
After months of waiting and hoping for the final seven rounds of Monster Energy Supercross to be completed, we’re now on the eve of this event happening. This Sunday in Salt Lake City, the 450SX and the 250SX East classes will hit the track again after their two-and-a-half-month hiatus. As of right now there are very few professional sports that have returned to competition after having their seasons put on hold back in March, so not only will there be the usual eyes on Salt Lake City this weekend but a few new eyes as well. To be back racing dirt bikes after what the world has been through is truly remarkable, and it all gets underway on Sunday afternoon.

As I’m sure everyone has seen by now, there are videos on Social Media of the riders arriving at the track in Salt Lake City and getting tested for Covid-19. The process looks very uncomfortable as we’re not used to having anything, let alone giant Q-Tips, inserted in our nasal cavity. However, it has to be done as the rules for this return to racing state that everyone who is at Rice-Eccles Stadium has to be tested and cleared 48 hours prior to the race. With so many asymptomatic people out there, it’s going to be very difficult if one of the riders tests positive for Covid-19 and cannot race. Imagine if this happens to one of the top riders? Anyway, as the rules state for these races, as long as you don’t leave the Salt Lake City area and you’re not showing any symptoms, you only have to get tested once. Because of these strict rules, most, if not all, of the teams and riders are staying in Salt Lake City for the remaining seven rounds. Some have set up shop at the designated hotels, while others have rented houses nearby. I have never been to Salt Lake City but in talking to those who have, it’s a beautiful city, especially during this time of the year. So, the stage is set, everyone has been tested (hopefully everyone is Covid free), and now it’s time for the calm before the storm on Sunday. I cannot believe we’re going racing again, it’s been so long. With the 450SX riders ready to go, let’s take a look at the Top 3 in points.

450SX Class:
Eli Tomac – Kawasaki – 226 points
The last time we saw the 450SX riders on the track, Eli Tomac took the win in Daytona. Although he was followed closely by his arch rival Ken Roczen, Tomac pretty much dominated the Daytona main event. Coming into this weekend, I think Tomac has to be considered the favourite to win Sunday’s main event. With SLC being located at 4226 feet above sea level, Tomac, who lives at over 6000 feet above sea level, will be most prepared for the thin, dry air. Not that a 450SX main is as taxing on the body as an outdoor national, it is different and it may take all of the other riders a few days to acclimatize themselves. Tomac is also an aggressive person by nature so I think he will want to pick up where he left off in Daytona and set the tone early in this return to Supercross. I’m picking Tomac to win on Sunday.

Ken Roczen – Honda – 223 points
Again, the last time Roczen and Tomac raced together, Ken almost reeled in Eli during the Daytona SX main event to take the win. Up until the series was put on hold, Roczen had been riding better than he ever has, and he and his Honda looked truly comfortable together. With his strong presence on Social Media it wasn’t hard to follow what Roczen was up to during his lock down. It appeared like he split his time between taking time off, working on his house, and training hard for whenever racing was going to resume. Roczen will be ready to go come Sunday but I can’t help but think he’s going to play it safe during this first race back. Even though he’s only down three points to Tomac at the moment, any big mistake could really set him back. However, if there’s one area that Roczen has dominated in 2020 it his starts. Up until the series was put on hold, Roczen was a holeshot machine. If he can get out front on Sunday and ride smooth and relaxed, he may be able to draw first blood and either tie the 450SX series or take back the points lead.
Cooper Webb – KTM – 197 points
Considering we’ve had almost three months of talking about when and where the Monster Energy Supercross Series might return, one of the biggest questions asked is whether or not the defending 450SX Champion, Cooper Webb, still has a shot at the title. My answer to this is of course is, yes, he does, even though he’s 29 points out of the lead. Webb certainly set himself back in Dallas when he cartwheeled off the track and landed on his back on the concrete, but when he came back the following week in Atlanta and stood on the podium, he went a long way in saving his championship hopes. In my opinion, Webb will come into Salt Lake City as the most motivated and best prepared rider in the field. You can absolutely bet that his trainer, Aldon Baker, will have Webb ready to go right from the gate drop. He will also be healthy, his team has had a lot of time to test to make his KTM better, and as I said, Baker will make sure Webb has body and mind completely in sync. If Webb wins on Sunday and then goes on a roll, and Tomac and Roczen battle for second and third each night, this could make the final round very close and perhaps a crucial race for the 2020 SX title. If the championship comes down to the final main event of the series then you have to give Webb the slight advantage as he’s the only rider of these three who has won the 450 championship before. When it’s one gate drop and one main event for a title, history has proven that experience matters.

Other things and riders to watch for:
With all of the riders living and hanging out in Salt Lake City for almost three weeks there are bound to be some great stories and even some riders misbehaving. For the most part, the top riders will keep to themselves and stay secluded in their rented homes, but for others, perhaps boredom will creep in and a few riders will think they’re in Vegas rather than SLC. Also, we cannot forget about riders like Jason Anderson, Justin Barcia, and Adam Cianciarulo. All three have the speed and something to prove. Finally, let’s not forget about Chad Reed who will continue his “One Last Ride” tour during these final seven rounds. Reed has not only switched to KTM from Honda (yes, this means Reed becomes the only rider in history to have lined up for SX on every brand of motorcycle) but he’s also much healthier than he was during the first part of the series, and he’s as fit as he’s ever been. According to reports, Reed loves his KTM. It would be very cool to see him battle for some heat race wins and perhaps even some main event podiums. Okay, maybe some Top 5’s then. Sadly, there will be no fans in SLC for these final seven rounds of SX, but it’s great to see the series back on the gate and letting this championship chase play out in the proper way. Let’s go racing!