Image: Octopi Media.

The opening round of 250SX East in 2020 Monster Energy Supercross has been won by Shane McElrath in a commanding first appearance with Monster Energy Star Yamaha.

McElrath has switched teams and moved his attention to the eastern region, leading from start to finish aboard the factory-backed YZ250F.

Trailing McElrath by 2.962s at race’s end was defending champion Chase Sexton, who worked his way by Geico Honda teammate Jeremy Martin early and that’s the way they would stay.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki pair Garrett Marchbanks and Jordon Smith were in formation for fourth and fifth, taking advantage of a late error from RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) for position.

Completing the top 10 tonight was Arenacross series leader Kyle Peters (Phoenix Racing Honda), Joey Crown (Yamaha), the injured Jimmy Decotis (JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki) and newcomer Jo Shimoda (Geico Honda).

Next for the 250SX East championship will be Arlington, Texas, next Saturday night on 22 February, where McElrath will wear the red plate with a three-point advantage over Sexton.

Detailed results