Chase Sexton Takes Detroit Supercross Win on Dramatic Race Night

Hunter Lawrence Stretches 250SX Class Lead with Fifth Win of 2023

DETROIT, MI – March 19, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton won a Main Event filled with intense racing at Round 10 of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross indoor stadium season.

Detroit Supercross

The Detroit Supercross kept race fans on their feet with a 450SX Class Main Event filled with multiple surprises and passes, as well as a dramatic late-race crash. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb earned second place after the on-track battles had been settled in front of 49,817 race fans at Ford Field in Detroit. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took home third place in a round that pays points for both the Supercross season and the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship. In Round 6 of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took his fifth win of the season.

Chase Sexton - Detroit Supercross

Chase Sexton battled forward from a mid-pack start to win a thrilling Detroit Supercross and take his second win of the year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger grabbed the holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event but Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo shot past down the first rhythm lane to take over the front spot. Cooper Webb held third with Eli Tomac and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia behind. One and a half minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Plessinger reclaimed the lead with a blitz through the whoops. At about that same time, last week’s winner, Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, reached sixth with Chase Sexton behind and on the move after a mid-pack start.

The racing was intense in the early laps with the front runners bunched up and trading positions back and forth. The only clear advantage was held by Plessinger. He’d only led a total of seven 450SX Class Main Event laps in his career prior to the Detroit gate drop, but as the points leaders battled behind him Plessinger pulled clear then steadily extended his lead. Five minutes into the race Plessinger was ahead by over three seconds. Tomac got around Webb for second while Barcia hounded to do the same and Sexton pushed to get around Barcia.

It seemed likely that the top three in points, Webb, Tomac, and Sexton, would break away and reel in Plessinger. But instead the KTM rider put even more real estate between himself and the pack while Barcia clawed his way up through it. Seven minutes into the race Barcia had reached second place and then set his sights on the win.

But then Sexton really went to work. Just after the race clock reached 11 minutes remaining, Sexton pushed past Webb to take third. A lap later he battled Barcia for second. The attack was quick, and Barcia’s counter was immediate; the riders came together. Sexton stayed up yet the impact threw Barcia off pace enough that Webb got around at the end of the following section.

Plessinger’s lead was over eight seconds and he looked untouchable. Meanwhile Tomac was working to hold fifth as Roczen was on his rear fender. Then Tomac got his own surge of speed and motored past Barcia to take over fourth place. Sexton gained on Plessinger only by tenths of a second as the race clock ticked down.

Plessinger held a comfortable lead when he made a critical and heartbreaking mistake. On the second-to-last lap of the race, he caught his foot on a rut and flew off the bike as it went airborne. Plessinger crashed hard, handing over what would have been his first 450SX Class win after leading the race for 20 laps.

Sexton took the win, his second of the season. Webb maintained the runner-up spot, and Tomac earned third place. The three points leaders on the race podium belied the thrills and twists of one of the most exciting races so far this season. After the race, Sexton was assessed a 7-point penalty for a red-cross-flag infraction, putting him seventeen points out of the title chase lead.

Hunter Lawrence - Detroit Supercross

Hunter Lawrence took his fifth win of the season and stretched his points lead to 35.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Round 6 of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class saw Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan grab the holeshot. Hunter Lawrence was quickly into the lead ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, Deegan, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher. Lawrence soon pulled a small gap on the pack. Thrasher was into third quickly and applied pressure to Martin. Martin held strong for several laps with Thrasher looking for an opportunity to pass.

Just over four minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race Thrasher got around Martin. Thrasher put the hammer down and slowly cut the gap to Lawrence from 4.2 seconds down to 3.6. But when the race reached the midpoint Lawrence responded, pulled the gap back to over four seconds, and never allowed Thrasher to regain any significant ground. Behind them, Deegan moved past Martin to take over third place. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose held fifth at the checkers just ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle.

Lawrence’s win created some interesting statistics in comparison compared to his brother, Jett Lawrence. The two brothers are now tied on Supercross race starts, wins, and top five finishes. Hunter holds one more podium finish, yet Jett already holds a 250SX Class championship. The stats are especially interesting in that the brothers will race head-to-head twice this season in two upcoming East/West Showdown events.

The series returns to the west coast to drop the gate for Round 11 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. The event pays points to both the Monster Energy Supercross season as well as to the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship which culminates in two Playoff events and one Final event in September.

All 31 rounds of the SuperMotocross League are streamed live on Peacock; select rounds are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International viewers can catch the action at SuperMotocross.tv. For race highlight videos, the full 31-round SuperMotocross schedule, results, news, and ticket sales please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Detroit Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Cooper Webb.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  4. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  5. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki
  6. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  7. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  9. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  10. Josh Hill, Huntersville, NC, KTM

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (225)
  2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (222)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (208)
  4. Ken Roczen, Mattstedt, Ger., Suzuki (182)
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (180)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (174)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (164)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (136)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (107)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (103)
250SX Class podium - Detroit Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Haiden Deegan, Hunter Lawrence, and Nate Thrasher.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., Honda
  2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  6. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM
  7. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  8. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
  9. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda
  10. Michael Hicks, Fenton, Mo., Honda

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Landsborough, Aus., (151)
  2. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (116)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (111)
  4. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (109)
  5. Max Anstie, Newbury, Eng., Honda (104)
  6. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (92)
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (88)
  8. Tom Vialle, Avignon, France, KTM (85)
  9. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (72)
  10. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (67)

Assets:
2023 Detroit Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Detroit
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Detroit
Detroit Press Conference
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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Cooper Webb Wins a Wild Night in Texas with Arlington Supercross Victory

Nate Thrasher Takes Top Spot in 250SX Class inside AT&T Stadium

ARLINGTON, TX – February 26, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb earned a dramatic win at round seven of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season inside AT&T Stadium. The race was the second Triple Crown-format event of the 2023 season that combines three Main Event race results to determine the overall finishing order for the night. The event pays points toward both the 17-round Supercross season and the brand-new, 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship.

Arlington Supercross

Texas race fans enjoyed the 43rd year of a Supercross event in the Arlington/Dallas metro area. They saw Cooper Webb become the winningest rider in the city’s history with five victories at the venue. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the second place spot with a night of big highs and some frustrating lows. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac went home with third place points at the event directly following his announcement that he will postpone his retirement and compete in the entire 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship series. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took the victory with plenty of action and drama en route to 2-2-3 race finishes.

Cooper Webb won his third Triple Crown - Arlington Supercross

Cooper Webb won his third Triple Crown event and moved within two points of taking the red plate and the season points lead. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Race 1 of the 450SX Class held enough thrills to be its own event. Eli Tomac grabbed the Holeshot with Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia, and Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols right behind. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson crashed in the first corner and Sexton was caught up in it. The incident put Sexton well back in the field, showing in 11th position after the first lap. Up front Roczen was keeping Tomac honest. By the midpoint of the race Roczen was alternately gaining and losing ground on Tomac while Sexton had worked up to fifth and Webb was moving forward and up to seventh. With under two minutes left on the race clock Sexton forced his way past Barcia to take third while further up the track Roczen was only .7 seconds behind Tomac. Webb reached Barcia in the final laps, but Barcia was able to hold off the KTM rider. At the checkered flag Roczen had proven he had the speed to run up front in Texas, but the most impressive ride came from Sexton, who had been rapidly closing on the leaders when he ran out of time in the short 12-mintue plus one lap race.

Jason Anderson got off to a much better start in Race 2 with a Holeshot and a clear track ahead. Webb was in second at the Holeshot stripe and Roczen held third ahead of Sexton, Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger, and Tomac. On the opening lap Sexton put his Honda into third but then one turn later slid out before the whoops and gave up the spot to Tomac. Just over four minutes into the race Sexton was on Tomac, who had two close calls while blitzing the whoops. It took a couple laps for Sexton to take back third. Anderson was out to a comfortable lead four seconds ahead of Webb. Sexton was less than two seconds behind Webb and if the first race were any indication Sexton looked poised to reel in both riders. But both Anderson and Webb were flying, and Sexton was never able to get within striking distance. At the checkered flag Anderson won comfortably, Webb took second, Sexton finished third, and Tomac held fourth. Going into the final race Tomac was in the lead for the overall event win with five points, Sexton held six points, Webb was at seven, Roczen had eight, and Anderson sat with nine.

