AMA MX
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders Dean Wilson and Tyla Rattray finished the 2010 motocross season with a 1-2 result at Pala Raceway.
Wilson earned his second overall victory of the year finishing 1-1 in the motos with his teammate, Rattray right behind him finishing 2-2.
The 250 class points leader Christophe Pourcel was running third late in the first moto when he crashed and separated his shoulder. He was unable to compete in the second moto and finished the season third in the standings.
In the 450 class Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Nick Wey earned another top-10 finish after going 11-9. In the WMX class Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Sara Price finished fourth in the first moto, but a crash in the second moto relegated her to an 11th place finish.
Wilson earned his second overall victory in dominating fashion at Pala Raceway rocketing to the holeshot in both motos and leading every lap on Saturday.
Dean Wilson says: “It feels really good to end the season on a high note. I’ve known all year that I can win motos and get overalls, so I’m happy I was able to have such a great result this weekend.”
The last time Rattray finished 2-2 he was able to stand on the top step of the podium, but with the dominating performance of his teammate, the South African rider had to settle for the runner-up spot. During the second moto, Rattray pushed hard to get the moto win and the overall but he was unable to get by Wilson.
Tyla Rattray says: “It’s a shame the season is ending. I’ve been getting stronger and stronger every week. I rode two consistent motos today and finishing second is good. I wanted to get the win.”
Pourcel held a seven-point lead heading into the final two motos of the season, and was in prime position to extend the lead after the first moto. On the 12th lap Pourcel crashed and separated his shoulder, ending his day and a chance at the title.
Christophe Pourcel says: “I wanted to win the championship so it is very disappointing,” said Pourcel. “I was riding good today and I felt like I could have finished strong. Everyone on the team worked so hard for this and it is disappointing to not get the championship.”
Wey had to overcome another rock to his eye in the fist moto, running the last laps of the race without goggles after the lens was dislodged. Even with the distraction the Michigan native was able to finish 11th in the moto and then come from behind in the second moto to finish ninth and earn not only 10th overall on the day, but also 10th in the season standings.
Nick Wey says: “It has been a really good season this year. I want to thank everyone at Monster Energy Kawasaki for all of their support throughout the year. Today could have gone a little better, but I’m happy to finish the season in the top 10.”
This year, the Pala track was Price’s home race and she raced just outside the top-10 for 11th overall. The result didn’t do her racing justice as she nearly grabbed the holeshot in the first moto and was running in the top-three for a majority of the moto.
Sara Price says: “I wanted to finish strong for the last race of the season so I’m a little disappointed on how the day went. I know I have podium finishes in me so I really wanted to be able to show that today, but that is racing and it just gives me something to build on for next year. I really want to come out swinging.”
Pourcel is still unsure if he will be able to lineup on the gate at Thunder Valley for the Motocross of Nations in two weeks. Pourcel was slated to be the captain of the French team but his shoulder injury may sideline him for the event.
Christophe Pourcel says: “I have an appointment on Monday to see how my shoulder is doing. I want to ride the Motocross of Nations and win it for France. Once I see the doctor I will know if that is possible and then I will make my decision.”
Pala Raceway is one of the many Southern California tracks the racers ride during the week to prepare for the Nationals and Wilson has come to really like the facility near San Diego.
Dean Wilson says: “They did a great job with the National track here at Pala. It was really fast and rough which made for a good test for us. Even though it was the first year for the race, it is one of my favorites already.”
After starting the season with a fresh shoulder injury and ending with an illness, Price has been constantly overcoming adversity, but still producing results. Her charisma helped her come back several times through the year and still earn sixth overall in a deeply talented pool of women’s racers.
Sara Price says: “This season had so many ups and downs. It’s a little bitter sweet to see the end. I am pretty bummed I didn’t do better today, but looking at the season as a whole, we accomplished a lot for the first year under the factory tent. I’m really thankful to my whole team for being there for me through everything this season.”
