Stewart Going For $250,000 Toyota Trifecta at Night 2 of the US Open
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After successfully winning the Superpole, Progressive Direct Holeshot Award and main event, which are the key components of the Toyota Trifecta, last night, Stewart put himself in an enviable position as the stage is set for tonight’s showdown.
“It was a good day from the get-go,” said Stewart. “I plan on getting a great start tomorrow night. I had a good jump tonight, then Ricky pinched me off, and he tried to break what I had going. Then he pushed his front end out and crashed. It reminded me of myself during the supercross season with all of my crashes.
Although Stewart dominated the 25-lap main event, he knows that Carmichael will be prepared for tonight’s race.
“He made it back up to second place and I can’t believe he made up all of the time,” said Stewart. “I know he’s going to be ready for tonight’s race.”
Reigning Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open Champion Ricky Carmichael’s night didn’t start the way he wanted. While drag racing Stewart into turn one, Carmichael slid out and started the main event in last place.
“When I got up, I wanted to see how I felt, then just charged as hard as I could,” said Carmichael .
“I just went in to Turn One too fast. I laid the bike down and I knew I had my work cut out for me.”
Despite the less than favorable start, Carmichael battled his way back into second place by lap 18 of 25, which puts him in a position to win the championship tonight.
“I believe I can challenge James tomorrow night, so it was important for me to get back into second place,” said Carmichael in the post-race press conference. “We made several changes to the bike throughout the night, and I am upset that I didn’t feel comfortable until the main event, then I crashed. I am looking forward to racing on Saturday night.”
Tonight’s racetrack will challenge competitors with a new look as track builders worked overnight to complete the design.
“I think tomorrow’s track will be really fast compared to tonight’s,” said Carmichael . “There is a huge straight-a-way before the whoops, so we will be able to pick up a lot of speed.”
Alpinestars AMA Supercross Class Fright Night Results
1. James Stewart, Haines City , Fla. , Kawasaki
2. Ricky Carmichael, Tallahassee , Fla. , Suzuki
3. Kevin Windham, Centerville , Miss. , Honda
4. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta , Calif. , Suzuki
5. Tim Ferry, Dade City , Fla. , Kawasaki
6. Michael Byrne, Menifee , Calif. , Kawasaki
7. David Vuillemin, Menifee , Calif. , Honda
8. Josh Demuth, Kingwood, Texas , Honda
9. Chad Johnson, Rhinelander, Wis. , Suzuki
10. Keith Johnson, Albuquerque , N.M. , Yamaha
11. Brock Sellards, Sherrodsville , Ohio , Honda
12. Cole Siebler, Emmett , Idaho , Suzuki
MMI AMA Supercross Lites Class Friday Night Results
1. Josh Grant, Riverside , Calif. , Honda
2. Chris Gosselaar, Victorville , Calif. , Kawasaki
3. Justin Brayton, Murrieta , Calif. , Yamaha
4. Jake Weimer, Corona , Calif. , Honda
5. Sean Collier, Saugua , Calif. , Yamaha
6. Steve Boniface, Lewisville , Texas , Honda
7. Troy Adams, Brookville , Fla. , Suzuki
8. Kelly Smith, Ludington , Mich. , Suzuki
9. Matt Georke, Valencia , Calif. , Yamaha
10. Ben Townley, Tallahassee , Fla. , Kawasaki
11. Josh Hansen, Temecula , Calif. , KTM
12. Eric Sorby, Lake Elsinore , Calif. , Honda
KTM Junior Supercross Challenge Friday Night Results
1. Ashton Hayes, Rockford , Mich. , KTM
2. Ricky Beaton, Holland Landing, ON, KTM
3. Davy Pootjes, Ammerzoden, Holland , KTM
4. Jerry Robin, Big Lake , Minn. , KTM
5. Mark Worth, Quenn Creek , Ariz. , KTM
6. Senett Ferris, Pacific, Wash. , KTM
7. Rookie White, Winchester , Calif. , KTM
8. Tyler Rosa, Mission Viejo , Calif. , KTM
9. Jacob Edison, Woodenhaven , Mich. , KTM
10. Tyler Kirschner, Columbia , Md. , KTM
11. Ryan Miller, Ocala , Fla. , KTM
12. Brandon Tolsma, Holland , Mich. , KTM
13. Mason Bryan, Elizabethtown , Ken., KTM
14. Troy Archer, San Diego , Calif. , KTM
15. Jeremy Crookshank, Moreno Valley , Calif. , KTM
16. Casey Kinney, Ukiah , Calif. , KTM
17. Blake Green, Riverside , Calif. , KTM
