2020 Monster Energy Racer X Supercross Preview: Episode 2, Brothers in Arms

In 2014, a rookie 450 rider named Ken Roczen won the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, and a rookie 250 rider named Adam Cianciarulo won the opening round of 250SX East Region. These two riders became close friends and dynamic personalities on and off the track and appeared destined to take over the sport. Then, injuries kicked in, and at one point the future seemed in doubt for both. But now they’re back! Cianciarulo completed his rebuild process with the 2019 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross 250 National Championship and a Monster Energy Kawasaki ride in the 450 class. Roczen is back with Honda HRC trying to find his health after battling an illness. They’re finally in the same class together, doing some riding together, and ready to have fun and win races. Can they do it? Can they remain friends while racing bar-to-bar on the track?
Jason Weigandt, Steve Matthes and Jason Thomas discuss Kenny and AC in Episode 2 of the Monster Energy Racer X Supercross Preview for 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, FIM World Championship. Plus, new Racer X Editor-at-large (and bike guru) Kris Keefer breaks down the Kawasaki KX450 that Cianciarulo and Eli Tomac will bring into battle.
Thanks to our sponsors: Monster Energy, Fly Racing, Maxxis, Pro Taper, and LS2 Helmets.
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[@cameronmoore5858]

Mookie is going to be my underdog pick

[@balreadysaid]

Freaking love the "predator"! Hope he wins a few at least.

[@MrTmel123]

not consistent enough

[@rickshields8057]

RIGHT ON

[@rickshields8057]

I mean RIGHT ON MALCOLM STEWART WINS

[@digit975]

Steve’s face when he’s listening to someone else talk looks like the face a dog makes when it’s pooping. So much concentration

[@ryanlester761]

Lol. Steve's my favorite. He's a funny SOB.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

I think that would be, "constipation". No English teacher here, but you spelled it wrong. :)

[@braidenrahn2534]

or its called he dont give a fuck to listen to there opinions hahaha

[@kings17court]

That Keefer guy is a great addition to the shows.

[@johnnywood9441]

kings17court Keefer is the man!

[@Runk3lsmcdougal]

I agree

[@MX304]

I liked Ping too, but Keefer is solid.

[@nicolasalverson9116]

AC is probably the one of the most mature rookies coming into the supercross season for 2020, with that I think AC will make through the entire season and will finish the season in the top 5. As long as he can show up to the races each week he will definitely be a threat for race wins. As for Roczen he is always threat on the weekends, yes he has some health issue that he still hasn’t gotten figured out. He still will be going for race wins every Saturday night, making him a title contender as well. With that being said I think that ET finally gets that supercross title that he has missed out on the last couple of years, as long as he can show up and be consistent on Saturday.

[@robertkutzner4578]

Matthes is losing weight...looking good man keep it up!

[@rickvisser8296]

I thought I imagined it... but if you see it, and I see it... it must be. He looks way fitter indeed.

[@MX304]

All that mountain biking he's been doing is paying off.

[@jhamelin119]

hes a vegan snowflake

[@BrendanGregory07]

I am honestly so excited for cooper and AC to go Head to Head. It’s gonna be beef 100%

[@parkerwalls3337]

Unless Eli gets injured, I think he's winning it this year. He has the most wins by far without a championship, it's only a matter of time when you're as fast as he is. If Kenny's 100% though it'll be fun to watch 😎

[@brucethompson6706]

Chris is a GREAT Addition to the Show..I hope You continue to have Him on

[@DUBYA-DUBYA]

I think Justin B. Could surprise a lot of people this season. There are so many that can win this thing. Whoever can be most consistent with there starts and podiums through all 17 rounds will win championship. That could be 10-12 riders this year. Very exciting.

[@jeremy_moto_192]

Adam has the heart of a champion we will see so upset don’t think he will win the champion but he will shock us!!

[@johntomasik1555]

Tomac's always been my favorite (Colorado guy). Really love his speed outdoors. But, for whatever reason, he just hasn't been able to put a full SX season together. I'll go with Webb, only because he maintained his cool last year and believes he understands how to win championships. Hopefully all stay healthy, and all trade wins the entire season to where it's close at the end of the year. That'd be a win for all us fans.

