It’s a well-known fact that in previous years the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Eastern Regional 250SX Championship has been considered a slightly less talent-filled field in comparison to the west coast series. It hasn’t always been true, at times it may have been, but one thing’s for certain, in 2016 the east coast is packed with talent and it has been providing plenty of entertainment throughout the first five rounds of racing.

In five rounds of racing we’ve seen five different winners, that’s something that we don’t see happen too often. It’s rare that one single rider doesn’t land himself on the top step of the podium more than once, but I’d imagine nobody is complaining one bit! Kicking off the list of winners was Rockstar Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Martin Davalos, the veteran 250SX contender blazed his way to the season opening victory in impressive form.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Round two saw Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin make his way to the top step for the first time in 2016. The two-time outdoor champion took advantage of the unique Daytona circuit and battled his way to the lead during the latter stages of the 15-lap main event. At this point in time Davalos maintained his series leading red plate, but soon enough disaster struck the rider from Ecuador.

Heading to Toronto’s third round Davalos’ team announced he would miss the event, rumoured visa issues were suspected to be the cause of his absence, this left the door wide open for not only another possible winner, but a chance for someone to take over the points lead. Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Justin Hill was the rider who etched his name onto the 2016 winners list in Canada, taking a convincing win over his opponents.

Next up on the list was GEICO Honda’s Malcolm Stewart, it’s no surprise this guy chalked up a win, it was actually surprising he didn’t claim a victory earlier. ‘Mookie’ captured the main event win in Detroit and found himself in the series lead for the first time of his career, it was now up to him to maintain that lead, be smart and shoot for his first career championship.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Indianapolis’ fifth round of the championship saw Stewart do just that, he rode a smart race behind Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger to finish a strong second and maintain his lead. Plessinger also claimed a career-first 250SX supercross victory and became the fifth different winner of the season in the process. The two riders then showed true sportsmanship with an awesome post-race celebration/dance that has received plenty of social media coverage this week.

Have we now seen all of the riders capable of claiming victory make their way to the top of the podium? That’s a hard one to answer, there’s still Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers lurking in the background trying to find his feet after a long break due to a back injury. Not to mention fellow Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate/fill-in rider Gannon Audette who scored himself an impressive third place finish last weekend.