Brilliantly unpredictable. Three rounds in and only 14 points separate the top ten riders in AMA 450 supercross, all of whom will still believe they have a chance of winning the 2022 title.
Chase Sexton got his maiden win at San Diego, moved up to second in points and the flood gates could now open for the highly rated young American talent. Sexton said he didn’t want to be a, “one hit wonder” and even admitted that first 45p win was indeed a, “weight off his shoulders,” after having more than a couple of opportunities to seal the deal before. But now he’s done it, the pressure is off to an extent and Sexton’s claim of winning being addictive could be ominous for his competition.
Jason Anderson re-found his winning addiction a week prior and was the fastest man on track at San Diego with even James Stewart saying it might be the best he has seen Anderson ride. A mechanical meant Anderson had to abort his charge towards Sexton after passing Tomac, Webb and Roczen, with his move on Roczen showing how clinical Anderson is prepared to be this year and how good he feels on the Kawasaki. Anderson should have the red plate, he’s been the fastest guy on a consistent basis so far this year but it’s Eli Tomac, without a race win, who has found himself, to coin an American phrase, atop the championship standings. Anderson despite bad luck in two of the three rounds lies fifth, just five points off leader, Tomac.
Eli admitted in the press conference he hasn’t been the fastest guy yet but is steadily improving his feeling with Yamaha – and it looks close to clicking. Having the red plate is certainly a bonus for Tomac at this point, a rider who usually gets into his flow layer in the year.
Cooper Webb is doing a great job of limiting the damage every week. The raw speed isn’t where he wants it but the fighting spirit is and that’s what has the defending champ only a point back in the series ready to pounce.
Ken Roczen is the only one of the traditional big three to win a race but crashes in the last two rounds have hurt him in the points and his two rivals Webb and Tomac and now ahead of him in the series but with such a bonkers start to the season for everyone Roczen is still in the hunt just 7 back of Tomac.
Dylan Ferrandis finally got an okay start and turned that into his first podium of the year. The speed has been there all year and, considering he got 16th at the opener, Ferrandis has to be surprised at only being 14 back of teammate Tomac and a title charge very much possible – if he can get the starts.
Justin Barcia didn’t get to keep the red plate very long, getting into an altercation with Justin Bogle after his worst start of the year – was that the red plate pressure? Barcia’s on track speed was strong however and this should be just a bit of a blip – unless more of his knocked down rivals gun for revenge!
With a quietly effective Plessinger and Stewart in the mix along with Marvin Musquin, it’s still all to play for and round four (A2) in a way, feels like round one again at Anaheim – everyone still believes this is there year!
What will happen next? No-one knows right now, and that’s exactly what is making this series a must watch every weekend.
Article: Jonathan McCready
Images: Feld Entertainment Inc/Yamaha/Honda/Kawasaki
Podcast! Jonathan McCready and Andy McKinstry talk about the craziness of the 450 class in supercross, Sexton’s first win and Tomac taking the red plate. Get it on iTunes here or Spotify or YouTube below: