Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo and Garrett Marchbanks rode through a downpour in the Main Event to finish the season opener in fifth and sixth, respectively.
What is normally a dry and slick track was transformed into a rain-soaked, muddy track inside Angel Stadium. Cianciarulo had some solid moments from the day to build on including a heat-race win, while Garrett Marchbanks didn’t let his rookie nerves show when the rain came down.
The day started dry but quickly turned wet when the boys went out for the final qualifying session of the day. Cianciarulo put in the fastest qualifying time during that session, placing him into the second heat. He overcame a small mistake at the start of the heat to take the win.
In the Main Event, Cianciarulo got a good jump at the start but went off the track in the opening lap to come around 12th. He quickly made his way through the pack and was up to fifth by lap five. Cianciarulo was attempting to pass for fourth but was pushed high and went down, eventually settling for fifth.
“I’m pretty disappointed I wasn’t able to contend for the win tonight, but with the conditions and going down, we’ll take what we can get,” said Cianciarulo. “It makes me want to win that much more when we get to Phoenix. I want to win, but we also have to think long term.”
Team rookie Garrett Marchbanks was forced to face tough conditions during his first professional supercross race. The Utah native wasn’t intimidated by the bright lights of supercross or the muddy track, qualifying straight to the Main Event from his heat race. In the Main, Marchbanks kept his KX250 on two wheels and started the race in seventh. He maintained his good position throughout the race, making his way up to sixth by the chequered flag.
“Being able to be a part of this team and lining up for my first supercross race has been a dream come true,” said Marchbanks. “With the conditions, I was focused on staying up and keeping it on two wheels. It’s nice to get a race under my belt, and we’ll see how it goes in dry conditions next weekend.”
In addition to all the racing excitement, there was a moment of recognition for Pro Circuit’s own Jim “Bones” Bacon during the night show. The long-time suspension guru was honoured with the Mickey Thompson Award of Excellence surrounded by family and friends.
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