The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team rolled into the Overstock.com Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. for the fifth round of AMA Supercross on Saturday. Jason Anderson put on one of the most impressive battles of his life to take an exciting victory in the 450 class aboard his Husqvarna 2018 FC 450 Rockstar Edition. He maintains both his lead in 450 rider point standings and his grasp on the coveted red plate. Teammates Mitchell Harrison and Dean Wilson both battled from behind to bring home a hard-fought ninth and 11th in their respective classes.
Jason Anderson was mid-pack at the start of his heat and rode solidly in the top 10 to finish sixth and transfer to the 450 Main Event. He pulled a top-10 start from the far outside in 450 Main and came out of the first lap in fifth. He made the pass for fourth a few laps later then took over second around the halfway mark after making a strong pass on Marvin Musquin. He closed in on the leader with three minutes to go and waited for the opportunity to strike. He made an impressive pass for the lead with just over two laps to go, but continued to battle with Ken Roczen for the position. He then put on one of the most amazing rides of his life as he swapped back and forth with Roczen and continued to battle. He made a definitive pass in the last lap to take an exciting victory and hold on to the points lead and the red plate.
“Today was a roller coaster day,” said Anderson. “I went over the bars in the first practice, then was able to regroup and come out third in qualifying. I didn’t have the best heat race, but then came back in the main and had the battle of my life. It was great. The track was insane, but I’m happy to come out of it with a win.”
Mitchell Harrison was caught up in a pileup at the start of his 250SX West heat but quickly remounted and fought his was to an 11th place finish. Despite the charge, he was forced to earn his spot in the 250 Main through the LCQ. He got a great start in the LCQ and dominated to take the win and earn a spot in the 250SX West Main Event. He pulled a great start in the 250 Main and held strong in the top-10 to finish ninth. He is currently 10th in 250SX West rider point standings.
“I had my work cut out for me today,” said Harrison. “I didn’t have the best qualifying time, then went down in the first corner in the heat race. I ended up having a strong ride in the heat race and came back to an 11th, then took the win in the LCQ. I got a great start from the outside in the Main. I rode strong and came away with a ninth. It was great progress for me, and I’m excited to come back next weekend for San Diego.”
Dean Wilson was mid pack at the start of his heat and held his ground in 9th the majority of the race before finishing eighth to transfer to the 450 Main Event. He started in the back of the pack in the Main and had his work cut out for him. He made it up to 16th by lap six and continued to push. He never gave up and put in an impressive charge to earn a hard-fought 11th place finish. He is currently 18th in 450 rider point standings.
“I definitely had a better weekend,” said Wilson. “My shoulder is still recovering, and it’s so tough to try and recover but still race. It’s still a little weak. Overall, though, my day was better. I’m just going to try and keep improving. I was in a top-10 position but then was waived the blue flag and wanted to get out of the way of the leaders, which lost me my top-10 spot. I was just trying to be a good guy and get out of the way for the guys up front. I want to steadily improve every time I’m out there.”
