Red Bud Race Report...Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki

Courtesy of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki 
orona, Calif. – It seems at every event the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is threatening to sweep the podium and Red Bud was no exception as Dean Wilson and Christophe Pourcel finished second and third overall respectively. Tyla Rattray was also in position for a podium before a crash sent him back to sixth overall. Jake Weimer rode strong before a crash finishing eighth overall.

There was a new name on the top of the qualifying sheets this weekend, but his livery was still the same black and lime-green of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki. Rattray became the first rider to eclipse Pourcel in qualifying this year, posting the fastest lap less than three-tenths of a second quicker than the Frenchman. Pourcel was second, with Wilson sixth and Weimer eighth.

"I thought I was riding well today," said Rattray. "I had some bad lines early, but I was behind Pourcel and followed him to find some good lines. In the second moto I was making a charge at Dean (Wilson) on the off-camber turn. I didn’t see the bump until the last minute. I tried to wheelie over it, but I couldn’t and I went over the handlebars."

In the first moto, the start looked like an advertisement for Pro Circuit power as Pourcel, Rattray and Weimer pulled the field through the first turn. Wilson didn’t get the jump out of the gate crossing the line at the end of the first lap in seventh. Pourcel and Rattray began to pull away from the field and the teammates would ride in lock-step throughout the 15-lap moto to finish 1-2. Weimer was right there running fourth until the 12th lap when he lost his rear brake and crashed coming down a downhill dropping back to 11th. At the same time, Wilson was charging through the field, and the young rookie made it up to third by the checkered flag.

"I was up front and riding well and then my rear brake was just gone," said Weimer. "I’m not sure what happened, it was probably a rock or something, but the brake didn’t fade it just didn’t work. Coming down the hill, I had nowhere to go and I hit someone and went down."

The start of the second moto was great for Wilson and Rattray as they came out 1-2, but Pourcel and Weimer had a battle on their hands coming out seventh and ninth respectively. Wilson led the first ten laps but an aggressive pass by Trey Canard sent him off track and he fell back to second. Right on his rear fender was his teammate Rattray, who also had a go at him, but a breaking bump sent the Rattray over the bars and dropped him to 11th in the order. Both Pourcel and Weimer tried to make their way through the pack on the tight track and the French rider made it up to fifth, while Weimer ended up seventh.

"I tried to pace myself out there," said Wilson. "I knew it would be a long moto, and the track was rough, so I rode steady and didn’t push too hard. It felt good to lead the second moto early. (Trey) Canard made a pretty aggressive pass to get by me, but it was clean. I went off the track, but I stayed on the throttle and didn’t lose too much ground. It was a good weekend, I finished second and stayed safe."

The team will now enjoy the weekend off before heading to Minnesota for the Spring Creek National at Millville.

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Series Statistical Report...Red Bud

Courtesy of MX Sports

Series Statistical Report

Rockstar Energy RedBud National
RedBud - Buchanan, Mich., July 3

• RedBud is the site of the largest obstacle in American motocross. LaRocco's Leap, named for legendary rider and South Bend, Ind., native Mike LaRocco, who created the jump, is a 120-foot uphill "triple" jump. LaRocco first jumped it in a practice session by getting a running start out in a field behind the jump!
• RedBud has hosted a national over the 4^th of July holiday since 1978.
• 2010 signifies the first time in the history of RedBud that the highest level of women's motocross, the WMX Class, will compete at the famed facility.
• Michigan has produced a larger number of professional motocross competitors over the last three decades, including six-time AMA National Champion Jeff Stanton, and current Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Nick Wey. The group is affectionately known as the Michigan Mafia.

• Ryan Dungey has captured six of the last eight motos and is now has an average finish of 2.7. He is also the only rider in the class to capture more than one moto win.
• Andrew Short has grabbed four consecutive holeshots.
• A pair of rookies in Dungey and Brett Metcalfe sit atop the 450 Class standings.
• Despite an average finish of 7.8, Chad Reed still sits third in the 450 Class championship.
• Despite four consecutive wins by Ryan Dungey, the 450 Class has been extremely competitive, with only 16 points separating second from seventh place in the standings.
• Dungey possesses the best average finish of any rider in the 450 Class at 2.7. Andrew Short also possesses the same score for best average start at 2.7.
• Only Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and GEICO Powersports Honda riders have won 250 Class motos in 2010.
• Christophe Pourcel has won at least one moto at each round this season and is the only rider in the 250 Class to have more than one moto victory.
• Pourcel's 1-1 sweep was the first of the season in the 250 Class.
• The top three riders in the 250 Class standings are not only all Pro Circuit riders, but they are also all international competitors.
• Three of Mitch Payton's four Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders have won an overall in 2010.
• Pourcel possesses the best average finish of any rider in the 250 Class at 2.4 as well as average start at 3.7.
• Pourcel has posted the fastest practice lap at all five rounds in 2010.

450 Class Stats

• The first Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship race held at RedBud was July 28th, 1974. Kenny Zahrt won on a Bultaco, marking the last AMA Motocross win for that manufacturer.
• This race marks the 30^th time the gate will drop at RedBud for a Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship race.
• Marty Tripes won his last Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship race at RedBud in 1979.
• Jeff Ward won at RedBud on 125cc, 250cc, and 500cc bikes.

• With Josh Grant's win last season, Yamaha ended an 11-year drought at RedBud.
  
  

Wins by brand at RedBud
Honda - 10
Kawasaki - 8
Suzuki - 5
Yamaha - 5
Bultaco - 1
First time winners at RedBud
Kenny Zahrt, 1974 - Bultaco
Steve Wise, 1980 - Honda
Mike Kiedrowski, 1992 - Kawasaki
Josh Grant, 2009 - Yamaha
Last win by brand at RedBud
Yamaha - 2009
Kawasaki - 2008
Suzuki - 2007
Honda - 2004
Riders to win RedBud in both classes
James Stewart
Ricky Carmichael
Jeff Emig
Mike Kiedrowski
Jeff Ward
2010 Stats

450 Class Point Standings - After 5 of 12 rounds

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 218
2. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 167
3. Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 160
4. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 154
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 153
6. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 152
7. Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda, 151
8. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha, 108
9. Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Suzuki, 101
10. Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Honda, 94

450 Class Overall Wins
Ryan Dungey - 4
Chad Reed - 1

450 Class Moto Wins
Ryan Dungey - 6
Mike Alessi - 1
Josh Grant - 1
Chad Reed - 1
Andrew Short - 1
450 Class Wins by Brand
Suzuki - 4
Kawasaki - 1
450 Class Laps Led
Ryan Dungey - 62
Andrew Short - 37
Mike Alessi - 19
Josh Grant - 19
Chad Reed - 16
Brett Metcalfe - 9
450 Class Holeshots
Andrew Short - 4
Brett Metcalfe - 2
Mike Alessi - 1
Chad Reed - 1
Ryan Sipes - 1

250 Class Stats

• The first 250 Class race (then called the 125 class) held at RedBud was May 23, 1976, with Bob Hannah winning on a Yamaha.
• This race marks the 31^st time the gate will drop at RedBud for a 250 Class race.
• Ryan Villopoto and Jeff Emig are the only two riders to win three in a row at RedBud.
• Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, Steve Lamson, Jeff Emig, Mickey Dymond, Mark Barnett, and Ryan Villopoto all won back-to-back events at RedBud. Jake Weimer will look to do the same this weekend.
• Suzuki has not won at RedBud since 1990, Honda since 1996.

