Tomac Wins Daytona Supercross for Record Seventh Time

Hunter Lawrence Also Makes History with 250SX Class Win

DAYTONA, FL – March 5, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took a hard-earned Monster Energy AMA Supercross victory at the 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross, stretching his record number of wins at the venue to seven.

The 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross

The 53rd running of the Daytona Supercross delivered thrills from the opening ceremonies to the final lap of the 450SX Class Main Event. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb was close but had to settle for second place at Round 8 on the unique track built into the trioval of the Daytona International Speedway. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton had some close calls but no crashes to finish third on the high-speed Supercross track. In the fourth round of the 10-round Eastern Regional 250SX Class series, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence took the Daytona win in convincing style.

Eli Tomac - DAYTONA Supercross

Eli Tomac won the event for the seventh time, extending his record as the King of Daytona Supercross. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the 450SX Class Main Event, Tomac grabbed the Holeshot but Webb took an outside line in the second corner and snatched the lead. Sexton held third place with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia applying pressure to take over the spot. After one lap Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson had made his way into fifth, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire sat sixth in his first 450SX Class Main Event after winning his Heat race.

With the rain coming down Webb held command of the race. Then approximately seven minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Webb and Tomac had a fierce exchange. The two racers traded the lead four times in one section, with Webb retaining the front spot after the two riders bumped entering a rutted, elevated corner. Tomac was sent wide, but not off the track. The incident allowed Sexton to close the gap and suddenly the top three in the points all had a shot at the Daytona win.

Nine minutes in, Webb hit neutral entering the high-speed rhythm just after the finish line. Tomac jumped past and locked down the lead. The front four, Tomac, Webb, Sexton, and Barcia were still close, with less than four seconds separating the four riders.

Then Sexton made a big mistake in one of the rutted rhythm sections. Barcia tried to capitalize, Sexton blocked, and the riders came together right before a triple jump. The contact sent Barcia off the track but not down. Less than a lap later Sexton stalled his bike braking for the tight, elevated corner. Barcia tried to jump past on the corner’s exit and the riders came together again. The second incident went worse for Barcia and he found himself down on the Florida soil. Barcia was able to remount in time to stay in front of Anderson in fifth.

In the late laps Webb made a push to get back to Tomac. The KTM rider closed the gap down to 1.4 seconds as the racers reached the white flag. But Tomac laid down a mistake-free final lap and kept his Yamaha up front. When Tomac crossed the checkers he stretched his all-time Daytona win record to seven and took sole possession of third in all-time 450SX Class wins, just one behind James Stewart who was in the broadcast booth calling the race alongside Ricky Carmichael and Daniel Blair.

Hunter Lawrence - DAYONA Supercross

Hunter Lawrence was back to his winning ways with a strong victory at Daytona.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie jumped out in first with the Holeshot but down the first straight Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher took over the lead. One turn later Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle took the top spot from Thrasher. Lawrence was up near the front and as the racers went through the sand section for the first time he collided with Thrasher. Lawrence got the position and Thrasher went down and fell back to last place. Lawrence sped forward, blitzing past Vialle and into the lead on the first pass through the whoops.

Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin held third with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Chris Blose behind and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan in fifth. Then Vialle crashed hard in the short rhythm after the whoops, giving up his second place spot. Four and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race, with light rain coming down, Deegan moved confidently past Martin to take over third place. With 8:22 left on the race clock Thrasher reached tenth and looked to have the speed to reach the top five. Half a lap later Thrasher landed on a Tuff Blox, crashed hard, and looked out of the race; but Thrasher re-joined and worked his way back up to tenth by the finish.

The win by Lawrence matched his brother’s victory in 2022, making the Lawrence brothers the first in the sport’s history to each have a Daytona Supercross win. This augments their other ‘first’ this season as being the only brother duo to simultaneously lead both the Eastern and the Western Regional 250SX Class points. Anstie earned his second runner-up finish of 2023 and rookie Haiden Deegan earned his career-first podium finish in only his fourth professional Supercross race.

