Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner claimed the first Eastern Regional 250SX Class victory, establishing his dominance in the class as well as claiming the points lead to the kick of the season in Detroit, Michigan. Teammates Cameron McAdoo and Seth Hammaker showcased their speed securing a heat race win and Top 5 heat race finish, respectively, before a first-turn crash took them out of the running for a podium position in the Main Event. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson battled through a tricky course, finishing third in his heat race and fifth in the 450SX Main Event.
Words & Images: Kawasaki Racing Press Release
The Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship has raced in Detroit since 1976, 29 years at the Pontiac Silverdome before moving to Ford Field in 2006. Known for its short lap times and unique dirt composition, Ford Field continues to provide a challenging and entertaining course for racers and enthusiasts alike.
Forkner kicked off the weekend claiming the third fastest qualifying position, while teammates Hammaker and McAdoo finished fifth and 12th, respectively. In Heat 1, Mcadoo and Hammaker shot out of the gate securing Top 5 positions heading into Lap 1. McAdoo fought hard and remained consistent overtaking the lead position where he would finish, claiming his first Heat Race win of the season. Hammaker battled for a podium position, finishing fourth in the heat. In Heat 2, Forkner shot out of the gate, secured the holeshot and never looked back claiming the first heat race win. In the 250SX East Main event, Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders had promising starts off the gate until a first turn pile up took down McAdoo and Hammaker, tangling their bikes together. Once back on their bikes, McAdoo was a lap down and Hammaker had significant bike damage, concluding his race. Forkner was second to the holeshot line, but quickly maneuvered his way into first place. Despite McAdoo having to compensate for his riding apparel damaged by the first turn crash, McAdoo worked hard to salvage as many championship points as possible, finishing 15th for the night. Forkner would continue to grow his lead, clinching his first win of the new season.
Anderson started off the weekend on his Monster Energy® Kawasaki KX™450SR claiming a seventh place qualifying position. In the heat race, Anderson battled up front, overtaking the lead multiple times. Anderson remained in second place until being passed in the last turn on the last lap, finishing third in his heat. In the 450SX Main Event, Anderson was fifth across the holeshot line and began battling through the pack. In effort to increase speed, the No. 21 maneuvered around the track, changing his technique to adapt to the constantly changing course. After gaining more comfort, Anderson charged hard for the remaining laps, finishing fifth in the main event.
Austin Forkner:
“All I can say is wow, what a great start to the season. A year ago we didn’t make it past the first turn, and now here we are, holeshot, heat race and main event winners. It’s been a long, hard road to get here, but it feels great to be back up on top. A lot of people have doubted me and my return, but I’m glad to be back to where I feel like I belong. We have done lots of training, and I felt great on my KX™250 all weekend. I can’t thank my Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team, trainers and family enough. This is a game changer for me and I’m ready to keep this red plate.”
Cameron McAdoo:
“What a rollercoaster of a day. After qualifying we made some changes that I was happy with, and we came home with a heat race win. It gave me a big confidence boost going into the main, and I was ready to get to the podium. I got caught up in the first turn crash, and during the crash it ripped my gear off. It took us a minute to untangle our bikes, and I knew I was a lap down but was determined to run the best I could. It wasn’t the opening weekend I was hoping for, but I know we have the speed to be up front and I’m going to capitalize on that and keep moving forward. We have a few weeks off then back to Texas, let’s get it!”
Seth Hammaker:
“I’m not super stoked on this weekend. I had a big crash in practice that was hard to recover from, and I didn’t feel very comfortable on this tacky track. We had a decent heat race running towards the front, and then in the main I went down and was stuck there with Cameron. Once I recovered, there was too much damage to my bike that it was unrideable. I really wish I could have kept going, but it’s a long season and I’m ready for redemption in a few weeks. We know what we need to work on and keep pushing and we will be good.”
Jason Anderson:
“Detroit was a little rough for me. I had a difficult time adjusting to the tackiness of the track, but I was happy with my ride in the heat race and last half of the main event. Once I adjusted my riding style to the track, I felt like I had the speed to win. We know we are fast, and can win, so I don’t want any less than that moving forward. Time to get to work this week and be ready for Glendale next weekend!”
