2011 AMA Motocross
Spoiler Alert: Unadilla AMA Motocross results posted below
Following a two-week break, the 2011 AMA Motocross Championship convened Saturday at New Berlin, N.Y., for the Rockstar Energy Unadilla National, Round 9 of 12.
Before a massive crowd typical of the historical Unadilla track, the finishing order in both motos was the same, with Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto dominating.
Joining Villopoto on the podium in both motos was the reigning AMA Motocross Champion, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, and the man who made his 450 debut this weekend, American Honda’s Justin Barcia, respectively.
As for the rider who dominated most of the Motocross season, Two-Two Motorsports Honda’s Chad Reed, the Australian had a 4-5 moto finish, taking fourth overall.
In Moto 1, Villopoto followed New York native Barcia out of the gate, and passed him on lap 7. From there on Villopoto wasn’t challenged again, taking the win with Dungey in tow, Barcia in third.
The second moto occurred in a simliar way, Villopoto now chasing KTM’s Mike Alessi for the lead. On lap 3, Villopoto took Alessi on lap three, and wasn’t challenged again.
With his wins, Villopoto extends his Motocross championship lead to 391 points, seven ahead of Dungey. Reed remains in third, with 366 points.
And Villopoto swept both motos on his birthday weekend.
Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F) says: “It was definitely a good day. The team and I made the decision to go to 2012 Kawasaki for this weekend, and it was definitely the right move.
“Knowing what we had was a lot better, I felt like we were in a great position to win today. I got good starts and was able to work my way through the field. It seemed easy to get by guys. I don’t know if it was the bike, or my confidence, but it’s put us in good position for the championship.”
Ryan Dungey (Rockstar Makita Suzuki RMZ450) says: “I fought it a bit today. I didn’t get the start I needed in either moto. I had to battle through guys, and once I got into second, I couldn’t make the time up on Ryan (Villopoto). We’re looking forward to the next three races, and battling for this championship.”
The 2011 AMA Motocross Championship continues Aug 27 in Southwick, Ma.
2011 AMA Motocross: 450 Class Results
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-2)
Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (3-3)
Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda (4-5)
Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (7-4)
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (5-6)
Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (8-7)
Kyle Regal, Howell, Mich., Suzuki (10-9)
Jimmy Albertson, San Diego, Calif., Yamaha (12-11)
Jake Canada, Corona, Calif., Yamaha (11-14)
2011 AMA Motocross 450 Class Championship Standings
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 391
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 384
Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda – 366
Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki – 262
Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM – 210
Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM – 196
Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda – 193
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 190
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 173
Tommy Hahn, Great Bend, Kan., Yamaha – 140