TheDirtlab.com/Motovite Honda Phoenix Race Report
January 20, 2011, 9:40am
The week leading up the Phoenix Supercross is one of the most hectic of the year for Ryan Clark, Jesse Black and the rest of Phoenix-based crew of THEDIRTLAB.COM/MOTOVITE HONDA Team. Beginning on Wednesday morning, Ryan embarked on a media blitz that put him on two local morning news programs, front and center in the Arizona Republic newspaper, and all over the airwaves of Phoenix's Real Rock Station (97.9 KUPD). In addition to this, The Dirt Lab had its annual Supercross/Anniversary Party to celebrate two successful years in business.
Once on the track for qualification on Saturday afternoon, Ryan Clark looked cool, calm and collected, posting the 23rd quickest time in the premiere "Supercross" class aboard his oft-ridiculed 2009 CRF450R. "I chose to ride this bike because I spent all my money on insurance for the new Lambo and the expansion on the 18-car garage", said Ryan when questioned about his choice to ride the bike. Despite saddling nearly obsolete three-year-old technology, Ryan managed to qualify directly into the main event via his heat race after passing Jeff Alessi in the next-to-last turn for eighth.
Once in the main, Ryan gated poorly and struggled to get up to speed. A few laps into the race, Ryan tangled with fellow Phoenician Chris Blose and lost significant time. At about the halfway point, things went very wrong. Having been in lapped traffic and allowed the top three rider's by without incident, Ryan ended up being landed on by fourth-place rider Kevin Windham at the end of a short rhythm. Ryan was running the popular 2/2/1 rhythm to the inside while Kevin was going for the 2/3 top guy option. "I didn't know they were that close, and really didn't expect anyone to triple to my inside on that section. I am the first rider to allow the top guys by when being lapped. It is unfortunate that it happened, but I am glad that we both emerged uninjured. The two oldest guys on the track shouldn't be the ones colliding with one another", laughed Ryan.
Despite the issues, Ryan beat three people that must have crashed harder than he did in the main event. With 17th place points at Phoenix, Ryan currently sits 21st in the 2011 AMA Supercross Series with four points after two rounds.
For more information on Ryan Clark or THEDIRTLAB.COM, visit www.thedirtlab.com, call (623) 587-7779 or email info@thedirtlab.com.
Once on the track for qualification on Saturday afternoon, Ryan Clark looked cool, calm and collected, posting the 23rd quickest time in the premiere "Supercross" class aboard his oft-ridiculed 2009 CRF450R. "I chose to ride this bike because I spent all my money on insurance for the new Lambo and the expansion on the 18-car garage", said Ryan when questioned about his choice to ride the bike. Despite saddling nearly obsolete three-year-old technology, Ryan managed to qualify directly into the main event via his heat race after passing Jeff Alessi in the next-to-last turn for eighth.
Once in the main, Ryan gated poorly and struggled to get up to speed. A few laps into the race, Ryan tangled with fellow Phoenician Chris Blose and lost significant time. At about the halfway point, things went very wrong. Having been in lapped traffic and allowed the top three rider's by without incident, Ryan ended up being landed on by fourth-place rider Kevin Windham at the end of a short rhythm. Ryan was running the popular 2/2/1 rhythm to the inside while Kevin was going for the 2/3 top guy option. "I didn't know they were that close, and really didn't expect anyone to triple to my inside on that section. I am the first rider to allow the top guys by when being lapped. It is unfortunate that it happened, but I am glad that we both emerged uninjured. The two oldest guys on the track shouldn't be the ones colliding with one another", laughed Ryan.
Despite the issues, Ryan beat three people that must have crashed harder than he did in the main event. With 17th place points at Phoenix, Ryan currently sits 21st in the 2011 AMA Supercross Series with four points after two rounds.
Thedirtlab.Com/Motovite Honda Team Uses and Endorses the Following Products and Companies:
THEDIRTLAB.COM, Motovite, HoyFox Scion, FLY Racing, MB1 Suspension, LeoVince Exhaust, Dunlop, One Industries, Rockwell, Dragon, RK Chain, Excel Wheels, Vortex, All Balls, Crank Works, CP Pistons, Hammerhead, DT1, Hinson, MX Culture, Gaerne, VP Racing Fuels, Cycra.
For more information on Ryan Clark or THEDIRTLAB.COM, visit www.thedirtlab.com, call (623) 587-7779 or email info@thedirtlab.com.
