Motocross: Riders Face a Halogen Haze in a Night Time Race
Tyler Hopper
AllAboutBikes.com Staff Writer
Round five of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship takes place this weekend at Thunder Valley Motocross. This night time race, which is the second time one in history, proves as a challenge for even the best riders.
Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Chad Reed comes into the Thunder Valley race ahead in points. In the 250 Class Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel holds onto the lead for the second week in a row.
Reed’s number one contender is Honda Red Bull Racing's Andrew Short, who took second at High Point Raceway, while his teammate Ivan Tedesco finished third. Short currently sits third in the season standings and is on the cusp of capturing his first career 450 Class victory. A front runner at Thunder Valley since 2005, a win in front of his hometown crowd could be the push Short needs in the championship fight.
One rider who might struggle riding in the halogen haze at night is rookie, and current 250 points leader, Pourcel. He has never faced a challenge quite like running at night in mile-high altitude. His adjustment to the conditions will be crucial to his position in the standings.
June 26, 2009
