Monster Energy's Grant Langston Crowned Western Regional SX Champ at Seattle

Multi-time National and World champ comes up big when he needs to, takes title away from Honda’s Short; Monster Energy teammate 
Villopoto also podiums

CARLSBAD, Calif., (May 1, 2006) – Monster Energy’s Grant Langston added a much-deserved trophy to his already packed trophy case in Lake Elsinore, Calif., this past weekend winning - in come-from-behind fashion - the 2006 Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series’ Western Region Lites class championship.

Langston (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki), who won the Eastern Region Lites championship last year, actually trailed rival Andrew Short 140-136 heading into this past Saturday’s final Western Lites round at Seattle Qwest Field. But it would be Langston’s consistent riding in the soupy Seattle conditions, thanks in part to his 
experience as a Nationals champion, that would allow him to capture 
the title outright.

“Every year I manage to blow out of a race or two, make things tough
on myself and my team, age those guys a bit,” said Langston of his 
comeback effort for the title. “I’d had a rough week at Dallas 
last week and I was nervous heading into Seattle. But when I saw it 
was raining I was thinking ‘I may not be the best in the mud, but 
Andrew’s (Short) bad, so this may very well work out.’”

Langston would get a good start, with teammate Ryan Villopoto – last week’s winner in Dallas – getting a great start. The hometown 
Villopoto would inherit the lead when holeshot winner Mike Alessi 
fell. Langston then came on like a hurricane and caught and passed 
Villopoto on lap three and led the rain-shortened main event through 
the checkers on lap 12.

“I got a pretty good start, held it on and came out in 2nd behind 
Alessi,” said Villopoto, who would wind up second in the race. 
“Alessi crashed and I got the lead, but Grant was flying and caught 
me and then yarded me pretty good.”

Though Langston did not know it until after the race, Short would 
crash and the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki bikes would go 1-2, giving Langston the overall series win.

“I had a feeling it’d fall into place this weekend,” said 
Langston. “It was actually a really easy race once I got by Ryan 
(Villopoto). It was comfortable feeling knowing was behind me and 
ahead of Andrew. I haven’t had that much fun in the mud – ever.”

Langston, Villopoto and Chris Gosselaar and the Amp’d Mobile AMA 
Supercross Series return to action this weekend for an East vs. West final round of the 2006 supercross series at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.