Cycle News Staff | April 13, 2021
Round 14 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series at Atlanta Motor Speedway (Atlanta 2) was another wild one, with Ken Roczen pulling off one of the most important wins of his Supercross career, and Cameron McAdoo stealing much of the spotlight away from winner Justin Cooper in the 250SX main event.
Ken Roczen Closes In
Ken Roczen scored a big win Atlanta 2. Photos: BrownDog Wilson
It was an important win for Roczen because it was the first time that the Honda HRC rider didn’t lose ground to Cooper Webb in the championship since his last win at Indy 3, February 3, when he completed the residency sweep at Lucas Oil Stadium. Since then, it’s been seven rounds of frustration for Roczen—until today. And to make things even better for Roczen, he gained big points on Webb, who fought hard just to finish in sixth place. Roczen came into the race trailing Webb by 22 points, it’s now down to 13.
Webb had his chance to win, too. The Red Bull KTM rider was credited with the holeshot but Roczen got by him before the first lap was over. Webb simply could not handle the pace and slowly drifted backward, first getting passed by rookie Chase Sexton, then Justin Barcia, and then Jason Anderson, who eventually got around Barcia. Webb found a little something late in the race and tried to get at least one spot back on Barcia, who blocked Webb’s every pass attempt until the two touched with Webb going down, losing another spot to Atlanta 1 winner Eli Tomac. It appears that the fast and more wide-open tracks, like the Atlanta track, don’t suit his style of riding right now as well as the tighter tracks.
For the second time in a row, Honda HRC’s Chase Sexton finished on the podium in second place after a far less eventful main event that he experienced last Saturday. He got around Webb on the second lap and cruised there the whole race, finishing approximately eight seconds behind his teammate, and he had plenty of breathing room over third-place finisher Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).
Anderson, however, had a very eventful night after getting taken out hard in his heat race, which forced him to transfer to the main via the LCQ, which he easily won. Anderson started the main event in seventh, worked his way into third by the seventh lap (of 14), where he would eventually finish. It was his best finish since Arlington 1.
Barcia, on the TLD/Red Bull GasGas, was on the move early in the race, climbing up to third after a sixth-place start, but spent the latter half of the race in defense mode after Anderson passed him, and then came Webb. Barcia ended up fourth for the third time in four races and the fifth time this season.
Tomac couldn’t find the magic that got him the win just three days earlier. An eighth-place start put the defending champ in a hole right away and he could never really climb out of it, blowing a good opportunity to pull back a chunk of points on Webb. Instead, he only gained one point on the championship leader.
Marvin Musquin, Aaron Plessinger, who got caught up in a melee in the first turn with his Yamaha teammate Malcolm Stewart, Dean Wilson and Joey Savatgy completed the top 10.
Justin Cooper Wins 250SX West Main
Justin Cooper celebrates the 250SX West win alongside runner-up Hunter Lawrence and Cameron McAdoo.
The 250SX West main was full of drama, and it all centered on Cameron McAdoo who came into the race trailing Justin Cooper by just four points. Cooper jumped out into the early lead at the start, but the race was red-flagged on the first lap when McAdoo went down spectacularly in an awkward and violent crash, injuring his thigh and shoulder. Since the race hadn’t completed three laps yet, the riders returned to the starting line for a re-do. McAdoo convinced the track medics that he was okay, and after a short discussion and evaluation, he was cleared to race and allowed to line up.
After a slight delay, the gate dropped for a second time and McAdoo amazingly nearly pulled off the holeshot but instead got shuffled back to fourth, while Cooper, once again, led the way. McAdoo then picked off Garrett Marchbanks for third and then got around last Saturday’s winner Nate Thrasher for second. At this point in the race, Cooper had pretty much checked out, so it was just a matter of holding on for McAdoo. Eventually, the adrenaline wore off and the pain settled in, and McAdoo began to fade ever so slightly, ultimately giving way to Hunter Lawrence and barely holding off Thrasher on the last lap. It was a heroic and gutsy ride by the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Team rider that paid big dividends in that it keeps him very much in the title hunt with two races to go. For a moment there, it looked as though McAdoo’s chances of the title were over.
“When I first landed, my leg hurt pretty good,” said McAdoo. “I had a contusion on my thigh and I couldn’t really move it, which is why it was hard to get down off the tunnel. After walking on it, I finally got it moving. I can’t believe the guys got my bike in good enough shape to ride. I am so thankful and happy to have been able to ride to a podium finish. I’ll be taking a few days to recoup.”
McAdoo said that he’s not sure exactly what caused the crash but did say that he’s okay and will be ready for Atlanta 3 this Saturday.
