Aaron Plessinger says he couldn’t back down in his Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX debut at the weekend despite feeling the effects of the gruelling 20-lap main event in rain-soaked conditions.

Plessinger’s graduation to the premier class has been a strong talking point since his signing with Monster Energy Yamaha was made official last year, coming off a stellar 2018 season that saw him wrap up 250 titles in both supercross and motocross.

After finishing third in his heat, the newly-appointed number seven put on a charge in the made, riding a consistent race to ultimately wind up in sixth.

“Anaheim 1 went pretty well,” Plessinger admitted. “I got better and better every time I went out on the track. The heat race went awesome. I started out about fifth or sixth, got past some guys and finished third. I was pretty amped on that and I went into the main event pretty happy with myself.

“I got a great start and just maintained it. There were sometimes where I felt a little winded, but I couldn’t back down and pushed on to the finish and got sixth. I’d say Anaheim I, my first 450 race, was pretty good in my eyes. We’ll keep making improvements and head into Phoenix hot on the ball.”

Teammate Justin Barcia rode away to victory in the main event – his first since 2013 – while Ken Roczen (Honda HRC) and Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki).