It feels like it's been much longer than two weeks since Supercross raced inside the Edward Jones Dome for round 13 of the 2015 season. After a two-week long Easter break for the riders, another round of Supercross is upon us - and it has the potential to be a massive night. Here's a look into all the headlines entering the Houston Supercross.
250 West
Back To 250 West
The West regional group of the 250 riders of course was full of great racing at the very beginning of the year before it was time for the East class to take over for a few weeks of racing, beginning with their season-opening race in Atlanta. It's back to 250 West for Houston as the East has also already had their round in Texas (Arlington). This means that Cooper Webb, Tyler Bowers, Malcolm Stewart, and others are set to bang bars once again. The West 250 class showcased some of the greatest racing of the season thus far, and it's no doubt Cooper Webb will come out swinging after some of the incredibly impressive races we've seen him throw down this season - including coming from the back of the pack to take the lead on the final half a lap and win a main event. Expect great action from the 250 West riders Saturday night.
Webb Can Win It All
With all that said, Cooper Webb is in a good enough spot in the championship points that he can clinch the 250 West championship in NRG Stadium Saturday night. He was red hot before the break began and the East riders' season got started, winning four of five races. This allowed his points lead to increase to 30 over Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/KTM's Jessy Nelson. To clinch the championship, Cooper Webb must simply maintain a 25 point lead over the field leaving Houston. If Nelson were to win, Webb would need to finish third or better to claim the championship one round before the 250 West finale. Tyler Bowers and Zach Osborne are both also mathematically eligible, but the odds are very high that Webb wraps it up in Houston.
Nelson Done For 2015
Now that you know it's Jessy Nelson who is in the greatest position to break up Webb's hopes of winning the championship in Houston, know that it has been announced that Nelson will not be racing in the final few 250 West races this year. Apparently he had a massive crash weeks ago training for the outdoors and although he didn't break any bones, he feels it's necessary to heal up completely for outdoor motocross. This opens the championship up way wider; Webb's chances to win his first professional championship are better than ever.
450 Supercross
Dungey Can Clinch Too
Both titles are up for grabs Saturday night in Houston. Webb is in a great position to clinch the 250 West championship, but Ryan Dungey is perhaps in an even greater spot with better chances of leaving Houston as a two-time champ of the 450 Supercross class. To clinch the title this weekend, Dungey needs to leave Houston with 75 points between himself and Eli Tomac who is second in points. To accomplish this, Dungey has to finish third or better if Tomac were to win. If he were to finish 4th or worse and Tomac wins, the championship would be extended - but still in nobody else's hands but Dungey's. His lead is currently 80 points over Tomac entering Houston, so the odds are very much in his favor.
Roczen Out Again
Ken Roczen hasn't raced since Daytona, and he'll be out once again at Houston. After a rough night of two massive crashes in qualifying/practice and the main event at Atlanta, Roczen was planned to get back on track Saturday night at Houston, but apparently the ankle injury is not healed enough just yet. It has been quite the up-and-down season for the young Californian, but a stronger 2016 season should be expected from the RCH Suzuki rider.
With both the 250 West and 450 Supercross championships perhaps being wrapped up Saturday night, the racing inside NRG Stadium is sure to be fantastic. Watch for a LIVE of the Houston Supercross on the Racing section with minute-to-minute coverage of every heat, semi, LCQ, and main event race of the night. Also, be sure to follow the VAVEL USA Racing Twitter account at @RacingOnVAVEL.