Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki Race Report
Defending Champion Ryan Dungey scores a third-place podium, Brett Metcalfe grabs fifth
BREA, CA – Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey and Brett Metcalfe powered their Yoshimura-equipped Suzuki RM-Z450s to third- and fifth-place finishes last night in an action-packed main event during the fourth round of the 2011 AMA/FIM Supercross Championship at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, CA.
Dungey started the day with a solid practice and qualified third. A poor start made for a difficult heat race in which he eventually finished fifth. In the main, Dungey’s RM-Z powered him to a fourth-place start and the Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider rode strong the entire 20-lap main, eventually working his way to second place. A tough break on the last lap resulted in a slip to a third-place podium finish.
"The day started off good,” said Dungey. “My Rockstar Makita Suzuki team got things dialed in pretty good in practice and I felt really comfortable on the bike. The heat race was a little tough – I didn’t get off to the best start and the track was a bit greasy. I got a better start in the main and worked my way up to second, but unfortunately I got passed right at the end. All in all, my RM-Z450 worked great and the team did a great job. It will be great to go back to Anaheim. We know more what to expect there and hopefully we can get a good start and put the Rockstar Makita Suzuki up front.”
Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe rode his Suzuki to an 11th-place in the afternoon qualifying. Like Dungey, Metcalfe had a tough time in his heat race and finished seventh. In the main, he rode strong, piloting his Suzuki RM-Z450 to a fifth-place finish, his best of the year.
“We made some changes to my Suzuki this week,” said Metcalfe. “And I want to thank everyone at Rockstar Makita Suzuki, as we really found my comfort zone and I’m feeling really good on the bike. I did struggle in the whoops tonight but my Suzuki was working awesome. I felt a lot better out there on the track – I was starting to make moves and pick guys off and was able to work my way up to fifth and felt good. I got passed with three laps to go but was able to pass back on the last lap. I’m excited to get back to Anaheim. We’re definitely progressing – a fifth tonight was good and now we have some momentum going into Anaheim.”
The 2011 Rockstar Makita Suzuki team’s next event is Saturday, February 5th, at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. You can meet the Rockstar Makita Suzuki team riders at Chaparral Motorsports, 555 South H Street, in San Bernardino, CA from 6 - 8 PM on Wednesday, February 2nd.
Oakland Supercross Class Results:
2. Chad Reed
3. Ryan Dungey
6. Trey Canard
8. David Millsaps
9. Andrew Short
10. Ivan Tedesco
2011 Supercross Class Standings:
1. James Stewart – 92
2. Ryan Villopoto – 90
3. Ryan Dungey – 78
4. Trey Canard – 71
5. Chad Reed – 70
6. Brett Metcalfe – 55
7. Andrew Short – 49
8. Kevin Windham – 46
9. Justin Brayton – 39
10. Kyle Chisholm – 39
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 www.facebook.com/suzukiscoopfans.
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.
