It’s official, the 2006 season started off with some of the best racing action we've seen in a long time. We could not have asked for a better weekend to kickoff 2006. With beautiful weather, anxious riders and a sold out crowd, Anaheim 1 did not disappoint. We all got a taste of what the competition was going to be like in Canada, and knew we were in store for the most anticipated season in the sport’s history. The "New" Stewart had great success in  Canada and RC,”The GOAT” was all fired up to defend his title. Reed seemed more than determined to get out there and make his mark as a force to be reckoned with.  The Lites class was the stage for new talent to shine and I must say Villopoto tore it up on the track. My view from the podium, I must admit, was awesome! 

Clearly, the Supercross race action is the main focus, but I wanted to give some attention to the fans of Supercross. For the fans, the Supercross is not only about the “night show,” it encompasses an entire day of events. The stadium parking lot is where it all starts for the fans, some rolling in as early as 10:00am . Anaheim proves to be very popular with the tailgaters. It's a great big party with some of the most dedicated Supercross fans you'll ever meet.  The parking lot was transformed into a sea of RV's and BBQ's where music was playing, kids and adults were cruising their 50’s, and the fans bring out all kinds of strange contraptions with wheels, odd looking bicycles, off road cars, RC cars and more. Race fans also packed the pits shoulder to shoulder to get that autograph of their favorite rider and filled the stadium to watch practice and qualifying. This is the true Supercross experience where the event is made up of an entire day of activities. While I was at the merchandise stand in the pits, I had the opportunity to meet many fans, not only from the U.S. but from all over the world. I love interacting with the fans and promoting the sport.

Last season some riders made complaints about some tracks being easy and not challenging enough. They hoped for more technical tracks. Well, the riders got their wish. The Anaheim 1 track proved to be a challenge and tested all the rider’s abilities. It was a slick track with many turns and an intimidating set of whoops. The whoops proved to be the make or break section of the track. When the gate drops, the first turn is where the focus is at. We saw some outstanding holeshots and terrible pileups in just the first few seconds of each race. The technical track gave the riders an eye opener for the season.

In the Supercross main the line was full of well known names and superstars of the sport, including the King, Jeremy McGrath. He’s done a lot to energize the sport and has created a ton of enthusiastic, dedicated fans. It was a star-studded main event, with the exception of Kevin Windham. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on the track soon. Reed looked fast and rode a great race, not to mention he had the fastest lap time. It was great seeing the trio of Reed, Carmichael, and Stewart battling it out for the first place trophy. While Reed had a hold of the first position Stewart and RC battled it out. But RC made a wrong move and went down which left Stewart, who made the move on Reed, to take the win. From the crowd’s response, this was the race action we were waiting for.

The West Coast Lites had many new and returning faces. Villopoto proved himself running an outstanding race and pulling off the holeshot. But the experienced Short reeled in the youngster and landed himself in the first place spot on the podium. Langston had an awesome race charging up to fourth place after a fall that put him at the back of the pack. Laninovich held a strong race and took home the third place trophy.

I had a blast at Anaheim 1 and am ready for Phoenix. What can we expect? Who do you predict will take the win? I truly enjoy representing the sport of Supercross. I am very happy to be promoting the sport I have a passion for.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy New Year!

See you at the races!
Brittney
Miss Supercross
missupercross@yahoo.com