Geico Honda - OAKLAND: 2018 Race Report

Courtesy of Geico Honda

Oakland, California (February 3, 2018) – Christian Craig had it all going right on his GEICO Honda CRF250R at the fifth round of Monster Energy Supercross in Oakland, California, but one mistake while leading the race let it all slip away. On a tough, rutted track, Craig shot into the early lead and held steady until he cross-rutted and shot off the track, a mistake that cost him several positions. He ended up fourth. The challenging conditions created mistakes for many riders, though, so Craig found himself trying to take positives out of the evening.

“I honestly had a good day in Oakland,” said Craig. “I finally have myself in a good spot mentally which is I think is a constant battle in this sport. I was super happy with my riding all day. I qualified third. Had a terrible start in my heat but was able to work my way up to third. For the main, I went in the completely inside gate and was just hoping for the best. I ended up with an awesome jump and was second out of the first turn. I was able to pass Alex Martin pretty fast and got into the lead. I led a good portion of the race before cross rutting and going off the track. Luckily I was able to get up into fourth but pretty far back from the top three. It’s a huge bummer because my first win of the year was so close. But things happen and I’m lucky to be safe and moving on to San Diego where hopefully I can get a win in my hometown.”

Rookie Chase Sexton was happy with his riding but an early crash cost him a shot at the podium.

“Oakland track was a tough one!” said Sexton. “Felt really good on the bike all day and qualified fourth out of practice. Heat race got an okay start and got into third and stayed there. Felt like it was my night to get a good result! Got a really good start in the main but ended up sliding out in the first corner and had to come from pretty much last to sixth. Not what I wanted but I’m going back to work for San Diego!”

Craig and Sexton will resume the fight for the win in San Diego’s Petco Park this Saturday.

GEICO Honda Results

4. Christian Craig

6. Chase Sexton

  Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.