Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship

Villopoto takes Anaheim plaudits

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:52:00 +0100

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., became the first rider of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, to win two races, leading all 20 laps of the Main Event tonight at Angel Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd. GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo., won his third consecutive Western Regional Supercross Lites Class race and extended his points lead to 22. Villopoto picked up his second Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot of the season to start the Supercross Class Main Event with TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray/Honda's Chad Reed in tow. Reed passed Villopoto on the opening lap but was passed back the following lap. Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., moved into third place on Lap 1. On Lap 8, Stewart passed Reed for second place. Stewart finished second and Reed finished third. "James (Stewart) and Chad (Reed) were riding good tonight," said Villopoto. "I knew I had to stay on my toes and not make a mistake. We need to take it one race at a time. I had a great start and to be perfect on the start difficult." Tomac opened the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class main Event with the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot with Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda's Cole Seely, who won the season opening race in Anaheim earlier this year, on his rear wheel through the first turn. Seely quickly passed Tomac for the lead. On Lap 3, Seely, of Murrieta, Calif., slid out and fell back to second place as Tomac assumed the lead. Seely finished second and Red Bull KTM's Marvin Musquin finished third. "Tonight's track was difficult," said Tomac. "It's too bad Cole (Seely) slid out because he was going really fast, and I knew that I would have to work hard to get around him. I look forward to going to San Diego next weekend." Supercross Class Results: Anaheim
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki
Supercross Class Season Standings
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 108
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 105
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 103
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 95
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 73
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 71
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 59
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 57
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 56
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 53

Supercross: 4 Winners in 4 Races

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:19:00 +0100

Entering the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season, the attention surrounded the four former champions who were set to wage war inside the most storied and popular stadiums in North America. Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto – the reigning World Champion, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda's Chad Reed, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey, and Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart had all reached the sport's pinnacle over the past four seasons and were ready to provide the world with a sure-to-be-memorable 2012 championship. Now, after four races, each rider has taken his turn atop the podium and as the season makes its return to Anaheim's Angel Stadium this weekend, the Supercross Class Championship is still wide open.

Stewart's maiden victory of the 2012 season last weekend in Oakland also signified his first win as a member of the Joe Gibbs Racing team. The two-time Monster Energy Supercross Champion stayed on two wheels throughout the entire 20-lap main event for the first time this year, and was rewarded for it, passing Reed for the lead on Lap 9 and pulling away. While Stewart took the checkered flag, Reed secured the runner-up effort, fending off the challenges of Villopoto, who finished third. Dungey overcame a 10th-place start to finish off the podium for the first time in 2012, in fourth.

It was a special race for the entire Joe Gibbs Racing organization, which enjoyed just its second Monster Energy Supercross win in four years, and also signified a historic moment in the 39-year history of the sport.

For the first time since 1976 – when the Monster Energy Supercross Championship consisted of just six races – there are four different winners through the first four races of the season. Even more impressive yet, each of these four riders have claimed at least one Monster Energy Supercross title, which has only been achieved one previous time since the inception of the championship, during the 1985 season. However, never before have four former champions won consecutive races, particularly to start a season.

Despite being just a month into the 2012 schedule, this is the most parity in the history of Monster Energy Supercross and as a result, the championship is exceptionally close heading back to Anaheim. Currently, just 12 points separate these four riders, with Dungey and Reed sharing possession of the red number plate atop the standings. Villopoto sits a mere two points back of the leaders, while Stewart's victory helped bring him to within a dozen points of the lead duo. Additionally, each of the four title favorites has captured at least two podium results through the first four races.

Last year during the second visit to Anaheim, Stewart put forth his most convincing effort of the 2011 season to capture his third win of that championship. In the Supercross Lites Class, Josh Hansen overcame a broken hand suffered in practice earlier in the day, to take his third win of the season for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki.

The first race held in Anaheim was on December 4, 1976. Marty Smith won on a Honda. Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath share the all-time Supercross Class win record at Angel Stadium with eight wins apiece. In the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class, three riders have swept each event at Angel Stadium: Hansen, Villopoto, Ivan Tedesco and Ernesto Fonseca. Villopoto, Stewart, Kevin Windham and McGrath are the only riders in history to win in the Supercross Lites Class and Supercross Class at Anaheim.

Season Standings

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 85
2. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 85
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 83
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 73
5. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 61
6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 58
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 52
8. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 47
9. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 45
10.Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 42

Photos by Frank Hoppen

Stewart scores first Win in Oakland

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:29:00 +0100

In front of 46,017 fans at O.co Coliseum, Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., won his first Supercross Class Main Event of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season. GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Calif., won his second consecutive Western Regional Supercross Lites Class race. TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Rey/Honda's Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., opened the Supercross Class Main Event by winning the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot with Supercross.com Honda's Andrew Short, of Smithville, Texas, and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Josh Hansen, of Elbert, Colo., following in second and third, respectively. Stewart, who won in Oakland last year, made quick work of Hansen, making the pass to secure third place on the end of the opening lap. Points leader Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., finished lap 1 in ninth place. On lap 2, Stewart moved around Short and set his sights on Reed. After stalking Reed relentlessly for several laps, Stewart passed him on lap nine and checked out. Stewart became the fourth different Supercross Class winner of the season. Reed finished second and Monster Energy Kawasaki's Villopoto finished third. Reed and Dungey are now tied for first place at 85 points apiece. "I would like to dedicate this win to my mechanic, Mark 'Tex' Adams, who passed away this week," said Stewart. "I got in a rhythm out there tonight and put together a great race. I had a tough couple of races this year, and tonight I got it done." Rockstar Energy Racing Suzuki's Martin Davalos, of Cairo, Ga., grabbed the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson, of Menifee, Calif., on his rear wheel as they headed out of turn 1. Tucked in behind the leaders, Tomac held down the number-three spot. While chasing down Davalos, on lap 1, Wilson shot off the track, crashing and losing valuable positions as Tomac moved into second place. On lap 2, Davalos bobbled, which allowed Tomac to make a pass for the lead. Zach Osborne, of Chesterfield, S.C., pushed his Monster Energy Yamaha into second place on lap 6, but was passed by Rockstar Energy Racing's Jason Anderson, of Edgewood, N.M., on lap 10. Anderson crashed one lap later, going the number-two spot to Osborne. On lap 12, Osborne engaged on a hotly contested battle with Red Bull KTM's Marvin Musquin, of Murrieta, Calif. Musquin made a solid pass and held on for second place with Osborne in third for the second consecutive weekend. Tomac extended his points lead to 15 before heading back to Angel Stadium next weekend. "This is my best season ever," said Tomac. "Our team worked really hard to give me a great bike, and I made the most of it. I now have a nice lead going into Anaheim." Racing resumes next Saturday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. Supercross Class Results: Oakland
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
4. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
7. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
8. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
9. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
10. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki
... Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 85
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 85
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 83
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 73
5. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 61
6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 58
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 52
8. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 47
9. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 45
10. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 42
... Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Results: Oakland 1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
2. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
3. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
4. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Yamaha
5. Matt Moss, Sussex Inlet, NS
6. Travis Baker, Temecula, Calif., Honda
7. Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha
8. Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda
9. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki
10. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki ... Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 88
2. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki – 73
3. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha – 67
4. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM – 64
5. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki – 60
6. Cole Seely, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 57
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki – 53
8. Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha – 46
9. Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda – 45
10. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Yamaha – 43

Monster Energy Supercross goes to Oakland

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:31:00 +0100

With three Supercross Class winners through the first three races of the season, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is shaping up to be another epic season. TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda's Chad Reed became the newest face to stand atop the podium this season, and just the second in Dodger Stadium history, after a dominant effort last Saturday night. By virtue of a runner-up effort, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey remains the championship's point leader, and will wear the red number plate for the second straight week as the schedule heads to California's Bay Area, with a stop at Oakland's O.co Coliseum on Saturday night.

A red flag marred the start of the Supercross Class Main Event, after a hard crash involving Team Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard, Star/Valli Rockstar Yamaha's Ryan Morais, and R2MX Kawasaki's Weston Peick, on the opening lap. Peick was able to walk away under his own power, but both Canard and Morais received medical attention.

Canard suffered fractures to his back, according to an official statement from American Honda, and although he has feelings in his extremities, further evaluation will determine if surgery is necessary.

Star Valli Yamaha rider Ryan Morais was involved in a crash during the first lap of the main event at the Los Angeles stop on Saturday night. The Rockstar Energy rider was transported to a local hospital and is being treated for a broken jaw, several fractured vertebrae and some broken ribs. There is no sign of spinal cord damage at this time and Morais is continuing to be evaluated. A full recovery is anticipated.

Once the Supercross Class Main Event restarted, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer grabbed the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot. Reed, who quickly moved into second, made short work of Weimer out front, moving into the lead on Lap 6.

A short time later, Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart made a pass on Weimer for second, making contact with the Kawasaki rider who subsequently fell to the ground, losing considerable positions. On Lap 12, Stewart encountered his own misfortune, losing his balance and dropping his bike, which allowed Dungey to assume the runner-up position.