[@megaboomnetwork9383]

There will be a race day where everything goes Kenny’s way and he will get the win this year

[@lisaculpepper8832]

Thank you every body thinks he wont win he will him or ac will get the champ I'm going for Kenny

[@250txc]

KR has the history to win all this for sure. Our sx racing is so tight just any small slip-up and your chances are small for being the champ.

[@jhamelin119]

there will be a race where everything goes his way and he gets 1 win.

[@pbau7769]

Jason Thomas is on his phone & what is Steve staring off at? A noteboard?

[@jhamelin119]

bunch of pros eh

[@wideopenmx850]

The Keefer segments have been awesome. Everyone loves talking about the bikes just as much if not more than the riders. Good job on these shows guys

[@Peanutdenver]

When you suffer a real serious injury like Kenny had, it's a long road to recovery and sometimes you're never really 100% again. I can't speak for Kroc, but when I broke my pelvis and back racing they give me issues to this very day 10 years later. I can't imagine how tough it would be making a comeback vs big boys in Sx.

[@justinfee819]

It's amazing that he's even able to compete at the level he is at I would like to see him get a win this year. Kenny's so naturally gifted on a bike that his 80% is better than most riders 100%.

[@garrett3234]

Thunder Chicken i broke my wrist on my growth plate had a pin in it and a very long surgery and I too can agree my wrist has never been the same. i know to some extent what hes gone through and it sucks

[@Peanutdenver]

@@garrett3234 That's tough my friend. I understand completely.

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

You never recover 100%. It just becomes your new normal, you get use to it and work around it.

[@sslum]

DID YOU SEE MONSTER CUP!?!?!? AC is a threat. Recognize

[@wherewolf2760]

I think that final MEC race was no fluke... He matched Tomac's speed and beat him with better race-craft. I think 9 is gonna seriously surprise some people in a few weeks

[@cole-yz1ok]

but Tomas wasn't really trying tho

[@wherewolf2760]

@@cole-yz1ok oh please....

[@HelixNebuIa]

My two favorite riders! 🔥

[@BrendanGregory07]

Adam is hungry for sure. He will do GREAT things this year I bet. Championship? I’m not sure honestly 2 rookies have won already why not AC? This season will bring the most exciting/close racing I think we ever have seen.

[@croostpolo9180]

I'll pick Kenny. As every year from 2015 on. Hopefully at one point I'll be right. Consistency pays off. Maybe in 2023

[@Pleasuremachine100]

Adam will be the 2020 champion you'll see

[@spinkMS]

Malcolm is winning this champ or at least some races 100%

[@isaiahwilson6225]

For sure

[@ryanweidner6828]

Dude needs to get a podium before he can be taken serious.

[@spinkMS]

@@ryanweidner6828 got a 250 champ and wins at monster cup say nothing

[@EnricoRossignoli89]

sx is hard man, I don't think so

[@jhamelin119]

james stewart is gonna win

[@Tide12NC]

It comes down to the riders personalities guys. I’ve been around for 45 yrs. my uncle was factory pro in 75. I’ve been around Hannah, Smith, Barnett. Some guys gel and laugh it off and remain good, others refuse to give any openness toward another good rider. Take Dungey, Marv, and Anderson. They did well together. Tomac not so much. Also that friendship stays intac with clean riding. Those guys are another good example. Add Dungey vs Roc...they did good, it’s all about respecting and racing the other guy clean. If your not willing to race clean, don’t get mad when the other guy returns the favor. As long as Adam and Ken race clean, they’ll be fine. If it gets tight in pts, who knows what might happen with big $$$ and bigger pride? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@motoxguy7]

The fantasy picks nightmare is gonna be REAL this year! Actually glad to see the “fantasy” thing highlighted for this sport. It is what saved the NFL and our sport needs all the positive “outside” attention it can get right now. I got a couple of “gambler” buddy’s into the fantasy side of it and now they and their whole family began riding.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

If Adam starts off winning at least 3 out of the first 5, (and he can), stays consistent and does not get hurt, he should be able to win this championship,---because unlike all 450 racers in the USA, Adam has some confidence to win left in him. If he wins 4 in a row, (and does not get hurt), it is over. But I hope he and Eli do not win any championships this year, so Kawasaki can't deny the USA our best racers, (and I bet the FIM was involved), in the 2020 MXofN.

