Monster Energy AMA Supercross 2023 season kicked off January 7 at Houston’s NRG Stadium and will end May 13 in Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium with live coverage from NBC Sports of all qualifying and heat races and main event races as well as coverage from qualifying sessions and heats races as well as coverage of qualifying rounds and heat races leading up to race day itself.
The 450SX class will crown its champion, while 250SX East/West Championships will reach their conclusion with the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Showdown.
450SX
The Monster Energy Supercross 450SX class boasts some of the finest riders in motocross. Every race in Monster Energy Supercross includes a Main Event where 10 riders earn points towards their championship, so scoring as many points as possible is essential for victory – though consistency should also be prioritized.
2023 KTM SX models feature intuitive engine maps and traction control that enable instantaneous power delivery. A rider can switch easily between maps 1 for linear power delivery or map 2 for explosive throttle and powerful acceleration.
After a day of practice, the top 40 riders in both the 250SX and 450SX classes compete in timed qualifying heats to qualify for the Main Event. Each qualifying heat has one racer that crosses the finish line first advancing to compete against each other for top honors in that heat.
250SX
In addition to having a new chassis and engine, the 2023 250SX also features easily accessible service parts for easier track side maintenance and increased suspension adjustability for more precise setups and improved performance.
Phoenix Racing Honda’s Coty Schock led from start to finish in the inaugural 250SX heat race at Anaheim. However, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire quickly assumed control. Jett Lawrence and Levi Kitchen from Monster Energy Yamaha Star MX Honda later took the top spots.
Team Honda HRC riders Cameron McAdoo and Austin Forkner finished sixth and seventh respectively in qualifying for the East series, but Jo Shimoda broke her collarbone during practice, meaning Chase Sexton will assume premier class duties for the rest of this season.
125SX
KTM’s entry-level 2-stroke has long been recognized as an uncontested leader of junior races and gateway into MX profession. Equipped with Keihin electronic fuel injection for no pre-race jetting hassles and featuring a compact 17 kg engine which produces power at any altitude.
Fox Raceway’s vet track featured many ruts and some sizeable jumps, which the 125 SX navigated with incredible agility and straight-line stability.
A meticulously handcrafted hydroformed, laser-cut and robot-welded frame utilizes carefully calculated parameters of longitudinal and torsional flex to provide riders with exceptional rider feedback and stability. Plus, its topology-optimized die-cast footpegs reduce hooking in deep ruts or during take-off from scrubbing.
125MX
Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship attracts some of the world’s highest-caliber off-road riders who compete over 17 rounds for victory. These fearless athletes compete handlebar-to-handlebar in iconic stadiums on technical dirt tracks designed to test both their skills and endurance.
The 125MX offers an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and is easy to ride two up. However, mid-rpm power may be lacking and its brake pedal may feel awkward to some small-handed riders.
Being part of a small factory offers several advantages, among them swiftly implementing changes when necessary. Furthermore, parts are easier to find and less costly – an excellent choice for those searching for an economical motocross bike solution.
250MX
2023’s 250MX class appears to have two riders that look poised to make waves. Nelson returned after an injury-ridden 2013 campaign which limited him to just seven starts and seven moto wins; yet has shown flashes of potential with his win at Indiana and 5th at Thunder Valley last season among others. To be truly competitive in 2023 though, they must put it together every weekend.
Cianciarulo is looking to capture his first championship. Since joining GEICO Honda last year, consistency has been an issue; but he finished third three times in the 250SX East Region and could prove decisive outdoors.
