Press Release | January 29, 2017
Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s McElrath Maintains Points Lead With Podium Finish
This is a press release from Troy Lee Designs…
Glendale, AZ (January 28, 2017) – Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Shane McElrath rode a smart and inspired race inside the University of Phoenix Stadium, narrowly missing the win and claiming the runner-up spot. He held on to the coveted red plate and left Arizona with a four-point lead after four rounds.
After settling for third last week, McElrath came into the round with more of a fire than last week. The tough track collected him during the heat race, forcing him to go to the LCQ, which he won. Thankfully the start in Glendale was long and gave McElrath the opportunity for a great start despite the tough gate pick.
Even with a less than desirable gate pick, McElrath used the power of his KTM 250SX-F to propel him to a third-place start. He quickly made his way to the front where he led 11 laps. With the long-term goal of a championship in his mind, he didn’t take any unnecessary risks after being passed and claimed second.
“We overcame a lot of adversity today,” said McElrath. “I had been riding a little cautious and wanted to have that fire again. That race should have been mine, but you do need to be careful when you come up on lappers and aren’t sure what they are going to do. I’m thankful we’re safe after going down in the heat race.”
The Arizona fans were treated to the rising stars of the KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge. Battling it out for three hard laps, Austin Camden and William Canaguier put on a show as they battled until the checkered flag with Camden taking the win. Evrett Clarke joined them on the podium where he finished third.
The Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM team makes one final trip to the Golden State as supercross takes over the O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California, on February 4th. The race will be following an early schedule with the night show starting at 3:30 p.m. PT.
McElrath ran the LE SE Corsa Orange and White Racewear during practice before switching to the GP Air 50/50 White and Blue Racewear for the night show. He was protected using the SE4 Factory White Helmet. See all of the 2017 gear sets and the 2017 Moto Helmets online and at your local TLD retailer.
250SX Class Main Event Results
- Justin Hill (Kawasaki)
- Shane McElrath (KTM)
- Austin Forkner (Kawasaki)
- Aaron Plessinger (Yamaha)
- Martin Davalos (Husqvarna)
- Dan Reardon (Yamaha)
- Joshua Hansen (Husqvarna)
- James Decotis (Honda)
- Phil Nicoletti (Suzuki)
- Cole Martinez (Yamaha)
KTM Junior Supercross Challenge Results
- Austin Camden
- William Canaguier
- Evrett Clarke
- Jack Comeaux
- Luke Brown
- Tristan Prueitt
- Lowe Lord
- Tyson Mcfeeters
- Keane Lehne
- Sawyer Schell