The win capped off a fantastic season for the French rider, who claimed two main event victories during the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series en route to a third-place finish in the premier class points standings. Musquin also put together a strong run in the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross where he scored his debut win in the 450cc class and later put together three straight moto sweeps to earn a total of four overall wins and finish second in the series points standings despite suffering a meniscus tear during the season.

Musquin was obviously in perfect form on the tricky and technical, Ricky Carmichael-designed Monster Energy Cup track at Sam Boyd Stadium, however, as he would fail to lead only two laps during the entire night of racing, and it was clear that he was ready to finish higher than the third place that he earned during the 2016 Monster Energy Cup.

2017 Monster Energy Cup Main Event #1
Reigning Monster Energy Cup Champion Eli Tomac would present the strongest challenge to Musquin all night. The two battled briefly in the first of the three 10-lap main events as Tomac moved into the race lead, and appeared to be running a strong pace. However, a red flag for fallen Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki rider Justin Bogle forced the riders to return to the starting gate for a full race restart.

Musquin and Tomac once again got to the front, and Musquin asserted himself early by taking the lead. Tomac appeared to be able to maintain Musquin’s pace, but Tomac’s chances for a repeat Monster Energy Cup victory were dashed when he got loose and hit the ground hard just as he was re-entering the stadium behind Musquin on lap four.

That put Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson up to second place and former MXGP World Champion Tim Gasjer and his Team Honda HRC ride into third place. Gasjer would later mis-time a jump and in the rhythm section along the main grandstand side of the track and suffer a grinding crash with three laps to go, allowing Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Dean Wilson, the night’s fast qualifier, to take over third place. Musquin went on to win, followed by Anderson and Wilson.

2017 Monster Energy Cup Main Event #1 Results:
1. Marvin Musquin-KTM
2. Jason Anderson-Hus
3. Dean Wilson-KTM
4. Broc Tickle-KTM
5. Jordon Smith-KTM
6. Josh Grant-Kaw
7. Benny Bloss-KTM
8. Vince Friese-Hon
9. Christian Craig-Hon
10. Justin Barcia-Hon
11. Justin Hoeft-Yam
12. Tyler Bowers-Kaw
13. Jacob Hayes-Kaw
14. Alex Ray-Yam
15. Chase Marquier-Hon
16. Cyrille Coulon-Suz
17. Chris Blose-Hon
18. Fredrik Noren-Hon
19. Tim Gasjer-Hon
20. Cole Martinez-Yam
21. Eli Tomac-Kaw
22. Justin Bogle-Suz

2017 Monster Energy Cup Main Event #2
Musquin jumped out to a strong lead in the second Monster Energy Cup main event with new Red Bull KTM teammate Broc Tickle right behind him, but Anderson quickly moved into second place and appeared to be close enough to Musquin to allow him to be a threat early in the race. Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM’s Jordon Smith was off to a much better start as he ran fourth just ahead of Barcia Racing Honda’s Justin Barcia.

Musquin appeared to be mostly smooth and fluid as the race wore on, and while Anderson was able to hold the gap to about 2 seconds through the first five laps, Musquin soon began to stretch lead to over 4 seconds by the finish, giving himself a serious leg up on the $1 Million bonus for winning all three mains. Tickle followed Anderson across the line for third place. Smith held on for fourth and Wilson came through from a mediocre start to finish fifth and keep his podium hopes alive.

“I just don’t know how it’s going to be for this third moto because it is so tight coming into the first turn,” Musquin said. “But, hey, we’ll try our best. We’re here to play. It’s Vegas, and it’s like a game right now. We’ll try to be safe obviously. It’s not a championship race, but it’s a fun race. The fans are enjoying it, and I’m enjoying it too, so hopefully we’ll get one more [win].”

