If your first three cups of coffee didn’t get you going on this Monday, check out the rider list for who all is coming to race in Red Bull Straight Rhythm.
Some riders have already announced via their social media, but here’s a first look at the initial rider list for this year’s event. More riders to be announced shortly, but there are some fast guys on here, including: Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson, Ken Roczen, Marvin Musquin, Travis Pastrana, Ryan Villopoto, Cole Seely, Tyler Bowers, Ryan Sipes, Gared Steinke and Ronnie Mac.
When the event went all two-stroke last year, it caused some top riders to pause, as no four-strokes meant no factory bikes and no factory support –simply terrifying for a top rider. But those intrepid riders who showed up anyway were rewarded with an enthusiastic crowd, exciting, close racing, and one of the best vibes around. Turns out those that didn’t attend apparently regretted it, as this year the FOMO seems to be taking effect, with riders lining up to secure a spot – both previous competitors as well as those brand new to the event.
Even though the event is far from its’ infancy, this year will feature a lot of new firsts born out of the love for the 2 stroke smoke.
New for this year will be a special exhibition race for two gargantuan 500cc two-strokes, expertly wrassled down the course by Tyler Bowers and Travis Pastrana, who returns to the event for the first time since 2014.
Also for the first time, two Supercross champions will try their hand at the event: reigning champion Cooper Webb and 2018 champion Jason Anderson. Ken Roczen, Cole Seely and Marvin Musquin will also all return to the event after missing the last few years. Ryan Sipes, the ultimate generalist himself, has seemingly raced every single 2019 motorcycle event, so he will definitely be there. And fear not, this influx of new / returning riders will still leave just enough room for the larger-than-life personalities of fan favorites Ronnie Mac and Gared “Stank Dog” Steinke…because honestly, you know they would show up even if they weren’t invited. Twenty-seven riders are now confirmed, with more to be announced shortly.