Supercross’ Best Excited For New York City Takeover

Earlier this year, MetLife Stadium – the home of both the New York Giants and New York Jets – hosted the country’s biggest sporting event, Super Bowl XLVIII. But now the state of the art facility is trading its grass for nearly one and a half million tons of dirt when it hosts Monster Energy AMA Supercross. 

Nestled across the river from the hustle and bustle of New York City, MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, N.J., making it easily accessible to almost 83,000 fans every Sunday.  And although the size of the crowd will be cut down due to course size and safety issues, the April 26 event has the makings to be one of the largest crowds in supercross’ 40 year history – and could really propel the sport.

It’s been 23 years since the New York market witnessed Jeff Stanton win the 450SX Class race at the old Giants Stadium, which stood in a spot adjacent to MetLife Stadium for almost 34 years, until 2010.  Since that time, names like Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael have come and gone, while ushering in a new generation of talent, now led by current three-time consecutive champion Ryan Villopoto, as well as two time champion James Stewart.

But unlike the rest of the 2014 schedule, not one rider will have an advantage in East Rutherford, since it’s a course none of the riders have ever had the chance to race.  That inexperience, along with the ability to compete in front of a region somewhat unfamiliar with the sport, has the riders pumped for the entire weekend of events – but perhaps none more so than Honda Muscle Milk rider Justin Barcia.

Born in New Jersey, Barcia grew up just outside the state in Monroe, N.Y. – about an hour from MetLIfe Stadium – so for the 21-year-old, it will be a homecoming of sorts.  Barcia made his supercross debut back in 2010 in 250SX and has continued to impress since moving up to 450SX.  He’s continued to bounce between sixth and seventh in the standings and knows that if he can continue to remain in striking distance, East Rutherford – the second to last race – could be crucial.  And with all his friends and family in the crowd, the No. 51 rider will have plenty to get him amped up.

“I’ll have probably the most fans there,” Barcia said.  “I’ll have a lot of people cheering for me, so it’ll be pretty cool.  It’s going to be a lot more special – for sure.  [I’ve got] fond memories, for sure – and when fond memories come back, usually I have a good night racing!”

More importantly than individual performance, Monster Energy Supercross will be dipping its proverbial toes into relatively uncharted racing waters, not just for dirt bikes, but for any automotive event.  The closest NASCAR and IndyCar track is just over 100 miles away and while it appeared the New York market was set to host Formula 1 racing in 2015, politics have once again gotten in the way.

If all goes well at MetLife Stadium, this could become a tradition in a market starved for motor racing, but no matter what, there will be no shortage of excitement.  The riders know just what it could mean for their sport and are excited to show just what they’re capable of on the dirt.

“I hope it brings supercross mainstream a little bit more,” Barcia added.  “For us, it’s a big sport, but after football and all the sports, it’s just a little sport.  So, to be in New York and to have a bigger crowd, a bigger fan base and more people seeing it, it’ll be a good thing – and make the sport grow.”

But the excitement goes beyond just the race; it includes the atmosphere – the whole experience.  With the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building just a quick ride away, there’s plenty of things for the riders to do while in town – just ask former Rookie of the Year, and 2010 champion, Ryan Dungey.

“Honestly, I have been to New York City a few times but it’s a city I’d like to see a lot more of,” Dungey admitted.  “I know we race across the river in New Jersey but with New York being right there [I’ll visit the sites] – plus we have KTM press day there too.”

For each and every rider, the New York area brings something a little bit different – not to mention it’s one of the world’s largest melting pots.  But so is the world of supercross, with riders from all around the world like South Africa, France and Ecuador.  Take rookie Ken Roczen, for example.  Born in Germany, the 19-year-old killed it in Europe before coming to the states.  He’s since conquered 250SX and has transitioned nicely into the 450SX class, currently sitting second in the standings. 

But there’s one thing the Red Bull KTM rider has never done – visit “The Big Apple”.

“It’s going to be my first time there,” Roczen told us.  “I know it’s a great city and I’m actually really excited to be there a few days early for press day.  I’m really excited for that one – and there’s no pressure.  I just [plan to] take it as a normal race.”

It’s tough to see it as a normal race, given what is certainly going to be a raucous atmosphere.  For select fans, there will be a Pit Party before the event, where they can meet their favorite rider, check out the equipment and learn about what’s new from all the latest brands.  The athletes, and many of their mechanics, are very accessible before a big race, despite the level of preparation that is involved.

“It’s not like the Olympics, where they only have a week or something to do what they’re doing,” Roczen added.  “It’s about keeping your endurance up and staying sharp.”

However, once they’re preparing for the race, it’s a completely different story and although many of the riders are friends, after those gates open, it’s all about who wants it more – and sometimes they’ll become rivals just for a chance at the podium.  And as those 20-plus riders hit that first turn and juggle for position, New York City and the surrounding areas will immediately be hooked.

For tickets and more information, please visit the official Monster Energy Supercross website.

Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Frank Hoppen/SupercrossOnline.com