The 450SX Class delivered a dramatic Race 3. Tomac got the Holeshot, Sexton was second at the Holeshot stripe with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Justin Cooper third, Barcia fourth, and Webb fifth. Soon Tomac, Sexton, and Barcia held the top three spots and distanced themselves from the pack. As the race clock ticked down toward eight minutes Barcia got out of shape in the whoops and overshot the berm of the following corner. At nearly the same time Sexton washed out his front end and crashed just one turn further up the track. Sexton got going in time to stay in second but then had Anderson and Webb right on his rear fender. Tomac then crashed in the flat turn after the bridge jump. He remounted in fourth while Sexton took over the race lead and was poised to win the overall for the event. Then Anderson got wild in the whoops and Webb tucked under him to take over second; but Webb was 2.2 seconds behind. Then with 1:34 left on the race clock, a lapper unintentionally pushed Sexton wide, and Webb capitalized. Webb seized the lead and rode perfect to the end. Webb took the race win and the Triple Crown overall. It was Webb’s third Triple Crown win, his last coming in 2019. Sexton garnered second for the night and Tomac took third overall even though he’d fallen back to sixth in the final race. The night’s points tightened up the battle for the title. Tomac leaves Texas with the red plate, but Webb is back only two points and Sexton is back only five.

Nate Thrasher (29) was fast and consistent - Arlington Supercross

Nate Thrasher (29) was fast and consistent on the Texas soil to grab his fourth career Supercross win.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The Eastern Regional 250SX Class kicked off the night’s racing with Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie grabbing the Holeshot in 250SX Race 1. Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was quickly into the lead with Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle following, pushing Anstie back to third. A few corners later Nate Thrasher dove into second while Anstie passed Vialle back to reclaim third. Lawrence and Thrasher slowly inched away from the pack as Thrasher edged closer to Lawrence’s rear tire in the opening laps. After whittling the gap down to just .7 second a mistake by Thrasher gave Lawrence some breathing room. Anstie held third until the end of the 10-minute plus one lap race. Behind him, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith was the rider on the move, reaching fourth place with just under two minutes left on the race clock. At the finish it was Lawrence, Thrasher, Anstie, Smith, and Vialle.

In the second 250SX Class race Jordon Smith nailed the Holeshot ahead of Hunter Lawrence, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, and Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas. Nate Thrasher was sixth at the start stripe but on the opening lap he moved up and made an aggressive contact pass on Lawrence in the corner after the whoops. Lawrence lost two positions while the Yamaha teammates ran first and second. Lawrence got into third place before the race’s midpoint and steadily reeled in the Yamaha riders. Soon the top three were within one second of each other, but a mistake from Thrasher sent him sideways over the bridge jump and Lawrence ran into him and went down. With just over a minute left on the race clock the incident put Thrasher out of striking distance for the win. Lawrence picked up his bike and salvaged third. Heading into the final race, Lawrence looked to have the advantage with track speed, but the points were tied between Lawrence and Thrasher with Smith only one point out.

Race 3 was wild from start to finish. Nate Thrasher took the holeshot and early lead while Hunter Lawrence crashed in the first turn. Anstie then hit Lawrence and the Hondas pinned Lawrence down adding extra delay as the pack roared away. Up front Thrasher led Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Michael Mosiman, Jordon Smith, Tom Vialle, and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Jace Owen. Lawrence and Anstie started slicing through the pack while up front Smith pressured Mosiman for second. With under four minutes left on the race clock Mosiman crashed under the tunnel and Smith ran into him giving second place to Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. Thrasher was gone out front with more than a nine second lead. But Thrasher had been racing with an injured ACL in his knee and that possibly contributed to a big crash in the whoops. Thrasher remounted in third, a position would give him the overall event victory. On the final lap Smith crashed hard in the whoops but remounted to finish fifth and earn second overall. Lawrence crossed the line in sixth to take third place overall for the night.

The series returns to Florida next weekend for one of the most physically demanding races of the year, the DAYTONA Supercross. Round 8 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship takes place on a Supercross track carved out of the Daytona International Speedway trioval infield. The unique track design will be a look ahead to the three hybrid-track SuperMotocross events in September. Playoff 1 and Playoff 2 pay increasing points that combine with the triple-payout points of the SuperMotocross World Championship Final held inside Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23rd.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross series and the SuperMotocross World Championship rounds are all streamed live on Peacock, with select events also broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage can be found through SuperMotocross.tv. Tickets for the DAYTONA Supercross as well as the other nine remaining Supercross events are on sale now. To purchase tickets, read race results and feature stories, and find airtimes on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Arlington Supercross

Class podium (racers left to right) Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, and Chase Sexton.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (5-2-1)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (3-3-2)
  3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (1-4-6)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (8-1-3)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (2-6-4)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (6-5-5)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (4-7-7)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (7-8-8)
  9. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (11-9-9)
  10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (10-11-10)

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (160)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (158)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (155)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (130)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (122)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (121)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (113)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (90)
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (85)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (84)

250SX Class podium - Arlington Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Hunter Lawrence, Nate Thrasher, and Jordon Smith.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (2-2-3)
  2. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (4-1-5)
  3. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (1-3-6)
  4. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (5-9-2)
  5. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (3-4-9)
  6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (6-12-1)
  7. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (7-6-7)
  8. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (15-5-4)
  9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (8-8-8)
  10. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (9-7-16)

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (73)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (62)
  3. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (57)
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (53)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (53)
  6. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (52)
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (52)
  8. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (49)
  9. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (43)
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (37)

Assets:
2023 Arlington Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Arlington
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Arlington
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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Tomac Wins Oakland Supercross by Less Than One Second

Jett Lawrence Calm, Cool, and Fast for the 250SX Class Victory in Oakland

Tomac’s 48th 450SX Class win ties him with Ricky Carmichael for third all-time

OAKLAND, CA – February 19, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took the checkered flag with a thrilling final lap defense inside RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California for the re-scheduled Round 2 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season.

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross season lit up the Oakland sky for the 15th year of racing

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross season lit up the Oakland sky for the 15thyear of racing. RingCentral Coliseum delivered incredible action to the Northern California race fans.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

After a last-lap blitz Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb finished less than one second behind Tomac in the event that also pays points toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the final podium spot after leading much of the race as the 17-round season puts six races in the books for 2023. The rescheduled race brought the Western Regional 250SX Class riders back into action and Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence used patience to get the win in a dramatic race.

Eli Tomac - Oakland Supercross

Tomac wasn’t flawless but he was fast. He took his 48th career Supercross win and stretched his points lead to seven after six races. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Chase Sexton grabbed the Holeshot in the 450SX Class Main Event with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Christian Craig, Tomac, Webb, and Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger following. Webb wasted no time getting into second with Tomac right behind and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen jumping into fourth. As the top three began to distance themselves from the pack, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took over fourth place. Five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Sexton held a 2.2 second lead over Tomac, who’d gapped Webb by four seconds.

The front three ran that formation for several laps. Behind them Plessinger put his KTM into fourth place and Roczen, Anderson, and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia scrapped for fifth. Up front, Sexton slowly stretched out his lead past five seconds. A near-crash may have gotten into Sexton’s head and led to an actual crash; with just over six and a half minutes left on the race clock he slipped sideways off a small single and crashed into a corner marker. Tomac took over the lead while Sexton remounted in second place.

But Sexton’s troubles weren’t over. Webb was on the move, and with 48 seconds left on the race clock Webb used a unique line down the track’s final rhythm section to get past Sexton. When the riders took the white flag, Webb was 4.3 seconds behind Tomac.