Monster Energy Cup Main Event #2 Results:
1. Marvin Musquin-KTM
2. Jason Anderson-Hus
3. Broc Tickle-KTM
4. Jordon Smith-KTM
5. Dean Wilson-Hus
6. Justin Barcia-Hon
7. Josh Grant-Kaw
8. Benny Bloss-KTM
9. Tyler Bowers-Yam
10. Vince Friese-Hon
11. Justin Hoeft-Yam
12. Fredrik Noren-Hon
13. Cole Martinez-Yam
14. Alex Ray-Yam
15. Chris Blose-Hon
16. Chase Marquier-Hon
17. Cryrille Coulon-Suz
18. Christian Craig-Hon
19. Jacob Hayes-Kaw (DNS)
20. Eli Tomac-Kaw (DNS)
21. Justin Bogle-Suz (DNS)
22. Tim Gasjer-Hon (DNS)

Monster Energy Cup Main Event #3
The third main event seemed to be the easiest for Musquin, who didn’t appear to show the effects of any pressure to win the Monster Million. The Frenchman appeared to be relaxed as he pulled the holeshot in the main event with Anderson once again in tow. Musquin appeared to have the increasingly slipper track wired to near perfection as he simply rode away from Anderson and Wilson, building a comfortable lead en route to the biggest single payday of his career. With the win, Musquin joined 2011 Monster Energy Cup winner Ryan Villopoto as a winner of the $1 Million bonus.

“I wasn’t even thinking about winning all three motos,” Musquin said afterward. “It’s unreal to go out and win all three. We had such a long break between the second and third moto–which made it more stressful. The key was to get a good holeshot and try to go fast. To be honest, in my head I was thinking I would get a start around the top three and then wasn’t sure what I would do. I knew it was going to be so hard to pass, so getting the holeshot was the best way to go out for the third moto.

“I think this is great for the sport–a lot of people are watching on TV,” Musquin said. “To see that someone is winning one million dollars in one night at a motocross race is unique. I think we got a lot of views, and people will be talking about it, that’s for sure. We were all in disbelief when I crossed the finish line. It’s super cool. This doesn’t happen often. I had so much fun.”

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing was able to celebrate a double podium for its efforts in the Monster Energy Cup, starting with Jason Anderson, who finished second via a trio of runner-up finishes.

“The track was awesome, and I had good starts all night,” Anderson said. “Everything about this race is so much fun because it’s so different and unique. All-in-all it was a great weekend.”

Wilson’s 3-5-3 finishes netted him third, ahead of KTM riders Tickle (4-3-4) and Smith (5-4-6).

“I’m always excited for this race,” Wilson said. “The track is just so different and it makes the race that much more enjoyable. I think I rode well all day and I’m happy with my results.”

2017 Monster Energy Cup Main Event #3 Results:
1. Marvin Musquin-KTM
2. Jason Anderson-Hus
3. Dean Wilson-Hus
4. Broc Tickle-KTM
5. Justin Barcia-Hon
6. Jordon Smith-KTM
7. Benny Bloss-KTM
8. Josh Grant-Kaw
9. Tyler Bowers-Yam
10. Vince Friese-Hon
11. Cole Martinez-Yam
12. Justin Hoeft-Yam
13. Chris Blose-Hon
14. Alex Ray-Yam
15. Cryrille Coulton-Suz
16. Chase Marquier-Hon
17. Fredrik Noren-Hon
18. Christian Craig-Hon
19. Jacob Hayes-Kaw (DNS)
20. Eli Tomac-Kaw (DNS)
21. Justin Bogle-Suz (DNS)
22. Tim Gasjer-Hon (DNS)

2017 Monster Energy Cup
Sam Boyd Stadium
Las Vegas, Nevada
Results: October 14, 2017

Overall
1. Marvin Musquin, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (1,1,1)
2. Jason Anderson, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (2,2,2)
3. Dean Wilson, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing (3,5,3)
4. Broc Tickle, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (4,3,4)
5. Jordon Smith, Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/KTM (5,4,6)
6. Justin Barcia, Barcia Racing Honda (10,6,5)
7. Josh Grant, Monster Energy Kawasaki (6,7,8)
8. Benny Bloss, Team Rocky Mountain ATV/MC WPS KTM (7,8,7)
9. Vince Friese, Smartop Motoconcepts Honda (8,10,10)
10. Tyler Bowers, AHM Kawasaki (12,9,9)

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Foothill Ranch, Calif. (October 12, 2017)–The Monster Energy Kawasaki race team will debut special graphics for the 2017 Monster Energy Cup this weekend on Saturday, October 14 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The race team worked closely with D’COR Visuals, an official supplier to Monster Energy Kawasaki, in order to create the “Lights Out” graphics used exclusively for this race. As envisioned, the unique design is sure to match the hype of the event.