The series heads to Indianapolis next weekend where Lucas Oil Stadium will host Round 9 of both the 17-round 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as the brand-new 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series. The inaugural series incorporates Supercross, Pro Motocross, and three hybrid-style events to crown one SuperMotocross World Champion in each bike displacement class. The 2023 seasons combine for the largest total purse of any off-road motorcycle racing series with a 10 million dollar purse.

All 31 rounds are streamed live on Peacock. Select rounds will also show domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage of all 31 events is provided through the SuperMotocross Video Pass at SuperMotocross.tv. For video highlights, race results, the full schedule, and ticket information please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX Class podium - DAYTONA Supercross

450SX Class podium (racers 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. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS
  5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki
  6. Justin Cooper, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  7. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
  8. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
  9. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM
  10. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (186)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (181)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (176)
  4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (148)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (138)
  6. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (135)
  7. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (132)
  8. Christian Craig, Clermont, Fla., Husqvarna (103)
  9. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (85)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (84)
250SX Class podium - DAYTONA Supercross

250SX Class podium (racers left to right) Max Anstie, Hunter Lawrence, and Haiden Deegan.
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. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha
  6. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda
  7. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
  8. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda
  9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda
  10. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (99)
  2. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (85)
  3. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (74)
  4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (71)
  5. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (71)
  6. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (70)
  7. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Honda (60)
  8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (53)
  9. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (53)
  10. Michael Mosiman, Minneaola, Fla., GASGAS (51)

Assets:
2023 Daytona Photo Gallery
450SX Class Highlights – Daytona
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Highlights – Daytona
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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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 to Defend AMA Pro Motocross Title

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac signs contract extension to race the entire 2023 SMX World Championship 

MARIETTA, GA – February 25, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – Monster Energy Yamaha Racing is pleased to announce that Eli Tomac will line up for the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross season and race the entire 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship. The reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion put ink to paper for a contract extension with the team beyond the supercross season that will see him defend his AMA Pro Motocross 450SX title and make a run for the first-ever SuperMotocross World Championship.

After a phenomenal debut season with the team in 2022 with two titles and a Motocross of Nations victory, Tomac continues to lead the way. The defending Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion has yet to relinquish the red plate, scoring four victories in six rounds with the all-new Yamaha YZ450F to hold a seven-point lead in the standings. Tomac also continues to add his name to the record books, tying Ricky Carmichael last weekend with third in the all-time win list with 48 victories in the Supercross premier class.

230225 Tomac to Defend AMA Pro Motocross Title

Jim Roach – Yamaha Racing Department Manager for YMUS
“We’re excited to have Eli with us for the rest of this inaugural SMX World Championship. The racing has been better than ever, so it’s not only great for Yamaha and the team to have Eli continue racing but also for the sport. 2022 was an incredible year, and it’s been great to see that momentum continue to grow this season with the all-new YZ450F. We look forward to seeing the #1 plates in both championships and to continue paving the way for success.”

Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager
“We’re thrilled to have Eli on board for the entire SMX season! It’s been a great start to 2023, and he has been riding phenomenally. We look to keep that momentum going for the rest of the year and defend the 450 titles in both supercross and motocross, and take the title in this first SuperMotocross World Championship.”

Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“At the beginning of the season, I truly thought this was going to be a farewell tour, but I’ve been having too much fun racing my motorcycle. I have been enjoying every minute along the way with the team, so I’m excited to announce that I will be racing the entire SMX series.”

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida), Kracor Systems (Wisconsin) and Siren Marine, Inc. (Rhode Island), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).

Source: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

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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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Tomac Makes It Two-for-Two in Title Chase with San Diego Supercross Win

Lawrence Also Repeats with 250SX Class Win

SAN DIEGO, CA – January 22, 2023 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) –  Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac grabbed his second victory of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in front of a sold-out crowd inside Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb also replicated his Round 1 finish and earned second place at Round 3, although the race was only the second time the riders have faced off in 2023. Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia held off pressure right until the checkers to take the final podium spot at the first Supercross event held inside the new stadium.

In Western Regional 250SX Class racing, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence also repeated his opening round win with a nearly flawless ride. Tomac and Lawrence extended their points lead in the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season as well as toward the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship of 2023.

