![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Chase-Sexton-Monster-Energy-Kawasaki-Anaheim-1-2026-350x233.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nImage: Octopi Media.<\/p>\n
An eventful P8 result left Chase Sexton with \u2018work to do\u2019 following his Monster Energy Kawasaki debut at Anaheim 1, but there were positives to take from the 450SX opener.<\/p>\n
Sexton\u2019s opening round was highlighted by a 1m04.465s lap time in qualifying that placed him on top of the timesheets, over half a second clear of Eli Tomac \u2013 the rider who replaced him at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing.<\/p>\n
A fast start in the second 450 heat race saw Sexton briefly take the lead, before a sequence of mishaps relegated him to fifth. A poor launch in the restarted main event \u2013 followed by further mistakes \u2013 left the 26-year-old in eighth position at the end of the night.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe day started off well with earning the fastest qualifier,\u201d Sexton recalled. \u201cI felt really comfortable on the track and felt like I had the speed to contend up front. Unfortunately, I had a couple of mistakes during the heat race and main event that forced me to work my way through the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s only the first round, and we have a good base to build off\u2026 We\u2019ve got some work to do, but I know we\u2019re capable of improving and putting up better results next week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anaheim 1 marked a mixed first outing for Sexton and the storied Monster Energy Kawasaki team, currently 11 points in arrears of early championship leader Tomac heading into San Diego.<\/p>\n
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News 13 Jan 2026 UTC
Top-qualifier Sexton has ‘work to do’ after mixed Anaheim 1
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