SX Lites Race Report
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel marched victoriously through Atlanta on Saturday, claiming his second supercross lites win of season. His teammate Dean Wilson got off to a great start grabbing the holeshot and finishing fourth.
During qualifying practice Pourcel was nearly a second faster than anyone else on the track to take the top spot. Wilson was sixth fastest giving him third gate choice in the first heat.
During his heat, Wilson got out to a good start and took the lead when he jumped the 75- foot quad on the opening lap. He gave up the lead and then a lap later, Wilson was taken out just past the finish line. A quick recovery allowed him to finish fourth and advance to the main event. In the second heat, Pourcel got the lead early and never looked back on his way his second heat win of the season.
Christophe Pourcel Speaks… Supercross Lites Atlanta
"For the main event, I told Dean to follow me at the start," said Pourcel. "I got a good start and was going to push it until I saw it was Dean inside of me. I knew if he followed me we could have pulled away. The track was good and everything came together for me."
In the main event, Wilson raced Pourcel for the holeshot and held on to lead the first eight laps. Nerves and a case of arm pump sent Wilson back to fourth while Pourcel sat poised to capitalize on any mistakes the leaders would make. With three laps to go, the leaders got together and went down, allowing Pourcel to get by and he led the final laps to take the win.
Dean Wilson Speaks… Supercross Lites Atlanta
"I got a great start and it felt awesome to lead some laps," said Wilson. "I know I have podium speed and I’m working on my endurance, so I can stay fast throughout the main event. Each week is still a learning experience and I learned a lot when I was running up front."
Pourcel and Wilson now head to the "World’s Center of Racing," Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. The Daytona Supercross is always one of the most anticipated on the schedule because of its tradition and its unique layout.
Eastern Supercross Lites
250 Race Results
1. Christophe Pourcel
2. Austin Stroupe
3. Brett Metcalfe
4. Dean Wilson
5. Blake Baggett
6. Vince Friese
7. Matthew Lemoine
8. Jake Moss
9. Levi Kilbarger
10. Kyle Cunningham
11. Kyle Regal
12. Nico Izzi
13. Michael Willard
14. Adam Chatfield
15. Ryan Sipes
16. TaylorFutrell
17. James Decotis
18. Justin Barcia
19. Alex Martin
20. Kyle Keylon
250 Points Standings
1. Christophe Pourcel 50
2. Austin L Stroupe 44
3. Brett Metcalfe 36
4. Dean A Wilson 33
5. Blake Baggett 26
6. Ryan Sipes 24
7. Kyle J Regal 24
8. Justin L Barcia 23
9. Jake Moss 22
10. Nico A Izzi 22
Photos by Frank Hoppen
