The moment we’ve all been waiting for is almost here – Red Bull Straight Rhythm returns this Saturday, October 15.
The rider roster of 27 riders competing for the most notable title in professional racing at Red Bull Straight Rhythm is confirmed. We’re only halfway joking about the “most notable title” claim of course, but certainly not about the 27 riders who are swapping their swimsuits for race gear in Huntington Beach this Saturday.
Most of these riders you know and love as they return to the track, a brand-new track located beachside that is, for a mano-a-mano battle down the half-mile unwound supercross track. The seventh running of the event is the third consecutive ultimate two-strokes-only challenge and has reignited nostalgic energy in those longing for braap-braap buzz and the mint smell of pre-mix exhaust wafting through the hour.
The format follows a bracket-form competition with all the riders competing in the Qualifying rounds and the fastest 16 riders from the 250cc class and fastest eight riders from the 125cc class advancing to the main event.
The 2022 competing riders include:
250cc Class
Ken Roczen, Aaron Plessinger, Justin Barcia, Marvin Musquin, Cooper Webb, Gared Steinke, Josh Hansen, Justin Hill, Robbie Wageman, Kevin Moranz, Chris Blose, Josh Greco, Deven Raper, Austin Politelli, Mike Alessi, Nico Izzi, Ivan Ramirez and Patrick Evans.
125cc/150cc
Carson Brown, Ryan Morais, AJ Catanzaro, Josh Varize, Derek Kelley, Dylan Woodcock, Josh Thomas, Andy DiBrino and Dominique Thury.
The riders aren’t the only ones who can get in on the action this year. The Red Bull Straight Rhythm Bracket Challenge has returned. Participants can apply whatever the tactics, be it pure expertise, sorcery or straight luck, to complete the best-of 16 bracket for a chance to win an exclusive Troy Lee Designs gift card. And if the winner of the Bracket Challenge is crowned from pure luck, it’s probably a good idea to head to Vegas after the event. Participants are encouraged to show some of their favorite riders an extra bit of love and support in their chase to the top of the podium by sharing across social media to complete the entry. Visit Red Bull Straight Rhythm Bracket Challenge for more information.
While the format remains the same as previous years – a best-of-three race format and each rider getting at least two chances to grab victory – one thing is for certain, the victory is fair game for all riders. In the three years of racing two-strokes only, three different riders have claimed the title with six different finalists in play.
For those that can’t make it to the event, we have got you covered. Catch all the action of Red Bull Straight Rhythm streaming live exclusively on ESPN+ on October 15, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. PST. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at https://red-bull-straight-rhythm-tickets. Gates open at 10:00 a.m. PST for spectators to view the practice and qualifying rounds.