I did not have a strategy, in particular, but I wanted to keep up with Jake coming out of the corners because I knew he was very quick in practice, and I did not want him to get away from me. This is the best race and the closest one I have ever had."

Gagne nearly earned a victory in his third-ever road race.

"We couldn't go more than a couple of corners without the lead changing hands," said Gagne, 14. "I couldn't tell who won the race, and it was really close. I think he had the corner speed on me, but I was good down the straights and I think I was able to brake a little later in a couple of the corners. We changed position about three or four times, so it was fun."

Emerson Connor of Burlington, Ontario, charged through the field to finish third.

Series points leader Benny Solis, Jr., from N. Hollywood, Calif., had a difficult day, finishing 19^th. Solis jumped the start, and later crashed and remounted.

The next Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup race is July 20 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. For more information on the series, visit www.redbullrookiescup.com.