New Monster Energy Supercross Points Leader Jason Anderson Earns Second-Straight Podium in Houston 

Aaron Plessinger Secures Win and Points Lead in Western Regional 250SX Class

HOUSTON, Texas, (January 14, 2018) – In front of a crowd of 49,841 fans inside NRG Stadium, Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, made an epic return to Houston on January 13 for Round 2 of the 2018 season.

For Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson, a win in Houston secured the 450SX Class points lead. At the start, Monster Energy/Yamaha Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia edged out Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen for the holeshot ahead of Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing’s Weston Peick and Anderson in fourth. While the leaders jockeyed for position, Anderson captured his first win of 2018 and second-consecutive podium ahead of Roczen and Barcia.

Jason Anderson captures his first win of 2018 at the second round of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Championship in Houston. Photo credit: Feld Entertainment, Inc.

“That race was tough for me but at the same time I felt good all day,” Anderson said on the podium. “I’m just excited to come out with the win. I feel good. I’m riding good. I’m thankful to have these opportunities to keep achieving my goals, and I just really want to keep staying up here.”

Team Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin showed up to Houston with the 450SX Class points lead and a red number plate after winning the Anaheim Opener but a crash in the Heat Race put Musquin out of the night show and 10th in points. Last year’s championship runner-up, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac, opted out of competition while recovering from a crash at the Anaheim Opener.

Houston’s 450SX Class podium at the second round of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Championship. Photo credit: Feld Entertainment, Inc.

In the Western Regional 250SX Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy took the holeshot ahead of Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Shane McElrath and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo. The Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star/Yamaha Racing ride of Aaron Plessinger battled from a 10th place start to eventually overcome the entire field and claim the podium ahead of Savatgy in second. For third place’s rookie Chase Sexton, it was his first career podium in his second professional start.  

Aaron Plessinger celebrates victory and a new points lead after two rounds of the 2018 Western Regional 250SX Class Championship. Photo credit: Feld Entertainment, Inc.

450SX Class Results

1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna

2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda 

3. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., Yamaha 

4. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda 

5. Weston Peick, Menifee, Calif., Suzuki 

6. Justin Brayton, Mint Hill, N.C., Honda 

7. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrance, Calif., KTM 

8. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., KTM 

9. Joshua Grant, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki 

10. Jeremy Martin, Carlsbad, Calif., Honda 

450SX Class Championship Standings

1. Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., Husqvarna (49)

2. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda (42)

3. Justin Barcia, Greenville, Fla., Yamaha (42)

4. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (36)

5. Weston Peick, Menifee, Calif., Suzuki (36)

6. Justin Brayton, Mint Hill, N.C., Honda (33)

7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., KTM (30) 

8. Joshua Grant, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki (28)

9. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrance, Calif., KTM (27)

10. Marvin Musquin, Clermont, Fla., KTM (26)

Western Regional 250SX Class Results

1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha 

2. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki 

3. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda 

4. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM 

5. Christian Craig, Orange, Calif. Honda

6. Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, Yamaha 

7. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna, Fla., Kawasaki 

8. Bradley Taft, Nixa, Missouri, Yamaha 

9. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha 

10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki 

Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings

1. Aaron Plessinger, Hamilton, Ohio, Yamaha (49)

2. Shane McElrath, Canton, N.C., KTM (45)

3. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki (42)

4. Adam Cianciarulo, New Smyrna, Fla., Kawasaki (37)

5. Chase Sexton, Clermont, Fla., Honda (36)

6. Christian Craig, Orange, Calif. Honda (36)

7. Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, Yamaha (34)

8. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki (29)

9. Bradley Taft, Nixa, Missouri, Yamaha (27)

10. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha (27)

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log onto SupercrossLIVE.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross, or follow via social channels:

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Sesame Street Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

 

About the American Motorcyclist Association:

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.