Photo by: Simon Cudby
Round five of the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship series, went to Northern California for the 2018 Oakland SX. In a year that has treated Supercross fans to non-stop action, the Oakland SX stood atop the list as the most insane racing of 2018.
In the 450SX class, Team HRC / Honda’s Ken Roczen inherited the lead early on after his teammate Cole Seely went down, and the #94 looked well on his way to his first win of the year. But, after a four-lap back and forth battle on the rutted out and extremely gnarly Oakland soil, Rockstar Energy / Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson capped off an incredible come from behind ride by wrestling the win away from the German. Kenny is showing a win is coming soon, but Jason’s ride was one that Championships are built on.
In the 250SX class, Monster Energy / Star Racing / Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger came into the day sick as a dog, but he suffered through the main event to claim his third win of 2018 and stretch his lead in the 250 West. Joining Aaron on the podium in Oakland was Monster Energy / Pro Circuit / Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy and Autotrader / JGR / Suzuki’s Justin Hill–who finally broke out of his slump and recorded a podium with the #1 plate on his bike. While Roczen and Anderson’s battle stole the show, Plessinger, Savatgy and Hill put on an incredible show as well.
After the races were over and the points were tallied, we gathered some quotes from riders to get their thoughts on the chaotic 2018 Oakland SX.
Jason Anderson: (1st in 450) “It was unreal. It was one of the best races of my life. (laughs) Those ones are sweeter than the ones where you get out in the lead and just cruise. It’s the ones that you have to fight for that mean a lot more. It’s cool. I want to soak up every minute of it, but still keep a level head. I’m thankful that I get the opportunities to be in these situations and do things like this that are probably the coolest high you can get, you know. (laughs) Today was a roller coaster day. I went over the bars in the first practice, then was able to regroup and come out third in qualifying. I didn’t have the best heat race, but then came back in the main and had the battle of my life. It was great. The track was insane, but I’m happy to come out of it with a win.”
Aaron Plessinger: (1st in 250SX) “I got off to a great start. I’ve been sick since Thursday; I thought I had the flu. I had to work through it; it was probably the hardest race I’ve ever done in my life, but the guys told me never quit.”
Ken Roczen: (2nd in 450) “It was a great race tonight. I was really bummed because we worked so hard just to pretty much give away the win on the last half of a lap. All in all though, we’re healthy and in the championship hunt so it was a good night. We’re moving forward and getting that much closer. I got a good start and tucked right in there behind Cole. He was going really good but made a mistake in front of me and I took over the lead. I was trying not to get too amped up and push even more because I knew the track was going to get worse and worse. It’s easy, especially in those tight rhythm sections, to rush and possibly make a mistake, so I just tried to be patient. There were definitely a few close calls out there with lappers and the track, but I feel like I rode pretty clean for most of the race. The last couple laps were something else though. Jason [Anderson] got by me somehow–can’t even remember to be honest because it was like tunnel vision–but we had a good battle to the very end. I really wanted that win but it was good to lead laps. We’ve got a lot more races to go so we’ll keep chipping away at it.”
Joey Savatgy: (2nd in 250) “Overall, it was a good weekend. I felt we improved throughout the day and put it all together when it counted. I’m pumped on the finish and moving up to second in the points.”
Blake Baggett: (3rd in 450) It was good. A start in the right direction and I was steady. It’s all about everything being equal and so close that it’s all about starting position. You gotta be one through five coming out of the first turn otherwise you’re not going anywhere in the main event. It’s too tough to pass.
The track was completely different. It was sketchy and about measuring the risk versus reward on if you’re going to pull the trigger or not. You would stick to your one line and when it came down to it , it was just sketchy. I’m glad to get up there, but at the same time, it’s been Coming. If you’re not there off the start in the main event, everything is just so equal and you can’t get there.
Justin Hill: (3rd in 250) “I’ve been saying the whole time that I want to battle with some guys and cause a ruckus. It was clean racing with Joey [Savatgy], and it put me back into a good mindset. I remember how it feels again. That’s the silver lining. It was a third, but a third that could have been a first. I’m learning more and more about myself, and also the RM-Z250. It feels good to be a guy on the box again.”
Marvin Musquin: (4th in 450) “I’m bummed because I was in a good position and [Jason] Anderson came in hot and didn’t really turn. I was all the way up in the berm and nowhere to go. I lost my balance and I crashed. He was really aggressive and I went down and lost a couple of positions to [Blake] Baggett or something. Every single weekend is going to be different. This weekend was really soft. Rhythm sections were pretty nice. It made it really tough because of the ruts and the soft ground, but that’s what makes it tough, technical and what makes it fun to watch for the fans, obviously. (laughs) Like I said, overall physically it was tough, mentally too. I wanted to be really consistent. Besides that crash with Anderson, it was different.”
Christian Craig: (4th in 250) “I honestly had a good day in Oakland. I finally have myself in a good spot mentally which is I think is a constant battle in this sport. I was super happy with my riding all day. I qualified third. Had a terrible start in my heat but was able to work my way up to third. For the main, I went in the completely inside gate and was just hoping for the best. I ended up with an awesome jump and was second out of the first turn. I was able to pass Alex Martin pretty fast and got into the lead. I led a good portion of the race before cross rutting and going off the track. Luckily I was able to get up into fourth but pretty far back from the top three. It’s a huge bummer because my first win of the year was so close. But things happen and I’m lucky to be safe and moving on to San Diego where hopefully I can get a win in my home town.”
Cole Seely: (6th in 450) “The track really forced a lot of mistakes tonight like I haven’t seen in a long time. Even the smallest mistake turned into something much bigger and costly. I felt so good so it’s such a bummer to see that win slip through my hands, but after losing the lead I did my best to stay consistent and strong. Even with the mistake, this ride gives me a ton of momentum going into the next race. I always have liked racing in San Diego and with this solid race under my belt, it should be a good night.”
