Davi Millsaps celebrates his epic Anaheim 1 victory last weekend. Image: Simon Cudby.

Surprise Anaheim 1 winner Davi Millsaps will spend this week soaking up the taste of victory, but knows he needs to keep working hard in a bid to challenge for the Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, title.

Millsaps will carry the red plate into Phoenix this weekend aboard his Rockstar Energy Racing Suzuki RM-Z450, picking up his first victory since 2010 on debut with his new for 2013 team.

The 23-year-old led from the start of the 20-lap main event on Saturday night at Angel Stadium, but then lost the lead with three laps to go to Honda’s Trey Canard.

However, Millsaps bit back and forced his RM-Z450 back into the lead to take the chequered flag and take the lead in the 17-round series.

“When Trey Canard passed me I was like ‘ahhh man, this is like Salt Lake City all over again’,” he commented. “I knew I had a good line though and I just pinned it in the whoops and I got back by him. I don’t think anyone really expected this.

“It was a new program, bike and team for me. We’ve all been working really hard during the off-season to come out and do the best we can. To see where we are and where we need to be. Even though we won, it’s all building blocks from here.

“We’ll go back and see how we can make it even better. It’s been like that the whole time. It’s really cool that Rockstar Energy Racing, Bobby Hewitt and Dave Gowland have given me the opportunity and stood behind me. It’s like a family.”

Millsaps was third in qualifying behind James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto, before winning his heat and capturing victory in the main event to commence his season.