Monster Energy Kawasaki's Villopoto Regains Points Lead in Houston

February 15, 2011, 1:05pm

Irvine, Calif. – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto took back the points lead he held for the first four races after a come-from-behind third-place finish during the sixth round of the Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. Villopoto now holds a nine-point lead over second place. The AMA Supercross Lites Eastern Region kicked off in Houston with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson and Blake Baggett both grabbing podium finishes in the 15-lap main event, finishing second and third, respectively.

Steady Along

Villopoto continues to put in consistent finishes on his Kawasaki KX™450F and after a third-place finish, he now leads by nine points. His night wasn’t easy as he had to go around the first turn pile-up and work his way up from 12th to third.

“I couldn’t seem to get a good start tonight and I had to come from the back in both my heat race and main event,” said Villopoto. “I knew I didn’t want to do anything that could cost me. It’s hard to come through the pack when the track doesn’t have much room for passing. I always wish I could be collecting wins, but at this point, I’m happy to get the points lead back.”

Season Debut

Round 6 of the Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM Championship in Houston was also the start of the AMA Supercross Lites Eastern Region. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Wilson showed he is looking for his first professional championship after finishing second in the main event.

“I am not fully there yet with my endurance since my injury in December and I am happy to come out of the first round with good points in second,” said Wilson. “It was a close race for a while and I’ll be working hard over the next few weeks to come out strong in Atlanta. I’m looking forward to getting back on the track.”

Showing Speed

In his first year with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki, Baggett proved that he was worthy of the coveted position on the team. He posted fast times in practice, and worked his way through the pack in both the heat and main event. Just like Villopoto, Baggett came from 12th on the first lap to finish on the podium in third.

“I don’t ever seem to do well with short starts and I had to work my way up in both races,” said Baggett. “I know that if I start up towards the front, I think I could be a contender for the win. I’m glad to get the first race under my belt and hopefully the track in Atlanta will be a longer start so I can show off the speed of my Kawasaki KX™250F off the start.”

Points Battle

Leaving Texas with a nine-point lead, Villopoto’s focus continues to be the long-term goal of a championship. He has only been off the podium at one race out of six, which has helped him maintain the consistency he is looking for.

“I definitely want to win, but I also have to be smart and know that there are 11 races left in the season,” said Villopoto. “I am happy to leave here healthy. That is going to be very important this year since everyone is riding so well.”

Working Out The Kinks

In only his second week in America, interim rider Fabien Izoird battled through a tough night on a difficult track. He finished just off the transfer position in the heat and was unable to make it through in the LCQ. Still getting used to the U.S. style supercross tracks, he will be looking to get back on the line in San Diego.

“There are no excuses because I am on the best bike,” said Izoird. “I will be working hard this week and hopefully have a better result in San Diego.”

Going Back West

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen and Broc Tickle will be battling for the top spot of the podium one more time before the series heads east for seven weeks.

“I’m glad I got a week off to help my hand heal up,” said Hansen. “It looks like it might be a bit of a mud race, but I’ll be ready to get as many points as I can before we get our two month break.”

Results

AMA Supercross Series
Reliant Stadium- Houston, Texas
February 12, 2011

AMA Supercross Class Results
1. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
3. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POUSLBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
4. Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
6. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda
7. Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM
8. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
9. IVAN TEDESCO, MURRIETA, CALIF., KAWASAKI
10. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM

AMA Supercross Lites Results, Western Region
1. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda
2. DEAN WILSON, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI
3. BLAKE BAGGETT, GRAND TERRACE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI
4. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Yamaha
5. Ian Trettel, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
6. Blake Wharton, Aubrey, Texas, Honda
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M. , Suzuki
8. Lance Vincent, Youngsville, La., Honda
9. MATT LEMOINE, COLLINSVILLE, TEXAS, KAWASAKI
10. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Point Standings
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POUSLBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 132
2. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 123
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 112
4. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda, 105
5. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 101
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 80
7. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 80
8. Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha, 65
9. Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 62
10. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 61

AMA Supercross Lites Results, Western Region Point Standings
1. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 25
2. DEAN WILSON, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 22
3. BLAKE BAGGETT, GRAND TERRACE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 20
4. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Yamaha, 18
5. Ian Trettel, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 16
6. Blake Wharton, Aubrey, Texas, Honda, 15
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M. , Suzuki, 14
8. Lance Vincent, Youngsville, La., Honda, 12
9. MATT LEMOINE, COLLINSVILLE, TEXAS, KAWASAKI, 11
10. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda, 10