Then it was Tomac’s turn to make an unforced error. On the final lap he landed awkwardly into the face of a small jump, got off-balance, and veered off the track. Tomac recovered but looked off-time for the final lap while Webb laid down a fierce charge. Webb had his fast line in the rhythm section that Tomac wasn’t doing, and as the two riders approached the final turn Webb’s faster line came up just short giving him the pass. Tomac took the win less than a second ahead of Webb. Tomac’s win was his 48th Supercross victory, putting him into a tie for third-most all-time wins with Ricky Carmichael, who called the race from the announcer’s booth.

Jett Lawrence - Oakland Supercross

Jett Lawrence was smooth, patient, and fast on the challenging Oakland track. His dominant win extended his points lead to 20 just four races into the Western Regional 250SX Class season.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the Western Regional 250SX Class Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire grabbed the Holeshot ahead of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo, Jett Lawrence, BarX Suzuki’s Matt Moss, and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes. The top three put down fast times and without battling each other pulled a gap on the rest of the field. Two minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race only two seconds separated the top three. When McAdoo dropped his front end in the whoops Lawrence capitalized on the mistake. The Honda rider took over second place and set his sights on Hampshire 2.6 further up the track.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Pierce Brown had pushed forward from a bad start and soon was on McAdoo’s rear wheel. Five minutes into the race Hampshire had extended his lead to 3.2 seconds while Lawrence, McAdoo, and Brown were clumped together in a battle for second. Then Hampshire lost the front end in a tight corner and gave up his advantage. He remounted as the pack of three was on him and pushed into the third place spot immediately.

From there Lawrence gradually pulled clear of the three racers behind him. A battle heated up directly behind that pack for fifth place between Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen, and Lopes. Hampshire reached second as Brown attacked McAdoo for third. Brown took the spot, but a mistake allowed McAdoo to block pass his way back by, taking Brown down in the process. Brown remounted right into a battle with Levi Kitchen for fourth.

Jett Lawrence had pulled more than a 15 second lead at the end of the race. He grabbed his third win in only four rounds of the division’s season. Hampshire landed the second place spot, and McAdoo took third. It’s worth noting both Hampshire and McAdoo are recovering from injuries and look to have more for Lawrence when the Western Regional 250SX Class resumes on March 25th.

The race series moves east next Saturday night, February 25th, to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the second Triple Crown format race of the year. The event pits the racers against one another in three separate Main Events to determine the night’s overall finishing order. The Texas race reactivates the Eastern Regional 250SX Class racers as well as hosts another SX Futures race of young talents competing to earn their pro racing license.

Like every 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross the event also pays points toward the brand-new SuperMotocross World Championship. The new series encompasses the Supercross and Pro Motocross seasons as well as two Playoff races leading to a Final. The 450 Class champion earns a $1,000,000 payout and the 250 Class champion pockets $500,000.

All 31 rounds of the premier off-road motorcycle series stream live on Peacock with select rounds broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. Tickets are on sale now for the eleven remaining 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross events, 11 Pro Motocross races, and two SuperMotocross Playoffs and Final. For the full race schedule as well as highlight videos, race results, and more, please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Podium - Oakland Supercross

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Cooper Webb, Eli Tomac, and Chase Sexton.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna
  8. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki
  9. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
  10. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (139)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (132)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (132)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (111)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (104)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (104)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (97)
  8. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (82)
  9. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (75)
  10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (75)

250SX Podium - Oakland Supercross

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) RJ Hampshire, Jett Lawrence, and Cameron McAdoo.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki
  4. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
  5. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
  7. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
  8. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  9. Cole Thompson, Brigden, ON, Yamaha
  10. Mitchell Harrison, Leesburg, Fla., GASGAS

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (101)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (81)
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (80)
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (69)
  5. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (63)
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (63)
  7. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha (52)
  8. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (52)
  9. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS (51)
  10. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki (49)

Assets:
2023 Oakland Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Oakland
Western Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Oakland
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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Tomac Shows Nerves of Steel in Houston Supercross Victory

Hunter Lawrence Wins Opening Round of Eastern Regional 250SX Class Racing

HOUSTON, TX – February 5, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac returned to his winning ways, holding firm through a dramatic Round 5 of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had the lead in his sights but had to settle for second inside NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Houston has hosted a round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series for 46 years

Houston has hosted a round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series for 46 years. NRG Stadium lights up during opening ceremonies. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson took the final podium position in the event that paid points to both the 17-round Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the opening round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence earned the win with a performance that should have his competition worried.

Eli Tomac

Eli Tomac looked to be in trouble early in the Houston Main Event but found more speed to earn his third win of the 2023 season. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, defending champion Eli Tomac jumped out into the lead with Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger pressuring him from the start. But 3:25 into the 20-minute plus one lap race, a crashed rider necessitated a red flag and a temporary stop to the action. The rules called for a unique staggered re-start. The racers were lined up, one after the other according to their race order, then thrown back into battle with the wave of a green flag. The starting position order was Tomac, Plessinger, Anderson, Sexton, and Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, but once back underway Anderson quickly took over second place. Sexton was around Plessinger shortly after and with 13:05 remaining on the race clock Sexton got into the second-place spot.

Premiere class athletes staged for the staggered start after a red flag

Premiere class athletes staged for the staggered start after a red flag stopped the race due to a downed racer. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

After Sexton had demonstrated his speed on the Houston track by qualifying first by over a full second, and also catching and beating Tomac in their Heat Race, it looked like the Texas crowd would see a fight for the lead. But Tomac found some extra speed; he put in laps fast enough to stave off Sexton’s early charge. The gap between the two was 1.6 seconds, but soon Sexton was putting in the fastest laps of any rider on the track. When the clock ticked past 6:30 remaining, Sexton had whittled the lead down to just half a second and appeared to be looking for a line around Tomac.

But Tomac held tough. The two-time and defending Supercross champion didn’t falter under the pressure. After about one lap with Sexton right on him, Tomac pulled back out enough breathing room to ride his own lines. Behind them, Anderson and Plessinger held steady while Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia found a way around Cooper Webb for fifth, yet Webb took the spot back before the checkered flag. Tomac scored his third win of 2023 and stretched out his points lead. Sexton nearly backed up his win from the previous round; he kept the bike on two wheels and earned second place points, securing second in the 17-round championship standings.

Hunter Lawrence (96), the favorite going into the opening Eastern Regional 250SX Class round, established himself as the racer to beat with a convincing win. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In Eastern Regional 250SX Class racing Hunter Lawrence grabbed the Holeshot but within a few turns Frenchman Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle slid from third into the lead. Vialle, the two-time and reigning MXGP MX2 class Motocross World Champion, found himself leading not only his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross, but his first race ever in America. Hunter fought back on the opening lap but misjudged his launch off a triple jump and sent his Honda off the track. Lawrence made an incredible high-speed save through the track-lining Tuff Blox and rejoined the race only losing one position.

Team Honda HRC’s Chance Hymas found himself in second place. The Rookie put immediate pressure on Vialle. But before two minutes had run off the clock in the 15-minute plus one lap Main Event Lawrence had re-taken second from Hymas. Shortly after that pass Hymas had trouble and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie took over the third place spot with Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, and rookie Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan right behind. Deegan was in his first pro race after competing in the SX Futures class just one week prior.

Smith reeled in Anstie and pressured for the position until he crashed in the sand. With five minutes left on the race clock the top three seemed comfortably in their spots. It was an Australian, Brit, and a Frenchman looking to make the opening Eastern Regional race an international podium. But in the final laps Smith put on a charge, getting around Martin right before Vialle crashed in one of the track’s bowl turns. Martin then crashed on the final lap, and the opening round of the Eastern Regional Series ended with Lawrence crossing the finish line in first, Anstie in second, Smith earning a hard-fought third place, and Haiden Deegan grabbing fourth in his first professional race.

