Image: Octopi Media.

Two-time MX2 world champion Tom Vialle showed promise throughout his Monster Energy Supercross debut, leading laps early in Houston’s 250SX East main and later admitting he learned a lot from the mistakes that followed.

Transferring with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing to compete in the US for 2023, Vialle secured a credible third place in heat one to open his first-ever night show at NRG Stadium.

A strong start later in the final saw him edge by title-favorite Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) and maintain the lead until lap three. After being relegated to third by Lawrence and Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie, Vialle looked like a podium candidate until mistakes dropped him to P7 at the time of the checkered flag.

“I was a little nervous in the first practice, but I felt more comfortable as the day went on,” Vialle recalled. “In my heat, I was again a bit nervous as it was my first-ever Supercross in a stadium at night, but I had a good start and finished P3, so I was happy with that.

“In the main event, I had a great start again and got to lead for two laps. Then with five laps to go, while in third, I had a small crash when I missed the rear brake and went over the corner. I’m disappointed as we could’ve finished on the podium, but I learned a lot and it was a good day overall.”

Vialle’s next opportunity to land on the Supercross podium comes this Saturday in Tampa, with the second round of the 250SX East Championship taking place at Raymond James Stadium.