You know the drill, we pose our top 10 burning questions on Friday and revisit them for expert analysis on Tuesday. It really is that simple. See below for our Questions Answered from Round 5 of the 2012 Monster Energy Supercross series in Anaheim, California.
Will the A2 track layout improve from A1?
For the riders it seemed so, as we didn’t hear nearly as much complaining following the event. In my personal opinion, however, it was extremely tight in areas and tough to pass on. Given, that’s the name of the game sometimes, but all in all I would say, yes, it was an improvement. Just not much of one.
There can’t be five winners in five round in the 450 class…can there?
This was a stupid question. Of course there can’t be. Justin Brayton gave everyone hope when he set the fast lap in practice, but he was quickly exposed in the main when he was easily passed up by the big boys. Actually, I’m going to go as far as to put this question on the shelf for the remainder of the season, as I’d be willing to bet the $376.99 in my savings account that we’ve seen all the winners we’re going to see for 2012 supercross.
Is RV better than 3rd?
Again, I apologize for such an absurd question. Of course he is. He’s actually better than every other rider in the world when he’s on his game. And make no mistake about it, he was on his game at A2.
Windham trails Weimer by a mere three points for 5th, who will throw down in Anaheim?
We all know how important the start is this year. And after reviewing the lap chart, the start is the number one reason Weimer now sits 6th in points and Windham moved up to 5th. Weimer started around last place and spent 20 laps sprinting his way to 11th, while Windham started in 7th and settled in for a 6th. Windham now sits two points up on Weimer, but this battle is far from over. While the top four fights for the title, the only other position within reach for the rest of the field is the coveted #5 spot, and right now, Windham and Weimer are riding shotgun for that position.
Can Cody Mackie repeat his main event appearance from Oakland now that he’s more comfortable on his JWR Kawasaki?
Unfortunately, Mackie didn’t come close. He place 18th in the ultra stacked Heat 1 and with James Stewart in the LCQ, he didn’t have much of a shot their, either. He ended up with a fourth in the LCQ behind Albertson and Kiniry.
Can Josh Hansen’s consistency continue?
Hanny started out the night solid in his heat. He got a good start and battled the likes of Stewart, Reed and Short to finish fourth, however, things quickly went downhill when he appeared to have broken his front break lever early in the main event and was forced to retire. Don’t count this dude out for long, though. He’ll be back to his top 10 self in San Diego, we guarantee it.
Does Brayton still have it in him?
He needed it and he got it. Brayton’s back was against the wall after multiple poor finishes following his fourth at A1. However, Brayton threw down big at A2 with the fastest lap in practice and a fifth in the main. He didn’t prove to have the speed of the Big 4, but he was solid nonetheless. This is where he needs to be week in and week out. Let’s see if he can finally start showing some consistency and get himself back into good position in the championship.
Tomac’s up 15pts. Has the west already been won?
Tomac is now up 22 points after Seely gave up the lead early in the main event. It’s difficult to say that anyone has already won the title, especially with what we’ve seen in the past. But we will say this, it’s going to take more than moving mountains if anyone plans of taking this one away from ET.
Teddy Maier missed his first main event in Oakland. Will he bounce back at A2?
Maier crashed in his heat and was unable to make it to the line for the LCQ. We’ve yet to hear any updates on Maier, but certainly hope he is healthy and can continue the good start to his season.
Is Matt Moss for real?
I think Moss proved he was for real with his fifth in Oakland. A result like that takes unbelievable skill and talent. What I wasn’t sold on if he was really consistent. And while there are still some races left to go before I’m completely sold, I’m starting to lean towards yes. Moss got an atrocious start in the back of the pack and managed to dice his way up to seventh overall. A feat I’m not so sure he would have accomplished a year or two ago.
