Motocross Performance Magazine Canadian Motocross news leader
As the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross Series rolled into downtown San Diego’s Petco Park, all eyes were on Shane McElrath and Ken Roczen to see if they could continue their dominance from round one in Anaheim. Both riders had came out swinging the week before and put their bikes on top of the podium, now it was time to do it all over again. Round two in San Diego was also Military appreciation day, so all of the top teams had special graphics and one off gear for their riders. With honoured members of the American Military on hand, the riders battled hard on the technical San Diego track. In the end, both McElrath and Roczen were able to get their second wins of the young 2017 season, extending their points lead along the way. Now the series moves back up the I-5 to Angel Stadium in Anaheim for round three, with yet another threat of rain for this coming weekend, things are sure to be interesting once again in Orange County. As she was at round one, Freestylephotocross’s Krystyn Slack was in San Diego and sent us these incredible photos.
Jason Anderson waves to the San Diego crowd during the awesome opening ceremonies.
Moments later Anderson was on the track and battling for a qualifying spot.
The San Diego track was technical and produced a lot of battles just like this one.
Ryan Dungey came into San Diego with something to prove. After getting schooled last week by Ken Roczen, Dungey put his head down and chased the Honda rider all the way to the finish line at round two.
With the main event winding down, Dungey needed to make a move if he wanted to make the pass on Roczen. However, on the final lap he made this mistake and that allowed Roczen to ride away to victory.
Saturday in San Diego was Military appreciation day in the 2017 Monster Energy SX Series.
At just 18 years old, Austin Forkner is getting better each time he takes to the track in 2017. In San Diego, Forkner rode smooth to finish fifth in the 250SX West main event.
The 450 riders blast off the gate for their main event in San Diego.
Justin Hill had the speed to win the main event in San Diego, but a bad start had the Kawasaki star coming from behind to finish in second.
San Diego also marked the first race of the series for the KTMJRSX riders.
Brock Leitner rode much better in San Diego as he looked much more comfortable. Unfortunately for Brock, he crashed while practicing yesterday and will not be able to compete this weekend in Anaheim.
Racing in the Monster Energy SX Series is the toughest thing in our sport, we’re all proud that Brock Leitner is one of the only Canadian riders willing to go for it in 2017.
After suffering one of the most spectacular crashes in practice, Geico Honda rider Jeremy Martin came back to finish in a solid 7th place in the main event.
The 250SX West points leader orange weapon sitting idol in the pits at San Diego.
Here is the same incredible machine soaring through the afternoon California sun.
Members of the USA Military got to ride a lap of the track during the afternoon practice sessions.
Your top three 250SX West riders stand along side the Monster girls on the San Diego podium.
For the second week in a row Chad Reed was fast in practice, fast in his heat race, but then just couldn’t get the start in the main event. Whether it’s mental, technique, or his bike, Reed is going to have to fix things quickly if he wants to finish inside the top five.
I don’t think there is a SX fan in the world that doesn’t want to see Reed win a race in 2017?
The all new 2017 CRF450R has been very tough to beat thus far in 2017.
I’d still like to see these top riders always wearing a helmet during opening ceremonies. However, Roczen still looked good as he greets the American Military.
This guy is fit, confident, cocky, and very fast. The big question is, can Roczen maintain this pace for the entire series.
Unlike last weekend in Anaheim when he cruised to victory, Roczen had to work his butt off to win round two in San Diego.
Dressed in some very nice TLD gear, Honda rider Cole Seely rode to a very smooth fifth place in San Diego.
Just a week ago in Anaheim, Roczen and Davi Millsaps got the jump in the main event.
With a very fast pace at the front of the pack, riders like Broc Tickle struggled to finish inside the top ten.
Even though we’re only two rounds into the 2017 series, Eli Tomac is becoming a little bit of a mystery. His speed is there, but when it counts the most, he’s not riding like we all know he can.
Like his teammate Chad Reed, Yamaha rider Cooper Webb has yet to find his true speed in the main events.
For the second week in a row, Dean Wilson rode solid to finish just outside the top ten. Will this kid bring his incredible style to Canada this summer? Only time will tell.
With his solid riding in the first couple of rounds, hopefully Wilson will be getting a few more factory parts before Anaheim 2 so he can take his riding to the next level.
Winner winner, chicken dinner! Ken Roczen is definitely on a roll.
