A crazy AMA Supercross round took place at Glendale, where Blake Baggett scored his first win in 450SX ahead of Jason Anderson and new championship leader Ken Roczen. Baggett is the first privateer to win a Supercross race since last year’s Daytona round, when victory went to Justin Brayton.
TOMAC TO LCQ – The first turn of events happened in 450SX Heats, as both Kawasaki riders couldn’t go straight from Heats to Main Event: Eli Tomac was forced to contest LCQ after suffering a technical issue, while his team-mate Joe Savatgy suffered concussion following a crash. Then, #17 rider’s Arizona dream was over, since the doctors didn’t allow him to contest LCQ and the remainder of the round.
WORRY FOR STEWART – Going forward to Main Event, Ken Roczen got the Holeshot ahead of Marvin Musquin and Jason Anderson, while Eli Tomac and Anaheim 1 winner Justin Barcia remained behind in the pack. But something dramatic happened with 14 minutes to go, as Malcom Stewart crashed on the whoops after losing the rear. #27 Honda hit the back of its rider and so Stewart was immobilized and taken to the hospital with potential leg and back injuries. Red flag and race interrupted.
ROCZEN-ANDERSON CLASH – When the race restarted, once again Ken Roczen bounced to the lead ahead of Jason Anderson. The two riders began a great duel between them, but later Anderson made a classic “block pass” and then the German rejoined the race in fourth place. Roczen immediately started closing the gap on Marvin Musquin, while new race leader Jason Anderson was reached by surprise Blake Baggett.
BAGGETT MOVES FIRST – Ken Roczen caught Marvin Musquin and passed him together with Eli Tomac, as the Frenchman still struggles after training injury. Meanwhile, the fight between Jason Anderson and Blake Baggett started, as the Rocky Mountain KTM rider spent much time very close to reigning AMA Supercross Champion. Finally, Baggett passed Anderson with a great move in the fastest part of Glendale.
ROCZEN NEW CHAMPIONSHIP LEADER – That move was decisive for the race, as Blake Baggett escaped Jason Anderson to win with five seconds of advantage. Ken Roczen joined KTM privateer and Anderson on the podium, while Eli Tomac and Marvin Musquin rounded up the top 5. Anaheim 1 winner Justin Barcia finished sixth, ahead of Justin Brayton, Dean Wilson, Cole Seely and Cooper Webb. Two years after, Roczen is AMA Supercross championship leader again.
TRIPLE CROWN – Next week AMA Supercross will go back to Anaheim for the third race of 2019 and the first one of “Triple Crown”. The start of this season was surprising and we’re looking forward to some more great action.
Translated by Alessandro Palma