As we get ready for the return to Houston, TX for Round 2 of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Series, we feel like this race will be much different than the opening round last weekend. Even with the wet weather that dominated the California test tracks this past week, all of the riders had a chance to practice, test, and regroup for this weekend. Supercross visits Houston for the first time since 2015, and this year marks the earliest that this round has appeared in the series since 2009. Whether it’s the good dirt, NRG Stadium, or just the Texas hospitality, the racing has always been entertaining in Houston.
As he did last weekend, Marvin Musquin comes into Round 2 on a big high. Going back to the Monster Energy Cup in October, Musquin has won the last four races he’s entered. A week ago in Anaheim, Musquin was once again the best rider on the track, and he left little doubt that he is the rider to beat in 2018. With the fast Anaheim track suiting the KTM rider very well, Musquin took advantage of his fellow riders mistakes and cruised to victory. As easy as last weeks win appeared to be for Musquin, we feel like this weekend will be much tougher for the #25.
First off, the 2018 Houston track is much busier and more technical than Anaheim last week. With NRG Stadium being built solely for football, the track will be tighter and will consist of multiple 180 degree turns. In the past, these types of tracks have given Musquin the most trouble as he’s not really a 180 degree, bowl turn kind of rider. With a hard charging and confident Jason Anderson also riding well, this weekend might just be more suited to the Husqvarna rider. Also, we must not forget Ken Roczen and how much better he’s going to feel coming into this weekend. With so much hype and pressure on the German rider at the opening round, this weekend in Houston fans will no doubt witness a much looser Ken Roczen. The gate drops for the first heat race at 7pm EST and it’s no doubt going to be another incredible night of racing. Here are our predictions for Saturday night in Houston:
250SX Class:
1. Justin Hill
2. Shane McElrath
3. Aaron Plessinger
450SX Class:
1. Jason Anderson
2. Marvin Musquin
3. Eli Tomac
2018 Supercross Season Standings (After 1 of 17 rounds)
450SX Class
- Marvin Musquin (26)
- Jason Anderson (23)
- Justin Barcia (21)
- Ken Roczen (19)v
- Weston Peick (18)
- Cole Seely (17)
- Justin Brayton (16)
- Broc Tickle (15)
- Joshua Grant (14)
- Cooper Webb (13)
250SX West Class
- Shane McElrath (26)
- Aaron Plessinger (23)
- Adam Cianciarulo (21)
- Joey Savatgy (19)
- Christian Craig (18)
- Mitchell Oldenburg (17)
- Justin Hill (16)
- Chase Sexton (15)
- Justin Cooper (14)
- Kyle Chisholm (13)