Traditionally, Kawasaki motorcycles have been recognized as “the green machines,” but this weekend both Eli Tomac and Josh Grant’s KX450F bikes will be sporting a new shade, featuring full decal coverage of a super matte black finish. Tomac will be running a bold, green No. 1 plate as he returns to the gate to defend his 2016 Monster Energy Cup Championship.

2017 marks the 10th anniversary of a winning relationship for Monster Energy and Kawasaki, making another win at this event even more desirable. Joining Tomac and Grant in Las Vegas are four of the Monster Energy® Kawasaki Team Green race team riders: Garrett Marchbanks, Lance Kobusch, Seth Hammaker and Jett Reynolds, who will be racing for wins in the invitational Amateur All-Stars and Supermini classes.

“The Monster Energy Cup is a great event for the sport, and an opportunity for the team to try new things,” said Kawasaki Senior Manager, Racing Dan Fahie. “We are always looking to make the KX450F standout and this “Lights Out” graphics package does that.”

“We love working with Kawasaki,” said D’COR Visuals founder, Danny Dobey. “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to be able to do these custom one-off kits for the race team. This special edition is definitely one of our favorites and we can’t wait to share it with the public on Thursday, October 19th!”

For more information regarding the Monster Energy Kawasaki “Lights Out”/2017 Monster Energy Cup Race Team Replica graphic kit, visit https://www.dcorvisuals.com/product-category/brands/kawasaki/.

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That’s when Ken Roczen suffered his serious arm injury at the Anaheim II Supercross, and the popular, hard-riding German has been on the mend ever since, undergoing multiple surgeries and months of rehab as he attempts to recover. Roczen’s teammate, Cole Seely, has suffered his fair share of injuries as well, beginning with a groin injury at the 2017 Seattle Supercross. Seely recovered from it, only to suffer a hand injury while practicing at Pala Raceway on June 28, ending his 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship run. Now, after his disappointing outing at the 2017 Motocross of Nations, Seely will miss the 2017 Monster Energy Cup after undergoing surgery to remove the screws and plate that were used to repair the hand injury.

That leaves Team Honda HRC without either of its contracted factory team riders available, but “Big Red” isn’t about to miss one of the most popular single indoor stadium motorcycle racing events in the world. Instead, Team Honda HRC has drafted GEICO Honda’s Christian Craig and 2016 FIM 450cc MXGP World Champion Tim Gasjer to fill-in at the Monster Energy Cup.

Craig is familiar with Team Honda HRC already, having scored 11th place twice while filling in for Team Honda HRC at the Salt Lake City and Las Vegas Supercross rounds this year, and he finished 11th in points after contesting the 2017 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship with the team. In a press release announcing his latest ride with the factory team, Craig said Cthat he is excited to ride the Monster Energy Cup with Team Honda HRC.

“After spending the entire outdoor season with them, we have a really cool relationship,” Craig said, “So I’m happy to get the opportunity to keep racing the CRF450R. I’ve always liked MEC because it’s a different format and is exciting for both racers and fans. The team and I started testing a couple weeks ago, and everything has been going awesome. I’m used to the bike, but we just had to tweak a couple things to change it over for supercross. I’ll have a couple more weeks of practice, and then we’ll be in Las Vegas!”

In the same press release, Seely said that he was planning on having the surgery done right after the motocross season ended, but he put it off to contest the Motocross of Nations.

“It was a really minor procedure, but it’s something I’ve been wanting to do because the hardware has been bothering me for a while now,” Seely said. “It was hard to make a tight fist and would get sore after races, so I think this will help. I also want to take some time off, which is why I decided to do it now and miss Monster Cup. I’ll have a couple weeks to relax, recover, and let my body rest before diving full-speed into supercross training.”

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The following is from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.:

Foothill Ranch, CA (October 16, 2016)–Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada played host to the 2016 Monster Energy® Cup, one of the most anticipated races of the year. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac lined up his KX450F behind the starting gate for the first Main Event of the night. As the gate dropped, Tomac pushed his way into third as he crossed the holeshot stripe. One lap later Tomac accelerated out of Turn 1 on the back wheel, took the faster line through the rhythm section and claimed second place. He quickly opened a gap on third and settled into second where he would take the checkered flag.

As the second moto began, the No. 3 of Tomac led the field down from the top of the stadium and into Turn 1, but crossing the line in third. Tomac wasted no time pushing his way into second and was focused on the leader. With four laps to go, Tomac was able to capitalize on a mistake by the leader and take over first place. Tomac fulfilled his once per race obligation to the Joker Lane with two laps to go and cruised home to a win in the second Main Event.

