Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Pourcel Is Victorious

CARLSBAD, Calif. – History was made this past weekend in the 250 class at Prairie City SVRA, aka “Hangtown” in northern California as Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel, the 2009 ESX Lites champion and overall Vegas East/West SX Shoot Out champ, won his first-ever pro MX National on American soil – going 1-3 on Saturday for 1st place overall at round two of the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA MX Nationals.

With the win Pourcel pulled to within two points, 84-86, of 250 class points leader Ryan Dungey.

“My Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki was really good today,” said Pourcel in a statement from Kawasaki. “I rode a good race and got two good starts so I was able to get the win. I didn’t see the red and yellow flag, but I slowed down because of all the yellow flags. We’re in a tight points race and I hope the two points I was penalized won’t be a factor.” Note: Pourcel was docked on place (2nd to 3rd in the second moto) by the AMA due to passing while a warning flag was out. This cost Pourcel two points and a tie with Dungey for the overall 250 class points lead.

Regardless of the penalty, Pourcel rode a near perfect weekend on his KX250F. Pulling two big starts on the rice husk-filled loamy Hangtown track, Pourcel came from behind in the first moto to pass Justin Barcia late in the contest for the win. He then secured the overall with a 2nd place effort (subsequent 3rd with the penalty) in the second moto, giving the former FIM MX2 class World Champion his first pro MX Nationals win on American soil.

Joining Pourcel in the top ten 250 class overall standings at Hangtown were his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammates Tyla Rattray – himself a former MX2 class World Champ – in 5th (4-7) and Jake Weimer in 8th (8-8). Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe, who won the Glen Helen 250 class opener last year, struggled a bit in the second moto at Hangtown – but still managed to make the top 15 (11-30)

Next up for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki 250 class racers is this weekend’s Texas MX National @ Freestone Raceway, round three of the ’09 Lucas Oil AMA MX National.

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