The TPJ Fly Racing team travelled to Glendale, Arizona for the fourth round of Monster Energy Supercross at the University of Phoenix stadium.
This week we had a four-man line up including Chad Cook, Ben Lamay, Dylan Merriam and Dalton Oxborrow. Cook rejoined us after a weekend off, and Merriam was back after recovering from an injury sustained in practice.
The TPJ Racing team had the opportunity to ride in front of local media outlets on Friday morning. TPJ Racing rider Ben Lamay did a one on one interview for morning television before riding alongside Chad Cook and Dylan Merriam for a taped television piece.
Come Saturday, the boys were ready to roll. Lamay was able to make moves in qualifying and slip into the 18th qualifying position in the combined 450 practice. Merriam was able to grab 36th overall in qualifying, but was feeling a little off-pace – it being his first race since the end of the 2017 Pro Motocross season. Both Cook and Oxborrow fell just outside of the qualifying top 40 riders.
In the LCQ, Merriam got a great start, but slipped back away from qualifying positions toward the end of the race. Lamay started near the end of the pack, working his way up and passing the riders in his path. As the final lap came around, Lamay was one position from qualifying, but didn’t have the time to seal the deal.
With racing comes ups and downs, but we have learned that the Monster Energy Supercross season is a marathon, not a sprint. While our riders did not make it through to the main event, we were happy to see them all walk away healthy and fired up for Oakland. During the week, they will work on improvements and come out swinging at the next round.
The TPJ Racing team wants to thank all of our sponsors for their generous support. Our riders continue to progress and impress thanks to their help.
This week we would like to extend a special thanks to Pirelli. Pirelli tires held up in the gritty ruts on Glendale’s track. While many others slipped up, our riders never once stumbled throughout the night. The incredible traction of the Pirelli tires kept the boys hooked up.
We are looking forward to getting to Oakland and giving the boys another chance to chip away at their goals. We hope to see you there.
Photos/Words: Anna Glennon
TPJ RACING 