The 2024 Monster Energy Supercross season is back this weekend, with the series kicking its season off in Anaheim, California at Angel Stadium, the first of two rounds to be held at the venue.
This race is usually one of the pinnacles of the season, not only for the fact that it is the opener of the 2024 campaign, but the fact that it is a hot hub for motorcross manufacturers, teams, and riders.
Heading into Saturday’s showdown, there are many storylines leading into the season, including new rider-team combinations and the 450SX debuts of the Lawerence brothers.
Not to mention what the look of the 250SX W side of the house should create for an intriguing opener in the house that usually is patrolled by Mike Trout…
Brotherly Battle
Arguably two of the top young superstars in supercross, Jett Lawerence and his brother, Hunter Lawerence, will look to continue their championship success in the 450 class this upcoming season, featuring high expectations for both.
While Jett has pro experience on 450 rides, competing in the class in Pro Motorcross this past season, Hunter will be coming in without any pro 450 experience, creating what should be an interesting storyline to watch for the older Lawerence.
Jett truly is the man that people though will be talking between the two. After coming off two 250cc championships in both the East and West series, the sky is the limit for the young superstar.
While the potential for greatness is high, Jett may be in for a bit of an awakening of sorts, with the potential for instant success potentially not there yet.
Although Jett is capable of handling this 450 task, it will be a completely different ballfield, figuratively and literally, to start the season off at Honda.
Nevertheless, between the two brothers, it should be fun all season long to see Lawerence going at it in the top class in supercross this season for brotherly supremacy.
New Rides, New Life.
Obviously, the Lawerence brothers will be the talk of the town heading into town on Saturday. But there are some interesting riders and team combos heading into the weekend.
The 450SX class will see a new manufacturer on track beginning Saturday, Beta, making it’s on track debut with a lineup of former Honda rider Colt Nichols and former Yamaha rider, Benny Bloss.
While it is to be determined as to how this new bike will perform on track, Nichols should definitely be a good fit for the new ride and can bring some potential to a new group this upcoming season.
In regards to other moves, none may bigger than Cooper Webb, who will be apart of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing with Eli Tomac.
Dylan Ferrandis in the process moves over to Honda hypothetically for Nichols with both Jett and Hunter Lawerence.
Heading into Saturday, one of the big storylines will be how these new combos perform on track and who can find success.
Webb with Yamaha is looking to be a dangerous combo and could bring a resuelve for the former KTM star.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this weekend will be about getting back into a rhythm.
For many of these riders, this will be their first true taste of racing in a few months and getting back into race form will be key.
This race seems to be dominated by many of the west coast based manufacturers & teams over the years and there are some riders that could show to be serious threats in 2024.
It is difficult to not pick Eli Tomac for this opening race given his success last season. However, I have a feeling that teammate Cooper Webb will find his juice here in 2024 with a new team and find victory in the season opener.
