Jason Anderson Brings Class-Leading Speed to Arlington SX Triple Crown2023-02-28 14:37The Lonestar state welcomed Monster Energy Supercross to Arlington, Texas with a packed house in AT&T Stadium where Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson charged through the Triple Crown format to earn fourth overall in the 450SX class (8-1-3). In the 250SX Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Chris Blose linked together three consistent races to secure ninth overall (8-8-8). Meanwhile, Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo was sidelined from racing after aggravating his wrist during a practice riding session on Friday. From the outset of the first practice session, it was evident that Anderson felt confident on the Arlington SX track. The No.21 KX™450SR rider was the first one out on the track and led the field through the free practice session with impressive pace. In the first qualifying session, Anderson explored a variety of different lines around the track while still logging the second fastest lap time. In the final session, Anderson matched his intensity with his awareness of where on the track to push the limits and secured Pole Position with the fastest lap of the day (46.280). Anderson launched his Kawasaki KX™450SR out of the gate at the start of 450SX Race 1 to contend for the lead entering Turn 1. Amid the close quarters racing at the front of the field, Anderson contacted the rear wheel of another rider and soon found himself on the ground. The No.21 rider quickly remounted and began a lion-hearted charge forward from last place. Anderson proceeded to draw the crowd’s attention as he presented a masterclass on the art of passing while overtaking multiple riders per lap. In the short 10-minute plus one lap race, Anderson passed the majority of the riders on track to salvage an eighth-place finish. In 450SX Race 2, Anderson positioned himself at the tip of the spear entering Turn 1 and skillfully flat-tracked his way around the inside. The New-Mexico native soon found the rhythm that earned him seven Main Event wins in 2022, as he made a decisive pass for the lead and set sail away from the competition. Anderson extended his lead lap-by-lap and set the fastest lap time of the racing program on Lap 6 (46.640). The No.21 KX™450SR rider dominated 450SX Race 2 from start to finish and crossed the checkered flag with a convincing margin of victory. Anderson again proved the power of his KX™450SR with a strong start in 450SX Race 3. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider ran in fifth position his first time across the finish line and had his sights set forward. Anderson matched his form of the two previous races as he overtook several of his top championship rivals in the opening laps. By Lap 8, Anderson moved into second position and was postured to make a push toward the leader. In the closing laps, amid lapped riders and a chaotic battle at the front of the field, Anderson got off line in the deteriorating whoop section which nearly sent him off track and ultimately shuffled him back to third place where he would finish out the race. Anderson’s admirable performances in all three races resulted in a fourth-place overall finish (8-1-3) and proved that the No.21 rider is on form to win races in 2023. “From practice all the way through the final race tonight, I felt strong on my KX™450SR and I know we’re in a great spot to contend for wins. A small mistake through the first turn of that first race really cost me in the overall standings, but I salvaged what I could and bounced back for Race 2. We will keep putting in the work during the week and aim to be in the battle again in Daytona.” - Jason Anderson DOWNLOAD 450 CLASS IMAGES In 250SX Class qualifying, Blose attacked the track with confidence as he looked loose and fast through the opening laps. Displaying his prowess for whoops, Blose charged through the long set at the center of the track with impressive speed and consistency. With only a few weeks since he officially joined the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team, Blose proved to be clicking well with the Kawasaki KX™250 as he logged the eighth fastest lap of the 250SX Class (48.053). At the start of 250SX Race 1, Blose held a tight inside line through Turn 1 to emerge inside the top 10. As the chaos of the opening lap began to settle, the No.57 KX™250 rider gained control of sixth place. Making the most of the fresh track condition, Blose logged laps even quicker than his qualifying pace and moved his way into fifth place. After several laps of battling with some of the top championship contenders, Blose settled back to eighth position and maintained a steady pace through to the checkered flag. In 250SX Race 2, Blose again rivaled inside the top 10 through the opening lap before gaining control of eighth place. Blose pushed his way forward to move into seventh and challenged the riders ahead before the rider behind was able to sneak past and Blose found his rhythm in eighth. The Arizona-native hit his marks lap after lap as the track broke down and the whoops became increasingly difficult. With a smooth race from start to finish, Blose secured eighth place at the checkered flag. In the final 250SX race of the night, Blose attempted to take the inside line through Turn 1 but was shut out by the competition. Without a clear line through the opening rhythm lane, Blose had to checkup and found himself in 16th position before he began clawing his way toward the top 10. With swift passes and creative line selection, Blose proved his racecraft by marching through the field. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider solidified his impressive come-from-behind performance by persistently attacking the deteriorating track to secure eighth place at the finish line. Blose’s 8-8-8 race finishes earned him ninth overall and consolidated his hold on 10th in the championship standings. "I had three consistent races tonight for another top-10 overall finish. I would like to challenge further up the running order, but I’m still improving with the team, and with the limited time we’ve had so far, we’re establishing solid building blocks. I’m looking forward to another week of working with everyone at Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and we’ll give it another shot at Daytona.” - Chris Blose Source: Click here to visit our forums to discuss this story |
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