AUTOTRADER/SUZUKI/JGRMX SEATTLE RACE REPORT
April 9, 2017
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (April 9, 2017) – CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash. was host to round 14 of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. The open-air stadium in conjunction with Seattle’s reputation for rain has made for some epic mud races over the years. No surprise that rain during the previous week, as well as on race day created a challenging track surface. The practice and qualifying was delayed and shortened, and the Main Events were decreased in length in an effort to keep the track from deteriorating. Despite the weather 56,063 fans attended the race and Fox Sports One aired the live broadcast.
Justin Barcia transferred to the Main Event through Heat One. Jake Weimer earned his gate for the main in Semi Two. When the gate fell for the Main Event Barcia was collected in a first turn crash causing him to start in last place. Weimer was 11th at the conclusion of lap one. Barcia worked his way through the rutted course and was able to advance to 13th at the checkers. Weimer finished in 11th position.
The race marked the professional debut for Cade Autenrieth, who just turned 17 in March. Autenrieth is racing the final three 250 SX West rounds in place of Phillip Nicoletti, who is recovering from injury. With the shortened practice and difficult conditions, this was a challenging event to race for the first time as a professional. Autenrieth encountered some difficulty on the line getting ready for the Heat Race, and started after the pack had already left. He did not transfer from the LCQ, and will try again at the next round.
The series takes a break next weekend and then continues in Salt Lake City, Utah at Rice-Eccles Stadium on April 22. Fox Sports Two will broadcast the race live starting at 10:00 p.m. (EST).
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