The start of the third and final moto saw Tomac’s lowest score put him in a prime position to claim the overall, until he rounded the first turn in 11th. By the start of the second lap, Tomac had moved into 10th and continued to focus on moving to the front. One lap later he had raced up into seventh and quickly followed that up with a pass for sixth. At the halfway mark, Tomac continued to battle for position, racing the No. 3 KX450F into the top five and back into the contention for the Monster Energy Cup crown. With four laps remaining Tomac made the pass for fourth and immediately followed it up with a pass for third. On the penultimate lap Tomac moved into the lead but had not yet taken the Joker Lane. On the final lap of the race he entered the Joker Lane and upon exit was back into a heated battle for second. The battle relegated Tomac to fourth, which would be good enough to take the 2016 Monster Energy Cup championship!

“It was a pretty typical Monster Energy Cup, filled with excitement,” said Tomac. “In the third moto especially, I was buried on the start and really had my work cut out for me. I couldn’t tell who was ahead of me at times, I knew was in a great spot to win but had to keep track of my competitors. On the last couple laps I had to put my head down and go to battle. I made it up to where I needed to be, got the job done and took the win!”

In the Supermini Class, second place qualifier Stilez Robertson lined up and as the gate dropped for the first race, Robertson grabbed the holeshot and set the pace out front for Lap 1. The No. 325 of Robertson remained out front until halfway through the second lap when Seth Hammaker pulled off an aggressive inside move, taking over the lead on his KX 100. For the remaining laps the two Kawasaki riders stayed out front and would cross the line with Hammaker taking the win and Robertson in second.

At the start of the second race Robertson exited Turn 1 in third and within moments made the pass for second. On Lap 3 Robertson made an aggressive move for the lead in the middle of a heated three-way battle. At the beginning of the third lap, Robertson was passed and then immediately countered and reclaimed the lead. With one lap remaining Robertson opened up a gap on second, rode a clean and consistent final lap and claimed the Race 2 win and fifth Supermini Class championship in six years.

“When you jump back into the stadium it’s amazing,” said Robertson. “You can hear all the fans go nuts and it makes the Monster Energy Cup absolutely incredible. In the race I knew there were a few places I was fast and a few places I needed to be faster. When it came down to it I got out front and was able to run my own race to take home the win. Winning the Monster Energy Cup Supermini Championship is huge for me and Team Green Kawasaki, I couldn’t be happier right now.”

For the Amateur All-Stars Class Garrett Marchbanks qualified in fifth position and for the Race 1 gate drop he rounded the first turn in ninth. Marchbanks set off towards the front and within the first lap had passed his way into sixth. On Lap 3 Marchbanks made a mistake and was relegated to seventh place where he would remain until the final lap, charging into sixth before taking the checkered flag.

At the start of the second moto Marchbanks crossed the line out of Turn 1 in 11th. Mayhem near the front made for a hazardous first lap that allowed Marchbanks to move into eighth place. He continued to move forward throughout the race and with two laps to go had raced his way into sixth. Moments before the start of the final lap Marchbanks moved into fifth and immediately followed it up with a pass for fourth, where he would stay until the checkers flew. With 6-4 race finishes, Marchbanks claimed a third overall in the Amateur All-Stars class.

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It seems as if it should be easier that it is to win the Monster Million at the Monster Energy Cup, yet coming into the 2016 edition of the all-star showdown in Las Vegas, only one rider, Ryan Villopoto has ever cashed the big check.

Tonight, after the dust settled at Sam Boyd Stadium, the $1 million payout was safe for another year. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac walked away with the $100,000 first prize check as the 2016 Monster Energy Cup Champion while Team Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen was lucky to walk away at all.

Roczen, the reigning Lucas Oil 450cc Pro Motocross Champion, showed that he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2017 when he took the lead on lap one in the first of the three 10-lap Monster Energy Cup main events and steamed into the lead. Rocky Mountain ATV-MC/Butler Brothers KTM’s Blake Baggett ran second for two laps before Tomac was able to pass him on lap two.

Roczen chose to take the Joker Lane on lap nine of 10, and Tomac followed him through, allowing Roczen to take an easy win and get a leg up on the big $1 million payout. Reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey finished third ahead of teammate Marvin Musquin and Baggett.