Wins by brand at RedBud
Kawasaki - 11
Yamaha - 8
Honda - 8
Suzuki - 3
First time winners at RedBud
Jeff Emig, 1992 - Yamaha

Last win by brand at RedBud
Kawasaki - 2009
Yamaha - 2004
Honda - 1996
Suzuki - 1990

2010 Stats

250 Class Point Standings - After 5 of 12 rounds

1. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 219
2. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki, 185
3. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 180
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 162
5. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 151
6. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 140
7. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 135
8. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 112
9. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Yamaha, 108
10. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 106

250 Class Overall Wins
Christophe Pourcel - 2
Tyla Rattray - 1
Eli Tomac - 1
Dean Wilson - 1

250 Class Moto Wins
Christophe Pourcel - 6
Justin Barcia - 1
Tyla Rattray - 1
Eli Tomac - 1
Dean Wilson - 1
250 Class Wins by Brand
Kawasaki - 4
Honda - 1
250 Class Laps Led
Christophe Pourcel - 72
Eli Tomac - 35
Dean Wilson - 23
Justin Barcia - 13
Trey Canard - 9
Wil Hahn - 4
Tommy Searle - 2
Tyla Rattray - 1
250 Class Holeshots
Christophe Pourcel - 3
Eli Tomac - 3
Trey Canard - 2
Wil Hahn - 2

WMX Class Stats:

2010 Stats

WMX Class Point Standings - After 3 of 8 rounds

1. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha, 150
2. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda, 124
3. Tarah Gieger, Winter Gardens, Fla., Honda, 109
4. Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Yamaha, 97
5. Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki, 88
6. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Yamaha, 78
7. Sarah Whitmore, Cheboygan, Mich., KTM 72
8. Jacqueline Strong, Sedona, Ariz., Yamaha, 71
9. Alexah Pearson, Rocklin, Calif., Yamaha, 70
10. Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha, 68

WMX Class Overall Wins
Jessica Patterson - 3

WMX Class Moto Wins
Jessica Patterson - 6
WMX Class Wins by Brand
Yamaha - 3
For tickets and fan and racing information on the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log on to www.allisports.com.
For more information about the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact media coordinator Brandon Short via email at brandon@mxsports.com or by telephone at (949) 365-5750.

About the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is the world's most prestigious motocross series. The Series is managed and produced by MX Sports Pro Racing, whose mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the promotion of professional championship racing events nationwide.
The series is also produced in conjunction with Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, a global business that encompasses national and international action sports events, multimedia production and a consumer-based lifestyle brand. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a vast network of athletes, fans, brands and properties.
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America. AMA Pro Racing operates a full schedule of events and championships across every spectrum of motorcycle competition.
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Lakewood Race Report...Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki

Courtesy of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Corona, Calif. – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s domination of the AMA Motocross Series 250 class continued at Thunder Valley Raceway in Lakewood, Colo. Christophe Pourcel gave the team its fourth straight overall win and Dean Wilson’s third place result also gave the team its fourth straight double podium. Tyla Rattray just missed the podium finishing fourth overall while Jake Weimer was 17th.

Pourcel was once again the class of the field in qualifying, posting a lap nearly two seconds quicker than his nearest competitor. Weimer was third fastest and looked to turn his luck around with a good gate pick in the motos. Rattray qualified eighth and Wilson qualified 11th.

In the first moto Pourcel launched out to the holeshot on the long uphill start and never looked back as he led wire-to-wire to earn his fifth moto win of the year. Right behind him was his teammate Wilson who kept the pressure on while running in second for the entire moto. Rattray was sixth after the first lap and slowly made his way into fourth. While there wasn’t a lot of passing going on up front, Weimer was putting on a clinic as he moved up through the field. After trouble on the first lap, Weimer was 36th and looking to salvage a good finish. By the end of the fourth lap he had made 16 passes and was sitting in 20th. He wasn’t done though as he continued to move up through the pack ending up 10th.

"Being on the podium is awesome," said Wilson. "That is where I want to be every week. Getting second in the first moto was what I needed to run a relaxed second moto."

When the gate dropped for the second moto, there was a familiar cast of lime green Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s near the front with all four riders in the top seven positions at the end of the first lap. Wilson led the way in third with Rattray fourth, and Pourcel fifth. On the second lap, Weimer again found trouble and dropped all the way back to last in 39th. Pourcel made his way through his teammates by lap five and began stalking the leader. He would take the lead on lap 10 with Wilson running third and Rattray fourth. Weimer again put in a charge moving up through the back of the pack again to finish 24th. During the two motos, Weimer passed an amazing 41 riders.

"I got a good start in both motos," said Pourcel. "I always want to feel good on the track and when I do, I can make it happen and get the win. It was rough for the races, I think I liked the night race here better because the track was very smooth and easy."

The team now heads to Red Bud for the traditional Fourth of July event with Pourcel, Wilson and Rattray still holding the top three spots in the standings. Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

Series Statistical Report Toyota Trucks Thunder Valley National

Courtesy of MX Sports

Series Statistical Report

Toyota Trucks Thunder Valley National
Thunder Valley MX Park - Lakewood, Colo., June 26

• As always, the mile high altitude at Thunder Valley will provide an additional challenge for mechanics and riders alike in making the bikes perform at their peak and riders adjusting physically to the thinner air.
• Thunder Valley was the first and only motocross event to ever be held under the lights for 2008 and 2009. It returns to the original daytime format this season.
• Both of Ivan Tedesco's inaugural 250 and 450 Class victories came at Thunder Valley, his self proclaimed home race.

• Ryan Dungey has captured five of the last six motos and is now averaging a podium finish this season.
• Andrew Short's moto win was his first since 2007 at Thunder Valley.
• Short holds an average finish of 9.5, but sits fifth in the championship.
• The battle for the runner-up spot in the championship standings is tight as only 15 points separate second from fifth.
• Dungey possesses the best average finish of any rider in the 450 Class at 3.0. Andrew Short possesses the best average start at 3.1.
• Only Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and GEICO Powersports Honda riders have won 250 Class motos in 2010.
• Christophe Pourcel has one at least one moto at each round this season.
• Dean Wilson became the first Scottish and Canadian winner in AMA Motocross history.
• Wilson became the 69^th different winner in 250 Class history.
• Wilson has the second best finishing average in the class at 4.5, but sits third in the standings.
• The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki trio of Pourcel, Rattray and Wilson are slowly gapping themselves from the rest of the 250 Class field.
• Three of Mitch Payton's four riders have won an overall in 2010.
• Pourcel possesses the best average finish of any rider in the 250 Class at 2.8 as well as average start at 3.9.
• Pourcel has posted the fastest practice lap at all four rounds in 2010.

450 Class Stats

• The first Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship race was held at Thunder Valley on July 24, 2005, with Ricky Carmichael winning on a Suzuki.
• This will be only the sixth time the gate has dropped for the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Thunder Valley.
• Only three riders have ever won at Thunder Valley.
• Colorado-native Andrew Short has been on the cusp of achieving his first overall at this track and perhaps has his best opportunity to do so this season, coming off a pair of runner-up efforts the last two weeks.
  

