Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
This past weekend, the event that everyone has been waiting for finally left the starting. With a loud bang, the gate dropped on the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross Series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. With a list of new riders who either changed teams, or changed classes, there was a lot to be excited about at round one. When all was said and done, Ken Roczen dominated the 450SX class aboard his new Honda, and Shane Macelrath took home his very first win in the 250SX class. Yes, the 2017 Supercross series has now begun and it’s now onto round two in San Diego. Krystyn Slack of Freestylephotocross Photography will be travelling to all 17 rounds for MXP Magazine and she sent us these incredible photos from Anaheim 1.
Jason Anderson was on the gas and charging at A1. In the main event he came from behind to finish in 4th.
Why is it that even in California, Canadians always seem to find each other?
During practice, new Geico Honda rider Jeremy Martin was on the gas and looking good. However, in the main event he got off to a bad start and could only get back to 6th.
Coming into the opening round, Marvin Musquin was confident and ready to battle for the win.
On a the tamed down A1 track, Chad Reed struggled with the fast pace of the leaders. During the main event, he was in line for a top ten finish before colliding with Weston Peick and breaking his Yamaha. There are definitely better days ahead for Reed in 2017.
I love this shot of Eli Tomac charging back across the starting line during practice. Tomac had a great race going before getting a bad case of arm pump.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Martin Davalos had a great night in Anaheim and finished with a very solid third overall.
On Saturday night, Ryan Dungey did exactly what defending champions do. He rode fast, he rode smart, and he took home a very positive second place finish.
Dungey was one of the few riders at the opening round that had the Anaheim corners dialled in.
Each fan at the opening round had their favourite rider to cheer on.
RCH Suzuki rider Broc Tickle gets the white flag as he launches into the Anaheim sky.
Light the candles, the 2017 Monster Energy SX Series has begun.
Unless a few other riders step up, we’re going to be seeing this sight quite a bit in 2017.
One of the only tough sections on the Anaheim track was the sand corner. Almost every rider struggled with it at some point during the day.
Awe yes! The sweet feeling of your very first SX victory.
Even the great Jeremy McGrath was on hand to help his fellow Kawasaki riders.
Fresh off his Canadian MX1 title in 2016, Davi Millsaps was back in SX and rode to a very solid 7th place.
During his smooth ride to third overall, Marvin Musquin looked great through the sand section.
The Red Bull TLD KTM boys were very fast at A1 finishing in first, and in fourth.
A few riders at A1 definitely went out and ‘Got It’.
Your Anaheim 1 450SX main event podium.
Rookie SX rider Austin Forkner had a very eventful night at A1. After a hard crash in the whoop section, Forkner charged back to a very good 8th place finish.
The old guys in the field chase each other through the deep sand at A1.
With his 20th place finish in the main event, I’m guessing that Chad Reed wasn’t smiling this much by the end of the night.
There was no catching Ken Roczen at the opening round as he crossed the finish line with a 16 second lead.
Ken Roczen and his new 2017 CRF450R were completely hooked up at round one.
On the opening lap in SX, there is not a lot of room for the riders to battle for position.
Roczen’s Honda teammate Cole Seely was also on the gas at A1, he would go on to finish 6th in the main event.
Fans from all over the world were excited for the gate to drop on the 2017 supercross season!
Teemu Selanne’s #8 KTM looked great under the Red Bull TLD tent.
Racing in the 450SX class for the first time, Cooper Webb got a little tight in the main event and could only managed a 10th place finish.
Half Canadian Dean Wilson rode okay at the opening round to finish in 13th place. Dean was fast all day and was aggressive in practice, he’ll need a better start in the main events if he hopes to finish inside the top ten.
