Rider list for Red Bull Straight rhythm- big names!
Santa Monica, Calif. It’s just about that time of year again – the Supercross series is long gone, the outdoor series has just ended, and in the ensuing 5.2 minutes of free time, the stage is set for the most unique, irreverent and fun race of the season, Red Bull Straight Rhythm. The event has become known not only for its head-to-head, straight-line format, but also for its “love letter to the ‘90s” theme, which sees riders mixing gas and hauling ass down the ½ mile course on two-strokes while donning vintage-styled gear. Last year the event established the all two-stoke format, and this year the retro fun continues with one of the strongest initial lists of riders ever to hit the track. It all goes down on October 5 at Fairplex in Pomona, CA and tickets are available at redbull.com/straightrhythm. Those that can’t make it out in person can still get a virtual whiff of race gas as the event airs live on Red Bull TV.
When the event went all two-stroke last year, it caused some top riders to pause, as no four-strokes meant no factory bikes and no factory support –simply terrifying for a top rider. But those intrepid riders who showed up anyway were rewarded with an enthusiastic crowd, exciting, close racing, and one of the best vibes around. Turns out those that didn’t attend apparently regretted it, as this year the FOMO seems to be taking effect, with riders lining up to secure a spot – both previous competitors as well as those brand new to the event.
From the full field (exact number TBD), qualifying will determine which sixteen riders advance from the 250cc class and which eight from the 125cc class. And new for this year will be a special exhibition race for two gargantuan 500cc two-strokes, expertly wrassled down the course by Tyler Bowers and Travis Pastrana (who returns to the event for the first time since 2014). Also for the first time, two Supercross champions will try their hand at the event: reigning champion Cooper Webb and 2018 champion Jason Anderson. Ken Roczen, Cole Seely and Marvin Musquin will also all return to the event after missing the last few years. Ryan Sipes, the ultimate generalist himself, has seemingly raced every single 2019 motorcycle event, so he will definitely be there. And fear not, this influx of new / returning riders will still leave just enough room for the larger-than-life personalities of fan favorites Ronnie Mac and Gared“Stank Dog” Steinke…because honestly, you know they would show up even if they weren’t invited.Twenty-seven riders are now confirmed, with more to be announced shortly.
Currently confirmed 2019 riders include:
500cc Showdown
Travis Pastana vs. Tyler Bowers
250cc Class
Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson, Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Ryan Villopoto, Cole Seely, Tyler Bowers, Ryan Sipes, Gared Steinke, Ronnie Mac, Alex Ray, Pierce Brown, Brandon Hartranft, Adam Enticknap and Brian Moreau.
125cc Class
Ryan Morais, Carson Brown, AJ Catanzaro, Jerry Robin, Max Vohland, Joey Crown, Chase Marquier, Carlen Gardner and Jeff Walker
Despite the bike changes, the concept remains the same. Line up side by side and race head-to-head down a ½ mile of rollers, whoops, doubles, tables and all other kinds of rhythmic insanity. Racing is a best-of-three format, so each rider gets at least two chances to grab victory. In its sixth year, the event will continue the format where practice, qualifying and racing will all take place on the same day, with the finals taking place at night under the lights.
Tickets for the event are still available, with each single-day ticket giving access to practice, qualifying and the finals. With over 10,000 grandstand seats – plus an infield – spectators will be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience while watching an all-out sprint to the finish line. For those that need a break from the action, spectators will also have access to the race pits, numerous concessions and side acts throughout the day, offering something for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at redbull.com/straightrhythm.
For those that can’t make it to the event, Red Bull Straight Rhythm will air live October 5 on Red Bull TV. Event details can be found at redbull.com/straightrhythm. In addition, Red Bull Straight Rhythm will air as a 90-minute highlight program as part of the Red Bull Signature Series on Saturday, January 11 at 11:00am PT / 2:00pm ET on FOX.
Red Bull Straight Rhythm is supported by Red Hydrogen.
About Fairplex
Under the direction of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, Fairplex is home to the L.A. County fair, one of the largest county fairs in the nation. Fairplex is also home to the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona dragstrip, which hosts both the opening and closing rounds of the NHRA drag racing series annually.
About Red Bull TV
Red Bull TV features beyond the ordinary live events and videos featuring inspirational stories covering sports, music and lifestyle entertainment. Anytime, anywhere. Red Bull TV is available on the web, connected TVs, gaming consoles, mobile devices, and more. Accessible via the web at www.redbull.tv and its Android, iOS and Windows Phone applications, Red Bull TV is also available as a pre-installed channel on Apple TV and Samsung Smart TVs and as a free, downloadable app on Amazon Fire TV, Kindle Fire, Chromecast, Nexus Player, Roku Players, Roku TV models and Xbox consoles.
