Monster Energy’s Anderson and Anstie Dominate FIM World Supercross Championship in South Africa
Jason Anderson and Max Anstie clinch SX1 and SX2 titles, delivering a Monster Energy sweep at the FIM World Supercross Championship.
Big weekend in Cape Town, South Africa, for Monster Energy’s Jason Anderson (PMG/Suzuki) and Max Anstie (Team GSM, powered by Monster Energy/Star Racing/Yamaha) as the two stars of American supercross captured top honors in the tune up series (FIM World Supercross Championship) that leads into the January 10th season opener of Monster Energy AMA Supercross in Anaheim, Calif.
After Anstie had all but wrapped up the SX2 WSX title with a victory at the previous WSX round in Sweden, Anderson, who just recently made the move from the Monster Energy/Kawasaki program over to Suzuki and is a WSX series rookie, stepped things up late in the series and went on a tear, going 1-1-1 in a decisive SX1 class battle over 2nd place Joey Savatgy (Honda) at DHL Stadium.
“Man, that’s racing!,” beamed Anderson from atop the podium. “Joey (Savatgy) kept me on my toes. Two eights (minutes) and a 12; that’s a lot of intense racing. I’m pretty exhausted, but I just want to thank the team. This is a cool win for Suzuki and for Pipes Motorsports and all my guys.”
When the dust settled in Cape Town a mere five points, 171-166, would separate Anderson and Savatgy for the SX1 championship. Christian Craig (Honda) would round out the podium with 154 points.
For the SX2 class championship, Anstie would play it smart, cruising to three 2nd place finishes on the night and taking 2nd overall to easily win his first WSX title over defending SX2 champion Shane McElrath (Honda).
“Pretty awesome,” said Anstie. “It’s been a great season and so cool to be able to visit all these countries and be part of this world championship. I cannot give it up enough to my wife and little son and the whole Star Yamaha crew back in America. The bike never missed a beat and, of course, Serge and all the guys at GSM team here. It’s awesome to make this whole collaboration work.
“Supercross felt like such a dream… and it took me so long to get to the top. I’m in a solid spot in my career.”
In the end Anstie would top McElrath by a comfortable 215 to 176 difference, while Coty Schock rounded out the SX2 podium with 167 points.