Behind The Lens Presented By Fox Racing Canada: 2023 Houston Supercross
The 2023 Houston Supercross was more than just a Supercross. It was also the first race of the year outside of California, in a football stadium with a roof, and the first round of the 250SX East Series. Yes, the Houston SX had many firsts, but the one thing that did remain constant from the opening three rounds was the outstanding riding from Eli Tomac. The 450SX main event was another example of why Tomac is just that much better than every other rider right now, as he recovered from a mediocre heat race to dominate the final race of the night. In the 250SX East class, Hunter Lawrence took the lead early and never looked back. If the older Lawrence Brother can keep his Honda on two wheels in the coming weeks, he will be very difficult to beat in the 250SX East Series. It was an entertaining night of racing in Houston, and Matt Wellumson was on the floor and sent us these photos.
Jason Anderson was fast in Houston and ended up third OA. Justin Barcia always brings the style. The Sexton/Tomac heat race battle was fantastic. Racing in his first evert 450SX main event Justin Cooper held his own to finish 7th. Christian Craig went down early in the 450SX main event but charged hard to catch up. The hype is real! Haiden Deegan rode solid all night long to finish 4th OA in his first pro SX main event. Proud Papa! Ryan Gauld and his son Riley had a great time in the KJSC event. Riley Gauld rode strong in the KJSC race to finish 8th OA. There isn’t much room in SX. Like his brother in the 250SX West Series, Hunter was unstoppable in Houston. After the 250SX East main event Hunter showed his teammate some lines. It was great to see Jeremy Martin back on the track in Houston. Aaron Plessinger was fast early in the 450SX main event but slipped back after the restart. The restart in the 450SX main event allowed everyone including Tomac to regroup and then go and attack the track. The sand section in Houston was a tough one. After a convincing heat race win it looked as though it was Chase Sexton’s night, but Tomac would have other ideas in the main event. St Cyr rode well in Houston but came up short of making the 450SX main event. The dream team was back together in Houston!Although he was riding a 250F in the 450SX class, Cole Thompson rode well and almost qualified for the main event. Tomac wasn’t the fastest rider in Houston but he still found a way to win the 450SX main event. After three wins in the first four rounds Eli Tomac is taking a lot of momentum into Tampa this weekend. Racing his first SX in the USA Tom Vialle rode strong to finish in 7th OA. After some strong rides in the opening three rounds Cooper Webb was a little off of the pace in Houston. Your 250SX East podium from Houston.Your 450SX podium from Houston featuring Tomac, Sexton, and Anderson.