News 12 Feb 2022

Points-leader Craig extends in Anaheim 3 race of attrition

Title hopeful Lawrence crashes out of contention in damaging night.

Image: Octopi Media.

A clean-sweep of the Anaheim rounds and a dominant advantage heading into the 250SX West break signified another winning night for Christian Craig, steering clear of trouble in a race of attrition.

Another decisive victory from runaway points-leader Craig saw him claim his fourth win in six rounds, but the storyline was the non-finishes in the field.

With Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) already out following the heats, Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) crashed out of P2, plus both Jalek Swoll (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) and Nate Thrasher (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) went out early.

Instead, it was Craig who powered to a commanding 25.423s win ahead of Vince Friese (Smartop Bullfrog Spas MCR Honda) in his first podium of the year and Michael Mosiman (TLD Red Bull GasGas), who recovered from a crash on the opening lap and again in the latter stages, this time in the whoops.

Behind him, heat winner Garrett Marchbanks (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha) charged from last to fourth place, with Carson Brown (AEO Powersports KTM) claiming an impressive fifth ahead of Chris Blose (AJE Motorsport Motul GasGas), who was yet another to go down in the whoops tonight.

The top 10 was rounded out by Robbie Wageman (Team Solitaire Nuclear Blast Yamaha), Derek Kelley (AEO Powersports KTM), Logan Karnow (Kawasaki) and Ryan Surratt (Team Solitaire Nuclear Blast Yamaha).

In terms of the point-standings, Craig now has a massive 28-point buffer over Mosiman, who is now second and a single point up on Lawrence. Next weekend will see the series shift east, with Minneapolis marking the opening round of the 250SX East region.

Detailed results

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