AMA Supercross – MotoHead https://www.motoheadmag.com Fresh dirt bike action for the real MotoHead! Sun, 30 Apr 2023 09:31:32 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://www.motoheadmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cropped-MotoSquareWebBlack-02-32x32.jpg AMA Supercross – MotoHead https://www.motoheadmag.com 32 32 Sexton nabs Nashville win as Webb and Barcia crash https://www.motoheadmag.com/sexton-nabs-nashville-win-as-webb-and-barcia-crash/ Sun, 30 Apr 2023 09:30:33 +0000 https://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=37722

Team Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton took the Round 15 win in a rare daytime Monster Energy AMA Supercross race in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Supercross series returned to Nashville. Daytime opening ceremonies kicked off the second-ever Supercross race in the Music City. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.   

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Eli Tomac led early but earned second at the checkered flag at Nissan Stadium. Progressive Insurance ECSTAR Suzuki’s Ken Roczen delivered another podium performance and earned third place points toward both the 17-round 2023 Supercross season as well as the inaugural 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship. In the penultimate round of the Eastern Regional 250SX Class season, Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence was picture-perfect for the race win and the points needed to seal his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross championship.
Chase Sexton’s Nashville Supercross win moved him into second place in the championship standings. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.  

 Eli Tomac grabbed a clear Holeshot and sprinted early to establish some breathing room on the pack of Tank Masters Red Line Oil Next Level KTM’s Kevin Moranz, Team Honda HRC’s Colt Nichols, Chase Sexton, Twisted Tea Suzuki Progressive Insurance’s Kyle Chisholm and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia. Team Tedder Monster Energy Mountain Motorsport’s Justin Hill got an incredible drive down the first rhythm lane and was into third place before the second corner. Absent was Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb, second in the championship points; Webb had been taken out of the event earlier by a tough crash in his Heat Race. 

Tomac distanced himself from the pack as Sexton moved past Justin Hill to take over second just three minutes into the race. Sexton sat over four seconds back but set his sights on Tomac. A minute later Tomac had a near-crash in the whoops. The challenging track had created a lot of crashes through qualifying and racing. Tomac’s scare convinced him to lower his aggression, as he reported on the podium after the race. Just over five minutes into the 20-minute plus one lap race Barcia moved forward into third place.

Up front, Sexton steadily cut down the lead. The next few laps shook up the race as Sexton made it to Tomac’s rear fender just as Barcia crashed hard off the Dragon’s Back. Barcia was out just as Roczen nabbed third from Justin Hill. From there the race leaders held their spots on the slick, dry track. Sexton earned his fourth win of the season and moved into second in the championship standings. Tomac lost three points to Chase but extended his points lead to 18 due to Webb earning zero in Nashville.
Hunter Lawrence made it a Team HRC Honda sweep by taking the Nashville win and also the 2023 Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc.   

When the gate dropped for the Eastern Regional 250SX Class, Hunter Lawrence grabbed the Holeshot but Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith quickly charged up to him. In the third corner Smith bumped his way past and into the lead ahead of Lawrence and Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin. A minute and a half into the 15-minute plus one lap race Smith held first ahead of Lawrence, Smith, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda, and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan.

With a 49-point lead and only one Eastern Regional 250SX Class round remaining after Nashville, Lawrence could finish as low as 20th and still claim the title. But Lawrence looked like he wanted to go out with a win, and hounded Smith up front. Shimoda moved into third behind them and Deegan fought to get past Martin for fourth. With 9:30 remaining on the race clock Smith overcooked a turn in the sand section and went off the track and into the Tuff Blox. He didn’t fall, but the mistake and correction to get back on the track cost him two positions. Lawrence took over the lead but suddenly Shimoda was on a tear and looking like he might soon fight for the front spot.

Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie, the winner at the previous round, had made his way into sixth and reached Deegan’s rear wheel just before Deegan made his own move and passed Martin for fourth place. Late in the race Lawrence had built a comfortable lead while Shimoda, Smith, and Deegan ran close enough that each of their positions were in jeopardy. The riders circled the final laps without major mistakes. Lawrence brought home the race win and with it his first Monster Energy AMA Supercross title. Shimoda earned his first podium of the season after missing most of it due to injury, and Smith took the final podium spot. Only two rounds remain in the season. The 450SX Class racers line up again inside Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado next Saturday, May 6th before the 2023 Supercross Championship Final Presented by Utah Sports Commission at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on May 13th.

