What a night it was for the opening duels of the AMA Supercross Series. There were so many stories and the fantastic racing throughout the night left many onlookers speechless.
Rapid Reaction: AMA SX Anaheim 1
First Action of the Season
The night got started off with the first of two 250SX Heat Races which provided an intense fight for the lead on just the second lap of the year. Zach Osborne and Chris Alldredge got competed bar-to-bar for a while, as Osborne eventually came out on top.
The 450’s Kicked off
We saw great racing once again in the 450 class, Dean Wilson had a big move on Eli Tomac, but eventually wrecked. Tomac came back in the race to win the first heat of the year. It all seemed fine and dandy. About halfway through the race, Vince Friese ran Weston Peick off the track. Again at the time it was not noticed, however it would be brought up again later that night.
FIGHT
Ryan Dungey went off track during the 450 heat race, so he went out and won the 450 Semi race. Normally it would be pretty well received news, but it was overlooked.
During the 450SX Semi 2 race, Vince Friese got into Weston Peick essentially ruining his chances in not one, but two races on the night.
Understandably, Peick was furious. He jumped off his bike and immediately started throwing punches at Friese, then pushing him. Peick gestured, “What in the world did I do?”
Friese did not even attempt to fight back, he hopped on his bike and rode away; if that is not an obvious sign of a rider driving dirty then do not penalize another rider for reckless driving ever again.
Peick was disqualified for the night, which was an overreaction. Friese has done this before, and Peick was one to stand up to him, not to mention that just might spark some ratings. Sadly, if the script follows other professional sports, Peick will be fined and maybe suspended while SX gains viewers by using the fight in multiple commercials.
Stewart Goes Down
James Stewart returned to Supercross, but only lasted three laps in the Main Event. Stewart cut a 180 corner just a little too tight, while Ryan Dungey lost control and just clipped Stewart’s back wheel, knocking out Stewart. The yamaha rider was out for the race and the event was restarted.
One thing that was surprising with Stewart, however, is the positive feedback from fans coming into today’s races. Athletes who used PED’s, let alone just came off a suspension for PED’s are very rarely respected, but there were little ‘boo’s’ heard when his name was announced.
Dungey’s Comeback
After clipping James Stewart and restarting the race, Ryan Dungey again lost control and fell back to seventh after six laps. Dungey raced his way back, like the two-time champion he is, and made a last lap pass on Cole Seely to podium and finish P2.
Surprise, Jason Anderson
Saturday Nights 450SX Main Event winner might have been the biggest surprise of the night. With the talent in that field, Anderson was not a sexy pick. Props to Jason on a big win and props to supercross on a great opening night.
