Image: Supplied.

After a delayed start to his rookie season in the 450SX class, Max Anstie notched his best finish of the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross season in the final round with a 12th in Salt Lake City.

The British rider suffered a preseason crash that sidelined him for the open half of the season, sustaining a back injury just weeks before he was set to line up for his first Supercross in the premier class.

Despite the delay, he managed to put together an impressive campaign aboard his Twisted Tea HEP Suzuki. His season got underway at round eight in Orlando, and he went on to make every main event and getting progressively better through the season.

“It was awesome to end my first 450 SX season with a 12th in the main at the second Salt Lake City race,” Anstie explained. “We made progress at each race this year and I’m happy with where we ended up. I’m looking forward to changing things up now and getting back to the outdoor series!”

Anstie’s return to America for the 2020 Pro Motocross season proved he’s plenty capable to compete at the front of the 450 class, as he managed five overall top 10’s and a top-five in nine rounds last season.

With the Supercross season in the rear view, the next race for Anstie and the rest of the field will be the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season opener on 29 May at Fox Raceway in Pala, California.