Monster Energy Supercross
Practice Rundown: MEC
News, notes and thoughts from Las Vegas.
The various practice and qualifying sessions are complete at the Monster Energy Cup, as the chequered flag just waved to mark the conclusion of the last-chance qualifier. The MEC is effectively a race that means nothing, as far as points go, but intrigue is always at an all-time high when gates drop beneath the beating sun in Las Vegas.
The fact that certain riders, like Cooper Webb and Joey Savatgy, make their respective debuts aboard new steeds helps that. The million-dollar prize is a huge draw too, then there are unique elements like the Joker Lane that really spice up proceedings in a big way. Put simply, energy levels are high at Sam Boyd Stadium today. The results that emerged in qualifying actually had a lot to do with that too. Marvin Musquin made a statement by recording the fastest time, which actually ended up being significantly faster than Eli Tomac in second. The advantage that he was sat on was a little over four tenths.
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Although that may seem like a fairly small figure, it is quite rare for there to be a gulf of that size during the qualifying sessions at the Monster Energy Cup. The track is tamed down compared to a stereotypical round of Monster Energy Supercross, as most are aware, and that means that it is tough to make a difference. It is not like an elite rider can go a little further than his competition in a rhythm section and then gain a lot of ground in a single straight. When was the last time that the polesitter had an advantage as great as the one that Marvin Musquin had earlier on? It was at the inaugural MEC in 2011, when Ryan Villopoto claimed pole position by a little more than five tenths.
It is also worth noting that this is one of the shortest lap times that the riders have faced at this event. It is clear that this is a conscious effort by the promoters, because the times have dropped at the previous three editions of the Monster Energy Cup specifically. This obviously means that there is a slightly smaller window of opportunity for someone to gain ground too. Where was Marvin Musquin making up time? The way that he tripled into the first sand section stood out. It was a line that a lot of guys tried to execute, but very few riders actually pulled it off. It is unlikely that the line will work in a race-situation though.
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The fact that Eli Tomac and Jason Anderson dropped in behind Marvin Musquin is not a shock at all, but a lot of pundits were surprised to see Joey Savatgy slot into fourth. The transition from Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki to the all-new KX 450 is not as much of a challenge as jumping onto a completely different manufacturer and he has spent a considerable amount of time aboard his new steed, so perhaps this is not too much of a shock? It will be most interesting to see if this speed translates into noteworthy results and if it does then it may end up being one of the greatest stories that emerges from the Monster Energy Cup.
Everything is going to pale in comparison to the hype that will surround Ryan Villopoto though, especially if he has enough in the tank to garner a good result. Eighth was a respectable start to his adventure. It is quite tough to gauge what a good showing would be for him though, as everyone has different expectations. Would an eighth place at the end of the programme, the same position that he acquired in qualifying, be considered a success? There are some who are pegging him to finish on the podium or even win, then others who have stated that it is most unlikely that he will even complete a race. It is an interesting bench-racing tussle.
Anyway, there is not too much time left to do any bench-racing now. Opening ceremonies will begin in half an hour and then the night show will get underway! It is going to be a great night of racing in Las Vegas.
Words: Lewis Phillips | Lead Image: ConwayMX
Monster Energy Supercross
The MX Vice SMX Show Episode #34 – 2024 AMA Supercross Preview & 2024 Kawasaki KX450 Breakdown
Listen now.
The MX Vice SMX Show returns with Brad Wheeler and Ed Stratmann, as they preview the 2024 AMA Supercross season & review the 2024 Kawasaki KX450.
The MX Vice SMX Show podcast is always available to listen to on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Google Play. Thanks to Fly Racing, Monster Energy, Fox Racing, Parts Europe, Holeshot Motorhomes, Scott, Bell Helmets, Acerbis, AS3 Performance, Kawasaki UK, KTM UK, O’Neal and Even Strokes for supporting the show. If you would like to become a part of the show, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Find out more about Holeshot Motorhomes including the Commander motorhome for motorsports HERE!
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Following his horrific crash at the final round of WSX in Melbourne, Jace Owen has provided an update on his condition, with him suffering a host of nasty injuries including a concussion, four broken ribs, lacerations on his liver and lung and a grade 2 AC joint separation. Here’s his post below. More to follow. But in the meantime, we wish him all the best for his recovery.
