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

####

Chase Sexton Wins Triple Crown Thriller at Anaheim 2 Supercross

Levi Kitchen Grabs First Supercross Victory in 250SX Class

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

Opening ceremonies of Round 4 of the 2023 Monster Energy Supercross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Levi Kitchen earned his career-first Supercross victory

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

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

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

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

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

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

450SX Class podium - Anaheim 2

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

450SX Class Results

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

450SX Class Championship Standings

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

250SX Class podium - Anaheim 2

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

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

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

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

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

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

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

About Feld Motor Sports:

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

About Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship:

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

About the SuperMotocross World Championship:

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

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

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

Source: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.

230105 SX sponsor logos

####

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

a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

450 podium left to right… Fox Raceway II 2022

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

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

Eli Tomac 450 Moto 1 act… Fox Raceway II 2022

450 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jason Anderson pursues … Fox Raceway II 2022

450 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson

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

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

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

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

Justin Cooper 250 Moto … Fox Raceway II 2022

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Justin Cooper

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

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

Jo Shimoda 250 Moto 2 a…Fox Raceway II 2022

250 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda

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

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

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

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

450 class

Chase Sexton headshot Fox Raceway II 2022

Chase Sexton

1stTomac

2nd Sexton

3rd – Anderson

5th – Craig

9th Savatgy

250 class

Jo Shimoda headshot Fox Raceway II 2022

Jo Shimoda

2ndShimoda

4th – Cooper

7th – Hammaker

8th – Thrasher

10th – Kitchen

Up Next

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

About Monster Energy

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

Source: Monster Energy Company

Monster Energy logo

####

Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) wins a thriller at Budds Creek MX National

a

Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson won his second overall premier 450 class Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship event of the summer.

Wild race day as Monster Energy’s Tomac regains the o/a 450 class point lead from Monster’s Sexton; Monster’s Shimoda 2nd @ Budds, now 2nd o/a 250 points

CORONA, CA – August 22, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – With a strong 2-2 moto finish on Saturday at Budds Creek (Md.) MX, Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson won his second overall premier 450 class Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship event of the summer. Anderson’s victory highlighted a wild day for Monster Energy racers as overall 450 point leader Chase Sexton (Honda) crashed twice in the opening moto, which Eli Tomac (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) won. Sexton then came back and won the second moto – only to have his (Sexton’s) point lead and coveted red leader race plate reclaimed by Tomac at day’s end with a 2nd place 1-5 finish.

“You don’t win championships on your good days… you win them on your bad days,” said Sexton of his heroic comeback in the second moto, salvaging a 4th place on the day (7-1).

Added Tomac: “I look at the positive… I’ve got the points lead and we’re ready to carry on.”

As it stands, with two races remaining, Tomac leads Sexton by a single point, 449-448, in one of the closer Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship 450 class title chases of all time.

And in 250 class racing, Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda (Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) was thisclose to winning his second-straight overall, but settled for 2nd (3-1) to RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna) based off one thrilling second moto race finish position. Despite that, Shimoda moved from 3rd place to 2nd place in the overall 250 class point chase, six points ahead of Honda’s Hunter Lawrence (396-390).

450 podium Anderson Budds

450 class podium Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson

Here’s a look at what went down at Budds Creek MX, beginning with the 450 class.

Tomac 450 acti… Budds (1).

450 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

With Honda’s Ken Roczen pulling the opening 450 moto holeshot, Sexton and Tomac were in strong positions – 5th and 6th, respectively – at the midpoint of the first lap. Tomac would quick move onto Sexton, and pass the then 450 class point leader, who only moments later caught neutral in a corner, tucked the front end and went down over the bars as Tomac sped off. … “All that (Sexton’s wreck) was caused by Eli (Tomac) passing him (Sexton) on the uphill,” cited announcer, five-time MX champ James Stewart. Tomac then moved up onto former champ Ryan Dungey (KTM) and put the YZ’s power on to the outside of a corner, confidently taking 2nd place. No sooner did Tomac move into 2nd place did Sexton crash, again, this time running into fallen rider, #484 Tanner Ward’s bike, which sent Sexton sailing back over the handlebars. With Sexton now back in an unheard of 25th place, Tomac put the hammer down and made up 2.5 seconds on race leader Roczen. Rounding out the top ten for Monster Energy at the 24:00 mark of the opening moto were Anderson in 5th, Christian Craig (Star Racing/Yamaha) in 6th and Joey Savatgy (Kawasaki) in 8th. At the 23:21 mark Tomac would blast past Roczen with an inside move on a sweeping dual berm corner, then powering up the hill for the race lead – a lead he’d never relinquish. Sexton, to his credit, mounted a furious charge back towards the top ten, while Anderson was making his move towards the podium, passing Aaron Plessinger (KTM) for 4th place at the 19:47 mark. Three seconds back of Dungey for 3rd, Anderson continued to tame the oppressive heat and the rugged Budds Creek track, his skill and fitness level paying dividends as he got past Dungey for the podium spot in a downhill section at the 8:46 mark. Also moving into the top ten, and all the way up to 6th place, was defending 450 class champion Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha). With Tomac up 10 seconds with three laps remaining, Anderson railed past Roczen for 2nd while Sexton passed Savatgy for 8th. The moto’s best battle, between Monster Energy teammates Craig and Ferrandis for 5th place, would grab the attention of the live broadcast cameras as Craig won that battle, giving Monster Energy three racers in the top five of the opening moto (1st Tomac, 2nd Anderson, and 5th Craig).