Two champions remain to be crowned, one in the 450SX Class and one in the Western Regional 250SX Class. The two rounds will also pay points toward the all-new SuperMotocross World Championship which encompasses the Supercross season, the AMA Pro Motocross season, two Playoff races and a Final to determine the sport’s first SuperMotocross World Champion in September. 
450SX Class podium (riders left to right) Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. 

450SX Class
Results
1. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha3. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki4. Colt Nichols, Murrieta, Calif., Honda5. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki7. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda8. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki9. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Suzuki10. Josh Hill, Huntersville, N.C., KTM 

450SX Class Championship Standings
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Yamaha (338)2. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (320)3. Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., KTM (304)4. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Suzuki (280)5. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., GASGAS (267)6. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.Mex., Kawasaki (242)7. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, KTM (213)8. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., KTM (172)9. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Kawasaki (170)10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Honda (165)
250SX Class podium (riders left to right) Jordon Smith, Hunter Lawrence, and Jo Shimoda. Photo Credit: Feld Motor Sports, Inc. 

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda2. Jo Shimoda, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki3. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha4. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha5. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha7. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM8. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki  9. Henry Miller, Rochester, Minn., Honda10. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda 

Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings1. Hunter Lawrence, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Honda (224)2. Haiden Deegan, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (168)3. Max Anstie, Cairo, Ga., Honda (166)4. Jordon Smith, Ochlocknee, Ga., Yamaha (141)5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki (132)6. Jeremy Martin, Rochester, Minn., Yamaha (128)7. Nate Thrasher, Livingston, Tenn., Yamaha (120)8. Tom Vialle, Murrieta, Calif., KTM (111)9. Cullin Park, Clermont, Fla., Honda (109)10. Coty Schock, Dover, Del., Honda (89)
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AMA Supercross calendar tweaked https://www.motoheadmag.com/ama-supercross-calendar-tweaked/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 18:31:15 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=27418 The 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross schedule has been adjusted to include a third race in Indianapolis, Indiana. Lucas Oil Stadium will now host a trio of races as Rounds 4 and 5 will take place on Saturday, January 30 and Tuesday, February 2 as originally planned and Round 6 will now take place on Saturday, February 6.

The schedule will resume on Saturday, February 20 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona as originally scheduled, followed by the Daytona Beach, Florida round on Saturday, March 6 and then the Arlington, Texas rounds will now be Saturday, March 13, Tuesday, March 16 and Saturday, March 20 at AT&T Stadium. The season finale will take place at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.     

Three Rounds of the 17-Round Championship will be announced later as will the remaining Eastern Regional and Western Regional 250SX Class races, Triple Crown and East/West 250SX Showdown events.    


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Tuesday races just part of AMA SX shake-up https://www.motoheadmag.com/tuesday-races-just-part-of-ama-sx-shake-up/ Tue, 27 Oct 2020 20:49:18 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=27143 Feld Entertainment, Inc., today announced the schedule for the upcoming 2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season. Tickets go on sale in early December as Supercross fans are welcomed back into stadiums at reduced capacities. For the second consecutive year, the season will conclude in Utah, as the “State of Sport” once again hosts the season finale, although this time with fans in attendance.

2021 SEASON SCHEDULE
ROUND 1 – Saturday, Jan 16 | Houston, TX [EAST] NRG Stadium

ROUND 2 – Tuesday, Jan 19 | Houston, TX [EAST] NRG Stadium

ROUND 3 – Saturday, Jan 23 | Houston, TX [EAST] NRG Stadium

ROUND 4 – Saturday, Jan 30 | Indianapolis, IN [EAST] Lucas Oil Stadium

ROUND 5 – Tuesday, Feb 2 | Indianapolis, IN [EAST] Lucas Oil Stadium

ROUND 6 – Saturday, Feb 20 | Glendale, AZ [WEST] State Farm Stadium

ROUND 7 – Tuesday, Feb 23 | Glendale, AZ [WEST] State Farm Stadium

ROUND 8 – Saturday, Feb 27 | Glendale, AZ [WEST] State Farm Stadium

ROUND 9 – Saturday, Mar 6 | Daytona Beach, FL [EAST] Daytona International Speedway

ROUND 10 – Saturday, Mar 20 | Arlington, TX [WEST] AT&T Stadium

ROUND 11 – Tuesday, Mar 23 | Arlington, TX [WEST] AT&T Stadium

ROUND 12 – Sat, Mar 27 | Arlington, TX [WEST] AT&T Stadium

ROUND 13-16 – Announced at a later date!

