Monster Energy’s Ben Townley & Ryan Villopoto Go 1-2 @ Lakewood

The two AMA Lites class superstars are tied atop the overall points standings; teammates Bret Metcalfe & Chris Gosselaar also race well

CORONA, Calif., (July 23, 2007) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki’s Ben Townley overcame a first moto crash to finish 2nd in the AMA Motocross Lites class on Sunday in Lakewood, Colo., then took advantage of a Ryan Villopoto wreck in the second moto to take the win in that moto – which included the overall victory with a 2-1 two- moto finish.

The win for Townley has him tied with Villopoto atop the overall Lites class standings, each racer boasting 310 points – well ahead of the next closest competitor.

“I don’t see any reason why the championshp won’t come down to the last moto of the last race at Glen Helen (San Bernardino, Calif.) – right in Hansen Beverage Company’s backyard,” said Townley. “This has been a great summer of racing for both Ryan and I and I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this exciting summer of racing this weekend in Washington.”

In the first moto Villopoto dominated after Townley crashed early in the race. To his credit Townley was able to get back aboard his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit-tuned Kawasaki KX250F and re-gain a crucial spot on the podium (2nd). That would be key as the rugged Lakewood track would grab Villopoto in the second moto, forcing him to the ground and having to play catch up. Townley, however, would have built too much of a lead and Villopoto was unable to close the gap as Townley not only won by 17.4 seconds – he also put up the fasted lap time in moto two.

“Ben rode real well today,” said Villopoto. “We each had a crash, but mine came in the second moto – which is where you can’t afford to crash. This weekend it’s back to my hometown track, Washougal, for Round Eight of the series. And that’s the race I look forward to the most all summer.”

In fact, the locals in Washington – where Villopoto grew up racing – have re-named the track “Area 51,” honoring Villopoto (who’s former race number was 51 prior to winning the No. 1 plate last year).

Also racing well for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team was Bret Metcalfe. The California transplant (via Australia) would go 5-5 for 5th overall while teammate Chris Gosselaar would place 14th.

Next up for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is the July 29 Washougal (Wash.) MX National, Round Eight of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships.