It’s no secret that Troy Lee Designs Red Bull KTM’s Shane McElrath has had a tough time showing his true potential since turning professional, as injuries have hampered his progress, but the 22-year-old North Carolinian was finally able to do it during the opening round of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA 250SX West Series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, Saturday night.
McElrath stormed to his heat race win and kept right on storming in the 15-minute-plus-one-lap main event to land his first career 250cc supercross win and become the 102nd winner in the history of the class (which includes all 125cc winners). He was fast out of the gate, and he stayed fast, leading the entire 15-lap race distance and fending off a hard-charging Aaron Plessinger and wily series veteran Martin Davalos for that sweet first victory. As McElrath put it, it was nice just to come into a season healthy.
“We’ve been dealing with some injuries the last few years,” McElrath said. “We’ve been a little book at our Bible study that’s ‘with no adversity there’s no opportunity.’ It’s an unreal feeling. The whole time out there I was just riding tight, and was like ‘Just keep pushing. Just keep pushing. They’re tired too.’ I was just like, ‘One more lap. One more lap.’ And I just crossed the finish line—I almost just wanted to let go of my bike. It’s just an unreal feeling. The team has worked so hard. My team manager always tells me, ‘If you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you, it’s going to come to you.’ It still doesn’t feel real, but I’m just excited.”
After the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna-backed Davalos beat Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s newest boy wonder, Austin Forkner, to win the first heat race, McElrath was able to make a strong pass on GEICO Honda’s Jeremy Martin late in heat race two, setting the faster heat race time to earn first gate pick for the main event. McElrath put it to good use by snaring the holeshot and moving into a comfortable lead while Davalos and 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha’s Hayden Mellross ran second and third respectively. Despite putting in an impressive ride to earn a direct transfer through his heat race, Mellross’ night came to a premature end when his Yamaha apparently broke on the opening lap, dropping him out of the race. Forkner, meanwhile, crashed early, ending his hopes for a win in the series opener. He would remount and charge through the field to finish eighth.
McElrath continued to ride steadily at the front with Davalos second, but the Yamalube/Star Racing/Yamaha’s Plessinger was the man on the move, and he ran down Davalos on lap nine to take over second place. From there, Plessinger had a three-second deficit to McElrath, and although the 20-year-old Ohioan tried, he couldn’t cut into McElrath’s lead and had to settle for second place. It was his sixth career AMA 250SX podium finish.
“To be honest, this is the first season I’ve come into supercross uninjured and with more than a month on the bike,” Plessinger said. “It started off well. I got off to a great start and had to push my way by about four or five dudes, but…yeah. Martin [Davalos] and Shane [McElrath] were riding great. Martin was really hard to get around, and Shane just kept pushing and pushing. He earned it. He got the start and pulled away. I’m pumped for him.”
At 28 is one of the most veteran riders in the 250cc class—it’s his 12th season in the class—and he has always been a consistent performer in it. Tonight he showed that consistency again by completing the podium.
“I’ve been in the Lites class for a long time, but to all of the people that talk bad about me and don’t believe in me, I’m doing it for you guys,” Davalos said. “I’m lucky to be in America and to be doing what I love. This is my dream come true, and I’m blessed that I have a ride and people that support me. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. Shane [McElrath] rode amazing today, and, also, Aaron. I was struggling throughout the day with track and my bike setup. Definitely some work to do before the next round, especially with the bike setup. I learned a lot today.”
Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM’s Mitchell Oldenburg finished fourth in the main event, followed by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Justin Hill. Martin was sixth, with Daniel Reardon, Forkner, Jimmy Decotis and Kyle Chisholm completing the top 10.
2017 Monster Energy AMA 250SX West Supercross Series
Angel Stadium
Anaheim, California
Results: January 7, 2017 (Round 1 of 8)
250cc Main
1. Shane McElrath-KTM
2. Aaron Plessinger-Yam
3. Martin Davalos-Hus
4. Mitchell Oldenburg-KTM
5. Justin Hill-Kaw
6. Jeremy Martin-Hon
7. Daniel Reardon-Yam
8. Austin Forkner-Kaw
9. Jimmy Decotis-Hon
10. Kyle Chisholm-Hon
11. Tyler Bowers-Yam
12. Chase Marquier-Hon
13. Bradley Taft-Yam
14. Blake Lilly-KTM
15. Killian Auberson-KTM
16. Justin Sparling-KTM
17. Phil Nicoletti-Suz
18. Cole Martinez-Yam
19. Zac Commans-Kaw
20. AJ Catanzaro-Yam
21. Hayden Mellross-Yam
22. Jon Ames-Yam
2017 Monster Energy AMA 250SX West Supercross Series Points Standings (after 1 of 8 rounds)
1. Shane McElrath-25/1 win
2. Aaron Plessinger-22
3. Martin Davalos-20
4. Mitchell Oldenburg-18
5. Justin Hill-16
6. Jeremy Martin-15
7. Daniel Reardon-14
8. Austin Forkner-13
9. Jimmy Decotis-12
10. Kyle Chisholm-11
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