[@stevestiffler9120]

The problem is, When AC comes out and wins A1, theres not going to be anyone surprised. AC is fit, focused, and motivated.

[@brucethompson6706]

AC is going to mix things up for everyone this Year! Gunna be a Great Exciting Season.i thing #16 will be in the mix as well

[@markdawson8946]

yea Air Conditioning is great. John Dowd still riding?...............................I farted!

[@joshuag5085]

Adam wins A1. Followed by many others race winners. Tomac's only chance is if he does what he does most years. He puts himself in a hole where the title pressure is off, wins a few races to get back up there, then the number 1 guy gets hurt and the 2 or 3 guy at the end. That way he can just finish and get the title. I wont be shocked to see Webb or Anderson repeat. Roczen or Adam taking the title either. I think Osbourne or Stewart would be the huge surprise but not sure they're there yet. Barcia and Bagget getting wins atleast.

[@yourefireed]

Joshua G wanna bet? $5k Tomac wins this year. You have PayPal?

[@adamhayward6114]

Love this show

[@BrendanGregory07]

Always bring keefer!! Love that guy’s opinions on things

[@mikequarles1247]

its going to be a GREAT 2020 Season. Maybe the best ever😉! Looking forward to the 2020 season in less than 3 weeks😊

[@powerwagon3731]

Tomac likes bad starts because its fun to pass everyone for the win and that makes the racing exciting! Eli for the SC and MC 2020 champ.

[@_LAND_OF_THE_FREE_]

Oh come on! AC for the win 😁

[@bryanrails3428]

Im just happy the battle has so many contenders unlike the MC days that to me got pretty boring. Should be an epic season!

[@250txc]

Yep and last yr was pretty injury free for the most part. Too bad MM25 is out of sx racing but he'll be fresh for the MX season maybe.

[@jboot151]

A.C. season will depend on how the first few rounds go. As a Fl boy and growing up with Mookie and Adam. I'm of course pulling for the boy's to come out swinging.

[@devinfurtado5613]

I love the content, you guys should do at least 10 episodes please and thank you. You guys aren’t insane for picking Tomac by the way.

[@CARTERTH1]

Love the program! Please keep them coming. The boot should switch places with the bars so it is not in front of Jason W.

[@LChem1]

Its a very harsh game. And full of surprises

[@guadalupepulido2978]

WOW TOMAC

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

How long before Wheelie Boys break into the PC shop and steal some of those bikes? It wont be long till AC's championship bike is doing wheelies up and down the street in Long Beach.

[@justinfee819]

Lol 😂

[@bewimotos]

wheeliee boys are in baltimore, pretty long trip lol

[@CrackerrJack]

Wheelie boys need a father

[@jhamelin119]

compton

[@jaywinters2483]

Matthis is a Great Motocross Mind. (Love to heat his Outline also.)

[@classactracing]

We can't wait for the season to get started. The season will begin with the iconic Anaheim One . The excitement of Anaheim One is second to none, with new bikes, numbers, and gear helping to build the anticipation of the first gate drop. The panel with clean sweep of Eli. Are they correct?

[@mikequarles1247]

On thinking in SX, ME/Kawasaki is gonna be unstoppable (barring injuries)... I'm a big fan of the KTM/Husky programs, particularly Osborne and Webb; but consistency is a thought to consider. If Tomac and Cinncy can avoid injuries, on track delimmas, it's going to be a Green 2020SXseason

[@jaywinters2483]

“What is this Team Beat Magazine”? Jason- “you’re not hearing any of this stuff”. Jason, it’s all good. You’re in the presence of 2 great motocross minds. Let there be disagreement. Let their be challenge. Let there be debate! ... that’s what makes it lively & that’s what makes it worth watching. Benjamin Franklin said: “Many men; many minds”. That’s how Democracy is supposed to function. Debate is a beautiful thing. Welcome being challenged, Jason! That’s what makes a great show! Your genius is to set up the debate & provide the context...(which your’re is good at BTY.)