The racers face off again next weekend at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida for Round 6 of the 450SX Class and the second round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class. The event pays points to each class for both the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as towards the ultimate title, the 2023 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series which combines Supercross, Pro Motocross, and two SMX Playoffs and Final for an all-new title with a $10 million-dollar total purse.

All 2023 Monster Energy Supercross and SuperMotocross World Championship series rounds are available to watch live on Peacock. Select races are also broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For highlight videos and more information on the racers, results, and tickets to upcoming rounds please visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Podium - Houston

450SX Class podium (racers left to right) Chase Sexton, Eli Tomac, and Jason Anderson.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  3. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  4. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  5. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  8. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki
  10. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (95)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (88)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (83)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (76)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (73)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (65)
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (64)
  8. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (56)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (56)
  10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (53)

250SX Podium - Houston

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jordon Smith, Hunter Lawrence, and Max Anstie.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (26)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (23)
  3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (21)
  4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (19)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (18)
  6. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (17)
  7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (16)
  8. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (15)
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (14)
  10. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (13)

Assets:
2023 Houston Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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Chase Sexton Wins Triple Crown Thriller at Anaheim 2 Supercross

Levi Kitchen Grabs First Supercross Victory in 250SX Class

ANAHEIM, CA – January 29, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the win at round four of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The first of three Triple Crown events in 2023 delivered night-long racing thrills with three Main Events in each class. Main Event finishing positions combine to earn event points toward the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series.

Opening ceremonies of Round 4 of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross

Opening ceremonies of Round 4 of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross season and the first Triple Crown event of the year. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson, the 2018 Supercross Champion, earned the runner-up spot at the second race held at the Anaheim venue this year. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen nabbed the final spot on the podium and was the most consistent of the top racers. The Western Regional 250SX Class delivered a first-time winner when Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Levi Kitchen earned the 250SX Class win in only his fifth Supercross race.

Chase Sexton (23) earned his second Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory

Chase Sexton (23) earned his second Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory in a thrilling Triple Crown event that will be re-watched for years. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Chase Sexton grabbed the lead of 450SX Class Main Event 1 ahead of Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo, Ken Roczen, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis. Roczen was quickly into second place. Sexton and Roczen put a comfortable gap on the rest of the field early in the 12-minute plus one lap race. Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac was in sixth at the start and moving forward. It took him five and a half minutes to reach then pass Cianciarulo; Tomac held the third place spot to the finish. There was an exciting battle around Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb through most of the first race. As he and Ferrandis caught and passed Cianciarulo, Jason Anderson reached the pack. On the final lap Anderson contacted Webb in the corner after the whoops. Webb went down and Anderson rode off to capture fifth place. Cianciarulo took sixth ahead of Webb in seventh.

In 450SX Class Main Event 2 Tomac and Webb bumped just out of the gate. Anderson took the holeshot ahead of Roczen, Cianciarulo, and Sexton. Sexton was the rider on the move but an early mistake dropped him from fourth to eighth. Three and a half minutes into the race the top three, Anderson, Roczen, and Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger were packed together and had pulled a gap on the rest of the field. Plessinger moved into second but Roczen immediately counter attacked and took back the spot. A half lap later Plessinger crashed and Tomac took over the third place spot and soon applied pressure on Roczen for second. Roczen held strong until he slid out exiting a turn, giving an easy pass for Tomac. The top three looked set until Cooper Webb reached Roczen’s rear fender. The Suzuki rider had his third intense battle of the race, successfully holding off Webb to the end. The finishing order was Anderson, Tomac, Roczen, and Webb. With one 450SX Class race to go, Tomac and Roczen were tied for the overall lead with five points. Anderson and Sexton each held six points. The event win was there for the taking to any of the four racers.

Jason Anderson grabbed the Main Event 3 holeshot ahead of Webb, Sexton, and Tomac. Roczen was in ninth at the holeshot stripe. Sexton was quickly into second place and the win for the night’s overall looked to be between Anderson and Sexton. Two and a half minutes into the race Tomac made a surge to get around Webb but a Tomac mistake in one of the track’s main rhythm sections allowed Webb to hold the position. Two laps later Tomac jumped off line and crashed hard in the same rhythm section. He remounted in fourteenth but was clearly not charging. Further up the track, Sexton and Anderson traded the lead back and forth with Sexton finally making a pass stick. Anderson would face Webb in the closing laps, surrendering the second place spot to the KTM rider after nearly crashing on the slick dirt. Sexton won the Main Event and took the overall victory for the night. It was Sexton’s first Triple Crown win and his second 450SX Class win.

Levi Kitchen earned his career-first Supercross victory

Levi Kitchen earned his career-first Supercross victory in only his fifth attempt.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Main Event 1 of the Western Regional 250SX Class kicked off the stadium event when Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire emerged from the first corner with the holeshot. Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Stilez Robertson, and Smartop MotoConcepts Racing Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg were right behind. Halfway through the opening lap of the 10-minute plus one lap race Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence was into third and pushing to catch Hampshire and Kitchen. Less than two minutes in Lawrence got around Kitchen. A battle for the lead was developing when Lawrence suddenly high-sided exiting a turn and was flicked off his bike. He remounted in eighth place and was able to pass his way back to third behind Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Pierce Brown. Title-contender Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo finished the first race in eighth, riding slightly off the pace after a tough crash in qualifying.

Main Event 2 in the 250SX Class was packed with drama. Right at the drop of the gate Lawrence moved over on Hampshire, putting the Main Event 1 winner into nearly dead last entering the first corner. Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti grabbed the holeshot and put down a fast pace. Lawrence went down on the opening lap and Hampshire got caught up in the crash, losing back a few places he’d made early. Nicoletti lead Kitchen, Robertson and Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland while Hampshire fought back from 16th and Lawrence from 22nd. Three minutes into the race Nicoletti held a 5.6 second lead. Then Hampshire went down hard when his hand came off the handlebars while blasting through the sand section. Hampshire was back up but riding slowly and he eventually pulled out of the race. Shortly after, Pierce Brown crashed in the whoops. He was slow to remount but re-joined the racing to finish thirteenth. With three minutes left on the race clock Lawrence had reached tenth place. With two laps to go Lawrence contacted McAdoo in a tight bowl turn. Lawrence bobbled and lost a position. At the checkers Robertson took the win followed by his teammate Levi Kitchen with Nicoletti in third. Lawrence crossed the line in sixth place. After two races the overall positions had Kitchen in the lead ahead of Robertson, with Oldenburg and Lawrence tied for third with one final race to determine the final order.

Jett Lawrence grabbed a big holeshot in Main Event 3 with Kitchen tucking into second place. Kitchen needed only to stay in second place to take his first Supercross victory. By the midpoint Lawrence still led and Kitchen remained in second with a comfortable gap on third place. Kitchen kept a steady pace and brought home second place in the race to earn the win at the Anaheim event. Lawrence earned second place points and Stilez Robertson took home third overall.

The racers line up again next Saturday night at round five at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The Western Regional 250SX Class now takes a two-weekend break as Houston marks round one of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class. The Houston race pays points for that regional series as well as for the SuperMotocross World Championship 250 class.

Every race of the Monster Energy Supercross season and the SuperMotocross World Championship series streams live on Peacock with select races broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. For results, video highlights, features stories, and ticket sales to any of the upcoming rounds please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - Anaheim 2

450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jason Anderson, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

  1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  2. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  3. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  4. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM
  5. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  6. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha
  7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  8. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
  10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (69)
  2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (65)
  3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (65)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (58)
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (55)
  6. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (54)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (48)
  8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (45)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (43)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (39)

250SX Class podium - Anaheim 2

250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jett Lawrence, Levi Kitchen, and Stilez Robertson.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

  1. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
  2. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
  3. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
  6. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki
  7. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
  8. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS
  9. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha
  10. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (75)
  2. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (59)
  3. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (58)
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (54)
  5. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha (52)
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (46)
  7. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (44)
  8. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha (44)
  9. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (43)
  10. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki (37)

Assets:
2023 Anaheim 2 Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights
Western Regional 250SX Class Highlights
Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Media Contacts:
Sean Brennen
Feld Motor Sports – Senior PR Manager – Supercross
sbrennen@feldinc.com

About Feld Motor Sports:

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment, Inc. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information.

