Sexton Flawless, Webb Valiant, Deegan Victorious in Denver

First place 450SX Class

“To be honest I was a little fired up. [Cooper Webb] crossed on me pretty hard on the start [in the first rhythm section], almost took me out. I was kinda seeing red after that. Yeah, I made an aggressive move, but I kind of have to. I knew I was faster tonight, so I wanted to get out front and break away, and that’s what I did. Another win, sixth one of the season. Yeah, just trying to go out there and show that I’m the best rider.” – Chase Sexton, when asked about his aggressive pass on Cooper Webb, and whether there was anything more to it than just trying to take the race lead.  

Second place 450SX Class

“I don’t know, man. We’re fighting for position, I feel like that was just hard racing and I had position [and] I was trying to get Malcolm early. So, I apologize if he thought that, [I] definitely didn’t mean it, or didn’t really think I did. But I understand his frustration for sure. With that being said, it was a tough Main Event. [I’ve] been a little under the weather today, wasn’t feeling great, really struggled so to be able to get second tonight. I’m pumped. I was holding on by dear life there at the end. My teammate Justin was running great, Malcolm rode great, Justin was pushing hard, so I’ll take it…. Great overall day. Two and three for the team is awesome, and we’ll carry this little bit of a lead going into Salt Lake and do what we need to do… I’ve always really enjoyed Salt Lake, I’ve always done well there, so I’m fired up. I just need to get rested and recovered and come back swinging next Saturday.” – Cooper Webb (#2 in photo), when asked about Sexton’s comment on Webb crossing over on the first set of jumps.

Third place 450SX Class

“It was tough because it was a disappointing start for me. I actually put it in second gear on the gate when the board went sideways. And we’re starting in first gear all day, so it was just a habit [to click up to second]. [I] panicked, shifted down to first and I think it upset my start a little bit so I was buried. It was a really tough race. At altitude it’s a little bit tougher fitness-wise, so I feel like I came from outside the top ten, I was pretty far back there. And this track’s really tough to pass on, so I just put my head down, was clicking off consistent laps, didn’t make too many mistakes, and had a good flow. Yeah, I [could see] the podium pretty much the whole race. That’s kinda where my eyes were at and just kept focusing on that. [I] was able to get the pass around the outside with Malcolm around one minute to go. In the process we were sneaking up on Coop, and it turned into a three-way battle there. With all the lappers, my heartrate was really high already, so with all that going on it just escalated it that much more. So, I’m really proud of myself for getting this done.” – Justin Cooper, regarding the unique bike set up and starting technique due to the high altitude stadium.

In 250SX Class racing, Haiden Deegan entered the Denver Round with a 17 point lead over teammate Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Cole Davies. Davies grabbed the holeshot and looked to have the pace to make it three wins in a row for the rookie. Just before the race’s midpoint Deegan took over second place from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Michael Mosiman and began to steadily reel in Davies, who would have to finish in fourth or better to force the championship to the final round. In the final minutes, Deegan reached Davies and put in a few close pass attempts. With two laps remaining Deegan upped the aggression and made a pass that sent Davies over the berm. Davies remounted in fifth place, where he would finish. By the rulebook Deegan clinched the title due to a 25-point lead. Even if Davies wins the final round and Deegan earns zero points, the championship tiebreaker would be the rider with more second place finishes, which is Haiden Deegan. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Julien Beaumer earned the second-place spot in Denver after fighting his way forward from an eighth place start. Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Garrett Marchbanks rounded out the podium, having a similar charge through the pack to recover nicely from his ninth-place start. The racers match up one final time, along with the Eastern Divisional 250SX Class, in the Dave Coombs Sr. 250SX Class East/West Showdown next Saturday night.

First place 250SX Class

“First of all I want to congratulate Cole, he’s been riding really good. Two laps to go, I wanted that win, baby. I was going to do anything for it. This [Championship] means a lot to me because people doubted me all the way. They [were] telling me I was all hype coming into Supercross and motocross. They’re just mad that I’m him and they’ve got to deal with it… We the champ now, and let’s go, baby!... [When asked specifically about the pass] Yeah, 100%, Cole was riding great, and I was just digging towards the end. At elevation, you get a little out of breath, so was just digging, and I was like, two laps to go, I [saw] Cole slide out, found an opening, and took the chance. Good job to Cole and a good race.” – Haiden Deegan

Second place 250SX Class

“I did a lot of work these last three weeks in that break [for the West Division] and just tried to get back to myself, the guy that I was in the first part of this season. I think I showed I’m back this weekend and I’m ready to fight for another one in Salt Lake… Also, congrats to Haiden. He deserves this championship.” – Julien Beaumer (#23 in photo)

Third place 250SX Class

“I had such a good start in the Heat, I was hoping to carry that on into the Main, but didn’t quite do that. But [I] made some good passes and I just tried to stay with Beaumer the whole time. [I] had a pretty good pace, was getting pretty close to him with about three laps to go and someone stopped on the triple right before the finish line. I jumped right on him and had a pretty close one, so I lost some time. I didn’t know I got third until the last lap, so that’s a cool little gift at the end. I’ve just been feeling really good all day… I’m just blessed to be back up here.” – Garrett Marchbanks, on earning his second podium finish of the season.

Fifth place 250SX Class

“I got a good start and was focusing on just trying to build a bit of a gap and ride from there, but I got caught up with some lappers. I should have capitalized on that better, and, you know, that’s on me tonight. I shouldn’t have put myself in that position, but I’ll be back. And I’m going to keep working on, and keep on keeping on… [When asked for his opinion on the pass that resulted in him crashing] I shouldn’t have put myself in that position, to be honest. I could’ve been better in that department. But I’ll be back. Just a big thanks to everyone around me… There’s been a lot of sacrifices to get me here, so big shout out to them, and I’ll be back at Salt Lake.” – Cole Davies