Reed checked out on the field for his 41st Supercross Class victory, while Dungey maintained control of the points lead in second. Stewart held on for his first podium of the season in third, fighting off a late charge from Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, who fought his way from an opening-lap mishap that left him at the tail end of the field, to finish fourth. Villopoto shared the points lead with Dungey heading into the race.

Dungey's advantage in the Supercross Class standings over Reed and Villopoto, who currently sit in a tie for second, is four points. Dungey, the 2009 Monster Energy Supercross champion, is the only rider in the Supercross Class to finish on the podium through the first three races.

Last year at Monster Energy Supercross' return to Oakland, Stewart grabbed his second win of the 2011 season inside O.co Coliseum, with Reed and Dungey rounding out the podium. In the Supercross Lites Class, eventual Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Champion Broc Tickle secured his only win en route to the title.

The first race was held in Oakland on January 18, 1979, and Jimmy Weinert won on a Kawasaki. Last year was the first inaugural Supercross Lites class race at O.co Coliseum.

Season Standings

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 67
2. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 63
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 63
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 48
5. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 48
6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 43
7. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 38
8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 36
9. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 36
10.Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 28

Reed takes Dodger Stadium win

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:26:00 +0100

TwoTwo Motorsports' Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., won the Supercross Class main event at tonight's Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, at Dodger Stadium before 35,741 fans, marking his first win of the season. GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo., also captured his first Western Regional Supercross Lites Class main event win of the season. After winning the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer, of Wildomar, Calif., held the lead position until being passed by Reed on Lap 6. Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., made a pass on Weimer for second place, and during the pass, Weimer crashed, falling to 14th place. Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey, who won last weekend's race in Phoenix, settled into fourth place behind Stewart. Dungey was able to capitalize on a crash by Stewart on Lap 12 as he took over the number three position. Reed earned his 41st Supercross Class main event and third consecutive podium finish of the season. Dungey, who finished second, has also been on the podium at every race this season and now sits in the points lead. Stewart finished a season-best third place. "I have been trying to figure out what I have been doing wrong this year," said Reed. "I switched to a tire that I used last year and it worked. I am going to keep trying to get better each week. I will take the good with the bad and keep moving forward." In the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class main event, Tomac quickly passed Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot winner Martin Davalos, of the Rockstar Suzuki team, shortly after turn one and rode flawlessly for the next 15 laps. On lap 6, Monster Energy Yamaha's Zach Osborne, of Chesterfield, S.C., passed Davalos, for the number two position. While riding in third place, Davalos crashed and lost several positions before reentering the race. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson, who won last weekend's main event in Phoenix, passed Osborne on lap 12, where he would finish. Wilson currently sits in second place. Osborne earned a career-best third-place finish. Tomac's win marked the third of his career, and he is now the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class points leader, one point ahead of Wilson. "I was able to sneak into the lead and ride 15 solid laps," said Tomac. "It's a night and day difference when you get a good start. I should have been getting starts like this all season." Racing resumes next Saturday at Oakland's O.com Coliseum. Supercross Class Results: Phoenix
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda

Supercross Class Season Standings
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 67
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 63
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 63
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 48
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 48
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 43
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 38
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 36
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 36
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 28

Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Results: Phoenix
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki
Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki
Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda
Michael Lieb, Menifee, Calif., Honda
Matt Moss, Sussex Inlet, Australia, KTM
Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki
Billy Laninovich, Riverside, Calif., Honda

Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 63
Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki – 62
Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki – 60
Cole Seely, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 47
Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha – 47
Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki – 44
Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM – 42
Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda – 32
Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha – 32
Billy Laninovich, Riverside, Calif., Honda – 27

Monster Energy Supercross Returns to Dodger Stadium

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:20:00 +0100

As Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, returns to Dodger Stadium this Saturday night, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey and Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto are deadlocked in the Supercross Class points race at 45.

Last weekend at Phoenix Dungey captured his first win of the season and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson lay claim to the Supercross Lites Class victory.

Dungey grabbed the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot and checked out on the field. Behind him, Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's Davi Millsaps, of Murrieta, Calif., and Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., assumed their spots at the front of the field, with both TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda's Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., and Toyota/Muscle Milk/JGRMX's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., mired in the field following mid-pack starts.

The wild action of the night began when Millsaps went down in the track's sand section on the opening lap, collecting Villopoto and relegating both riders to the tail end of the field. Villopoto's misfortune allowed both Reed and Stewart to move forward, crossing the line 8th and 13th, respectively.

From there, Reed, Stewart, and Villopoto began climbing their way through the field, with Reed and Stewart doing so together. Just as Stewart made his way past Reed in his continued forward progression, he went down in the same section as Villopoto on Lap 7, falling outside the top 10. Villopoto eventually made his way around Reed and set his sights on the top five, slowly picking his way through the field and bringing the crowd to its feet.

In the end, Dungey took the checkers by over six seconds for his second Supercross Class win in Phoenix.

"This was a big step in the right direction for KTM," said Dungey. "They've been behind me the whole way and believed in me. We've come a long way since the off-season, but there's still a lot of racing to go. I got off to a great start and (moved) into the lead early, which made it nice on myself. If it wasn't for all these people (at KTM) working their butts off every week, this wouldn't happen, so I owe this all to them."

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, finished second for his first career Supercross Class podium, while Villopoto passed most of the field and fought his way into third to salvage his points lead.

"It was a tough night," said Villopoto. "Davi (Millsaps) went down in front of me in the sand and I went right into him. It happened on first lap, and when that happens, you have your work cut out (for you). There's 20 laps to do it, so you've got to make quick work of it. The bike was working great though. I salvaged a lot of points tonight, so it was good."

Reed brought home a fifth-place finish, while Stewart soldiered on to finish eighth. Dungey and Villopoto currently have a share of the points lead, and both will adorn their bikes with the red number plate next weekend, signifying the current rider in control of the championship.

Last year at the inaugural Supercross race at Dodger Stadium, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto took home his second Supercross class victory of the season. Cole Seely of Corona, Calif., took home his first career Western Regional Supercross Class Lites victory.

This will be the second time the gates will drop for a supercross race at Dodger Stadium.

Season Standings:

Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 45
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 45
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 38
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 38
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 31
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 29
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 28
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 25
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 22
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 22

KTM celebrate inaugural class win

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:43:00 +0100

A huge crowd of 49,236 fans filled Chase Field on Saturday night for the second race of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season. In just two races together, the new relationship between Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., and Red Bull KTM has proven to be fruitful as the former champion captured his first win of the season, and KTM's first Supercross Class victory ever, with a dominant wire-to-wire effort. In the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson, of Menifee, Calif., prevailed with a similarly-convincing performance. Dungey capitalized on a good start out of the gate in the 20-lap Supercross Class Main Event to grab the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot and checked out on the field. Behind him, Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's Davi Millsaps, of Murrieta, Calif., and Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., assumed their spots at the front of the field, with both TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda's Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., and Toyota/Muscle Milk/JGRMX's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., mired in the field following mid-pack starts. The wild action of the night began when Millsaps went down in the track's sand section on the opening lap, collecting Villopoto and relegating both riders to the tail end of the field. Villopoto's misfortune allowed both Reed and Stewart to move forward, crossing the line 8th and 13th, respectively. From there, Reed, Stewart, and Villopoto began climbing their way through the field, with Reed and Stewart doing so together. Just as Stewart made his way past Reed in his continued forward progression, he went down in the same section as Villopoto on Lap 7, falling outside the top 10. Villopoto eventually made his way around Reed and set his sights on the top five, slowly picking his way through the field and bringing the crowd to its feet. In the end, Dungey took the checkers by over six seconds for his second Supercross Class win in Phoenix. "This was a big step in right direction for KTM," said Dungey. "They've been behind me the whole way and believed in me. We've come a long way since the off-season, but there's still a lot of racing to go. I got off to a great start and (moved) into the lead early, which made it nice on myself. If it wasn't for all these people (at KTM) working their butts off every week, this wouldn't happen, so I owe this all to them." Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, finished second for his first career Supercross Class podium, while Villopoto passed most of the field and fought his way into third to salvage his points lead. "It was a tough night," said Villopoto. "Davi (Millsaps) went down in front of me in the sand and I went right into him. It happened on first lap, and when that happens, you have your work cut out (for you). There's 20 laps to do it, so you've got to make quick work of it. The bike was working great though. I salvaged a lot of points tonight, so it was good." Reed brought home a fifth-place finish, while Stewart soldiered on to finish eighth. Dungey and Villopoto currently have a share of the points lead, and both will adorn their bikes with the red number plate next weekend, signifying the current rider in control of the championship. In the Supercross Lites Class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Tyla Rattray, of Wildomar, Calif., captured the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot, but Wilson worked his way into the lead on the exit of the second corner. Once out front, Wilson continued to pull away from his competitors and rebound from a sixth-place effort one week ago. "This feels great," exclaimed Wilson. "Last weekend just wasn't me. I think I was too confident coming in. It just means so much to get this win. The track was really slippery and required a lot of throttle control. This class is unbelievable and it's not going to be easy (to win), but I want to be in the championship and I'm going to try my best." Red Bull KTM's Marvin Musquin, of Murrieta, Calif., garnered his first career Monster Energy Supercross podium in second, while Rattray held on for third, moving into the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class championship points lead. The 2012 Monster Energy Supercross season continues next Saturday, January 21, from Los Angeles, with the third race of the season inside Dodger Stadium. The festivities begin at 7 p.m. PT. Supercross Class Results: Phoenix
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
2. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
4. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
5. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
7. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
8. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
9. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
10. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki
Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 45
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 45
3. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 38
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 38
5. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 31
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 29
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 28
8. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 25
9. Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 22
10. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 22 Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Results: Phoenix
1. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki
2. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
3. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki
4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
5. Cole Seely, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
6. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki
8. Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha
9. Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda
10. Travis Baker, Temecula, Calif., Honda Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki – 42
2. Cole Seely, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 41
3. Dean Wilson, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki – 40
4. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM – 40
5. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 38
6. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki – 28
7. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Yamaha – 27
8. Travis Baker, Temecula, Calif., Honda – 22
9. Nico Izzi, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha – 22
10. Max Anstie, Hemet, Calif., Honda – 17

