Monster Energy Kawasaki has announced its 2018 motocross and supercross factory team rider lineup for the 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series and the 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
Most notable is the announcement that Martin Davalos will return to the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team to race in the 250cc class. Davalos had ridden a few rounds of the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship aboard a 450cc machine for his former Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team. Davalos finished on the podium during that stint, so his return to the 250cc class is somewhat of a surprise.
Here is the official press release from Kawasaki:
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (October 1, 2017)–After earning the AMA Motocross Manufacturer of the Year Award for the second consecutive time, Monster Energy® Kawasaki will have a team of familiar faces looking to continue their winning ways in 2018. Kawasaki had a successful year in Monster Energy AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross in both classes, accruing two championships and 24 event wins, a dominating 41% of the total number of events. For 2018 the Monster Energy Kawasaki roster will feature Eli Tomac and Josh Grant with plans to place both of their KX™450F motorcycles on the podium.
“Looking into 2018, we have a great team on and off the track,” said Monster Energy Kawasaki Senior Manager, Dan Fahie. “All of our riders have won races and I believe this year will be no different. I’m looking forward to the new season and the success that lies ahead.”
Fresh off of winning the 450MX Championship, Tomac is looking forward to continuing working with the team and keeping the momentum going for the Monster Energy Cup into the upcoming year. After a few weeks off, Tomac will return to the gate in Las Vegas on October 14th donning the No. 1 plate and look to defend his 2016 Monster Energy Cup Championship. Marking his third year with the team, Tomac relentlessly proves to be a top contender in the premier class after his substantial success in 2017. Along with the Pro Motocross Championship Tomac added nine moto wins in motocross and nine main event wins in supercross to his impressive résumé, and earned an overall podium at MXGP of USA.
Grant finished the supercross season in the top 10, confirming he is still a strong contender after 10 years in the premier class. After a solid start to the motocross season with multiple podium finishes, Grant was forced to end his season early after only competing in six rounds due to injury. Grant has since recovered and has been putting in laps as he prepares to join his teammate on the line at the Monster Energy Cup.
Returning to the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team for 2018 aboard their KX™250F motorcycles are Adam Cianciarulo, Joey Savatgy and Austin Forkner. The team also welcomes the return of Martin Davalos to compete in the 250 class. Davalos last competed for Pro Circuit in 2014 where he captured two main event wins and brings over 10 years of experience in the AMA to round out the four-rider roster of championship contenders. The young crew consistently proves they are a force to be reckoned with based on the multiple feats they accomplished this year. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team secured the 2017 250SX West Region Championship, marking the 30th AMA championship plate they have hung on the door of their race transporter.
“We have a great team for the 2018 season,” said Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit owner. “I am looking forward to watching our riders and helping them reach their full potential. I have high expectations for them and know they will all do well each weekend.”
The 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship drops the gate on Saturday, January 5th, 2018 at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California.
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