The addition of the Ken Roczen Two-Stroke Shootout at the 2017 Red Bull Straight Rhythm has brought out the likes of Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto and more.
Red Bull Straight Rhythm will return to Fairplex in Pomona, Oct. 21, and this time the event will feature a new class and some new faces.
As previously announced, Ken Roczen will host (but not race) the Two-Stroke Shootout, an eight-man, two-stroke-only class. Confirmed riders in that class include four-time Supercross and three-time motocross champion Ryan Villopoto and two-time Supercross and motocross champion Chad Reed. This will mark the first U.S. race for Villopoto since his retirement in July 2015 — and the first time he’s ever raced a two-stroke in professional competition.
Reed hasn’t raced a two-stoke in 12 years — since the 2005 Supercross season. Additional riders in the two-stroke class include motocross/endurocross rider Mike Brown, fan favorite Ronnie Mac and former Supercross/motocross and current GNCC racer Ryan Sipes.
The riders for the Open and Lites classes will include 2016 Open Class Champion Marvin Musquin, newly minted Red Bull KTM rider Broc Tickle, returning racer Josh Hansen and 2016 AMA EnduroCross National Champion Colton Haaker. The Lites Class will feature 2016 Lites Champion Shane McElrath, third place finisher Jordon Smith, Alex Martin and Josh Hill. Josh Hill will once again be at the helm of the Alta Motors Redshift MX electric bike, which has received chassis development, weight reduction and suspension tuning since taking fourth place last year.
Photo: Simon Cudby