Returning to San Diego for the 41st time, Snapdragon Stadium set the stage for an intense evening of racing. Daytime rain had saturated the track, creating deep ruts that tested the riders' skills. Despite the challenging conditions, a sold-out crowd witnessed the riders tackle the 50th Anniversary Race, commemorating the sport's 50th year.
Red Bull KTM's Aaron Plessinger emerged victorious, claiming both the top spot on the podium and the lead in the championship points. The third round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship showcased the grit and determination of the riders as they navigated a muddy track under challenging conditions.
First place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Two-time champion Cooper Webb of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing battled through the muck to secure second place, marking his first podium of the year. Justin Barcia of Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing claimed the runner-up spot, demonstrating resilience on the rain-soaked track.
Second place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Third place 450SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Aaron Plessinger: "It feels really, really good. I got off to a good start and just rode a good race. Kenny [Roczen] was in front, and then I just applied a little pressure, and he ended up going down. Cooper [Webb] was just right there behind me keeping me on my toes."
Cooper Webb: "I think I’ve had a great season so far, but on paper it hasn’t [looked that way]. Anaheim 1 was great but last weekend was not. Tonight was great to get those points back, get it back in the mix."
Justin Barcia: "The rebound this weekend was absolutely awesome. I felt really good, just staying in my lane. I didn’t feel the greatest, but I ride well in those conditions. This is a really cool podium, and I’m super proud to be on this podium tonight."
First place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Nate Thrasher delivered a thrilling performance, earning the win after a closely contested battle that saw the top three riders trading positions throughout the race delivering a nail-biting spectacle for the fans.
Second place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Third place 250SX Class – Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.
Nate Thrasher: "The dirt was starting to grip back up. I was just trying to ride it like it was dry. My goal for the night was to go out there and ride all-out and whatever happens, happens."
Garrett Marchbanks: "Once I passed RJ [Hampshire] for the lead, I was kinda like, ‘Holy crap, I’m actually leading.’ It’s been a really long time since Daytona that I’ve led some laps."
Jordon Smith: "The last five laps were probably the best of the race for me. It was not really any kind of holding back at the end; it was trying to keep those guys behind me and push forward."
The adrenaline-fueled journey continues as the series heads to Angel Stadium of Anaheim on January 27th for the second race of 2024. The Anaheim 2 Supercross marks Round 4 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and the fourth round of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. The battle for supremacy intensifies, promising more heart-stopping moments and fierce competition.
Tickets for upcoming Supercross events are available now. Visit moto.events and secure your spot to witness the adrenaline-fueled battle at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on January 27th. The Anaheim 2 Supercross marks Round 4 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and the fourth round of the 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. The battle for supremacy intensifies, promising more heart-stopping moments and fierce competition.
