A frigid Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Ryan Villopoto put his stamp on the 2011 AMA Supercross series by winning his sixth event and moving into a nine point lead over his rivals. Nine points may not sound like much, but just a week ago that is the points spread that covered four riders in the title chase. With one race to go, Villlopoto can finish as far back as fifth in next week’s final event (if second place rider Chad Reed wins) and still clinch the 2011 crown.
James Stewart holeshot the main event with Chad Reed in second place. Villopoto was fourth initially, but quickly moved up to third behind Reed.
Justin Brayton (10) and Salt Lake winner Ryan Villopoto (2).
On lap eight, Ryan Villopoto passed Reed for second and then, as has happened so many times this year, first place rider James Stewart lost the front end of his YZ450F (only to remount and crash again). The main players in the title chase moved passed the hapless Stewart—with Villopoto, Reed and Dungey filling out the top three spots. Stewart’s double dipsy-do left him in tenth place (losing 14 points to Villopoto). Stewart is now fourth in the standings and 23 points behind Villopoto with only 25 points left to win. In Vegas Stewart must win the race and have Villopoto finish last to have a chance (and that doesn't take into account the mathematical permutation for Reed and Dungey).
THINGS TIGHTEN UP IN THE 250 WEST
Broc Tickle, Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen on the 250 West podium. Photo: Hoppenworld
In the 250 West, Geico Honda's Eli Tomac did what he had to do by holeshotting the main event with Josh Hansen and Broc Tickle following in tow. Hansen, riding with an injured hand, tried to pass Tomac on the second lap and crashed. He had trouble getting righted and ended up at the back of the pack (effectively ending his title chase for 2011...and with the X Games Supercross event canceled for 2011 Josh Hansen’s prime reasons for being sponsored by Monster were suddenly in jeopardy). Hansen eventually finished 13th and is now in third place—14 points behind Tickle and 12 points behind Tomac. Obviously a 14 point swing in points in Las Vegas is possible (because Hansen lost 14 points in Salt Lake City), but not very likely. Hansen who does not race motorcycles in the sunlight will have to wait until January of 2012 for redemption.
With Tomac leading and Tickle in second, the 250 West Championship would be settled between these two...but teenage KTM sensation, came out of the pack to pass Tickle and take second place away. Roczen, who won the Bulgarian 250 Grand Prix a couple weeks ago and finished second in Holland last weekend—made his return to AMA Supercross even though the KTM headquarters wondered about the logical of risking their 250 World Championship hope to a Supercross crash. Roczen looked better than he did earlier in the 250 West season when he was visiting the USA...and will be a contender in 2012 (when he moves the USA full-time).
Tomac’s victory moved him to within two points of Tickle’s championship points lead heading into next weekend’s season finale.
“That was out of control for me tonight,” said Tomac. “Hansen and I got into one another, and I had to lean into him; that’s just racing. I’ve dreamed of winning the championship as a rookie, and I am getting closer.”
Ryan Dungey was consistent, but it is too late for consistent now.
SALT LAKE CITY RESULTS: 450 CLASS
1. Ryan Villopoto...Kaw
2. Chad Reed...Hon
3. Ryan Dungey...Suz
4. Andrew Short...KTM
5. Davi Millsaps...Yam
6. Kevin Windham...Hon
7. Jake Weimer...Kaw
8. Tommy Hahn...Yam
9. Justin Brayton...Yam
10. James Stewart...Yam
11. Nick Wey...Yam
12. Kyle Regal...Yam
13. Michael Byrne...Suz
14. Chris Blose...Hon
15. Tyler Bowers...Kaw
16. Jason Thomas...Suz
17. Bobby Kiniry...Kaw
18. Cole Siebler...Kaw
20. Mike Alessi...KTM
This is where Stewie lost it.
450 SUPERCROSS STANDINGS (WITH ONE RACE LEFT)
1. Ryan Villopoto...318
2. Chad Reed...309
3. Ryan Dungey...306
4. James Stewart...295
5. Trey Canard...255
6. Andrew Short...214
7. Kevin Windham...202
8. Davi Millsaps...172
9. Justin Brayton...153
10. Nick Wey...139
Ken Roczen will be a player in the 2012 AMA Supercross series, but before that he plans to win the USGP in two weeks and the 250 World Championship. Photo: Hoppenworld
SALT LAKE CITY RESULTS: 250 WEST
1. Eli Tomac...Hon
2. Ken Roczen...KTM
3. Broc Tickle...Kaw
4. Cole Seely...Hon
5. Kyle Cunningham...Yam
6. Tyla Rattray...Kaw
7. Ryan Morais...Suz
8. Martin Davalos...Suz
9. Travis Baker...Hon
10. Ben Evans...Kaw
11. Tommy Weeck...Hon
12. Jake Canada...Kaw
13. Josh Hansen...Kaw
14. Topher Ingalls...Kaw
15. Bruce Rutherford...Kaw
16. Casey Hinson...KTM
17. Donald Vawser...Kaw
18. Landen Powell...Hon
19. Tevin Tapia...KTM
20. Nick Paluzzi...Yam
250 WEST POINTS STANDINGS
1. Broc Tickle...165
2. Eli Tomac...163
3. Josh Hansen...151
4. Cole Seely...131
5. Ryan Morais...124
6. Tyla Rattray...111
7. Ken Roczen...105
8. Kyle Cunningham...105
9. Martin Davalos...95
10. Ben Evans...68
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