Said Moto 1 winner Tomac: “What was important for me there was to make moves early, like the first five turns and the top of the uphill were where I was able to get ahead. (I) worked on lines, trying to get the flow going. It all worked out well for us and we’ll try and repeat that in the second moto.

Added Anderson: “I just want to keep progressing. But my progress has kept me in third place. So today, to get a step up and move forward to second place is nice. Lot of carnage on that first lap with people going down, but, fortunately, I was able to get through it.”

Sexton 450 action Budds

450 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton

Blasting out to the holeshot and early lead was Savatgy, with Anderson out in 4th, Sexton moving up to 5th early. Not in the picture was Tomac, who started outside the top ten (13th) – but moved up to 9th by the end of Moto 2’s opening lap. Anderson would get past Savatgy for 3rd at the 26:20 mark, and up onto moto leaders Roczen and Dungey. At the 24:26 mark Sexton would get past Savatgy for 4th, and was coming on fast towards the lead pack. A couple minutes later Sexton would get Dungey, after which Anderson passed 2nd place Roczen for the lead – setting up an Anderson vs. Sexton battle. Nearing he moto’s halfway point, Sexton caught and passed Roczen, putting him 1.5 seconds back of race leader Anderson. During this time Tomac was hustling, passing Plessinger for 6th, though having to do so with great effort following his subpar start. At the 14:41 mark Sexton was able to make quick work of Anderson, passing for the lead and opening up a 1.5 second gap almost immediately. Having lost 11 points to Tomac in the opening moto, Sexton, in his effort to open his Moto 2 lead up further, crashed a third time, allowing both Anderson and Roczen to get by before re-mounting and continuing the moto. Anderson would then stall his bike momentarily at the base of Henry Hill, allowing both Roczen and Sexton by. Sexton would then flat track his bike around a hilltop corner, find traction, and passing Roczen for the lead at the 8:58 mark. Moments later Anderson would get past Roczen, giving Monster Energy the 1-2 positions in Moto 2. Tomac was continuing to hustle, making up spots (and championship points) as he passed Savatgy for 5th and was on to Dungey for 4th. But the crafty Dungey wasn’t going to be an easy task for Tomac, and he ended up holding off Tomac for 4th at race’s end. … With only nine seconds separating the top six racers with two laps to go, Sexton put the hammer down and increased his gap on Anderson to 2.6 seconds. And they’d finish just like that, 1-2, with Tomac placing 5th.

Said Sexton: “Man, today was not my day. Just made too many mistakes. I knew I had to bounce back in that second moto. So if we can come back next week and ride really strong we’ll be in a good spot.”

Added Tomac: “I got a bad start and did not make the moves as early as I did in Moto 1.”

Said Anderson, in winning the overall: “Today 2+2 = 1. This was a step in the right direction. I was a little nervous, I didn’t have it in practice. But we were able to bring it around. Let’s keep it going and see if we can finish the series strong.”

