Rockstar Makita Suzuki Grabs a Podium and Top-Ten Finish at LA
After qualifying fourth, Dungey and his Suzuki came out strong and dominated his heat race with a convincing win. In the main, Dungey grabbed a second-place start out of the gate just behind teammate Metcalfe and pulled into the lead by lap two. His Suzuki RM-Z kept him in the front pack for the duration of one of the most exciting main events in recent years. Dungey ended up the main with a third-place podium finish.
"I’m overall happy about the day,” said Dungey. “Winning the heat race was definitely a step in the right direction. In the main, I got a good start on my RM-Z450 and we had to battle pretty much all race long – it was kind of cat and mouse. Overall, happy on the day; we just came up a little short. My Rockstar Makita Suzuki team and I accomplished a lot, so we can’t complain about anything. I’m definitely looking forward to Oakland and going to another new stadium. We’ll do some work this week and show up to Oakland ready to go.”
Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe started his night with some tough luck in his heat race but fortunately was able to score the final qualifying spot for the main event. Despite an outside gate pick, Metcalfe and his Suzuki RM-Z450 blasted out of the gate and pulled the hole-shot just ahead of Dungey. Metcalfe led the first lap and a half until a small mistake put him on the ground. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider remounted and rode a strong 18 laps to an eighth-place finish.
“It was a good day,” said Metcalfe. “My Rockstar Makita Suzuki team was able to make some changes to my Suzuki that made me much more comfortable on the bike this week, and that made me be able to get up to speed earlier in practice. I had a tough heat race but was able to climb back up to ninth so I didn’t have to go to the LCQ. In the main event, I just dropped the hammer and my RM-Z hooked up and I was able to get the hole-shot and led the first lap. I made a mistake on the second lap and went down and lost quite a few positions. Overall, I was happy with the ride; it was just that mistake that disappointed me. I’m really looking forward to Oakland – another new stadium. And the dirt should be a little looser and more tacky, which will suit my style a little better.”
The 2011 Rockstar Makita Suzuki team’s next event is Saturday, January 29th, at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA. You can meet the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team riders at Contra Costa Powersports, 1651 Concord Avenue, in Concord, CA from 6 - 7 PM on Friday, January 28th.
Los Angeles Supercross Class Results:
3. Ryan Dungey
4. Trey Canard
7. Chad Reed
9. Andrew Short
10. Kyle Chisholm
2011 Supercross Class Standings:
1. Ryan Villopoto – 72
2. James Stewart – 67
3. Ryan Dungey – 58
4. Trey Canard – 56
5. Chad Reed – 48
6. Brett Metcalfe – 39
7. Andrew Short – 37
8. Justin Brayton – 36
9. Kyle Chisholm – 33
10. Kevin Windham – 32
About Suzuki
Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) founded The Motorcycle and ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, CA, in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow Suzuki Scoop on Facebook for exclusive team content .
About Rockstar
ROCKSTAR is the world's most powerful Energy Drink. Enhanced with the potent herbal blend of Guarana, Ginkgo, Ginseng, and Milk Thistle, ROCKSTAR is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles – from athletes to rock stars. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink is available in sixteen amazing flavors. Also, check out ROCKSTAR Energy Gum and ROCKSTAR Energy Shots. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink supports the active Rockstar lifestyle in every sport. Go to www.rockstar69.com for athlete and event updates, videos, profiles, and product information.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge technology and innovation to engineer tools that are more compact with less weight yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita innovation includes Makita LXT®, the industry’s first 18V lithium-ion cordless lineup. The Makita Teal color is the trade dress of Makita Corporation and is protected under common law and registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Makita is Best in Class Engineering. For more information visit www.makitatools.com.
About Yoshimura R&D of America
Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for more than 55 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura pipes are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit, and quality that have been their trademark for more than five decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Makita Industrial Power Tools, Yoshimura R&D, Dunlop, Motorex, Vortex, Pro Taper, ONE Industries, Works Connection, Hinson Clutch Components, Renegade Fuels, Twin Air, Showa, Mechanix Wear, Fox, Matrix, Suzuki Equator, Maas Brothers, D.I.D., Excel, CP Pistons and NGK.