ROUND 17 – Date TBA | Salt Lake City, UT | Rice-Eccles Stadium

Since the series began in 1974, California has hosted most of the season openers, as the city of Anaheim has become synonymous with the start of the Supercross season. For the first time in 25 years the series will start in another state by opening at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, for the first three rounds. The Texas trio of races will be followed by a two-race stint at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.     

Supercross was the first sport to complete its season and championship in a bubble environment in 2020 due to the pandemic. Bubbles are now widely popular and being used by the NBA, NHL, WNBA, and MLB to great success. The NFL was one of the first sports to welcome fans back to stadiums and Supercross is excited to follow their lead while also using some of their own bubble-environment tactics in the 2021 season by hosting multiple races in a single location. After Indianapolis, the series will venture west to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, for another three races then traversing south to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the annual singular event at Daytona International Speedway. Rounds 10, 11 and 12 will take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, after a two-week break. Rounds 13-16 of the 17-race championship will be announced at a later date as we continue to work with our stadium partners and their local governments and health departments, while also staying current with national mandates and CDC guidelines. Additionally, the remaining Eastern Regional and Western Regional 250SX Class races, Triple Crown and East/West 250SX Showdown events will also be announced later.     

One of the unexpected surprises of racing in the bubble in Salt Lake City was the creation of mid-week races due to the condensed nature of the schedule. Racing every Wednesday during the three-week stretch became a fan-favorite while also boosting television ratings in an otherwise non-traditional broadcast window for Supercross. With that in mind, Supercross will host four SuperTuesday races, one in each of the host cities – Houston, Indianapolis, Glendale and Arlington, a first in the sport’s 48-year history.  

The season finale will take place at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City as the Utah Sports Commission – a long-time Supercross partner, is once again eager to host the season’s final event and championship wrap up with fans in attendance.   

“AMA Supercross is among the most exciting motorcycle racing on the planet, and the AMA is pleased to join Feld Entertainment and the FIM in announcing the start of the 2021 season,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “In 2020, Feld Entertainment, the AMA and all our partners, and of course the racers and teams, worked tirelessly and innovatively to crown champions amid a global pandemic. The lessons learned will guide the management team as it delivers another incredible season of racing, while ensuring that all COVID-19 precautions are met and fans get the show that they have come to expect from AMA Supercross.”

Storylines abound for the 2021 Supercross season as the 450SX Class continues to feature what has become an ever-expanding, deep array of talent. For the first time in five years, three Supercross champions will be competing for another title – Jason Anderson, Cooper Webb and Eli Tomac, while a continually-evolving corps of deep threats will be on the hunt to dethrone and wreak havoc by winning races of their own – Marvin Musquin, Ken Roczen, Justin Barcia, Adam Cianciarulo, plus premiere class rookies Dylan Ferrandis, Chase Sexton and Shane McElrath.       

“This schedule demonstrates the combative spirit of Feld Entertainment, the AMA and the FIM to take on the challenge and is a statement of our common hope for a better world in the near future,” said Jorge Viegas, FIM President. “Hard core fans may be hungry for ‘more’, but with the pandemic situation, it is a realistic calendar. Competition starts mid-January under COVID-19 restrictions until Easter. Afterwards, hopefully we can return to a more ‘traditional’ scenario. So, riders, sponsors and the industry can now prepare for 2021 and the fans also know when they can get in ‘Supercross mode’.”

Tickets for the first twelve Rounds will go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, December 8. Preferred customers can sign up in advance for early access to purchase tickets a week prior, starting Tuesday, December 1 by visiting SupercrossLIVE. Supercross has implemented enhanced health measures to help ensure the highest standards of wellness when it comes to today’s live experience. Seating capacity will be reduced at each stadium with a Pod Seating structure, which will allow family and friends to safely enjoy all the action while social distancing from other groups in attendance. More information about each stadium’s safety protocols can be found on their individual websites – NRG StadiumLucas Oil StadiumState Farm StadiumAT&T Stadium. Unless otherwise exempted by law, guests age 2 and older must wear a face covering except when actively eating and drinking – local venue rules also apply. More information about Monster Energy Supercross’ Fan Wellness can be found here.

