Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
It was another wild night of racing Saturday night, as Monster Energy Supercross held their first-ever race inside the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Adjacent to the now demolished Georgia Dome, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is brand new and state of the art, and of course we couldn’t wait to cover that field in that red Georgia clay. Round 9 was also the second running of the Triple Crown format this year and the first time the 250SX Eastern Regional riders had a chance to experience the three Main Event format for themselves. Here’s a look at the five most memorable moments from our stop in Atlanta.
5. Weston Peick Wins 450 LCQ
A win in the LCQ isn’t always something that shows up in a “most memorable” list, but the way the win came about is what had everyone talking. During the first practice, Weston got launched off the Monster Energy Triple, sans bike, flying about 70 feet at around 20 feet in the air. At that height and that velocity, you can only assume he slammed into ground with great amounts of force. He would obviously end his practice session after that crash, and many figured that would also be the end of his night. Even though he didn’t get many laps in, he was able to lay down a time that earned him a spot in the LCQ. Much to our surprise, Weston lined up in that race, and dominated over his competition from the moment the gate dropped. I’m convinced Weston must be some sort of super-human, either that or the “concrete for breakfast” program is really working out. He gives a whole new meaning to the term beast mode.
4. Dylan Ferrandis has Monster Crash off Triple
Dylan Ferrandis certainly has the speed to make a name for himself this season. But unfortunate crashes have really interfered with that forward progress. In Atlanta, Dylan hit some tuff blocks on the take off of the triple. In a monster crash, the bike was all but destroyed and Dylan ended up pretty mangled as well. The Frenchman was carted off by the Alpinestars Medical Team holding gauze to his chin as blood spilled out his mouth. We would later learn that Ferrandis left with a broken arm, some missing teeth, and a possible broken jaw. He will head home to France to get evaluated and have surgeries as necessary to get him on the road to recovery.
3. Justin Brayton Earns Career First 450SX Main Event Win
Justin Brayton has seen the ups and does of the sport, no doubt, but has always remained steadfast in his pursuit for success. Coming into this season, Brayton was fresh off his second consecutive Australian SX championship and ready to bring that momentum with him back to the states. Saturday night in Atlanta, Brayton got an excellent start during Main Even 1 of the Triple Crown format. He would lead the first 8 minute Main Event and take the checkers, claiming his career first 450SX Main Event win in the United States. His scores in Atlanta led him to a 4th place finish overall in the Triple Crown.
2. Another One Bites the Dust
2018 has not been kind to riders, especially in the 450SX class. Not sure what has contributed to the uptick in rider injuries, but they have been much more prevalent this season than in years of recent memory. By the time the third Main Event tolled around Saturday night, the lineup was missing Vince Friese, Broc Tickle, Matt Bisceglia, Justin Hill, and Blake Baggett – and that only includes guys in Group A who didn’t get a very warm welcome in Atlanta. Sure, injuries are part of the sport, but the way they are getting chewed up and spit out this year will leave a very sparse field come finals in Vegas. Not only to the fans hate seeing riders get injured, but the riders also hate seeing their competitors on the sidelines. These guys all want to race for wins, but they want to race against the best of the best.
1. Austin Forkner Follows up Career First win with Second Win in a Row
The Triple Crown format means that riders have to brawl through three Main Events before an overall winner is declared. With three different gate drops, it’s bound to be a little chaotic given the number of incredibly fast riders on the line. Racing was competitive throughout all three Main Events and a very decisive pass and some complicated scoring math and Austin Forkner secured a finishing position that would give him just enough points to earn the overall win. What better way to follow up a career first win than with a second career win?
This weekend we head to sunny Daytona Beach, FL at the Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona race is always one of the most exciting races of the season to watch because of its unique and challenging track design.
