With a target on his back as the man to beat, McElrath brought confidence into each run he made. He started with a sweep in the opening round, winning the two runs needed to advance. In Round 2, McElrath faced his teammate Martin where it went down to the final run where McElrath put in the fastest run of the day. He faced his rookie teammate Cantrell in the finals where it again went down to the final run and McElrath did exactly what he needed to do and took his second Lites Class title.
“I knew my teammates were going to be tough, but I tried to stay focused and not let going to a final run mess with my nerves,” said McElrath. “It’s a great feeling to stand back on the top of the podium and it would be nice to keep it going into 2018.”
In his first supercross-style event of his professional career, Cantrell was out to showcase his raw talent before the supercross season got underway. Like McElrath, Cantrell swept his first round but would have to go to a deciding third run in Round 2. With the pressure mounting, Cantrell put in a clean run to make it to the finals. He put up a good fight against his teammate McElrath, and eventually settled for second in his first Red Bull Straight Rhythm appearance.
“This event is really fun and is definitely challenging,” said Cantrell. “The track changed a lot over the night and one lane was good at first and then it switched. Kept you on your game. Now more than ever I’m excited to get out there (for supercross) in 2018.”
Martin started the event just like his teammates, sweeping the opening round. After losing out to McElrath to head to the finals, Martin advanced to a third-place trophy run. It was all Martin as he swept the two runs and rounded out the Lites Class podium.
“I would have loved to be in the finals, but to be able to have the team sweep the podium at this event is great,” said Martin. “It’s such a fun event with a lot of pressure when you go into the final rounds and I can’t wait to line up for supercross in 2018.”
McElrath and Smith were sporting the SE Squadra Orange and Navy Jersey and Pant, along with the SE4 Composite McQueen Helmet. Cantrell wore the GP Polkadot Purple Jersey and Pant, which was accompanied by the SE4 Carbon Squadra White Helmet. Martin wore the GP Star Black and White Jersey and Pant. See all of the 2018 gear sets and the 2018 Moto Helmets online and at your local TLD retailer. Red Bull Straight Rhythm, Lites Class Results
- Shane McElrath (KTM)
- Sean Cantrell (KTM)
- Alex Martin (KTM)
