2017 Monster Energy Cup- A Must See

Each calendar year there are always a number of races that every Canadian fan of this sport should attend at least once in their lives. Any round of the Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals, the Toronto SX, the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross Series in Anaheim, and the MXON are just a few that come to mind. But another one of these bucket list type events is coming up next month in Las Vegas, and that is the Monster Energy Cup.

The Monster Energy Cup is a spin off the old US Open Supercross event that used to take place at the MGM Grand Hotel a decade ago. Since this race changed names and locations, it has been one of the most exciting events of the year. With multiple main events and classes, including the Amateur All-Stars, Super Minis, and the KJSC 50 race, there really is something for everyone. There is also a massive pit party during the day, which is an absolute ‘must-see’ if you’re planning on attending this event on October 14th. There will be the Dirt Shark Whip Contest, a BMX show, and a head to head truck race featuring Jeremy McGrath and Brian Deegan. From noon until the gate drops on the racing at 7pm, there are endless things to see at Sam Boyd Stadium, not to mention that you can also stroll through the paddock and see all of your favourite SX riders. Although this event has a lot of money riding on it, it’s still an end of the year fun race for the riders so they’re as relaxed as you’ll ever see them throughout the season.

Last year Ken Roczen was one of the riders to beat, who will be in 2017? Photo by Krystyn Slack

When the gate finally does drop for the racing, the first race up is the first of three, ten lap main events for the Cup Class riders. There aren’t too many races on the planet where you get to see three main events in the span of two hours. To sit there and listen to the National Anthem, then witness a cool fly over of Navy jets, and then boom, the gate drops on the first main event. It really doesn’t get any better than this at a Supercross. In between main events, fans also get to watch some of the nation’s top amateur riders, including Ontario rider Ben Kongmany who will be racing in the KJSC, and maybe Tanner Ward in the Amateur All-Stars race. From start to finish, the Monster Energy Cup is an exciting night of racing.

Of course, all of this is with the City of Las Vegas as its backdrop. With all of the casinos and massive hotels, there are endless things to see and do. Also, Las Vegas has a new NHL hockey team, which just happens to have home games on October 13th and October 15th. This means that Canadian fans can head to Las Vegas and in three days take in two NHL hockey games and a Supercross. It’s hard to imagine a sporting weekend getting any better than that. So, if you’re looking for a fun weekend and a must-see race, you should try the Monster Energy Cup coming up next month, you definitely won’t be disappointed. Las Vegas will be the place to be in the motocross world on October 14th.