It has been two years since the Monster Energy Supercross series has rolled through the desert and it was worth the wait. Four different winners in the first four rounds in the 450 class meant anything could happen in the Triple Crown format at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ. And could the dominance Christian Craig has held over the 250 class continue? Check out the podium finishers.

450 PODIUM

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha’s Eli Tomac was quick as soon as he hit the track. He qualified behind his teammate by only a couple tenths an proceeded to get up front every gate drop. He dominated the first two races and played it safe in the third to bring Yamaha their first ever triple crown overall win. Tomac came in with the red plate and is leaving with it as the series first double winner. Tomac racing this well this early in the series is something his competitors were not hoping for.

Malcolm Stewart has used his time at the Baker’s Factory and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna to bring his riding to the next level. Showing consistency in the first four rounds that he not had since his 250 days, the Triple Crown was the perfect spot to put it all together and earn his first 450 podium.

Chase Sexton was not in a good spot after the first race. With a couple crashes he was relegated to outside the top ten and outside what many would think an unlikely chance to make any step on the podium. But, Sexton proved them wrong and rebounded on his Team Honda HRC bike to win the third main and get that last podium spot.

250 Podium

Hunter Lawrence has been at the front this entire season, just not up far enough to be the first to see the checkers, until Glendale. Lawrence was able to get a win in between a couple seconds. Michael Mosiman pressured him in the second race, but two bad races took him out of contention. And we all know what happened with Christian Craig (if not, see below). However, as the old saying goes, you need to be in it to win it and Lawrence was in it all night long to get his first win of the season and cut into Craig’s lead.

Christian Craig had great book end scores in the Triple Crown with race wins. The middle race, not so much. Gaining the lead from Vincent Friese in the long rhythm section leading into the sand, Craig started making the left turn and Friese, not so much. Craig was punted into what seemed the bowels of State Farm Stadium and had to remount in last. He didn’t start making a dent into the pack until lap three and he did not stop there. As almost a replay from San Diego he was the fastest on the track making his way all the way up to 4th. That paired with two race wins minimized the points damage and gave him and Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha second overall.

Jo Shimoda is clearly faster than last year, but he didn’t bring the consistency from last year. Shimoda’s new found aggression has put him towards the front, however mistakes have caused him to suffer in the results. A tip over in the first race and trying to chase down Lawrence and Craig in the other he was only able to manage third. Look for Shimoda to rebound for A3 next weekend.