Foothill Ranch, Calif. (April 28, 2018) – Monster Energy® Kawasaki and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki excelled in the Utah altitude this weekend at Round 16 of the Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Eli Tomac raced his way to an impressive second place finish, while teammate Tyler Bowers captured his third top-10 finish of the season. Adam Cianciarulo and Joey Savatgy battled hard to land their KX™250F on the podium, finishing second and third.
Tomac set the tone early after qualifying on pole for the eighth time this season with a lap time nearly one-second faster than anyone else in the field. He carried that speed and intensity into 450SX Heat Race 2 and finished in second place, with Bowers in fifth. As the sun began to set behind the Utah mountains, it was time to line up for the 450SX Main Event. When the gate dropped, Tomac and Bowers came around the first turn in 10th and 13th, respectively. Tomac quickly began charging through the competition with impeccable speed and put himself inside the top five by the halfway point of the race. With five minutes remaining, Tomac crashed while attempting to pass for second place. He quickly remounted his KX™450F and raced back up to the leaders making the pass for second place with two laps to go. Tomac held on to finish second, while Bowers rode strong and consistent to a 10th place finish.
“It took me a while to find my groove in the main,” said Tomac. “Once I found it I was able to make a lot of passes and catch the leaders. The crash was unfortunate, but I’m pumped to still finish second. Once again, the fans were awesome here in Salt Lake and I could hear them with every pass I made, that was so cool.”
“It wasn’t the best day for us, but it wasn’t the worst day,” said Bowers. “I struggled with traction all day today with the dirt being so rocky, but a top 10 is solid after a day like today. It was also good practice for Vegas conditions next week. I feel very confortable on my KX450F right now and I’m looking forward to finish the season off strong.”
450SX Race Results
1. Marvin Musquin
2. Eli Tomac
3. Blake Baggett
10. Tyler Bowers
450SX Point Standings
1. Jason Anderson 338
2. Marvin Musquin 324
3. Eli Tomac 292
15. Tyler Bowers 146
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Cianciarulo and Savatgy entered Round 9 second and third in the Western Region 250SX Rider Point Standings. After setting the fastest lap in timed practice, Cianciarulo went on to win 250SX Heat Race 2 with Savatgy in third place. In the Main Event, Savatgy grabbed the holeshot and the early lead with Cianciarulo back in fourth place. Savatgy led for eight laps before making a mistake in the whoops and allowing two riders by, one being his teammate Cianciarulo. The three riders battled for 11 laps to the checkered flag and Cianciarulo held on to finish second with Savatgy in third. Cianciarulo now sits only 13 points down from the championship lead going into the final round next weekend.
“I had a great day,” said Cianciarulo. “I felt amazing on the bike today and nearly had the win tonight. I believe my riding and speed were there but I didn’t get the start I needed. We’ll take this momentum into Vegas and give it everything we’ve got.”
“We had a good shot at making up a lot of points today, but couldn’t quite get it done,” said Savatgy. “Overall, the bike and the team were on point and we’re still in contention for the championship.”
250SX Race Results
1. Shane McElrath
2. Adam Cianciarulo
3. Joey Savatgy
250SX Point Standings
1. Aaron Plessinger 196
2. Adam Cianciarulo 183
3. Joey Savatgy 174
