Metcalfe & Stroupe Both Podium @ Anaheim 3
Austin Stroupe’s 2nd and Brett Metcalfe’s 3rd in best Monster Energy Supercross finish of the 2008 season for the Monster/PC/Kawi team
CORONA, Calif., (Feb. 5, 2008) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe pulled the Lites class’ monster holeshot on his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki KX250F, which put him up front and into a position when he could capture a 2nd place podium position at Anaheim 3 – his second podium finish of 2008 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season.
Stroupe, who moved up to 5th place overall in the Lites class standings – just six points off the overall podium – earned a cool $1,000 from Progressive Insurance for his holeshot effort.
“I’ve been sick all week but was still able to progress,” said Stroupe. “Things have been tough and I’m not where I want to be (regarding the overall points chase), but it’s getting better. Owe it all to my team.”
In hot pursuit of the overall podium from the start was Stroupe’s Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate, Brett Metcalfe. The Aussie tracked down, caught and passed Honda’s Billy Laninovich and Yamaha’s Kyle Cunningham (on lap five of 15) to secure 3rd place – a position he’s hold through the checkers.
“This is definitely a big help, my second 3rd place finish this year,” said Metcalfe. “I’m just trying to be consistent, chip away at the title chase.”
Metcalfe had to run through a portion of the pack early to get to the podium. The conditions were difficult, but Metcalfe would prevail. “It was fun. I ate about a pound of sand, but I’m stoked with my performance,” he said. With the effort Metcalfe now stands alone in 4th place overall in the Western Lites points chase, just two points off the overall podium.
Next up for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is Round Six of 2008 Monster Energy Supercross at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium (Feb. 9).