Alex Martin: (5th in 250) “I didn’t really know what to expect coming back. The top guys were all going really good so to get fifth feels pretty awesome. It’s definitely something to build off of and we can only hope to improve as we head to San Diego.”
Cooper Webb: (7th in 450) “It was a great night. The whole day went a lot better. I was fifth in qualifying which was a great step–I wanted to be top five and that’s what I was. In the heat race, I got the holeshot, ended up making a little mistake and Justin [Barcia] got me in the first turn. I got to ride behind him and learn some stuff. The main event, was just a terrible start, but I rode great. I made a lot of good passes. I was happy with how I rode. I was 7th, but with a start I think I could of been top five. I feel like I made a lot of steps and I’m right there with that little group in front of me. There’s a lot of positives to take from it. In the heat race I really didn’t ride as well as I should of, but it was good to get a start. I haven’t gotten a holeshot. I haven’t been up there, so it’s all good. I think this week was a great week. All in all, any bit of confidence or experience up front I can get like that, is always nice.”
Malcolm Stewart: (DNF in 450) “Oakland didn’t go as planned. I had a get-off in the heat. Then I got going, but made another mistake a few laps later. I was riding in so much pain during the main event that I couldn’t hold on anymore and had to call it quits. Nights like that will bring the best out of you, that’s for sure. We’ll keep moving forward. There’s still lots of racing left. Thanks to everyone for sticking behind me.”
Chase Sexton: (6th in 250) “Oakland track was a tough one! Felt really good on the bike all day and qualified fourth out of practice. Heat race got an okay start and got into third and stayed there. Felt like it was my night to get a good result! Got a really good start in the main but ended up sliding out in the first corner and had to come from pretty much last to sixth. Not what I wanted but I’m going back to work for San Diego!”
Broc Tickle: (8th in 450) “We’re continuing to build each and every week. I feel like I’ve had the best week that I’ve had in a while, so I’m going to continue to work on improving for next round. I feel like I’m in a good spot to keep going but I’m not showing myself 100 percent – I feel like I’m showing 85-90 percent compared to what I’m capable of – so I know I need to keep working. It’s Round 6 next week, we’re getting close to the midpoint of the season and that seems to be when I turn it around so I’m looking forward to going back east and heading back to Florida in a couple weeks.”
Adam Cianciarulo: (7th in 250) “I felt really good today. I qualified on pole again and finished second in my heat. Unfortunately, the opening lap in the main event didn’t go my way and I ended up having to fight my way through the 19-lap main. I’m glad to be leaving here healthy and I’m looking forward to racing San Diego next weekend.”
Josh Grant: (10th in 450) “Today went well. I think we made a lot of progress during the week and I felt comfortable on the bike all day today. I just need to eliminate some of the mistakes and I’ll be where I want to be.”
Dean Wilson: (11th in 450) “I definitely had a better weekend. My shoulder is still recovering, and it’s so tough to try and recover but still race. It’s still a little weak. Overall, though, my day was better. I’m just going to try and keep improving. I was in a top-10 position but then was waived the blue flag and wanted to get out of the way of the leaders, which lost me my top-10 spot. I was just trying to be a good guy and get out of the way for the guys up front. I want to steadily improve every time I’m out there.”
Mitchell Harrison: (9th in 250) “I had my work cut out for me today. I didn’t have the best qualifying time, then went down in the first corner in the heat race. I ended up having a strong ride in the heat race and came back to an 11th, then took the win in the LCQ. I got a great start from the outside in the Main. I rode strong and came away with a ninth. It was great progress for me, and I’m excited to come back next weekend for San Diego.”
Weston Peick: (12th in 450) “This weekend I wasn’t getting the best launches off the pad, but I still made it work. In the main I was right behind the leaders going into the first turn, and I figured they would push wide. I stuck to the inside and made it work. For a while I was in good position, but then I began making mistakes. Then, with about four laps to go, I cross-rutted on a jump and did an endo off the track. My RM-Z450 had gotten stuck on a hay bale, so it took about 20 seconds to get back going. That dropped me about four positions.”
Eli Tomac: (13th in 450) “Today was a rollercoaster. I struggled all morning with the track conditions and I couldn’t put in one clean lap in timed qualifying. I felt better in the heat race and heading into the main event we made a small change which would have helped if I hadn’t got tangled up with a few riders and gone down. There’s nothing we can do, that’s racing and we’ll rebound next week.”
Shane McElrath: (15th in 250) “Tonight was tough for me because we had the speed all day and I got impatient after being pinched off and held up at the start. After losing so much time for coming into the pits it was about getting as many points as we possibly could. There is still a lot racing left with this only being the halfway point so I’m looking forward to redeeming myself next weekend.”
Phil Nicoletti: (DNF in 250) “I don’t even know where to begin. I’m banged up from the main event crash. I re-injured some old injuries that I suffered at the beginning of the season. The crash was a racing deal. I’m super gutted, and at a loss for words. I don’t even understand it. It’s difficult to put your time in during the week and feel good, only for things to crumble on Saturday. The good thing about racing is that there’s always next weekend, but at this moment I need a break. I’m excited to get back to North Carolina after the San Diego Supercross and work toward getting the results.”
Justin Bogle: (17th in 450) “After spending the week testing in North Carolina and having a race under my belt, I was much more comfortable this weekend, even though the results don’t show it. Bad starts really put a damper on my night. Then, in the main, I crashed and was stuck between lanes of the track for a while. I struggled through another rough night, but we made progress with the bike and myself. We’ll continue to get better as we go.”
