“One of the gnarliest tracks of the year,” said Yoshimura’s James Stewart, the fastest 450 qualifier, moments after practice. Lucas Oil Stadium is host to round 9 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship and arguably the toughest track of the season. Attrition will be the name of the game tonight, as the track claimed a number of top riders in practice.
In injury news, Cole Seely is filling-in for Trey Canard at Honda Muscle Milk, as both Justin Barcia and Canard are out. Barcia is expected back for Daytona. Seely last raced the 450, also with Honda Muscle Milk, in 2012. On the TwoTwo front, Dean Wilson is here filling-in for the injured Chad Reed. This is Wilson’s first time aboard the 450 in supercross, save the 2013 Monster Energy Cup.
As mentioned earlier, the track is treacherous today. The tacky, rutted dirt claimed a number of riders in practice. And when we say a number, we mean a lot. Basically, it was [insert rider name] went down in practice.
James Stewart, a week removed from a costly mistake in Atlanta, was back in form in Indy. Stewart was able to tame the rough track setting the fastest time with a 54.047.
GEICO Honda’s Wil Hahn was third fastest (54.556) on the heels of a career-high fourth in Atlanta. Hahn has vastly improved over the last week as he’s finally been able to practice during the week after recovering from a hand injury. Ryan Dungey, still searching for his first win of the season, was second fastest. Hahn’s GEICO Honda teammate Eli Tomac was fifth. Ken Roczen and points leader Ryan Villopoto were fourth and sixth, respectively.
In 250SX, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo set the fastest time of the day with a 54.629. The current points leader bested teammates Martin Davalos (54.751) and Blake Baggett (54.809) for the fastest time.
Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin, who many thought was a championship favorite before failing to qualify for the first two mains, was the fastest we have seen him this year, finishing fourth in practice.
Make sure to tune into FOX Sports 1 tonight at 7:30 ET for live coverage of round 9.