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

Monster Energy AMA Supercross is the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship on the planet. Founded in America and sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) since 1974. Over 17 weeks, Supercross attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America to race in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. For more information, visit SupercrossLIVE.com.

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

The SuperMotocross World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SuperMotocross World Championship combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 31-event series that culminates in a season-ending two round playoff and SuperMotocross World Championship Final. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit americanmotorcyclist.com.

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

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Wiseco Support Expanded to Complete Honda HRC Roster for 2023

Factory Honda 450SX and 250SX Riders are Wiseco-Backed for ‘23 SX and MX

MENTOR, OH – January 10, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – After five incredible seasons building its partnership with Team Honda HRC, Wiseco Performance Productsis proud to expand its relationship to include collaboration with Honda’s 250SX program in addition to its existing 450SX relationship. This technical partnership focuses on piston development for the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship seasons, which have joined forces to create the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship.

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With over eight decades of performance and racing experience, Wiseco’s first-hand knowledge designing, developing, and manufacturing USA-made performance is a powerful complement to Team Honda HRC’s elite legacy in Supercross and Motocross racing. Wiseco will continue to work closely with the team on piston and engine package research and development services, now expanded to both the Honda CRF450RWE and CRF250R platforms for 2023.

“Team Honda HRC are very excited and proud to have Wiseco become a ‘complete’ team sponsor to include the 250 program as well the 450. Together we have had many successful years already on the 450, and we are ready to take that same success to the 250 class, where a high-performance, high-quality piston is extremely important.”

Coming off a pair of 2022 championships in AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross, now three-time title earner Jett Lawrence is campaigning the 250SX West Class while his brother, Hunter Lawrence will be campaigning the 250SX East Class, where each will be hunting for number one plates aboard their CRF250R machines. Additionally, proven amateur rider, Chance Hymas, will be campaigning select AMA Supercross 250SX West region rounds before competing in his first AMA Pro Motocross season.

Team Honda HRC’s 450SX class efforts are led by Chase Sexton, who has entered his third AMA Supercross season aboard the CRF450RWE and is coming off a season filled with championship-contending performances, as well as riding for the winning Team USA effort in the 2022 Motocross of Nations. Also backed by Wiseco, alongside Sexton, will be 2021 250SX East Region Champion Colt Nichols, making his debut in the premier class aboard his number 45 Honda.

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“Wiseco is thrilled to be evolving our relationship with Team Honda HRC entering the 2023 season,” explained Wiseco’s Director of Marketing, Scott Highland. “It’s an honor to combine resources for piston development with one of the most recognizable teams in the global powersports industry. Last season showed great success in mutual development with the CRF450R platform, and we are looking forward to building upon that with the CRF250R platform as well.”

The gate drops at the second round of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series in Oakland on January 14. Find the complete 2023 Supercross schedule here, and check out Team Honda HRC’s official announcement here.

About Wiseco Performance Products

Born over 80 years ago from the passion for racing, Wiseco is a world leader in manufacturing high-performance, forged pistons for the motorcycle, automotive, ATV, snowmobile, personal watercraft, and outboard marine markets. The Wiseco crew shares the same level of dedication to motorsports as their customers and are focused on continually refining the quality and practices it takes to exceed expectations. Engineered, forged, and machined on cutting-edge equipment in the U.S. at Wiseco’s Mentor, Ohio manufacturing facility, Wiseco pistons are the undisputed leader in quality and performance. Wiseco Performance Products, built for racers, by racers.

About American Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and Side-by-Sides in the United States. American Honda’s Powersports Division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to powersports.honda.com.

Source: Wiseco Performance Products

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Team Honda HRC Presents Lineup Ahead of 2023 Season

Team Honda HRC Lineup Ahead of the 2023 Season, including riders, management, and technicians to the media during a special event.

MURRIETA, CA – December 10, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) –

  • Riders expected to fight for titles in both classes
  • Team to campaign 2023 CRF450RWE, CRF250R

With the racing season fast approaching, Team Honda HRC presented its 2023 roster, including riders, management and technicians, to the media during a special event held today at Southern California’s Blackmore Ranch. This will mark the 50th anniversary in motocross for American Honda, which approaches the ’23 AMA Supercross season with a powerful rider lineup comprising Chase Sexton, Colt Nichols, and Hunter and Jett Lawrence, along with Chance Hymas.

The squad’s 450 effort will be led by Chase Sexton, who embarks on his third AMA Supercross season aboard the factory CRF450RWE. A two-time AMA Supercross 250SX East Region Champion, the Illinois native took a big step forward this past season, regularly posting podium results indoors, finishing a close second in the AMA Pro Motocross final standings, and riding for the winning Team USA effort in his Motocross of Nations debut. As previously announced, Sexton is joined for the 2023 indoor series by 2021 AMA Supercross 250SX East Region Champion Colt Nichols, who moves to Honda and the premier class after a successful career aboard quarter-liter machinery.

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For the third year in a row, Team Honda HRC’s 250 effort is headed up by Australian brothers Hunter and Jett Lawrence, both campaigning the CRF250R. This past season saw Jett not only successfully defend his AMA Pro Motocross 250 title, but also earn the AMA Supercross 250SX East Region crown, while Hunter was second in the West Region and third outdoors. For 2023, the brothers are swapping supercross regions, with Jett riding West and Hunter racing East. Meanwhile, Chance Hymas advances from the amateur ranks to join Hunter in selected East Region appearances.

In addition to his 250 efforts, Jett intends to switch to the CRF450RWE fulltime for AMA Pro Motocross. At that point, Hymas will fill his 250 spot fulltime alongside Hunter Lawrence.

Following a successful debut year as Team Manager, Lars Lindstrom continues at the helm for 2023, once again joined by 450 and 250 Crew Chiefs Shane Drew and Grant Hutcheson, respectively. Brandon Zimmerman is Sexton’s mechanic, while Nichols’ technician is Jordan Troxell. Christien Ducharme and Cameron Camera continue as mechanics for Jett and Hunter Lawrence, and Thomas Harris is spinning wrenches for Hymas.

“The 2023 season will mark 50 years of motocross for American Honda, and we’re excited to get started,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Sports & Experiential at American Honda. “We experienced some good success in 2022, including indoor and outdoor championships in the 250 class, but we’re hungry for more. We’ve got a great lineup of riders aboard competitive machinery, and talented crew and management behind them. Honda has compiled an impressive motocross and supercross heritage over the past half-century, but we’re focused on adding to it as we head into the next 50 years.”

The 2023 season features a new format, with the 17-round AMA Supercross series commencing January 7 in Anaheim, California; the 11-round AMA Pro Motocross series kicking off May 27 in Pala, California; and the new three-round SuperMotocross World Championship starting September 9 in a yet-to-be-announced location.

About American Honda

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the United States. American Honda’s Power Sports & Products division conducts the sales, marketing and operational activities for these products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to 
powersports.honda.com.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.


Team Honda HRC

U.S. Motocross of Nations Team Claims Victory

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U.S Motocross of Nations Team Claims Victory after claiming the Chamberlain Trophy, which the United States last won in 2011.

U.S Motocross of Nations Team Claims Victory after claiming the Chamberlain Trophy, which the United States last won in 2011.

U.S Motocross of Nations Team Claims Victory after claiming the Chamberlain Trophy, which the United States last won in 2011.

