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After winning three out of the last four races, Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac came into Round 8 of the Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship looking to continue his winning ways, while teammate Josh Grant was looking to climb back up in the series points.

Tomac and his KX™450F once again kicked off the event with an impressive pole position qualifying effort, then transferred to the Main Event with a second place in 450SX Class Semi Race. Teammate Josh Grant also began the night fast, transferring to the Main with a second place in Heat Race 2.

When the gate dropped on the 450SX Class Main Event, Tomac and Grant rounded Lap 1 in ninth and 11th respectively. Tomac made quick work of the competition and after seven minutes had placed himself inside the top-5. With five minutes remaining, he powered his way into second place and began chipping away at the eight-second gap to the leader. Tomac rode at a blistering pace and closed the gap to one second, finishing in second place. Grant rode consistently all night to finish ninth.

“Tonight ended well,” said Tomac. “Obviously, we wanted the win, but I know my speed was there as I made up 8+ seconds on the leader in the main, which gives me confidence. I just need to work on my starts to make these races easier on myself.”

“My day went well,” said Grant. “I started off great by qualifying straight out of the heat. My starts were on point, which helped my results all night. I think after having to take some time off due to my injury, I’ve bounced back well and am looking forward to next week.”

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki came into Round 2 of the East Region Championship with the series points leading red plate on the No. 17 KX™250F of Joey Savatgy and would honor that red plate by qualifying on pole.

Teammate Adam Cianciarulo kicked the night off with his first 250SX Class Heat Race win of the season, while Savatgy qualified second. In the 250SX Class Main Event, Cianciarulo rounded the first turn in fourth with Savatgy eighth. Unfortunately, on Lap 3 Cianciarulo made a mistake, went down and would remount his KX™250F in eighth behind teammate Savatgy. Savatgy began climbing through the competition and by the time the checkers flew, Savatgy finished fourth with Cianciarulo crossing the line in eighth.


“All in all, it was a good night,” said Savatgy. “The results weren’t there tonight, but to salvage championship points and to be leaving Atlanta only down by two is good. This is only Round 2 of 9, so we’ve got seven to go and I’m looking forward in rebounding next week in Canada.”

“The day started off great,” said Cianciarulo. “I had great starts all night and felt super confident on the motorcycle. Unfortunately I had a little tip over in the main, but managed to make the best of the situation and finished strong. Overall, I’m pumped on how I felt tonight and have the confidence I need moving forward.”

Kawasaki and FELD came together to make a wish come true for Nathan Brumbaugh last night. Nathan is an avid supercross fan who was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. Nathan was presented as an honorary Kawasaki Team Green member for the day and a personalized FOX Racing jersey by the renouned “King” of Supercross and Kawasaki Brand Ambassador, Jeremy McGrath.

Author

Dan Lamb is a 12+ year journalist and the owner of MotoXAddicts.