Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Nate Thrasher scored a top-five finish at Round 8 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East Championship in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Christian Craig continued to make forward strides, riding to a 12th-place finish in the 450SX Main Event at MetLife Stadium.
The opposite end of the spectrum from the weather at the previous two rounds in the Northeast, it was a warm, dry day in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Thrasher had a solid start to the eighth round of the 250SX East Championship, qualifying fifth in the combined times. When it came time for the gate drop, the Tennessee rider got off to a flying start, narrowly missing the holeshot and quickly claiming the lead. He continued to set the pace up front and remained unchallenged to score the heat race win. In the main event, Thrasher grabbed the holeshot but was later shuffled to second on that opening lap. He kept the leader in sight, but unfortunately crashed on Lap 5 and rejoined in fourth. Thrasher continued to push and tried to make a run for the final podium spot, but crossed the line fourth. He was later credited with fifth after being penalized one position for what was ruled as an off-track advantage in sector 3.
Craig continued to make progress in his fifth race with the team aboard the 450, qualifying 13th in the combined times. The Californian was then seventh after the start of the heat race and continued to battle in the tricky conditions, ultimately finishing eighth. In the 450SX Main Event, Craig found himself 14th after the start and was shuffled to 16th on the following lap, but continued to push and made his way to 12th, where he would finish.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team heads to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the final round of the East Coast swing, Round 9 of the 250SX East Championship and Round 15 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship at Acrisure Stadium on April 26.
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“All in all, it was a solid day for the team in New Jersey. Nate had an awesome heat race and led every lap. Unfortunately, a couple of mistakes cost him in the main, but there were a lot of positives to take away. Christian made a lot of progress as well, and although he was hoping for a better result, we made some steps in the right direction. We’ll get back to work and come back stronger next weekend in Pittsburgh.”
Nate Thrasher – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #41 YZ250F
“It was a good day in New Jersey, and my speed was good all day. I felt like I let that one go there in the main event. I got the holeshot, but I just didn’t execute. I was in the lead early, but then I made a mistake by going on the outside on the first lap, which put me in second place. I was putting a lot of pressure on Seth (Hammaker). I think we were the two fastest guys tonight, so it was going to be a dog fight to the end. It was going to be a great race, but I ended up going down there, and it just cost me. After that, I put in a late charge and got close to (Tom) Vialle on the last lap, but I was just not close enough. We’ll come back next weekend. There are a lot of positives to take away – a heat race win, and I felt my speed was the best it’s been in a long time. I think we’re in a good spot. We’re just going to keep doing better.
Christian Craig – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing #28 YZ450F
“East Rutherford was a step in the right direction. I need to put myself in a better position off the start, and I believe I will be inside the top 10. On to Pittsburgh!”