“It was a good first race with the HRC Honda Team, I’m happy with how the bike worked on the start and on the track,” said Roczen. “I’m looking forward to the rest of the night and seeing what we can do.”

Roczen appeared to have the mojo going in the second Monster Energy Cup main event as well, grabbing the holeshot and picking up right where he left off in the main event. But then it all came undone on lap seven when Roczen mistimed a rhythm section and suffered a spectacular endo that left the capacity crowd gasping. Roczen was able to get up quickly, but he did not rejoin the race, ending his quest for the Monster Million.

Tomac was running second when Roczen went down, and he inherited a huge lead over Dungey and Musquin before going on to take the race win. Factory Yamaha veteran Chad Reed enjoyed his best finish of the night by finishing fourth ahead of Team Honda HRC’s Cole Seely.

“I came in with a little bit too much momentum on the start and it cost me the holeshot,” Tomac said. “It was unfortunate to see Ken [Roczen] go down, we laid down a quick pace early and yoyo’d each other back and forth.”

Reed grabbed holeshot in the final Monster Energy Cup main, but Smartop/MotoConcepts Honda’s Mike Alessi quickly passed him and move into
the lead. Reed would crash shortly after that, recovering to finish 12th in the race. Roczen, who was back in action after his second main evet mishap, ran second before running down Alessi and passing him in a right-hand corner to take the lead on lap four. From there, Roczen controlled the lead through the finish.

The race for the Monster Energy Cup win came down to Dungey and Tomac. After starting 10th, Tomac charged through the pack to catch Dungey, who was running in third place, behind Musquin, on lap six. Dungey then made a mistake, allowing Tomac to pass him and move into third place.

Roczen and Musquin took the Joker Lane on lap nine, giving Tomac the lead, but neither Tomac nor Dungey had taken the lane. Both were forced to do it on the final lap, allowing Roczen back into the lead and Musquin into second place. Dungey then surprised Tomac by passing him for third place. However, Dungey was not close enough to catch Musquin before the finish. That meant the difference in the final tally, as Tomac was able to claim the Monster Energy Cup by one point over Dungey, with Musquin third.

“It was a crazy race and I did not make it easy on myself with a terrible start,” Tomac said. “I knew going into the race that I just needed to finish behind Ryan [Dungey] and I was able to catch up to him and have a good battle before settling on the last lap. I’m really happy with tonight’s performance and looking forward to the next season.”

Smartop MotoConcepts Racing’s Cameron Mcadoo swept both Toyota holeshots in the Amateur All-Star class and walked scored the overall win. Kawasaki’s Stilez Robertson won the Supermini class.

2016 Monster Energy Cup
Sam Boyd Stadium
Results: October 15, 2016

Monster Energy Cup
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (2-1-4)
2. Ryan Dungey, Clermont, Fla., KTM (3-2-3)
3. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., (4-3-2)
4. Cole Seely, Sherman, Oaks, Calif., (6-5-6)
5. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla., Honda (8-6-5)
6. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., KTM (5-7-9)
7. Ken Roczen, Clermont, Fla., Honda (1-21-1)
8. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Yamaha (7-4-12)
9. Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, MO., KTM (9-8-7)
10. Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, MO., Honda (11-12-8)

Amateur All-Stars
1. Cameron Mcadoo, Sioux City, Iowa, Honda (7-1)
2. Challen Tennant, Willis, Texas, Yamaha (2-6)
3. Garrett Marchbanks, Coalville, Utah, Kawasaki (6-4)
4. Dylan Walsh, Cairo, Ga., Yamaha (9-3)
5. Jayce Pennington, Walnut Hills, IL., Kawasaki (11-2)
6. Lorenzo Locurcio, Cairo, Ga., Yamaha (5-8)
7. Sean Cantrell, Newbury Park, Calif., KTM (3-10)
8. Justin Cooper, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., Yamaha (4-13)
9. Brandon Hartranft, Brick, N.J., Yamaha (13-5)
10. Ramyller Alves, Coconut Creek, Fla., Yamaha (10-9)

