Villopoto Looking for an Edge as Monster Energy Supercross Makes Third Visit to Anaheim

Courtesy of Feld Motorsports

Villopoto Looking for an Edge as Monster Energy Supercross Makes Third Visit to Anaheim

Anderson Reclaims Possession of Western Regional 250SX Class

AURORA, Ill. (January 27, 2014) –Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, will return to Anaheim, Calif., and Angel Stadium for the third and final time in 2014 this coming weekend with many developing story lines in both classes of racing. The fifth race of the season serves as an opportunity for Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto to gain an edge on his 450SX Class rivals just one week after capturing his second win of the season and reclaiming possession of the championship lead. In the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship, Rockstar Energy Racing’s Jason Anderson seeks his fourth victory of the year.

The action from Anaheim kicks off Saturday, live on FOX Sports 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET (30 minutes earlier than the traditional TV race broadcast time).

Media day is Thursday, January 30, from Noon-2:00 p.m. locally (PT), featuring Team Yoshimura Suzuki and Cycle Trader/Rock River Yamaha.

Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

Last weekend from Oakland, Calif., and the O.co Coliseum, Villopoto put forth the most dominant effort of the 2014 season, leading all 20 laps of the Main Event to secure his second victory in three races and become the first repeat winner in the early stages of the championship. Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart and Discount Tire Racing/TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed rounded out the podium.

“It feels good to be up here tonight,” said Villopoto from the podium. “We have put in a lot of work at the test track, and I have a great team behind me and a great bike under me. I hope I can carry this momentum into Anaheim next weekend.”

Ryan Villopoto

Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

With four races completed and Villopoto earning the distinction of being the first two-time winner of the 2014 season, the storylines in the 450SX Class continue to unfold heading into Anaheim. Some key takeaways in referencing the 40-year history of Monster Energy Supercross suggest Villopoto is in an enviable position, while the parity heavy competition is sure to result in compelling racing:

• The first repeat winner has won the title in 24 of 40 seasons, a rate of 60%.

• For the last 11 years, the first rider to win two races in a single season has gone on to win the championship.

• Jason Anderson has won each of his three Main Events with last lap passes. He has led a total of six laps of the 60 that have been completed in four Main Events.

• Will someone break through as a two-time winner at Angel Stadium this season?

• The emergence of Chad Reed and James Stewart, who have earned back-to-back podium finishes following lackluster 2013 seasons.

• This weekend is the first round of the Toyota Triple Challenge that posts $250,000 to the rider that can win the Main Event at the third race in Anaheim, Arlington, Texas, and East Rutherford, N.J.

In addition to three winners in the first four races in 2014, the 450SX Class Heat Races have had six different winners in eight races, and six different riders have finished on the podium in four Main Events. Additionally, the 450SX Class Semis have had seven different winners in eight races while the LCQ’s have boasted a different winner each week. All this parity has provided some of the most competitive and captivating racing in the 40-year history of Monster Energy Supercross and is an indication of the difficult task that lies ahead of Villopoto as he seeks his fourth-straight world title.

For the third time this season, Anderson won a Western Regional 250SX Class Main Event by making a last-lap pass. Anderson captured the first two races of the 2014 season by surging by Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda’s Cole Seely on the final lap of competition over consecutive weeks and did so again last Saturday when he moved past Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson following a brief loss of power with Wilson’s motorcycle. Anderson reclaimed the points lead with the victory to rebound from a penalty that cost him four points the week prior and give him four wins in his past six Main Events, dating back to last season.

“I can’t believe I keep pulling these off; three wins in four races is huge,” said Anderson. “I hope to come away with the number-one plate at the end of the season. I wanted to be in attack mode tonight, but I also wanted to keep it on two wheels.”

Jason Anderson

Photo Credit: Simon Cudby

Wilson recovered to finish second and claim his first podium finish of the season, while his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate Justin Hill secured his first career podium result in third.

Just two weeks after it hosted the 40^th Anniversary of Monster Energy Supercross, Angel Stadium will host its 63^rd race in the 450SX Class and its 54^th Western Regional 250SX Class race.

The first race held in Anaheim was on December 4, 1976, and Mart Smith won on a Honda. This weekend will mark the 62^nd time the gate will drop for a 450SX Class race in Anaheim and the 24^th time the city has played host to the season opener. James Stewart, Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath are tied on the all-time 450SX Class win list at Anaheim with eight victories. Ivan Tedesco holds the 250SX Class all-time win record in Anaheim with five victories. Angel Stadium is the only stop on the tour that will host three races – January 4, January 18 and February 1.

The first two races in Anaheim during the 2014 season produced two different winners. Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen captured his first career victory at the season-opening race on January 4, while Reed raced to his 42nd career win at the second race on January 18, ending a near two-year winless streak.

Tickets are available at the Angel Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone (800) 745-3000, or online at www.SupercrossOnline.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Practice and qualifying begin at 12:30 p.m. and the Main Event starts at 7:00 p.m. Supervalue seats start at $20. Fans can also get in to the Pits for FREE from 12:30-6 p.m. Race Day when they recycle a MONSTER Energy Can at the stadium’s pit entrance (valid only with event ticket).

Previous race results:

O.co Coliseum

Oakland, Calif.

