Five Things I Learned at the Los Angeles Supercross

Supercross season is now in full swing. As we look back at the last Saturday's inaugural supercross event at Dodger Stadium, we have learned a lot of things about those running out front, and those who are the also-rans. Both classes have provided tons of excitement and more than a little drama. Here is a look back at Saturday's Supercross and five things I learned:

1. For average fans, and even some knowledgeable fans, and exponential growth, I'd like to see ESPN's involvement in the sport again.

Nothing against all the TV coverage and production companies and networks involved since ESPN was last involved back in the early 2000's, but ESPN has become the 'de facto' sports network in the USA. Even after all these years, fans still ask "What time will the race be on ESPN?" And what's the even bigger benefit for all involved? SportsCenter. If Supercross could have highlights on ESPN's SportsCenter ? it will make a big difference in how the sport is perceived and bring it to sports fans that have never heard of supercross.

Source: http://www.supercross.com/features/five-things-i-learned-at-the-los-angeles-supercross

Stephane Roncada Gerard Rond Jean Sebastien Roy

Inaugural Monster Energy Supercross race at Dodger Stadium Saturday

The inaugural Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, at Dodger Stadium kicks off this Saturday night as Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Josh Hansen lead the Supercross and Supercross Lites classes respectively. The process of converting the legendary baseball stadium into a Monster Energy Supercross track is now underway for the third stop of the 2011 schedule.

Courtesy Feld Motor Sports

"This marks a historic time not only for Monster Energy Supercross, but Dodger Stadium as well," said Todd Jendro, Senior Director of two-wheel operations, Feld Motor Sports. "This venue has a historic past and will now welcome 150 of the best riders on the planet. We feel that given the iconic image of Dodger Baseball and Dodger Stadium that it is the perfect fit to host an event of this caliber."

Source: http://www.supercross.com/news/inaugural-monster-energy-supercross-race-at-dodger-stadium-saturday

David Strijbos Kevin Strijbos Bengt Ã…berg

RJ Says: Defending a Supercross Championship and season review

After watching the first three supercross races of the 2011 season, I'll share with you what I see at this point.

Two riders that have really impressed me so far are Ryan Villopoto and Trey Canard. Looking at their fitness, their riding technique, their ability to get thru traffic on the race track, both are far beyond what I thought they would be.

I knew Ryan would be fast. But when a rider has been away from racing for a while, as he has, sometimes it takes a while to knock off the rust. Ryan has looked great after his heat races - obviously the training with Aldon Baker has helped him a lot. I can see his fitness, how much he is sweating, and his ability to retain his breath and breathing after both his heats and main events. It's visible that Ryan has leaned down together with Aldon, and he's in awesome condition.

I thought it would take Trey Canard at least half a season in the premiere Supercross class to where he was really comfortable. As I watch Trey in these first three races, there are certain section of the different tracks where he is faster than either Villopoto or James Stewart. Once Trey puts together the whole track, and an entire 20 laps like that - look for him to win some races this year.

Source: http://www.supercross.com/rj-says/rj-says-defending-a-supercross-championship-and-season-review

Bobby Moore Blair Morgan Gaylon Mosier

RJ Says: Bercy Supercross

I have raced at the Bercy Supercross. In 1984, we actually raced it twice. The first race was right after the Daytona Supercross in March, and then we raced again at Bercy in December.

The very first year was cool. But the track was an unknown. When we (the top American Supercross racers) got there, we realized they (the organizers) didn't know fully how to put on a supercross. The track was so narrow, it was hard to pass, it was a 'European' supercross.

But also that first year, I realized how awesome a 'show' can be. Their show was awesome in Bercy! All of us were surprised at how great it was!

My very first thought though, the first time I got to Bercy: "Wow, this is a small track!" But I raced there again in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, and 1989. I've also gone another time after I retired from professional supercross and motocross racing.


Bercy 2009

Source: http://www.supercross.com/rj-says/rj-says-bercy-supercross

Steve Stackable Jeff Stanton Rex Staten