[@mikequarles1247]

Final pick for 2020SX; 7 Potentials... Tomac, AC, Osborne, Rocsen, Mookie, Webb, Anderson; In THAT order 😉 (just saying for a friend😂)

[@mikesalamone9671]

Am I the only one that see’s Tomacs bike smoking in the clips when they are picking this years champion. The 1st right after Tomac passes Webb and into the right hand turn, and the 2nd after the finish line as he turns into the left hander?!!? There is something up with that engine!

[@pbau7769]

If AC9 wins & Tomac becomes the bridesmaid Tomac is gone 2021.

[@Natedoc808]

Stacked field, plenty of good battles to come and hopefully the tracks make for good racing as opposed to simply good lap times.

[@eric6rock]

Expect the unexpected as they say , AC is a rookie but he will definitely shine and top 5 and podium wins. I feel it will be a duel between webb and cianciarulo. Only one of them wins. Tbh anyone can get it at this point, but kudos to all the supercross riders and privateers out there 👍

[@timkuitems4431]

Post injury, Kenny has learned to ride the long game. Pre injury he was explosive but unsustainable. Yes, transparent. I agree. We like him for that. Absolutely! Fans want to see Kenny dominate a race, even get lucky and have one handed to him, but better to see his skill come through. Gotta be fast with endurance. Without it, it ain't gonna happen.

[@ogasi1798]

Ken FTW this year

[@motocrossraymond6060]

Either Kenny cooper or AC will win

[@defy6043]

I think malcom has a shot at the title

[@TooKlingy]

A guy that has never got a top 5 will not win the title.

[@brodypilcher3643]

Both AC and Kroc gotta stay on 2 wheels to be title contenders and I ain’t seen either one stay on 2 wheels...yea they are both fast guys but yea I just don’t kno gotta be consistent

[@muffissues9753]

Malcom seems to have the speed to win but it seems he is learning to chill out when its not his night to win and i think that is going to help him tremendously. Stew takes the title and 3-4 wins.

[@heller127]

Im with you on Malcolm winning a bunch of races he's looking really good this year and I'm sure he will be out front and hopefully he can win a championship in either sx or mx

[@JoseChavez-ng8tg]

May the guy that makes the less mistakes win

[@NiclasN66]

I want to let you guys know what my opionion on this ET and AC thing is. Everyone was speculating that Kenny and AC would form the dream team on honda until it was announced that AC is 100% staying on kawi. SO what im thinking is about to happen is... You guys know the lineup on Honda with Kenny and JB. I think that this year would be the last year for JB. I dont know what lenght his contract is but he is pretty old and kinda looking forward to retirement. I think IF Austin Forkner is gonna dominate this year and wins this 250title in easy fashion without getting injured in 2020 KAWI is gonna move him up to kawi and leave AC hanging. I dont know if this is about to happen but what i know is... that JB maybe riding his last year in 2020 is gonna open up a spot on the Honda HRC team. So if all those things come together i see Ken Roczen 94# and AC #92/#9 on Honda HRC in 2021 and Austin Forkner and Eli Tomac on Kawi in 2021. its just my opinion and its a far way to go but i just want to hear your guys opinions on this thing. Great Show and keep this thing up. Its getting me so hyped for the 2020 season!

[@RacerXIllustrated]

Good idea but Honda has already announced Chase Sexton will be full-time Honda HRC 450 rider in 2021.

[@sandbiker]

J.T. mentioned it briefly but, there's a big gap among the top riders that's open without Marvin. Question I have is, which rider is going to take that spot? Can't wait to see how this season rolls out.

[@jhamelin119]

FLYING AT THE TEST TRACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@simplelifeofkirk5232]

Eli and Adam alll the way!!!

[@stevenrogers000]

I don't think Adam will do it this year. Maybe another year, but not this year. I think this is Ken's year!!!!!!

