Cycle News Staff | September 15, 2022
One of our favorite off-season races is right around the corner. The 2022 rendition of Red Bull Straight Rhythm is set to take place October 15 at Huntington Beach State Park in Huntington Beach, California. 32 riders are split into two categories (125/150 and 250) and will go head-to-head in the bracket style races.
The event will still be two-stroke only but it looks like there is no longer a 500cc class which Travis Pastrana and Tyler Bowers raced back in 2019. Bowers is still listed in the 250 class, but no Pastrana (yet, hopefully). Jett Lawrence graces the event flyer but we don’t see his name or his brother Hunter listed on as of yet (again, hopefully), Also nice to see it’s not only Red Bull athletes! Riders like Josh Hansen, and Casey Cochran ride for Rockstar and Monster respectively.
250cc Class
Ken Roczen, Aaron Plessinger, Justin Barcia, Marvin Musquin, Cooper Webb, Gared Steinke, Tyler Bowers, Ronnie Mac, Josh Hansen, Robbie Wageman, Ivan Ramirez and more.
125cc/150cc Class
Carson Brown, Ryan Morais, Casey Cochran, AJ Catanzaro, Josh Varize, Derek Kelley, Dylan Woodcock, Josh Thomas, Andy DiBrino and more
Ken Roczen won the event back in 2019. Photo: Chris Tedesco / Red Bull Content Pool
Most of these faces you know and love and are returning to the track for their quest for the crown while others such as Roczen (2019), Steinke (2017) and Musquin (2016) are seeking another chance to stand atop the podium in victory. Who will write their name in the sand and who will write their name in the stars? It’s anyone’s game so leave it to the racing to do the talking. No lifeguards on deck, no points at stake, no turns, and no funny business (looking at you, Barcia), just fun business on a half-mile track. The only thing on the line are egos. And perhaps the best matchup of all will be Jason Weigandt and Daniel Blair on the race call. Perhaps.
Adjacent to the Red Bull Straight Rhythm start is the Super Hooligan track at Moto Beach Classic. This racer lineup will feature pros, Joe’s and the fastest hooligan racers in the country, as well as choppers, electric bikes, two strokes and knobby motocross bikes, racing side by side in the ultimate battle of the slide on the beach. Moto vendors, art, custom motorcycles and dirt track racing will create a family friendly day to remember.
Don’t worry, we won’t leave you hanging – more event information including the full rider roster will be released in the coming weeks. Want to get in on the fun? We would too. For those that can’t make it to the event, catch all the action of Red Bull Straight Rhythm streaming live exclusively on ESPN+ on October 15, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. PST. Tickets can be purchased here with early bird pricing available until Saturday, September 17. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. PST for spectators to view the practice and qualifying rounds.
Red Bull Straight Rhythm is supported by Honda, KMC, Oanda, Wolverine, Fasthouse and Amsoil.
Straight Rhythm is back for 2022. Will we see Jett Lawrence on the gate?