Farres 250 action Budds

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Guillem Farres

Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Nate Thrasher was out of the 250 Moto 1 gate fast, pulling a 4th place start and quickly moving up to 3rd. No sooner did Thrasher move into podium position did his Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha teammate, Justin Cooper, get tangled up with Jalek Swoll (Husqvarna) and crashed – rejoining the race in 33rd place. And the bad luck continued when Thrasher went down, going from 3rd to 15th. … With a podium finish pretty much out of the picture for Cooper, and Thrasher having his work cut out for him to get back into the top five, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, who won the previous week at Unadilla, N.Y., made his move into the top ten. … And as the crowd focused in on the rallying Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha racers, a #109, running the same bike graphics and race wear, was seen running up front in the top five. Spain’s Guillem Farres, a last-minute replacement rider for his Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha teammate Nick Romano, had everyone thumbing through their programs to find out who this #109 was and how is he flat out hauling in his first-ever American MX National. At the 22:16 mark Thrasher moved back into the top ten (10th), while Shimoda was busy tracking down Farres – pulling to within a couple seconds , then eventually passing Farres for 5th at the 17:23 mark. … Shimoda continued to fight his way towards a possible podium finish, at one point literally jumping over the head of KTM racer Max Vohland to take 4th place. … Shimoda then focused on 3rd place Michael Mosiman, passing the Gas Gas racer late, only to be passed back by Mosiman in a great battle. Shimoda would pass Mosiman back one more time, railing an outside berm and making the final pass stick – through the checkers – for 3rd place.

Shimoda heads… Budds (2).

250 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda

Rallying back from a disappointing opening 250 moto, Cooper grabbed the holeshot in Moto 2, with Shimoda tucked in behind in 3rd. … Shimoda would track and pass Swoll at the 27:27 mark for 2nd place, then raced to the lead, past Cooper, to the inside of an uphill section. Cooper would then get Shimoda back, wrestling the lead away a half lap later. The two Monster Energy-backed racers would engage in a great battle for the next couple laps, with Shimoda winning an uphill drag race and taking 1st place back from Cooper. … At the moto’s halfway point RJ Hampshire (Husqvarna), who won the opening moto, was moving up through the pack, closing in on Cooper. Cooper’s three-second lead on Hampshire would be cut down to just a couple bike lengths when the two reached lap traffic, with Shimoda still well out front. The overall victory for Shimoda now rested in Cooper’s hands, and his ability to keep Hampshire out of 2nd place (Shimoda’s 3-1 would beat Hampshire’s 1-3). Cooper would hold off Hampshire until the 4:13 mark when the Husqvarna racer made his move, taking 2nd – and with it the overall from Shimoda, though the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki racer did move into 2nd place overall in the 250 class standings ahead of Honda’s Hunter Lawrence.

Said Shimoda: “I got a better start in the second moto, and had a good battle with Justin (Cooper). Overall my riding was great, and moving into 2nd place (overall) was great, too.”

Overall 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, Points (Round 10 of 12)

450 class

Anderson headshot Budds

Jason Anderson

1stTomac

2nd Sexton

3rd – Anderson

5th – Craig

9th Savatgy

250 class

Shimoda headshot Budds (1)

Jo Shimoda

2ndShimoda

4th – Cooper

7th – Hammaker

9th – Thrasher

10th – Kitchen

Up Next

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, returns to action this weekend, Aug. 27th, for the annual running of the Iron Man Raceway (Ind.) MX National. For more information visit www.promotocross.com

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

Monster Energy logo

####

Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton & Eli Tomac battle to the finish in Washougal MX National thriller!

Sexton breaks Tomac’s eight moto 450 class win streak in winning the Washougal overall; Jason Anderson 3rd to complete another Monster Energy podium sweep

CORONA, CA – July 25, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – With a masterful performance in the second and deciding 450cc class moto of Saturday’s Washougal MX National, Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton (Honda) held off a feverous chase from class point leader Eli Tomac (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) to capture the overall victory at Round Eight of the 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. With the victory Sexton kept within five points of overall class leader Tomac (364-359) as the series enters its two week mid-summer break. Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson made it another Monster Energy sweep of the 450 class podium.

All totaled, Monster Energy racers, led by Tomac and Sexton, have swept five of the eight total MX National 450 class podiums this summer, including three-straight (Southwick, Spring Creek and Washougal).

And in 250cc class racing Monster Energy’s Justin Cooper (Star Racing/Yamaha) would win the second moto to place 2nd overall at Washougal, with Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) scoring two moto podium finishes (3rd/3rd) to take 4th place overall.

Said Sexton of his ‘statement’ win at Washougal: “That was a really, really good moto for me (referring to the deciding second moto). The holeshot was awesome. Eli (Tomac) was on me the whole time. I was going as fast as I could go, got a little gap and cruised ‘er in. I couldn’t be battling with a better guy than Eli. Man, that race meant a lot to me. Got to come out swinging at Unadilla (Aug. 13). That’s all I can do.”

