5 Things, Anaheim 1: The Jett Era, Friese Creates Talking Points and More

The Jett Era

Should I say it? Is it time? I guess since I already wrote it in the heading then I can write again. We are officially in the Jett era of SuperMotocross. Jett isn’t totally undefeated in the 450 class right now, due to not sweeping the playoff races, but he’s pretty close. Jett is only 20 years old and just won his first 450SX in his first attempt. Whether or not you count Marty Tripes into the equation of winning your first premier class race, Jett just made more history. He got the start, managed the race, and wasn’t contested for the opening round victory.

Friese Creates Talking Points

When you saw Vince Friese was returning to Monster Energy Supercross you just knew something was going to happen. Well, it did…but one thing wasn’t all his fault. Friese got the start in his heat and controlled the flow of riders heading into the first turn. As he hit the first turn riders hit his back wheel and a big pile up took down Hunter Lawrence and injured Logan Karnow. Did Friese cut over too far? That’s not even a thing on starts. He had a bike length on everyone and they ran into his back wheel. Just because Friese was involved means people will make it controversial. Friese wasn’t totally innocent on the night as he took Dean Wilson out on the first lap of the main event for 11th place. Friese has a small shoulder separation per Kris Keefer on Twitter. No word on his return yet.  

Rough Go for Hunter

I still can’t believe that Hunter Lawrence did not make the main event. He was involved in the crash in the heat race with Friese and Karnow. Then in the LCQ he came from deep in the field to fifth. He made a last corner attempt on PRMX’s Cade Clason, but Cade held him off. Props to Clason for getting into the main and holding off a charging Hunter for two laps. Look, this is racing and things happen, but it is still a massive surprise. It was a fluke deal and Hunter will be back to form next week and all season long.

Webb is Ready

Man, Webb is ready to contend for this 450SX championship! He was coming through the pack strong and looking spicy until he went over the bars while on the heels of Jason Anderson for second. Would he have had anything to catch up to Jett? I’d like to think so. At the time of his crash Jett’s lead was only 3-4 seconds and there was about five minutes left in the main. Webb got back up and finished sixth on the night, which isn’t how he wanted to start the season. Yet, Webb didn’t lose the title at the opener and he’ll only get better as the season rolls on. He’ll be a true competitor to Jett this season.

Laninovich Will Make Mains

How about 40-year-old Billy Laninovich? He didn’t make the main, but he showed the speed to do so! Lano finished 11th in his heat, which is pretty phenomenal after so much time away from the sport. Even James Stewart was in the booth commenting on how he raced Billy in his rookie season in 2002. You simply can’t beat experience, which is what Billy has a lot of. The speed will come around and he will make main events this season. I’m 33 at the moment and wake up feeling like I need a walker. I couldn’t even imagine racing 250SX with all of these kids who aren’t scared to send it. Props, Lano!

Main image: Octopi Media