Ken Roczen wins Red Bull Straight Rhythm!
Red Bull's end-of-season party had to make do without Marvin Musquin and Brian Moreau, but two current SX top players performed in superstars Ken Roczen and Cooper Webb, in addition to a series of 'special guests' such as Ryan Villopoto, Josh Hansen, Ronnie Mac and Travis Pastrana. The victories in Pomona went to Ken Roczen (250), Joey Crown (125cc) and Tyler Bowers (500cc).
After a very successful relaunch in 2018, the sixth edition of Red Bull Straight Rhythm continued its two-stroke tour. However, a truckload of special 'retro builds' and clothing was not the only asset. The magical decor with its rollers, whoops, doubles, trippels and other “rhythmic madness” once again provided plenty of spectacle!
First surprise of the evening: the elimination of Ryan Villopoto by the relatively unknown Parker Mashburn. Two consecutive (narrow) victories gave Mashburn the advantage that RV was very disappointed about! Last year Villopoto reached the semi-finals.
All-rounder (MX/SX/enduro) Ryan Sipes had to go deep to hold off KTM test rider Ryan Morais. But Sipes ultimately advanced to the second round. Unfortunately he met Roczen there! Cooper Webb's qualities came into their own on the half mile of the Red Bull Straight Rhtyhm. The surprise was great when TLD/KTM rider Pierce Webb jumped.
Whoops for breakfast
Cole Seely vs. Josh Hansen was an interesting confrontation, especially on paper, because in the end Hansen continued smoothly. The same Hansen made it quite difficult for Roczen! K-Roc seemed to go the extra mile every time on the washboard. The fact that both fighters finished under 42 seconds said a lot about the level of this semi, which was certainly worthy of a final.
In his first race for KTM, Brandon Harraft wiped the floor with Adam Enticknap. The TLD-KTM acquisition from New Jersey was already the fastest during the qualifications earlier in the day. Hartranft would not only advance to the semi-finals, he even made it to the finals. Whatever Hartranft tried, Roczen remained unthreatened and only two runs were enough to succeed Shane McElrath. Immediately the first Honda victory ever in Red Bull Straight Rhythm. Jeremy McGrath saw it was good!
Hulk Dirtchopper Vs. RMzilla
Two willing volunteers were (funnily enough) found to attack the Straight Rhythm on a horsepower-breaking 500cc monster. Travis Pastrana backflipping to victory in his first run against Tyler Bowers was again one of the big stars of this Red Bull Straight Rhythm edition. Especially on the whoops, the Nitro Circus director showed that he is not inferior to anyone. Even though it was a close call in the end, Travis had to give his thumbs up to Bowers and his monstrous 1992 KX500!
16-year-old Max Vohland, son of ex-GP rider Tallon Vohland, gave his calling card, but also went hard. AJ Catanzaro, in James Stewart gear last year, again emerged as the trendsetter in the 125cc category. As we have come to expect from 'the Cat', he went all out, resulting in a spectacular Superman save moon shooter.
The experienced Michael Leib did enough to reach the final but was no match for Joey Crown. The ex-Traders Racing Club MX rider from Michigan set the fastest time in the afternoon and confirmed with flying colors in the final.
250cc CLASS
1. Ken Roczen (Honda)
2. Brandon Hartranft (KTM)
3. Josh Hansen (Honda)
125cc CLASS
1. Joey Crown (KTM)
2. Michael Leib (Honda)
3. AJ Catanzaro (KTM)
Photos: Christian Pondella & Garth Milan/Red Bull Content Pool
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