Well that’s a wrap on the 2016 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, and what a championship it was! Although it feels like the 17 rounds were over in a heartbeat, there sure was plenty of action at all times each and every weekend. Surely enough Las Vegas’ final round didn’t disappoint with a huge downpour that turned the usually dry and dusty event into gnarly mudder.

In the 450SX class the championship had already been decided, Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey had done it again in dominant fashion, clinching the title before the final round. But that didn’t mean the season finale would be anything less that an all out battle in the premier class, the main event saw just as much action as any other round.

RCH/Soaring Eagle/Jimmy John’s/Suzuki Factory Racing’s Ken Roczen made things exciting, claiming the lead before a rather large crash saw both he and Dungey go down. A mad scramble ensued and it was Dungey who went on to claim another main event win while his arch-rival Roczen finished 20th after making a stop into the pits with what seemed to be grip issues after coating himself in mud.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Speaking of Roczen, strong rumours are linking him to a deal with factory Honda in 2017. At this stage it is yet to be confirmed, but it seems like we will be seeing the German rider on his third manufacturer since his arrival to the US in 2011. With sneak peak images coming from Japan of an all-new 2017 CRF450R that looks to feature updates such as electric start, Roczen may well find himself on an amazing machine in the new year – we’ll have to wait and see.

Before we move onto the 250SX class, it was awesome to see Australia’s Chad Reed finish out the series in the top five overall. The veteran and multi-time champion didn’t climb to the top step of the podium in 2016, but he did claim two strong podium finishes along the way. The guy is super impressive and continues to remain at the top of the sport year in, year out, awesome effort!

In the 250SX category it was nail-biting stuff. Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha’s Cooper Webb came into the final round with a broken wrist that he kept under wraps quite well from the media in lead up to the event. Holding the points lead over Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy entering the event, it was Webb’s title to lose and Savatgy was sure going to do everything in his power to steal it away.

The 250SX east/west shootout (acting as the main event for both coasts) kicked off with Savatgy claiming the lead and Webb falling in turn two – instantly things got very interesting. On the east coast it was GEICO Honda’s Malcolm Stewart who held the points lead and found himself within the top five while close contenders Jeremy Martin and Aaron Plessinger (Webb’s teammates) both had troubles early on.

Image: Simon Cudby.

Stewart went on the claim the championship win with ease over Plessinger who put in an impressive charge from the back of the pack. Webb on the other hand? He was battling his way through the tricky conditions down around 11th and 12th position while Savatgy, after fending off an early charge from Colt Nichols, held a huge lead up front. Savatgy did all he could, taking the main event win, but it wasn’t enough. Webb by just one single point claimed his second 250SX west coast championship before he makes the move to the 450 class in 2017.

It was truly an incredible ride from Webb who broke the wrist just three weeks prior to the event and did not ride once before the weekend. With reports of Webb being in talks with Reed’s current factory Yamaha team, that sure would have instilled even more confidence in his future employee’s mind that he is a great choice for next season and beyond.

Along with Webb making the jump to the 450 class, Stewart will also be making the jump up to join his older brother James in the premier class. Two-time 250cc outdoor motocross champion Jeremy Martin will do the same along with Savatgy. Where will they end up? It’s not certain just yet, but we’re sure information will begin to spread soon enough.

Now it’s time for the outdoors to start. It’s time for higher speeds, bigger jumps, brutal conditions and longer motos – we’re excited! Although Reed will not race the outdoor season with his supercross only contract, we’ll still have Australia’s Luke Clout in the 250 class contesting the entire series kicking off on 25 May at Hangtown. Fellow Aussie Hayden Mellross is yet to confirm his outdoor plans, but select rounds with the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha team could be on the cards depending on the team situation and his health following that wild crash in Santa Clara.