Cycle News Staff | January 23, 2021
It’s been a couple of difficult days for Ken Roczen. Despite putting in solid rides all week in Houston, he’s leaving Texas with a bitter taste in his mouth after being penalized four points (for jumping on a waving red-cross flag, which he claimed he did not see) following Tuesday’s race and then having a seemingly sure win pulled out from underneath him by a lapped rider. So, it’s quite understandable why he’d want to punch a hole in a wall with his fist, which he said he wanted to do from the podium after the third and final race at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, round three of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.
Cooper Webb Gets On The Board With Houston 3 Win
Cooper Webb (center) celebrates the Houston 3 Supercross win, while Ken Roczen (left) stews. Adam Cianciarulo took third. Photos: BrownDog Wilson
Roczen (Honda HRC) took the lead away from holeshotter Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM) on the third lap and led the next 23 laps, all the while holding Webb at bay. On the final go-around, however, a lapped rider, Dean Wilson, momentarily stalled Roczen’s progress through a couple of turns, which almost caused Roczen to crash, allowing the persistent Webb to get by Roczen and take the win moments later.
“It was a close race the whole time and Kenny rode a solid race with not many mistakes,” Webb said. “The track was really tricky, easy to over-ride and get impatient. The lappers there at the end was a bummer, I felt like we were going to have a really good battle, and obviously, we did, but the lappers were really tough tonight. I hung in there and I pounced on that last lap and made it happen.”
Webb crossed the finish line just 0.468 seconds ahead of Roczen to take his first win of the young season. A thoroughly disgusted and upset Roczen, who was obviously not happy with Wilson, took second.
“He [Wilson] said he didn’t hear me, but I’m sure there were blue flags [too],” said Roczen. “I feel that if it wasn’t for the Dean incident, the night would’ve been mine.”
After the race, Wilson took to Instagram to apologize to Roczen: “First off I f’d up,” he wrote. “I fully own this. I never knew it was the leaders behind me. Kenny, I’m sorry and sincerely apologize. I ruined your race and I wish I could take it back. I know the fans are pissed and team, which I would be too. I hate that I was that guy in the way and ruined a win and a race. I should have been more aware of who was behind me. I just got locked in on the guys ahead… I can’t apologize enough for pretty much being the idiot of the race. Once again, I’m sorry. Sucks to be that guy…”
Roczen responded, saying, “Accepted. Also though, put yourself in my shoes. It is extra big because these points are valuable and this win was mine if you weren’t in front of me for 3/4 of a lap, three points here, four points last weekend… I mean, it’s starting to get kind of funny. Anyway, I don’t want to hold grudges. Just be aware of your surroundings. Thank you.”
450SX Video Highlights
Roczen later said that he’s not going to dwell on the “Dean incident” or the penalty but instead focus on the next round coming up in Indianapolis.
Webb was happy that all his hard work paid off at the end and is now just one point out of first place in the championship with Roczen leading the way.
Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) held third the whole way but didn’t have the pace of the two riders that were ahead of him. He crossed the finish line 14 seconds adrift Roczen in third.
Justin Barcia (TLD/Red Bull/GasGas) had the speed to win tonight but didn’t get the start he needed, and a small get-off later in the race didn’t help. Barcia finished fourth, approximately six seconds behind Cianciarulo.
Tuesday’s winner Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki), the quickest rider in qualifying, got bottled up off the start and completed the first lap in 10th place. He made passes but not quickly enough to be a factor for the podium. Tomac finished out the night in fifth.
Malcolm Stewart, Aaron Plessinger, Jason Anderson, Zach Osborne, and Justin Brayton rounded out the top 10 overall.
Dylan Ferrandis, second on Tuesday, was hampered by a bad start and finished 11th, one spot ahead of Marvin Musquin, who went down early in the race.
Roczen, however, will finally get to wear the red plate next Saturday at Indy, as he holds a one-point advantage over both Webb and Barcia. Another five points back is Tomac, followed by Cianciarulo, Brayton, and Stewart who are all close behind and tied on points.
Colt Nichols Gets First Win In Two Years
Colton Nichols reeled and passed his teammate Christian Craig to win the 250SX East main event.
In the 250SX East main, Christian Craig couldn’t hold off his Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha teammate Colt Nichols after leading the first 14 laps of the 20-lap race. Craig got out in front early and appeared to have things well under control, but Nichols slowly chipped away at his lead as the race went along.
At one point, Nichols passed Craig, who fought back, but Nichols was just too much for Craig or anyone else on this night, for that matter. Nichols passed Craig again a lap later, but he made it stick this time, and Nichols took the win 3.4 seconds ahead of Craig. Nichols finished third in the opening Houston race, second Tuesday, and now first.
Third went to Tuesday’s winner Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC). The 17-year-old was dealing with a sore leg that he injured in qualifying, yet he still won his heat race and finished out the night on the podium. Along the way, however, Lawrence took out Michael Mosiman (TLD/Red Bull/GasGas) in the main and had a visit from the AMA after the race. “I got a warning,” he said. “A slap on the wrist.”
