It is going to take a lot for this weekend to live up to the last, but it is certainly possible with three high-profile events taking place around the world! Just like it has been in recent weeks, the focus will be on Monster Energy Supercross, Amsoil Arenacross and Arenacross UK. We are in the thick of the indoor season, folks.
Oakland will be the site of the fourth Monster Energy Supercross round, as usual, and following an explosive A2 you can expect a handful of riders to have a chip on their shoulder. Ken Roczen has no reason to be concerned though, as he put in another dominant display and extended his points advantage on Saturday night. Although it wouldn’t be surprising to see him do that again this weekend, both Ryan Dungey and Eli Tomac are nipping at his heels. Although neither rider posed too much of a threat in the main, they proved that they do have the speed (I know, we already knew that). I believe that the start is critical in the fight between these three.
Justin Barcia had a better ride at Anaheim 2, but it may be too soon to expect him to jump into that battle. Still, another top five finish would be a positive sign for the controversial JGR Yamaha rider. Speaking of controversy, both Canard and Reed will be out to prove a point this weekend. Starts have hindered both riders thus far, but watch out if they start up front…
There are a handful of interesting stories to follow in the 450SX class this weekend. There are a few riders that are either out with injury (Weston Peick and Justin Brayton) or riding banged up (Mike Alessi), so there could be some new faces in the main event. Phil Nicoletti will step in for JGR and Martin Davalos will again consider racing the night show on the 450F, although he hasn’t yet committed. Take note, fantasy MX fans!
In the 250SX class, it is hard to look past Cooper Webb. I honestly believe that he is on the verge of transforming into ‘the guy’ in the class, depending on how this weekend goes. He has won from the front, and the back, if he does it again this weekend this thing may be over. Tyler Bowers, Jessy Nelson and Justin Hill will be looking to close the gap though.
Remember, you can watch practice, qualifying and the complete live show live on MX Vice in HD HERE on Saturday night. Hopefully you know that by now, but we’ll continue to post a reminder each week.
Elsewhere in the world, the Arenacross UK series will be travelling to Birmingham, with a familiar face donning the red plate. Thomas Ramette still holds an advantage at the top of the table and it is a comfy one, as it sits at ten points after three rounds. Kullas and Pellegrini are the next in line a little further back, but aside from that you could argue that most others face an uphill climb as far as the fight for the title is concerned.
Finally, the Amsoil Arenacross series will also move on into Colorado for round three. Matt Goerke has used consistency up until this point to claim the red plate and, consequently, he has a comfy sixteen-point cushion. Jacob Hayes sits second and may be the closest challenger, now that Chris Blose is buried down in eighth after suffering severe bruising last weekend. Blose will be back this weekend though, and hoping to make up the thirty-five point advantage. Anything can happen in arenacross!
Image: Red Bull Content Pool/Garth Milan
