Source: Red Bull.

Nearly 14,000 fans braved the heat at Auto Club Raceway at Fairplex in Pomona to witness Red Bull Straight Rhythm over the weekend.

This ‘evolution of supercross’ featured 32-riders racing head-to-head on a one-of-a-kind 1/2 mile-long, unwound track with no turns.

The straight course isolated more than 80 jumps, challenging riders to focus on maintaining top speed while also reading the difficult terrain directly in front of them – and while racing against another rider just a few feet away.

In the end, it was James Stewart taking the Open Class victory while Marvin Musquin held strong in the 250cc Class for the top spot.

As the best-of-three bracket format event progressed, there were some incredible match ups, from Travis Pastrana versus Josh Hansen to a face-off between GEICO Honda teammates Justin Bogle and Jordon Smith. In the 250cc Class Final, Musquin had two dominant runs over Justin Hill for the top honours, with Jessy Nelson bringing home third place.

One of the most anticipated match ups – by both the fans and the two riders themselves – was between the Stewart brothers, Malcolm and James. They met in the semi finals, where James beat his younger brother in two close races to move to the finals.

There he met Justin Brayton, who he also defeated in two straight races to win the Open Class title. Brayton took second, with Malcolm Stewart taking the final step on the podium.

Crowd favorite and action sports superstar Travis Pastrana, who made his return to motocross after a five-year hiatus on a custom 500cc two-stroke bike, lost to Josh Hansen in the first round, but did win the second race out of three and celebrated in typical Pastrana style, hitting a backflip over the last jump.

Australia’s Brett Metcalfe would bow out in the opening round on board his privateer Kawasaki, losing out to the in-form Malcolm Stewart, as would countryman Jarryd McNeil in the 250s against Musquin.

2014 Red Bull Straight Rhythm
Auto Club Raceway – Pomona, CA

Open Class results:
1. James Stewart
2. Justin Brayton
3. Malcolm Stewart

250 Class results:
1. Marvin Musquin
2. Justin Hill
3. Jessy Nelson