January 25, 2014

Western Regional 250SX Class Results: Oakland

1.       Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., KTM

2.       Dean Wilson, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Kawasaki

3.       Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki

4.       Cole Seely, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda

5.       Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda

6.       Michael Leib, Menifee, Calif., Honda

7.       Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda

8.       Shane McElrath, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda

9.       Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha

10.    Dean Ferris, Murrieta, Calif., KTM

Western Regional 250SX Class Season Standings

1.       Jason Anderson, Rio Rancho, N.M., KTM, 93

2.       Cole Seely, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 87

3.       Dean Wilson, Wesley Chapel, Fla., Kawasaki, 72

4.       Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda, 69

5.       Cooper Webb, Newport, N.C., Yamaha, 65

6.       Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 64

7.       Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Honda, 54

8.       Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 49

9.       Shane McElrath, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda, 42

10.    Dean Ferris, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 42 

450SX Class Results: Oakland

1.       Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki

2.       James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki

3.       Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Kawasaki

4.       Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM

5.       Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha

6.       Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM

7.       Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda

8.       Wil Hahn, Menifee, Calif., Honda

9.       Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki

10.    Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM

450SX Class Season Standings

1.       Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 84

2.       Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Kawasaki, 77

3.       Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 75

4.       Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 75

5.       Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha, 71

6.       James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 66

7.       Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 56

8.       Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 49

9.       Wil Hahn, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 43

10.    Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 37 

Past Winners in Anaheim

450SX Class

January 18, 2014 January 4, 2014	Chad Reed Ken Roczen
February 2, 2103	Ryan Dungey
January 19, 2013	Ryan Villopoto
January 5, 2013	Davi Millsaps
February 4, 2012	Ryan Villopoto
January 7, 2012	Ryan Villopoto
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
February 2, 2008	Chad Reed
January 19, 2008	Chad Reed
January 5, 2008	Chad Reed
February 3,2007	James Stewart
January 20, 2007	James Stewart
January 6, 2007	James Stewart
February 4, 2006	Ricky Carmichael
January 21, 2006	Ricky Carmichael
January 7, 2006	James Stewart
February 5, 2005	Ricky Carmichael
January 22, 2005	Ricky Carmichael
January 8, 2005	Kevin Windham
January 31, 2004	Kevin Windham
January 17, 2004	Chad Reed
January 3, 2004	Chad Reed
February 1, 2003	Ricky Carmichael
January 18, 2003	Ricky Carmichael
January 4, 2003	Chad Reed
February 2, 2002	Ricky Carmichael
January 18, 2002	Mike LaRocco
January 5, 2002	David Vuillemin
February 3, 2001	Ricky Carmichael
January 20, 2001	Jeremy McGrath
January 6, 2001	Jeremy McGrath
January 15, 2000	Jeremy McGrath
January 8, 2000	Jeremy McGrath
February 6, 1999	Ezra Lusk
January 9, 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 2, 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 4, 1976	Marty Smith

250SX Class

January 18, 2014 January 4, 2014	Cole Seely Jason Anderson
February 2, 2013	Ken Roczen
January 19, 2013	Eli Tomac
January 5, 2013	Eli Tomac
February 4, 2012	Eli Tomac
January 7, 2012	Cole Seely
February 5, 2011	Josh Hansen
January 8, 2011	Josh 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
February 2, 2008	Jason Lawrence
January 19, 2008	Ryan Dungey
January 5, 2008	Ryan Dungey
February 3, 2007	Ryan Villopoto
January 20, 2007	Ryan Villopoto
January 6, 2007	Ryan Villopoto
February 4, 2006	Grant Langston
January 21, 2006	Grant Langston
January 7, 2006	Andrew Short
February 5, 2005	Ivan Tedesco
January 22, 2005	Ivan Tedesco
January 8, 2005	Nathan Ramsey
January 31, 2004	Ivan Tedesco
January 17, 2004	Ivan Tedesco
January 3, 2004	Ivan Tedesco
February 1, 2003	James Stewart
January 18, 2003	James Stewart
January 4, 2003	Travis Preston
February 2, 2002	Broc Sellards
January 19, 2002	David Pingree
January 5, 2002	Travis Preston
February 3, 2001	Ernesto Fonseca
January 20, 2001	Ernesto Fonseca
January 6, 2001	Ernesto Fonseca
January 15, 2000	Tallon Vohland
January 8, 2000	David Pingree
February 6, 1999	Nathan Ramsey
January 9, 1999	Casey Johnson
January 27, 1996	Kevin Windham
January 28, 1995	Damon Huffman
January 29, 1994	Damon Huffman
January 9, 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 2, 1985	Mike Healy

For the first-time ever, the entire Monster Energy Supercross season will air live on FOX Sports. FOX Sports 1 will air 13 races live and FOX Sports 2 will air four races live, in addition to every race re-airing on FOX Sports 2. The live Monster Energy Supercross programming on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports 2 also includes live coverage on the authenticated FOX Sports Go app.

For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com, the official website of Monster Energy Supercross. To follow Monster Energy Supercross on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, log on to www.facebook.com/supercrossLive www.Twitter.com/supercrosslive and www.instagram.com/SupercrossLive.com. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com.SupercrossLive. 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 productions include Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross and Nuclear Cowboyz^®.  Feld Motor Sports 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.

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