Thankfully, the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series is well underway! Following the season opener, we have all of the news that came out of Angel Stadium right here, as well as the news that we have received from all over the world. So, join us as we reflect on what has transpired this week, and look forward to what is set to take place this weekend.
Injuries, Injuries, Injuries:
I am certain that it was painful for Eli Tomac to watch Ken Roczen win the 450SX main event at Anaheim 1, as he certainly has the potential to be in a similar position. However, the start of his first full-time season on a 450 was disastrous to say the least, as he did not even make it out of his heat race. Eli collided with Jake Weimer in the second turn, and trapped a nerve in his arm as a result. Obviously he had to sit on the sidelines for the remainder of the night, because of this. In a team statement, Tomac stated that he hoped to return this weekend. It is likely that he will be able to get back on-track at Chase Field. But, Eli is not going to decide whether or not he is racing until the morning of the race.
Unfortunately, on the same day that it was announced that Jeffrey Herlings was supposed to take part in the 2014 Hawkstone International, it was revealed that he has suffered an injury that is going to keep on the sidelines for four weeks. It looks like this is a lower leg injury, but this is unconfirmed – we are waiting on a KTM press release. It is unknown at this time whether this will rule Herlings out of the Hawkstone International. The Dutchman could make it back in time, but we will not know for sure until we are closer to the event. I wonder how long Herlings has had on the bike this off-season, as he first had that shoulder injury, and he will now miss more valuable testing time with this issue.
Well, the injury bug is really travelling around at the moment! Intriguingly, Kevin Strijbos fell at Lommel this week in exactly the same way that Ken de Dycker did not too long ago; Kevin ran into a fallen rider that was on the other side of a blind jump. Fortunately, he is not going to be on the sidelines for as long as his countryman – the doctor has suggested that he stays off of his Suzuki for around four weeks, which should give Kevin just enough time to prepare for the opening round of the 2014 FIM Motocross World Championship.
Austin Politelli has moved around a lot in recent months. But, Austin found a solid base with Larry Brooks and Yamaha, just weeks before the Monster Energy Supercross season opener. Unfortunately, he is not going to have a chance to build off of his tenth from A1, because he crashed earlier this week and suffered a broken femur, as a result. Intriguingly, it seems that a mechanical failure caused the fall; further details are still being released.
MXGP Calendar Changes:
The FIM Motocross World Championship calendar has been altered many times already; the most recent change came just days ago, when it was revealed that there would actually be a GP of Spain in 2014. Originally, Talavera de la Reina was penciled in to host a GP, then it was removed, and now it is back again! What was the reason for this? I would bet that there was a problem when it came to negotiating a deal. Obviously, it is great for the series to return to Spain, as there is a demand for a GP out there. Talavera de la Reina is a historic location too, which will add to the interest in the event. The Spanish GP will take place on May 11th.
Weekend Preview:
Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Round Two: Phoenix
Following the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener, we have been left with more questions than answers. I do not know what is going to happen this time either – it is a possibility that the results could look completely different on Saturday. I am intrigued to see if Jason Anderson can continue his impressive form from A1; he has been inconsistent in the past. It looks like Jason and Cole Seely are a step ahead of everyone else at the moment, so I will be looking to see if Zach Osborne or Dean Wilson (specifically) can get on their level.
Although Ryan Villopoto faltered in the Anaheim 1 main event, I predict that he will rebound this weekend and take the 450SX main event. But there are so many riders that could do the same! Obviously, a lot of eyes are going to be on Ken Roczen, to see if he can keep his points lead. I will be looking to see if James Stewart can showcase the same speed that he did at A1 also – hopefully his fall will not have had a negative affect him. Chad Reed, and Ryan Dungey are going to be in contention for podium positions, as per usual, also. Justin Barcia should be a contender too, he was much faster at A1 than his fifth may indicate.
Amsoil Arenacross, Round Two: Baltimore
Surprisingly, round one of the 2014 Amsoil Arenacross series did not go as planned for Tyler Bowers, the defending series champion. Although Tyler won the two main events on Friday, the Saturday was disastrous for him; he finished with a twelfth and a fourteenth. Obviously, these finishes have left him quite far down the order in the standings, as he is sixth – fifteen points down on the current points leader, Zach Ames. Michael McDade took the overall win on the Saturday night, and sits two points down on Zach heading into the second round this weekend, which will be held over two nights in Baltimore, Maryland.
Words: Lewis Phillips
Image: James Lissimore
Sadly, we recently received the news that Kasper Lynggard passed away in practice at Dortmund today. Kasper had a lot of talent; as always, it is devastating when something like this takes place. We would like to dedicate this column to Lynggaard – RIP.
