DIRT NEWS
ZACH OSBORNE TAKES AMA SUPERCROSS TITLE
I t was a monumental day for Zach Osborne and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team , who wrapped up their first-ever AMA 450MX Championship on Saturday at the season finale in Pala , California . With a 24-point lead heading into the weekend , Osborne managed his championship status throughout the course of the day putting forth conservative 5-7 moto finishes to claim sixth overall . In Moto 1 , he shot off the line to secure the holeshot before settling into a top-three position early on . He battled up front with a hard-charging group of riders but he didn ’ t push the envelope , coming through with a solid topfive finish in the first moto . In Moto 2 , Osborne grabbed a top-five start and once again managed the race to ultimately come away with a championship-winning seventh-place finish . Concluding the season with an impressive four overall wins , two of which were achieved by virtue of 1-1 sweeps , Osborne was able to command the red number plate from start to finish . As a two-time 250SX Eastern Regional Champion ( 2017 and ’ 18 ), as well as 2017 250MX Champion , Osborne has now successfully added another title to his arsenal as he looks to surmount all four major championships over the course of his career .
“ I considered actually retiring in March after I broke my back and my wife gave me a pep talk and we decided against it , went to Salt Lake and that went well and it just carried into this outdoor season ”, Osborne reflected . “ I came out swinging and was able to take home a national championship which is something I never ever dreamed of doing , I felt it was way out of my league – so dream big is the moral of the story and don ’ t ever give up . Find people that believe in you even when you don ’ t and keep pressing on . It ’ s such a relief to win this today . What an incredible day . Thank you to everyone who has been behind me .” “ We couldn ’ t be more proud of Zach and everything he ’ s accomplished this season despite the ups and downs we ’ ve been dealt in 2020 ,’’ said Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager , Steve Westfall . “ He has shown a tremendous amount of heart , determination and grit to get to where he is today . Congratulations to Zach , the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team and everyone behind this program , there isn ’ t a more deserving group .”
2020 450MX Championship Standings 1 . Zach Osborne , 355 points 2 . Adam Cianciarulo , 343 points 3 . Eli Tomac , 321 points
20 KIWI RIDER