Motocross Performance Magazine MXP Magazine embraces the Canadian motocross lifestyle! MXP Magazine shows no limits by featuring top riders, products and events in every issue along with amateur profiles and the hottest industry trends. 
Well, it came and went as quickly as Ken Roczen was blasting through the whoops at Angel Stadium on Saturday night, but Round 1 of the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series is now a part of our sport’s history and the action on the track left little doubt that this is going to be a very exciting year in Supercross. If all the riders can remain healthy – a big ask we know – the battles up front should be legendary in 2020. On Saturday evening in Anaheim, it was the Blu Cru that came out swinging as Yamaha riders Justin Barcia and Justin Cooper took the wins in the 450SX class and the 250SX class respectively. Barcia, who also won the opening round last year, looked very comfortable on his new YZ450 and even had to battle through a little adversity to take the win. During the off-season, Barcia moved out to California so he could be closer to the Yamaha Factory and the team’s test track, something he hasn’t done in the past. Obviously, the move paid off at the opening round, and now we’ll see if he will find even more success this weekend in St Louis.
For Justin Cooper, this was the first 250SX win of his young career, and judging by the maturity we saw in his riding at Anaheim, it won’t be his last. After trailing Austin Forkner early in the main event, Cooper was able to capitalize on a big Forkner mistake and grabbed the lead. From there, he never looked back as he led the remaining laps of the main event. It was a solid performance and one that has been coming for a while now. Like Barcia, it will be interesting to see if this win is just a sign of what’s to come for Justin Cooper.
It was a great night of racing in Anaheim and now the series moves halfway across the country for Round 2 in St. Louis. This has always been a very popular stop for the SX series, but this is the first time that it has been this early in the schedule. The St. Louis SX has always been famous for having great dirt so it will be interesting to see how the conditions are in mid- January. However, before we can think about Round 2, let’s look back at the season opener with some amazing James Lissimore photos.
One of the most iconic symbols in our sport. The big A of Angel Stadium.
Adam Cianciarulo appeared to be relaxed all day long at the opening round.
Just prior to the main event Cianciarulo gets some last minute advice from his coach Nick Wey.
Jason Anderson had a solid opening round and finished 5th in the main event.
Justin Barcia definitely came out swinging at Round 1 in Anaheim.
Coming into the opening round, Justin Brayton was ready to go on his new Factory HRC Honda. He rode well, but after a small crash in the main event he ended up 8th.
Kyle Chisholm looked great at A1 in his new FXR gear.
Justin Cooper rode great all day long and when it was all over he had his first ever 250SX main event win.
Rookie 250SX rider Derek Drake rode smooth in the main event and ended up in 8th.
Defending 250SX West Champion Dylan Ferrandis didn’t get the start he was looking for in the main event and ended up finishing behind his teammate in second.
Austin Forkner had quite the day at the opening round. First he had a huge crash in practice, then he led the main event, only to make a mistake and hand the lead to Justin Cooper. His fifth place finish didn’t show how well this kid rode at A1.
Even though he came into A1 with an injury, Jacob Hayes rode well to finish in 11th.
Hoosier Tire was in paddock at A1 changing tires for their riders.
Rookie 250SX rider Jett Lawrence came into A1 suffering from the flu. However, he did the best the best he could and the 16 year old finished up in 9th overall.
Michael Mosiman rode hard in Anaheim and ended up in 4th place after the penalty to Forkner. This kid has some great speed and more than likely will win a main event in 2020.
Your 450SX Anaheim 1 podium.
Your 250SX West Anaheim podium. Later, third place was given to Christian Craig.
Chad Reed may not win during his final season of SX, but he’s sure going to entertain all of his fans.
Thanks for everything Mr.Reed!
Ken Roczen looked great all day in Anaheim, but in the main event he wasn’t able to get it going and ended up in 6th.
After months of anticipation, the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Series is off and running.
Eli Tomac appeared to be easing his way through the opening round.
Just days before A1, Cooper Webb came down with a bad flu and was unable to do anything. His third place finish in the main event showed what a true champion this kid really is.
Even though he wasn’t feeling well, Webb remained aggressive all night long.
The track at A1 was fairly technical for an opening round and gave the riders all they could handle.
After working hard to recover from his October hip injury, Dean Wilson showed up at A1 and finished in a pretty impressive 13th.
It was a great night for the Blu Cru!