Babbitt’s Monster Energy AX Race Report
January 17, 2011, 5:05pm
MUSKEGON , Mi. - Team Babbitt's worked hard this weekend to provide great results, winning both of the heat races in Kansas City.
Weekend race report brought to you by Maxxis.
After taking two podium positions the previous weekend, the Babbitt’s Monster TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tire team came into Kansas City ready to continue their charge for the 2011 AMA Arenacross Championship. Truer words were never more spoken when just after practice Team Manager Denny Bartz stated that “all three riders like the track, and are ready to win”; especially evident after Tyler Bowers and Chad Johnson set the fastest two practice lap times. Gray Davenport clocked in at tenth fastest during the afternoon practice. By night’s end the Team Babbitt’s trio of Chad Johnson, Tyler Bowers, and Gray Davenport would finish third, fourth, and ninth respectively.
Early in the evening program both Johnson and Bowers would win their respective heat races, setting the stage for impressive results in the main. Davenport also had an excellent heat race as he holeshot, and led teammate Bowers for much of heat two; eventually Bowers took control, but Davenport finished a very strong second!
In the main event things started out extremely well as Bowers exploded out of the gate well, and quickly set the pace up front. Chad also had a decent start, and would later comment “ yeah, my start was okay; I was about sixth and just tried to put my head down and push forward. I focused on being both strong and fast, and then moved into third by the finish.” Up front it definitely appeared that Bowers was on his way to his first main event win of the year, until a late race crash moved him backward. “I pulled a holeshot in the main and led for over half the race. But then I just lost the front end near the finish line; I got back up, and made a few more mistakes. But it’s okay; I’m just going to keep moving forward with what’s been working, and looking forward to the next round” explained Tyler. Johnson; who had been keeping track of Bowers up front would later say “Tyler was going fast, pulling away, and simply checked out. I didn’t see exactly what happened, but I think his front end slid out in a corner.” Bowers regrouped, and eventually finished fourth for the night. With Johnson on the podium, and Bowers one spot away, their title hopes remain good, and the duo is more focused than ever on getting to that top podium spot!
While Gray Davenport may not be totally happy by his ninth place finish; he nonetheless showed excellent speed and fitness. Starting outside the top ten, Davenport was on a roll as he worked his way into sixth. But then Gray had an incident with a lapped rider (Vincent Blair). “I was feeling really good with my riding, but then as I tried to pass lapper Vincent Blair on the inside of a corner, he fell over on me. It’s a frustrating way to lose positions, but it’s a lesson learned for next week.” Talking about lapped riders Chad Johnson would add “I’m not sure what the reason was, but lappers were everywhere tonight!”
It’s clear that the Team Babbitt’s riders have the determination, speed, and fitness to win; it’s just about avoiding trouble and minimizing little mistakes. Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tires Team will make its way to round 3 in at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio this coming weekend. For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com
Weekend race report brought to you by Maxxis.
After taking two podium positions the previous weekend, the Babbitt’s Monster TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tire team came into Kansas City ready to continue their charge for the 2011 AMA Arenacross Championship. Truer words were never more spoken when just after practice Team Manager Denny Bartz stated that “all three riders like the track, and are ready to win”; especially evident after Tyler Bowers and Chad Johnson set the fastest two practice lap times. Gray Davenport clocked in at tenth fastest during the afternoon practice. By night’s end the Team Babbitt’s trio of Chad Johnson, Tyler Bowers, and Gray Davenport would finish third, fourth, and ninth respectively.
Early in the evening program both Johnson and Bowers would win their respective heat races, setting the stage for impressive results in the main. Davenport also had an excellent heat race as he holeshot, and led teammate Bowers for much of heat two; eventually Bowers took control, but Davenport finished a very strong second!
In the main event things started out extremely well as Bowers exploded out of the gate well, and quickly set the pace up front. Chad also had a decent start, and would later comment “ yeah, my start was okay; I was about sixth and just tried to put my head down and push forward. I focused on being both strong and fast, and then moved into third by the finish.” Up front it definitely appeared that Bowers was on his way to his first main event win of the year, until a late race crash moved him backward. “I pulled a holeshot in the main and led for over half the race. But then I just lost the front end near the finish line; I got back up, and made a few more mistakes. But it’s okay; I’m just going to keep moving forward with what’s been working, and looking forward to the next round” explained Tyler. Johnson; who had been keeping track of Bowers up front would later say “Tyler was going fast, pulling away, and simply checked out. I didn’t see exactly what happened, but I think his front end slid out in a corner.” Bowers regrouped, and eventually finished fourth for the night. With Johnson on the podium, and Bowers one spot away, their title hopes remain good, and the duo is more focused than ever on getting to that top podium spot!
While Gray Davenport may not be totally happy by his ninth place finish; he nonetheless showed excellent speed and fitness. Starting outside the top ten, Davenport was on a roll as he worked his way into sixth. But then Gray had an incident with a lapped rider (Vincent Blair). “I was feeling really good with my riding, but then as I tried to pass lapper Vincent Blair on the inside of a corner, he fell over on me. It’s a frustrating way to lose positions, but it’s a lesson learned for next week.” Talking about lapped riders Chad Johnson would add “I’m not sure what the reason was, but lappers were everywhere tonight!”
It’s clear that the Team Babbitt’s riders have the determination, speed, and fitness to win; it’s just about avoiding trouble and minimizing little mistakes. Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tires Team will make its way to round 3 in at the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio this coming weekend. For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com
