2011 AMA Motocross
Spoiler Alert: Spring Creek AMA Motocross results below
Spring Creek marked the first race in the second half of the 2011 AMA Motocross Championship, with many speculating a home-track win by the reigning champion.
And these speculators were correct – Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey took his second overall win of the 2011 Motocross Championship, after a 2-1 moto win at Round 7 Saturday in Minnesota; Dungey’s first win came at Thunder Valley (Round 5).
Joining Dungey on the overall MX podium were Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki) and Trey Canard, who made his debut in the 450cc class aboard the American Honda CRF450R.
Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki RMZ450 Motocross) says: "I love coming back here. It’s my home track. As I went through the second moto, Ryan (Villopoto) opened a gap. I knew it was hot, so I didn’t want to push it, but my laps were good.
"Then I saw my laps were getting better and better, and I was gaining on him. That’s when I knew I had to push, even if it hurt. I was able to get up there, make the pass, and grab the overall."
In the first moto at Spring Creek Motocross Park, Two-Two Motorsports Honda’s Chad Reed took the holeshot, followed by Dungey and Canard. Reed gradually extended his lead to take his seventh moto finish of the 2011 Motocross Championship. Behind, Canard had a slight bobble, allowing Villopoto to pass. Reed would finish ahead of Dungey and Villopoto, with Canard in fifth.
In Moto 2, it was quickly a battle between Reed, Dungey and Villopto. But Reed had a frightening moment on the track’s largest jump, and hit the ground hard. He was able to restart and finish 14th. The battle began up front, and Dungey would take the win over Villopoto and Canard.
Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F Motocross) says: "Ryan (Dungey) got beside me, and I squared up a right hander. He had more momentum and got inside. I tried letting off, but didn’t soon enough and we both went it. I got into the powder and just fell over. Lappers were an issue, but Ryan was riding good; the guy to beat in that second moto."
Chad Reed (Two-Two Motorsports Honda CRF450R) says: "I hit some bumps and the front wheel just went out from under me. The next thing I know, I’m flying through the air. I’m just happy to still be here. It’s all about the championship.
"I wasn’t about to lay down and let these guys gain 25 points, so I just went out there and rode my best and took my 14th. It’s always going to be a fight, and now it’s definitely going to be that way. I’m excited for the rest of the races."
With his second-place overall finish, Villopoto (294 points) now trails Reed (300) by a mere six points. But only one point behind Villopoto is Dungey.
The 2011 AMA Motocross Championship heads to the Pacific Northwest next weekend for the Washougal National.
2011 Spring Creek AMA Motocross 450 Class Results (Moto Finish)
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-1)
- Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (3-2)
- Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (5-3)
- Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (4-4)
- Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda (1-14)
- Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki (6-5)
- Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (8-6)
- Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (7-9)
- Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (12-7)
- Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda (11-10)
2011 AMA Motocross 450 Class Championship Standings (after seven of 12 rounds)
- Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda – 300
- Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 294
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 293
- Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki – 209
- Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda – 193
- Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 173
- Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM – 156
- Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM – 151
- Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 140
- Christian Craig, El Cajon, Calif., Honda – 119
