2011 AMA Supercross Preview: Toronto Hot

The Jacksonville Supercross was a strange event which led to a much tighter race at the top. Supercross leaders James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto did not finish the Jacksonville race. This cut Villopoto's lead at the top down to just seven points, and dropped Stewart from second place in the standings to 4th.

But the misfortune might not end there for the top two riders. Both riders suffered crashes during the Jacksonville event, and both might not be 100% for this weekend's race. Villopoto seems to be in better shape, however, and claims that he is ready to make up for lost points this weekend.

"I am very disappointed with how tonight went," said Villopoto. "I have been feeling really good and tonight didn't show it at all. I still have the points lead and I'll be looking to make up the points next week in Toronto. I am thankful that I am healthy and now I want to put this race in the past."

Stewart, on the other hand, could have a tougher time in Toronto. Stewart's website was asking fans for their "thoughts and prayers" after Stewart's accident, and he has been complaining on Twitter about how sore his body is. Stewart does plan to race, however, but it isn't likely that he'll be riding at 100%.

With the two main contenders fighting off injuries, the door is open for Trey Canard, Ryan Dungey, or Chad Reed to capitalize.

Canard captured the second win of his young Supercross career against a thinned field in Jacksonville, and has the momentum and the skill to take back to back wins this weekend in Toronto. He'll have to fight out Ryan Dungey, however, who still hasn't tasted victory this season.

But if someone is going to take the top spot from Ryan Villopoto in Toronto, it's goign to be TwoTwo Motorsports veteran Chad Reed. Reed is just seven points away from Villopoto on the leader board, and if RV doesn't have full strength this weekend, Reed could easily find himself the points leader on Sunday.

2011 AMA Supercross Standings

1. Ryan Villopoto, 221
2. Chad Reed, 214
3. Ryan Dungey, 203
4. James Stewart, 198
5. Trey Canard, 194
6. Andrew Short, 145
7. Justin Brayton, 121
8. Kevin Windham, 121
9. Davi Millsaps, 118
10. Brett Metcalfe, 107