450 Class Promises Thrills as Supercross Season Kicks Off with Drama at Anaheim 1
The 2025 AMA Supercross season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, particularly in the stacked 450 class, where the level of talent is off the charts. With five previous champions and multiple race winners on the track, the championship battle is expected to be intense. Among the standout riders are reigning champion Jett Lawrence, who is looking to defend his title, and former champion Eli Tomac, who has consistently been a frontrunner in Supercross.
As the season began at Anaheim 1, all eyes were on the big names, and it was clear from qualifying that the competition would be fierce. Eli Tomac, always a threat at the front, set the fastest time in qualifying, but just behind him was Lawrence, who was second fastest and showing that he’s ready to defend his crown. However, the action truly heated up during the 450SX Main Event, where the drama unfolded in unexpected ways.
Tomac, riding for Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha, took an early lead in the race. But the slick track conditions at Anaheim 1 caused trouble for several riders, and it wasn’t long before Tomac lost control of his front end, sending him crashing to the ground. The low-speed fall caused a major jolt, but thankfully, Tomac emerged unscathed.
As Tomac hit the dirt, Jorge Prado, who was following closely, displayed quick reflexes and skillfully avoided the fallen rider. However, Chase Sexton, racing for Red Bull KTM, was not as fortunate. Despite being close behind Tomac, Sexton ran over the downed bike. While the collision was a near miss, Sexton did manage to continue on and quickly regroup. The incident was a reminder of how tight and intense Supercross racing can be, where a split second can drastically alter the outcome of a race.
After the crash, Tomac was able to remount his Yamaha and, in impressive fashion, continued racing. Although the fall had cost him valuable time, Tomac demonstrated his resilience, finishing the race in an impressive fifth place. It was a solid recovery, considering the circumstances, and a testament to his experience and toughness.
Meanwhile, Sexton took advantage of the chaos caused by Tomac’s crash. Seizing the lead, Sexton maintained his composure and managed to hold onto first place, ultimately claiming his first Anaheim 1 victory. The win marked a significant achievement for Sexton, who has been considered one of the top contenders for the title this season. His performance showed that he is ready to challenge for the championship and may be a key player in the 2025 Supercross season.
As the season progresses, the rivalry between the top riders—Tomac, Sexton, Lawrence, Ken Roczen, Aaron Plessinger, and others—will undoubtedly provide fans with thrilling races week in and week out. The high level of competition in the 450 class is a recipe for some of the most exciting racing in recent years, and with champions and race winners vying for every inch of track, we can expect plenty of drama and surprises along the way.