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki - 2
Suzuki - 2
Honda - 1
First time winners at Thunder Valley
Ivan Tedesco, 2009 - Honda
Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
Honda - 2009
Kawasaki - 2008
Suzuki - 2006
Riders to win Thunder Valley in both classes
Ivan Tedesco
Brand Sweeps at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki; James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto - 2008
Kawasaki; James Stewart and Ben Townley - 2007
450 Class - All-Time Winners at Thunder Valley
July 28, 2008     James Stewart (Kawasaki)
July 22, 2007     James Stewart (Kawasaki)
July 23, 2006     Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki)
July 24, 2005     Ricky Carmichael (Suzuki)
2010 Stats

450 Class Point Standings - After 4 of 12 rounds

1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 171
2. Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 135
3. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 131
4. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 129
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 120
6. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 116
7. Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda, 114
8. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ky., Yamaha, 81
9. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha, 81
10. Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Suzuki, 81

450 Class Overall Wins
Ryan Dungey - 3
Chad Reed - 1

450 Class Moto Wins
Ryan Dungey - 5
Mike Alessi - 1
Chad Reed - 1
Andrew Short - 1
450 Class Wins by Brand
Suzuki - 3
Kawasaki - 1
450 Class Laps Led
Ryan Dungey - 47
Andrew Short - 30
Mike Alessi - 19
Chad Reed - 16
Josh Grant - 9
Brett Metcalfe - 9
450 Class Holeshots
Brett Metcalfe - 2
Andrew Short - 2
ike Alessi - 1
Chad Reed - 1
Ryan Sipes - 1

250 Class Stats

• The first 250 Class race was held July 24, 2005, with Ivan Tedesco winning on a Kawasaki.
• Pro Circuit and Kawasaki have won every race at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class.
• Local rider Andrew Short was on the verge of claiming the 2006 event aboard a Honda before bike failure forced him out of the lead in the second moto.
• There as never been a repeat winner at Thunder Valley.

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki - 4
First time winners at Thunder Valley
Ivan Tedesco, 2005 - Kawasaki
Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki - 2009
250 Class - All-Time Winners at Thunder Valley
July 28, 2008     Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki)
July 22, 2007     Ben Townley (Kawasaki)
July 23, 2006     Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki)
July 24, 2005     Ivan Tedesco (Kawasaki)

2010 Stats

250 Class Point Standings - After 4 of 12 rounds

1. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 129
2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 102
3. Dean Wilson, Canada, Kawasaki, 100
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 93
5. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 90
6. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 89
7. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 80
8. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 79
9. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 72
10. Tommy Searle, England, KTM, 60

250 Class Overall Wins
Christophe Pourcel - 1
Tyla Rattray - 1
Eli Tomac - 1

250 Class Moto Wins
Christophe Pourcel - 3
Justin Barcia - 1
Tyla Rattray - 1
Eli Tomac - 1
250 Class Wins by Brand
Kawasaki - 2
Honda - 1
250 Class Laps Led
Eli Tomac - 35
Christophe Pourcel - 32
Justin Barcia - 13
Dean Wilson - 8
Wil Hahn - 2
Tommy Searle - 2
Tyla Rattray - 1
250 Class Holeshots
Christophe Pourcel - 2
Eli Tomac - 2
Trey Canard - 1
Wil Hahn - 1

WMX Class Stats:

• The WMX Class has raced at Colorado since it became part of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship schedule in 2005.

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Honda - 2
Yamaha - 2
Kawasaki - 1
Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
Honda - 2009

2010 Stats

WMX Class Point Standings - After 2 of 8 rounds

1. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha, 100
2. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda, 86
3. Tarah Gieger, Winter Gardens, Fla., Honda, 77
4. Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Yamaha, 65
5. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Yamaha, 56
6. Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki, 51
7. Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha, 48
8. Elizabeth Bash, Riverside, Calif., Honda, 46
9. Alexah Pearson, Rocklin, Calif., Yamaha, 44
10. Erica Cook, Natalia, Texas, Yamaha, 40
11. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Japan, Suzuki, 40

WMX Class Overall Wins
Jessica Patterson - 2

WMX Class Moto Wins
Jessica Patterson - 4
WMX Class Wins by Brand
Yamaha - 2
For tickets and fan and racing information on the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log on to www.allisports.com.
For more information about the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact media coordinator Brandon Short via email at brandon@mxsports.com or by telephone at (949) 365-5750.

About the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is the world's most prestigious motocross series. The Series is managed and produced by MX Sports Pro Racing, whose mission is to raise awareness of motocross racing through the promotion of professional championship racing events nationwide.
The series is also produced in conjunction with Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, a global business that encompasses national and international action sports events, multimedia production and a consumer-based lifestyle brand. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a vast network of athletes, fans, brands and properties.
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross series is sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America. AMA Pro Racing operates a full schedule of events and championships across every spectrum of motorcycle competition.

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• Budd's Creek series Statistical Report (01659d2.netsolhost.com)

Courtesy of American Honda Racing

Torrance, CA: The Honda Red Riders took on round four of the 2010 AMA Motocross Championship at Budds Creek in Mechanicsville, MD, on Saturday, June 19, and Honda Red Bull Racing's Andrew Short led the charge with his first moto win of the season on his CRF450R.

Short rode a faultless opening moto to clinch his first win in 2010, nabbing the holeshot and leading every lap of the race. Fast out of the start gate, Short extended a comfortable lead out front en route to victory. In moto two, Short jumped to an early lead but a few errors during the race saw him fall back and finish in fifth. Short's solid 1-5 results put him 2nd overall-equaling his best overall result this season. His Honda Red Bull teammate Davi Millsaps got a mid-pack start in moto one and was holding down eighth spot when he crashed hard, requiring trackside medical attention and a trip to the hospital. Examination ascertained that Millsaps suffered multiple injuries so he was kept at the hospital for observation. It is anticipated that he will be released shortly to return home, where he will be under the care of his regular physician.

"It's awesome to win again," said Short. "The last time I won a moto was at the Colorado motocross race in 2007 so this has been a long time coming. I owe the Honda Red Bull Racing team and our sponsors a huge shout out for all the support they've given me over the years. Everyone on the team puts in a huge effort each and every week and I'm just really happy I could repay them with a win. I got great starts in both motos, which I'm pumped about. In moto two I just didn't ride as smooth as I did in the first moto but I'm happy to get second overall for the round. I can't wait to be on home soil next week and race in front of my Colorado home crowd. I'm feeling really motivated so it should be a lot of fun."

In more 450-class action, GEICO Powersports Honda's Brett Metcalfe ran among the top contenders in both motos before going 6-6 and finishing the round sixth overall. Troy Lee Designs Honda's Ben Townley went 14-3 to finish eighth overall.

In the 250 class, Justin Barcia showed he had the skills and speed to battle up front aboard his GEICO Powersports Honda CRF250R, going 3-2 and finishing the round second overall. Troy Lee Designs Honda'sWil Hahn rode a solid first moto and was fastest out of the start gate in moto two to go 5-4 for fifth overall. GEICO Powersports Honda's Trey Canard went 7-8 for seventh overall and teammate BlakeWharton finished in ninth (11-9). Eli Tomac got the moto one holeshot aboard his GEICO Powersports Honda CRF250R but managed only a mid-pack start in the second moto and finished 10th overall (10-13).

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Dungey 3-1
2. Andrew Short 1-5 (Honda)
3. Chad Reed 4-2
4. Josh Grant 5-4
5. Mike Alessi 2-12
6. Brett Metcalfe 6-6 (Honda)
7. Ryan Sipes 7-7
8. Ben Townley 14-3 (Honda)
9. Kyle Chisholm 8-8
10. Justin Brayton 10-10

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Dungey 171
2. Chad Reed 135
3. Brett Metcalfe 131
4. Mike Alessi 129
5. Andrew Short 120
6. Josh Grant 116
7. Ben Townley 114
8. Ryan Sipes 81
9. Kyle Chisholm 81
10. Tommy Hahn 81

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. DeanWilson 4-1
2. Justin Barcia 3-2 (Honda)
3. Tyla Rattray 2-3
4. Christophe Pourcel 1-6
5. Wil Hahn 5-4 (Honda)
6. Broc Tickle 6-5
7. Trey Canard 7-8 (Honda)
8. Martin Davalos 9-10
9. BlakeWharton 11-9 (Honda)
10. Eli Tomac 10-13 (Honda)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Christophe Pourcel 169
2. Tyla Rattray 144
3. DeanWilson 143
4. Justin Barcia 121
5. Broc Tickle 120
6. Trey Canard 120
7. Eli Tomac 109
8. Wil Hahn 106
9. JakeWeimer 94
10. Martin Davalos 82

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Budd's Creek Race Report...Monster Energy / Pro Circuit Kawasaki

Courtesy of Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki
Corona, Calif. – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson earned his first career AMA overall win as well as his first moto win at Budds Creek in Maryland. The 18-year-old rookie went 4-1 to claim his first victory just two weeks after nearly earning the win at Freestone. Tyla Rattray continued his string of podium finishes going 2-3 to finish third overall. The 250-class points leader Christophe Pourcel was fourth overall going 1-6. Jake Weimer went 21-7 to finish 12th overall.

