Anaheim 1 Photo Report

This is why we race folks…

By James Lissimore

Coming into 2013, the hype for the opening round of the Monster Energy Supercross series was off the charts as fans and journalists a like debated the various scenarios that could play out at Angel Stadium. With riders like Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed and Trey Canard returning from injury, James Stewart switching to Suzuki and Justin Barcia making the move up to the 450 class(finally we can call it by it’s rightful name and not “Supercross Class”). Throw in the always consistent Ryan Dungey and there was no shortage of riders to pick for the win. In spite of so many names thrown into the hat for the win, in the end a rider who was on few people’s radar emerged victorious as Davi Millsaps put in his best ride in several years to take his first win since 2010.

Here’s a few photos from the opening round…

We’re back at the traditional home of Supercross – Anaheim, California’s Angel Stadium

Opening Ceremonies

The first heat race blasted off with Jesse Nelson(36), Cole Seely(43), Ken Roczen(94), Blake Baggett(4) and Jake Canada(23) on the line.

Teammates Seely(43) and Nelson(36) battle for second in their heat race.

Jason Anderson started off his season well with a 4th place in the 250 main.

He’s back! Jean Carlos-Ramos was at Anaheim and the Brazilian made the main event, eventually finishing 17th.

Not ready to race yet after his Millville crash, Nick Wey was on the floor sharing some of his insight with the Anaheim fans.

The first 450 heat race was stacked with talent. Jake Weimer(12), Chad Reed(22), Ryan Villopoto(1), Ryan Dungey(5) and Justin Barcia(51) were all on the line.

Reed and Dungey had a good battle in the heat race. The two went toe to toe with Dungey making a last corner pass to take the position.

Supercross rookie, Jesse Nelson(36) grabbed the holeshot for the first 250 main event of the season.

Unfortunately, he immediately went over the bars and caused a big pileup.

Mookie fever is making a comeback for 2013. Malcom Stewart started off his season on the right foot with a 5th place in the main event.

Back in the US full-time for 2013, Zach Osborne was fast but had to work his way up from the back of the pack when he lost his front end in the first turn. He charged hard, coming all the way back to seventh by the checkers.

Ken Roczen looks to be the biggest threat to Tomac for the West title as he won his heat race and eventually finished second in the main.

Eli Tomac started off his title defense right with a dominating win at Anaheim.

This guy is going to be tough to beat in the west.

450’s blast off the line. This gate pick didn’t work out so well for RV.

Things didn’t get any better for Villopoto after his bad start. This was just one of several crashes he endured on his way to 16th.

Up front there was a good battle between Dungey, Barcia, Canard and Millsaps(in front of Canard).

Jake Weimer rounded out the top 5 in the 450 class.

Dungey tries to get around Barcia for third. Eventually they would both go down in seperate crashes. Dungery though bounced back quickly to grab the final podium spot.

James Stewart’s Supercross debut on the Suzuki did not go according to plan. After logging the quickest time in qualifying, he injured his knee and almost didn’t race. He ended up deciding to tough it out but could only muster an 8th place finish.