Whew, we are through the opener! Round two always feels like we are now in full swing and possibly will give insight as to what the series may look like. San Diego is a fantastic venue for Monster Energy AMA Supercross and the return to the location where Qualcomm Stadium once sat (now Snapdragon Stadium) has been warmly received. The tailgating and convenience that Snapdragon provides makes up for the prime downtown location that Petco Park flexed. I was a skeptic, but I’ve come around to appreciate the return to familiar confines.
As for the racetrack, it’s going to feel more traditional for the riders. It’s much more similar to something they practice on weekly. Instead of the awkward angles and back-and-forth chutes, it has a layout that SX lovers will immediately recognize.
The start for round two is in the middle of the track and is much longer than last weekend. The long-left hand 180 should provide more room for riders to maneuver and hopefully avoid the chaos that ensued in Anaheim.
An immediate rhythm section will likely turn into a basic step-on step-off and into a 180-right hander. That leads to a rhythm section down the length of the stadium that will either be a 2-3-2 or 3-3-1. Both are agreeable but will likely be decided by the angle of the first jump. If it’s sloped in a fashion where riders can carry speed through it, they will likely seat bounce 3, but if it’s steep and abrupt, they will double in and then 3-2 through the rest.
The next 90 right hander leads to a standard supercross triple, and riders will float from inside to outside through the corner, carrying momentum through the takeoff.
Upon landing, they will be set up on the left side of the landing and sweep across the inside of the next right, stepping up over a small obstacle (similar to the section Eli Tomac crashed in the main event at Anaheim 1) and into a 3-2 rhythm section.
The next section will likely be the main passing zone and is book ended by bowl berms. There are whoops in between and for riders, they must set up passes either entering or exiting the whoops and execute them into the berm. Watch for this to be the “last resort” passing spot for transfer positions as the finish line looms.
Speaking of that, the rhythm leading up to the finish is tricky. Riders will want to step-on, step-on, step-on and off into it. Yes, they could change up that rhythm but there is likely no faster route than skipping across the tops of those tables.
After the finish line, a quick 90 to the right has a slow step up and then riders zoom past the mechanics’ area and into a netted bowl berm 180. Back the other way they go and into a bowl berm before firing once again back across the start. This section is nearly identical to Detroit 2023.
A standard triple is immediately out of the next 90 to the right and will prove tricky for 250’s. Watch for riders to take shots at block passes as 250’s swing wide to the berm for a run at the triple. A following rider could fire across the inside and make a block pass which would slow both riders down but still accomplish the pass.
Upon landing the triple, riders cross the first turn and into a sandy 180 that will likely be very one lined to the inside. A steep jump meets the end of the sand which will be a blast zone for roost, and then back onto the initial straightaway for lap two.
Overall, this track feels much more common for supercross. The passing spots are a bit obvious which means there are sections where it will be follow-the-leader. Entering the passing opportunities right on your competition’s rear wheel is paramount to taking advantage.
- Supercross
- Race Day Live (Qualifying)LiveJanuary 18 - 3:00 PM
- Race Day Live (Qualifying)LiveJanuary 18 - 3:00 PM
- Night ShowLiveJanuary 18 - 8:30 PM
- Night ShowLiveJanuary 18 - 8:30 PM
Who’s Hot
Chase Sexton quieted the noise around him and executed all night long. He looked comfortable, fast, and confident. He got good starts, too. Job well done at round one.
Ken Roczen shows up at races like A1. Almost always has. He doesn’t seem to feel the pressure that others do and uses that to bring his best stuff.
Jason Anderson needs wins and podiums to get a new contract and that’s exactly the form he showed on Saturday.
Eli Tomac was fifth at the checkers but woulda coulda shoulda been in the fight for the win. He’s back and it’s awesome to see.
Jo Shimoda started fast and rode flawlessly. For everyone wondering if he could ever get a series going before halfway (including me), he answered.
JuJu Beaumer proved that he will be a guy in the 250 class moving forward. Potential is one thing but acting on it is the next step.
I was very impressed with Cole Davies in his first pro race. He looked the part in every way. If this is the starting point, watch out.
Ducati announced their new team dynamic and plan. Their debut model is a work of art aesthetically.
Who’s Not
Jett and Hunter Lawrence didn’t look like they were enjoying themselves on Saturday. The rumor was that they have been fighting the 2025 chassis on SX and that played out in painful ways under the Anaheim lights. They need to sort that out and quickly.
Levi Kitchen was unable to race with the flu and will now switch to the East Region. I am very much not on board with the “avoiding Deegan” theme that I have seen floated. Going east is no picnic versus that west lineup.
Dylan Ferrandis got Breece’d in the LCQ and missed the first main event of the season. Racing unfamiliar riders can be tough but I will always, always remain steadfast that passing on the outside in the LCQ is a fool’s game. Think Cade Clason and Justin Starling at Glendale, also.
Bold Predictions
Jett and Hunter arrive to San Diego on 2024 HRC models with the number “2025” spray painted on the shrouds.
Dylan Ferrandis rides with Vince Friese all week as a sort of LCQ Boot Camp.
KTM delivers 300 new bikes to Chase Sexton’s house in lieu of his A1 bonus.
Flat earthers are enraged that Ty Masterpool’s SX title chances are now dashed.
