Honda Race Report: Southwick

August 30, 2011 3:25pm

Fiolek Extends Points Lead, Barcia Earns First 450 Win

Torrance, CA: The Southwick MX National at Moto-X 338 in Southwick, MA, hosted round 10 of the 2011 AMA Motocross Championship this weekend. On their Honda CRF250R and CRF450R race machines, the Honda Red Riders overcame the adverse weather conditions caused by Hurricane Irene to score podium finishes, including winning two motos.

At only his second race on the factory Honda CRF450R, American Honda Racing’s Justin Barcia nabbed his first-ever big-bore class win. Barcia got a great start in the second moto and charged into the lead on the opening lap to take a wire-to-wire victory. Despite a DNF due to a mechanical failure while running third in the first moto, Justin’s first win earned him seventh overall for the day.

“I’m so happy right now,” said Barcia. “I know I ride well on sandier tracks, so I was confident I could do well here at Southwick. Unfortunately, I had some bad luck in the first moto but rebounded in the second to take the win, which I’m really happy about. I got a great start and charged hard the whole time. The American Honda team did an awesome job, and I’m thankful for all the support I receive from them and from the GEICO Honda team.”

TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed had a disappointing weekend, unable to finish either race due to mechanical issues in both motos. Reed remains in third place in the championship chase with two rounds to go.

In the 250 class, privateer Honda rider Alex Martin had his best showing of the season, completing moto one in 10th spot and finishing third in the second moto to secure fourth overall for the weekend. GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle put in a strong ride aboard his Honda CRF250R in unfavorable racing conditions, rebounding from his 18th place finish in moto one to finish fourth in moto two. Bogle finished a solid ninth overall at only his second Motocross 250 class event of his professional career. After posting the fastest time in practice, GEICO Honda teammate Eli Tomac struggled on the hurricane-drenched track, finishing 19th (14-32). Fellow Honda racer Darryn Durham rounded out 10th overall (8-13).

In the Women’s class, Honda CRF250R riders Ashley Fiolek and Tarah Gieger finished the weekend in first and second, respectively. American Honda Racing’s Fiolek took her third overall victory of the year, going 1-2 for the win, while Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil/Honda’s Gieger went 2-5 for second. Fiolek’s win extended her lead in the championship to 30 points over second place, and she has a 53-point lead on Gieger in third with two rounds remaining. Fellow Honda-equipped racers Kasie Creson and Lindsey Palmer finished in seventh and eighth spots, respectively.

450 Class Overall Results

1. Brett Metcalfe 3-2

2. Ryan Villopoto 2-4

3. Ryan Dungey 1-7

4. Justin Brayton 7-3

5. Mike Alessi 4-6

6. Jake Weimer 6-5

7. Justin Barcia (Honda) 36-1

8. John Dowd 9-8

9. Les Smith 8-9

10. Kyle Chisholm 11-10

450 Class Championship Points (after 10 of 12 rounds)