Hangtown is history. The Glen Helen Motocross is now on everyone’s mind as we prepare for this weekend’s second round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernardino, California. Today, most of the riders in the championship got the chance to spin a few laps on the hilly, fast and spectacular track, a track that features a massive, jaw-dropping step-up triple. A long, fast and smooth approach, however, makes this jump relatively safe; even the 250Fs had no problem clearing it, but it sure looks spectacular. One rider, a local pro, however, over-jumped it and his front wheel collapsed, sending him to the ground. It looks as though he’ll be okay. As the Glen Helen Motocross approaches, here’s the latest dirt.
Ken Roczen is hoping to get his second win in a row at a track where he has never won. Photography by Kit Palmer
The Yoshimura Suzuki Team did not attend today’s media day/practice for the Glen Helen Motocross. James Stewart is still recuperating from his dislocated shoulder. He hasn’t completely ruled out racing this weekend. He’ll make the go/no-go decision Saturday morning according to what he said yesterday.
Blake Baggett won’t be racing. He suffered a broken collarbone at Hangtown and had surgery on it earlier this week. He’s hoping to be racing again by round four at High Point.
One notable rider who did not participate in today’s practice was Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac. The team said he spent the day testing elsewhere and will be ready to defending his win here last year.
Glen Helen is home for Josh Grant who has won motos here but never the overall.Ryan Dungey really wants a win at Glen Helen to keep Roczen from building too much momentum. It’s still early in the season but he can’t let KR get a big head start.
Alex Martin has tons of confidence now after his strong ride at Hangtown. He was one of the fastest riders in the second moto and was challenging Joey Savatgy for the win.JGR Yamaha’s Weston Peick has been quiet as of late. He needs to make some noise at Glen Helen.Everyone is watching Joey Savatgy after his impressive 1-1 victory in the 250MX class last week. Can he do it again?What do you think of Ken Roczen’s new signature Fox Gear?He not really a dark horse, but Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s could pull off a win at Glen Helen. He looked fast today.Aaron Plessinger is one of the many fast Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha Team riders. He’s knocking on the door of his first win in the 250MX class.Adam Cianciarulo now has a full race under his belt after returning from injury. He’s fast at Glen Helen and wants to improve on his 13th-place finish from last week.Glen Helen is known for its massive jumps, like this big uphill triple. Marvin Musquin gets plenty of airtime for a big Heal Clicker.Justin Barcia Justin Barcia is overdue for a top finish. He needs one to get his confidence back.
Justin Bogle is hoping to shake things up a bit in the 450 class and he’s very capable of doing it. A good start will certainly help him.
