Take A Ride Around The 2018 Monster Energy Cup Track

In just under two weeks one of the most anticipated dirt bike races of the year will kick up dust under the lights at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas with the chance for one skilled rider to become $1 million richer. The invite-only Monster Energy Cup has become a fan favorite in its short eight-year history and gets enthusiasts pumped for what's to come when Supercross kicks off at the start of the new year. Plus, with a massive purse of $1 mill on the line and the fact that only two people, Ryan Villopoto (2011) and Marvin Musquin (2017), have ever accomplished the feat of winning all three main events to take home the big check, it makes the race all that more exciting.

Aside from the prize money, the track is one of the main draws because it's often a hybrid between a Supercross and Motocross track along with some interesting features, specifically the Joker Lane. One of the main keys to winning any race is taking the shortest route that's allowed, and the Joker lane is the antithesis of that. The Joker Lane is a slower lane that every rider is required to take at least once in each main and during the heat of competition the Joker Lane has foiled several riders' chances at glory.

Once again this year's Monster Energy Cup track was inspired by racing legend and Champion Ricky Carmichael. But this may be the most heavily featured track to date with two turns running up into the stands, two sand sections, and two over under bridges-one of which is the Joker Lane. Besides its technical sections, high speed action will come into play in Monster Alley. Running at more than 1,000 feet in length and winding outside of the stadium, this section of the track is a series of straightaways, wide sweepers and off camber turns where riders will reach speeds in excess of 70mph.


Of course we can't forget the riders. The biggest names in Supercross and Motocross will be lining up on 250cc and 450cc dirt bikes looking to edge each other out for checkered flag glory and a big deposit in their bank account. This year's race will be extremely interesting because not only will people eagerly be watching to see if Marvin Musquin can be the first rider to win the $1 million twice, but the 450 field could be stacked with riders looking to dethrone Musquin. Hopefully 2018 Supercross Champion Jason Anderson and 2018 Motocross Champion Eli Tomac will be lined up at the gate as well as crowd favorites Ken Roczen and Justin Barcia. We'll also get our first look at Cooper Webb with his new team and ride, Red Bull KTM and the Factory Edition 450 SX-F. And the elder statesmen of the sport, Chad Reed will be piloting a Suzuki RM-Z450 with the help of the AutoTrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Suzuki team.



Las Vegas is already an exciting city on its own but when you add the Monster Energy Cup to the mix it kicks the fun factor up to 11. Get ready to place your bets!