The Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team had a joyous night in Indianapolis for Round 11 of the AMA Supercross Championship, where Marvin Musquin fought his way back to the podium with a third-place finish in the 450SX Main Event.
Feeling the effects of a hard crash last weekend, teammate Cooper Webb rallied through injury to score a top-five finish despite some of the most technical race conditions of the season.
KTM 450 SX
Musquin found himself battling different elements throughout the day, but he could lock in a top-10 position in the day’s qualifying. He placed his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION into second off the start of 450SX Heat 1, making a fast pass for the lead early on.
Battling in second for most of the race, Musquin was on track to secure a second-place transfer, but he tipped over in the sand section with one lap to go, costing him a couple of spots for fourth.
With a top-five start in the Main Event, Musquin found himself immersed in a pack of top riders battling podium contention early on.
He took advantage of the chaos ahead of him to swiftly overtake third mid-way through, and he set a late-race charge to pressure the second-place rider into the final moments. He came within striking distance but couldn’t make it happen, ultimately securing his second podium of the season in third.
Marvin
Marvin Musquin: “I love these conditions, and I love this place, but I knew coming in that this year in Indy would be tough. It was a tough day, I’m not going to lie, but I was there when it counts.
You have to be smart in those conditions, and you can’t override this track. I was so patient while trying to be consistent, precise, and not make any mistakes, and I passed Malcolm and got the third tonight. It was excellent, and I’m thrilled.”
Riding injured with a bone contusion in his shoulder and a fracture in his hand, defending 450SX Champion Cooper Webb was a warrior all day long.
In 450SX Heat 2, Webb secured a third-place start, and he raced his KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION in the podium battle early on. He eventually settled into fourth, preserving himself with a comfortable pace to earn a fourth-place transfer into the main.
As the gate dropped for the Main Event, Webb found himself back in ninth off the start, and he quickly worked his way to just outside the top-five early on.
He ground lap after lap to put himself into a favourable position late in the race. In sixth with four laps, Webb inherited the fifth-place spot and made a significant charge to finish only 0.485 seconds shy of fourth-place.
Cooper
Cooper Webb: “Today wasn’t great feeling-wise. I’m in much pain but just getting through it. I saved it all for that Main Event, and I’m glad I could get through it.
I had a good ride, but I wish I had a better start to be in the mix. It was tough riding and not being able to do some obstacles, but we fought there.
My goal was top-five tonight, and I achieved that. I was right there for fourth, and it felt good. We were close to that podium, which is all I can ask for.”
Next Race: March 26 – Seattle, Washington
*PROVISIONAL* Results 450SX Class – Indianapolis SX
- 1. Eli Tomac (USA), Yamaha, 27 laps
- 2. Justin Barcia (USA), GASGAS, +01.322
- 3. Marvin Musquin (FRA), KTM, +05.359
OTHER KTM
- 5. Cooper Webb (USA), KTM
- 14. Fredrik Noren (USA), KTM
- 16. Kevin Moranz (USA), KTM
- 17. Tristan Lane (USA), KTM
Standings 450SX Class 2022 after 11 of 17 rounds
*Not available at this time. See the official results page for updated standings.
Results 250SX Class – Indianapolis SX
- 1. Jett Lawrence (AUS), Honda, 21 laps
- 2. Cameron Mcadoo (USA), Kawasaki, +05.945
- 3. RJ Hampshire (USA), Husqvarna, +34.906
OTHER KTM
- 15. Henry Miller (USA), KTM
- 16. Michael Hicks (USA), KTM
Standings 250SX East Class 2022 after 5 of 9 rounds
- 1. Jett Lawrence, 125 points
- 2. Cameron Mcadoo, 114
- 3. Pierce Brown, 87
OTHER KTM
- 14. Henry Miller, 41
- 28. Michael Hicks, 8
- 35. Jack Chambers, 2
- 36. Max Vohland, 1
via KTM Press