Supercross heads to Phoenix

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:22:00 +0100

When Ryan Villopoto captured the season opener last weekend at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., to kick off the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season, he became one of only six riders in the sport's history to win this race in consecutive seasons. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider joins legends Johnny O'Mara, Jeff Ward, Mike LaRocco, Chad Reed and James Stewart in this elite group. The winner of the season opener has gone on to win the championship 18 times. Tomorrow night, Villopoto will race for his first-ever win at Phoenix's Chase Field. "We will keep pushing and moving forward to Phoenix this weekend" said Villopoto. "There are a lot of races left so we just need to keep on with our program and try to be consistent." Villopoto will carry the coveted red number plate into Chase Field as the Monster Energy Supercross Championship points leader. TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda's Chad Reed finished second, marking the 115th podium finish in his 142 career starts. Reed won his heat race and rode smooth to a solid finish. "I'm excited how the Anaheim opener turned out," said Reed. "The goal was to be on the podium and to have a shot at a win, and we achieved both. I was a little off the pace of Ryan (Villopoto) but, I feel we can make up that gap in the coming weeks." Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey, the 2010 Supercross Class champion, rounded out the podium with a third-place finish. Dungey, who is riding a KTM for the first time in his career, gave the Austrian manufacturer their best-ever Supercross Class result. "Finishing on the podium at the Anaheim opener was definitely a great way to start the 2012 supercross season," said Dungey. "It was an honor to deliver KTM their first-ever US podium in the Supercross Class last weekend and hopefully it's the start of many more to come. Working with an all-new race bike usually takes a team quite a lot of time testing and developing before you start to see podium level results. However, right off the bat we have had no problems dialing in the new KTM 450 and after just a few short months of seat time on the new bike, we are already showing very positive results against a field of very experienced competitors. It's definitely a testament to KTMs determination to produce a championship-contending bike and the team's commitment to ongoing development that positioned us amongst the top finishers at Anaheim. I'm really motivated to get on the podium again this weekend in Phoenix." In his debut race aboard the American Honda Muscle Milk ride, Justin Brayton earned a career-best fourth-place finish after being forced to qualify through the last chance qualifier. "It is always nerve racking going into an LCQ, but I was able to win and boost my confidence back up," said Brayton. "I got a decent start in the main and was able to pick it up about halfway through, where I made my way to fourth." Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart, a two-time Supercross Class champion, suffered a late-race crash and dropped back to sixth place, where he would finish. "We learned a lot last weekend in Anaheim," said Stewart. "First race with the new team, their first race with a new rider, first time I'd been racing since last year's supercross season. I mean that was our first real competition together, and in end, it wasn't all the bad. We found some things with the bike and those will help. But, we got a taste of what the competition is going to be like this year, and I think we're ready for more." Supercross.com Honda's Andrew Short controlled the lead for several laps in his heat race before being passed by Stewart and Dungey to finish third. He went on to finish seventh in the main event. This marked Short's first ride under the newly-formed team between Jeremy McGrath, the all-time winningest supercross racer, and Larry Brooks, who managed McGrath, Reed and Stewart in the past. After being sidelined with injury for the start of 2011, Villopoto's teammate Jake Weimer entered the 2012 season 100% healthy and ready to claim his spot amongst the leaders. He battled back from a mid-pack start in Anaheim and finished a career-best fifth. Weimer has finished within the top 10 in all three of his Supercross Class races. "We got some decent points in Anaheim and can only build from here," said Weimer. "I look forward to doing better in Phoenix, knowing my fitness and equipment is the best it could be." Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Broc Tickle made his debut in the Supercross Class last Saturday night and finished in a respectable 12th place after a crash in the main event. After qualifying well within the top 10, Tickle is excited to improve on last weekend. "I'm happy with how Anaheim went, and I know I have the speed to be up near the front," said Tickle. "In Phoenix, I just want to have some fun, loosen up, and get good starts. If I can do all that, I'll be where I want to be." Team Yoshimura Suzuki's Brett Metcalfe started out the night in Anaheim on a high note by racing his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 to a solid sixth-place finish in his eight-lap heat race. Following that performance, Metcalfe went on to get a good start on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 in the Supercross Class Main Event and turned laps in the top 10 before finishing up the night in 11th. "Anaheim didn't quite go as planned," admitted Metcalfe. "It was a rough day for me and a tough event. It's a tough way to start out the championship, but I battled through, and we came away with an 11th, which wasn't really where we hoped to be, but we're going to take that and move on. We've learned a lot from the day and we've already made many changes based on what we learned. I feel we're already better prepared for Phoenix. Normally, Phoenix is a pretty technical, hard-pack track and you have to be very precise with everything you do. You can lose the front end easy in the corners or slide out, and you really have to be on your game. I think bike setup will be crucial. I think with everything we've done this week that we're looking forward to Phoenix and just getting out there and improving on last weekend. We still got a lot of racing to go and we're going to get better, so there's a lot to look forward to." Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda's Cole Seely had a lot to be excited about leaving Anaheim Saturday night, following an impressive ride to his third-career Supercross Lites Class victory. "I am definitely excited. It's great to come out on top at a race that gets so much hype," said Seely. "My main focus this year is consistency, as long as I stay consistent each week I think I can win the championship." Although Tyla Rattray finished second at the Anaheim opener, he views last weekend as a warm up. Rattray took the early lead in the main event and rode a consistent pace but is not content with anything short of a win. "I'm really looking forward to this weekend," said Tyla. "We shook the cobwebs out last weekend and will be on top of our game in Phoenix." Coming off his AMA 250cc Motocross title, Dean Wilson was heavily favored to win the opener. Wilson held third place for nearly the entire main event, until a last-lap mishap dropped him to sixth. "Last week was not the result I was looking for at all," said Wilson. "The team and I have worked hard all week, and I'm looking to come into Phoenix a different man." Long regarded as the top Supercross Lites Class team, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki has won 35 of 71 races, earned 62 podiums and 68 top-five finishes since 2008. Since the eighth race of the 2010 season, they have managed to earn podium results at every stop. For Rockstar Energy Suzuki, the night was bittersweet in the Supercross Lites Class. Although Martin Davalos celebrated an impressive win in his heat race, he experienced some issues during the main event and dropped out of the fray. "Anaheim started off pretty good," said Davalos. "I didn't have the best qualifying time, but I was able to get out in front in my heat race and take the win. Unfortunately, we had a problem in the main event, and I wasn't able to finish the race. It was a bummer for me and the entire team but we'll put that behind us and look forward to Phoenix. We went to the test track first thing Monday morning and got everything figured out so I'm ready for Phoenix. I'm looking forward to it – it's my birthday weekend and it's time to turn things around and get it done. I'm going there positive and (prepared) to be as good as I can be, and try to get some results for the team." His Rockstar Energy Suzuki teammate Jason Anderson, however, celebrated a very consistent evening, finishing seventh in his heat race and seventh in the 15-lap Supercross Lites Class Main Event. "Anaheim was the first race of the season, so nerves were a little high," said Anderson. "But I had some good practice sessions. Then my heat race had a bunch of pile-ups, but I ended up doing pretty good, and I made it to the main. The gate-drop at the start of the main was a little delayed, and I struggled with that, but I came back and got seventh, so it was a decent night overall. I'm really excited for Phoenix. I feel like my fitness and speed are good. I think I have everything in place and with a good start, I should be able to run up in the top five there." Star/Valli Yamaha celebrated a well-earned fifth-place finish in the Supercross Lites Class Main Event, thanks to Ryan Sipes. "I started the day out great in practice at Anaheim, but in my heat race, I went down," said Sipes. "I got up last and had to go to the LCQ but, thankfully, I made it through. In the main, I couldn't find my rhythm so we'll take the points from fifth place tonight and come back next week at Phoenix and try to win it. I got my first-ever podium there, so I'm looking forward to that race." Meanwhile, his Star/Valli Yamaha teammate Nico Izzi had a strong showing in his heat race with a third-place finish and came in 12th in the Supercross Lites Class Main Event. "I had a pretty good heat race at Anaheim," said Izzi. "I felt strong and solid. The main event came around and I got a bad start – I kind of had bad starts all night. But I came away healthy and with no crashes so I have to look forward to Phoenix. I never raced Phoenix before because I never race West Coast. It looks a little dry and slick but I kind of like that because I'm a smoother rider and it can work out in my favor. I'm going to get some good starts because I'm working on starts all week, and I'm going to come out swinging this weekend." Two-time World GP Champion Marvin Musquin made his Supercross Lites Class debut, finishing fourth after earning third in his qualifier. "Fourth place at Anaheim was a good result for my Supercross Lites Class debut," said Musquin. "I was really nervous heading into my first U.S. supercross race, but I think I did a good job controlling my nerves in front of such a big crowd. Unfortunately, I didn't get the best start in the main as I got checked up by another rider going into the first turn. However, I think I came back strong working my way up to fourth spot by race end. I've won two World GP titles in Europe, so my goal is definitely to be up fighting for wins here in the U.S. Now that I know what to expect in the Lites Class - now that the first race is out of the way - my focus is purely to be on the podium each weekend going forward."