250SX East Video Highlights
Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) had another strong performance, finishing fourth, while Mosiman ended up fifth.
Max Vohland (Red Bull KTM), who led much of his heat race, finished sixth, followed by Josh Osby (Phoenix Honda Racing), John Short (BarX/Chaparral/Ecstar/Suzuki), Kevin Moranz (Team TPJ/Fly Racing) and Thomas Do (Tech32/KTM Marseille).
Nichols and Craig are tied at the top of the championship leaderboard with 70 points apiece, followed by Lawrence with 64, Shimoda with 56, and Mosiman with 53.
Austin Forkner did not race after injuring his arm in qualifying, nor did RJ Hampshire after suffering a wrist injury in free practice. CN
2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series, an FIM World Championship
Round 3 of 17
NRG Stadium
Houston, Texas
Results: January 23, 2021
450SX Main Results (Top 10)
| 1. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTM) |
26 laps |
| 2. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
00.468 |
| 3. |
Adam Cianciarulo |
(Kaw) |
14.431 |
| 4. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
20.174 |
| 5. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
23.385 |
| 6. |
Malcolm Stewart |
(Yam) |
30.207 |
| 7. |
Aaron Plessinger |
(Yam) |
33.903 |
| 8. |
Jason Anderson |
(Hus) |
43.291 |
| 9. |
Zach Osborne |
(Hus) |
48.029 |
| 10. |
Justin Brayton |
(Hon) |
49.043 |
250SX East Main Results (Top 10)
| 1. |
Colt Nichols |
(Yam) |
20 laps |
| 2. |
Christian Craig |
(Yam) |
03.478 |
| 3. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
16.392 |
| 4. |
Jo Shimoda |
(Kaw) |
27.130 |
| 5. |
Michael Mosiman |
(GG) |
42.215 |
| 6. |
Max Vohland |
(KTM) |
49.632 |
| 7. |
Josh Osby |
(Hon) |
19 laps |
| 8. |
John Short |
(Suz) |
02.452 |
| 9. |
Kevin Moranz |
(KTM) |
14.275 |
| 10. |
Thomas Do |
(KTM) |
20.070 |
450SX Point Standings (After 3 of 17 rounds)
| 1. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
60 |
| 2. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTM) |
59/1 win |
| 3. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
59/1 win |
| 4. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
54/1 win |
| 5. |
Adam Cianciarulo |
(Kaw) |
51 |
| 6. |
Justin Brayton |
(Hon) |
51 |
| 7. |
Malcolm Stewart |
(Yam) |
51 |
| 8. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
50 |
| 9. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
48 |
| 10. |
Zach Osborne |
(Hus) |
40 |
250SX East Point Standings (After 3 of 9 rounds)
| 1. |
Colt Nichols |
(Yam) |
70/1 win |
| 2. |
Christian Craig |
(Yam) |
70/1 win |
| 3. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
64/1 win |
| 4. |
Jo Shimoda |
(Kaw) |
56 |
| 5. |
Michael Mosiman |
(GG) |
53 |
| 6. |
Max Vohland |
(KTM) |
46 |
| 7. |
Josh Osby |
(Hon) |
42 |
| 8. |
Austin Forkner |
(Kaw) |
40 |
| 9. |
John Short |
(Suz) |
39 |
| 10. |
Mitchell Oldenburg |
(Hon) |
34 |
QUALIFYING
Qualifying results from the Houston Supercross, round three, from NRG Stadium, is complete, and the biggest news comes out of the 250SX West class. Two of some of the class’ biggest stars were transported to the hospital and will not suit up for tonight’s program.
Eli Tomac Top Qualifier At Houston 3 Supercross
Eli Tomac was the top 450SX qualifier at Houston round three Supercross. Photos: BrownDog Wilson
RJ Hampshire went down in free practice and will not race tonight. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Team rider returned to the pits under his own power after his fall but was transported to the hospital for evaluation for an undisclosed injury.
In the first timed 250SX East qualifying session, Austin Forkner went down early and walked off the track holding his arm. Word from the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki camp, Forkner complained of pain in his shoulder and was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Adding to the 250SX-class drama, last Tuesday’s winner Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC) went down hard in the whoops and was slow getting back on his feet. He eventually rode back to the pits nursing his right thigh. However, his crash came late in Q2, and he had already laid down a heater which put him second-fastest in the 250SX East class. Only Christian Craig (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) was quicker.
Craig’s best time, a 48.181, came in Q1, while Lawrence’s came in Q2 before he crashed.
Colt Nichols (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) was third quickest, followed by Michael Mosiman (Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GasGas) and Jo Shimoda (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki).
Craig Tops 250SX East Houston 2 Qualifying
Christian Craig topped 250SX East qualifying.
In the premier class, Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) picked up where he left off by ripping the quickest time of the day, a 47.432, which came in Q2. Tuesday’s winner, Tomac, was nearly two-tenths quicker than the next-best rider, Ken Roczen (Honda HRC).
