Kawasaki Sweeps Monster Energy Supercross in Nashville2019-04-08 07:46Round 14 of Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship hosted its inaugural race in Nashville, Tennessee at Nissan Stadium. Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Martin Davalos both captured wins in their respective classes earning Kawasaki a clean sweep on the night. It was a roller coaster day for the No. 3 machine of Tomac aboard his KX™450 as he pulled off his own version of the “Music City Miracle” in Nashville. Tomac started out the day struggling to find his rhythm during practice and would qualify in sixth position heading into the night program. In the first 450SX heat race, Tomac quickly passed into the lead in the opening laps and began to check out, however due to unfortunate circumstances Tomac was unable to finish the race, sending him to the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ). Being put into unfamiliar territory by racing in the 450SX LCQ was not going to stop Tomac as he made quick work of the competition and won the LCQ. Regardless of a poor gate position as the result of qualifying through the LCQ, Tomac put himself in a strong position off the start of the Main Event. He quickly began to capitalize on his competitors’ mistakes and worked his way into the lead with 12 minutes to go. From there he rode a consistent race, building more than 11-second lead to cross the checkered flag as the first-ever 450SX Main Event winner in Nashville, Tennessee. Joey Savatgy began the day qualifying in fourth position. In the 450SX Heat Race 1, Savatgy found himself near the front and he was able to make a clean pass for the lead and go on to win his second career 450 class heat race. In the 450SX Main Event, Savatgy found himself in similar territory, sitting in second place looking to make another move into first, but he landed off a triple right into a slick spot where he tucked the front in and augured into the ground and ending his night. The King of Supercross, Jeremy McGrath made a special guest appearance at the inaugural race in Nashville, Tennessee where he joined fellow Kawasaki riders Tomac and Savatgy for opening ceremonies. McGrath even put on a show for the crowd by throwing a signature Nac-Nac during the opening ceremonies parade lap aboard his KX450. #3 Eli Tomac 1st Place #17 Joey Savatgy 22nd Place “Man, what a day today was! It was up and down all day long. Being in the lead in the heat race and then getting sent to the LCQ was not something I wanted to do, but to come back and win the LCQ and then go on to win the Main Event was just insane. It has honestly left me speechless. I can’t thank my whole Monster Energy Kawasaki crew enough. They worked their butts off all week long with me. Tonight was a true team effort and I couldn’t be more proud to get them this win!” - Eli Tomac “Nights like tonight are a tough pill to swallow. We were running great all day. I felt strong and fast in the heat race, and felt like I was in position to do the same in the main event. I just landed off that triple and hit some slick spot and washed the front end. I dinged myself up pretty good and will go get everything checked out on Monday to make sure I am ready to go in Denver.” - Joey Savatgy Source: Click here to visit our forums to discuss this story |
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