ANAHEIM, CA, JAN. 5 – Practice is well underway at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, for the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. After the long 2012-’13 break, riders were greeted by a tight and technical track that is producing lap times just under the one-minute mark. The track reveals no real surprises for the riders, who pretty much describe the track as being fairly tight and “marble,” but overall good.
After the first timed session, defending Supercross champ Ryan Villopoto fired the first shot with a single-lap best time of 55.980, followed by Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart with a 56.255 and, somewhat surprising, Davi Millsaps on the JGRMX Toyota/Yamaha with a 56.855. They are closely followed by Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey, Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard and GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham.
Chad Reed is seventh quickest and Justin Barcia is 11th.
Zach Osborne looks impressive on the GEICO Honda. Photography By: Kit Palmer
In the 250cc class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki is fielding a three-man team with 2012 outdoor National Champion Blake Baggett, Tyla Rattray and Martin Davalos, while rival team GEICO Honda is putting up defending West champ Eli Tomac and Zach Osborne, and all five riders are looking fast on the A1 track.
Justin Barcia isn’t quite up to speed just yet. Photography By: Kit Palmer
So far, it’s Tomac the quickest with a 57.360, followed by Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen with a 57.641. The next six riders are in the 58-second bracket: Davalos, Ryan Sipes, Baggett, Jason Anderson, Osborne, and Jake Canada. Malcolm Stewart is next with a 59.079, followed by Christian Craig with a 59.113.
Ryan Dungey’s KTM is sporting a very trick air shock. Photography By: Kit Palmer
Blake Baggett is fifth-fastest so far in the 250s. Photography By: Kit Palmer
James Stewart heads out to practice with his tuner Lee McCollum. Photography By: Kit Palmer
Riders were greeted with no surprises as far as track layout. Photography By: Kit Palmer
