The Smartop | Bullfrog Spas | MotoConcepts | Honda team returned to Atlanta Motor Speedway on Tuesday for the 2021 Atlanta Two Supercross, the fourteenth race in the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Series, and the second event in seven days at the Southern facility. Excellent weather in the afternoon and a reconfigured track added to the day's excitement, while Broc Tickle's 13th place finish in the 450 Main Event was a highlight of the evening. The long season has taken a toll on competitors, including MCR, and injuries forced Vince Friese and Benny Bloss to join Shane McElrath on the sidelines for the time being.
With no worry of rain or inclement weather, riders were able to do the complete qualifying program in the afternoon, and the three runs helped Broc Tickle tremendously, as 1:38.763 lap in the final Timed Qualifying session put Tickle 15th overall in the 450 Class. A good start in 450 Heat Race Two put Tickle in the top-10 early in the race, and he charged forward during the short race to score a seventh-place finish. An outside gate pick and good reaction helped Tickle stay out of the chaos in the first turn in the 450 Main Event, and from there, he clicked off consistent laps and fought for positions through the long 20-minute moto on his way to a 13th place finish. "Overall, it was better than Saturday. The track was really fast, and I spent much of the day trying to find where I could go quicker," Tickle noted. "I was putting in the effort, but my speed wasn't up to par with where I'd like to finish. We have one more shot at improving in Atlanta, so I will regroup and be ready for Saturday." Tickle is 16th overall in the championship standings.
Vince Friese and Benny Bloss were unable to race due to injuries. A hard crash during Saturday's Main Event left Friese with broken ribs, and he will sit out the remaining races in Atlanta as a result. Bloss took part in Timed Qualifying and was ranked 23rd overall after a 1:42.562 lap, but the discomfort in his ankle was too much to handle on the challenging track, and he sat out the night's motos. McElrath continues to suffer from back injuries and spasms which kept him sidelined.
The 2021 Monster Energy Supercross Series will line up again for the 2021 Atlanta Three Supercross on Saturday, April 17th.
2021 Atlanta Two SX Race Report
