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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1111003
SUPERCROSS ROUND 16 / APRIL 27, 2019 EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. / METLIFE STADIUM P56 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS round at Nashville, where he scored zero points and saw his vast points lead get slashed to just three. At first, it appeared his knee might hold up in N.J. He qualified third quickest, finished fourth in his heat race, and, after nearly grabbing the hole- shot through the left-hand (the same side as his bad knee) first other rider besides Tomac who had a fighting chance at the title going into the East Rutherford race, was eliminated after finish- ing fifth. Things were just as dramatic in the 250SX East class. All eyes were focused on Austin Forkner and his wrecked left knee that he injured at the previous East Webb now enjoys a seemingly insurmountable 23-point advan- tage over the only rider—Tomac (third in N.J.)—that has a math- ematical shot of beating Webb. With a maximum 26 points avail- able in Las Vegas, Webb needs just to finish 20th, and the 2019 title will be his. Musquin, who was the only just eight points over Dylan Ferrandis, and Chase Sexton leads the East by only nine points over Justin Cooper. In the West, three riders—James Decotis, Michael Mosiman and Cam- eron Mcadoo—are tied for fifth place. Colt Nichols has a somewhat com- fortable lead over RJ Hampshire for third. Third through ninth in the East are all up for grabs. Austin Forkner is currently third with 152, but he won't be racing. The closest rider to him is Martin Davalos with 134, followed by Mitchell Oldenburg (128), Alex Martin (121), Brandon Hartranft (118), Kyle Peters (115) and Kyle Cunningham (108). RIGHT THERE Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain ATV/ MC-KTM-WPS) was right there in the hunt for the win much of the 450SX main. He started off in fourth, went to third when Tomac went down the first time and actually ran second for a lap right after Osborne nearly crashed while leading. Both Osborne and Tomac got back around Baggett with four laps to go. Baggett held on for fourth. RETURNING TO ACTION Christian Craig (Geico Honda) and Justin Brayton (Smartop/Bullfrog Spas/Honda) both returned to ac- tion at New Jersey. Craig has been dealing with a lingering thumb injury and qualified 10 th in the 250SX East class, but he pulled out early in the final practice session and didn't line Briefly... Osborne stalked Tomac and Webb while they fought for the lead.