Cameron Mcadoo showed that he’s as tough as nails by finishing third in the 250SX Main after suffering a spectacular crash the caused a red flag.
As for Cooper, the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha Team rider simply dominated all day after topping both qualifying sessions, winning his heat race and the main event, not to mention was leading the first race before the red flag came out.
He did say that the stoppage and delay were a distraction, but he was happy that he was able to put it all behind him and “execute” despite it all.
Lawrence finished a distant second after passing McAdoo three laps from the end. The Aussie is still very much in the title hunt, having gained a couple of points on McAdoo. The Honda rider trails the Kawasaki rider by seven points.
Thrasher ended up fourth, while Garrett Marchbanks rounded out the top five. CN
Atlanta 2 Supercross Results
2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship
Round 14
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta, Georgia
April 13, 2021
450SX Results (Top 10)
| 1. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
14 Laps |
| 2. |
Chase Sexton |
(Hon) |
07.982 |
| 3. |
Jason Anderson |
(Hus) |
12.665 |
| 4. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
14.629 |
| 5. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
20.070 |
| 6. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTM) |
22.499 |
| 7. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
25.364 |
| 8. |
Aaron Plessinger |
(Yam) |
29.296 |
| 9. |
Dean Wilson |
(Hus) |
51.097 |
| 10. |
Joey Savatgy |
(KTNM) |
53.661 |
250SX West (Top 10)
| 1. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
11 Laps |
| 2. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
07.206 |
| 3. |
Cameron McAdoo |
(Kaw) |
11.225 |
| 4. |
Nate Thrasher |
(Yam) |
11.821 |
| 5. |
Garrett Marchbank |
(Yam) |
24.953 |
| 6. |
Mitchell Harrison |
(Hon) |
26.343 |
| 7. |
Coty Schock |
(Hon) |
28.744 |
| 8. |
Pierce Brown |
(GG) |
29.294 |
| 9. |
Seth Hammaker |
(Kaw) |
31.963 |
| 10. |
Jalek Swoll |
(Hus) |
34.307 |
450SX Point Standings (After 14 of 17 rounds)
| 1. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTM) |
313/6 wins |
| 2. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
300/4 wins |
| 3. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
278/3 wins |
| 4. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
246/1 win |
| 5. |
Aaron Plessinger |
(Yam) |
215 |
| 6. |
Jason Anderson |
(Hus) |
211 |
| 7. |
Malcolm Stewart |
(Yam) |
192 |
| 8. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
183 |
| 9. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
168 |
| 10. |
Joey Savatgy |
(KTM) |
166 |
250SX West Point Standings (After 7 of 10 rounds)
| 1. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
157/3 wins |
| 2. |
Cameron McAdoo |
(Kaw) |
148/1 win |
| 3. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
141/1 win |
| 4. |
Seth Hammaker |
(Kaw) |
121 |
| 5. |
Jalek Swoll |
(Hus) |
121 |
| 6. |
Garrett Marchbanks |
(Yam) |
120 |
| 7. |
Nate Thrasher |
(Yam) |
101/1 win |
| 8. |
Kyle Peters |
(Hon) |
93 |
| 9. |
Chris Blose |
(GG) |
86 |
| 10. |
Coty Schock |
(Hon) |
86 |
QUALIFYING
2021 Atlanta 2 Supercross Rnd 14 Results: Monster Energy AMA Supercross is already up and running again this week with round 14 of the championship, hosted, once again, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Georgia. However, conditions for the Atlanta 2 (of 3) Supercross are radically different from just a few days ago. Unlike last Saturday’s race when it was wet and mostly overcast, today it’s dry and sunny, and actually leaning a little towards the hot side of things. However, the huge track layout, which is again producing lap times a little more than twice as long as most “normal” indoor Supercross tracks, is nearly identical to last Saturday’s—except running in the opposite direction.
Anderson Tops Atlanta 2 Qualifying
Jason Anderson was the top 450SX qualifier at Atlanta 2. Photos: BrownDog Wilson
Jason Anderson came out swinging in Q1, ripping a lap time that no one could beat in either Q1 or Q2, and came away as the top qualifier overall. Even Anderson couldn’t match the 1:34.232 that he laid down in Q1, missing the mark by approximately half a second, but the 2018 Champion seems to be extremely hungry to nail his first win since his championship season. Could this be his day?
But there are other hungry racers, as well, including Ken Roczen who is in desperate need of a win to keep Cooper Webb from running away with the ’21 title with only three races left after tonight’s race. Roczen made some noise by topping Q2 but was still 3/10th off Anderson’s best time.
