Factory Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac claimed his first win of the AMA Supercross season at Round 3, Anaheim 2.
It was Tomac’s 28th career 450SX win, meanwhile 450SX rookie and teammate Adam Cianciarulo continued to impress by finishing in sixth place amongst the title contenders.
In the 450SX Main Event both Tomac and Cianciarulo found themselves wedged out and sitting mid-pack after the first turn. Both racers began making quick work of the competition and followed one another toward the front of the pack. Tomac was able to manoeuvre his KX450 around the field and sliced his way into first place just before the halfway point of the race and never looked back, claiming his first 450SX victory of the year. Tomac’s win puts him into third place in the championship point standings and only five points back from the leader. “Today was the day we worked for all offseason. Things were just clicking all day, we qualified second coming into the night, and in the first heat race we were able to get out front early and just kind of set the tone for the rest of the night,” said Tomac.
“In the main, I didn’t get the best jump of the gate, but I was able to find some good passing lanes and remained aggressive in the opening laps. The two sets of whoops and dragon back were so mentally and physically demanding, I believe that is where I was able to separate myself from the rest of the pack. All in all, I can’t thank my team enough, the whole Monster Energy Kawasaki crew for all the hard work this past week, it definitely paid off tonight. I am looking forward to Glendale next weekend and to race a Triple Crown. My first 450SX win came in Phoenix and the high-intensity Triple Crown format really suits my racing style.”
Cianciarulo was able to maintain a top-5 position for the majority of the race but would ultimately cross the finish line in sixth place overall. “Today was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me,” said Cianciarulo.
“I was able to qualify on top again which always helps going into the night show. In my heat race, I was able to get out front but my buddy Ken (Roczen) got by and I settled into second. In the 450SX Main Event, despite my start, I felt like I was riding well and making good progress. I began to go forward and was able to make my way up to fourth, but unfortunately, I made some minor mistakes that cost me a better result. Sixth place isn’t where I want to be, but it is a long season and we are going to keep grinding. I am looking forward to the Triple Crown format next weekend in Glendale and the three gate drops we get to race.”
450SX Class Results
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki
2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda
3. Cooper Webb, Clermont, Fla., KTM
4. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna
5. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna
6. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki
7. Justin Brayton, Charlotte, N.C., Honda
8. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Honda
9. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., Yamaha
10. Dean Wilson, Murrieta, Calif., Husqvarna
450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda (66)
2. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., Yamaha (63)
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (61)
4. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna (57)
5. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (56)
6. Cooper Webb, Clermont, Fla., KTM (53)
7. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Husqvarna (46)
8. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Honda (46)
9. Justin Brayton, Charlotte, N.C., Honda (46)
10. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (42)
Western Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Dylan Ferrandis, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Yamaha
2. Justin Cooper, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha
3. Brandon Hartranft, Corona, Calif., KTM
4. Michael Mosiman, Menifee, Calif., Husqvarna
5. Alex Martin, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki
6. Luke Clout, Hemet, Calif., Honda
7. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godly, Tex., Honda
8. Jacob Hayes, Lodi, Calif., Husqvarna
9. Jett Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda
10. Killian Auberson, Winchester, Calif., KTM
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
1. Justin Cooper, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha (72)
2. Dylan Ferrandis, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Yamaha (60)
3. Brandon Hartranft, Corona, Calif., KTM (58)
4. Austin Forkner, Richards, Mo., Kawasaki (50)
5. Alex Martin, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (50)
6. Jett Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (46)
7. Jacob Hayes, Lodi, Calif., Husqvarna (44)
8. Michael Mosiman, Menifee, Calif., Husqvarna (41)
9. Mitchell Oldenburg, Godly, Tex., Honda (38)
10. Luke Clout, Hemet, Calif., Honda (35)