Stewart gets 2012 campaign underway with 6th at Anaheim

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:35:00 +0100

The 2012 AMA Supercross series was launched in front of a capacity 45,000 crowd at the Anaheim stadium in Los Angeles last weekend and Joe Gibbs Racing' James Stewart took his YZ450F to sixth position in the opening main event of seventeen on the U.S. calendar.

The former Champion endured a dramatic first evening of the season. He had marked the fastest lap-time in the second qualifier but was undone at the beginning of the 20 lap sprint when a poor start left him deep in the pack. Behind runaway leader and winner Ryan Villopoto Stewart worked up to third position and then enjoyed a tight battle with 2010 champion Ryan Dungey.

The Floridian made a small mistake on the approach to a table-top jump and hit the hay bales at the side of the track, causing a crash and some light damage to his motorcycle. He was hit in the stomach by his handlebar but had no other problems. By the time he could rectify his radiator plastic shroud and regain his composure he had lost several places and needed to push again to reach sixth.

"James showed a lot of patience out there tonight," said JGR/Toyota Yamaha team manager Jeremy Albrecht. "He didn't get the best of starts, but he did a really good job of being patient and catching the leaders without taking too many risks. But the track was changing a lot throughout the night and he just got caught out over there and landed in the Tuff Blox. He was missing a radiator shroud when he got up, and the front end was kind of tweaked, but he still made the most of it. Championships are won on your bad days, and this wasn't a good day, but he still salvaged sixth place. That's pretty good."

Ryan Morais and Davi Millsaps filled 15th and 16th places under the Anaheim lights. Ryan Sipes (5th spot) and Monster Energy Yamaha's Zach Osborne – completing several West Coast events as warm-up for the FIM MX2 World Championship – (9th) posted finishes on the YZ250F in the Lites division.

Round two takes place next weekend at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Villopoto victorious in Anaheim

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:08:00 +0100

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., won the Anaheim opener of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, before a sold-out crowd of 45,050 fans at Angel Stadium. Troy Less Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda's Cole Seely, of Murrieta, Calif., dominated the opening race of the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class race en route to victory. Villopoto, the defending class champion, opened the Supercross Class main event with the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot with Dodge/Sycuan Casino/Hart and Huntington/Bel-Ray Racing's Ivan Tedesco, of Marietta, Calif., and TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray/Honda's Chad Reed, of Dade City, Fla., following in second and third, respectively. Red Bull/KTM's Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., shot past Tedesco on the second lap as Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., made up for a mid-pack start to secure fourth place. While riding in third place, Dungey crashed and gave Stewart third place, but on lap 11, Dungey swung back around Stewart. Stewart once again found his way around Dungey on lap 14 before crashing on the following lap. Villopoto cruised to his second consecutive Anaheim opener win with a 12.2-second victory. Reed finished second and Dungey finished third. "Villopoto made us look silly out here tonight," said Reed. "I am just happy to get second place tonight in this field of riders." "It was a phenomenal night for me," said Villopoto. "I didn't have the heat race I wanted, so I didn't have a great gate pick. Once I was out front I wanted to lay down fast laps and make no mistakes. I did make one small one, but overall, it was a great race for me." As the gates dropped on the Western Regional Supercross Lites Class, Motoconcepts Suzuki's Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, Mo., won the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot but was quickly passed by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Tyla Rattray, of Wildomar, Calif. The following lap Dean Wilson, of Menifee, Calif., pushed his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki past Rattray. Seely secured the lead on lap 2 and rode to the third win of his career and sits as the class' points leader. On the last lap, GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo., passed Wilson, who subsequently crashed, losing several positions before returning to racing. "I couldn't think of a better way to start the season," said Seely. "To get a win here tonight in front of my family and friends is huge. I learned last year that consistency is key, and I hope to be on the podium at every race." Supercross Class Results: Anaheim Race 1
Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
Jake Weimer, Wildomar, ID., Kawasaki
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki Supercross Class Season Standings
Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki – 25
Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 22
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 20
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 18
Jake Weimer, Wildomar, ID., Kawasaki – 16
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 15
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 14
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 13
Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki – 12
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 11

Supercross: Season-Opening

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:53:00 +0100

Season-Opening Press Conference Sets the Stage for Highly Anticipated Monster Energy Supercross Season Championship's Top Five Finishers Speak to the Media in Anaheim.

After the most statistically competitive season in history one year ago, the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season is now mere hours away, and on Thursday, Feld Motor Sports® welcomed the industry, local media, national media, and international media to the annual season-opening press conference from Angel Stadium. Reigning champion, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, along with the rest of the top five from last season's final standings – TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey, Toyota/Yamaha/JGR's James Stewart, and American Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard – spoke to the attending media, offering their thought's on the season that lies ahead.

The 2011 season, dubbed the "Greatest Season Ever" featured a five-way battle for the championship throughout the 17 races. Each of Thursday's invited riders at the press conference claimed at least one victory in 2011, and up until Canard's unfortunate season-ending injury with three rounds to go, all five were within 20 points of one another.

Ultimately, Villopoto emerged as the champion, capturing a series-leading six victories en route to his first career Supercross Class championship. It signified the beginning of a historic year for Villopoto, who captured both AMA-sanctioned titles as well as the record-setting million-dollar bounty at the inaugural Monster Energy Cup in October. He returns ready to defend his title, looking to become the first rider since Ricky Carmichael in 2005-2006 to claim back-to-back championships.

"It's tough to defend the title," said Villopoto. "Every year is a new year. But, I think a lot of it is based on what you did in the offseason to prepare and coming into the season ready so that on the weekends (at the races) it's fun. We're out there to get a job done, and that's to win. We need to minimize mistakes, and Anaheim has a lot of hype, but you can't win the championship here. You can definitely lose it though. I've put in the work this offseason. I'm ready; the bike is 100%, so I think we're there. I think we're all just ready to bring it on."

For Reed, the 2011 season started with the creation of TwoTwo Motorsports, his own race team for which he would also ride for. A strong start to the season with consistent podium efforts eventually resulted in two wins for Reed, landing second in the championship. He also received the support of Factory Honda and now, enters the 2012 season as a full-fledged American Honda rider.

"We've had a lot more months to prepare for the season this time around," said Reed. "As a rider, coming into the season, I haven't been with the same bike and group of people in a long time. We have more support from Honda and I think we have the best bike. I think you need to win races now in order to win a championship. Year after year, I've been there on the podium, but I've only had a couple race wins. I think you need about five this year to be there, so its going to take that effort week in and week out to be a contender."

In his 2011 title defense, Dungey posted the most consistent overall effort of all his rivals. However, just one victory, in addition to a DNF and the second Anaheim race, relegated him to third in the championship. Despite that, Dungey was a factor in the championship the entire course of the season and now makes the move to Red Bull KTM for 2012, rejoining his mentor Roger DeCoster. The biggest move of the offseason has generated considerable buzz throughout the industry, and now Dungey is prepared to bring KTM is first taste of success in the premier division.

"The opportunity that presented itself at KTM led to the change in teams," said Dungey. "It was a lot of fun at Suzuki, but in going to KTM, there was that level of commitment. It was the perfect fit for me. What they've accomplished in the time we've had, and being back with Roger and Ian (Harrison) has been a lot of fun. Preparations are going well and we had a great offseason. I feel rested and I feel fit, so I'm looking forward to Saturday."

Stewart posted five victories in 2011, and on several occasions showcased his impressive speed, highlighted by a dominant effort at the second Anaheim race. However, despite his regular presence at the front of the field, Stewart's typically reliable consistency took a hit, ultimately resulting in a fourth-place finish in the standings. During the offseason, Stewart made a highly-publicized move to Joe Gibbs Racing, drawing national media attention to the sport and generating huge anticipation for his first season with the highly-recognizable franchise.

"The biggest change for me this season is going to JGR," said Stewart. "It was a good change and one that I needed. I spent a lot of time in the offseason trying to decide what was best for me. The team is good, so we'll find out. Although it's been 10 years (as a pro), I've had the opportunity to be rejuvenated and refreshed, but I knew I had to make some changes for 2012. We won five races last season, but it still wasn't where we needed to be. I went to the drawing board and did what I needed in order to make it happen."