Supermini Class
1. Stilez Robertson, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (2-1)
2. Carson Mumford, Simi Valley, Calif., Honda (3-2)
3. Aiden Tijero, Ripon, Calif., KTM (4-5)
4. Joshua Varize, Perris, Calif., KTM (9-3)
5. Jace Kessler, Eagle, Mich., Husqvarna (6-6)
6. Max Miller, Springfield, Ore., KTM (10-4)
7. Devin Xindaris, Copperas Cove, Texas, Kawasaki (5-12)
8. Juan Valderrama, Cairo, Ga., KTM (11-8)
9. Seth Hammaker, Bainbridge, Penn., Kawasaki (1-18)
10. Tyson Johnson, Ripon, Calif., Kawasaki (12-10)

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ELLENTON, Fla. (October 11, 2016)–Feld Entertainment announced today that this Saturday’s Monster Energy Cup, from Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium, will be nationally broadcast on FS2 and the FOX Sports GO App for the initial airing, in addition to a repeat airing on FS1 and a 90-minute feature on the Fox Broadcast Channel.

FS2 and FOX Sports GO, FOX Sports’ authenticated TV everywhere app, will carry the race live, Saturday October 15 (9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT). Then, on Monday, October 17, FOX will re-air the race on FS1 at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT. On Saturday, October 29, FOX Broadcast Channel will also air a 90-minute Monster Energy Cup encore special following college football (check local listings).

Monster Energy Cup Television Schedule:
• October 15, FS2 & FOX Sports GO – live at 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT
• October 17, FS1 repeat airing at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
• October 29, Fox Broadcast Channel – 90 minute encore special at 3:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 p.m. PT

The Monster Energy Cup live television broadcast on FS2 will be available throughout the United States and Canada, while Australian fans will once again be able to catch all of the racing action on their local ESPN channels.

For the first time ever, international fans outside of North America and Australia can also watch all of the exciting racing live via the Monster Energy Cup pay-per-view livestream that will be available through the SupercrossLIVE website. Fans can sign up now to get their virtual ticket to watch live on Saturday, October 15, plus continued on demand availability through the end of October. The livestream costs $14.99 and is compatible with mobile devices and can also be casted to Smart TVs. Sign up now at – http://www.supercrosslive.com/live-race

The 2016 Monster Energy Cup track features the highest start in Supercross history, an all-new track design inspired by 5-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion Ricky Carmichael. The massive downward start allows for top speed as the field has 470 feet of smooth track surface leading into the first turn. Additional features include high-banked, challenging corners, Monster Alley – a fast straightaway that stretches outside the stadium where pro racers reach upwards of 70 miles per hour, plus opportunistic sand rollers, and plenty of sections to thrill the fans with big air.

The Monster Energy Cup posts a $250,000 purse with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check, and any rider that wins all three, 10-Lap Main Events will take home $1 million, the largest prize in motorcycle racing. This feat has only occurred once in the history of the Monster Energy Cup when Ryan Villopoto grabbed the honor in 2011.

Tickets for the 2016 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVticket outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only. Practice and qualifying begins at 12:00 p.m. and the Main Event begins at 6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on the Monster Energy Cup, please visit www.MonsterEnergyCup.com or Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, www.SupercrossLIVE.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross.

About Feld Entertainment:
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live! and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

About FOX Sports:
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing 21st Century FOX’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FOX Sports includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; FS1; FS2; Fox’s 22 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FOX Sports also encompasses FOX Sports Digital, which includes FOXSports.com, FOX Sports GO, Whatifsports.com and Yardbarker.com. Also included in the Group are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and BTN 2Go, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network.

About the American Motorcyclist Association:
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.

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The 2016 Monster Energy Cup is an interesting spectacle.

Set at Boyd Stadium just east of the glitter and glitz of the Las Vegas Strip, the Monster Energy Cup brings together the best of the best in supercross racing and gives them a chance to become millionaires (well, some of them already are, but, you know…).

This year’s Monster Energy Cup offers some tantalizing possibilities. Ken Roczen is the reigning Monster Energy Cup Champion as well as the reigning Lucas Oil 450cc Pro Motocross Champion. Recently moving over from Suzuki to Honda, the German has been testing regularly on his new CRF450R. Roczen has the chance to not only become the first rider in history to pull off back-to-back Monster Energy Cup titles, he can also become the first rider to win it on two different brands.

Reigning Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey may be the man to stop Roczen from reaching his goal. After missing most of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship due to a neck injury, Dungey appeared to be back in good form at last weekend’s Monster Energy SMX Riders & Manufacturers Cup in Germany, taking the Riders Cup win and helping KTM to dominate the Manufacturers Cup.

