January 27, 2018 | University of Phoenix Stadium | Glendale, Ariz.
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (January 28, 2018) – Coming off of a winning weekend in Anaheim, Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac placed his KX™ atop the podium once again with a dominant performance in the 450SX Main Event at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
After claiming the track to be one of the most technical this season, Tomac earned a transfer in 450SX Heat 1 with a solid third place finish. As soon as the gate dropped in the 450SX Main Event, Tomac made it clear that he intended to get out front and stay there by taking the holeshot and quickly setting the fastest lap time of the event. The Kawasaki rider continued to lead the field for all 23 laps until the checkered flag waved signifying a second win in as many weeks. The victory brings 26 additional points for Tomac and the team, advancing to tenth in the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross Rider Point Standings.
“Starts were a big push for us this week and I was happy to get out front,” said Tomac. “I was hitting every line today and the guys were still right on me, so I knew it was going to be a long race. I am really happy that we were able to run a clean race with as few mistakes as possible and take home the win. We have worked really hard to get as healthy as possible and I’m feeling really good about where we’re at.”
Fellow Kawasaki rider Josh Grant raced out of the gate in ninth before quickly passing three of his contenders. The No. 33 Kawasaki fought hard to hold off the pack, but just as he started to make his move into fifth, Grant had a slip-up in a corner allowing others to pass and would cross the finish line in 10th place. Grant has been consistently finishing inside of the top-10 at each of the first four rounds and is currently ranked seventh in the standings.
“I was able to ride well all day,” said Grant. “I made a few little mistakes in the main that caused me to give up my position, but we came out with another top-10 finish and will apply what we learn from this week at Oakland.”
Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Joey Savatgy and Adam Cianciarulo looked to carry momentum from strong performances at the first three rounds into Glendale. After taking a tough fall in the whoops during 250SX Heat 2 and forced to qualify through the LCQ, Savatgy and his KX™250F showed strength by pulling the holeshot in the 250SX Main Event. Savatgy fell back to third while teammate Cianciarulo persistently battled up from his sixth position start. The two Kawasaki riders pushed for a spot on the podium until Savatgy made a critical mistake, allowing Cianciarulo to steal his podium position in third. Savatgy and Cianciarulo will head to Oakland, California next Saturday ranked in third and fourth in the 250SX Western Regional Rider Point Standings.
“I feel really good this season. Honestly, better than I ever have,” said Cianciarulo. “I just need to focus on my starts to put me in a better position, but I’m really happy to be on the podium this week. The team is good, the bike is good and I am looking forward to continuing the progress.”
“I’m grateful to finish the night healthy and with additional points,” said Savatgy. “I had a rough night and it wasn’t how we wanted it to go, but mistakes happen. I have a great team behind me and we will work on the errors and come back strong next week in Oakland.”
