German Ken Roczen made the perfect start to his career at Team Honda HRC, winning Anaheim’s opening round of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, series in commanding style.

After winning his heat race earlier on, Roczen was untouched in the 20-minute main event, going on to win by 16.200s from Red Bull KTM duo Ryan Dungey and Marvin Musquin.

Fourth was a fast-finishing Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna), who clawed his way by Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki), who’d ran as high as second before uncharacteristically fading down the order.

Australian legend Chad Reed’s (Monster Energy/Yamalube/Chaparral/Yamaha Financial Services/Yamaha) was inside the top 10 when reported contact with Weston Peick (JGRMX Suzuki) damaged his YZ450F and forced him out.

In the West Coast 250SX opener it was Shane McElrath (Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull KTM) who had a flawless run to victory over 15 laps, ahead of Aaron Plessinger (Yamalube/Star Racing/Yamaha) and Martin Davalos (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna).

Upon return to racing in the US, Dan Reardon (Yamalube/Star Racing/Yamaha) finished a solid seventh, while countryman Hayden Mellross (51Fifty Energy Drink Yamaha) saw his race end with bike dramas on the opening lap while running third.

The 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series will now travel directly south for round two of the season in San Diego, California, on Saturday, 14 January.