Canard's aforementioned season-ending injury derailed an otherwise memorable and extremely impressive rookie season in the Supercross Class. Three victories highlighted his season as he surprised many with his speed, consistency, and lack of intimidation against his experienced counterparts. Unfortunately for Canard, his season will start late after suffering another injury in preparation for the championship, but once he returns, many expect him to assume his position up front.

"Unfortunately, I've learned what to do with my down time because I've had so much opportunity to do so (due to injuries)," said Canard. "On the plus side, I've been able to do things I don't always get to do. I also keep training to stay in shape, so I can come back strong. Through all the adversity, I've become a stronger person and a stronger athlete. I'm going to continue to strive whether it means more injures or more success."

The buzz is huge and the gate is about to drop on what many think will be the most competitive Monster Energy Supercross season of all time, and it all commences on Saturday night. Fans unable to make it out to Angel Stadium can catch LIVE coverage on SPEED, beginning at 7 p.m. PT.

Photo Credit: Kit Palmer – Cycle News

2012 Supercross Championship kicks off on Saturday

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:13:00 +0100

The 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season kicks off this Saturday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., with defending Supercross Class champion Ryan Villopoto staging a title defense against the world's greatest riders. SPEED will broadcast the race live at 7:00 p.m. PT. Villopoto, who rides for the Monster Energy Kawasaki team, made a statement at last year's season opener by leading all 20 laps of the main event en route to his 10th career win. This year Villopoto will not only defend his title, he is trying to become only the sixth rider in history to win the season opener in back-to-back years. "It's a nice way to start out the season," said Villopoto following last year's season opener. "Starting out this way makes things much easier. I hope I can start putting together some more wins and a championship this year." Villopoto didn't waiver from his winning ways as he was crowned the sport's biggest prize at the season finale at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium. In doing so, he became the 12th rider to win the season opener and the championship. In last year's Western Regional Supercross Lites Class main event, Monster Energy/Pro-Circuit/Kawasaki's Josh Hansen opened the season with win after taking the lead on lap eight. The first supercross race held in Anaheim was December 4, 1976, and Marty Smith won on a Honda. This weekend will mark the 56th time the gate will drop for a race in Anaheim and the 22nd the city has played host to the season opener. Stewart Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath are tied on the all-time Supercross Class win list in Anaheim at 8. Ivan Tedesco hold the Supercross Lites Class all-time win record in Anaheim at 5. Angel Stadium is the only stop on the tour that will host two races, January 7 and February 4. Past Winners in Anaheim
Supercross Class
February 5, 2011: James Stewart
January 8, 2011: Ryan Villopoto
February 13, 2010: Ryan Villopoto
January 23, 2010: Ryan Dungey
January 9, 2010: James Stewart
February 7, 2009: James Stewart
January 17, 2009: James Stewart
January 3, 2009: Josh Grant
January 5, 2008: Chad Reed
January 19, 2008: Chad Reed
February 2, 2008: Chad Reed
January 6, 2007: James Stewart
January 20, 2007: James Stewart
February 3, 2007: James Stewart
January 07, 2006: James Stewart
January 21, 2006: Ricky Carmichael
February 04, 2006: Ricky Carmichael
January 8, 2005 Kevin Windham
January 22, 2005 Ricky Carmichael
February 5, 2005 Ricky Carmichael
January 3, 2004 Chad Reed
January 17, 2004 Chad Reed
January 31, 2004 Kevin Windham
January 04, 2003: Chad Reed
January 18, 2003: Ricky Carmichael
February 01, 2003: Ricky Carmichael
January 05, 2002: David Vuillemin
January 19, 2002: Mike LaRocco
February 02, 2002: Ricky Carmichael
January 06, 2001: Jeremy McGrath
January 20, 2001: Jeremy McGrath
February 03, 2001: Ricky Carmichael
January 8, 2000: Jeremy McGrath
January 15, 2000: Jeremy McGrath
January 09, 1999: Ezra Lusk
February 06, 1999: Ezra Lusk
January 27, 1996: Jeremy McGrath
January 28, 1995: Jeremy McGrath
January 29, 1994: Jeremy McGrath
January 23, 1993: Jeremy McGrath
January 25, 1992: Damon Bradshaw
January 26, 1991: Jeff Stanton
January 27, 1990: Damon Bradshaw
January 28, 1989: Rick Johnson
January 31, 1987: Jeff Ward
January 18, 1986: David Bailey
February 02, 1985: Broc Glover
January 28, 1984: Johnny O'Mara
January 29, 1983: David Bailey
January 30, 1982: Donnie Hansen
January 31, 1981: Kent Howerton
November 17, 1979: Kent Howerton
November 11, 1978: Gaylon Mosier
November 12, 1977: Bob Hannah
December 04, 1976: Marty SmithSupercross Lites Class
February 5, 2011: Joshua Hansen
January 8, 2011: Joshua Hansen
February 13, 2010: Trey Canard
January 23, 2010: Jake Weimer
January 9, 2010: Jake Weimer
February 7, 2009: Jake Weimer
January 17, 2009: Ryan Dungey
January 3, 2009: Jake Weimer
January 5, 2008: Ryan Dungey
January 19, 2008: Ryan Dungey
February 2, 2008: Jason Lawrence
January 6, 2007: Ryan Villopoto
January 20, 2007: Ryan Villopoto
February 3, 2007: Ryan Villopoto
January 07, 2006: Andrew Short
January 21, 2006: Grant Langston
February 04, 2006: Grant Langston
January 8, 2005 Nathan Ramsey
January 22, 2005 Ivan Tedesco
February 5, 2005 Ivan Tedesco
January 3, 2004 Ivan Tedesco
January 17, 2004 Ivan Tedesco
January 31, 2004 Ivan Tedesco
January 04, 2003: Travis Preston
January 18, 2003: James Stewart Jr.
February 01, 2003: James Stewart Jr.
January 05, 2002: Travis Preston
January 19, 2002: David Pingree
February 02, 2002: Brock Sellards
January 06, 2001: Ernesto Fonseca
January 20, 2001: Ernesto Fonseca
February 03, 2001: Ernesto Fonseca
January 8, 2000: David Pingree
January 15, 2000: Tallon Vohland
January 09, 1999: Casey Johnson
February 06, 1999: Nathan Ramsey
January 27, 1996: Kevin Windham
January 28, 1995: Damon Huffman
January 29, 1994: Damon Huffman
January 09, 1993: Damon Huffman
January 25, 1992: Jeremy McGrath
January 26, 1991: Jeremy McGrath
January 27, 1990: Michael Craig
January 28, 1989: Jeff Matiasevich
January 31, 1987: Jeff Matiasevich
January 18, 1986: Tyson Vohland
February 02, 1985: Mike Healy

Ryan Dungey joins Red Bull KTM Team

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:06:00 +0200

Racer Ryan Dungey signs up with the Red Bull/KTM Factory Race Team for the 2012 and 2013 AMA Pro Supercross and Motocross Championship Series… He may only be a tender 21 years old, but Ryan Dungey has already accomplished every career goal he has set for himself. In 2009, the American rider won the AMA Supercross Lites Western Regional Title and followed that up with the AMA Pro Motocross Championship 250cc class crown. That same year, he competed in the 2009 Motocross des Nations where he was one of three members of the winning US Team. In 2010, he became the first rider in history to win both the AMA Supercross and AMA Pro Motocross Championship in his rookie year before again going on to lead the 2010 Motocross des Nations team to victory. Most recently, in mid-September, he captured yet another Motocross des Nations victory in France. And now, Ryan is taking another huge leap forward in his career by signing up to the Red Bull/KTM Factory Race Team: "I'm looking forward to riding for the new Red Bull/KTM team and working again with Roger [DeCoster, Red Bull/KTM Team Manager]," said Ryan. "I am excited to start something new and am ready for the challenge. "I like the way that KTM has backed Roger since he made the switch last year and I appreciate KTM's goal of working hard to develop their race team to earn championships. I am making this switch to win races and work toward getting that championship for KTM." It's a switch that's being welcomed by the hard-working Red Bull/KTM team, with Roger DeCoster returning the love: "I am really happy to have Ryan Dungey join our team," said DeCoster. "He and I have worked together for several years so we know each other well. Our past should help us get the best out of each other and put us in position to be legit championship contenders in the big bike class." The well-decorated rider's first official race with the Red Bull/KTM Factory Team will be the opening round of the AMA Pro Supercross Championship Series on January 7, 2012, where he'll race the KTM 450 SX-F in the premier Supercross class.

