Image: Supplied.

Former Monster Energy Supercross champion Jason Anderson is yet to regain the winning form that he had on his way to the 2018 title, but that’s something he’s firmly placing on the agenda for 2021.

Anderson starred on his way to the premier class crown three years ago, but was injured early in his title defense the following season.

Now, after claiming fourth in the 2020 standings, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing mainstay has high hopes that he can return to his best and potentially challenge for a second 450SX championship. He was one of multiple riders who sat out the majority of Pro Motocross last year through injury.

Anderson left the Baker’s Factory midway through last year, instead completing most of his motos solo in the lead-up to Houston 1. It could be the ingredients for a timely turnaround, but he is aware the competition deepens each year.

“I mean, obviously I won in 2018 and I haven’t won since, so they’ve got some facts to back their argument,” Anderson said of his critics. “I’m hoping to get back to that level, winning and stuff like that, but it’s tough because you’ve got these younger guys coming up and the level keeps getting gnarlier every year.

“Noone’s making it easy on me or any of the other guys – the competition’s deep. Even compared to last year, coming in I feel better, but at the same time there’s a lot of guys that are firing on all cylinders. We’ll see how it goes and I definitely want to be back to that level, hopefully be back winning.”

Anderson was a picture of consistency one year ago in Supercross, picking up five podiums including a runner-up result at the Salt Lake City finals, in addition to a further seven top-five main event finishes.