Pourcel once again dominated qualifying as he earned the first gate pick for the fourth straight event. Wilson was fifth fastest, Rattray was ninth quick and Weimer was 11th in qualifying.

"I felt really good in the first moto," said Pourcel. "I didn't get a good start in the second moto and I ended up crashing really big. I am happy that I still have the points lead and just need to put together two good motos."

In the first moto, Pourcel got a good start and led wire-to-wire to claim his fourth moto win of the season. Behind him, Rattray again got a good start crossing the line in fifth with Weimer just back in seventh. Weimer was running well until lap eight when he dropped back to 33rd in the order. He spent the last half of the moto clawing his way back up to 21st. Also moving up was Wilson who moved from 11th to sixth in 10 laps. Rattray rode a steady race slowly working his way into second.

"In the second moto, I thought I had the pass, but I just barely went off the track and that pushed me back a few seconds so I settled in for third," said Rattray. "It was a pretty tough race with the humidity. I am definitely happy to be on the podium, just wish I could have made that pass."

In the second moto it was Wilson who got the jump out of the gate, running second for two laps before making a pass for the lead. Wilson went on to lead the last 14 circuits to claim his first moto win, but he wasn’t sure if it was enough to clinch the overall. Pourcel, Rattray and Weimer were all running together fifth through seventh early in the race and the trio kept picking off spots. Rattray held the best lines as he worked his way up to third while Pourcel would finish sixth and Weimer seventh.

"The feeling of winning my first race was incredible, but I think it would be that much better if I would have known it at the checkered flag," said Wilson. "It's been a long time coming so it's nice to finally get the monkey off my back and hopefully I can put some more wins together."

Pourcel, Rattray and Wilson continue to hold down the top three spots in the championship standings, as the team now must prepare for the challenges of Thunder Valley, just outside of Denver.Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

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Budd's Creek Race Report...Dragon Race Fuels

Courtesy of Dragon Race Fuels
Mechanicsville, MD – Budds Creek proved to be disappointing for the Team Dragon Racing Fuels #175 Phil Nicoletti. With solid qualifying times Phil and the Team were excited about the day ahead.

As the gate dropped in the first moto, Nicoletti came off the start in 16th place. Working his way through the 13th spot, Phil battled with Tommy Searle for the 12th position. With confidence building as Nicoletti pushed towards the top ten riders, fate reared up and bit hard. Nicoletti‘s bike experienced a rare clutch problem that forced him out of the moto early. Between moto’s, the team worked hard to get the problem resolved and had his bike ready for the second moto.

In the second moto, Nicoletti lined up in the first gate on the inside and visually drew his line towards the first turn. When the gate dropped, he grabbed a handful of throttle and headed into the corner banging bars with Justin Barcia and Christophe Pourcel for the holeshot. Coming into the turn, Nicoletti was pinched tightly and picked up a piece of the tough block cover in his rear wheel. Unaware of the problem he came out in 12th position. Phil worked his way up and battled with Martin Davalos for the 9th position. Blake Wharton jumped into the battle and it was a three way race for the position at that point. Wharton passed Nicoletti and the chase was on. With Trey Canard now chasing the group, Nicoletti was pushing and riding hard. As Phil was screaming hard down Henry Hill, his rear break became clogged with the piece of a tough block cover he picked up on the first turn and his rear brake failed causing him to go over the bars. Unable to fix the problem on the track he was forced into an early exit from the moto. Nicoletti went (39) (36) giving him a 39th overall.

AG Motorsports, Team Dragon Racing Fuels/1-866-KTM-PART would like to thank their sponsors for their incredible support; Dragon Racing Fuels, 1-866-KTM-PART, Motorex, PR2 Racing, Fox Shox, Dunlop Tires, MGX Unlimited, DUBYA, KSR Wheels, K&N Engineering, Gold Fren Brake Power, DT1, TAG Metals, Cycra Plastics, FMF Racing, Boyesen Engineering, and Mechanix Wear.

Dragon Racing Fuels is solely manufactured by Performance Products Inc. a division of Newton Oil Company Inc. based in Lafayette, Indiana. Dragon Racing Fuels can be purchased from elite distributors nationwide. Stay tuned for upcoming news from Team Dragon Racing Fuels.

www.dragonracingfuels.com
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Dunlop Congratulates 2010 SX Champions

Courtesy of Dunlop Tires
Buffalo, NY: Dunlop Motorcycle Tires proudly extends its congratulations to the Supercross and Supercross Lites champions for 2010: Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki), Supercross Lites West Champion Jake Weimer (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki), and Supercross Lites East Champion Christophe Pourcel (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki). The 2010 season began with plenty of fanfare and excitement—as expected. But the men who would make their mark on the season began their run early on and never let up.

All three riders accomplished these feats and more on their way to earning a championship while riding on Dunlop tires—this in a year that saw Dunlop step up its commitment to Supercross racing to support the paddock like no other company. Although there have been five brands of tires in the SX paddock, if you measure performance by trips to the podium, Dunlop has far and away outperformed all other tires in 2010.

• When combining all 34 main events at the 17 rounds of Supercross and Lites races, Dunlop riders comprised an astounding 95.8 percent of the field.
• Dunlop fitment reached 100 percent in 14 main events this year.
• Dunlop riders filled all three spots on every Supercross and Lites podium all season long.
• Dunlop riders filled all top-ten spots in every main event except three Lites races where Dunlop riders finished in nine out of the top 10 positions.

“Dunlop really had to step up to accommodate our broad-reaching fitment in Supercross racing this year,” said Broc Glover, Dunlop Senior Manager, Motorcycle Off-Road. “We are committed to supporting our sport despite some really challenging market conditions and it certainly showed in our results this season. I want to thank all of our engineers, tire fitters and support staff, and all the teams, for their hard work as we now gear up for the 2010 Motocross season.”

About Dunlop Tires
Dunlop Tires is the largest supplier of original equipment and replacement motorcycle tires in the U.S. and the only manufacturer of motorcycle tires in North America. With North American operations headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Dunlop has been making and selling high-quality tires in the U.S. since 1923. For more information, visit www.dunlopmotorcycle.com. Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

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FMF/KTM Race Report – Las Vegas Supercross

