Here are 10 of the pivotal highlights we’ve spotted during the first six rounds of the West Coast Lites in AMA SX.
As the West Coast Lites class of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series gets set for some time off while the series heads East, MotoOnline.com.au pieced together 10 of the most important moments from during the season so far (in no particular order!).
Tomac’s Crash
When Eli Tomac went down twice in San Diego, his status from title favourite quickly vanished as Dean Wilson took over the red plate. It’s going to be an all-out war for the series’ remainder.
Osborne’s Form
As a guest from the grand prix series, Zach Osborne stunned with not one, but two podiums during the first four rounds of the 2012 title chase. We’re already tipping he’ll be in the U.S. again full time next year.
Moss Podiums
Australia saw a new star rise on the toughest circuit of all at San Diego, when Matt Moss finally realised his dream of standing on the AMA podium. It’s where we all expected him to be, but now he has one, he’ll be confident that he can continue on for a whole heap more.
Rattray Injured
Nobody likes to see riders get injured, so when title contender Tyla Rattray suffered a back injury in Oakland, we were feeling for him. It’s not yet certain when the South African will return.
Seely’s A1 Surprise
The opening race of the year was owned by Cole Seely at Anaheim 1, resulting in an instant boost of his title chances for Troy Lee Designs Honda. Recent races have again seen Seely on the podium.
Marvin Steps Up
Ken Roczen may have been Red Bull KTM’s favourite, but when he was injured in the pre-season, all eyes switched to fellow former world champion Marvin Musquin. He’s lived up to expectations too, with a number of podiums.
Oakland Upsets
When Dean Wilson and Cole Seely crashed at Oakland, forcing them to the rear of the field, many almost handed the trophy to Eli Tomac right there and then. But in motorsport anything can happen, as we saw two weekends in San Diego when Tomac crashed out.
Triple Treat
Tomac’s form has been incredible this year, picking up three wins along the way and asserting himself as a real title threat despite suffering a DNF in San Diego. His three wins in a row came at LA, Oakland and A2.
Marmont’s Call
Ryan Marmont was in Australia and just about to enjoy Christmas with his family when the JDR/J-Star/KTM team called him up and told him to get on a plane for A1. With little time to prepare, he did what he could, but minimal time off the bike meant main events qualifications were his highlight.
Faith in Gavin
Gavin Faith is a familiar name for Aussies since he rode for Carlton Dry Honda in Super X last year, which ultimately lead to a place alongside Tomac as a guest at Geico Honda when Wil Hahn was injured. Hahn’s injury was disappointing for all.