Shane McElrath delivered a standout performance in the mud of Foxborough, claiming his first-ever 450SX podium and heat race win on a night where the woeful conditions helped level the playing field between privateers and factory teams.
McElrath’s emotional third-place finish in the 450SX main event of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship was more than just a career milestone—it was a reminder of what persistence and the right team can achieve. It marked his first-ever podium in the premier class and his first 450 heat race win. Remarkably, it was also the first time a privateer stood on the 450 podium since Justin Brayton in 2021—riding a Honda, and with the same team.
The 2024 Australian Supercross Champion and two-time FIM Supercross World Championship SX2 title winner, McElrath’s credentials are world-class—but his journey in the 450 class hasn’t been smooth. Despite his success in the 250 division, including race wins and overall runner-up finishes, the past five years have tested his resilience, plagued by injuries and constant team changes. Now, riding for Quad Lock Honda, the 29-year-old American finally feels he’s found the right fit.
“It’s definitely been a challenging road,” McElrath admitted after the race. “There were a lot of questions and doubts, but after five tough years, I’ve found a team where everything just clicks. I joined Quad Lock Honda last year for WSX and Australian Supercross, and right away, I saw how committed they were. This result is just the beginning—we’re building something together.”
Photo: Michael Antonovich
The woeful conditions in Foxborough, with heavy mud and a shortened race schedule, turned into an unlikely opportunity for privateers like McElrath. With the elements levelling the playing field, he made the most of the chance to close the gap on the factory-backed competition—riding sharp, composed, and confident all day.
“Martin (Team Manager) and I talked after a great week, and we agreed not to touch the bike—repetition and consistency have been our focus,” he explained. “I felt good. We’ve also been doing a lot of mental work—being race-ready, even for practice days. Tonight was muddy, sure, but I was prepared. Tuesday’s training was tough too, and I think that helped sharpen me for this result.”
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, McElrath acknowledged the connection with Justin Brayton, who was the last privateer to podium with the team and played a key role in McElrath’s decision to sign on.
“That’s such a cool stat. I actually spoke with Brayton a lot last year while deciding whether to go race in Australia and join the team. I’m so glad I listened. It’s been an incredible journey.”
Justin Brayton, who enjoyed huge success with the team, including five Australian championships, a Paris Supercross podium, and that 2021 AMA podium, was thrilled to see the legacy continue.
“This is such a massive achievement for Shane and the team,” Brayton said. “I know firsthand the effort they put in, and to see how far they’ve come in just five years is remarkable. I told Yarrive back in 2020 to chase his dream and come to America. We’ve had a lot of success together in Australia, and seeing this happen now, it makes me proud. Martin and Yarrive are doing an incredible job.”
While McElrath’s night ended with champagne and a long-awaited breakthrough, it was a rough outing for teammate Joey Savatgy, who failed to qualify for the main. Despite a solid 10th in qualifying, crashes in both his heat race and the LCQ kept him out of contention.
“No excuses. I just made too many mistakes,” Savatgy said. “The conditions were tough, races were shortened, and once you go down, it’s hard to come back from it. I’m really disappointed for the team and our sponsors. It’s good to be back racing, but this wasn’t what we came for. We’ll regroup and be ready for Philadelphia.”
While Foxborough dished out frustration to some, for Shane McElrath and Quad Lock Honda, it was a night to remember—a hard-earned reward for years of grinding, and a clear message that privateers are still in the fight.