Eli Tomac earned his 46th 450SX Class victory

Eli Tomac earned his 46th 450SX Class victory at the first Supercross race held in the all-new Snapdragon Stadium. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Just as at the previous round, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols got through the first corner ahead of 21 other racers to nab the 450SX Class Main Event Holeshot. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo was quickly into the lead for the opening laps of the 20-minute plus one lap race. The racers who share the past four championships, Webb and Tomac, battled each other as they closed on the leader. Webb took over the front spot two and a half minutes into the race; Tomac also got around Cianciarulo and four minutes after the gate had dropped Tomac made the pass on Webb for the lead. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson pushed forward into third place as a battle brewed between Barcia and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen for fourth.

Just past the race’s halfway point Anderson crashed in a turn, turning the battle between Barcia and Roczen into a podium position fight. Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton was right behind and the three riders circled the track within a breath of each other. In the final laps Webb pulled close to Tomac’s rear fender, knocking the Yamaha rider’s lead down to just 1.4 seconds. Tomac held strong for the win, his second of the two races run so far this season.

Honda HRC's Jett Lawrence won the first two 250SX Class races of 2023

Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence won the first two 250SX Class races of 2023 convincingly. There is already buzz about a possible perfect season which would put the Honda rider in a tie as the winningest all-time 125/250 SX rider. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

When the gate dropped for the Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event, Jett Lawrence darted to the lead ahead of Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Enzo Lopes, Smartop MotoConcepts Racing Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire. Contact in the tight opening lap pushed Hampshire back but he quickly worked his way back to sixth and started picking off the riders ahead of him. Teammates Lopes and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti scrapped over second while McAdoo and Hampshire slowly pushed forward. Five minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race McAdoo put his Kawasaki into second and matched lap times with Lawrence, just two seconds ahead. Two minutes later Hampshire reached third. From there Lawrence pulled out some breathing room. As the race clock neared :30 remaining Hampshire cut under McAdoo to match his Round 1 performance and earn second place points.

The series travels back up the California coast to Angel Stadium of Anaheim for a race that pays points to both the Monster Energy Supercross season and the SuperMotocross World Championship series. Monster Energy AMA Supercross Round 2 was postponed due to area flooding and has found its new place on the schedule; the racers will battle at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California on February 18th. The Oakland Supercross will go into the record books as Round 2 of the 2023 season but will sit just after Round 6 on the calendar.

2023 is already proving to be a thrilling season on the track as well as off with the formation of the SuperMotocross World Championship. The new World Championship League brings champions and contenders of both the technical Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, and the wide-open AMA Pro Motocross season together for two exciting Playoff races and one Final race in October to crown a single champion in each class. The 450 Class winner will pocket a one million dollar win bonus and the 250 Class champ will take home $500,000.

From January through October all 31 SuperMotocross World Championship rounds are available live on PeacockTV. Select rounds will be broadcast domestically on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. SuperMotocross.tv provides international coverage of the events.

Nothing matches the thrill of seeing the action live. Tickets are on sale now for all remaining Monster Energy AMA Supercross events. For tickets, race results, feature stories, and airtimes on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

San Diego 450SX Class podium

Class podium (riders left to right) Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, and Cooper Webb.
Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

450SX Class Results

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

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (52)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (46)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (39)
  4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (37)
  5. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (36)
  6. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (33)
  7. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (32)
  8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (29)
  9. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (29)
  10. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (28)

San Diego 250SX Class podium

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. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
  5. Pierce Brown, Sandy, Utah, GASGAS
  6. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha
  7. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  8. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha
  9. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM
  10. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (52)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (46)
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (42)
  4. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (36)
  5. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (35)
  6. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha (31)
  7. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha (30)
  8. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (27)
  9. Dylan Walsh, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki (24)
  10. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ont., Yamaha (23)

Assets:

2023 San Diego 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.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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Eli Tomac Grabs Dramatic Win at Monster Energy Supercross Opener

Jett Lawrence Captures 250SX Win at Anaheim 1 Supercross

ANAHEIM, CA – January 8, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac took a wild and hard-fought victory at the opening round of the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, an event that also paid points as the opening round of the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship series. After a tough battle through the pack, Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb locked down second place inside a packed Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Southern California. After leading several laps late in the race, Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the third spot on the podium in this historical 50th year of Supercross racing. In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Team Honda HRC’s Jett Lawrence nabbed the opening win with a wire-to-wire win.

Eli Tomac captured his first Anaheim 1

Eli Tomac captured his first Anaheim 1 victory in one of the most dramatic races in the sport’s history. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols grabbed the holeshot of the 450SX Class Main Event but Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia took over the top spot just two corners into the race. Tomac and Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen were right behind, battling hard and flying side-by-side down three consecutive rhythm sections. Tomac broke free of Roczen, then took the lead over the bridge jump three and a half minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Malcolm Stewart closed up to Roczen’s rear tire as Barcia got sideways in a rhythm lane and crashed off the track. Barcia’s crash moved Roczen to second, Stewart to third, and Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton up to fourth. Six and a half minutes in, Stewart drew alongside Roczen and battled his way past. The two riders nearly came together, forcing a mistake from Roczen that allowed Sexton to take over third place. Further back, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson and Cooper Webb scrapped for fifth position.

Then Tomac crashed on the bridge jump he’d used to take the lead. Malcolm Stewart found himself out front. The crowd erupted as the Husqvarna rider saw his best shot at his first 450SX Class victory. At the halfway point Stewart led, Sexton pursued in second place, and Roczen sat third. Sexton challenged for the lead as Tomac started his charge back to the front.

With just under seven minutes left on the race clock Sexton pushed past Stewart, forcing Stewart momentarily off the track. Shortly after, Tomac reached third place and set his sights on Stewart in second. As the clock ticked down past 3:30, Tomac pushed past Stewart while Webb got around Roczen and into fourth. One small bobble from Sexton put Tomac suddenly in a perfect position to take back the lead. Only 1.7 seconds separated the top three racers when Stewart went over the bars in a rhythm section and saw his shot at a first win disappear.

With two minutes to go, Tomac took back the front spot. As the clock ticked past one minute, Webb reached third position. Webb nabbed one more spot, taking second from Sexton just as they crossed the white flag. Tomac took the checkers a lap later, earning his first Anaheim 1 victory and starting his title defense with a win and a display of speed that separates him as the rider to beat this season.

Jett Lawrence - Western Regional 250SX Class opener

Jett Lawrence was picture perfect with a convincing win in the Western Regional 250SX Class opener. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

The Western Regional 250SX Class delivered a dramatic crash nearly from the instant the gate dropped. Just halfway down the start straight of the 250SX Class Main Event, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner crashed hard. Emerging from the first turn with the lead, Jett Lawrence fought off early attacks from Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo. Before the first lap was in the books Lawrence had pulled clear of McAdoo and the pack and was never challenged again for the spot.

Behind Lawrence, McAdoo pursued with Red Bull KTM’s Max Vohland, Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti, and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire close behind. Hampshire put down fast laps on the rutty track and moved into third place two and a half minutes into the 15-minute plus one lap race. With under two minutes left on the race clock Hampshire made the pass into second position and held the spot to the checkers.

The racers battle again on Saturday night, January 14th at RingCentral Coliseum in Oakland, California for round 2 of the Monster Energy Supercross season. The event also serves as round 2 of the 2023 Super Motocross World Championship series. The new 2023 SuperMotocross League tests the athletes across both disciplines and culminates in a three race series (two Playoffs and one Final, with points payout increases at each) in September and October to crown a single champion in each class. All 31 SuperMotocross World Championship rounds will be streamed live on Peacock with select rounds also broadcast domestically across NBC, USA Network, and CNBC. International coverage is available through the SuperMotocross Video Pass at SuperMotocross.tv.

The Monster Energy Supercross season makes up the first seventeen rounds of 2023 racing, with three rounds featuring a Triple Crown format and two rounds hosting a 250SX Class East/West Showdown. The 2023 purse money increases $1.1 million over the 17-rounds, with a $1,000,000 win bonus to the SuperMotocross 450 Class champion and $500,000 win bonus to the SuperMotocross 250 Class champion.

Tickets are on sale now for all seventeen Monster Energy Supercross events. For tickets, race results, feature stories, and airtimes on Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC please go to SupercrossLIVE.com.

450SX podium

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

450SX Class Results – Anaheim 1

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

450SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (26)
  2. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (23)
  3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (21)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (19)
  5. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (18)
  6. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (17)
  7. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (16)
  8. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (15)
  9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (14)
  10. Joey Savatgy, Clermont, Fla., Kawasaki (13)

Anaheim 1 - 250SX Class podium

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 – Anaheim 1

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda
  5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
  7. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha
  8. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha
  9. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha
  10. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

  1. Jett Lawrence, Zephyrhills, Fla., Honda (26)
  2. RJ Hampshire, Minneola, Fla., Husqvarna (23)
  3. Cameron McAdoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Kawasaki (21)
  4. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godley, Tex., Honda (19)
  5. Max Vohland, Granite Bay, Calif., KTM (18)
  6. Enzo Lopes, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha (17)
  7. Levi Kitchen, Havana, Fla., Yamaha (16)
  8. Phillip Nicoletti, Bethel, N.Y., Yamaha (15)
  9. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Yamaha (14)
  10. Derek Kelley, Riverside, Calif., KTM (13)

Assets:

2023 Anaheim 1 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.

230105 SX sponsor logos

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Perfect Tomac Wins Inaugural World Supercross Championship Grand Prix

Perfect Tomac Wins Inaugural World Supercross Championship Grand Prix, which took place in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium today.

Perfect Tomac Wins Inaugural World Supercross Championship Grand Prix, which took place in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium today.

Perfect Tomac Wins Inaugural World Supercross Championship Grand Prix, which took place in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium today.

Perfect Tomac Wins Inaugural World Supercross Championship Grand Prix, which took place in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium today.

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Tomac makes history by winning the first ever FIM World Supercross Championship Grand Prix SX2 overall victory goes to Shane McElrath Highs and lows for…

SX2 overall victory goes to Shane McElrath

Highs and lows for home hero Anstie who missed overall podium despite heat and main event victories

AUSTRALIA – October 10, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – A perfect score for Eli Tomac saw him win the inaugural FIM World Supercross Championship Grand Prix, which took place in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium today. The American secured the WSX (450) class win with three GP race victories, while compatriot Shane McElrath took the overall honours in the SX2 (250) class.

The wait was finally over for world championship racing in the sport of supercross to finally go global, as fans packed into Wales’ national stadium in the heart of the country’s capital. And the world class racing on display was only part of the show, as freestyle motocross shows, a live performance from music megastar AJ Tracey, and fireworks and pyrotechnics wowed crowds that had queued in their thousands.

Tomac – a wildcard this weekend – was third quickest in qualifying, behind Rick Ware Racing’s Joey Savatgy and pace-setter Ken Roczen. And it was Roczen who was shaping up to be the man to beat; winning his heat and setting the fastest lap in the night’s superpole session with a huge quad in the rhythm section wowing fans.

Unfortunately for him, things began to unravel for the German in the GP race main events. Leading the first of three he was caught out by the changing track conditions, crashing and handing the lead to Tomac. He recovered to finish third, behind fellow Honda pilot Vince Friese on the MotoConcepts machine.

It was a Tomac, Roczen one-two in the second of the three GP races, with the pair having to fight through the field, before Tomac made it three from three in the third to cap a perfect evening. While Savatgy was second in the final race, the MotoConcepts outfit bagged two more GP race top-three finishes, with Friese and teammate Justin Brayton taking a third apiece.

With all the points tallied up, Tomac was the clear winner, with Roczen and Friese completing the night’s podium.

“To be honest I started off a little bit slow and Ken [Roczen] rode really well in that heat race and in the superpole I just never manned up for the quad, to be straight up,” world championship leader Eli Tomac said. “That thing was a big nope I was going to stay with the triple-single and it ended up working out. All three mains were a little bit different; obviously I got the gift from Ken in the first and then had to make a couple of passes in the second but I think the most technical part of the night was the dirt: it was tough, very hard pack. I actually almost fell in the third, near the mechanics in that last left-hander. But overall I just enjoyed the whole schedule and the racing. Coming in here I thought that the eight and 12-lap races were going to be a little short but that wasn’t easy and it obviously showcased some good racing and I had a lot of fun doing it. The World Supercross Championship is real: it was a real supercross and nothing was second level with it, it was all first class and it was great to see the big crowd here. It was really cool to see the stadium filled up. To be honest I was looking at it thinking this is a big stadium but I think we filled it pretty well.”

