AMA Supercross: Round 13, Houston Hot

The battle for the 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship has tightened after Ryan Villopoto took his seventh win of the season Saturday night in Houston’s Reliant Stadium, gaining 12 points on series’ leader Ryan Dungey.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider of Poulsbo, Wash., grabbed the holeshot and dominated round 13 before 44,624 fans. The series leader, Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider Dungey, is still first in the title race with 277 points.

Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., stalled his bike out on lap 10, dropping to eight place, but battled his way back for a fifth-place finish. But nobody challenged Villopoto, who led all 20 laps of the race.

“I think this is my first actual holeshot of year,” said Villopoto. “It’s always great to get (a good start). I’ve definitely struggles in practice this season. I don’t know why but I turn it around come race time. It bums me out when I look at the board in practice and I’m not on it but at end of the night it’s awesome to lead all 20 laps and come out with a win. And tonight I was able to gain a lot of points.”

The other big news after the series’ week-long break was the return of Villopoto’s teammate, Chad Reed of Tampa, Fla. Reed, who was out since round 2 in Phoenix, returned at Houston as expected and finished fourth.

After grabbing the holeshot, Villopoto was followed by San Manuel Yamaha rider Josh Hill of Carlsbad, Calif, Dungey and GEICO Powersports Honda rider Kevin Windham of Centreville, Miss. Meanwhile, Valli Motorsports/Rockstar Yamaha rider Ivan Tedesco of Murrieta, Calif., makes his way to the front. In the end, Villopoto is followed to the checkered flag by Windham and Tedesco.

For complete SX standings and results, click here.

Supercross Lites East

Taking his fifth win of the season, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Christophe Pourcel of Groveland, Fla., is now on his way to his second consecutive title. His biggest challenger, Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider Austin Stroupe of Lincolnton, N.C., didn’t race due to crashing out during practice.

Rockstar Energy Suzuki rider Blake Baggett of Grand Terrace, Calif., grabbed the SPIKE Holeshot award, followed by Pourcel. But before lap 1 was completed, Pourcel took first, going on to lead all 15 laps.

Taking second was Baggett, with GEICO Powersports Honda rider Justin Barcia of Ochlocknee, Ga., in third.

The season continues next week in Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, the 14th of 17 rounds.