Windham welcomes back New Orleans

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:29:00 +0200

Feld Motor Sports hosted a press conference today at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, featuring GEICO Honda's Kevin Windham, to kick off the return of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, to the Louisiana Superdome. Windham hosted a meet-and-greet with fans followed by an announcement of the on-sale date for tickets to the 2012 supercross race in New Orleans. "Supercross is very special to me," said Windham. "I have dedicated my life to it. Growing up in the south and riding in the Spillways around the New Orleans area back in the 1980s made memories that I will carry forever. Take those memories and catapult them to the biggest stage inside the Superdome, and it's hard to even find the words. It's going be crazy!" Monster Energy Supercross returns to the Louisiana Superdome April 14, 2012, where fans will enjoy the amenities of the recent $85 Million renovations to the venue. The last Monster Energy Supercross race was held at the Louisiana Superdome on March 14, 2009, where 36,754 fans watched eventual Supercross class champion James Stewart win his eighth race of the season. "The Superdome is thrilled that Feld Motor Sports will be bringing Monster Energy Supercross back to New Orleans in 2012," said the Superdome's General Manager Alan Freeman. "Supercross has not been at the Superdome since 2009 and SMG management believes there is significant pent up demand to witness first-hand the high-octane energy of this event." Following the devastation suffered from Hurricane Katrina, the Superdome has been reborn and is awaiting the arrival of Monster Energy Supercross. "Superdome officials also want fans to experience the many venue upgrades that have been completed over the past few years. Fans will especially appreciate the completely reconfigured lower seating bowl which brings them much closer to the action on the event floor. They will also welcome the new seats, wider concourses, and additional concession stands and restrooms." Windham began his professional supercross career in 1995 before winning the Western Regional Supercross Lites class championship and defending that title the following year. In 1998 Windham captured the main event win in New Orleans en route to finishing fourth overall in the Supercross class. He has 18 supercross class wins and has finished second in the Supercross class championship three times. With 192-career starts, he's second on the all-time Supercross class start list. "Next year will be my 18th season of professional racing," said Windham. "I am old enough to realize my days are numbered. Every win I have had is memorable for me, but as time passes they become worth more and more. To get more wins, hopefully in the Superdome, would be the best yet! I am a huge fan of the Saints football team, and I love the Superdome, so whether it is football or supercross, here's to the Big Easy."

Villopoto Claims First Monster Energy Supercross Title

Sun, 08 May 2011 10:10:00 +0200

The greatest season ever of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday night in front of a capacity crowd of 39,506 fans inside Sam Boyd Stadium.

After 17 rounds of the most competitive racing in supercross history, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., secured his inaugural Supercross class title thanks to a third place finish in the 20-lap main event. In the Eastern Regional Supercross Lites class championship, GEICO Honda's Justin Barcia, of Ochlocknee, Ga., captured his first career title after a strong third place finish. In the final race of the Western Regional Supercross Lites class championship, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Broc Tickle, of Holly, Mich., also secured his first career title after a runner-up effort in his main event.

Red Bull KTM's Mike Alessi, of Victorville, Calif., kicked off the final race of the 2011 season in the Supercross class by capturing the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot, with GEICO Honda's Kevin Windham, of Centreville, Miss., and San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., in tow. Windham quickly moved out front before the conclusion of the first lap, but was passed by Stewart on Lap 3.

Three laps later on Lap 6, Stewart lost control in the whoops and went down in front of Windham, who subsequently fell after trying to avoid his rival. Villopoto then moved into the lead, with Reed on his rear fender. Villopoto fended off Reed's advances for another five laps before Reed made the winning pass on Lap 11. Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., moved by Villopoto shortly after and over the final five laps of the main event, Reed and Dungey brought the crowd to its feet with a close battle to the finish.

In the end, Reed secured his second win of the season while Dungey brought home his series-leading 13th podium finish of the season with a runner-up effort. Villopoto rounded out the podium in third.

"We gave it all we had," said Reed. "I feel totally blessed this season. Congrats to Ryan (Villopoto). He earned (the championship). He had the most wins this season and to come back form what he went through last year, he has my respect. We did all we can and sometimes, you come up short."

"I just have to thank everyone at Kawasaki," said Villopoto. "The team believed in me through thick and thin. We'll enjoy this. It was a hard-fought battle. I saw James and Kevin go down – the whoops were tough tonight. We all had to run the same line and you couldn't avoid it. Luckily I got around (the crash). I wasn't pulling away form Chad, so I just let him by and Ryan (Dungey) was right behind him so then I let him by. I just cruised from there."

As the gates dropped on the final Eastern Regional Supercross Lites class main event of the season, Barcia grabbed the early lead and quickly opened up a gap over the rest of the field. Behind him, DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha's Ryan Sipes, of Vine Grove, Ky., and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett, of Grand Terrace, Calif., engaged in battle for second and after Barcia crashed out of the lead on Lap 3, put on a bar-to-bar showdown for the win. The duo traded the top spot on several occasions before Baggett made the winning pass on the final lap to secure his second win of the season.

"It was great to go out with a win," said Baggett. "I had such a crazy season that it's good to know I'm capable of being patient and having a good final round."

Sipes finished second, just one bike length behind Baggett, while Barcia recovered from his mishap to finish off his championship season with a podium finish in all nine races.

"I'm lost for words right now," said Barcia. "It hasn't set in yet that I've won the championship. It's been an awesome season. The racing has been crazy all year and I've had a lot of fun. I have an awesome team behind me that have given me 100-percent support every race. This is a moment I will remember forever."

In the Western Region Supercross Lites class finale, Red Bull KTM's Ken Roczen, of Germany, was the first out of the gates with Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda's Cole Seely, of Corona, Calif., right behind him. As the pair of riders pulled away from the field, several other competitors, including championship contenders Tickle and GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo., traded positions throughout the top five. On Lap 4, Roczen crashed out of the lead, allowing Seely to assume the position. Just two laps later, Seely crashed in the same spot and Roczen reclaimed the spot, carrying it on to his first career victory in his rookie supercross season.

"This is awesome," said Roczen. "I've had so much fun racing supercross this season and competing in front of the U.S. fans. It feels great to finish the year off with a win. I feel like I've learned so much this (year) and I have a great team behind me. The best part about all of this is seeing how happy (Team Manager) Roger DeCoster is."

With just two points separating them coming into the evening, Tickle and Tomac kept one another in sight throughout all 15 laps of the main event. Tomac held the upper hand for the majority of the race, until Tickle slipped by on Lap 13 and held off his rival to take the hard-earned championship with a runner-up effort.

"It really is a dream come true," said Tickle. "I still don't think it's real. I know it happened but I still can't believe it. The past few weeks have been pretty bad for me. I've struggled in practice and in the races. I am so happy right now and hope I don't wake up from this dream."

DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha's Kyle Cunningham, of Aledo, Texas, finished third, with Tomac following in fourth.

Following the respective regional Supercross Lites class main events, the stars from both coasts competed one final time in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout. Fresh off his championship win, Barcia grabbed the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot, but crashed out of the lead on Lap 2, allowing Sipes to move into the lead. From there, the veteran rider never looked back, dominating en route to his second win of the 2011 season.

"(This is) cool," said Sipes. "After losing the east main the way I did, it's nice to come back and get this (win). I feel good and I feel that was the best way to end the season."

Seely secured second while Roczen grabbed the final spot on the podium in third.

Earlier in the evening, the Bret Michaels "Rock Hard-Ride Hard" Award was handed out for the first time. The distinction honors the hardest charging, comeback supercross rider who ultimately proves to push the limits in a quest towards winning the Monster Energy Supercross championship. The award was given to Chad Reed, after the former champion came just four points shy of his third title in his inaugural foray into the world of team ownership. Results: Las VegasChad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Kawasaki
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Yamaha
Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha
Kyle Regal, Murrieta, Calif, Yamaha
Tye Simmonds, Menifee, Calif., KTMSupercross Class Season Standings (Unofficial Results)Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 338
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 334
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 328
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 301
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 255
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 230
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 207
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha – 180
Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 155
Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha – 152

The season in Supercross concludes in Las Vegas this Saturday

Tue, 03 May 2011 10:45:00 +0200

The greatest season in Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, history will come to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday with the highly-anticipated season finale from Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium. A packed house will welcome the world's best riders as Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto looks to secure his first-career Supercross class title. For the first time in Monster Energy Supercross history, four titles will be awarded at the season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium, including the Supercross class, Eastern/Western Regional Supercross Lites and Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout titles.

On the heels of capturing his championship-leading sixth win of the season in Salt Lake City, Villopoto now holds a nine-point lead over TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed while reigning Monster Energy Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey sits 12 points behind for the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki squad.

Last Saturday, Villopoto entered the penultimate round of the championship with just a nine-point advantage over his three closest challengers, Reed, Dungey, and San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart. Coming off back-to-back wins at the previous two rounds, a determined Stewart put himself in position to win again in Utah, grabbing the holeshot and opening up an early lead. However, on Lap 8, Stewart fell to the ground after losing his front end, handing the lead and second place over to Villopoto and Reed, who were engaged in battle. Upon remounting in third, Stewart crashed hard in the whoops, allowing Dungey to take over the position.

Once out front, Villopoto continued to charge, opening up a gap over Reed and fending off his rival's advances over the final laps. Dungey rounded out the podium in third while Stewart soldiered home to 10th. As a result of his misfortune, Stewart lost considerable ground to Villopoto in the standings, but still remains within reach of the title, 23 points out of the lead.

"We have all done our work this year, and it is paying off," said Villopoto. "It is a lot easier going into Vegas with a nine-point lead. Hopefully, I will be standing on top of the box next weekend."