Courtesy of FMF/KTM

FMF/KTM Race Report – Las Vegas Supercross

Las Vegas, NV – FMF/KTM rider Phil Nicoletti had an up and down weekend at the Las Vegas Supercross race at Sam Boyd Stadium.
Nicoletti started the day well with three solid practices. He qualified 8th overall out of the West Lites riders after all practices were through and returned to the pits to gear up for the heat.
Nicoletti was in heat number two. He got a great jump coming around the first turn in 2nd position and was in 4th by the time they came inside the stadium from the outside start gate. He remained in 4th for the first few laps before he missed a jump and was passed by a train of three riders that were close behind him. Now in 7th, he maintained his pace and finished the heat only losing one more position to qualify 8th.
Nicoletti powerfully launched off the line at the start of the Lites main event but was pinched off in the first corner due to his outside start position. When they came inside the stadium he had fallen to the tail end of the pack and was sitting in 17th. After a rough start, Nicoletti began to pick up his lap times and began making passes. He quickly moved to 15th and then a lap later moved up to 14th. He was handed 13th after Canard crashed and remained there to the finish.
“My lap times were consistent tonight but I just struggled in some areas. I am glad to finish the season safely and look forward to outdoors starting. I definitely want to extend my gratitude to all my sponsors who have been there for me this season,” remarked Nicoletti
Overall Results –
1) Jake Weimer
2) Josh Hansen
3) Christophe Pourcel
4) Dean Wilson
5) Justin Barcia
6) Broc Tickle
7) Martin Davalos
8) Travis Baker
9) Ryan Morais
10) Trey Canard
11) Cole Seely
12) Hunter Hewitt
13) Phil Nicoletti
14) Michael Willard
15) Jake Canada
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Pourcel East Coast SX Champion

Courtesy of Pro Circuit Racing
Corona, Calif. (April 11, 2010) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel locked up his second straight AMA Supercross Lites Eastern Region Championship at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Pourcel raced to his fifth win of the season and scored enough points to claim the No. 1 plate while his teammate Dean Wilson crashed on the last lap while trying to make a pass for second, finishing ninth.

Pourcel has two races remaining in his remarkable AMA Supercross Lites career. There is the East Coast finale next week in St. Louis and the Dave Coombs Memorial East-West Shootout in Las Vegas on May 8. In his SX Lites career, Pourcel has 12 wins in 19 starts.

“I normally don’t think about the championship at the races, I just want to put in a good race,” said Pourcel. “I am really happy that I was able to wrap it up early, but next week I still want to go out with a win.”

Pourcel set the fastest time in qualifying practice for the seventh straight week more than a half-second ahead of his nearest competitor. It was Wilson who was second, a tenth faster than third place. In the Heat races, Pourcel earned another win while Wilson overcame a tough start to finish second.

In the main event Pourcel led wire to wire after getting out of the starting gate in a good position. Wilson was fourth after the first lap but then made the move to a podium spot on the second lap. The Canadian rider kept pushing trying to move up to second throughout the race and on the final lap he went down in the whoops section. Wilson saw an opportunity to make the pass but a small mistake cost him a spot on the podium.

“I was so disappointed that I made that mistake,” said Wilson. “I know everyone makes mistakes, but that one hurt a little bit. I really wanted to be on the podium. Next week I want to finish with my best result.”

The AMA Supercross Lites Eastern Region season will wrap up next week at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis.Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

Dallas SX Notes

Courtesy of Feld Entertainment
AURORA, Ill. – The 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, makes its first visit to the great state of Texas this weekend and a return to historic Dallas and the inaugural visit to the brand new, state-of-the-art Cowboys Stadium located in Arlington.

Monster Energy Supercross’ last visit to Dallas was in 2008 and if history is any indication, Saturday night will surely be memorable in what has already been an incredible season. Cowboys Stadium is the newest and largest venue on the supercross schedule and serves as the perfect location to showcase the series in the midst of a heated championship battle.

The weekend was bittersweet for the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team as both of its full-time riders scored runner-up finishes in the AMA Supercross and AMA Supercross Lites classes, respectively. While their efforts were strong, both premier class championship leader Ryan Dungey and current Eastern Regional Championship second place holder Austin Stroupe wanted to win in front of the Toronto fans.

"I always want to get the win,” said Dungey. “But we have a great team and will just keep working hard and trying to improve. We are going to be strong in Texas and hope to get back on the top spot (this weekend).”

“I’m really disappointed that I didn’t get the win in Toronto,” said Stroupe. “But I rode well and it was nice to close in on the points lead. I’m still looking for wins though, not seconds.”

Dungey’s three wins still have him with a strong advantage heading into this weekend’s race and he will be looking to bring Ryan Villopoto’s momentum to a halt to regain control of the championship. For Stroupe, his runner-up streak now sits at four races and he sits just seven points out of the lead. If he continues to ride as consistently as he has been, it will only be a matter of time before he stands atop the podium.

Fresh off his fifth win of the season last weekend in Toronto for Monster Energy Kawasaki, Villopoto continues to win in the AMA Supercross class as he looks to claim his first premier class title. Last week, Villopoto led 19 of the 20 laps in the main event to close within 17 points of Dungey.

“I just need to keep winning,” said Villopoto. “If I can stay on top of the box, I can win the championship. With every win I gain at least three points, but if someone makes a mistake it could be more. I don’t know what to expect at Dallas, it is a new stadium and all I know is there is a big screen there.”

In the AMA Supercross Lites Eastern Regional Championship, current points leader Christophe Pourcel was forced to watch his winning-streak snapped last weekend. However, the Frenchman still has a strong grasp on the points lead and is halfway to claiming his second straight Eastern Regional title.

“It is going to be a long fight,” said Pourcel. “It was a tough weekend in Toronto, but I still finished third and I still have the points lead. I’m just going to keep working hard and try to get back on top.”

For rookie Dean Wilson, the trip to Toronto was bittersweet as he finished just one spot off of the podium in his adopted country. After week of media opportunities, the 18-year-old really wanted to be on the box.

“Finishing fourth isn’t bad,” said Wilson. “But I know I can do better. Canada is a great place and the fans were behind me all night. It was a great experience and hopefully I can win there someday.”

Despite rumors of his return, Chad Reed will once again miss the action this weekend as he continues to recover from his early-season injury. AMA Supercross Lites rider Tyla Rattray will also sit out as a result of injury.

Over at the Honda Red Bull Racing stable, Trey Canard continued to demonstrate his depth of talent since stepping up mid-season to fill in for injured Andrew Short aboard the CRF450R. Canard has racked up three consecutive podium finishes in just four outings and last weekend in Toronto added a Supercross-class holeshot win to his growing list of accomplishments.

“The past few weeks have been a real whirlwind; all the traveling, testing and getting used to the bigger bike,” said Canard. “But I feel really good about the way things have gone and I’m proud of how I’ve raced. This weekend’s race in Texas should be a lot of fun, especially getting to race in the new Cowboys Stadium for the first time. I’ve seen pictures of the new stadium and it looks awesome so I’m really looking forward to racing there.”

Teammate Davi Millsaps crashed out in Toronto while chasing Canard down for the third spot. Aboard his CRF450R, Millsaps rallied hard and made up a lot of ground after getting a mid-pack start and was well in the hunt for the podium spot when he crashed. While sore, he is still eager to compete this weekend.

“No one wants to crash out of a race but if you do, then you want to do it knowing you were laying everything on the line and going for it—that’s what I did,” said Millsaps. “I know I am fast on the track but I haven’t been getting good starts, which means I have to come from a long way back, increasing my chances of something going wrong. We are just past the halfway point in the series and I’m fourth in the championship points. With seven rounds to go I’m still well in the running to be on the championship podium.”

GEICO Powersports Honda’s veteran racer Kevin Windham continues to prove that age is no barrier when it comes to mixing it up with much younger competitors in the AMA Supercross class. While his speed may not be where it once was, his vast amount of experience gives him a leg up on the competition and has allowed him to be in the thick of the podium fight each week.

“I like that I’m still seen as being a threat in the supercross class at 32 years of age,” said Windham. “I’ve finished on three podiums this year, scored a few top-five finishes that I’m really happy about but I’m definitely hungry to get a win under my belt this year. I’ve been riding the Honda CRF450R for many years now and I believe that’s a real advantage. We’ve hardly changed anything going from race to race this year, which is a real testament to the machine and the GEICO Powersports Honda team.”

