Image: Octopi Media.

A pair of top five results including last weekend’s podium in St. Louis have been instrumental in Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Jason Anderson’s start to the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross season.

After winning the 450SX title in 2018 and then being forced out of his title defence early through injury one year ago, Anderson is aiming to deliver consistent performances throughout the mammoth 17-round campaign.

Fifth position at Anaheim 1 was positive for Anderson on return and then improving to third last Saturday night in round two indicates that the maturing 26-year-old will be in contention for another crown come May. That type of consistency is becoming increasingly important considering the depth of the current field.

“I feel like my races have been pretty drama-free so far,” Anderson said. “Each race I’ve been making good moves, nothing too crazy and have just been cruising around – 5-3, I feel pretty good. My heat races are probably the wildest things that I’ve had happen so far, but other than that in the main events I’ve been going good.

“I just need to keep getting starts and maybe build up some speed so I can battle with these guys a little harder. The field is deep and I think with this class it’s going to come down to limiting the damage on your bad nights and putting yourself in a good position. Sometimes when you start at the back, maybe we are going to get a little desperate, so I think at those times it’s really important to control your emotions.

“Like last weekend [at Anaheim 1], for me fifth place was the best that I had from where I started. I could’ve easily over-pushed it and ended up back in 10th or 11th, so that’s the biggest thing and I think that it comes with experience. With the class and how stacked it is now, you’ve just gotta stay calm and keep it chill.”

Anderson’s podium last weekend marked his first in a full year since he finished runner-up at Glendale’s second round of last year. He’s now tied for third in the rider standings with Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki), 10 points outside of the lead two rounds in.