AMA SX 2018 RD10: BRAYTON’S SURPRISE

2018 AMA SUPERCROSS, ROUND 10 REPORT.

Amazingly we have already reached Round 10 of the 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, and there was absolutely no let up in the action and unpredictability as the series reached the legendary Daytona International Speedway.

The loose and sandy track caused its fair share of incidents and we witnessed a new winner, the first chink in the armour of the unflappable title leader, mistakes, injuries, and yet more thrills and spills.

450 Main

Marvin Musquin, on a high after a race victory in last weekend’s Triple Crown, looked keen to grab the holeshot and he got a great start out of the gate, but went out wide, Christian Craig saw the opportunity and headed into the first corner in the lead. The race was just starting to shake out when there was a yell from the huge crowd as Eli Tomac hit the ground. Frustrated fans saw the Monster Energy Kawasaki man struggle to pick his bike up in the traffic and by the time Tomac could rejoin he had dropped to 22nd place. Back at the front, the two Honda riders Justin Brayton and Christian Craig were enjoying a great battle, swapping positions and managing to keep Musquin behind them at the same time. While everyone was enthralled by the fight at the front there was little time to check on series leader, Jason Anderson. But the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna man soon made himself stand out, this season he has been one of the smoothest and most precise riders in the championship but a careless mistake as he changed line trying to overtake Vince Friese saw the usually unflappable Anderson hit the ground. His first big error since taking serious command of the points standings, and his first mistake of any kind since Arlington. At the finish line he could only manage 7th.

Anderson’s rivals had no choice but to try and take advantage of the unusual circumstances. Second place man in the championship, Musquin pushed hard to chase down Brayton and take maximum points. The Red Bull KTM man leapt into the lead but was soon caught out by the tricky track (designed by Ricky Carmichael), hitting a jump too quickly he nearly looped out, but held onto the bike, landing heavily and catapulting himself off the track and into the mechanics’ area. Musquin rejoined after the spectacular crash only to dig the front in a sandy berm and go down again. Without doubt, the Frenchman lost his usual focus and failed to take advantage of the extenuating circumstances.

Despite his own off, Tomac was desperate to recoup. And you have to hand it to him, he has learned during the last couple of seasons how to make strong comebacks. As the time ticked down he carved through the pack, passing everyone but Brayton to snatch second place.

There was jubilation at the finish line as MotoConcepts Honda rider Brayton took the chequered flag and with it his first Supercross victory, and the 33 year old also made history; becoming the oldest rider to win a 450 main. Although Brayton looked as though he could scarcely believe it, he has been on impressive and consistent form all season long. He moves into 3rd in the standings, 13 points behind Musquin.

From the impressive comeback of Tomac – 22nd to 2^nd – to the uncharacteristic error of Anderson, the costly crashes of Musquin, and the much deserved victory of Brayton, the ever legendary Daytona had a bit of everything. After 10 rounds it may appear we have a very clear favourite for the title, but with seven rounds still remaining we know that anything could happen yet.