Wilson Toughs Out Seattle, While Tickle Extends Streak
CORONA, Calif., – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson and Broc Tickle made their way to Seattle’s CenturyLink Field this past Saturday, for the 15th round of Monster Energy Supercross. Tickle kept his streak of top-10 finishes alive, while Wilson encountered a potentially disastrous night in regards to the Lites West Region Championship, but still managed to walk away with his title hopes alive.
After watching the Supercross Lites East Region do battle over the past eight weeks, Wilson was eager to get going again in the Supercross Lites West Region’s return to action. He ripped the holeshot in his heat race, led every lap, and took the first win of the night. Dean was confident the main event would be just as successful following the heat win, but knew he had his work cut out for him as both he and Eli Tomac are in the midst of a heated championship battle.
In Main Event, both Wilson and Tomac came out of the first corner inside the top three and immediately began battling one other for position on the opening lap. A strong effort in Seattle was crucial to both riders, as Wilson was only two points ahead of Tomac in the standings. It was evident that both riders were willing to do whatever it took to finish ahead of the other as the race progressed, bringing the crowd to its feet on several occasions as they swapped spots. The close-contact passes set the tone for an aggressive move and unfortunately, Wilson drew the short end of the stick after making contact with Tomac, forcing him into the ground. The fall caused Wilson’s shoulder to come out of its socket, but he withstood the pain to re-enter the race and finish seventh, saving what could have been a fatal blow to his title hopes. He now sits second overall in the championship, just four points out of the lead.
“We’re both battling for a championship,” said Wilson. “I was probably a bit too eager out of the gate, but winning a Supercross title has always been my dream. Luckily, I’m only four points out of the lead, so the next two races should be interesting.”
Tickle has been exceptionally consistent in the Supercross Class, and earned yet another top-10 finish on Saturday, giving him six straight. Broc finished eighth, and sits 10th overall in the championship standings.
Tickle and Wilson now head to Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City for the 16th round of Monster Energy Supercross. Teammate Tyla Rattray will sit out the remainder of the series, but has been released for riding by his physician. He is in the middle of preparing for the upcoming Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and plans on returning for the opening round at Hangtown on May 19.
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