Never before in the 38-year history of Monster Energy Supercross have four riders entered the final race of the championship with a shot at the coveted title. The 2011 championship has been witness to arguably the most competitive action the sport has ever seen, boasting five different winners. Additionally, past champions Reed, Dungey and Stewart have been challenged by a pair of former Supercross Lites champions in Villopoto and Supercross class rookie Trey Canard, who won three races for American Honda before suffering a season-ending injury a few weeks ago. On any given week, the action has been unpredictable with extremely heavy parity and some of the most dramatic moments of misfortune experienced by each of the title contenders.

Over the course of the previous 16 weeks of racing, the points lead has changed hands on five different occasions among three riders. Through it all, the championship has culminated in the most captivating title fight of all time and in just a few days, a record number of riders will engage in battle to determine who will walk away from Las Vegas as champion.

The final race of the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross season takes place this Saturday, May 7 with practice and qualifying beginning at 12:30 p.m., and the main event starting at 7:00 p.m.

Season Standings

Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 318
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 309
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 306
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 295
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 255
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 214
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 202
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha – 172
Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 153
Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha – 139

Photo Credit: Brian Robinette

Villopoto cushions Supercross Lead

Sun, 01 May 2011 11:24:00 +0200

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., won his sixth Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, race tonight at Rice Eccles Stadium in front of 39,329 fans. GIECO Honda's Eli Tomac rode a flawless 15 laps en route to his second Western Regional Supercross Lites class win of the season. Team San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., opened the Supercross class main event with the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot with TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., in tow. Villopoto started fourth and moved into third place on lap 2. Villopoto moved around Reed on lap 8 to secure second place. On the same lap, Stewart crashed and moments after remounting, he crashed again and lost several positions, handing the lead over to Villopoto. Reed moved into second and Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki's Ryan Dungey moved into third, where they would finish. Stewart finished 10th. Villopoto has a nine-point lead over Reed heading into the finals next weekend at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium. "We have all done our work this year, and it is paying off," said Villopoto. "It is a lot easier going into Vegas with a nine-point lead. Hopefully, I will be standing on top of the box next weekend." Tomac started the Western Regional Supercross Lites class main event with the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Josh Hansen, who came into tonight's race two points out of the championship points race, and his teammate Broc Tickle following in second and third, respectively. On lap 2, Hansen attempted to make a pass on Tomac and crashed. Following the crash Hansen was stuck under his bike and lost valuable positions before re-joining the race near last place. On lap 7, Red Bull/KTM Racing's Ken Roczen moved around Tickle to assume second place. "Tonight's track was technical, and it was hard to make passes," said Tickle. "I am not happy because I wanted to win. I want to be strong heading into Las Vegas next weekend." Roczen finished second and Tickle finished third. Tomac moved within two points of Tickle's championship points lead heading into next weekend's season finale. "That was out of control for me tonight," said Tomac. "Hansen (Josh), and I got into one another, and I had to lean into him; that's just racing. I've dreamed of winning the championship as a rookie, and I am getting closer." The Monster Energy Supercross finals take place next weekend at Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium, where the Supercross class, Western/Eastern Regional Supercross Lites class champions will be crowned. Supercross Class Results: Salt Lake City
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Yamaha
Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha

Supercross Class Season Standings
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 318
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 309
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 306
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 295
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 255
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 214
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 202
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha – 172
Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 153
Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha - 139

AMA Supercross: Salt Lake City

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 12:03:00 +0200

Just two races remain in the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, and the competition is tighter than its even been in the history of the sport. Coming in to tomorrow's 16th stop of the season from Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, four riders sit within nine points of the championship lead and are well within striking distance to claim the coveted title.

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto is the rider the rest of the field is looking up at in the standings. With five wins to his credit and an impressive finishing average of 2.9 that is top in the class, on paper Villopoto looks like the rider to beat and has been for the majority of the season. With a solid outing at his home race in Seattle two weeks ago, Villopoto will look to maintain his consistency while also aiming for the top of the box, putting additional pressure on his rivals.

"I'm looking forwards to going to Salt Lake City," said Villopoto. "I missed last year and I remember the dirt being a lot like Seattle. I just hope the weather is better to us compared to what I watched on TV last year."

This is the seventh time the gate will drop for a Supercross class race in Salt Lake City. The first race was held on April 28, 2001, and Ricky Carmichael won on a Kawasaki.

A mere six points behind Villopoto is TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed. The two-time champion's foray into ownership has proven successful with a win and exceptional consistency this season. Now he sits in position to claim a third title, but is also engaged in a heated battle with reigning champion Ryan Dungey, who sits just one additional point back in third.

Seattle was the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki rider's worst outing since his DNF in Anaheim 10 races ago. During that span, he has amassed eight podium finishes with one win, four runner-up finishes, and three thirds. The combination of Dungey's results and his season turnaround has put him back into the championship picture despite being as much as 38 points out of the lead on two occasions this season. While his fifth-place effort at the previous round came with some on-track misfortune, Dungey still left Seattle with a chance to defend his crown and his focus coming into Salt Lake City remains clear.

"All in all, it was a pretty good night (in Seattle)," said Dungey. "I got off to a good start in my heat and ended up finishing third. My Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team did a good job all day adapting the bike to the conditions. We made a few changes to my Suzuki before the main; nothing too crazy – just a few suspension adjustments to adapt to the ruts. The track was really gnarly. It kind of wanted to just come up and bite you, especially by the end of the 20 laps."

"I got off to a decent start, but I fell down in the first lap and I think I was near last. But at that point, I just put my head down and tried to pick off as many guys as I could and was able to move up and finish fifth. Everyone did a great job in Seattle. My RM-Z450 ran great and my team adapted it well to this track. Going forward, we'll get into Salt Lake coming off a two-week break and will be ready to give it a hard push for the last two rounds."

San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart is arguably the hottest rider in Monster Energy Supercross right now, and on the heels of his fifth win of the season in Seattle, it couldn't come at a better time. For much of the season, Stewart has battled ups and downs, but more often than not, he's shown the speed to run at the front of the field. Over the last two races Stewart has put together back-to-back dominant outings in which he led all 20 laps of both main events. Now, only nine points separate the former champion and the points lead and he's looking to carry his wave of momentum into Salt Lake City.

"My weekend in Seattle was great," said Stewart. "I really couldn't ask for anything better. Everything really worked out, my San Manuel Yamaha was riding great, and the technical track kind of played to my advantage. It feels great to get another win! We had a week off, and I hope to make it happen again in Salt Lake." With just two races left, Chad Reed trails Supercross class points leader Ryan Villopoto by six points.

Red Bull KTM's Andrew Short was looking to improve on his season-best effort of fourth this season in the tricky Seattle conditions. The KTM 350SXF's shorter power band worked well in the soft, rutty soil and it pushed Andrew to a season-best fourth place qualifying effort. After another strong run in his heat race, Short's night took an unfortunate turn when he got involved in a first-lap crash, relegating him to 10th.

"I fell in the first corner in Seattle and took a while to get going," said Short." My clutch lever broke in the fall and I had a big Charlie horse on my leg from where I was struck by the bike during the crash. I was able to climb back up to 10th but it was definitely not the showing I had hoped for. On the plus side, we made huge improvements to our program and I continue to place better in qualifying times each week and am hoping for a podium in the final two rounds."

On the other end of the spectrum, Short's Red Bull KTM teammate Mike Alessi experienced one of his best rides of the season in Seattle. A strong start put Alessi in the mix at the front of the field with the leaders. He battled with several of the championship contenders before a fall in the second half of the race dropped him to sixth. Despite his get off, Alessi still recorded his best finish of the season.

"I got off to a decent start and actually passed into third early in the race," said Alessi. "I slipped back one spot and held onto fourth for the first half of the race before I had a pretty big crash. Luckily, I was fine from the crash and recovered to finish the race in sixth. I felt really comfortable on that track and am definitely feeling an improvement in my endurance as I have been training harder during the week to prepare for the outdoors."

San Manuel Yamaha's Kyle Regal finished in Seattle with a season best seventh-place result. After sitting out for four weeks due to a wrist injury, Regal has come back strong and has been training hard at Stewart's compound to get back to where he needs to be.

"All my hard work is finally paying off," said Regal. "It feels great to get that seventh. The track was pretty difficult and started to wear down, but I was able to hang in there. I've been back in Florida for the last two weeks to do a lot more training and I'm hoping to get top-10 finishes these last two races."

After missing nearly his entire rookie season due to an injury suffered in preseason testing, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Jake Weimer will make his Supercross class debut in Salt Lake City. A native of nearby Idaho, the Salt Lake City stop also serves as Weimer's home race, making it the ideal spot to kick off his 2011 season.

"I am really excited to get back out and race," said Weimer. "It's been a while since I've actually raced because I was injured at the end of last year and missed a few races. The team has been great helping me get back up to speed. I've been feeling good so I hope it goes well."

