Another Saturday in January means another round of Monster Energy Supercross, and today it’s round three in Anaheim, California. There’s lots happening here at Angel Stadium. It’s the sport’s official fortieth anniversary celebration, and lots of teams are getting into the spirit of it with retro graphics. JGR Toyota Yamaha even took it to the next level by issuing cool retro yellow jerseys. Another component of the celebration is that all twenty-two premier class chamions are here today and will take part in a special presentation during opening ceremonies, followed by a hot lap from Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael. All this on top of the action to come later tonight at round three, a round that often sets the tone for the rest of the season.
The first whoop section exits into a 90-dgree turn.
Hansel photo
The track tonight is a modern replica of A1 in 2001 and has a ton of 90-degree corners, two whoop sections and no sand section. There’s also a big double immediately following a slight turn exiting a rhythm section. There’s very little run, but don’t expect it to be any trouble for the guys. The first whoop section contains eleven whoops and begins with two small whoops that are spaced further than the others. The second section is short, just eight whoops, but they are huge. Tonight’s starting gate is located roughly in the middle of the field, which has made for a shorter start stretch than normal.
The whoops are very big in the second section.
Hansel photo
In rider news, Josh Grant is here and plans on riding tonight. It was such a last minute decision that the team flew Phil Nicoletti out as a precaution. Gary Bailey, who works closely with Cooper Webb, says he’s pleased with Webb’s first two rides of the year, and says the mistakes he’s making are simple rookie mistakes. Webb started well in Phoenix, and spent this week working on starts to help ensure that it happens again. Bailey also said the team made some suspension adjustments to the bike as well aimed at helping Webb get off the line better. "He [Webb] did his homework all week, now it's time to see how he does on the test tonight," said Bailey in true professor fashion.
For updates on tonight’s action, be sure to check Racer X Online frequently and stay tuned to our twitter (@racerxonline) feed.
Barcia's retro Honda.
Hansel photo
The JGR guys got into the retro spirit too.
Hansel photo
