Bench Racing Ammo: Houston History
Thursday, February 10, 2011 | 1:00 PM
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PrintHouston may not be considered the heart of supercross like Anaheim, but its roots actually go back deeper than any stadium-style event on the tour (only Daytona, which races in a super speedway, has been on the schedule longer). Further, Houston used to host a bunch of double-header rounds through the 1970's and 1980's. Only Pontiac, Michigan and Anaheim itself (which has been hosting two or even three races per season for the last decade) have hosted more AMA SX races than Houston. So that's a lot of history baked into this soil.
Houston first joined the supercross map in the old Astrodome in 1974, back before the name supercross had even taken hold, and the tour was dubbed the Yamaha Super Series. In 2003, the race moved to the new Reliant Center, but the old 'dome, called the eighth wonder of the world when it opened back in 1965, still sits next door, although it officially closed in 2004 and has not hosted any events since.
Still, there's a lot of history in Houston, for this week's Bench Racing Ammo, we highlight the winners of every previous SX Lites race held in Houston:
Date Winner, Hometown, Machine:
April 10, 2010 Christophe Pourcel, France Kawasaki
January 24, 2009 Christophe Pourcel, France Kawasaki
February 16, 2008 Austin Stroupe, Corona, CA Kawasaki
February 10, 2007 Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, WA Kawasaki
April 1, 2006 Davi Millsaps, Cairo, GA Honda
April 30, 2005 Andrew Short, Murrieta, CA Honda
February 14, 2004 James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
March 29, 2003 Brock Sellards, Sherrodsville, OH Yamaha
March 23, 2002 Matt Walker, Mc Rae, GA Kawasaki
March 24, 2001 Travis Preston, Hesperia, CA Husqvarna
February 5, 2000 Derrick Shae Bentley, Ellenwood, GA Kawasaki
March 13, 1999 Nathan Ramsey, Corona, CA Kawasaki
January 17, 1998 David Vuillemin, France Yamaha
March 22, 1997 Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, LA Yamaha
March 16, 1996 Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, LA Yamaha
March 25, 1995 Damon Huffman, Acton, CA Suzuki
January 22, 1994 Ezra Lusk, Bainbridge, GA Suzuki
January 16, 1993 Jimmy Gaddis, Las Vegas, NV Kawasaki
January 18, 1992 Brian Swink, Linden, MI Suzuki
January 19, 1991 Tallon Vohland, Independence, MO Suzuki
February 3, 1990 Jeff Emig, Terrace, CA Kawasaki
March 18, 1989 Mike LaRocco, La Porte, IN Yamaha
February 6, 1988 Jeff Matiasevich, LaHabra Heights, CA Kawasaki
February 7, 1987 Keith Turpin, Forest Park, GA Suzuki
February 2, 1986 Willie Surratt, Canyon Country, CA Honda
April 20, 1985 Eddie Warren, Clio, MI Kawasaki
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Houston has historically been a good race since this is a chance for the riders to finally get on some good dirt and a big stadium. The layout is more open with a wider track and more line choices. The short start and layout right after the start will keep the pack together instead of putting triples right after the start which means the top 4 guys get a jump on the field. Was I the only one that noticed that at A2 everyone in the top 10 in both classes had similar lap times and no passing happening? Just follow the leader. That track design was the worst so far. In order to do the the rythm sections you have to go a certain speed, no faster, no slower. With everyone doing them, it means everone has same lap times and no passing. This weeks track design, much better. Go Wharton!!
I like your perspective- hadn't really thought of it that way. It gives me hope that Houston won't suck, because I thought Houston was the worst football stadium arenacross track yet. I stick to my guns that Stewie will be in the 43's and it will be yawnful. I hope I'm wrong and groomer is right!
Some here have disputed the passing difficulty at A2, but groomer has it right. It was tough.... Some have also said Canard passed people but Dungey didn't. I don't get this. Canard started behind Dungey, and he stayed behind Dungey - until RD's chain broke, of course. Dungey made it to fifth before his mechanical issue, and might have gotten to fourth (he did beat Brayton in every other race); Canard would have only gotten to sixth had Dungey's bike stayed together. No disrespect to Trey, but it seems like some people don't want to give the Dunge any credit.... It'll be good to see the fresh faces of the East Lites series this week ... and hopefully we'll see some things shake out differently in the SX class.... Does anyone remember they used to run flat track races in the 'dome, too?
I also believe tha track design has been poor this season, with last weeks track the worst so far. I think what made the rythm sections look worse is that the track builder keeps putting in these 1 line sand sections and the over under section last week. That right there put everyone back in single file and had to start all over again to try to line up a pass on a track that was tight as it was. They definately need to open up the tracks more and stop funneling the riders downto a single fast line. Can't wait for the east coast to start to see some new faces out there and see where everyone stands.
I like Houstons multiple personalities. Is it an East coast race or a West coast race? Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Maybe we'll need a Central division like the old NFL..........or not. Bigger stadium, better track layout? We can only hope. I'd like to see a new set of faces on the podium for the 450's (garaunteed for the 250's).
Wonder whyn they let the old dome just sit there. Tear it down or use it.. Flat tracking inside, wow didnt know that. Make it a permanent indoor moto track, sounds good to me..