Back to West coast action for the 6th race of the season at the Oaklands RingCentral Coliseum, a badass track, in a badass neighborhood, with some badass riders taking the trophies. A long whoops – dragons back – whoops section was the feature of the track.
Qualifying – No surprises here with Jett Lawrence setting the pace in the 250 class and Chase Sexton fastest in the 450 class.
Great to see Australian Legend Matt Moss being the 6th fastest 250 rider in his first outing with the BarX Suzuki team. Not so great to see a couple of 250 riders end their night early with Phil Nicoletti and Stilez Robertson both crashing in the whoops. Early reports are that Phil has dislocated his wrist, no word on Stilez but he was able to remount and ride off the track.
250 heat 1 – Maximus Vohland with the holeshot, RJ Hampshire on his tail, the two had a short battle with RJ getting by and taking the win, from Maximus and a fast and comfortable looking Mossy in 3rd. Solid stuff from RJ who is still recovering from internal bleeding and a separated shoulder after his Anaheim 2 crash, tough as a $2 steak.
250 heat 2 – A surprise with BarX Suzuki’s Robbie Wageman getting the start, Cameron McAdoo passed for the lead with Jett, Pierce Brown, and Enzo Lopes in tow. Jett eventually got by Cameron for the win, Brown in 3rd.
450 heat 1 – Ken Roczen with the start and the win, a surprise after only qualifying 12 the, Jason Anderson getting very close late in the race, backing out of an opportunity to make a block pass. Jason’s probation likely saved Ken from tasting dirt. Justin Barcia 3rd.
450 heat 2 – A 1-2 start for Red Bull KTM’s Cooper Webb and Aaron Plessinger. Sexton and Eli Tomac got past Plessinger to set up a 3-way battle of the Championship leaders. Eli with an absolute boss move passing both the 2 and 23 through the whoops – dragons back – whoops section. Eli won from Chase and Cooper.
250 LCQ – Canadian Julien Benek with the holeshot and an eventual 2nd place behind Kiwi Dylan Walsh. Last lap action between Hunter Schlosser and Devin Harriman, Schlosser going down but passing back into a transfer spot in the last rhythm lane.
450 LCQ – Kevin Moranz was out front early with eventual winner PRMX’s Cade Clason and Twisted Tea Suzuki’s Kyle Chisolm close behind, these 3 would stay out of trouble and qualify for the main. Freddy Noren grabbed the final spot in a pretty quiet LCQ.
250 Main Event – The top 3 riders were straight to the front, RJ with the holeshot from McAdoo and Jett. Mossy sitting in 4th early but retiring from the race early with a thumb injury. The world's fastest donut salesman would make his way to the front, aided by a customary front-end tuck from RJ. Not the most exciting race but a bit of action with Brown battling McAdoo for 3rd, and Brown ending up on the ground.
Jett winning from a distant RJ, McAdoo rounded out the podium. Jett is now 20 points clear in the Championship from RJ, with McAdoo 1 point further back.
450 Main Event – A dream start for the fans with Sexton, Webb, and Tomac up front. Eli passed Cooper in the whoops early then settled into 2nd. Chase out front with a manageable gap, the only mid-race action being a spicy-looking Justin Barcia moving through the field after starting outside the top ten.
Then it happened. Undoubtedly the story of the 450 main is Chase throwing away another lead, crashing at the end of the finish line rhythm section. I like many, was just left wondering. It seems as though no one is wondering more than the man himself. The way Chase holds himself when he must be feeling gutted is impressive and much respect for him for that.
Eli went on to his 4th win of the season, albeit with a last-lap mistake giving Cooper a chance. Already smelling blood, Coop had passed Sexton and was charging hard but just missed out. An uncomfortable-looking Sexton came home in 3 rd.
With that Eli ties RC’s record of 48 wins and is equal 3rd all-time, a nice touch with Ricky doing the podium interview. Eli is now 7 Championship points clear of Cooper and Chase who are tied for 2nd. Let’s go to Texas.
Go Riding
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