Thumpa Report

Written by Craig Fury aka Thumpa Monday, 10 January 2011 12:32

I don't usually write a Lites report, but since this is one of the most anticipated seasons in the history of Supercross, I'll grant an exception for Anaheim 1. As I'm sure you've already noticed, over the years the Thumpa Report has evolved more into a series of observations about the race and the weekly drama that accompanies it. With the constantly improving TV coverage (about half the races will be shown live this season), by the time you read this you've likely already seen the race and no doubt read several of the countless reports out there that simply detail the lap by lap action.

Now, I feel obligated to admit that Thumpa has been wavering in his loyalties. In my season preview, I mentioned that for the past few years I've been neglecting the outdoor MX season in favor of following MotoGP with near religious fervor. After making a personal switch from motocross to road racing a few years ago, my love for that sport grew to the point where the memorabilia-adorned walls of my gameroom began to take a decidedly ashphalt-related turn (though my DV jersey still remains my most prized possession!). However, I'm pleased to reveal that the first drop of the gate at Anaheim 1 was like a swift kick to the head that knocked some sense back into me and gave me a much needed reality check. Supercross is a sport without equal. While MotoGP is like an artful, precise, and refined symphony, in the world of motorsports Supercross clearly stands out from the rest ...

...and it freakin' ROCKS.

The thrills and drama of Supercross are unsurpassed, and the 2011 season stands poised to elevate things to a level rarely seen even in this sport's storied history.

And even well before the night show arrived, the drama was already building during the practice rounds of the Lites class, courtesy of a sensational German teenager by the name of Ken Roczen. While his short resume boasts an overall runner-up finish in the 2010 MX2 World Championship at the age of 16, many Europeans have struggled to make the switch to Supercross. Thus, there were many who thought he was thrust onto the American Supercross scene a bit prematurely.

Despite his early arrival, in the first round of practice at A1 it was Roczen who set the pace for the rest of the field. In fact, his lap times would have made him a serious podium contender in the big bike class at the conclusion of the first round of practice sessions for both classes.

Yet as many rookies have learned in the past, there's a big difference between practice and the actual race.

In all fairness, Roczen's race efforts were hindered by a crash in the second round of practice. And after working his way through the pack and crashing again in the main, he still showed plenty of speed on his way to a 7th place finish in his first Lites race. He'll undoubtedly go through the typical growing pains but is a sure contender for the top podium spot in his rookie season.

While many riders were doing a quad in the rhythm section as the night progressed, they actually borrowed a page from another Lites rookie...

...as Eli Tomac patented the move in the first practice session. While many eyes were upon Tomac, who made history by winning his pro debut outdoors, he likewise had a solid top 10 finish in his first SX Lites race.

But the real story of the night was the diverse Pro Circuit rider Josh Hansen, whose career has taken a somewhat circuitous route. Hansen entered the pro ranks with a rare genetic advantage - he is the son of former SX Champ Donnie Hansen. Despite early success - which included narrowly missing a 125 title in '05 after losing a tie breaker to Grant Langston - his career later took a downturn. The problem with Hansen has never been a question of speed or talent.

Throughout his career, people have sometimes questioned how serious he was about his dedication to racing.

Just a couple years ago it appeared he had exhausted all opportunities in the sport, and many thought his seemingly carefree attitude would have him playing elsewhere.

However, his career was rejuvenated by back-to-back gold medals at the X-games. After his Pro Circuit gold medal connection led to a ride for 2010, Hansen capitalized on the opportunity and earned his first Lites win since '05. Despite an up and down season beset by crashes, Hansen continued his return to grace with an Australian SX title.

But with his career on the upswing, questions about his commitment once again surfaced as Hansen took his offseason training into different territory.

With his foray onto the small screen in MTV's popular series courtesy of a relationship with Stephanie Pratt, Pro Circuit guru Mitch Payton was reportedly concerned that Hansen was returning to his ways of old.

Despite the distractions, surely Hansen found plenty enough time to refine his technique on the doubles.

And come Anaheim 1, not only would Hansen answer all of those questions, but so to would we learn about the rest of the Pro Circuit team and - astoundingly - Thumpa would also uncover the hidden secrets behind Mitch Payton's resounding success.