Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Justin Hill picked up at University of Phoenix Stadium where he left off at the previous round of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA 250SX West Supercross Series, on top of the podium after posting his second consecutive win in the class.
Hill’s teammate, Austin Forkner, pulled the holeshot in the 250SX main even, leading GEICO Honda’s Jimmy Decotis, Hill, and Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Shane McElrath. McElrath dropped Hill to third in the early going as both riders dispatched Decotis to fourth place.
McElrath then set his sights on Forkner and took the lead on lap four. Hill then got going and made his way past Forkner and into second place two laps later. McElrath appeared to have a solid lead, but lapped traffic caused the KTM rider to slow, and Hill was able to pull to within striking distance. Hill then stalked McElrath and pulled the trigger on the winning pass with two laps remaining to earn his fifth career 250cc supercross main event win. It also marked the 250th victory in AMA motocross and supercross competition for the Mitch Payton-owned Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team.
“It was just heart tonight,” Hill said of his win. “Shane [McElrath] was riding awesome. He got around Austin [Forkner] and just pulled away from us. When I finally got around Austin I had so much ground to make up. [Shane] made me earn it, all the way to the end. When I saw the white flag I thought to myself, ‘No way did I just do this.’ I’m just so happy.”
McElrath, who had to come through the Last Chance Qualifier, finished second, keeping his podium streak alive through the first four rounds, and he still holds the series points lead over Hill, 92-88.
“We overcame a lot of adversity tonight, and that’s kind of what woke me up a little bit,” McElrath said. “It’s a championship, and I’ve been sort of riding a little cautious. I’m just ready to have that fire again. I felt good the whole race, and that [win] should have been mine. But Justin [Hill] was right there the whole time, and he earned that one.”
Forkner earned his first career podium result in third.
The 2017 Monster Energy Supercross sheads to Oakland Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, February 4. The race begins earlier than usual, at 4 p.m. PDT.
2017 Monster Energy AMA 250SX West Supercross Series
University of Phoenix Stadium
Glendale, Arizona
Results: January 28, 2017 (Round 4 of 8)
250SX Main
1. Justin Hill-Kaw
2. Shane McElrath-KTM
3. Austin Forkner-Kaw
4. Aaron Plessinger-Yam
5. Martin Davalos-Hus
6. Dan Reardon-Yam
7. Josh Hansen-Hus
8. Jimmy Decotis-Hon
9. Phil Nicoletti-Suz
10. Cole Martinez-Yam
11. Scott Champion-Yam
12. Kyle Chisholm-Hon
13. Noah McConahy-Hus
14. Justin Starling-KTM
15. Ryan Surratt-Kaw
16. Killian Auberson-KTM
17. AJ Catanzaro-Yam
18. Bryce Stewart-Yam
19. Brandon Scharer-Hon
20. Chase Marquier-Hon
21. Carlen Gardner-Yam
22. Jon Ames-Yam
2017 Monster Energy AMA 250SX West Supercross Series Points Standings (after 4 of 8 rounds)
1. Shane McElrath-92/ 2 wins
2. Justin Hill-88/2 wins
3. Aaron Plessinger-82
4. Martin Davalos-70
5. Austin Forkner-67
6. Jimmy Decotis-55
7. Dan Reardon-47
8. Jeremy Martin-40
9. Phil Nicoletti-38
10. Josh Hansen-37
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