Supercross is sitting on a goldmine headed into to the 2019 season. All four main contenders, “The Big 4” if this was NASCAR, are healthy and the #1 rider for each manufacturer has a legit shot at winning the title. If everyone stays healthy we could see one of the best supercross seasons ever.
The Contenders
Justin Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) – Maybe it’s time we put some respect on El Hombre’s name. Last season the #21 took home the championship but it doesn’t appear people gave him the respect he deserves. Anderson can ride with the best of them because he is one of the best. He’s fast, he’s smooth, and he’s a workhorse. Anderson isn’t flashy but he’s consistent. And he’ll go after a motherfucker if they ride dirty.
Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) – The Colorado native has the rawest speed out of anyone in supercross the question is can he contain it. He recorded 8 wins in 2018 but missed the second round of the year. With that race and maybe one better result we’re looking at a champ. He’s finished runner-up twice and a third place last year. If Tomac can stay on his bike he’s winning the championship this year. It’s his time.
Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM) – Marv rides for a championship winning team on a championship winning bike but continues to underperform. He’s aggressive but runner-up points finish last year is all he has to show for it. One half of the Wet Bandits won three races last year, can he finally step up in the final year of his contract?
Ken Roczen ( Honda HRC) – Potentially the most gifted rider in the series is returning following back to back seasons of devastating arm injuries. In 2017 Roczen crashed at Anaheim 2 so severely his forearm bones were sticking out of the skin and he nearly lost his arm. After recovering from that and returning in 2018 Roczen got caught up in a crash that saw his right hand get ripped through the swingarm of Cooper Webb’s bike ending his season again. In 2019 Roczen is back and he’s ready to finally claim the 450 championship.
The Maybes
Cooper Webb ( Red Bull KTM) – Kid was fast in 250s and made the move up to 450 with the factory Yamaha team but never panned out. Maybe a change in scenery is what he needed.
Aaron Plessinger ( Monster Energy Factory Yamaha) – Plessinger is the most interesting of the rookies. The kid matured quickly in 250 and figured out how to capitalize. Can he bring that same style to 450 and make it work? Also a Cincinnati kid.
Joey Savatgy ( Monster Energy Kawasaki) – Another rookie here but one that is more questionable. Savatagy is here to play rear gunner for Tomac in 2019.
Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) – Well he was supposed to make his first start tonight but he broke his collarbone three days ago. However, Osborne is a stout rider just not sure if he can transition at a competitive level.
Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Factory Yamaha) – Bam Bam is back on a factory bike. He might steal a win at like Daytona but he’s not a title contender in 2019.
Yeah No Chance But They’re Here And That’s Cool
Entire Joe Gibbs Team – Chad Reed and Justin Hill will be spearheading the 450 duties for JGR hoping to give Coy Gibbs something to justify the money spent on this team. They’ll be in the gate but they have little chance of winning.
Seven Deuce Deuce – is now on the #97 as he moves to the HEP Motorsports Suzuki. Long live the Seven Deuce Deuce.
Rocky Mountain ATV KTM Team – They’re like the Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing. Rocky Mountain ATV KTM is a satellite of the factory team and will field bikes for Benny Bloss, Justin Bogel, and Blake Baggett. They could steal a win but for the most part, they’ll just be there.
Most Likely To Piss Off The Field
Vince Friese – He’s still here and he’s still likely to throw hands with someone at some point this season. Dude is a danger on the track but the AMA/FIM doesn’t seem to care.
Who Wins The ‘Chip?
Eli Tomac, book it.
