ANAHEIM, Calif. – JDR/J-Star/KTM Team rider Matt Moss finished 11th overall at the opening round of the AMA West Supercross Lites Series in his debut ride in the U.S. Supercross circuit.
Moss, the reigning 2011 Australian Motocross and SuperX Champion, signed with the JDR/J-Star/KTM Team to race U.S. Supercross to complete a dream he has had since a small child. “I am very excited to come to the U.S. and race and I am thankful my team has given me this opportunity,” remarked Moss. “I have tried several times to come over here and race but I have always ended up hurt before the season started so I am grateful I am already off to a much better start this season.”
Moss and his teammate, Ryan Marmont, were both slotted in Lites heat number two. It was Marmont who nailed the holeshot and pulled out front early. Marmont arrived to the U.S. only six days ago after receiving a phone call to ask if he wanted to fill-in for his teammate PJ Larsen. Marmont agreed to help support the team to put another KTM on the track but was uncertain of his conditioning as he had just had screws taken from his ankle a few weeks back. Although Marmont faded in his heat race, he rode as aggressively as he could to salvage each position. He eventually finished 9th overall in the heat to take the final transfer spot to the main while Moss qualified 5th.
Both riders reported an issue with the 30-second board in the main event which badly affected their start. Both riders sat in near last position as they rounded the first corner. Marmont battled around 17th place for the majority of the race before eventually settling into the position through the finish. His teammate, Moss put on a more impressive charge through the pack to climb up to 11th overall by the end of the race just missing the top ten by one position.
“We are very happy for both our riders tonight,” remarked Ramsey. “Although Marmont struggled in the main event, we were very excited he qualified and represented our team. He has only been able to ride the bike twice and we are happy with his progress. He will continue to improve each race as he gets more time on the bike,” remarked JDR/J-Star/KTM Team Manager Nate Ramsey. He continued, “Matt had an excellent debut tonight almost breaking into the top ten. For his first Supercross race we are satisfied with this result and know areas we can work with him to improve for the future.”
Next Event: Phoenix, AZ – January 14, 2012
Overall Results –
- Cole Seely
- Tyla Rattray
- Eli Tomac
- Marvin Musquin – KTM
- Ryan Sipes
- Dean Wilson
- Jason Anderson
- Wil Hahn
- Zach Osborne
- Travis Baker
- Matt Moss – KTM
- Nico Izzi
- Teddy Maier
- Billy Laninovich
- Vince Friese
- Max Anstie
- Ryan Marmont – KTM
- Jackson Richardson
- Martin Davalos
- Christian Craig
