Kit Palmer | January 24, 2016
Cooper Webb extended his points lead to an even further comfortable margin after claiming his third straight win in the West 250SX division, his latest victory coming at the Anaheim 2 round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series in California, January 23.
Zach Osborne and Christian Craig filled the rest of the podium.
Webb’s win, though, did not come easily, at least not the first 10 laps. That’s because early leader, Craig, simply would not give up the point position. For many laps, Craig and Webb went at it back and forth. Every time Webb tried to get around him, Craig fought back, keeping the nearly 43,000 spectators on their feet for much of the race. It wasn’t until the 10th lap that Webb took over for good and quickly sprinted away from the GEICO Honda Team rider, Craig, who lost some concentration and energy right after the pass and eventually surrendered the second-place position to Osborne on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna.
For the third time in as many races, Webb put his Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha YZ250F on the top step of the podium and now enjoys an 18-point lead over Osborne, while Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Joes Savatgy currently holds third, four points behind Osborne. Savatgy was a podium contender early in the race before falling but still managed to get fourth.
GEICO Honda teammates James Decotis and Jordon Smith finished fifth and sixth, respectively, while Motorcycle Superstore.com/Suzuki’s Kyle Cunningham took seventh. Colt Nichols (Yamaha), Mitchell Oldenburg (KTM) and Kyle Peters (Honda) rounded out the top 10.
“It was an awesome race,” said Webb of his hard-fought win. “Once we [Webb and Craig] started battling, it was a fun race. It felt like we traded places like 10 times. I struggled all day and made some changes coming into tonight’s Main event, and it worked out.”
Angel Stadium of Anaheim
Anaheim, California
RESULTS: January 23, 2016
Western Regional 250SX
- Cooper Webb, Yamaha
- Zach Osborne, Husqvarna
- Christian Craig, Honda
- Joey Savatgy, Kawasaki
- Jimmy DeCotis, Honda
- Jordon Smith, Honda
- Kyle Cunningham, Suzuki
- Colt Nichols, Yamaha
- Mitchell Oldenburg, KTM
- Kyle Peters, Honda
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
- Cooper Webb, Yamaha – 75
- Zach Osborne, Husqvarna – 57
- Joey Savatgy, Kawasaki – 53
- Jordon Smith, Honda – 51
- Jimmy DeCotis, Honda – 47
- Colt Nichols, Yamaha – 43
- Christian Craig, Honda – 42
- Kyle Peters, Honda – 36
- Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, KTM – 30
- Kyle Cunningham, Willow Park, Texas, Suzuki – 28