Ryan Villopoto started his 2012 Supercross title defense with a victory in Anaheim. The 2011 champ took the holeshot and cruised to an easy victory ahead of Chad Reed.
"Villopoto made us look silly out here tonight," said Reed. "I am just happy to get second place tonight in this field of riders."
Villopoto rode a consistent and smooth race while Ryan Dungey and James Stewart both suffered minor crashes. Dungey was able to recover to take the final spot on the podium while Stewart could only manage a sixth place finish behind Justin Brayton and Jake Weimer.
"It was a phenomenal night for me," said Villopoto. "I didn't have the heat race I wanted, so I didn't have a great gate pick. Once I was out front I wanted to lay down fast laps and make no mistakes. I did make one small one, but overall, it was a great race for me."
Supercross Results: Anaheim Race 1
- Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki
- Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
- Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
- Jake Weimer, Wildomar, ID., Kawasaki
- James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
- Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
- Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
- Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki
- Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki
Supercross Class Season Standings
- Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki – 25
- Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda – 22
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 20
- Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 18
- Jake Weimer, Wildomar, ID., Kawasaki – 16
- James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 15
- Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 14
- Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 13
- Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki – 12
- Josh Hansen, Elbert, Colo., Kawasaki – 11
