Carpenter Leads Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki to a Top Ten Finish

Anaheim, CA - Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki's Paul Carpenter rode to a tenth place finish in the opening round of the Monster Energy® Supercross Series at Angel Stadium.  Carpenter's teammate, Bobby Kiniry made the main event making the Monster Energy Cernics Kawasaki team the only privateer team to qualify both team riders to the main event.

In the main event, both team riders got bad starts and found themselves at the back of the pack. Kiniry tangled with another rider on the first lap and damaged his throttle.  Despite the setback, the Supercross class rookie rode strong and proved that he has the speed to finish in the top ten. 

"I wasn't really sure what to expect coming into tonight," explained Kiniry.  "I've only been on the bike for a few weeks since my shoulder injury, so my goal was to ride well and get some points.  I did that and I showed that I have the speed to get top finishes.  I know the result wasn't what I wanted, but I rode very well after the crash and I'm looking forward to next week."

Carpenter made it through the first lap and rode strong as he continued to pass riders.  He eventually moved into tenth place on lap twelve and set his sites on ninth.  He inched closer and closer each lap and was on the back wheel of ninth place at the white flag.  The two riders passed each other on the last lap but Carpenter couldn't make the pass stand and finished tenth.

"My bike worked awesome," said Carpenter.  "I just couldn't get my starts down all night so it's something I need to work on.  I felt really good going into the main event and I know I should have finished better.  There are a lot of races left though and I know we'll be up there.

The Cernics Kawasaki Racing Team will travel to Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ next week for round two of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series on January 10, 2009.