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MONSTER ENERGY® KAWASAKI RIDER JASON ANDERSON TAKES HOME THIRD PLACE AT THE SEASON OPENER IN ANAHEIM
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (January 12, 2025) - Monster Energy® Kawasaki riders Jason Anderson and Jorge Prado kicked off the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season with strong performances, securing third and 14th place finishes after both riders ran up front during 450SX Main Event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Garrett Marchbanks overcame challenges following a strong start with the holeshot in the 250SX Main Event and battling for a podium before ultimately finishing in ninth.
After a rigorous offseason of testing, KX™450SR riders Anderson and Prado began their day with solid qualifying performances, securing fourth and 11th place, respectively. When the gate dropped for the 450SX Heat 1, Anderson and his No. 21 Kawasaki entered the first turn in fourth. With calculated line choices, Anderson made quick passes and finished the heat in second place. In 450SX Heat 2, Prado made his racing debut with Monster Energy Kawasaki on the No. 70 KX450SR. The World Champion started just outside the Top 5 but soon found his rhythm, picking off competitors one by one to finish second, meaning both Kawasaki riders would have premium gate pick for the main event. As the gate dropped to start the 2025 season, the two Monster Energy Kawasaki riders put the power to the ground, with Prado grabbing the holeshot and Anderson banging bars with his competitors, but rounding the first turn in sixth. The 2018 Supercross champion quickly made his way past his teammate in the whoops to take the lead. As the race unfolded, Prado dropped to fourth, and a mid-race crash in the whoops forced him to remount in 15th, ultimately finishing 14th. Anderson battled with his title contenders, but a couple small mistakes dropped him third. He remained consistent, latching on to the leaders pace and secured a well-earned podium finish in third place.
In the 250SX Class, Marchbanks kicked off his weekend by qualifying in the eighth spot. During 250SX Heat 1, Marchbanks, riding the No. 36 KX™250SR, started in fifth but made an error that sent him down and forced him to remount in eighth. He recovered to finish the heat in fifth place. In the 250SX Main Event, Marchbanks had a strong start tucking to the very inside of the first turn to claim the holeshot. Marchbanks battled his rivals through the opening laps for podium contention. As the race wore on, a mistake in the challenging whoop section caused him to crash and remount in eighth, ultimately finishing the race in ninth. Levi Kitchen was also slated to challenge for the Western Region 250SX title, but was overcome by a serious illness leading up to Saturday’s race and he will now battle for the 250SX Eastern Regional title in four weeks time.
“It was a tough day in the office for me after grabbing a solid start in the main event. I felt good all day, but small mistakes kept me from showing my true potential. We will go back to the drawing board and come back stronger next week. Thank you to the support behind me with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. We will make it happen next week in San Diego.”
Garrett Marchbanks
“We have done a lot of testing in the offseason and it was awesome to see it all pay off by starting the year off with a podium. Finishing second in the heat race gave me the confidence for the main event. Off the start, I got very sideways and was leaning on everyone, but was able to muscle my way to the front pack. Battling with my Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate up front in the first few laps was incredible, but I was able to make the pass lead some laps. Overall it was a great opening night for the 2025 season and I am excited to line up next weekend in San Diego.”
Jason Anderson
“Anaheim 1 is done and there are so many positives to take from the night. I placed second in my heat race, grabbed a holeshot in the main event and even led some laps. This shows that I mean business and I can fight for the top spot any night. I cannot ask for more in my first race with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team and they worked so hard to put me in a position to battle up front. I am looking forward to getting redemption next weekend in San Diego.”
Jorge Prado
