5 Riders to Watch in LA | Amateur Edition

Gavin Towers

Number one on the list has to be GT Money, right? I mean this kid has taken 2023 by the throat. Unsure if he would even race Loretta’s, he only had about six days on the bike prior to the event, Towers took home the 250 Pro Sport title. Towers then shows up to Ironman combine, hops on his new Star Yamaha 250 and dominates the combine. I’m gonna say him and Star have been working on SX training since Ironman and he will be more than prepared for this. So yeah, I’m kinda all in that he’s the real deal. Expect him up front.

Blake Gardner

Gardner was able to secure the 2023 Kicker Arenacross Rookie of the Year. He finished a solid 7th and 10th place in the SX futures as well. Blake was ready to make a run at Loretta’s before an injury unfortunately kept him out of the race. He’s only been on the bike for about 20 days, but Blake proved last year he enjoys the supercross style track, so with the mix of supercross/ outdoor blend of SMX, Gardner will be ready for battle.

Krystian Janik

Being an Illinois boy, I gotta root for Janik. Krystian raced B class this year at Loretta’s and was able to secure the 250B title in a stacked class. He then bumped up to Pro Sport class for Baja Brawl where he took the W in 250 Pro Sport. The Team Green rider has the speed to win at any race he shows up to if he puts in clean laps. If Krystian can do that, you’ll be hearing his name on the podium.

Parker Ross

I’m gonna be honest, when I saw Parker at the RedBud combine, I would’ve never thought I’d have him on this list. He had some outstanding finishes during SX Futures last season, but he seemed to struggle when I saw him at the RedBud combine. But, Parker made me eat my words very quickly when I watched him at Loretta’s. I couldn’t believe it was the same guy. Ross went on to bring home 2nd in Open Pro Sport and 3rd in 250 Pro Sport. With his superb riding here lately, and what seems to be a liking towards a SX track. I think Parker will surprise a lot of people this weekend.

Kelana Humphrey

While I have never seen this kid race, I have seen TONS of badass videos of him on instagram. I’m unsure if you could classify him as just a racer, because he does it all. He races, free rides, Arenacross,and GNCC. Hell I think I even saw him ripping his bike down the road in LA. Oh yeah, did I mention he’s been a Red Bull athlete since he was like 13? So yeah, I have no clue how he will finish the race, but I guarantee if there is a big line to take, this kid is gonna do it.