Cycle News Staff | February 20, 2016
After two extremely frustrating outings, Cooper Webb finally had things go his way after taking a big win in the 250SX West final in round seven of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series in Arlington, Texas, February 20.
It was especially big when you consider that the new sole points leader going into the race, Joey Savatgy, was on such a roll. He won last week in San Diego, he was the quickest qualifier earlier in the day and had won his heat race. But suddenly thing turned sour for Savatgy who went down in a whoop section while challenging Christian Craig for the lead on the second lap.
The two got together when Craig, on the GEICO Honda, appeared to move over on the Kawasaki rider, Savatgy, and they made contact, with Savatgy crashing heavily. Savatgy, who was lucky not to have gotten injured, got back up and on his bike but not before the entire 22-rider field had ridden past him. Savatgy put in a valiant effort to catch up and crossed the finish line in 10th place.
There was still plenty of good racing up front. Once again, Craig and Webb were leading the way, and, once again, Webb was putting the pressure on Craig, who wanted nothing more to chalk up another win after getting his first career victory a couple of weeks ago at Anaheim 2. He held the lead for 11 laps before making a couple of mistakes, and that’s when Webb caught him and eventually forced his way around him.
Webb, on the Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha, held on to take the win, two seconds ahead of Craig, and grab big points on Savatgy. Webb has taken control of the class for a second time this season and now enjoys an 11-point lead over Savatgy as the series takes a long break. The 250SX East Championship gets underway next week in Atlanta.
“I came out of the gate strong and tucked to the inside through the first turn,” said Webb. “Throughout the race I was slowly able to gain time on Christian [Craig], eventually making a pass stick to claim the win.”
Third on the night went to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne who started the race in fourth, moving up a spot when Savatgy went down. Osborne finished five seconds behind Craig.
Once again, CycleTrader.com/Rock River Yamaha’s Colt Nichols put in a strong performance with a fourth. It was his fifth top-five ride of the year.
Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Red Bull KTM’s Mitch Oldenburg rounded out the top five. It was his third top-five finish in the last four races.
Alex Martin, Jimmy Decotis, Chris Alldredge, Kyle Peters and Savatgy completed the top 10.
Western Regional 250SX Class Results
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha
- Christian Craig, Corona, Calif., Honda
- Zach Osborne, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Husqvarna
- Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha
- Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, KTM
- Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha
- Jimmy DeCotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda
- Chris Alldredge, Powell Butte, Ore., Kawasaki
- Kyle Peters, Greensboro, N.C., Honda
- Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki
Western Regional 250SX Class Championship Standings
- Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha – 145
- Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., Kawasaki – 134
- Christian Craig, Corona, Calif., Honda – 129
- Colt Nichols, Muskogee, Okla., Yamaha – 117
- Zach Osborne, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Husqvarna – 110
- Jimmy DeCotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda – 99
- Mitchell Oldenburg, Alvord, Texas, KTM – 97
- Kyle Peters, Greensboro, N.C., Honda – 87
- Kyle Cunningham, Willow Park, Texas, Suzuki – 69
- Jordon Smith, Belmont, N.C., Honda – 63