Kobusch, Peters Top Arenacross Opener
T
he 2022 Kicker AMA Aren-
across Series kicked off the
first two rounds in Loveland,
Colorado, at the Budweiser
Events Center, January 7-8.
The series saw the return of the
Phoenix Racing Honda team and
its defending champion Kyle Pe-
ters, along with Cullin Park, Mike
Alessi and Kyle Bitterman, to
name a few. The opening rounds
also debuted a handful of new-
comers to the series, bringing a
lot of talent with them.
Round one was held on Friday,
and the first heat of the qualify-
ing races for the 250 Pro class
kicked off the event. Texan
Lance Kobusch made his debut
at the Kicker AMA Arenacross
Series and took first place in the
first heat, followed by newcomer
Ben Lamay in second and Heath
Harrison, the former mechanic
for Phoenix Racing Honda, in
third. Harrison finished ahead
of teammate Cullin Park, who
finished fourth in the heat.
Heat two was won by defend-
ing champion, Peters, followed
by Michael Hicks and Kyle Bitter-
man. The final heat was a battle
between Mike Alessi, Chase Mar-
quier and newcomer, Izaih Clark.
Alessi came out on top followed
by Marquier and Clark.
The 450 Pro qualifying racers
were up next which saw Peters
win the first heat, followed by
Lamay (second) and Marquier
(third). Kobusch, Hicks and Mat-
thew Curler went 3-4-5.
Alessi took another win in the
final heat of the 450 Pro qualifier,
with Park coming in second and
Bitterman third.
The first main race of the
season, the 250 Pro class,
was stacked with talent. Peters
continued his winning streak into
2022, but not as easily as he'd
been doing in 2021. Ultimately
Peters finished in first place, fol-
lowed by Hicks and Kobusch.
IN
THE
WIND
P50
Defending Arenacross
Champion Kyle Peters
dominated the opening round
of the 2022 season but did
see his winning streak, which
was carried over from last
year, came to an end.
PHOTOS: JACK JAXSON