AMA Congratulates Team USA riders Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper, and team manager Roger DeCoster

PICKERINGTON, OH – September 26, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) –  America is once again the motocross capital of the world. Team USA reclaimed the Chamberlain Trophy, which the United States last won in 2011, when riders Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper, led by team manager Roger DeCoster, triumphed at the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme’s Motocross of Nations at Red Bud Track ’N’ Trail in Buchanan, Mich., on Sept. 25.

“This Motocross of Nations was a perfect demonstration of the success that comes from having the right people — motivated and talented people — in the right positions, from our team coordinators to the riders themselves to our team manager,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Congratulations to all who contributed to this effort, and particularly Eli, Chase and Justin, who rode exceptionally well and demonstrated the utmost professionalism while representing America.”

Tomac, Sexton and Cooper defeated teams from 31 countries and two FIM Continental Unions en route to the historic win.

The FIM Motocross of Nations features teams of riders in three classifications: MXGP, MX2 and Open. Racing takes place in three motos. One includes MXGP and MX2 riders; one includes MX2 and Open riders; and one includes MXGP and Open riders. Each team’s rider is scored based on where they finished in the combined motos. Those scores are tallied to determine the winning team.

Tomac finished 1-6 in the MXGP class. Sexton finished 2-3 in the Open class. And Cooper finished 9-4 in the MX2 class. Cooper’s result, the best in the MX2 class, earned him the individual championship in that event.

“When we’re on top of that podium, there is nothing like it,” said Tomac, the Team USA captain. “The whole motocross community comes together for this event. I’ve been on the top of the podium before, but this takes the cake. I will never forget that moment. It will stay with me forever.”

The Motocross of Nations teams are selected by the national federations affiliated with the FIM in each participating country. In the United States, that’s the American Motorcyclist Association. AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier runs the AMA effort to select, organize, support and help fund the team.

“The cooperation this year was off the charts,” Pelletier said. “Of course, the riders’ teams themselves, which included Star Yamaha and Team Honda, were behind this effort 100 percent. We also had help from industry partners, such as Feld Entertainment, Alpinestars and Monster Energy, as well as other individuals and groups such as Paul Perebijnos, who organized a golf fundraiser, FMF, who produced fundraising t-shirts, and the family of the late Tom White, who held a fundraiser at Tom’s Early Years of Motocross Museum. The AMA can’t thank these partners enough for supporting this championship-winning campaign.”

Dingman added that the U.S. effort would not be the same without its most important volunteer: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Legend Roger DeCoster.

“Roger gives his all to this event,” Dingman said. “His experience and leadership help in ways that can’t be quantified. We appreciate his work and the support of his employer, KTM North America, which allows Roger to be a part of this effort every year.”

Dingman added: “It’s an honor to have the support of so many stakeholders at this event. All year these teams and companies compete against one another on the track and through their support of individual riders. Here, we are one team, Team USA, and I’m proud to say, today we are definitively the best motocross team in the world.”

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Source: American Motorcyclist Association

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Monster Energy-dominated Team USA wins ’22 Motocross des Nations at RedBud MX

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Monster Energy’s Tomac, Cooper and Sexton bring coveted MXdN title back to United States after 11-year drought; Cooper & Renaux capture individual titles

CORONA, CA – September 26, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The 75th running of the world’s most prestigious motocross event, the Motocross des Nations held at famed American professional motocross venue RedBud MX in Buchanan, Mich., was won on Sunday by an All-Monster Energy team of racers representing USA – Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton and Justin Cooper – adding to the United States’ record win total (23) and breaking an 11-year drought  (2010, Lakewood, Colo.) since USA last won the coveted MXdN Chamberlain Trophy.

Leading Team USA was Cooper (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha), who won the overall MX2 division title with a 9-4 two-race finish. Monster Energy’s Sexton (Honda) added a 2nd/3rd two-race finish for 2nd overall in the Open division for some crucial team points and Tomac (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) won the opening race, then rode to a solid 6th place (following a smart first turn move to avoid a crash) in the third race to preserve the victory for Team USA.

All totaled 12 Monster Energy-backed racers competed at the RedBud MXdN. Maxime Renaux (Monster Energy/Yamaha) would win the 3rd race outright, going 3-1 in the MXGP class to secure the MXGP individual title and help Team France to a 3rd place overall finish. Renaux’s countryman, Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha), would go 6-4 in the Open class for 3rd place individually. Switzerland’s Jeremy Seewer (Monster Energy/Yamaha) raced very strong and would go 4-5 in the MXGP class to finish 3rd individually and Belgium’s MXGP class racer Jago Geerts (Monster Energy/Yamaha) would battle Tomac closely throughout the opening moto, finishing with a strong 2nd place finish, but fell in the 3rd race and finished outside the top ten (5th individually). Noteworthy Monster Energy performances: Chile’s Hardy Munoz (Husqvarna) placed 8th overall in the MX2 class; Glenn Coldenhoff (Yamaha) of the Netherlands battled back to a respectable 13th place in the first moto after crashing early; the UK’s Tommy Searle (Honda) placed 9th overall in the Open class; Japan’s Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki), who won the RedBud MX National 250 class this summer, unfortunately didn’t get to race Sunday’s main program on account of Japan not qualifying as a team.

Saturday Qualifying

Team USA entered Sunday’s final races with all kinds of momentum by winning Saturday’s qualifying rounds. Cooper was victorious in MX2 qualifying, leading every lap of the 20 min/plus two-lap qualifier race. Tomac placed 2nd in the MXGP class qualifying (behind winner Geerts, and ahead of 3rd place Seewer). And Sexton, who was winning the Open class qualifier on Saturday, fell on the last lap, handing the victory to Ferrandis (Sexton remounted for 2nd). The 2-1-2 finish by the Monster Energy-backed racers gave Team USA the top gate pics in Sunday’s final races.

Race 1, MXGP and MX2 (Monster Energy highlights)

MXDN Eli Tomac action

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

Geerts got out fast on the muddy track, beating Tomac to the holeshot line by a set of forks. Tomac would quickly get the lead back from Geerts, passing the Belgian on Turn 2 and taking the early lead. … Tomac would continue to increase his lead over Geerts, but the MXGP MX2 class runner-up was persistent in his pursuit of the ’22 450 class U.S. SX/MX dual champion, keeping within two to four-seconds of Tomac. … Renaux and Seewer also kept Tomac and Geerts in sight, and helped Monster Energy with a 1st (Tomac), 2nd (Geerts), 3rd (Renaux), 4th (Seewer) sweep of the opening race for Monster Energy. … Cooper would add a 9th place finish, 2nd in the MX2 class in the day’s first race.

Race 2, MX2 and Open

MXDN Justin Cooper action

Monster Energy’s Justin Cooper

Sexton would pull good start, out in 2nd place, while Cooper and Team Australia rival Hunter Lawrence (Honda) got together on the opening lap, with Lawrence getting the worst of it and hitting the deck (as Cooper raced off). … As the rains continued and track conditions were difficult, vision-wise, Sexton battled with Italy’s Mattia Guadanini, swapping the lead at one point before Guadanini took it back from Sexton. … Both Sexton and Guadanini would get passed by Team Australia’s Jett Lawrence (Honda), but Sexton played it smart in the highly important race for the Chamberlain Trophy, letting Jett Lawrence go and focusing on Guadanini – who he passed late in the race to take 2nd. … Noteworthy: Cooper’s get together with Hunter Lawrence, and his 4th place to Lawrence’s 10th place, would be the main turning points for Team USA winning the MXdN championship over Australia.

