The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has named Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin and Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM’s Alexander Frye the 2016 AMA Supercross Rookies of the Year.
After off-season wrist surgery, Musquin got off to a slow start in his rookie 450 season before things turned around with his first career podium at Glendale. During a four-race stretch from Atlanta to Detroit, Musquin collected four more podiums. He would finish the season seventh in points, best among rookies.
The only other 450 rookie to finish top fifteen in points was GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle. The Oklahoma native finished eleventh overall with one top five performance.
After making his pro debut in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross last year, Frye began his Monster Energy Supercross career with a ninth place finish at the 250SX East Region opener in Atlanta. He went on to make eight of nine main events, with a season-high fourth coming in Toronto.
Frye edged out fellow rookies Benny Bloss (46 points in the East Region) and Hayden Mellross (45 points in the West Region).
Before the, “so and so should have won it” chants start, the AMA Rookie of the Year honors are awarded to the eligible rookie rider with the most points accumulated in each class.
"Marvin and Alexander made the most of their rookie seasons by displaying that they have the speed, agility and desire to rise to the top of the ranks amongst a tough field of competitors," said AMA Supercross Director Kevin Crowther. "We congratulate them for their exceptional performance in 2016. Their persistence and desire to work hard will certainly lead them to excel in AMA Supercross."