JDR/J-Star/KTM Team rider Tye Simmonds came up just short of qualifying for the Salt Lake City Supercross main event after a hard night at the sixteenth round of the AMA Supercross Series.

Simmonds was feeling pretty good as the riders lined up for the heat in what was their coldest race of the year. The practice schedule was shuffled around in the early afternoon to allow the snow that had fallen on the course a chance to dry. He started decent in the heat but got t-boned early on. The incident crushed his exhaust and he had to pull off and was unable to finish the heat.

He was given last gate pick in the Supercross LCQ because of his heat race DNF. He tried as hard as he could to get a start from the gate he was given but came around the first corner near last. He spent the six lap race trying to catch the top two riders in order to get a final transfer spot to the main event. By the end of the race, he had climbed up to 5^th place just three positions shy of qualifying.

“I have had some bad luck the past few weekends and am really bummed to not make it in the main event here at Salt Lake City. Hopefully my luck will change when we go to Las Vegas next weekend. I’d really like to have my best finish at that round,” remarked Simmonds.

Simmonds teammate, PJ Larsen, who was injured at the Houston Supercross earlier this year, has received good news from his doctors. His cast was removed over the weekend and he should be back to riding within the next week to judge when he can return to racing action.

Next Event: May 7, 2011 – Las Vegas Supercross

Overall Results Supercross Class -

1)    Ryan Villopoto

2)    Chad Reed

3)    Ryan Dungey

4) Andrew Short – KTM

5)    Davi Millsaps

6)    Kevin Windham

7)    Jake Weimer

8)    Thomas Hahn

9)    Justin Brayton

10) James Stewart

11) Nick Wey

12) Kyle Regal

13) Michael Byrne

14) Chris Blose

15) Tyler Bowers

16) Jason Thomas

17) Robert Kiniry

18) Cole Siebler

19) Ben Lamay

20) Mike Alessi – KTM

Overall Point Standings Supercross Class –

1)    Ryan Villopoto – 318

2)    Chad Reed – 309

3)    Ryan Dungey – 306

4)    James Stewart – 295

5)    Trey Canard – 255