And then you have last Saturday’s Atlanta 1 winner Eli Tomac who can see second-place Roczen a little way ahead of him in the championship and still has a shot at successfully defending the number-one plate. Another win tonight on a track that suits his still will certainly hope both situations. Tomac qualified fifth today.
And Chase Sexton, who finished on the 450 podium for the first time Saturday, wants a win badly after coming so close just three days ago. Sexton qualified third today.
Dean Wilson qualified fourth.
Points leader Cooper Webb didn’t show a lot in qualifying, which isn’t unusual for him, though he did find a way to knock off about two seconds from Q1 to Q2. Webb qualified sixth. He leads Roczen by 22 points in the championship; Tomac is 14 behind Roczen.
Dylan Ferrandis, Aaron Plessinger, Marvin Musquin, and Justin Barcia completed the top 10 in Atlanta 2 qualifying.
In the 250SX West class, points leader Justin Cooper topped both sessions, with his nearest rival Cameron McAdoo coming in second but nearly a second off Cooper’s best time.
Hunter Lawrence qualified third, followed by Ryan Sipes and Seth Hammaker.
Justin Cooper Back On Form In 250s
Justin Cooper seems fully recovered from his hard get-off last Saturday. He topped both 250SX West qualifiers.
Last Saturday’s surprise winner Nate Thrasher qualified sixth. In case you’re wondering, Thrasher qualified ninth last week.
The race for the 250SX West Championship is still very much in the air, with Cooper leading McAdoo by just four points, with Lawrence back another 13 points in third.
Cooper said he still felt very sore the day after his crash during Saturday’s heat race but feels much better today.
Racing begins at 7 p.m. local time with same-day delayed TV coverage on NBCSN.
Atlanta 2 Supercross Qualifying Results
2021 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship
Round 14
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Atlanta, Georgia
April 13, 2021
QUALIFYING ATLANTA 2
450SX Combined Qualifying (Top 10)
| 1. |
Jason Anderson |
(Hus) |
1:33.234 |
| 2. |
Ken Roczen |
(Hon) |
1:34.570 |
| 3. |
Chase Sexton |
(Yam) |
1:34.631 |
| 4. |
Dean Wilson |
(Hus) |
1:34.846 |
| 5. |
Eli Tomac |
(Kaw) |
1:35.513 |
| 6. |
Cooper Webb |
(KTM) |
1:35.718 |
| 7. |
Dylan Ferrandis |
(Yam) |
1:36.044 |
| 8. |
Aaron Plessinger |
(Yam) |
1:36.183 |
| 9. |
Marvin Musquin |
(KTM) |
1:36.313 |
| 10. |
Justin Barcia |
(GG) |
1:36.524 |
250SX West Combined Qualifying (Top 10)
| 1. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
1:36.143 |
| 2. |
Cameron McAdoo |
(Kaw) |
1:36.916 |
| 3. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
1:38.637 |
| 4. |
Ryan Sipes |
(GG) |
1:38.984 |
| 5. |
Seth Hammaker |
(Yam) |
1:39.000 |
| 6. |
Nate Thrasher |
(Yam) |
1:39.091 |
| 7. |
Stilez Robertson |
(Hus) |
1:39.795 |
| 8. |
Jarrett Frye |
(Yam) |
1:40.080 |
| 9. |
Garrett Marchbanks |
(Yam) |
1:40.171 |
| 10. |
Pierce Brown |
(GG) |
1:40.787 |
250SX West Combined Qualifying (Top 10)
| 1. |
Justin Cooper |
(Yam) |
1:36.143 |
| 2. |
Cameron McAdoo |
(Kaw) |
1:36.916 |
| 3. |
Hunter Lawrence |
(Hon) |
1:38.637 |
| 4. |
Ryan Sipes |
(GG) |
1:38.984 |
| 5. |
Seth Hammaker |
(Yam) |
1:39.000 |
| 6. |
Nate Thrasher |
(Yam) |
1:39.091 |
| 7. |
Stilez Robertson |
(Hus) |
1:39.795 |
| 8. |
Jarrett Frye |
(Yam) |
1:40.080 |
| 9. |
Garrett Marchbanks |
(Yam) |
1:40.171 |
| 10. |
Pierce Brown |
(GG) |
1:40.787 |
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/West) |
NBCSN |
10 p.m. ET |
| Sunday, May 2 |
Salt Lake City (East/West) |
NBC** |
1:30 p.m. ET |
*Same-day delay
**Taped coverage
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Click here for complete 2021 Atlanta 2 Rnd 14 Results.