Roczen_WSX_Cardiff_BS_DSC_4202_1x1_B-2048x2048

Ken Roczen said on finishing second on the night, “In my superpole lap I wasn’t quite as clean as I wanted to be in the beginning, but the quad was huge and I wasn’t really planning on it but I saw Josh [Hill] do it. What made it really nice though was that it set me up real nice for the turn because I didn’t have to do that single into it with how slippery it was. In that first main event, obviously things happened really quick but from what I could tell there was a tiny line or ledge and the angle I was coming in on, I just wasn’t set up for it. It was so minimal but it just happened so fast. I tried to save it but I couldn’t. It was a bit of a bummer because it felt like it was set up to be a really good race. But it was tough out there and you couldn’t really rely on anything out on track because the berms were really flat. But it made for some great racing tonight.”

“I had pretty good starts and sprinted really hard in the first two mains and that third one I kind of just managed the podium,” Vince Friese said of his night. “I knew these guys were pretty quick all night and I didn’t really want to put up too much of a fight for that, I just secured the podium spot, as I had my eye on my teammate and a couple of the guys who were close on points with me but I got it done and I couldn’t be happier. It’s really cool to be in contention for the title but it’s just cool to even be on the podium with these two guys. It’s awesome for me and I’m trying to inch my way closer to their level. I’ve got a little bit to go but I’ve made some improvement.”

In the SX2 category McElrath, who finished third in his heat race, took the overall victory for Rick Ware Racing and leads the championship standings by a single point after going fourth, third, fifth in the night’s three GP races, highlighting the importance of consistency in the World Supercross Championship’s main event format.

Chris Blose’s second place in the first GP race aboard his Bud Racing Kawasaki gave him a good haul of points that meant he would take second overall on the night, despite taking fourth and eighth place finishes in GP race two and three.

While finishing on the overall podium in third, MotoConcepts Honda’s Mitchell Oldenburg will arguably be going home disappointed after winning the first and third GP races, but a disastrous second GP race – that saw him crash into the back of Pipes Motorsport’s Derek Kelly and take a heavy fall – cost him the overall victory on the night.

Home hero Max Anstie’s British Grand Prix got off to a perfect start, as he won his heat race, coming from behind to hit the front and pull away. The Honda Genuine Honda Racing rider also won the second GP race, but average starts left him with work to do in race one and three, and he could only manage 11th and 10th for sixth overall.

“Winner of the first ever World Supercross Championship SX2 race has a pretty good ring to it,” Shane McElrath reflected. “This was a lot of work to get everything ready to go in minimal prep time, for a lot of guys. Coming here was like, okay, we’re all kind of starting from the same level, and the track was really good. I felt good on the bike and we were really learning every time out there. Here for the first ever world supercross event has been a blast and there’s been some really good competition, really good racing between our class and the WSX class, and I’m very excited for the future of this. It’s big.”

Chris Blose said of the new event structure, “I raced this format in 2019 at the Aus X Open so I was a little familiar with it but it was very similar and very chaotic, and you’ve got to be on it in the main events. I think everyone up here had one bad race and it’s just trying to eliminate those, recover in between the main events. But you know what, being here has been an awesome opportunity and I’m very thankful, and I’m looking forward to the future of the World Supercross Championship, and the many more rounds that are going to come.”

“I need to be smarter than that bone headed move on my part,” Mitchell Oldenburg said on missing out on the win. “I put myself in a bad position on the jump after the guys around me on the start flinched and I fell for it. I came around bad and in the chaos I made a bad move and I’ve got to be smarter than that. But I really enjoyed myself in Cardiff and I had a lot of fun here this weekend. It’s been a blast from the get go and I’m really looking forward to Australia.”

Australian superstar Chad Reed’s return to competitive racing was, sadly, cut short, the former world champion crashing heavily in his heat race. He sat out the rest of the night’s action, with a view to making a return at his home Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia in two week’s time.

Source: SX Global Pty Ltd.

FIM WSX Logo

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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

AMA Logo 2019

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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

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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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