It was a promising return to Monster Energy Supercross for Matt Moss, the BarX Suzuki rider showing plenty of potential in Oakland despite an awkward landing and subsequent thumb injury that ruled him out prematurely in the 250SX West main.

Following a strong run of form that included a standout Australian Supercross Championship campaign in SX1 last year and also being crowned the ‘Prince of Paris’ at the Supercross de Paris, Moss was provided with the opportunity to return to the US onboard an RM-Z250.

Marking his first 250SX West event since 2012, the Australian had to qualify through the B group but was still able to post the sixth quickest time overall in the quarter-litre division, later commencing the night show with a solid P3 behind RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Max Vohland (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in heat two.

During the main event, Moss charged to be positioned fourth during the opening stages but was ultimately forced to retire from the race when a bad landing hurt his thumb and made it exceedingly difficult to control the bike.

“I was feeling really good all night, finished third in my heat,” Moss shared. “Got an okay start, I was sitting in fourth when I landed awkwardly on my thumb. I could barely hang on. Disappointing but overall happy with my speed, a few things to work on…. looking forward to being back behind the gates at the next round.”

Moss is set to contest the remaining 250SX West races this season with BarX Suzuki, as the Western Regional competitors return to action on 25 March, at Lumen Field Seattle.