Intern Report: Anaheim 1 Supercross

By: Motocross.com

Posted: 01/04/09

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On Saturday January 3rd The Monster Energy Supercross kicked off its 36th season of stadium racing. Despite the ominous weather fans filled the arena. The pits became a swarm of activity and as usual, announcer Jeff Emig was deeply immersed in the chaos.

Jeff Emig is one of my all time favorites. My family has a collection of media guides which the AMA would distribute to journalists and in the 1994 book is a rookie retro shot of Emig, I'm hoping to get it autographed at Phoenix.

Despite Anaheim 1 being Josh Grant's official induction into the 450 class, he showed complete confidence prior to the main event. Sporting the number 33 bike for Joe Gibbs Racing, Josh made some time to talk with us before the night show.

Do you think you'll find success on the 450?
Well, the 450 class is a more permanent place. I'm really focused on staying consistent and having some fun.

How do you stay motivated?
Definitely my music, I listen to it all the time and it really motivates me.

What is your take on the supercross only trend?
On the supercross only trend? You know I don't think those guys are really riders, you know motocross has its roots in the outdoors and those tracks and I mean that's their choice but I'm not one for the supercross only thing.

Who do you see as your greatest competition?
Well every factory team has a fast guy, like every team has a top guy riding for them you know, I'm just looking to go out there and do my own thing and have some fun.

The entire Gibbs team was focused and ready to race, including Josh's mechanic who posed for a picture in between wrenching on the Yamaha.

As riders in the premiere class approached the gate no one could have predicted how events of the night would unwind and in one fell swoop all bets were off. Josh Grant rolled the dice and as fate would have it took home the first win of the season. Check back later this week for an extended interview with the Supercross points leader.

A name that has been synonymous with tough luck is Broc Hepler, and after a devastating fall during qualifying he again will be looking at a broken season.

Can you explain what happened?
Things were going as planned and I just dropped the front the wheel in the whoops and now I've got a broken collar bone, I'll be out 4-8 weeks.

Hiding his battle wound, Broc tried to force a smile.

Grant Langston also made an appearance at the opening round. Even though this seasoned pro has been sidelined for quite some time, he still draws a loyal and respectful fan base.

Another rider I got to catch up with was Ryan Dungey, who despite the hype and anticipation remained calm and collected in the pits.

What do you hope to accomplish this year?
For the supercross season I want to be consistent, just to come out of here with a win would be great.

Do you think your greatest competition is going to be Jason Lawrence or are you looking at the rest of the field as well?
I think Lawrence is going good he's a good rider, I don't think you can downplay that. I'm not really worried about him at all. I feel like my program's stronger. I'm stronger and ready, and if he gets me he gets me I'll get him next week. As far as tonight goes I feel ready, strong, and confident. I'm putting all the confidence in myself and not really worrying about everybody else just doing my program.

What motivated you to ride West Coast?
I was ready, I mean that's what I was planning on doing, I've prepared up to this moment and here we are.

What venue are you most looking forward to?
Probably San Diego, it's a cool atmosphere the track last year was a pretty cool layout and the drive down there is pretty nice. Just the way everything runs down there is really easygoing and fun.

Who are you hoping will win the 450 class?
I'd like to see Tedesco kinda get in the mix there, either him or Chad I'd like to see win, one of those two guys.

Ryan Dungey is by far one of the most personable riders and always makes time to greet his fans.

Supercross always brings out the best of motocross, and sometimes the wildest. I also found Todd Potter and Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg roaming the pits, always bringing the party to Supercross.

Despite the rain, Anaheim 1 was a night filled with intense racing action. Make sure to check back for more interviews, pictures and coverage right here on Motocross.com!

clint7339

Posted on January 07, 2009 10:18 AM

Hi Kristen...you are smoken HOT!!! Thank for that. Just wanted to say good question on the Supercross only. I think the big boy's of the sport owe it to use to do the nationals. Better racing and help raise fan base. Sponsor need to put more presure on them cause do miss seeing them on the outdoors

stilloldskool

Posted on January 05, 2009 08:25 PM

Kristen, the one thing that struck me was Grants response to the Supercross only trend. "I don't think those guys are really riders" Reading it seems like smack talk, Was it different than that when he said it? Either way, it was a great question that had only 2 answers, one is boring and the other was the one Grant gave to you. If there was ever a person who fell out of the ugly tree, it's Broc Hepler. Why would Arai want his head in their helmet? Tax write-off perhaps. Good to stil see Langston in the mix. Good article