The 2016 Monster Energy Cup will see reigning AMA 250SX West Champion Cooper Webb on his factory Yamaha YZ450F. Webb is a true force of unknown quantity for 2017. Some pitside experts predict that Webb will be a real factor in the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series title race.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson continues to improve, and he should be ready to compete in the Monster Energy Cup after the brutal crash suffered at the 2016 Monster Energy Motocross of Nations. Anderson won Race 2 in the three-race format, splitting the wins earned by Roczen en route to the German rider winning the title. Will Anderson have what it takes to win? Will it be someone else?

We want to hear from you, so vote in our poll question and let us know what you think.

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If you’re a hard-core supercross fan, then you’re probably well aware of the Chasing the Dream television series that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series and its key competitors.

Chasing the Dream – Xtra distills some of that footage to create interesting webisodes for those of us who are addicted to our computers and mobile devices–and hey, who isn’t?

Right on time, in advance of the 2016 Monster Energy Cup, the October edition of Chasing the Dream – Xtra highlights the happenings from the 2015 version of this stand-alone supercross event that boasts a unique three main-event format in which the winner has the chance to walk away with a cool $1 million payday. All he has to do is win all three main events. Sounds simple enough, right?

In this webisode you’ll see it isn’t. The show recounts how Rockstar Energy/Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Jason Anderson crossed the finish line first in the first MEC main event of 2015 but forgot to take the Joker Lane (a slower section of the track that every rider must take at least once after the first lap), handing the win to RCH/Soaring Eagle/Jimmy John’s/Factory Suzuki’s Ken Roczen by default. In Anderson smei-redeemed himself by winning the second main event ahead of Trey Canard in second and Justin Barcia, ending Roczen’s hopes for the “Monster Million.” Roczen dominated the third main event to become the 2015 Monster Energy Cup Champion, a title we hope to see him defend aboard his new Team Honda HRC CRF450R.

The 2016 Monster Energy Cup returns to Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 15. The event will be televised live on Fox Sports 2, beginning starts at 6:30 p.m. PT/9:30pm ET.

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ELLENTON, Fla. (September 13, 2016)–Feld Entertainment® announced today that one of the richest talent pools in the history of the Monster Energy Cup will compete for the $1 million prize at this year’s Monster Energy Cup, taking place on October 15 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Monster Energy Cup is already Supercross’ annual All-Star event, but this year’s Cup could be billed as a race of champions. The Cup Class will feature the reigning Supercross Champion, Ryan Dungey and the reigning Monster Energy Cup and Pro Motocross Champion, Ken Roczen the 2015 Monster Energy Cup Champion. Plus, the current MXGP World Champion, Tim Gajser will also make his debut in a one-night-only battle for the coveted Monster Energy Cup trophy and the shot at winning $1 million. Additionally, fans can expect to see a who’s who of Supercross’ elite, including Chad Reed, Marvin Musquin, Jason Anderson, Eli Tomac, Justin Barcia, Trey Canard, Cooper Webb and more.

Unlike any other race, the Monster Energy Cup challenges riders in their fight for victory with three 10-Lap Main Events on a custom-designed track, inspired by 5-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion, Ricky Carmichael.

Click the image below to view the Monster Energy Cup animated track map:

“The 2016 Monster Energy Cup is going to be awesome,” said Carmichael, who has helped design every Monster Energy Cup track since its inception in 2011. “The biggest thing is going to be the start. Riders will be taking off from the top of the stadium, going down 165 feet to the floor, then another 150 feet to the first turn. It’s going to be unbelievable. The fans are going to love it and that’s what makes the Monster Energy Cup so cool. We can do fun and unique things.”

Past Winners of the Monster Energy Cup dating back to its inception:
• Ryan Villopoto – 2011 (only $1 million winner)
• Justin Barcia – 2012
• James Stewart – 2013
• Davi Millsaps – 2014
• Ken Roczen – 2015

Tickets for the 2016 Monster Energy Cup can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, UNLVticket outlets, online at www.UNLVtickets.com, www.MonsterEnergyCup.com, or by phone at (702) 739-FANS. Tickets will be available at the Sam Boyd Stadium Box Office on the day of the event only. Practice and qualifying begins at 12:00 p.m. and the Main Event begins at 6:00 p.m. PT.