Chase Sexton and Eli Washougal (678)

Here’s a look at what went down at Washougal MX, beginning with the 450 class.

Eli Tomac 450 Moto 1 action Washougal

450 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac

Fresh of winning an ESPN ‘ESPY’ award as the Best Action Sport Athlete, Tomac opened the 450 class racing at Washougal with a 3rd place start, then moved into 2nd place, behind Monster Energy’s Sexton, when race leader Ryan Dungey’s (KTM) bike ceased to run. With Tomac in hot pursuit of Sexton, guest race announcer, Monster Energy’s 6-time champion Ryan Villopoto, said of Sexton and Tomac: “These two are on another level right now.” Dogging Sexton up to the 17:02 mark, Tomac set up the Honda rider with a slick move into Washougal’s lengthy whoop section – and Sexton failed to cover his inside line, allowing Tomac to blitz past and into the lead. Other Monster Energy racers in the 450 class top ten opening moto at Washougal included Anderson (4th), Joey Savatgy (Kawasaki) in 6th and Christian Craig (Star Racing/Yamaha), who had crashed on the opening lap, was up to 8th. At the moto’s midway point Tomac had opened up a 2.5 second lead on Sexton, Anderson was six seconds back of Ken Roczen (Honda) for 3rd and Craig had moved up to 7th, and onto Justin Barcia (Gas Gas) in a battle for, possibly, the third and final Team USA Moto Des National spot (with Tomac and Sexton). By the 10:47 mark Tomac and Sexton had opened up an incredible 20 seconds on 3rd place Roczen, with Sexton closing in and cutting Tomac’s lead to 1.1 seconds at the 8:10 mark, recording a 2:15.1 lap time to Tomac’s 2:16.3. With Tomac’s lead under one second with six minutes plus two laps remaining, the point leader made an uncharacteristic mistake, lazily tipping over in a corner – with Sexton piling on top of him (nowhere for the Honda rider to go). The two would eventually remount/rejoin the race, with still a 15-second lead over Roczen. Soon after the wreck Anderson would take 3rd place from Roczen, giving Monster Energy a 1-2-3 place in the closing moments of the opening moto. With two laps remaining Tomac put the hammer down, opening a gap on Sexton with a race-best 2:12.9 lap – on the moto’s final lap! The moto win for Tomac was his 8th straight, with he and Sexton going 1-2 nine times this year, Sexton finishing eight of those times in 2nd place.

Said Tomac: “Once again, me and Chase (Sexton) just going at it. He caught me at the start, then it was game on!”

Added Sexton: “Eli attached to me, (then) got me. We had a good flow going. Then we crashed together, which was almost laughable. Couldn’t get our bikes going.”

Said Anderson: “It’s frustrating. I fell over on the first lap. (I’ve) just got to give myself an opportunity to run with those guys (Tomac and Sexton). Learn from them. They’re on a pretty good pace right now.”

Chase Sexton 450 Moto 2 action Washougal

450 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton

No question on the 450 Moto 2 holeshot as Sexton ripped out of the gate on his CRF450R and up Washougal’s famed Horsepower Hill with the lead. Monster Energy racers, led by Sexton, were 1, 2 (Tomac) and 3 (Anderson) in order to open the day’s final moto. Tomac would get passed, briefly, by Anderson early on, but aired it out bravely off a downhill jump to quickly get back past the Kawasaki racer. Tomac would then reel Sexton in, cutting the Honda rider’s race lead down to 1.8 seconds. Craig and Barcia would find each other again, with Craig applying the pressure in a battle for 9th and 10th. The pressure would soon get to Barcia as the Gas Gas rider went down in a slick corner, and Craig was gone. At Moto 2’s halfway point Sexton was up, barely, on Tomac as the two yo-yoed back and forth – from Tomac showing Sexton a front tire in some sections, to Sexton putting two seconds on Tomac in others. With Anderson some 15 seconds back in 3rd place, Savatgy, who’s injured his ankle in practice, was having a great moto, running as high as 5th. Tomac would crush a 2:12.6 lap at the 5:00 mark (to Sexton’s 2:13.2), only to have Sexton turn the tables a lap later with a 2:14.4 to Tomac’s 2:15.7. With three laps to go Sexton, who won Washougal in 2021 with a 1st/3rd finish, was up 1.5 seconds on Tomac. A final charge by Tomac was answered by Sexton, who rode mistake-free for the remainder of the contest for the moto win – and overall victory. Anderson would place 3rd with Craig coming in 5th, and 5th overall (6th/5th), and Savatgy placing a respectable 7th overall (7th/7th).