GEICO Powersports Honda’s Justin Barcia had the most memorable weekend of his young career last weekend in Toronto, claiming his first AMA Supercross Lites victory in his rookie season after grabbing the holeshot and leading all 15 laps of the main event.

“When I got the holeshot in the main I knew that the race was mine to lose,” said Barcia. “I knew I had the speed to win—I have all season—I just needed to ride a smart race and keep a level head throughout, and that’s what I did. Winning my first pro race is something I will never forget but I can’t spend too much time reveling in it. I now need to turn my focus towards this week’s race in Texas and make sure I give myself that same great start in the main.”

Tickets are available at the Cowboys Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 800-745-3000 and at www.supercrossonline.com. Club Seats $55.00 Adult / $27.50 Kids; Price Level 2 seats $50.00 Adult / $25.00 Kids; Price Level 3 seats $45.00 Adult / $22.50 Kids and. Price Level 4 seats are $40.00 Adult / $20.00 Kids.

SPEED will broadcast the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class at 5:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 21 and the AMA Supercross class at 6:00 p.m. EST.

A season-long subscription to the official webcast of Monster Energy Supercross, Supercross LIVE®, is available for $39.99:  http://www.supercrossonline.com/supercrosslive.  Supercross LIVE® is the only weekly live Monster Energy Supercross race call, and features long time voices of supercross, Jason Weigandt and Jim Holley.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.

About Feld Motor Sports?
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, SuperBull?, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Nuclear Cowboyz?, Gravity Slashers?, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.Was this post helpful? Add yours to our service or subscribe to our feed above.

Things Get Topsy-Turvy in Southwick

Courtesy of Alli Sports

As the saying goes, there’s a reason why they run the races. Both classes proved that today at Southwick, round 11 of the 12-round Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Coming into the event, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel led the 250cc class by a full 13 points over Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, and Dungey needed help to win the title, because even if he won every moto from Southwick on to the end of the year, Pourcel would only have to finish second each time to secure the championship.

However, ask and ye shall receive. At Southwick, things went pear-shaped on Pourcel something fierce.

In moto one, Pourcel got a horrible start on the wet, sandy, rutted circuit and moved slowly forward until he sat fifth, while Dungey sat second. The points gap between the positions was six points, and if things stayed that way, the two would’ve gone into moto two only seven points apart.

However, with less than two laps to go, Pourcel’s bike gave up the ghost. He ended the moto with a DNF and no points scored. Dungey did all he could do in second, but he had to settle for the spot, as rookie sensation Justin Barcia, from the GEICO Powersports Honda team, took his first-ever moto victory after passing Dungey around the halfway point.

Barcia’s teammates Blake Wharton and Brett Metcalfe were third and fourth, and Pourcel’s teammates Austin Stroupe and Tyla Rattray were fifth and sixth.

Moto two was all Tyla Rattray out front, though. He got the holeshot and led every lap. However, Pourcel was the last one up in a first-turn pileup and rejoined the race in last while his title rival Dungey rounded lap one in 14th. Barcia was 17th. Metcalfe was second.

As Barcia chased Dungey through the pack, Pourcel worked his way forward, but his advance stalled at 10th place, and then he lost that spot to teammate Jake Weimer, who fell early in the race and took a long time starting his bike. Weimer eventually caught up to ninth.

Barcia worked on Dungey until they sat third and fourth at about the halfway point, and then Barcia took over the third position with two laps to go, solidifying his first-ever AMA National victory. Rattray won the moto over Metcalfe. Dungey was fourth, Ryan Sipes fifth, Tommy Searle sixth.

Pourcel finished well off the pace in 11th and leaves Southwick with a 17-point deficit to make up at the final next weekend at Steel City. It’s a daunting task, to be sure, but at the same time, Dungey made up 30 points in one day at Southwick, so anything’s possible.

In the 450cc class, it was all Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed in moto one. He got the holeshot and led every lap, running away with a wire-to-wire victory over fellow Aussies Jake Moss (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Michael Byrne. Rookie Kyle Regal was fourth in the first moto, in yet another strong ride, and local boy Robby Marshall was fifth, just in front of Valli Yamaha’s Matt Goerke, Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short, Jagermeister KTM’s Justin Brayton, Canidae/Motosport Kawasaki’s Tommy Hahn, local legend John Dowd and Floridian Ricky Renner (riding a 2007 Honda CRF450R practice bike).

In the second moto, Short got the holeshot but was quickly passed by Reed, then by Goerke for second, then by Dowd for third, Byrne for fourth, Hahn and Tedesco for fifth and sixth, etc. Reed led until just after the finish line on lap 9 of 16, when he cross-rutted and went down hard on the downside of the finish-line jump, handing the lead to Goerke.

Goerke led the rest of the race and, in his third race as a replacement rider at Team Yamaha, won his first-ever AMA National overall. He had never been on the podium at a national previous to this one.

Byrne finished second overall with a 3-3 and Dowd was a very popular third with a 10-2.

However, the championship was decided last week, so even if Reed sits out the finale as he recovers from his bruises and bumps, the championship is over.

Matt Goerke

Same-Day Southwick MX Coverage on SPEED

Courtesy of MX Sports
As the season draws to a close, the demand for coverage of the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship has reached a pinnacle and SPEED has responded, presenting three hours of exclusive coverage this Saturday, August 29.

Ryan Dungey is racing for the series championship against racers like Christophe Pourcel and Jake Weimer.

Beginning at 8 p.m. ET, the super competitive 250 Class race from Budds Creek will kick-off an evening of the world's premier motocross racing. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel and Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki's Ryan Dungey are in the midst of a major battle for the series championship, but a determined Jake Weimer had plans of his own.

Immediately following the Budds Creek 250 race at 9 p.m. ET, SPEED will present the first of two same-day coverage broadcasts from Saturday's Moto-X 338 Motocross National in Southwick, Mass. The 250 Class and its aforementioned title fight take center stage for the first time in 2009.

At 10 p.m. ET, newly-crowned 450 Class Champion Chad Reed looks for his sixth overall victory of the season and a continued dominance of the premier class aboard his Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki. However, Honda Red Bull Racing teammates Andrew Short and Ivan Tedesco are in the midst of a tight battle for the runner-up position in the standings and know a win would help solidify their efforts. Throw in Southwick legend John Dowd as a special guest competitor and the stage is set for a possible upset victory.

AMA Motocross Budds Creek Team Preview Courtesy of MX Sports

Courtesy of MX Sports
The chase for the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship has hit the home stretch. With just three rounds remaining, the premier 450 Class title fight appears to be nearly wrapped up by Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki's Chad Reed who holds an impressive 82-point lead over Honda Red Bull Racing's Andrew Short in second place. In fact, with a strong enough performance and some misfortune from his foes, Reed has a chance to wrap up his first career outdoor motocross championship on Saturday.

Christophe Pourcel holds a slow growing lead over Ryan Dungey as the race heads in to the last few rounds.

In the 250 Class, the series has had a summer-long back and forth battle between Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel and Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki's Ryan Dungey. Virtually every weekend has seen a change in favor of one rider in one moto and right back to the other in the next moto. Heading into last weekend's race at Unadilla, the duo was tied, marking the first time two red number plates signifying the points leaders were used. Currently, the difference between the only title contenders in the class sits at a miniscule six points with six motos left to be run.

This weekend, the series heads to the Eastern seaboard for the first of three rounds from coastal states in Mechanicsville, Md. and the infamous Budds Creek MX Park for the Monster Energy Motocross National which will be featured LIVE on NBC, Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. With high temperatures and even higher humidity, the final trio of events will be a true test of will power for all of the riders, showcasing one of the primary characteristics that makes American Motocross one of the world's toughest sports: endurance. Budds Creek has been the site of many memorable events since joining the series in 1989 and it will likely play that role again this weekend.

