Smartop | Bullfrog Spas | MotoConcepts | Honda had an admirable showing at the 2022 Arlington Supercross, the eighth round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship. All three MCR riders scored top-10 results during the Triple Crown races, as Mitchell Oldenburg indicated what he's capable of in the 250 East Region while Justin Brayton and Vince Friese held their own in the 450 Class.
Mitchell Oldenburg didn't dwell on the issues of the opening round for long. Instead, he showed up at Arlington with a motivated mindset, put down a 50.130 lap during the afternoon practice, and claimed seventh place in Timed Qualifying. Oldenburg's starts through the night's three races were admittedly subpar, but his ability to drive forward through the 10-minute plus one lap dashes brought 6-5-6 scores and put him fourth overall in the final results. "We needed something to build off since last weekend wasn't good. I was pretty bummed on Sunday, but by that afternoon, I changed my mindset and hadn't thought about it since," Oldenburg explained. "I enjoy the Triple Crowns because the pace doesn't give us much of a break, and it makes the night go so quick. I had three steady races, not the best starts but something to build from. The next couple of races are fun for me, and I'm excited." Oldenburg is currently ranked 13th overall in the 250 East Region championship standings.
Justin Brayton has a knack for the Triple Crown races, which was evident in Arlington. A 49.136 lap in the practice sessions proved the experienced rider was on pace with the best in the 450 Class, as he was ranked sixth overall in Timed Qualifying. Superb starts, constant battles, and well-managed efforts through all three of the night's races yielded 7-10-11 scores and put him in eighth place overall. "On paper, everything looked great, so I guess that's all that matters, but I've definitely ridden better than that. Things are headed in the right direction, with three top-10s and my body feeling better, and I think I'll be better for the rest of the season," Brayton noted. "The season is going by so fast; it's sort of crazy that we're halfway. To be up there in Timed Qualifying makes me feel like I still have it and that I can run with the best guys. It'd be nice to go out that way instead of being towards the back of the field." Brayton is currently ranked 13th overall in the 450 Class championship standings.
Vince Friese's second race in the 450 Class was a great showing for the rider with split duties this Supercross season. Familiar with the power of the CRF450R and the intensity of the competition, he clocked a 49.582 lap during practice and was listed 10th in the Timed Qualifying results. His efforts through the night were admirable, as Friese started near the front in two of the races, stayed focused despite small mistakes, charged through the pack in the third sprint, and netted 12-8-10 scores for 11th place overall. "There were a lot of 'woulda, coulda, shoulda' moments in that first race. I felt like I was starting to find my flow when I washed the front and then got 12th. In the second one, I finished eighth and was happy with that because finishing in the top-10 in this field is tough. I had a great start in the third race, but another rider didn't let off, and I got sent into another guy and put on the ground. I came back from last to 10th, and that felt good," said Friese. "The points were so tight going into the last race. I made a pass on Dean Wilson with a lap or so to go, but he blasted across the whoops and got me in the last turn with a really good move. I didn't know, but that would have been for 10th overall. I put in a lot of work but didn't realize it would have been for that finish, but it is what it is." Friese is currently ranked 21st in the 450 Class championship standings.
The 2022 Monster Energy Supercross Championship continues with the 2022 Daytona Supercross, which will take place on March 5th at Daytona International Speedway.