Said Tomac: “I was pushing and Chase and I were so close. I was eating a lot of dirt. Congratulations to him (Sexton). I did everything I could and 2nd was all we had today.”

Added Anderson: “I definitely was the third-best guy out there (laughter). All-in-all two podiums in a row is good progress for me. Let’s see if we can keep it going the next four rounds.” Note: With the 3rd place overall finish at Washougal Anderson increased his 3rd place overall series point standing ahead of Roczen to 11 points, 285-274.

Jo Shimoda 250 Moto 1 action Washougal

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Jo Shimoda

Shimoda, rocking some metal platform plates beneath his boots to assist him with his starts, blasted out to the holeshot and early race lead in the opening 250 moto at Washougal, with Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) in 4th and Cooper in 5th. Shimoda would battle with Hunter Lawrence (Honda) up front, 2.6 seconds up on Jett Lawrence (Honda) in 3rd. Hunter Lawrence would use the shadows of the towering pine trees to his advantage, passing Shimoda with an outside/inside move for the lead. Shimoda would move quickly onto Hunter Lawrence as the two entered the whoop section, with Lawrence leaving the track momentarily before jumping back on and holding the lead. Past the moto’s halfway point a great three-way battle between Shimoda and the two Lawrences would come together as Shimoda cut Hunter Lawrence’s lead to 1.1 seconds, with Jett Lawrence closing fast. As Cooper got past Hammaker for 4th place, Jett Lawrence caught Shimoda on a downhill section and stood the Pro Circuit/Kawasaki up, taking 2nd place. At the end it’d be three Monster Energy racers in the top five with Shimoda in 3rd, Cooper in 4th and Hammaker in 5th.

Said Shimoda: “Two holeshots, two weeks in a row. I’m just trying my best every weekend. I use the starting blocks and I think I might have figured it out… but who knows? I’ve got another moto to race and we’ll see what happens.”

Justin Cooper 250 Moto 2 action Washougal

250 Moto 2 – Monster Energy’s Justin Cooper

Leaving the gate in about 6th place, Cooper showed off the YZ250F’s power as he pulled the Motosport.com holeshot and ripped up Horsepower Hill with the early race lead, Shimoda (2nd) and Hammaker (5th) in hot pursuit. Cooper opened up a 1.4 second lead on Shimoda by the end of Lap 1, extending that lead to 2.3 then 3.5 seconds by the 20:28 mark of the moto. As Hunter Lawrence caught up to Shimoda the Moto 1 winner ended up laying his bike over and threw away pretty much any shot at the overall race win. The race’s halfway mark came and Shimoda was still holding off a hard charge from Jett Lawrence, the battle bringing the Washougal faithful (the “Hill People”) to their feet as Shimoda and Jett Lawrence put on what was then the day’s best battle. Jett Lawrence would finally catch and pass Shimoda for 2nd on a downhill section, with Cooper still up four seconds with 2:50 plus two laps remaining. Shimoda, in a thrilling finish, would deny a hard-charging Hunter Lawrence 3rd place, in what would eclipse Shimoda’s earlier battle with Jett Lawrence as the day’s best racing. At the checkers it’d be Monster Energy’s Cooper – with his first moto win of the 2022 MX Nationals season. Cooper was joined on the 250 Moto 2 podium by Shimoda (3rd), with Hammaker in 6th (jumping from 8th to 5th in the overall 250 class standings) and Nate Thrasher (Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) a respectable 8th.

Said Cooper: “It’s great to be back,” of his first outdoor moto win since Hangtown ’21. “I felt in practice I had the speed today. My intensity was off a little bit in Moto 1. I made a few changes for Moto 2 and before I knew it I had a good gap going and just managed the race from there. I look forward to coming back swinging at Unadilla.”

Overall 2022 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, Points (Round 8 of 12)

450 class

Chase Sexton headshot Washougal

Chase Sexton

1stTomac

2nd Sexton

3rd – Anderson

5th – Craig

9th Savatgy

250 class

Cooper headshot Washougal

Justin Cooper

3rdShimoda

4th – Cooper

5th – Hammaker

8th – Kitchen

Up Next

The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, takes its two week summer break before returning east for the long-running Unadilla (NY) MX National on Saturday, August 13. For more information visit www.promotocross.com

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

Monster Energy logo

####