Top 10: Moments of AMA West Coast Lites 2012
Here are 10 of the pivotal highlights we’ve spotted during the first six rounds of the West Coast Lites in AMA SX.
As the West Coast Lites class of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series gets set for some time off while the series heads East, MotoOnline.com.au pieced together 10 of the most important moments from during the season so far (in no particular order!).
Tomac’s Crash
When Eli Tomac went down twice in San Diego, his status from title favourite quickly vanished as Dean Wilson took over the red plate. It’s going to be an all-out war for the series’ remainder.
Eli Tomac made a huge error by crashing out of San Diego. Image: Simon Cudby.
Osborne’s Form
As a guest from the grand prix series, Zach Osborne stunned with not one, but two podiums during the first four rounds of the 2012 title chase. We’re already tipping he’ll be in the U.S. again full time next year.
Zach Osborne's podiums should earn him an AMA return for 2013. Image: Simon Cudby.
Moss Podiums
Australia saw a new star rise on the toughest circuit of all at San Diego, when Matt Moss finally realised his dream of standing on the AMA podium. It’s where we all expected him to be, but now he has one, he’ll be confident that he can continue on for a whole heap more.
Australia was proud to see Matt Moss and JDR/J-Star/KTM on the podium. Image: Simon Cudby.
Rattray Injured
Nobody likes to see riders get injured, so when title contender Tyla Rattray suffered a back injury in Oakland, we were feeling for him. It’s not yet certain when the South African will return.
You have to feel for Tyla Rattray after he was injured. Image: Simon Cudby.
Seely’s A1 Surprise
The opening race of the year was owned by Cole Seely at Anaheim 1, resulting in an instant boost of his title chances for Troy Lee Designs Honda. Recent races have again seen Seely on the podium.
Everybody wants to win A1, which is exactly what Cole Seely did! Image: Simon Cudby.
Marvin Steps Up
Ken Roczen may have been Red Bull KTM’s favourite, but when he was injured in the pre-season, all eyes switched to fellow former world champion Marvin Musquin. He’s lived up to expectations too, with a number of podiums.
Marvin Musquin has proven his supercross skills for Red Bull KTM so far. Image: Simon Cudby.
Oakland Upsets
When Dean Wilson and Cole Seely crashed at Oakland, forcing them to the rear of the field, many almost handed the trophy to Eli Tomac right there and then. But in motorsport anything can happen, as we saw two weekends in San Diego when Tomac crashed out.
Dean Wilson may have had a couple of tough rounds, but he now holds the red plate. Image: Simon Cudby.
Triple Treat
Tomac’s form has been incredible this year, picking up three wins along the way and asserting himself as a real title threat despite suffering a DNF in San Diego. His three wins in a row came at LA, Oakland and A2.
Three wins on the trot for Eli Tomac saw him take control... until San Diego. Image: Simon Cudby.
Marmont’s Call
Ryan Marmont was in Australia and just about to enjoy Christmas with his family when the JDR/J-Star/KTM team called him up and told him to get on a plane for A1. With little time to prepare, he did what he could, but minimal time off the bike meant main events qualifications were his highlight.
Ryan Marmont was called in at the 11th hour by JDR Motorsports. Image: Simon Cudby.
Faith in Gavin
Gavin Faith is a familiar name for Aussies since he rode for Carlton Dry Honda in Super X last year, which ultimately lead to a place alongside Tomac as a guest at Geico Honda when Wil Hahn was injured. Hahn’s injury was disappointing for all.
Gavin Faith has been learning the AMA SX ropes in place of Wil Hahn. Image: Simon Cudby.
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