2021 Atlanta Three SX Race Report

The Smartop | Bullfrog Spas | MotoConcepts | Honda team ended their time at Atlanta Motor Speedway with the 2021 Atlanta Three Supercross, the fifteenth round of the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Series. The track was a constant challenge because the large and fast layout required riders to adjust their technique and motorcycle setup, something Broc Tickle and Benny Bloss worked on throughout the week, and it paid off with both riders lining up in the 450 Main Event.

The last race in Atlanta was Broc Tickle's best. Things started well, as a 1:39.567 lap in the final session of Timed Qualifying put Tickle 12th overall and were proof of his improvement over the week. A good start in 450 Heat Race One put Tickle into seventh place on the opening lap, a position he held for the entirety of the short moto, and he advanced directly into the 450 Main Event. Tickle's start in the 450 Main Event was not ideal, as he shuffled back and pushed wide going into the first turn, but he quickly regrouped, made passes, and went from 19th place to 14th place in the first five laps. After reeling in the main group, Tickle settled into a groove, clicked off steady laps, and finished in 13th place. "The trip to Atlanta was fun and challenging. I made steps in the right direction and am close to the top-10 but keep falling short," Tickle reflected. "I have been working hard, and it hasn't been easy, but it's exciting to have two more tries in Salt Lake City to reach the top-10." Tickle is currently 16th overall in the 450 Class championship standings.

Ongoing injures hindered Benny Bloss for much of the time in Atlanta, but he overcame the pain on Saturday and put in a solid showing, considering the circumstances. A 1:41.366 in Timed Qualifying put Bloss 16th overall in the 450 Class, proving that his speed and sore ankles were up for the challenge. Bloss joined Tickle in 450 Heat Race One and, like teammate Tickle, started the short sprint in a transfer position and followed his fellow MCR rider to the finish line in eighth place. Bloss made the most of an outside gate choice at the start of the 450 Main Event to come out of the first turn in the lead group but was caught on a Tuff Block during the opening lap and dropped down the running order. He quickly regrouped and passed his way by the back markers until a separate crash moments later forced him to withdraw after three laps, and he was credited with a 22nd place result. "I tried to race at Atlanta One and Two, but my ankle just wasn't ready. Saturday was better, and I had a good qualifying time and transferred out of my Heat Race, but crashed in the Main Event and didn't finish the race," stated Bloss. "I made progress and am getting healthy, so let's see what we can do in Salt Lake City to end the season strong." Bloss is 22nd overall in the 450 Class championship standings.

Vince Friese and Shane McElrath did not take part in the race due to injuries.

The 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Series will line up again for the 2021 Salt Lake City One Supercross on Saturday, April 24th.