The top six riders are all within a second of each other: Tomac, Roczen, Adam Cianciarulo, Zach Osborne, Justin Brayton, and Cooper Webb.
Dean Wilson, Justin Barcia, Marvin Musquin, and Aaron Plessinger round out the top 10.
Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/Motoconcepts Honda’s Vince Friese crashed at the end of the whoop section late in Q2 and was obviously shaken up. He was transported back to the pits. It is not yet known if he’ll suit up for tonight’s program. He officially qualified 17th.
Barcia, winner of the opening round last Saturday, hopes to bounce back from last Tuesday’s disaster after he broke off his bike’s shift lever when he clipped a Tuff Block and was stuck in first gear. However, he’s slightly off the pace after the qualifiers.
Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton is sitting this one out after injuring his shoulder at round two on Tuesday.
2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series, an FIM World Championship
Round 3 of 17
NRG Stadium
Houston, Texas
Results: January 23, 2021
450SX Combined Qualifying (Top 10)
| 1. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
47.432 |
| 2. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
47.579 |
| 3. |
Adam Cianciarulo |
(Kaw) |
47.652 |
| 4. |
Zach Osborne |
(Hus) |
47.870 |
| 5. |
Justin Brayton |
(Hon) |
48.170 |
| 6. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTN) |
48.212 |
| 7. |
Dean Wilson |
(Hus) |
48.464 |
| 8. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
48.474 |
| 9. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
48.599 |
| 10. |
Aaron Plessinger |
(Yam) |
48.702 |
250SX Combined Qualifying (Top 10)
| 1. |
Christian Craig |
(Yam) |
48.181 |
| 2. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
48.300 |
| 3. |
Colt Nichols |
(Yam) |
48.641 |
| 4. |
Michael Mosiman |
(GG) |
49.554 |
| 5. |
Jo Shimoda |
(Kaw) |
49.837 |
| 6. |
Mitch Oldenburg |
(Hon) |
50.00 |
| 7. |
Max Vohland |
(KTM) |
50.064 |
| 8. |
Thomas Do |
(KTM) |
50.651 |
| 9. |
Hunter Sayles |
(KTM) |
51.067 |
| 10. |
Josh Osby |
(Hon) |
51.072 |
450SX Point Standings (After 2 of 17 rounds)
| 1. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
40/1 win |
| 2. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
39 |
| 3. |
Justin Brayton |
(Hon) |
38 |
| 4. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
38 |
| 5. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
37 |
| 6. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
36/1 win |
| 7. |
Malcolm Stewart |
(Yam) |
34 |
| 8. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTM) |
33 |
| 9. |
Adam Cianciarulo |
(Kaw) |
30 |
| 10. |
Zach Osborne |
(Hus) |
26 |
250SX East Point Standings (After 2 of 9 rounds)
| 1. |
Christian Craig |
(Yam) |
47/1 win |
| 2. |
Colt Nichols |
(Yam) |
44 |
| 3. |
Jett Lawrence |
(Hon) |
43/1 win |
| 4. |
Austin Forkner |
(Kaw) |
40 |
| 5. |
Jo Shimoda |
(Kaw) |
37 |
| 6. |
Michael Mosiman |
(GG) |
35 |
| 7. |
RJ Hampshire |
(Hus) |
32 |
| 8. |
Mitchell Oldenburg |
(Hon) |
31 |
| 9. |
Max Vohland |
(KTM) |
29 |
| 10. |
Josh Osby |
(Hon) |
26 |
Monster Energy Supercross/Telecast Schedule
| Saturday, January 16 |
Houston (East) |
NBCSN |
6 p.m. ET |
| Tuesday, January 19 |
Houston (East) |
NBCSN* |
10:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, January 23 |
Houston (East) |
NBCSN |
8 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, January 30 |
Indianapolis (East) |
NBCSN |
8 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, January 31 |
Indianapolis (East) |
NBC** |
11 p.m. ET |
| Tuesday, February 2 |
Indianapolis (East) |
NBCSN* |
11 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, February 6 |
Indianapolis (East) |
NBCSN |
8 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, February 13 |
Orlando (East) |
NBCSN |
7:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, February 20 |
Orlando (West) |
NBCSN |
7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, March 6 |
Daytona (West) |
NBCSN |
7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, March 13 |
Arlington (West) |
NBCSN |
7 p.m. ET |
| Tuesday, March 16 |
Arlington (West) |
NBCSN* |
10:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, March 20 |
Arlington (West) |
NBCSN* |
10:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 10 |
Atlanta (West) |
NBC |
3 p.m. ET |
| Tuesday, April 13 |
Atlanta (West) |
NBCSN* |
10 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 17 |
Atlanta (West) |
NBCSN* |
8:30 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, April 24 |
Salt Lake City (West) |
NBCSN |
7 p.m. ET |
| Saturday, May 1 |
Salt Lake City (East) |
NBCSN |
10 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, May 2 |
Salt Lake City (East/West) |
NBC** |
1:30 p.m. ET |
*Same-day delay
**Taped coverage
Click here for complete 2021 Houston Supercross Rnd 3 Results.
