As spectacular and dazzling as James Stewart’s 49th career win was—placing him second all time in SX wins—his 50th was just as impressive. A near sold out crowd inside the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri, rose to the occasion as Stewart reeled in points leader Ryan Villopoto and made a fascinating move to the inside en route to his third straight win and fifth on the season.
“This is a special night for me,” said Stewart. “This year I have been having a lot of fun winning races. Tonight was a great race for me; I was able to make the pass and ride to my 50th win. That is huge for me. I never thought I would win 50 of these races.”
With Adam Cianciarulo on the sidelines for three to four months after undergoing surgery to repair his shoulder earlier this week, St. Louis would mark the first time Martin Davalos was in control of the red plate. With chief championship rival Justin Bogle attached to the hip, Davalos withstood the overwhelming pressure to capture his second win on the season and pick up three valuable points on Bogle. The East Region now takes a two round hiatus, and will continue in East Rutherford on April 26.
“This was a tough race tonight,” said Davalos. “Again, the start was key, and I was able to get the early lead and hold on. I want to enjoy this win and go back and keep working hard.
450SX Class Results: St. Louis
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
3. Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda
4. Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
5. Trey Canard, Edmond, Okla., Honda
6. Eli Tomac, Cortex, Colo., Honda
7. Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki
8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
9. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
10. Justin Brayton, Yamaha
450SX Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 268
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 233
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 232
4. Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 215
5. Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha, 196
6. Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 176
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 166
8. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki, 126
9. Wil Hahn, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 122
10. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Kawasaki, 111
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Results: St. Louis
1. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Kawasaki
2. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki
4. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Honda
5. AJ Catanzaro, Portland, Conn., Honda
6. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ontario, KTM
7. Matt Bisceglia, Weatherford, Texas, Honda
8. James Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda
9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha
10. Gannon Audette, Tallahassee, Fla., Kawasaki
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Season Standings
1. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., Kawasaki, 149
2. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda, 141
3. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki, 120
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., 100
5. Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Honda, 100
6. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Honda, 94
7. Cole Thompson, Brigden, Ontario, KTM, 89
8. James Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda, 65
9. Matthew Lemoine, Pilot Point, Texas, Kawasaki, 74
10. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 72