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Supercross set to restart this month! https://www.motoheadmag.com/supercross-set-to-restart-this-month/ Thu, 14 May 2020 11:43:59 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=25305 The 2020 Supercross series is expected to start again on May 31 in Salt Lake City in an announcement that is due to be released tonight at 11pm UK time. It’s not known if it will be held behind closed doors with no spectators and a skeleton crew or team personnel.

After the series was axed following the tenth round in Daytona due to the Coronavirus, organisers said they would continue racing when they could. However, a national series in the USA is tough as different states make their own rules.

Some want the lockdown to last for months and some states such as Arizona and Utah want to open as soon as possible.

Orlando and St. Loius are thought to be bidding for events, but it seems the return will be in Utah on May 31.

Currently, Eli Tomac leads the series on 226 points from Ken Roczen on 223, Cooper Webb on 197, Justin Barcia on 170, and Jason Anderson on 170. That’s a Kawasaki from Honda, KTM, Yamaha and Husky. So there’s something to play for from the biggest five brands.

Champ Chase Sexton leads the East Coast 250s by 98 points from Shane McElrath on 88 and RJ Hampshire on 80 and Garrett Marchbanks on 79. In the West Coast series, champ Dylan Ferrandis is on 135 from Justin Cooper on 128, Austin Forkner on 122 and Brandon Hartranft on 110.

More info when we get the official press release.

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Detroit and Indy Supercrosses axed https://www.motoheadmag.com/detroit-and-indy-supercrosses-axed/ Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:18:11 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=24572 Both the Detroit and Indianapolis Supercross races have been axed due to the Cornovirus situation in the USA. The Seattle round has also been postponed, meaning all three of the events in March are now off.

That means only four rounds remain, on April 4, 18, 25 and May 2, unless the Seattle round is moved to a later date.

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Tomac talks of his Anaheim win https://www.motoheadmag.com/tomac-talks-of-his-anaheim-win/ Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:06:53 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=23681 Tomac-celebrates-a2.jpg#asset:25349
Tomac took the win

Eli Tomac and his No. 3 Monster Energy Kawasaki KX™450 ascended to the top step of the podium at Round 3 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Racing returned to Anaheim, California for the second and final stop at Angel Stadium, with Tomac grabbing his 28th career 450SX win, meanwhile 450SX rookie and teammate Adam Cianciarulo continued to impress by finishing in sixth place amongst the title contenders.

For the third week in a row, the Monster Energy Kawasaki dynamic duo kicked off the day by qualifying with the two fastest times as Cianciarulo clocked the fastest lap time of 51.865 with Tomac hot on his heels in second with a 51.934. The two Monster Energy Kawasaki riders were the only two riders to put in a hot lap in under 52 seconds. For the third week in a row, Cianciarulo was the fastest qualifier heading into the night show.

Tomac lined up for the first 450SX heat race and right out of the gate was able to tuck under the competition in the first turn. The No. 3 machine wasted no time getting out front and quickly darted away from the competition as he built an impressive nine-second gap over the field and went onto claim his first 450SX heat race win of the season.

Carrying the confidence of qualifying into the night show, Cianciarulo shot out of the 450SX Heat 2 gate in second place, but by the second turn had already claimed the lead. Cianciarulo began clicking off laps where he was able to lead the first half of the heat race before surrendering the top spot and finishing second.

In the 450SX Main Event both Tomac and Cianciarulo found themselves wedged out and sitting mid-pack after the first turn. Both racers began making quick work of the competition and followed one another toward the front of the pack. Tomac was able to maneuver his KX450 around the field and sliced his way into first place just before the halfway point of the race and never looked back, claiming his first 450SX victory of the year. Tomac’s win puts him into third place in the championship point standings and only five points back from the leader. Cianciarulo was able to maintain a top-5 position for the majority of the race but would ultimately cross the finish line in sixth place overall.

