Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
The opening round of any series is always exciting. The hype and anticipation as the riders take to the track for the first time is something that cannot be replicated at any other race. Since Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA began hosting the opening round of supercross in 1995, it has been the perfect place to kick-off the biggest dirt bike series on the planet. With so much of our industry based in Southern California and with it being such a cool place to visit in early January, Anaheim 1 has become so much more than just the first round of Monster Energy Supercross. It has become a pilgrimage of sorts as so many fans and media alike flock there to get their first look at a new year of supercross.
This past weekend was no different as the best SX riders in the world gathered at Angel Stadium to begin their 17 round indoor journey for 2019. With a great collection of rookies, vets, and riders in the prime of their careers, the hype was definitely real for the opening round. For Canadian fans, we also had some homegrown talent to cheer for as Jess Pettis was competing in his first race for the Red Bull Thor KTM Team. Pettis was coming off an amazing season racing on Canadian soil and now it was time to show his talents in this American series. For Pettis, a 10th overall in the 250SX main event was very acceptable for Round 1. Now it’s off to Phoenix for what should be a much drier race than what we witnessed in Anaheim. As the 2019 Monster Energy Supercross Series prepares for its second race of the season, we take one more look back at Anaheim 1 through the lens of James Lissimore.
The Anaheim track was tough for even the most talented riders.
Prior to practice at the opening round Jason Anderson was all smiles.
During the main event we’re sure that Anderson lost those smiles as he struggled in the wet conditions.
After a very good qualifying session, Blake Baggett was another rider who found the slippery Anaheim track tough in the main event.
Justin Barcia was the rider to beat all night long in Anaheim.
Justin Bogle looked good in the early part of the main event before slipping back to 19th.
Many felt the Justin Brayton would challenge for a podium finish at the opening round. However, a bad start kept him outside the Top 10.
Jimmy Decotis had a solid night in Anaheim and would finish up in 7th place in the main event.
Jess Pettis had one of the best mechanics in Canada down in Anaheim to help him out.
What would A1 be without a little donk!
Looking as fit as he did when he was racing, Ryan Dungey was in Anaheim to lend some help to his former team.
The Blu Cru was flying high at the opening round.
Jacob Hayes was at the opening round and had a great ride to finish up in 8th place.
For some riders, the main event was time spent dodging roost with no goggles.
Racing in his first ever pro supercross, Garett Marchbanks rode smooth to finish up in 6th overall.
The opening round was definitely better if you were able to keep a smile on your face.
The French connection surveys the track during the morning track walk.
Yamaha rider Colt Nichols rode great in Anaheim and took home his first ever SX win.
Rubbing is racing when you’re involved in a SX battle.
The man we were all cheering for at A1.
Pettis rode great at the opening round and obviously wasn’t afraid of the big stage.
Throughout the main event Pettis battled hard to finish up in 10th overall.
With Round 1 now behind him, Pettis is looking forward to Round 2 in Glendale.
Aaron Plessinger fought hard all night in Anaheim and would finish up in 6th place.
Your opening round 450 podium.
Fan favourite Chad Reed wasn’t the fastest rider at A1, but he sure was one of most consistent.
Ken Roczen’s retro Fox gear was the best at the opening round.
With his second place finish on Saturday night, Ken Roczen proved that he’s a championship contender in 2019.
Once again Angel Stadium provided a perfect venue to kick-off the Monster Energy Supercross Series.
The battle during the opening laps of the 450 main event was truly intense.
After a slow start in the main event, Eli Tomac fought hard to reach the podium in the closing stages.
Cooper Webb came all the way back from a first turn crash to finish up with a very impressive 5th overall.
Dean Wilson came into Anaheim prepared and focused and left with one of the best finishes of his career.
With the rain falling, Wilson led the main event for 15 minutes before slipping back to fourth.
