The Monster Energy Supercross season kicks off Saturday (January 5th) in Anaheim. The number of storylines going into next Saturday's race in Anaheim is putting the anticipation at an all-time high. Jason Anderson earned his first Monster Energy Supercross Championship defeating the likes of Marvin Musquin, Eli Tomac, and others. Anderson took the points lead during round two in Houston and none of the other riders were able to mount any charge against Anderson.
During the 2018 season, four different riders stood on top of the podium in 17 different events. Marvin Musquin kicked off his season with a victory at Anaheim 1 but it was the second place rider who would kick off his run for the championship, that being "El Hombre". Justin Brayton through his name in the hat by winning the DaytonaSX event, his first career victory in the 450SX.
Anderson will return to Rockstar Energy Husqvarna where he will look to capture his second straight championship. The Rio Rancho, New Mexico native will look to become the third driver since 2011 to earn back-to-back championships. Ryan Villopoto (2011-2014) and Ryan Dungey (2015-2017) were the previous two riders to go back-to-back. The reigning 450SX champion will be joined by a fellow champion in the form of 2018 250SX East Champion Zach Osborne. Osborne is one of the four rookies who will look to make a splash in the water in 2019 and with the guidance and help from teammate Anderson, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna could have two championship contenders this year.
Much like Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, a veteran will be teamed with a rookie from the 250SX division at Monster Energy Kawasaki. Eli Tomac will look to seal the deal in 2019 after coming close in 2018. He earned eight victories during the season and then won the Monster Energy Cup in Vegas. Joining Tomac will be 250SX star Joey Savatgy who will pilot the No. 17 entry for the organization. In his debut in 450SX during the Monster Energy Cup, Savatgy finished third overall and second to teammate Tomac in the third main event. With a combination like that, Anderson and his new teammate Osborne will need to keep their eyes open.
After winning three straight championships with Ryan Dungey, KTM failed to tally a championship in 2018. Red Bull KTM driver Marvin Musquin gave it his all but still came up one position and just nine points short of making it four straight for KTM. He will look to earn his first championship and KTM's fourth championship in 2019. Musquin could kick off the season with a victory at Anaheim as he enters as the defending winner of the event. Musquin will have a new teammate in the form of Cooper Webb. Webb is making the move from Monster Energy Factory Yamaha. During 2018, Webb only picked up one podium and will look to improve on that during the season. Webb replaces Broc Tickle who was suspended after failing a drug test during the San Diego weekend. There have been no updates concerning the suspension but it was noted by Transworld Motorcross that his contract with Red Bull KTM was terminated.
Both Honda HRC and Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/Motoconcepts Honda keep their lineups the same from 2018 including Daytona winner Justin Brayton remaining with SBSMH. Vince Friese will return as his teammate. Ken Roczen enters the final year of his current contract with Honda HRC. Following an accident during the Anaheim 2 event, Roczen is coming back after being rebuilt again. Much like Rockzen, Cole Seely will return to Honda HRC again after spending most of 2018 on the sidelines after he sustained a broken pelvis and sacrum during the Tampa Supercross.
Blake Baggett, who earned five third-place finishes last year, will return to Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-WPS-KTM. Baggett had three straight (Oakland, San Diego, and Arlington) during the season and ended the year with two straight third-place finishes in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Benny Bloss will return as his teammate.
Much like Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, a veteran will be teamed with a rookie from the 250SX division at Monster Energy Kawasaki. Eli Tomac will look to seal the deal in 2019 after coming close in 2018. He earned eight victories during the season and then won the Monster Energy Cup in Vegas. Joining Tomac will be 250SX star Joey Savatgy who will pilot the No. 17 entry for the organization. In his debut in 450SX during the Monster Energy Cup, Savatgy finished third overall and second to teammate Tomac in the third main event. With a combination like that, Anderson and his new teammate Osborne will need to keep their eyes open.
After winning three straight championships with Ryan Dungey, KTM failed to tally a championship in 2018. Red Bull KTM driver Marvin Musquin gave it his all but still came up one position and just nine points short of making it four straight for KTM. He will look to earn his first championship and KTM's fourth championship in 2019. Musquin could kick off the season with a victory at Anaheim as he enters as the defending winner of the event. Musquin will have a new teammate in the form of Cooper Webb. Webb is making the move from Monster Energy Factory Yamaha. During 2018, Webb only picked up one podium and will look to improve on that during the season. Webb replaces Broc Tickle who was suspended after failing a drug test during the San Diego weekend. There have been no updates concerning the suspension but it was noted by Transworld Motorcross that his contract with Red Bull KTM was terminated.
Both Honda HRC and Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/Motoconcepts Honda keep their lineups the same from 2018 including Daytona winner Justin Brayton remaining with SBSMH. Vince Friese will return as his teammate. Ken Roczen enters the final year of his current contract with Honda HRC. Following an accident during the Anaheim 2 event, Roczen is coming back after being rebuilt again. Much like Rockzen, Cole Seely will return to Honda HRC again after spending most of 2018 on the sidelines after he sustained a broken pelvis and sacrum during the Tampa Supercross.
Blake Baggett, who earned five third-place finishes last year, will return to Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-WPS-KTM. Baggett had three straight (Oakland, San Diego, and Arlington) during the season and ended the year with two straight third-place finishes in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Benny Bloss will return as his teammate.
Other Key Moves for the 2019 Supercross Lineups
- Chad Reed will pilot the No. 22 entry for JGRMX/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing alongside 2017 250SX West Champion Justin Hill. Weston Peick will also return to the team in 2019 but his return will be delayed after sustaining a serious injury at the Paris Supercross in November.
- Justin Barcia will run for Monster Energy Factory Yamaha alongside 2018 250SX West Champion Aaron Plessinger.
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