Anstie on WSX Struggles: “In a way though it’s to be expected. I’ve had four days of supercross since ‘Nations.”

Defending FIM WSX SX2 champion Max Anstie showed up to Vancouver as a wildcard. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider will not defend his title and not compete in the rest of this year’s WSX Series, but still came into the weekend as the favorite to win the race in Canada. After winning SuperPole, and finishing 1-2 in the first two races, Anstie was in good position for the overall in the SX2 class

Things unraveled in race three with two crashes and a ninth-place finish. After the event Anstie explained the race to Steve Matthes saying, “Over that double I was in neutral, as I landed (I) clanked it into gear and looped out. I was like, oh my god I nearly just died!” Anstie had more issues in the super final after going off track and sliding out on the plywood bringing home a sixth in SX2.

His 1-2-9-6 scores alongside his SuperPole win was good enough for second overall on the night behind Firepower Honda’s Shane McElrath, the 2022 WSX Champion who won in Vancouver.

“In a way though it’s kind of to be expected. I’ve had four days of supercross since [Motocross of] ‘Nations. The main goal is to be ready for January 11^th for Anaheim,” he said of his struggles on the night. — Travis Delnicki