450 Class

Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki

Reed continues to hold a commanding lead over second place.

Prior to his full-time return to the series this season, Reed's last appearance in the outdoors was at Budds Creek in 2007. That day he brought home a third place finish and since coming back, he has not relinquished that consistency that makes him one of the best riders in the world. With his fourth overall victory at Unadilla, Reed has now won six of the last eight motos, including two straight 1-1 sweeps. Barring an unlikely turn of events, it is only a matter of time before the Australian grabs his fourth career AMA #1 plate. Teammate Michael Byrne continues to come on strong. The fellow Australian has arguably been the second strongest rider during the second half of the season, posting another podium result last weekend. His 4-3 performance tied him for second overall in points, but he ended up third by virtue of second moto finishes. He currently sits comfortably in fifth spot in the standings, but will be looking to move up over the next three weekends.

Michael Byrne has continued to lay down some solid results, finishing 4-3 and Unadilla.

"Budds Creek is awesome and it's one of my favorite tracks," exclaimed Reed. "I'm looking forward to the race because I think this track will favor the Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki RM-Z450. Also, we've been working really hard on winning this championship and this weekend is another chance to gain some more points over the competition."

"Budds Creek is a lot of fun," boasted Byrne. "It has a lot of elevation changes and a lot of big jumps. The soil there is really good and I enjoy that track. Hopefully, we can keep on getting stronger and finish out the season on a high note."

Honda Red Bull Racing

Andrew Short continues the fight to catch up to Chad Reed but is it too late?

After posting its worst collective outing of the season at Washougal, Honda bounced back strongly at Unadilla, placing every rider within the top 10 overall. Andrew Short led the way with a runner-up finish to keep his chances alive in the title fight. It also helped the Colorado native gap teammate Ivan Tedesco who sits third in the standings for what is shaping up to be an exciting battle till the end. A resurgent Davi Millsaps showed stellar speed with a third place moto one result, but was bit my misfortune yet again in moto two, dropping to 11th for fifth overall. As for Tedesco, his promising starts in each moto did not translate into the results he had hoped for, finishing 6-8 for seventh overall and losing 10 points to his teammate. Last season at Budds Creek, Short held the Honda flag high with third overall. Tedesco, who was forced to miss the race, is eager for a return while Millsaps hopes to continue his strong riding and earn a little more luck.

"It felt great to put the Honda Red Bull Racing team in second place on the podium last weekend," stated Short. "I have every intention of being back on the podium again this weekend. Budds Creek is an awesome track and I grabbed third overall there last year. With three rounds left to race I'm definitely chasing podium finishes and hopefully get that breakthrough race win I promised myself at the start of 2009."

Tedesco is preparing for Budds Creek but also has 2009 MXoN to worry about.

"It's been a while since I've raced at Budds Creek," said Tedesco."I'm really looking forward to laying down fast laps in Maryland this weekend. There's a good buzz about the team this week after finding out I'd been chosen as part of Team USA for the 2009 Motocross of Nations, so I want to harness that positive energy toward another good performance this weekend."

JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha
With the loss of Josh Grant, New Zealander Cody Cooper led the way for the Joe Gibbs Racing team. After a breakout performance in 2008 at Unadilla, hopes were high for Cooper last weekend, but bad luck hit him in each moto, resulting in hard-luck moto finishes of 17th and 30th for 19th overall. Christian Craig made his professional debut for the team in Grants absence and showed signs of speed, but like his teammate, was a victim of hard luck, finishing 33rd. With a sixth place finish to show for at Budds Creek one year ago, Cooper hopes to bounce back.

Monster Energy Kawasaki
Timmy Ferry's difficult season received a boost last weekend when the veteran rider posted his best result of 2009. In just his fourth race this season, Ferry was able to earn points in each moto for the first time, finishing 11th and seventh for 10th overall. With a small swing of momentum behind him and a runner-up finish at Budds Creek last season, Ferry could be a wild card for a podium finish on Saturday. Joining Ferry under the canopy this weekend will be Australian Jake Moss. Riding Honda's all season long, Moss will need to make a quick adjustment to the new bike, but the talent he has shown in what has been a breakout year for him should make for a seamless transition.

"Budds Creek is one of my favorite tracks," boasted Ferry. "I rode pretty well last week and I have some confidence heading into the race this weekend. My goal is to get back on the podium and I think I can be there this weekend."

Brayton has maintained his momentum on the 450cc KTM with very close to a podium at Unadilla.

Jagermeister KTM
After posting a career-best fourth place finish at Washougal, Justin Brayton replicated that result at Unadilla, continuing to inch closer to that elusive inaugural podium result. Despite unlikely finishes of eighth and fourth in the motos, Brayton has been consistent in recent weeks and is a sign of the depth within the 450 Class. With confidence riding high, Brayton will look to be another new face at the front of the field.

"I continue to get closer each week," explained Brayton. "I am determined to put my KTM on the podium for the remaining rounds."

250 Class

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki
Nothing appears to phase Christophe Pourcel. The calm, cool and collected Frenchmen witnessed a nine point lead dwindle to nothing over the course of two rounds, but rather than let his emotions get the best of him, the former World Champion made a statement at Unadilla with a dominating 1-1 performance that gave him sole possession of first place in the standings. With just three rounds to go, he knows now is the time to make every moto count. Teammate Jake Weimer bounced back at Unadilla as well after a pair of disappointing results by his standards. His third overall provided a boost of confidence for the Idaho native and with two wins under his belt already this season, he is hungry for number three. In his first race back since injuring his hip at the series' second race of the season, Austin Stroupe showed the speed that makes him a threat to win each and every week. After misfortune dropped him to 34th in moto one, the young rider rebounded to finish sixth in moto two to salvage 11th overall. Also rejoining the team this week is South African rookie Tyla Rattray. After injuring his thumb four rounds ago, he returns hungrier than ever to reclaim his spot at the front of the pack and return to the podium that has eluded him since the season's opening round.

Stroupe had a rough first moto but bounced back just short of the top-10 overall.

"I'm going to be patient and just take what comes to me," said Pourcel. "I've won titles before and I know what I need to do to get the number one plate. We should have fun in these last three races."

"Last weekend was good, but I want to get another win," explained Weimer. "Once you get one win you want more. I've been riding well this week and we did some testing so hopefully that will help me get on the box."

"I really like the track," stated Stroupe. "It fits my style and I always seem to ride well there. I hope it's a good weekend for me."

Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki
With two wins in a row, it appeared as though Ryan Dungey was prepared to make a strong run at the championship. However, his momentum was slowed thanks to the performance of his rival. Despite missing out on his fifth win of the season, Dungey still minimized the damage by posting a pair of runner-up finishes in an impressive ride through the field. He sits just three points back and has a runner-up finish at Budds Creek one year ago to give him the extra boost of confidence he needs to get back on top. With just three races to go, its crunch time for Dungey and he needs to make it count every time the gate drops. Perhaps providing some support for Dungey in his fight this weekend will be Cole Seely. A Suzuki support rider, Seely will debut with the factory 250 team this weekend, marking the first time all season a pair of bikes will come from the Rockstar/Makita team.

Dungey is on the heels of Pourcel for championship points. Will Budds Creek be the deciding race?

"Budds Creek is a great track," stated Dungey. "It's a lot of fun and it's one of the better ones on the racing circuit. We've been working really hard as a team and trying to chip away at the points on the championship so it would be great to get a win there this weekend. So we're just going to keep doing what we've been doing and do our best at Budds Creek."