[@paulwood7798]

I can't see past the main contenders. Rockzen how fit is he. Webb has the desire and capitalises on others mistakes. Barcia can be fast on his day Baggot can win one along the way Tomac which Eli turns up Anderson fast enough but injury prone Osbourne fast but needs another step to win on a 450. Real open and I would not bet against any of them.

[@dropbear9526]

Yep. Zach's the dark horse. I think AC#9 will win a race, possibly 2 or 3 wins, and podium several times.

[@makoa2104]

Let's all chip in and get that dude in the middle a bra 🤣

[@jasonharden2732]

I can't wait for the next episode of Tiger Beat... I mean Supercross preview LOL

[@HarborEdwin]

13:00 Tall guys fit on a 450 better than a 250 - and there is more motor to haul their heavier body weight....period. Does not guarantee success, simply improves power to weight ratio & fit.

[@mikestrophytruck]

Tomac is a supercross choke artist Malcolm Stewart will be the 2020 champ

[@AspearMotorSports]

Good job keefer!

[@samnazloomian3455]

Kenny for champion

[@stokedGSXR]

Who put this together? Why do all the race clips drop to like 5fps?

[@BryceBetts]

Can you guys do season review videos like this?

[@marcusmccormick5309]

GOATS

[@bmxf1]

“Teen Beat magazine”!!!!😂😂😂😂😂

[@travistaylor8122]

I know jt is to busy but you 3 and keefer should host a podcast every sun after the races

[@EnricoRossignoli89]

Some more topics, Honda bike problems 2017 2018? all the riders were injured even in world championship; Roczen beginning the championship always with wins and then going down slowly

[@CaptainKarma8]

AC for at least one win

[@tmoney7643]

Adam gotta keep it on 2... don't see it happening.

[@ericd.4253]

All that product sitting on the set is like wearing a jersey to the races 😂😂 😂! I guess.

[@isaiahwilson6225]

😂

[@ericd.4253]

@Ryan’s Rides 916 if you were paying attention to another conversation I was having with somebody else on here the question was asked why is it so lame for people to wear race jerseys to a supercross events or Motocrosswhen an NFL NHL Major league baseball or NBA game stadium is full of people wearing jerseys of their favorite players someone said that it looks a lame to wear racing Jersey to a supercross or Motocross because of all the sponsor decals all over the Jersey's! When I watch SportsCenteror other sports shows covering other sports events you never see them sitting there with a bunch of product all over the set

[@ericd.4253]

@Ryan’s Rides 916 that's wtf in talking about 😂😂

[@VlogEpicness]

Great intro by Weeg until the editor got a hold of it 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MrWinniee]

As much as i like Adam there is a very very good chance he has a underwhelming series.

[@ryanweidner6828]

Agree 💯

[@jhamelin119]

lolololololooloolol sooo underwhelming,

[@motoxposse]

Oh gimmie an Eli break Roczen if he’s healthy of not cooper repeat

[@yourefireed]

motoxposse u wish

[@johnayers8990]

"TEEN BEAT MAGAZINE" 😂😂😂LOL!!!

[@aaron337]

Easy boys, we all know he's fast

[@Nico-en5pd]

So just to make it interesting what would you do if ac won 14 rds win outdoor and nation's all the hype could be on 450

[@loreleiwhitcombe6371]

Webb will be tuff to beat. Eli if he stays up right

[@kevinmoore4887]

Tomac for the win. Why do I feel like Charlie Brown with Lucy holding the football?

[@joshuatrice2081]

Wow, Am I the only one who thinks AC won't be a title contender? I can see him getting a podium, but not a title.

[@scottyboy7462]

Thanks jinksy’s for guaranteeing ET will not get the title.

[@eseer3587]

Malcom!!!!!!!!

[@battownsend1990]

For predictions I think Cooper Webb wins the title again.

[@stephenwilson1012]

Why is there a chopped up 05 250 in the background? lol

[@mysterious_tim]

Anyone else think that's the real Ronny Mac?

[@billywray4524]

adam already beat tomac at monster truck. i know he was holding up tomac but he still beat him and will only get faster racing with these guy. i think adam can win the championship 2020 if he doesn't get hurt

[@jasonyup9952]

Eli is going out with a championship

[@pbau7769]

I can see him retiring upon an SX title and fourth outdoor.

