Saturday, February 11th, provided one hell of a show for Supercross fans around the world. With Ken Roczen out, and Ryan Dungey’s lack of consistency, the Championship is up for grabs for several riders, and they are chomping at the bit to stay ahead of the competition.
Unfortunately, many riders ended up battling far more than just each other.
I understand the concept of a “day” race, and I’m sure it was perceived as a great idea to have this type of race inside an enclosed stadium. But for F@#$’s sake, make it a stadium that isn’t 25% composed of massive glass panels!
As the day progressed and the sun began to slowly drop along the horizon, the riders found themselves blinded by the intense glare coming through the AT&T Stadium windows. Thankfully, the sun had set by the time the Main Events began, but not before being perfectly level with riders on the starting line in the Semi’s and LCQ.
The track itself gave the riders the majority of their problems that night, as it quickly deteriorated lap after lap. And let’s not forget the tricky-triple that caused many bruised crotches…and in some cases worse. Just take a look at Colton Aeck’s crash that nearly left him permanently injured. And Lionnet’s nut-buster over the same jump:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnBiaMxDIpU]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv2iNhaapHU]
The WTF moments didn’t end there. Justin Brayton found himself knocked out in the start of the 450 Main Event, ending his night early:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8ATarMyNoI]
Eli Tomac found himself in dirt, then the pits after front brake issue:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtEAyD01Ndw]
Speaking of riders in the Pits, I don’t think I have ever seen so many riders, especially top riders, wind up in the pit area due to mechanical issues in a Main Event. Cooper Webb was there with a flat tire. Blake Baggett, Chad Reed, and Davi Millsaps found themselves there as well. And let’s not forget Shane McElrath losing major points to Justin Hill after a mechanical problem forced him to roll the track in the 250 Main Event.
Perhaps the biggest WTF of the night, was Jason Anderson’s bike launching across the track after making contact with Malcom Stewart (who was busy crashing):
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7hSbSV_IIs]
The track gremlins, some sort of Texas curse, or whatever you want to call it played havoc all night for the racers…except for Marvin Musquin, that is. I find it hard to believe that he and his wife Matilde didn’t read my first article of the 2017 season, where I recommended him eating solid food and putting on the pounds to control the big bike. Looks like he’s now well-fed and smooth as ever, as he rode to a clean victory Saturday night. Not only was this Marvin’s first win in the 450 class, but it’s the first win from a Frenchman since 2002.
Although the elements pushed most of the riders to their breaking limits, I wouldn’t chalk Marvin’s win up to a fluke. I see him taking several more wins, and perhaps the Championship before this season ends.
More crashes from the crazy night in Arlington:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZksTFPEp88]
Cadbury Pringlebatch is the Lead Supercross Writer and Investment Analyst for The SoBros Network, but knows a little bit about everything. Known for frequenting Nashville YMCA steam rooms, he’s a firm believer that winning football is produced by moving the chains, and became a SoBro after mistaking thePower Hour Podcast for an AA meeting. Follow on Twitter:@SoBroCadbury
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