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A refreshed four-rider combination will lead Red Bull KTM Factory Racing into the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), beginning with the AMA Supercross Championship season-opener at Anaheim 1 on January 6, and with firm intentions of competing for title wins when the gates drop on the upcoming 31-round season. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing will field the all-star line-up of Chase Sexton and Aaron Plessinger on the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in 2024, alongside Tom Vialle and Julien Beaumer, who will each be READY TO RACE with the KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION under the guidance of Team Manager Ian Harrison.
Words: Press Release | Lead Image: KTM
All four riders were presented this afternoon and into the evening during a special 2024 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team media introduction under lights at RD Field, the organisation’s official testing and training facility based in Murrieta, California, as they enter the important final stages of the pre-season together.
Bringing the red number one plate to defend his 450SX championship is Chase Sexton, the 24-year-old who clinched a first-career premier class crown last May. Also ranked fourth in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship after a share of misfortune, as well as the third-place finisher in the inaugural SMX post-season, Sexton has the credentials and form to enter season 2024 as a legitimate title contender across the board once again.
Chase Sexton: “I’m excited and feeling refreshed for the start of the 2024 Supercross series. Testing is going well and I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone more and more on the team, and feel like I’m gelling well with the crew and my new teammates. There’s obviously a level of expectation that comes with heading into 2024 carrying the red plate and I welcome the challenge, especially with the full support of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing behind me.”
Fan favourite Aaron Plessinger is back for his third term at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, determined to build upon his 2023 campaign that saw him claim seventh overall in 450SX despite missing multiple rounds, a convincing third in 450MX, and fifth in the combined SMX standings. Those results will form a strong foundation for the 27-year-old to work from in the upcoming season, motivated to establish himself at the front of the pack year-round.
Aaron Plessinger: “I’m totally ready to get this show on the road and go racing! Preparation for the 2024 Supercross season is going to plan and I’m just eager to get back to the races to see all my friends and fans again. I’m hoping I can finally bag some of those elusive wins this season, that’s the goal for the team and I, and I think it’s achievable with the encouragement and support I receive from everyone in the Red Bull KTM family.”
Two-time MX2 World Champion Tom Vialle built immense experience this year in what was his first season of competition in the United States, with the 23-year-old Frenchman now looking to benefit from the lessons learned over the past 12 months. Vialle was eighth in the 250SX East points, sixth in 250MX with a single victory to his credit at Southwick, and P8 in SMX, which sets him up for a strong sophomore season ahead.
Tom Vialle: “The idea of getting to race at venues and on tracks that I’ve been to before is exciting and something I am really looking forward to next year. I feel like I learned a lot in my rookie season in the U.S., but it’s definitely tougher racing a brand new track every week when almost everyone in your class has already raced on them before. It’s really going to help my confidence a lot knowing the tracks I’m going to – it makes a big difference. 2024 should be a good year for me and the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team!”
As for 17-year-old newcomer Julien Beaumer, he will open his full-time professional career as the youngest member of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team and is in line to make his mark while his knowledge climbs on a week-by-week basis. Already a SX Futures Main Event winner, Beaumer is debuting in 250SX and will carry that rookie tag into Pro Motocross, as well as the SMX Finals series when it commences in September.
Julien Beaumer: “Making my debut in the 250 Supercross class next year is a dream come true and I’m super-grateful to everyone at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for giving me this opportunity. My goal is to go out there and learn as much as I can this season, all the while giving it my all. The team and I have put in a lot of laps at the practice track to build a good base and gain as much experience as I can before the start of the 2024 season. I just want to do my best and make both the team and myself proud in my rookie season.”
Ian Harrison – Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team Manager: “Our 2024 team is excited to start the new race season. Two of our team members are new, so getting to know one another and developing their bikes specific to their needs and riding style can be a challenge, but so far it has gone very well. The team has spent many days at the test track working on fine-tuning the bikes and I am now looking forward to seeing how we stack up against our competition on January 6th. It is exciting for me as the Team Manager to see our four riders working together so cohesively while motivating and challenging each other to be better. Behind all this effort is always a group of people who are diligent at putting the hours in to get us ready for the start gate at Anaheim 1, and for them, I am very grateful. See you at the races.”
Roger De Coster – Director of Motorsports, North America: “I am very impressed with the dynamic amongst the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team and I’m looking forward to the start of the new season. With fresh blood in the team, it’s great to see the level of positivity amongst the group as a whole, working together and motivating one another. Watching them at the test track each day, there is good forward momentum amongst the group and I think we are in a strong position to challenge up front in all classes each weekend. Austria has been working extremely hard and has shown great support, which is really encouraging and I’m excited for 2024.”
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