Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jason Anderson led nine laps on the way to a best moto finish on the year of P2 during Washougal’s second 450MX moto. His 4-2 scores on the day vaulted him onto the podium overall and Anderson believes both he and the motorcycle are trending in the right direction.

Aside from a DNF in the second moto at Southwick, Anderson has been knocking on the door of the podium for weeks as he now has eight top five moto results across the last five rounds of racing. In the second moto at Washougal, he was able to get out front early and sprint away from the field a bit before being caught by eventual race winner Chase Sexton.

As Anderson continues to improve the new 2024 KX450SR platform on motocross, he also believes that some of his struggles late in motos are starting to turn around. This strong second moto at Washougal might be a sign of more consistent podium performances to come.

“I’ve just been outside of the podium,” said Anderson. “I’ve been going 5-3, 4-4, just been one point outside of the podium and I just honestly haven’t had it through the whole moto to stay with these guys. We’ve been working on our motorcycle, and we’ve made some changes and I think it’s starting to show. I’m getting more comfortable. It’s still the first year with this Kawi so we’re just trying to get it better and learning about it.

“These guys aren’t making it easy. Chase is riding really well and it’s tough out there. This 450 class is the top dudes, and we all know how to race.”

Anderson is fifth in 450MX standings but has moved up to P3 in 450SMX standings and will likely jump to P2 when racing continues at Unadilla. His overall season has garnered consistent finishes, and his eyes are on finishing out 450MX with more podiums.