Race 3, MXGP and Open

MXDN Chase Sexton action (1)

Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton

With all the team championship chips on the table, the two premier classes faced off in one last race at RedBud – to decide the 2022 MXdN championship. And it’d be Monster Energy-backed racers that’d dominate. … Blasting out to the early race lead were Team France’s Ferrandis (holeshot) and Renaux, leading Sexton out of the first turn. … Drama ensued as Geerts would go down and disrupted Tomac’s start, relegating the MXdN opening race winner to 12th place out of the first turn. … At the race’s halfway point Ferrandis made a mistake on the massive “Hammer of Thor” uphill triple jump and Renaux took over the lead. … With Ferrandis down, Sexton was close behind and easily took over 2nd place. But again played it smart with the team championship on the line for USA and allowed Jett Lawrence to breeze by, while keeping Renaux (2nd) in site. … While all that was happening Tomac quietly picked his way through the world’s top racers and up to a commendable 6th place in the final race. And when the checkers flew it was Sexton in 3rd and Tomac in 6th to secure the Chamberlain Trophy for Team USA.

So at the end, 34 nations and 102 racers, Team USA stood as the champions of the 2022 Motocross des Nations at RedBud, Team USA’s record 23rd MXdN championship and first since 2010.

Monster Energy’s Overall MXdN Placers

MXGP Class

1st – Maxime Renaux (3-1)

2nd – Eli Tomac (1-6)

3rd – Jeremy Seewer (4-5)

5th – Jago Geerts (2-11)

MX2 Class

1st – Justin Cooper (9-4)

Open Class

2nd – Chase Sexton (2-3)

3rd – Dylan Ferrandis (6-4)

The full list of Monster Energy-backed racers that competed at RedBud’s Motocross des Nations:

Name                                                   Country

Eli Tomac                                              USA
Chase Sexton
Justin Cooper

Maxime Renaux                                    France
Dylan Ferrandis

Jo Shimoda                                           Japan

Jago Geerts                                           Belgium

Tommy Searle                                       Great Britain

Glenn Coldenhoff                                  Netherlands

Jeremy Seewer                                     Switzerland

Guillem Farres                                      Spain

Hardy Munoz                                        Chile

 Up Next

The 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season schedule will be announced in October.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

Source: Monster Energy Company

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Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for title

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Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac’s victorious @ Fox Raceway finale, tops Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton for the title.

50th anniversary of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship 50th was the closest ever as Tomac adds MX National crown to his ’22 Monster Energy SX title

CORONA, CA – September 5, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – When the pressure was on, so was Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac (Star Racing/Yamaha). The veteran four-time outdoor MX champion joined an elite class of FIVE-TIME Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships winners, taking a one-point premier 450 class lead into the final round over Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton (Honda) and making an absolute statement as to who’s the best with a bold, 1-1 two-moto finish at Fox Raceway in Pala, Calif., on Saturday.

Tomac’s performance in the arid (temperatures teetering at or above triple digits) region near Carlsbad, Calif., the birthplace of American motocross racing, was nothing short of super human – as was Sexton’s as well. In the opening moto the two distanced themselves from the rest of the field and went 1-2 – with the next-closest competitor (3rd place Christian Craig with Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) being an unheard of one minute and 17 seconds behind. Tomac and Sexton, in their feverous pursuit of the championship, lapped the field all the way up to 11th place (out of 40 racers that started).

The second and deciding moto would see Tomac overcome a poor start and take advantage of an unbelievable three (3) unforced errors that led to crashes by Sexton which, ultimately, handed the championship over to Tomac as the veteran rode pretty much error-free in both motos.

“This has been the most enjoyable year of my career,” said Tomac from the podium following his second moto victory and 91st career MX Nationals moto win. “Starting with supercross (Tomac won the 450 class in 2022 Monster Energy AMA Supercross) and now motocross. The competition was just unbelievable with Chase (Sexton). He’s (Sexton) the next 450 guy, hands down.”

Added Sexton: “Man, Eli’s (Tomac) so tough. He, obviously, got the upper hand on me. I made some big strides this summer and feel like a different person than I was when I started. We’ll keep going and get better for next year.” Noteworthy here is that Tomac and Sexton will lead Team USA, along with Justin Cooper (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) in the upcoming, Sept. 24-25, Motocross Des Nations at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Mich.

And in 250 class racing at Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship racing at Fox Raceway, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda overcame a questionable/aggressive pass from Honda’s Hunter Lawrence, which caused Shimoda to crash in the opening moto, to win the second moto, and with it, secure 2nd place overall in the standings – 12 points ahead of Hunter Lawrence. Cooper would join Shimoda on the 250 podium at Fox Raceway in 3rd place.

450 podium left to right… Fox Raceway II 2022

450 class podium Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson, Eli Tomac and Chase Sexton

Here’s a look at what went down at the Fox Raceway MX National II, beginning with the 450 class.

Eli Tomac 450 Moto 1 act… Fox Raceway II 2022

450 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

“My mindset is it’s all or nothing.” – Tomac

“My goal is to come out here and just be on offense.” – Sexton

Best-case-scenario out of the start of the opening 450 moto as Sexton grabs the holeshot leads going into the first corner, with Tomac right behind in 2nd place and Christian Craig (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) in 4th. … Bunched up at the start due to a Ryan Dungey (KTM) crash, Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) rolls around in 16th place after the opening lap. … The two title combatants, Sexton and Tomac, would immediately separate themselves from the rest of the field, with Sexton opening up an early 2.282 second lead at the 20:42 mark of the temperature-shortened moto (shortened from 30 minutes + two laps to 25 min/+2). … At the end of Lap 4 Craig, enjoying a home track advantage, took measure of 3rd place Justin Barcia and passed the Gas Gas rider with relative ease on an inside line. … With Tomac tracking Sexton’s lines, announcer James Stewart referenced Muhammad Ali’s classic boxing trick in commenting:  “That’s a little Rope-A-Dope,” with how Tomac was following closely, but not attempting to pass Sexton. “It’s chess, not checkers out there.” … At the 11:00 mark Sexton had made a couple minor mistakes, which allowed Tomac to close the gap further. Then, at the 9:40 mark, both racers began to hit some lapped traffic. … With Sexton slowed considerably in one section by the lapped traffic, Tomac chose this time to pounce – and passed Sexton for the lead at the 4:41 mark with a move to the inside. … Following his pass, Tomac would reel off a hyper-fast 2:25 lap, while Sexton responded with his slowest lap of the moto – a 2:29. And this, coupled with a late moto mistake that saw Sexton’s bike slow to a near stall coming out of a corner, would be the differences in leading to Tomac’s Moto 1 victory over Sexton. … Craig would podium in 3rd place in the opening moto, while Anderson fought back valiantly for 4th place (from 16th).

Said Tomac: “I kind of had to manage the moto there, following Chase (Sexton) for quite a while. Then, actually in a section where I made the pass, I was struggling earlier. I fixed my line and got the better of it and made the pass. Tough track today. That was a key moto win for us.”

Added Sexton: “Man, I felt good. Way better than I did in practice. I just struggled getting by the lappers, and Eli (Tomac) caught me. He was able to get through (the lappers) better than I was. Nobody’s fault, I just have to do better at that. He got the lead and I reeled him in, then made a few mistakes and he, obviously, won. I gave it my best and that’s all I can do.”

Said Craig: “I had (Justin) Barcia right in front of me, and you know you have to be patient around him and pick your pass. Once I got around him I just did my laps, focused on my breathing, and man it was tough.”