While serving as a pivotal race in the championship, Seattle also signified the return of the Supercross Lites Western Regional Championship. After seven weeks on the sidelines, the intense battle for the title resumed at Qwest Field and when things were all said and done, the entire championship landscape had been altered.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Broc Tickle and Josh Hansen entered Seattle just three points apart. Following the 15-lap main event, the deficit between the duo remained the same, but the pair swapped positions as Tickle's third-place podium finish was enough to move him in front of Hansen, who recorded his second straight sixth-place effort.

Josh Hansen sits just three points behind teammate Broc Tickle heading into the penultimate race of the Western Regional Supercross Lites class championship.

To make things more challenging for the two most consistent riders in the West Region this season, both riders are battling their own respective injuries. Hansen's broken hand suffered at the final Anaheim race appeared to cause him trouble in Seattle as he fell from a third-place start to finish sixth. Despite that, he's still very much alive in his quest to claim his first-career AMA title and will do whatever it takes over the final two weekends to get it.

"I really want to win the championship and I hope I've shown that I want it," said Hansen. "I'm not giving up and I've been working hard to make sure I can be ready for Salt Lake City."

As for Tickle, he refused to let a broken collarbone suffered just two weeks prior to Seattle slow him down. A metal plate held his bones in place and Tickle endured the pain to bring home a third-place effort and take over the lead in the standings. Now he controls his own destiny to the title, something he's never had the opportunity to do before.

"I am really looking for another win," said Tickle. "I am definitely happy that I am in the points lead and that is the ultimate goal. I really liked Salt Lake City last year so I hope it's a good chance for me to get another win and extend my points lead."

In only his first season riding supercross, the third member of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team Tyla Rattray has put in impressive results, including two podium finishes. He is looking to add to the podium count in Salt Lake City with another good ride.

"Every time I come out, I'm shooting for the podium," said Rattray. "I am happy with how the season has gone so far and I want to end the season with good finishes. I hope Salt Lake City can be where I can add another podium."

For the Rockstar Energy Suzuki team, Seattle served as a fresh start for its two veteran riders in Ryan Morais and Martin Davalos. The duo has shown tremendous speed this season, but has also encountered misfortune, hurting their consistency. At the previous round, both riders had to overcome starts deep inside the top 10 on a track that was very difficult for passing. They each made the most of their opportunities and have now set their sights on Salt Lake City in an effort to close out the year on a high note.

"Seattle went okay for me," said Morais. "I felt pretty good in practice – It was my best practice qualifying time of the year. The track was really technical and hard and my team did a good job setting up my bike. I felt good in the main event and got a good start on my RM-Z. I was battling with a couple riders and the pace was good, but it kind of turned into a little cat and mouse. I wasn't able to get past sixth over the rest of the race. It was a little frustrating, but I've come out of there healthy and we have Salt Lake City coming up. I've worked hard and will try to put my Suzuki on the box in these last two races. I like Salt Lake City and I feel like I'm where I need to be, so we'll see what we can do."

"It was a tough weekend for me," said Davalos. "I felt like I rode good but kind of got a bad start in the main and just really couldn't get around anyone. The track was really challenging, really gnarly rutted, but my RM-Z worked great. I just couldn't make anything happen. The positive thing is that I'm safe and healthy and I've gone back home to work on some starts. I need to get the start. I've never been to Salt Lake City, so I'm really looking forward to racing there. I need to put my Rockstar Energy Suzuki team on the box. We work so hard and they are so good to me."

Supercross: 4 Riders, 9 Points, 2 Races, 1 Championship

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:42:00 +0200

After going winless in eight races, Team San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., is on a two-race win streak as the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, closes in on the final two races of the season. Four riders are separated by nine points as the championship heads to Salt Lake City's Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing Honda's Chad Reed and Stewart round out the top four places, respectively. With Stewart's win at Qwest Field in Seattle, he's now tied with Villopoto at five for the most wins this season. On the other hand, Dungey and Reed have only one win apiece.

"I was able to get a good start in Seattle, which made it a lot easier to manage the race," said Stewart following his fifth win of the season in Seattle. "I went into last weekend's break with the momentum, and I look forward to coming out swinging heading into Salt Lake City this Saturday."

Stewart captured the win in Salt Lake City in 2009 en route to his second Supercross class championship.

Reed was able to escape disaster in Seattle when he suffered a horrific crash with two laps to go, handing second place to GEICO Honda's Kevin Windham, who won in Seattle last year. After remounting, Reed held off a hard charging Villopoto to salvage third place. Reed is now six points out of the lead.

"I am not sure what caused the crash, but I am lucky to be safe and have another chance to fight for this title," said Reed about his late-race crash in Seattle. "I am mad at myself for giving up two points in the title chase, but it could have been a lot worse. The championship is on the line and it's time to go for it. I am going to give it everything I have to win this year."

With 11 podium finishes this season, Dungey ran into some bad luck in Seattle, finishing fifth, which is his second-worst finish of the season. The defending Supercross class champion is now seven points out of the lead.

"All in all, it was a pretty good night," said Dungey. "I got off to a good start in my heat and ended up finishing third. The track was really gnarly out there. It kind of wanted to just come up and bite you, especially by the end of the 20 laps. I got off to a decent start, but I fell down in the first lap and I think I was near last. But at that point, I just put my head down and tried to pick off as many guys as I could and was able to move up and finish fifth. Everyone did a great job today. Going forward, we have a nice break and then we'll get into Salt Lake and will be ready to give it a hard push for the last two races."

The first supercross race held at Rice-Eccles Stadium took place in 2001 where 42,135 packed the home of the 2002 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies to watch Ricky Carmichael race to victory. Carmichael holds the all-time Supercross class win record in Salt Lake City with two. Stewart holds the all-time Supercross Lites class win record at Salt Lake City with two.

Season Standings:

Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 293
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 287
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 286
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 284
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 255
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 196
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 187
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha – 156
Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 141
Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki – 134

Stewart Makes it Two-in-a-Row with Convincing Win in Seattle

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 11:23:00 +0200

A strong Pacific Northwest audience of 52,683 fans showed their dedication to the sport and braved cold temperatures as Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, invaded Seattle's Qwest Field on Saturday. The 15th race of the season saw San Manuel Yamaha's James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., take his second straight win with another strong outing as he fights his way back into the Supercross class title fight. Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda's Cole Seely, of Corona, Calif., raced to his second victory of the season with a convincing effort in the return of the Supercross Lites Western Regional Championship.

As the gates dropped on the Supercross class main event, Dodge/Hart & Huntington Kawasaki's Ivan Tedesco, of Murrieta, Calif., grabbed the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot for the second week in-a-row with Stewart and TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Racing Honda's Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., in tow. Behind them, championship points leader Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., went down in the first corner and was forced to come from deep in the field aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki.

Reed got by Tedesco quickly and looked to pull away, but tricky track conditions as a result of a week of heavy rain caused a slight bobble and allowed Stewart to take over the top spot, which he held for the entire 20 laps.

"Tonight was awesome," said Stewart. "I had fun all day. I thought the track was awesome, it was so tough. I was just trying to stay consistent because I knew it was going crazy behind me. You can look out there and see how rough it is, but my San Manuel Yamaha was working awesome. I'm looking forward to Salt Lake City."

Aside from Stewart, every rider in contention for the title experienced an instance of misfortune as both Reed and Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., joined Villopoto with the distinction of falling to the ground.

In the end, veteran rider and defending Seattle winner Kevin Windham, of Centreville, Miss., secured his best finish of the season in second aboard his GEICO Honda while Reed fended off Villopoto for third. Dungey brought home a fifth-place effort.

As the championship enters the final two races of the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross season, just nine points separate Villopoto, who sits atop the standings, and Stewart, who occupies fourth. Reed sits in second, six points behind, while Dungey is third, seven points out.

Seely was the first rider to the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot in the 15-lap Supercross Lites main event and led wire-to-wire in a race that was similar to his first-career win earlier in the season in Los Angeles. After riding select Supercross class races during the midseason Western Regional Supercross Lites break, his additional race experience factored into his performance.

"It feels great to come back and get win," said Seely. "I've been practicing my starts and my biked hooked up tonight and worked great. I think the extra time on the big bikes really helped prepare me to come back."

Behind him, there was considerable shuffling, particularly amongst the three challengers in the championship. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammates Josh Hansen, of Elbert, Colo., and Broc Tickle, of Holly, Mich., both ran towards the front of the field, but in the end, GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo., surpassed them both to take the runner-up spot. Tickle secured the final step on the podium and took over the points lead in the process. After starting third, Hansen fell to sixth and now sits two points from Tickle in the standings while Tomac sits seven points out in third.

Supercross Class Results: Seattle
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM
Kyle Regal, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha
Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Yamaha
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM

Supercross Class Season Standings
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 293
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 287
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 286
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 284
Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 255
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 196
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 187
Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha – 156
Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 141
Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki – 134

Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Results: Seattle
Cole Seely, Corona, Calif., Honda
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki
Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha
Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki
Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki
Travis Baker, Temecula, Calif., Honda
Gared Steinke, Woodland, Calif., Kawasaki

Western Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki – 145
Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 143
Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 138
Cole Seely, Corona, Calif., Honda – 113
Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki – 110
Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki – 96
Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha – 89
Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM – 83
Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki – 82
Jimmy Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda – 67