GEICO Powersports Honda
The GEICO Powersports Honda crew was strong at Unadilla, with all three riders running in the top five at some point in each of the day's motos. Australian veteran Brett Metcalfe led the way and has been very consistent throughout the latter part of the season. His pair of fourth place finishes gave him fourth overall and further solidified his third place spot in the standings. Last season, he rounded out the podium at Budds Creek and expects to do equally as well this weekend. Justin Barcia was eager to do well in front of his hometown crowd and was strong throughout each moto, but some misfortune caused the rookie to drop slightly at the end of each moto with seventh and 10th resulting in eighth overall. Blake Wharton was also strong. After a solid fifth place run in moto one, the Texas native was making a bid for the podium in moto two before a frightening crash took him out of the race to 28th and relegated him to 11th overall. Wharton has shown a tendency to recover well from bad luck and will look to do so again on Saturday.

Justin Barcia fought hard to impress the home crowd and managed an eighth overall.

"So far this season, I think I've done really well," remarked Metcalfe. "I've definitely been building momentum and have become a real contender for the championship podium. I feel pretty good positioned third in points with three rounds to go. I successfully finished third on the podium at Budds Creek last year and I typically enjoy racing on the Maryland track; it should be a good weekend for me."

Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM
Tommy Searle's second half of the season has not gone the way he had hoped, especially after posting three straight overall podium finishes. At Unadilla, the British rider found himself deep within the top ten in each moto, garnering 10th and 7th place finishes to bring home seventh overall. He hopes to bounce back this weekend and regain the momentum he had just a few rounds earlier. In his first race of the 2009 season after returning from injury, Ryan Sipes put forth a respectable performance for 16th overall. He looks to build on his race conditioning for the remainder of the season.

Searle is trying to make the best of his season, falling short the past few races after posting three straight podiums earlier.

"I attempted to race Unadilla and performed decently the first moto but really suffered from my wrist in the second moto and was forced to pull off," explained Sipes. "I am hoping my wrist has improved and that I can maintain my pace through both motos this weekend."

Round 10 Series Statistical Report
• Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey share the series lead for overall victories with four apiece.
• The win was Reed's 43rd career AMA victory but just his fifth in AMA Motocross. The remaining 38 have come in AMA Supercross.
• As a whole, Roger DeCoster's riders have won 55% of the overall victories across both classes (10 of 18).
• Reed has won six of the last eight motos.
• If Reed earns 18 or more points than Andrew Short and leaves Budds Creek with at least a 100-point lead, he will claim his first career AMA Motocross championship.
• Christophe Pourcel is the only rider in the series to finish on the overall podium at all nine races. His worst finish of the season came at Washougal with third overall. It is the only time he didn't finish in the top two.
• Dungey and Pourcel are in the midst of one of the most competitive championship battles in the history of the sport. With his win last weekend, Pourcel holds a six point lead with six motos remaining.
• Both Reed and Pourcel lead their respective classes with 387 points.
• After making his 2009 motocross debut last weekend in the 250 Class, Kevin Windham moves up into the 450 Class for Budds Creek.
• Timmy Ferry captured the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award at Unadilla

450 Class Stats:
• The first 450 Class race held at Budds Creek was May 22, 1994. Mike LaRocco would win on a Kawasaki.
• This will be the 16th time the gate will drop at Budds Creek for the 450 Class.
• Ricky Carmichael held a perfect record at Budds Creek. In eight starts he posted eight overall wins, winning 13 of 16 motos.
• Kevin Windham registered the last "non Carmichael" win in 1999 and is the only rider in the field to have a win at the facility.
• Prior to his return to the series this season, Budds Creek was the site of Chad Reed's last Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship race in 2007. It was the only race Reed competed in that season.

Wins by brand at Budds Creek
Honda - 6
Kawasaki - 4
Suzuki - 3
Yamaha - 2

First time winners at Budds Creek
Ezra Lusk, 1997 - Yamaha

Last win by brand at Budds Creek
Kawasaki - 2008
Suzuki - 2007
Honda - 2004
Yamaha - 1998

Riders to win Budds Creek in both classes
Ricky Carmichael
James Stewart

Brand Sweeps at Budds Creek
Honda; Jeremy McGrath and Steve Lamson - 1995, 1996
Honda; Kevin Windham and Tallon Vohland - 1999
Kawasaki; Ricky Carmichael and Mike Brown- 2001
Kawasaki; James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto - 2008

450 Class Point Standings - Thru 9 of 12 Rounds
1. Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki, 387
2. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 305
3. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 286
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 272
5. Michael Byrne, Australia, Suzuki, 245
6. Thomas Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki, 198
7. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 183
8. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha, 163
9. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Yamaha, 161
10. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 142

450 Class Overall Wins
Chad Reed - 4
Mike Alessi - 2
Josh Grant - 1
Ivan Tedesco - 1
Ryan Villopoto - 1

450 Class Moto Wins
Chad Reed - 8
Mike Alessi - 4
Josh Grant - 2
Ivan Tedesco - 2
Ryan Villopoto - 2

450 Class Wins by Brand
Suzuki - 6
Honda - 1
Kawasaki - 1
Yamaha - 1

450 Class Laps Led
Chad Reed - 83
Josh Grant - 62
Ivan Tedesco - 57
Mike Alessi - 52
Andrew Short - 15
Ryan Villopoto - 8
Davi Millsaps - 3
Jeff Alessi - 2

450 Class Muscle Milk Recovery Rider of the Day - Unadilla
Robby Marshall (M1: 29th, M2: 10th) - 19 positions

250 Class Stats:
• The first 250 Class race was held at Budds Creek on October 8, 1989. Mike Kiedrowski won on a Honda.
• This will be the 20th time the gate will drop for a 250 Class race at Budds Creek.
• Steve Lamson ('94-'96), James Stewart ('02-'04) and Ryan Villopoto ('06-'08) have won three in a row at Budds Creek.
• Suzuki looks to earn its first win at Budds Creek since 1991, which remains its only win at the track. A 16-year drought.
• Kawasaki is looking to capture its fourth consecutive win at Budds Creek for the second time in the history of the facility. Kawasaki has won seven of the last eight races at Kawasaki.

Wins by brand at Budds Creek
Kawasaki - 9
Honda - 7
Yamaha - 2
Suzuki - 1

First time winners at Budds Creek
Tallon Vohland, 1999 - Honda

Last win by brand at Budds Creek
Kawasaki - 2008
Honda - 2005
Yamaha - 2000
Suzuki - 1991

250 Class Point Standings - Thru 9 of 12 Rounds
1. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 387
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 381
3. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 287
4. Tommy Searle, Great Britain, KTM, 268
5. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 255
6. Justin Barcia, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 235
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 227
8. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 214
9. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 175
10. Kyle Cunningham, Ft. Worth, Texas, Kawasaki, 162

250 Class Overall Wins
Ryan Dungey - 4
Christophe Pourcel - 3
Jake Weimer - 2

250 Class Moto Wins
Christophe Pourcel - 10
Ryan Dungey - 7
Jake Weimer - 1

250 Class Wins by Brand
Kawasaki - 5
Suzuki - 4

250 Class Laps Led
Christophe Pourcel - 113
Ryan Dungey - 80
Justin Barcia - 43
Trey Canard - 21
Jake Weimer - 11
Martin Davalos - 6
Blake Wharton - 6

250 Class Muscle Milk Recovery Rider of the Day - Unadilla
Lucas Crespi (M1: 25th, M2: 16th) - 9 positions

Tickets are available are available at the box office or online at www.buddscreek.com and www.allisports.com. Weekend tickets: Adults - $50, Children (6-12) - $30, 5 and Under - Free; Saturday tickets: Adults - $30, Children (6-12) - $10, 5 and Under - Free. Save $5 with advance purchase.

Fans can catch live video feed of the first motos in each of the three classes streaming on the internet at www.allisports.com beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

For more information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log onto www.allisports.co