While A1 wasn't on the schedule this weekend, there was moto racing indoors as the Kicker Arenacross series kicked off for 2021! The Mississippi Horse Park Arena in Starkville, Mississippi, played host to the series opener Friday and Saturday nights.
The opening rounds saw a lot of drama, a lot of action and a lot of new faces in the 250 Pro Sport and 450 Pro Sport classes (including Mike Alessi). But three familiar faces dominated a lot of the weekend with privateers Kyle Bitterman and Gared Steinke getting podium finishes throughout the weekend, and Phoenix Racing Honda Team Rider Kyle Peters continued his 2020 dominance into the new year, sweeping the pro classes across the weekend.
The new year also brought new 'Pro Only' whoops for the pro racers. The whoops were some of the largest ever seen on an arenacross track and those presented some new challenges for the racers.
The first main event of the 2021 series, the 250 Pro Sport, was packed full of great riding, with the best of that being from Peters as he rode to victory without issue. Steinke opened up the race early in second followed by Bitterman in third. These two would continue to battle for second place through lap nine, when Steinke fumbled and lost a few places, and Bitterman took over second place. Bitterman would hang on and finish in second, followed by Park in third and Steinke in fourth. Much anticipated series newcomer Mike Alessi finished fifth overall.
The Kicker Arenacross series riders have the week to make any needed changes before Round Three kicks off on Friday in Lubbock, Texas. Will someone knock Peters off the top spot in rounds three or four? Stay tuned!