Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe Wins Houston

Stroupe battles hard with WSX Lites points leader Jason Lawrence (Monster) and comes out on top; Brett Metcalfe places 5th overall

CORONA, Calif., (Feb. 20, 2008) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe captured his first-ever Western Supercross Lites main event this past weekend in Houston, battling hard with fellow Monster-backed racer and WSX series points leader Jason Lawrence before coming out on top in the thrilling main event.

“I mixed it up a little bit, tried to get around Lawrence clean,” said Stroupe. “Things went well and it feels good to take a win home.”

Stroupe, who finished 2nd to Ryan Dungey in his heat race, would avenge that defeat with a powerful start in the main event. Running up front with the leaders early, Stroupe would dice with Lawrence for the lead – which he’d take on lap five and never relinquish.

“I luckily got a descent start and put in 15 strong laps,” said Stroupe.

Stroupe’s Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate, Brett Metcalfe, was flying as well, at one point leading the race early in the contest. But a crash on lap three, coupled with a late-race bobble would keep Metcalfe off the overall podium – finishing 5th overall.

As it stands Stroupe has a one point lead over Metcalfe (113-112) for the third and final WSX podium spot.