Common threads noticed after the first three rounds of Supercross.
The tone has been set for the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series in the first three rounds, and in this edition of Countdown, we take a look at the noticeable trends that have surfaced so far.
Image: Octopi Media.
4. 250SX West chaos:
While the Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) and Christian Craig (Geico Honda) clash at Anaheim 2 has headlined the chaos in the 250SX West category, the first three rounds have offered their fair share of mayhem. Title contender Austin Forker (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) has already two incidents that have a come at a cost in his championship bid, while rookie sensation Jett Lawrence (Geico Honda) has been ruled out with a collarbone injury. It’s also worth mentioning Craig’s title chances are essentially over after two consecutive DNFs.
3. Lingering illnesses:
A number of riders headed into Anaheim 1 ‘under the weather’, namely training partners Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and reigning champion Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing). The lingering illness has gone onto affect more riders throughout the pits at rounds two and three, with former 450SX points leader Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) the latest victim. It’s impressive to see the results some of these riders have scored while not at 100 percent, so it makes for some interesting storylines to follow in the coming rounds as they return to full health.
Image: Octopi Media.
2. Consistency is key:
It’s certainly not groundbreaking, but the biggest thing we can learn from the first three is that consistency is going to be key in the 450SX title fight. We’ve already witnessed three winners from three rounds, and all three of those riders have already recorded at least one sub-par result. There’s also the fact we haven’t seen a selection of championship contenders step-up just yet, which we’re sure is going to happen as the series continues to unfold. Every point is going to count this season with so many capable race winners!
1. Unpredictable winners:
In previous years, race winners have almost become predictable – but not this season. There is so much competition right now in the premier class, that anyone inside the top 10 can land a main event victory. What’s going to add to the unpredictability is the Triple Crown format, which will be rolled out for the first time this season at Glendale on Saturday night. With three race winners already, we’re bound to see another this weekend – just think, riders such as Webb, Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and more are yet to stand atop the podium.
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