The Monster Energy Supercross event had a super turnout on Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.
Supercross is a motocross variant involving off-road motorcycles on a constructed dirt track with obstacles, sharp turns, and steep jumps. Supercross was founded in the States in 1974 and is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Since its inception, Supercross has grown in popularity, with a worldwide broadcast audience in the millions. These competitions also draw sizable crowds to the tracks on race day, as in Music City.
The Supercross FanFest, an add-on, ran from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fans were given an insider’s look as teams prepared, practiced, and qualified for the Main Event. Activities included exhibitions, a pump track, toy play tables, and more. There were also photo ops and time to meet and get autographs from the riders. Team sponsors had substantial displays. Plus, there were ample amounts of gear for sale.
NBC Peacock, who aired the race, gave out coffee and donuts. EPIC VIP Experiences were also available. This extra encompassed rare access to Friday’s press rides, a walk on the track with Supercross legends to see the huge hurdles the top riders confronted on Saturday, and more.
As FanFest wrapped up, folks headed to the stadium before the Main Event. DJKO was spinning and scratching records between videos about Supercross. Tennessee has an important place in the sport’s history. As the story goes, racing promoter Dave Coombs approached country music legend Loretta Lynn and her husband Moody about hosting a national amateur race for dirt bike riders of all ages. Located in Hurricane Mills, their property had 6,000 acres and room for camping, and Dave saw its potential. So the Lynns welcomed Motocross in 1982, and the ranch has remained in the circuit ever since.
Back in Nashville, the colors were displayed as the anthem was sung. Fire and smoke added to the excitement during rider introductions. Next, the competitors took a Hot Lap to re-familiarize themselves with the course. The outdoor track at Nissan Stadium consisted of a right-handed start, a split lane with sand obstacles (passing opportunity and multiple options), an elevated bowl turn creating challenges for the superstars, and a lot of excitement for the spectators. We witnessed several spills during the day, but all could walk away.
Photo courtesy Music City Nashville
The 250SX and 450SX heats were hot, with leaders grabbing their positions early as they raced around the track until 0.0 triggered the last lap, where position to qualify for the Main Event was the goal. From the first to the last, each rider had to navigate dangerous curves, speed up and then slow down just enough for the next turn or series of jumps. They also had to contend with the whoops.
Supercross is a family-friendly event focusing on the next generation of riders. A Junior race was held. The youngsters in the 7-8-year-old range traversed the same track as the pros but at a slower pace. There was a small pile-up early on, but these determined kids picked themselves up and returned to their bikes to win the finish line. The top three were interviewed about a skill they need to pursue this sport as a career. Interaction with fans seems to be an important part of the scene, along with the ability to ride and control a motorcycle on all the high-risk tracks these athletes face.
The Last Chance Qualifying (LCQ) runs occurred before the final races, determining that day’s winners and impacting ongoing standings. As a result, tension was high as each group took a Sighting Lap to determine what changes occurred as track conditions altered over time.
The last and longer races of the Main Event found the men more determined than ever, but Australia’s Hunter Lawrence (250SX) and Chase Sexton (450SX) took the number one spots on Saturday. The Monster Energy Supercross in Nashville was a full day of activities culminating in an action-pack Main Event!
Related Links: For more information on ARENACROSS and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links — Arenacross | Bridgestone Arena
