Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac continued his winning ways with a second straight victory as Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship returned to Raymond James Stadium Saturday night. In the 250SX class it was Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner earning his first career supercross win in dominant fashion.
It was another great weekend for Tomac as the No.3 Kawasaki once again kicked the day off by setting the fastest time in qualifying. He did not let off the throttle all night as he finished second in his heat race and was ready to notch another main event win. As the gate dropped for the main, Tomac led the field around the inside of the first turn on his KX™450F and began battling for the lead. Just passed the halfway mark, he solidified his position up front and went on to lead 13 laps and capture his fourth win of the season. Monster Energy Kawasaki welcomed fill-in rider Tyler Bowers to the team this weekend as the injured Josh Grant recovers. In his 2018 debut with the factory team, Bowers transferred directly out of 450SX Heat 1 with a sixth place finish. In the Main Event, Bowers rounded the first lap in 18th and worked his way up to 14th place at the checkered flag.
“It was a tough race tonight,” said Tomac. “A couple of guys got around me early on but I was able to find my groove and ride up to the front. I found a good line in the heat race and I used that to get by Marv (Musquin) and overall this was a good race track for us. A win in this 450 class is pretty hard to come by, and this feels really good.”
“Today went well,” said Bowers. “I felt super comfortable on the factory Monster Energy Kawasaki as soon as I hit the track in the morning and felt I rode well all night. I had a great heat race, but didn’t get the start I wanted in the main and ended up finishing 14th. Overall, I think it was a great weekend and can’t thank Monster Energy Kawasaki enough for giving me this opportunity.”
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Forkner and Martin Davalos came into Tampa, Florida looking to rebound after last weekend’s results. As the Florida sun set Raymond James Stadium came alive. When the gate dropped on the opening 250SX heat races, Davalos captured his second heat race win of the season with Forkner qualifying third. At the start of the main event, Forkner came around the first turn in third place and wasted no time jumping into the lead by the end of the opening lap. The pressure on Forkner was relentless for 20 laps, but the young 19-year-old professional held a strong pace and led every lap to his very first career supercross victory. After starting in sixth place, teammate Davalos rode strong to a fifth place finish.
“I’m really happy to get my first supercross win,” said Forkner. “I came into this season coming off a wrist injury and I’m feeling really good right now. The team has a good setup for my KX™250F. Going after my first win was a challenge, but I was up front early and I tried to sprint to build a lead. I managed the pace to try and keep a good gap. I have to give it up to my team for staying behind me.”
“Today started off really well, with qualifying third overall in practice and winning my second heat race of the season,” said Davalos. “Although, when the gate dropped on for the main, I banged bars with another rider and nearly went down. Luckily, I was able to sneak around the inside of the first corner and pass a lot of riders back. A fifth place finish isn’t terrible, but I want to win.”
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