Its that time of year again, the motorsports offseason has come and gone and it is time again for another 450 Supercross Season. We break down what to watch for, the track layout, and a few surprises we might see.
Proven Riders to Watch
2015 Series Winner, Ryan Dungey, looks to defend his second title as the season starts in Anaheim on Saturday Night. Dungey ended Ryan Villopoto’s streak of four straight championships after Villopoto retired at the start of the 2015 season. Dungey scored 390 points to take the title, 85 points ahead of second place, Eli Tomac. It was a historic season for the KTM rider, taking the podium in 16 of the 17 events, and he will undoubtedly be the favorite to be taken down.
Last season’s runner up Eli Tomac is sure to be a threat as he moves to the Monster Energy Kawasaki team. Tomac challenged Dungey a lot last season but was ultimately too inconsistent to boast a threat to the #5.
At 33 years old and soon to be 34, Chad Reed is the veteran of the to 2016 SX class of drivers, but that does not mean he can’t race. Reed will be able to use his experience his advantage.
Of course the missing piece we have not talked about out of 2016’s four major threats is James Stewart. Stewart is back once again after sitting out last season due to a failed PED test.
Young Guns to Watch
Cole Seely saw himself a nice, but inconsistent 2015 – earning just five podiums, but also his first 450SX win. It will be interesting to see what Seely has to bring to the table this season.
James Stewart’s teammate Blake Baggett had a major gap to fill in the 2015 season when Stewart was suspended, and he overperformed by a longshot. As a rookie he finished 5th overall, and looks to continue that momentum in 2016.
Dean Wilson and Marvin Musquin, both rookies in 2016, are Red Bull KTM’s hopes to find Ryan Dungey’s successor. Wilson was set to take his rookie season last year, but suffered an ACL tear after three races. Musquin, however is a former 250SX class winner, as he earned the title on the east coast last season. Both riders have high stock, and promising futures, but which one outperforms the other?
Track Layout
Be sure to tune in for all the action for AMA at Anaheim, the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross season, Saturday night on FS1.
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