The second round of the 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season at Chase Field in Phoenix came down to the unexpected: 450-class rookie Ryan Dungey.
The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider of Belle Plaine, Minn., took the SPIKE holeshot award, a repeat of his performance at the opening round in Anaheim last week, and led all 20 laps to take the win and the points lead; Dungey is now nine points ahead of Villopoto in the AMA SX Championship.
Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto of Poulsbo, Wash., was the second out of the gate, with his teammate Austin Stroupe of Lincolnton, N.C., following in third.
“I’m just pumped on the nice performance,” said Dungey. “This is a big step in my career. I owe a lot of thanks to all the people supporting me. I’m glad to get this out of the way and I’ll never forget it. It’s early in the season and last week was tough. James (Stewart) was on it and I hope he’s ok. It’s just great to come out with a win here in round two.”
On the second lap, Villopoto was still in second, but this time followed by San Manuel Yamaha rider Josh Hill of Yoncalla, Ore. And this is the way it remained for the rest of the race, with Villopoto finishing second and Hill third.
Reigning Supercross Champion and round 1 winner James Stewart had a horrifying crash in the heat race, crashing with another rider in mid-air. The San Manuel Yamaha rider was carted off track, holding his side. But although it looked painful, Stewart of Haines City, Fla., came back to win the Last Chance Qualifier race, allowing him to start in the main event.
During the main event, Stewart didn’t get a great start, and soon found himself battling with rival Chad Reed of Tampa., Fla., at the back of the pack. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Reed attempting to pass Stewart on lap five, but he collided with Stewart, putting both riders in the dirt. This crash caused a DNF for Reed, but Stewart went on to finish in 15th.
Also, there was speculation that Stewart went to Reed’s pit area after the race, and the rivalry thickened; Stewart supposedly knocked Reed’s bike over. It was also reported that Reed may have broken a bone in his hand during the wreck.
Also, Josh Grant did not race, and won’t be racing for seven to eight weeks. The Joe Gibbs Racing/Yamaha rider tore the labrum area in his shoulder during a crash while practicing for the Anaheim I event. It’s been reported Grant needs surgery.
For complete Supercross results and standings, click here.
Supercross Lites West
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, took the win in the 250 Class, his second straight since winning last week at Anaheim I.
Rockstar Energey Suzuki/Canadae rider Ryan Morais of Murrieta, Calif., finished in second, with GEICO Powersports Honda rider Blake Wharton of Pilot Point, Texas, in third. The SPIKE Holeshot Award went to Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Josh Hansen of Elbert, Colo.
“I struggled a bit for some reason,” said Weimer. “I got my first win (in Phoenix) and I love it here, but I always struggle in the sand (section) every year. I made some mistakes in the beginning and never thought I’d be up here. This is kind of a surprise but it’s great.”
