GALLERY: St. Louis Supercross

Motor Action Media had the opportunity to attend Monster Energy Supercross in St Louis on March 28 in the Edward Jones dome. We were there shooting pictures and covering one of the world’s most popular dirt bike events.

Hours before the show, some of the world’s most talented dirt bike racers convened in the Edward Jones dome for the morning track walk and riders’ meeting. Racers examined the massive track alongside their teammates and mechanics, talking strategies. The track in St. Louis featured a massive “wall”, a lengthy woop section, split lanes, and a tricky rhythm section. The dirt was muddy in the morning, but developed ruts early into practice. After the riders’ meeting, many of the competitors stayed behind to listen to the sermon for “Supercross Church”, a weekly message from the pit pastor. When the sermon concluded in prayer, the racers made their way back to the pits to begin preparing for a long day of racing.

: Broc Tickle & fans.

The Pit Party brought fans up close with their favorite racers. Once the doors opened, thousands of eager people of all ages crammed into the pits and filed into lines for autographs. The pits were especially impressive in St. Louis; the trailers were buffed and prepared prior to the Pit Party, and bikes as well as awesome products were put on display. The energy was high and the smiles were contagious while young kids met their heroes. These busy racers took several hours away from their day to meet and spend a little time with people who idolize them. Once the party faded out, racers turned their attention to their goal – taking St. Louis.

: Justin Bogle.

: Marvin Musquin.

There were few complaints about the track in St. Louis, riders who found the formula were visibly faster and smoother. 250 points class leader, Marvin Musquin told Motor Action Media that he really liked this track, and he especially liked the dirt at this particular race. Musquin was one of the riders who had definitely unlocked the key to success in St. Louis. He had the fastest qualifying time in practice, and was practically untouchable. His near-flawlessness carried him through to the main, where he battled with Jeremy Martin before taking the lead and going on to win the main event. The battle between Musquin and Martin had the crowd riveted; people were standing up and cheering as the two racers went back and forth through the split lanes. Once Musquin managed to get around Martin, he would seem to walk away with the race. Martin would come in second, only seconds behind Musquin, and Kawasaki rider Joey Savatgy would round out the podium with a third place. Justin Bogle would just miss the top 3, after fighting his way through the ranks. He would finish fourth. Colt Nichols had one of the higher qualifying times during practice, but an unlucky start would push him back during the main event. Other noteable rides included: Anthony Rodriguez, James Decotis, AJ Catanzaro and Luke Renzland. This win has furthered Musquin’s lead in the overall points standings. Bogle still holds second place in the points, and is followed by Jeremy Martin in third. Motor Action Media caught up with the winner, Musquin, after the main event to get some insight on his performance, “I felt really confident, I knew I could do a solid fifteen laps, and I knew he [Jeremy Martin] could never catch me.” he said. “I’ve been working hard, when you love your bike and you work hard it helps you feel more confident.”

: Ryan Dungey.

Another KTM-Redbull rider would be going home with a win in St. Louis, Musqin’s teammate, Ryan Dungey, performed perfectly in the 450 main event. While Andrew Short would take the holeshot, a nasty spill moments later would open the door for Dungey, who would slip into first and take command of the race. As Dungey drifted away, the audience focused on the battles he left behind. Yamaha rider Weston Peick had an aggressive start to the 450 main, he charged after Dungey in second place for several laps. Rockstar/Husqvarna rider Jason Anderson fought to catch up to Peick for several laps. Geico/Honda rider Eli Tomac worked on clawing his way up from the back of the pack.

: Jason Anderson (left) and Eli Tomac (right) battle it out in the 450 main event.

: Weston Peick.

Half way through the race the tables turned, and we saw Anderson take over second. Peick moved back a few spots and off the podium while Tomac charged his way up to third. Peick told Motor Action Media that he just needs to continue pushing his cardio work in order to get to those top spots, after such an impressive display it is very likely we will see him get there. While Dungey ultimately sealed his win, the crowd was cheering for Eli Tomac, who rushed his way through the field and made a final move on Anderson to grab second place. Other noteable rides included: Blake Baggett, Cole Seeley, Broc Tickle, Davi Millsaps and Josh Grant.

The final podium standing would have Dungey in first, Tomac in second and Anderson with a third place. Dungey has extended his points lead yet again, while Eli Tomac moved further ahead of the injured Trey Canard.