For more information on the Monster Energy Cup, please visit www.MonsterEnergyCup.com or Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, www.SupercrossLive.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross. You can also follow us via our social channels below:

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Story and Photos by Steve Cox

The Monster Energy Cup was originally meant to be a bit of a toned-down supercross event, where not only the top racers in the sport could show up and shake down their new equipment for the following supercross season, while the track was also supposed to be kept mellow enough for the nation’s top Supermini and 250cc Amateur racers to take part in a relatively safe environment.

When the dust settled at the conclusion of the 2015 Monster Energy Cup, it seemed as if RCH Suzuki’s Ken Roczen is shaking things down quite well, as he posted a 1-4-1 score to collect the $100,000 check for the overall winner.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s Jason Anderson actually became the first racer ever to grab all three main-event holeshots, which landed him a free 2016 Toyota Tundra. Anderson quickly gave way to Honda’s Trey Canard, who led the first couple laps before sliding out in the slippery conditions, handing the lead back to Anderson. Anderson hung on to take the win, but he had forgotten to take the Joker Lane at least one time in the 10-lap race and was relegated post-race to sixth place, giving the win to Roczen with Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey second, followed by last year’s winner Davi Millsaps on the BTO Sports KTM, Yoshimura Suzuki’s Blake Baggett, and AutoTrader.com/JGR/Toyota Yamaha’s Justin Barcia. Canard ended up 10th. Last week’s Red Bull Straight Rhythm winner James Stewart went down early in the main, and after only catching back up to 18th, he called it a night.

Anderson soon turned his second-race holeshot into a win over Canard, who came through the pack to snag second by taking the Joker Lane early in the main so that when Barcia took it on the last lap, Canard was able to sneak by. Barcia held on for third in front of Roczen, Dungey and Millsaps.

Anderson’s holeshot in the final main event put him in the lead for a while. He came under pressure right away from Canard, but the two made contact before the finish-line jump, sending Canard careening into the manager’s tower. Canard was okay, and he remounted, eventually finishing 14th. Roczen quickly fought his way forward and found his way by Anderson before taking off for what seemed like an easy runaway victory over Dungey, Anderson, Barcia and GEICO Honda’s Christian Craig.

Overall, Roczen took the victory over Dungey, Anderson, Barcia, Millsaps and Canard.

In the Supermini race, Monster Energy/Team Green Kawasaki’s Lance Kobusch went 1-1 to take the overall, coming from behind in both motos to make late passes for the lead and the win. And in the Amateur All-Stars event, which features the nation’s top 250cc A and B riders, Monster Energy/Team Green Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner (who won the 2013 Supermini event at the Monster Energy Cup) dominated both motos as well.

2015 Monster Energy Cup
Sam Boyd Stadium
Las Vegas, Nevada
Results: October 17, 2015

Overall
1. Ken Roczen-Suz/1-4-1
2. Ryan Dungey-KTM/2-5-2
3. Jason Anderson-Hus/6-1-3
4. Justin Barcia-Yam/5-3-4
5. Davi Millsaps-KTM/3-6-6
6. Trey Canard-Hon/10-2-14
7. Justin Brayton-KTM/11-7-12
8. Blake Baggett-Suz/4-9-18
9. Christian Craig-Hon/14-14-5
10. Chad Reed-Yam/9-16-8

Amateur (250cc)
1. Austin Forkner-Kaw/1-1
2. Chase Sexton-Hon/2-2
3. Mitchell Harrison-Yam/5-3
4. Josh Osby-KTM/3-5
5. Tristan Charboneau-Hon/4-6
6. Bradley Taft-Yam/10-4
7. Sean Cantrell-KTM/6-8
8. Max Markolf-KTM/8-9
9. Dylan Merriam-KTM/12-10
10. Mitchell Falk-KTM/17-7

Supermini
1. Lance Kobusch-Kaw/1-1
2. Max Miller-KTM/3-2
3. Joshua Varize-KTM/5-3
4. Jo Shimoda-KTM/4-6
5. Jesse Flock-KTM/6-9
6. Chase Fasnacht-Kaw/9-8
7. Austin Black-KTM/2-15
8. Conner Mullennix-KTM/14-4
9. Marcus Phelps-KTM/7-12
10. Hannah Hodges-Kaw/13-7

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