US Supercross Lites West Series: 1st round Anaheim, CA FMF/KTM Rider Tommy Searle Earns 7th in his US Supercross Debut.

Courtesy of KTM

US Supercross Lites West Series: 1st round Anaheim, CA FMF/KTM Rider Tommy Searle Earns 7th in his US Supercross Debut. FMF/KTM Factory rider Tommy Searle earned 7th overall in his Supercross debut at the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross West Lites Series at Angel Stadium. Searle showed remarkable speed consistently remaining in the top ten lap times through the timed practice sessions. "I feel like I have prepared well and set myself up to have a decent season this year. I am really excited for this year as it is the start of my first Supercross season in the US. I am comfortable on my KTM and feel I have the speed to consistently battle with the top riders," remarked Searle. In the first Lites heat Broc Tickle took the win followed by Max Anstie and Trey Canard. KTM rider Phillip Nicoletti also qualified from the first heat. Searle was up next in Lites heat number two. Searle started in 7th position around the first turn and was able to charge forward into 5th position by the third lap. He maintained his position and finished in the fifth spot to easily qualify into the main event. KTM Factory Services/One Industries rider Sean Borkenhagen wasn't able to transfer from his heat but went on to win the LCQ and take one of the final two transfer spots into the main event. Qualifying within the first ten top transfer spots to the main event, Searle was able to get a decent gate pick and a good jump off the start. He rounded the first turn in 6th position. Borkenhagen was a few spots back in 8th while Nicoletti sat mid-pack. Searle maintained his position until the third lap when Wil Hahn slipped around him. Searle refocused and charged on determined to remain in a top ten position. He was pressured multiple times throughout the race and was able to hold on to 7th place to the checkered flag. Borkenhagen finished in 12th while Nicoletti finished 16th. "Overall I wish my result would have been better, but a top ten finish is not a bad way to start the year. I feel that with each round I will benefit from the added racing experience and see my results improve throughout the season. I hope to be a regular podium contender this season," stated Searle. Results Lites West POS. RIDER MANUFACT. NAT. 1 12 Jake Weimer Kawasaki 2 38 Trey Canard Honda 3 116 Ryan Morais Suzuki 4 21 Blake Wharton Honda 5 49 Wil Hahn Honda 7 19 Tommy Searle KTM Standings POS. RIDER MANUFACT. NAT. POINTS 1 12 Jake Weimer Kawasaki 25 2 38 Trey Canard Honda 22 3 116 Ryan Morais Suzuki 20 4 21 Blake Wharton Honda 18 5 49 Wil Hahn Honda 16 7 19 Tommy Searle KTM 14 Searle earns 7th place "A top ten finish is not a bad way to start the year," stated Searle