Jason Anderson pursues … Fox Raceway II 2022

450 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson

The formula for Sexton to catch Tomac in Moto 2 in order to win the title was simple: Sexton had to win and have someone finish between him and Tomac. And from the opening gate drop things were looking good for Sexton as a 4th place start and quick move up to 2nd place for Sexton was met by a poor start (outside the top ten) by Tomac. … With Monster Energy guys (Sexton, Anderson and Craig) all up front and running fast, Tomac had no sooner moved up into the top ten (8th) when Sexton hit the dirt – the first of three crashes in the moto by Sexton. … Sexton would pick his bike up and watch Tomac go by, getting going again in 8th place (while Tomac quickly moved up to 5th) as Lap 2 came to a close. … Sexton would then crash a second time – two crashes in a half lap, while Anderson passed Craig on a downhill section for the race lead. … Sexton would buckle down and put up some of the days fastest laps, getting by Dungey for 5th while running two seconds faster (per lap) than race leaders Anderson and Craig. … At the 14:10 mark Sexton had gotten by Barcia for 4th place and was about six seconds back of Tomac in 3rd. … Craig would reward his teammate Tomac with an easy pass into 2nd place, then it was ‘on’ between Tomac and Anderson for the Moto 2 race lead. … No sooner did Sexton get by Craig for 3rd, running a blistering 2:24 lap (to Tomac’s 2:26 and Anderson’s 2:28), did Sexton go down again, the third time in the moto, losing the front end in a corner at the base of a downhill section. … Anderson, who’d run in 3rd place behind Tomac and Sexton for much of the season, wasn’t giving in to Tomac’s pursuit of the lead, holding off the eventual champion for a number of laps in some great racing. … At the 8:49 mark, coming over the crest of a hill and into a deep-rutted turn, the persistent Tomac moved to the inside while, at the same time, Anderson caught neutral with his shift and slowed, allowing Tomac to get by unchallenged. … Despite his bad luck Sexton continued to charge back towards the front, moving into 3rd and pulling to within six seconds of Anderson in 2nd place with 5:32 plus two laps remaining. … Sexton would move into 2nd place at the 3:10 mark, past Anderson and about three seconds behind Tomac. At this point in the race Tomac would have to make a massive mistake in order for Sexton (and Anderson) to get by, but the veteran finished out strong – and mistake-free – in going 1-1 to secure the 2022 MX Nationals title. Also noteworthy was that Tomac became the first pro racer to win his very first MX Nationals race (2010, Hangtown) and what’s said to be his very last outdoor motocross race (2022, Fox Raceway).

Said Tomac: “We (he and Sexton) pushed ourselves to the limit and I felt like we raised the bar this year. Thank you to my team, Yamaha, Monster Energy… this is a very enjoyable moment and this (holding up the No. 1 plate) is just the cherry on top.”

Added Sexton: “That second moto was frustrating. I had to go for it. I had to pass Eli (Tomac) and, trying to get to the front, I fell three times. So those mistakes… we’ve got to stop with those.”

Added Anderson: “That first moto was tough. I was behind (Ryan) Dungey at the start – and he went down. So I spent a lot of energy getting back up to the front. Then that second moto I just couldn’t hang. All-in-all it’s been a great season. Amazing for me, but I still want more.”

Justin Cooper 250 Moto … Fox Raceway II 2022

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Justin Cooper

The battle for 2nd place overall in the 250 class championship was coming down to the wire between Shimoda and Hunter Lawrence. And Cooper would stick his nose between the two to start the opening 250 moto at Fox Raceway, pulling a 2nd place start (behind Jett Lawrence), with Shimoda in 3rd. … Shimoda would get past Cooper on the opening lap, setting up another Shimoda/Jett Lawrence battle up front. … On to Jett Lawrence’s rear fender early, Shimoda still had a mathematical, albeit slim, chance at the overall title. … Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) would also run in the top five early (5th), with Matt Leblanc (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) in 7th, and all chasing Jett Lawrence, Shimoda and Cooper in 3rd. … At the 21:16 mark Shimoda was only one second back of Jett Lawrence, with Marvin Musquin (KTM) making a surprise appearance at Fox Raceway, to get dialed in on the 250 for Team France for the upcoming Motocross Des Nations, getting by Cooper for 3rd place. … At the 16:45 mark Cameron McAdoo (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) had raced his way into the top ten (8th), as Shimoda stayed inside of two seconds behind Jett Lawrence at the Moto 1’s midway point. … Shimoda would make a charge at 1st place, cutting Jett Lawrence’s lead down to .06 seconds with 7:36 plus two laps remaining. … Lurking back behind the leaders, and quietly moving towards the front was Hunter Lawrence, who trailed Shimoda by seven points for 2nd place overall in the championship standings. … With the race winding down, Hunter Lawrence thought he saw an opportunity and sent it off a downhill jump, careening into Shimoda – who had already entered deep into a rut in a left-handed turn. The resulting impact blew Shimoda out of the rut, off his bike and off the track. Hunter Lawrence managed to stay upright and took over 2nd place, with Cooper passing the fallen Shimoda and taking 3rd. … Shimoda held on for 4th, with Hammaker (6th) and McAdoo (8th) both finishing out the opening 250 moto in the top ten.

Said Cooper: “Cool to battle a guy like that (of his pass on former European MX2 champ Musquin). Ended up 3rd with Jo’s mistake (Cooper was unaware, from the podium, of the situation involving Hunter Lawrence).”

Jo Shimoda 250 Moto 2 a…Fox Raceway II 2022

250 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda

With some vengeance in mind after Moto 1, Shimoda leads off the start into the first turn, eventually coming out in 2nd (behind Cooper’s holeshot). … Shimoda moves onto Cooper quickly, with McAdoo right there in the mix. Hunter Lawrence gets out to a poor start (13th) in his battle with Shimoda for 2nd place overall in the 250 championship. … With Cooper running up front, Shimoda in 2nd and McAdoo in 3rd, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryder DiFrancesco grabs an early top five (5th) slot, with Hammaker in 7th. … On Lap 2 Shimoda would close Cooper off on and outside-to-inside line, taking the lead – a lead he’d never relinquish though the checkers. … As Shimoda continued to roll on the power, he’d extend his lead to five seconds over Cooper at the 16:01 mark – and some 25 seconds over Hunter Lawrence. … As the race wound down, nearing the ten-minute mark, Jett Lawrence was moving up – and got past Cooper for 2nd. … With 3:44 plus two laps remaining, Shimoda was 19.9 seconds up on Jett Lawrence, with Cooper staying well within striking distance of the 2nd place Australian racer. … A couple younger Monster Energy-backed racers, rookie pros Haiden Deegan (Star Racing/Yamaha) and Chance Hymas (Honda), battled for 11th place, with Deegan aggressively taking measure of Hymas for the spot. … With two laps to go Shimoda was up by 24 seconds on 2nd place Jett Lawrence, making a statement regarding the questionable pass in Moto 1 by Hunter Lawrence. And, with his 5th moto win of the season, Shimoda wrapped up 2nd place overall in the championship. Cooper would hold on to 3rd, 1.5 seconds back of Jett Lawrence, placing 3rd overall on the day (3-3).

Said Shimoda: “I don’t know about the (Moto 1) pass. I don’t think you could call it a clean pass. He (Hunter Lawrence) put me over the berm and I hurt my shoulder a little bit. But that kind of pissed me off a little bit, you know? So in the second moto I just got a (good) start, charged to the end and won with a pretty big gap. Pretty pumped about that. Thank you to Monster Energy, Pro Circuit and Kawasaki. Thank you to the whole team, and my mom and dad. Hopefully we’ll have a better result next year.”

Added Cooper: “Yeah, it was a fun day. I tried to get out of here in one piece… we’ve got a big race coming up with Team USA (Motocross Des Nations) and hopefully we can bring it home for USA. I got a couple good starts today, and it was fun to race with Jett (Lawrence) in that second moto. Jo (Shimoda) was riding really good and kind of walked away from us. Really had nothing for him (Shimoda). It was a fun track, rough, and definitely tested us.”

Overall 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, Points (Round 12 of 12)

450 class

Chase Sexton headshot Fox Raceway II 2022

Chase Sexton

1st – Tomac

2nd – Sexton

3rd – Anderson

5th – Craig

9th – Savatgy

250 class

Jo Shimoda headshot Fox Raceway II 2022

Jo Shimoda

2nd – Shimoda

4th – Cooper

7th – Hammaker

8th – Thrasher

10th – Kitchen

Up Next

One last big race on the 2022 motocross schedule as the world gets set to return to Michigan’s RedBud MX for this year’s running of the Motocross Des Nations, Sept. 24-25.

About Monster Energy

Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com

Source: Monster Energy Company

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