Babbitt’s Monster Energy AX Race Report
March 15, 2011, 9:35am
Just as they had one weekend ago, the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tire team took on the competition with a solid 1 – 2 punch at the BI-LO Arena in Greenville, South Carolina this past weekend. At the conclusion of the night’s racing, Tyler Bowers had clocked in yet another win; over teammate Chad Johnson in second. Third team member Gray Davenport would not be quite as successful; still after a second row start he was able to recover to finish seventh.
Early in the evening program Bowers would win his heat race with Johnson taking second. In his (first) heat race, Davenport would struggle getting off the gate, forcing him to transfer through the LCQ. “I just made a slight mistake and really wheelie-ed off the gate; which put me way back at the start of my heat race. Then I just missed making the main and had to go to the LCQ” added Davenport. A short time later, Tyler Bowers would also win the always popular Dash for Cash race. The Riders were thrilled at how well the Maxxis Tires were hooking up on the South Carolina soil!
Taking a great start in the main, and rounding the first turn in second, Chad Johnson would quickly over- take Jeff Gibson and enjoy taking the lead position until a red flag was waved; signaling a re-start (due to fallen rider). With the track then cleared and the riders lined up single file, Johnson had the “pole position” just ahead of Tyler Bowers who had moved into second. During the restart Johnson quickly jumped into the lead followed by Bowers. When they moved through the whoops section, Bowers was able to then overtake Johnson and the two would finish first and second for the night. As Johnson would say “everything was good; the bike and the way I rode. I wanted first but Tyler just had a better line through the whoops. I’ll just keep on focusing on myself, and continue working hard.” Unfortunately with his second row start, Davenport would only be able to work up to seventh – on paper not that impressive, but after starting last it was certainly the sign of his aggressiveness and determination. “Obviously I’m not really happy with my finish here, but the good thing to take home is that near then end of the night we really got my bike dialed in, my ENZO Suspension is Awesome and I am looking forward to next weekend” said Davenport.
“I’ve already probably said this after some previous races, but all in all it was a great night. We finished first and second, and Gray did an admirable job of overcoming a terrible start position and moving up to seventh. We maintain the points lead with Tyler, and now Chad is tied with Jeff Gibson for second” added Team Manager Denny Bartz. “I’m just focusing on myself and my riding, and trying to move forward while avoiding any trouble. There’s always so much happening on the track, so I just want to keep focused” explained Tyler.
Tyler Bowers continues to lead the point standings with 302 points; 38 points over Chad Johnson and Jeff Gibson who are tied for second. Gray Davenport maintains his fourth in the championship points with 203.
Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tires Team will make its way eastward to round 11 at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa this coming weekend. For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com
Early in the evening program Bowers would win his heat race with Johnson taking second. In his (first) heat race, Davenport would struggle getting off the gate, forcing him to transfer through the LCQ. “I just made a slight mistake and really wheelie-ed off the gate; which put me way back at the start of my heat race. Then I just missed making the main and had to go to the LCQ” added Davenport. A short time later, Tyler Bowers would also win the always popular Dash for Cash race. The Riders were thrilled at how well the Maxxis Tires were hooking up on the South Carolina soil!
Taking a great start in the main, and rounding the first turn in second, Chad Johnson would quickly over- take Jeff Gibson and enjoy taking the lead position until a red flag was waved; signaling a re-start (due to fallen rider). With the track then cleared and the riders lined up single file, Johnson had the “pole position” just ahead of Tyler Bowers who had moved into second. During the restart Johnson quickly jumped into the lead followed by Bowers. When they moved through the whoops section, Bowers was able to then overtake Johnson and the two would finish first and second for the night. As Johnson would say “everything was good; the bike and the way I rode. I wanted first but Tyler just had a better line through the whoops. I’ll just keep on focusing on myself, and continue working hard.” Unfortunately with his second row start, Davenport would only be able to work up to seventh – on paper not that impressive, but after starting last it was certainly the sign of his aggressiveness and determination. “Obviously I’m not really happy with my finish here, but the good thing to take home is that near then end of the night we really got my bike dialed in, my ENZO Suspension is Awesome and I am looking forward to next weekend” said Davenport.
“I’ve already probably said this after some previous races, but all in all it was a great night. We finished first and second, and Gray did an admirable job of overcoming a terrible start position and moving up to seventh. We maintain the points lead with Tyler, and now Chad is tied with Jeff Gibson for second” added Team Manager Denny Bartz. “I’m just focusing on myself and my riding, and trying to move forward while avoiding any trouble. There’s always so much happening on the track, so I just want to keep focused” explained Tyler.
Tyler Bowers continues to lead the point standings with 302 points; 38 points over Chad Johnson and Jeff Gibson who are tied for second. Gray Davenport maintains his fourth in the championship points with 203.
Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tires Team will make its way eastward to round 11 at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa this coming weekend. For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com