[@250txc]

@@pbau7769 I can't really say that... He is above all the other racers in both speed and fitness... Coming from his racing family and life style, he could have a few more titles in him, if only MX. Injuries dominate all riders careers and lets hope this yr can be injury free again for all these riders.

[@pbau7769]

@@250txc I think Eli is smart enough to know the numbers start working against you when you reach certain thresholds. There will be even more talent arriving in the 450 class next season. I will say it. If he barely wins the SX title or MX title he will walk away on top like his predecessors.

[@250txc]

​@@pbau7769 True on the numbers, ESP if you are talking age but there are only 2 guys that have walked away on top recently and that was the Ryan express guys. I'm sure their bank accounts had millions++ of $ there. ET might or might not have the same fat number. Every ones bank accounts weight heavily on quitting our day jobs for all of us. -- With these bank accounts and new contract numbers hidden from us, it is really hard to predict what these riders future will be AND this is not considering crashes and injuries that drive most riders of of the sport. -- And yes a couple riders look ~promising this yr and last yr but no one really can match ET speed last yr. What he did at the Washougal MX race in 2019 was beyond comparison. The only I can see that holds him back is the too-simple, too easy sx tracks. The tracks are too 1-lined and yes they are hard for me and you but for PRO riders, it just becomes get the hole-shot and protect the inside line, race after race, turn after turn. -- These guys do not have an education so they are about stuck in our sport for future earnings if needed. What do you think RV2 is making wearing blue now? He's recently promoting their 450 trail bike. Yep, RV2 in the woods! RD5 part owner of a satellite team? Wonder what that contract actually says? -- These 2 riders (and Stew maybe) give hope for anyone quitting riding and having an easy-looking, good life after racing. ET might have something up his sleeve as you are saying...

[@pbau7769]

@@250txc We forgot about RC. ET3 doesn't have to worry about making ends meet for quite some time. He has been the Alpha rider in the US for a while. We saw how hard he had to push to ride with AC9 just recently and it is only going to get more difficult & dangerous to win. Europe would be the same and I don't think he is game for living over there. The Savatgy incident is a tough corner he was put into. You don't see him living the typical star racer lifestyle either. Logic would suggest to count your blessings and walk away on top and while you still can walk. He is intelligent and knows this. In fact the only reason I think he races this season is to win both titles and leave his mark in the record books and then move on to accel at something else.

[@EarthSurferUSA]

Steve, what is a "pole position" (that a racer earns), in starting a SX or MX race? "Pole Position" means a car qualified 1st, and his car gets to start in front of the pack, next to the finish line "pole". IN SX/MX, they almost always start side by side. Now we do have a "brake check" (a term shared by car racing), but please, don't confuse that with a "check" in Hockey, or call a block pass a "bounce check". Lets try to preserve the essence of this sport, OK guys? A friendly spokesman for, "THE WHISKEY THROTTLE SHOW!!!" Now, was the the North pole position on the gate, or the South pole position on the gate? Sorry for being so Polar.

[@fredgarvinMP]

By pole position he means first gate pick earned by winning your heat race with the fastest time. And riders ALWAYS start side by side in SX/MX.

[@RATBURL]

AC could be a player 👍🏻

[@georgeescaped6035]

AC over KR in the final hopfully it's ET but if not then AC

[@HustonActionTV]

They are really ripping into everyone this year 😂 Even with his issues he was within 5 points of the lead after like 10 rounds... I think dominant roczen is gone but He’s still very much a title threat my god take it easy

[@pvbaelen]

I think Tomac missed his window and he's too old. He's 27 and the oldest rider to ever win the title was McGrath at 28. Other than McGrath, the oldest in the modern era were Carmichael, Emig, Reed, and Dungey at 26. Tomac's been great at Supercross, but he struggles to bounce back when he makes mistakes. The chances for mistakes are only going to be greater the older he gets, so unless his mental strength is improved, I don't see it happening.

[@superdave103harley]

thank goodness keefer saved the show. Weege get it together dude. Listen to Mathis..

[@gilberto007goncalves7]

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