SAN DIEGO — Red Bull KTM’s Aaron Plessinger earned a hard-fought and emotional victory in round three the 17-race Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship inside a muddy Snapdragon Stadium.
With the win, Plessinger took over the lead in the championship points.
Two-time champion Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb battled forward on the deep-rutted track to take second place and his first podium of the year.
Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia took third-place under clear skies on the rain-soaked track at the 50th Anniversary Race which commemorates the sport’s 50th year.
“It feels really, really good,” Plessinger said. “I guess it feels like it should. I got off to a good start and just rode a good race. Kenny [Roczen] was in front and then I just applied a little pressure and he ended up going down. Cooper [Webb] was just right there behind me keeping me on my toes, and so was Eli [Tomac, who was a lap down]. Yeah, it was a really good race, I just got a good lead and rode my own race, and stayed up. It seemed like we were lapping a lot of people, so it feels good and I’m ready to do it again next weekend.”
Webb was satisfied with second place.
“I think I’ve had a great season so far, but on paper it hasn’t [looked that way]. Anaheim 1 was great but last weekend was not, so like we say, we’re hoping that’s the battle and I can charge on from here,” Webb said. “And tonight was great to get those points back, get it back in the mix. I felt great on the track. I felt great all day. I was really wanting that win but it was overall a really good bounce back, and for me just to know that I’m in this thing for sure.”
In the Western Regional 250SX Class Nate Thrasher took his fifth career win and his first podium of the year in a Yamaha podium sweep.
After fighting into the lead, Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha’s Garrett Marchbanks settled for second but kept Thrasher close right to the checkered flag.
Rounding out the podium was Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Jordon Smith, who stretched out his championship points lead on his nearest competitor.