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Monster Energy Kawasaki Rider Jason Anderson Brings Home A Third Place Overall Finish At Round 8 Of The AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (July 24, 2023) - Round 8 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship was held at the renowned Washougal MX Park in Washougal, Washington. Nestled between a dense expanse of pine trees in the scenic Pacific Northwest, Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson achieved his first overall podium finish of the season, clinching third place in the 450 Class with a consistent and impressive performance (4-4). Meanwhile, Adam Cianciarulo battled fiercely through the wooded terrain to claim sixth position overall (5-7) and maintained fourth in the AMA Pro Motocross Points Championship. In the 250 Class, Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders, Seth Hammaker, Jo Shimoda, Carson Mumford, Austin Forkner and Ryder DiFrancesco displayed grit and determination to finish sixth (7-6), seventh (6-7), ninth (9-9), 15th (21-10), 17th (DNF-12th), respectively.
Washougal MX Park is famous for offering a picturesque setting for motocross races. The dense forest surrounding the track not only adds to the natural beauty, but also presents a demanding and technical track for riders to navigate. Due to its reputation for providing an exciting and challenging race environment, Washougal MX Park attracts motocross riders from around the world. Fans and spectators flock to the venue to witness thrilling races and experience the breathtaking natural backdrop that sets this track apart from the rest. In the morning qualifying sessions, Anderson and Cianciarulo adapted quickly to the terrain claiming second and third place with a 2:15.407 and a 2:15.632, only one second off the fastest qualifier.
In Moto 1 of the 450 Class, Cianciarulo and Anderson both executed impressive starts, blazing through the holeshot line and securing third and fifth positions. They ventured into the first tree-covered section of the track where the shadows cast on the terrain posed a challenge, making it difficult for everyone to see the best racing lines. Undeterred, Anderson's KX™450SR showcased its agility, allowing him to swiftly maneuver past his competitors and climb to the fourth spot, where he found his rhythm and pace. Cianciarulo encountered a minor mishap, causing him to temporarily slip back into sixth place. He quickly recovered and regained his momentum, eventually reclaiming a position in the Top 5. As the race reached its conclusion, Anderson and his No. 21 machine crossed the finish line in fourth place, while Cianciarulo and his No. 9 machine followed closely behind, securing a fifth-place finish.
At the start of Moto 2, Cianciarulo and Anderson once again showcased their skill with impressive starts, securing the fifth and sixth positions. However, with the track conditions deteriorating, the riders remained focused on finding smooth racing lines to avoid any costly mistakes. Anderson wasted no time, swiftly advancing to fifth place and then, just before the start of Lap 2, he skillfully closed in on the frontrunners and managed to secure the fourth spot. His consistent performance throughout the race allowed him to maintain his position and finish strongly, resulting in a fourth place finish and third overall for the day. Meanwhile, Cianciarulo attacked each corner with unwavering determination, but began to face challenges with his pace halfway through the moto. Despite his efforts, he gradually fell back to seventh place where he would finish.
In Moto 1 of the 250 Class, the riders from Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki shot out of the starting gate, determined to secure favorable positions. As they navigated the tight first corner, Hammaker managed to seize fourth place, with Shimoda close behind in sixth, DiFrancesco in 10th, and Mumford in 11th. Unfortunately, Forkner encountered an incident in the opening turn, causing him to crash and rejoin the race from the 40th position. As the race progressed, intense battles developed among the competitors. Hammaker found himself in a tussle with the points leader, but eventually conceded his position. Shimoda faced a challenging task of working his way through the pack after losing a few spots early on. DiFrancesco's race came to an early end due to a costly mistake that forced him to retire. Mumford settled into a steady rhythm, closely shadowing his teammate, Shimoda. Together, they skillfully overtook opponents one by one, showcasing their ability on their KX250 race machines. As the race clock ticked down and the checkered flag waved, Shimoda secured a sixth-place finish, with Hammaker just behind in seventh, Mumford in the ninth spot, and Forkner battling back to claim 21st place.
As Moto 2 commenced in the 250 Class, the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders quickly positioned themselves within the Top 20 after the first turn. Leading the charge for the Kawasaki team, Hammaker impressively secured a spot among the Top 3. Shimoda, Mumford, DiFrancesco, and Forkner trailed within the pack, occupying the 12th, 14th, 18th, and 20th positions respectively . Navigating through the increasingly challenging terrain and shadows, the Kawasaki riders were determined to cross the finish line in the most favorable positions possible. Adapting skillfully to the deteriorating track, Hammaker found his rhythm and concluded the race in sixth place. Shimoda, not far behind, finished with a seventh place performance. Mumford showcased consistency throughout the day, crossing the line in ninth place. Despite facing difficulties in the first motos, Forkner and DiFrancesco exhibited perseverance and resilience, finishing strong in the second race, securing the 10th and 12th positions respectively.