In the 250SX East / West Shootout at the 2017 Las Vegas SX, Rockstar Energy / Husqvarna’s Zach Osborne made a very aggressive pass for 7th on Monster Energy / Kawasaki’s Joey Savatgy to claim the 2017 Eastern Regional 250SX Championship.
Zach’s ride was one of the most inspiring rides towards a championship we have ever witnessed, but the Monster Energy / Kawasaki team did not feel the same. After the race was over, we talked to Zach as he was entering the AMA truck to discuss what we assumed was a protest for aggressive riding from the Kawasaki team. We talked to Zach as he exited the AMA rig and he told us he was still the champion, but you could tell that something went down that he wasn’t completely thrilled with.
We now know the AMA has fined Zach $7500 for being in violation of the rule Appendix A.2.c.17. The AMA rule reads, “Riding on or off the track at any time in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of other riders, officials or the public.”
Do I personally agree with this fine? Absolutely not. Was Zach’s pass aggressive? Yes, but to me it was not over the top in any way. In my opinion, if they fine Zach for this pass, there are going to be a lot of privateers using websites like “Go Fund Me” to help pay for their last lap passes in the LCQ. Something has to be done to make penalties in SX/MX less subjective and more by the letter of the law.
Check out the AMA press release about their decision and video of the pass below.
Decision of the Race Director,
Las Vegas, Nev., Supercross
On May 6, 2017, after the 250SX main event, a protest was filed in regards to an on track incident involving rider #17 Joey Savatgy and rider #16 Zach Osborne. After a complete review of the incident, including video and eyewitness accounts, it was determined by the Race Director that rider #16 Zach Osborne was in violation of the rule Appendix A.2.c.17.
A2 General Offenses and Penalties
i. The following offenses will be subject to disciplinary action by the Race Director and/or the competent bodies. This list is provided as guidance to licensed competitors and event credential holders but does not restrict AMA from invoking penalties for other actions detrimental to the sport that are not specifically contemplated herein.
17. Riding on or off the track at any time in such a manner as to endanger the life or limb of other riders, officials or the public.
It was determined that the pass was aggressive in nature and per the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship rulebook, the current action in Las Vegas caused a fine of $7,500.00 to be issued.
