Riders to look for in 2022
With the season coming up for the 2022 Monster Energy AMA (former FIM) Supercross, there’s many changes with new bikes, new teams and new training programs so we’ll see a field so competitive.

Ken Roczen
The German is known for his Herculean comeback after an injury that almost costed him his arm but in 2021 he was the main contender to Cooper Webb. Though struggling with consistency, when he’s on it, he’s next to untouchable. Rumors also that with the new Honda CRF450 that the HRC Factory Honda team will be more competitive.

Eli Tomac
The Colorado native is a 3 time Pro Motocross champion and the 2020 Supercross champion, that said he left Monster Energy Kawasaki for Star Racing Monster Energy this year so around a new environment and new bike, he’ll either take it by the horns or take awhile getting used to.it. That said the team he’s moving to is one of the fastest improving in the 450 class with Dylan Ferrandis taking the pro motocross championship in his debut season. His biggest strong suit besides extraordinary pace is how long he can hold that pace. After 15 minutes most riders fall off a cliff in terms of pace but due to his training in high altitude, he pushes from gate drop to the fireworks.

Chase Sexton
After his rookie Supercross season saw him gain his first Podium in the premier class at Atlanta 1, the two time 250 east champion has many things going for him with not just a great bike but also talent that we saw glimpses of last year including leading a race at Houston till unfortunately crashing out. His talent is also being trained by Supercross legend James “bubba” Stewart who fought with and in many cases beat the best the sport has to offer. This year hopefully in his sophomore year he can grow into his talent at the highest level of supercross.

Dylan Ferrandis
After winning his first AMA Pro motocross title in his rookie season, there’s little in terms of doubt when it comes to his talent on a 450 and with momentum, he’s one of the favourites for the title. The Frenchman shown not only pace but incredible consistency with being on the podium every race so if he is comfortable on the 450 in the indoor area, this is terrifying for the opposition.

Cooper Webb
Now a 2 time 450 Supercross who at one point in time wasn’t seen as a championship contender till moving from Monster Energy Yamaha to Redbull KTM. The reigning defending Supercross champion is known to be one of the mentally toughest riders on the gate which was seen after getting thrown to the ground landing right on his back in Arlington and next race lined back up. He’s a rider you can’t get in his head and is heads down and pushes

Aaron Plessinger
Being a son of Hare Scramble rider Scott Plessinger, he’s one of most technical riders, when the rain hits for a mudder, he can flip a switch and find traction and keep momentum going which we seen in 2018 Seattle where he finished with a 10+ minute lead during his 250 championship that he won. While more popular in terms of personality like his post win celebration like the belly flop in mud or proposing to his wife after winning the title in Las Vegas in front of everyone he’s a quick rider winning his first heat race in 2021 and getting his first podium in Daytona. He’s moving to title defending team Redbull KTM from Star Racing Monster Energy Yamaha which last time a rider made that switch was followed with a championship of Cooper Webb.

Marvin Musquin
Being one of the older riders, many don’t realise this as he has the smoothest riding style on the gate. Being undersized means the bike carries him rather than him having to grab the bike and force it like other riders. Unfortunately sitting out in 2020 and 2021 being one of his least competitive years, after a win in the Paris Supercross sweeping all three main events gave him momentum and he’s hungry for that title racing against the clock.

Justin Barcia
Nicknamed “BamBam”, he’s earned it from being the most aggressive riders on the gate performing block passes against almost every rider on the gate, if he he’s behind you than not only will you hear his biking revving against the limiter but also probably feel it. He’s also the only 450 rider part of the Troy Lee Design Redbull GasGas team which last year got its first win in its first season at its first race with Justin Barcia. He’s gotten a win in the last 3 season openers and going for a 4th. if you’re a fan of the definition of a elbow out rider, keep your eye out on BamBam on the GasGas

Adam Cianciarulo
Being in his 3rd year of the 450 class, he’s one of the fastest riders with winning his first race at the 2019 Monster Energy Cup and podium his rookie season, he would not see a podium till Arlington. While fast, he’s unfortunately got a reputation of hitting the dirt throwing away numerous good results such as Tampa 2020. If he gets that consistency dialled, he’s a rider everyone should be worried about.

Jason Anderson
Hard to believe a champion hasn’t gotten a win in over 3 years but Jason Anderson has has the weakest defence of a Supercross champion ever. Gaining his Supercross title in 2018 almost flying under the radar as he was always consistently plucking riders off similar to another Rockstar Husqvarna rider of Graham Jarvis who’s known as “ the silent assassin”. But this year he leaves the Swedish manufacturer going to Monster Energy Kawasaki. Nicknamed El Hambre, he’s the loosest rider and if you want some excitement you can count on the New Mexico native.

Malcom Stewart
Brother of the great James “Bubba” Stewart, he’s a fast rider who’s been stuck riding for midpact teams and 2021 saw him showcase his skill with gaining his first podium. With having security with Rockstar Husqvarna replacing both the 2018 450 SX champion Jason Anderson and retiring 2020 AMA Pro Motocross champion Zach Osborne, he also joins Aaron Plessinger in being the newest member of the Baker factory that’s trained champions like Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson,Ryan Dungey and Ricky Carmichael. He’s finally got a shot at making his own name and will be putting a show on while doing it.

Joey Savatgy
Riding for Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM, he’s not on a big name team but with his pace he has, it’s hard to deny that he could pull off miracles on that bike. Contending for the 2018 250 east championship and promoted to Monster Energy Kawasaki, he’s lost his ride in 2019 riding for lower performing teams since, he’s got a lot to prove not just to fans but to his former team and factory teams so look out for him.

There’s so many riders I haven’t spoken about but this year, it’s hard to say anyone will dominate like Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey, early Ricky Carmichael and the king Jeremy McGrath. It’s a new era we’re in and we have to wait till the first gate drop and the last gate drop.