I sat as close to the track at Anaheim Stadium last Saturday night as I could, while still being able to see most of it. In the first 250 heat race, Travis Pastrana got a mediocre start and then proceeded to pick off several of the 250 class stars, including Yamaha’s David Vuillemin. Ezra Lusk had a sizeable lead by the time Pastrana got into second place (where he finished), but I wouldn’t be surprised if they were running similar lap times (particularly, during the middle of the race).

During the 250 main event, Pastrana rode steady, fast and smart. He didn’t have a crash all night, and he battled Mike LaRocco for fourth place late in the 250 main event as well as I have seen anyone battle LaRocco as he puts on his patented late-race charge.

For his first supercross race on a 250, Suzuki’s young star was more than impressive. In the heat race, he looked like a threat to win the main event. His fifth place finish in the main, given the level of competition this year, is amazing.

This kid doesn’t just belong in the 250 class, he belongs at the front. The next few rounds will certainly be interesting for Pastrana and his fans.

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