Eli Tomac: “Today was the day we worked for all offseason. Things were just clicking all day, we qualified second coming into the night, and in the first heat race we were able to get out front early and just kind of set the tone for the rest of the night. In the main, I didn’t get the best jump of the gate, but I was able to find some good passing lanes and remained aggressive in the opening laps. The two sets of whoops and dragon back were so mentally and physically demanding, I believe that is where I was able to separate myself from the rest of the pack. All in all, I can’t thank my team enough, the whole Monster Energy Kawasaki crew for all the hard work this past week, it definitely paid off tonight. I am looking forward to Glendale next weekend and to race a Triple Crown. My first 450SX win came in Phoenix and the high-intensity Triple Crown format really suits my racing style.”

Adam Cianciarulo: “Today was a bit of a rollercoaster ride for me. I was able to qualify on top again which always helps going into the night show. In my heat race, I was able to get out front but my buddy Ken (Roczen) got by and I settled into second. In the 450SX Main Event, despite my start, I felt like I was riding well and making good progress. I began to go forward and was able to make my way up to fourth, but unfortunately, I made some minor mistakes that cost me a better result. Sixth place isn’t where I want to be, but it is a long season and we are going to keep grinding. I am looking forward to the Triple Crown format next weekend in Glendale and the three gate drops we get to race.” 

After starting the day off qualifying with the second-fastest lap time, Monster Energy/Pro-Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner set the tone for the night by nabbing the win in the first 250SX heat race of the night. Forkner did so in dominating fashion by winning with an impressive 10-second margin over second place. 

In the 250SX Main Event the No. 52 machine of Forkner got out to a respectable start and by lap two had already worked his way into third place. With five minutes left to go in the 250SX Main Event, Forkner went for a wild ride in the whoops that threw him to the ground violently. Forkner remounted his KX™ and despite the setback, he salvaged as many points as he could, crossing the finish line in 17th place.

Forkner aims for a bounce back ride in Glendale at the first Triple Crown race of the year. In 2019, Forkner became the first rider to sweep all three Main Events in a single Triple Crown event.

Austin Forkner: “Well there isn’t much for me to say at this point. Tonight, was a night I just want to forget and move on from. I felt good all day and got a great heat race win aboard my KX™250, but that costly mistake in the whoops in the main event ruined my evening. My team and I are going to regroup and probably spend a good amount of time hammering out whoops this next week. I had a lot of fun racing the Triple Crown races last year, so I am just ready to get to Glendale and redeem myself.”

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Supercross power rankings revealed https://www.motoheadmag.com/supercross-power-rankings-revealed/ Sat, 14 Dec 2019 11:53:52 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=23306 A panel of 75 people ranging from past Supercross Champions and experts in the industry voted on who should be ranked in the Top 10 in both the 450SX Class and 250SX Class. These are the first official results for Supercross Power Rankings…

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Atlanta Supercross Mains in Full https://www.motoheadmag.com/atlanta-supercross-mains-in-full/ https://www.motoheadmag.com/atlanta-supercross-mains-in-full/#respond Sun, 03 Mar 2019 10:32:37 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=18574 Check out the main events form the Atlanta Supercross, where the 450s continued their battle and it was the 250 East/ West shootout!

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Who’s your money on at the Atlanta Supercross? https://www.motoheadmag.com/whos-your-money-on-at-the-atlanta-supercross/ https://www.motoheadmag.com/whos-your-money-on-at-the-atlanta-supercross/#respond Sat, 02 Mar 2019 09:32:14 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=18531
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Supercross – What’s changed in 2019? https://www.motoheadmag.com/supercross-whats-changed-in-2019/ https://www.motoheadmag.com/supercross-whats-changed-in-2019/#respond Mon, 11 Feb 2019 11:02:53 +0000 http://www.motoheadmag.com/?p=18209 After six rounds of the 2019 Supercross championship, we don’t really have a clear cut champion in waiting.

Ken Roczen is the red plate leader but hasn’t won a race, Cooper Webb who some say is a surprise package this year has taken the chequers on three occasions and is in second place, with Eli Tomac and Marvin Musquin in third and fourth respectively. The top 4 is separated by only 2 points, compare that to the 2018 season there seems to be a huge difference at this stage of the season.

Are we set for a four-rider battle throughout the season or will it fizzle out come mid-way? Let us know your thoughts who you think will take the title and why it seems so different from 2018.

2018 Season after 6 rounds
Left hand side 2018 – right hand side 2019. Not one position is the same.
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