2011 AMA Motocross: Kawasaki KX Dominates

2011 AMA Motocross

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto completed a perfect 2011 season as he earned both the AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Motocross Championship.

With Villopoto’s second-place overall finish at Pala Raceway, he captured his first 450-class motocross championship.

Combined with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson 250 championship, Kawasaki swept both AMA Motocross titles in 2011. While the championship was wrapped up at Round 11, Wilson’s teammates Tyla Rattray and Blake Baggett secured second and third overall in the standings with 2-3 and 3-5 moto finishes, respectively.

Broc Tickle salvaged 11th overall after a tough Moto 1, but impressive second moto to finish 19-6 on the day. Villopoto’s teammate Jake Weimer had a day of ups and downs and finished ninth overall with a 10-12.

Kawasaki KX: Consistency

After a successful supercross season, Villopoto was challenged to could come out and make it a double championship year with the AMA Motocross championship. He started the season riding with the flu, but still managed to make the podium week in and week out. It is said championships are won with consistency and Villopoto never finished off the podium in all twelve rounds.

Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki KX450F Motocross) says: "I didn’t start the season how I wanted. I was getting over the flu and didn’t have a lot of energy the first round. Then things started to pick up when I got my first win. I just wanted to be there every weekend for a shot at the championship. It feels great to back up my supercross season and hopefully we can come out and do it again next year."

Undefeated at Pala

The AMA Motocross Championship tour has only seen the riders grace Pala Raceway track since 2010 and after the fourth moto in the 250 class was complete, Wilson remained undefeated at the track. He claimed two outstanding moto wins in 2010 and put together another pair of moto wins to cap off his championship season.

Dean Wilson (Kawasaki KX250F) says: "Winning the title felt amazing and now I was able to win the last race with my mom and dad around. They’ve supported me so much and it is really special to have them at the race. Next year I would love to back it up and I think the team has my back to do it again."

Second In Series

With the championship already secured, Rattray was ready to maintain his second place in the series standings. In the first moto, Rattray grabbed a great start, filing in behind his teammate Wilson and held his ground to finish third. The next moto wasn’t as easy with a tough start pushing him back to 11th. He pushed steadily towards the front and eventually finished fifth in the moto and fourth overall.

Tyla Rattray (Kawasaki KX250F) says: "It would have been nice to win, but closing out the season second the standings isn’t bad. My teammates are tough and the track seemed to fit them (Wilson and Baggett) better. I am happy to finish the season healthy and ready for motocross of nations."

Five-Time Winner

Baggett showed speed all day and in the first moto he finished just behind his teammate for second place. The second moto didn’t start how he wanted in ninth, but worked his way into third to finish second overall on the day.

Blake Baggett (Kawasaki KX250F) says: "I really wanted to win the final race. I won a lot of races, but wasn’t able to secure the championship. This is truly my first full season in the motocross series and I learned a lot. I am so lucky to have a great team behind me. I hope next year I can use what I learned and be a little closer to the championship."

Never Giving Up

Weimer continued to show his starting skills with two great starts at Pala Raceway. In the first moto, he started third, but went down on the third lap and was pushed back outside the top 10. He pushed his way up and finished 10th. The second moto had him up front at the first turn, but he crashed on the opening lap. Weimer came around in 35th on the first lap and never gave up, finishing the moto 12th for ninth overall.

Jake Weimer (Kawasaki KX450F) says: "Today was tough and I saw the ground a few more times than I would like. Overall I was able to salvage ninth and get sixth in the points. For my first season on the 450, I think everyone was very supportive and I am looking forward to building off this season for next year."

Not Holding Back

Once again, Tickle’s results showcased his determination and never-give-up attitude. In the first moto, Tickle went down on the start straight, pushing him back to 39th on the opening lap. He utilized the 30 minutes plus two laps to make his way up to an impressive 19th. The second moto he made his start stick and eventually moved up to sixth for 11th overall.

Broc Tickle (Kawasaki KX250F) says: "Bad luck seemed to find me a little too often this season, but when I was able to race up front, it was good. The season turned out decent with all things considered and I am looking forward to making the step up to the 450 class."

Kawasaki KX Proof

The Kawasaki KX250F and KX450F had already been successful in supercross, and now the motorcycles have claimed both championships in the AMA Motocross series. The KX250F never left the top step of the overall podium and the 2012 KX450F made its first appearance with a 1-1 victory.

Mike Fisher (Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Manager) says: "We have great motorcycles to work with and the proof showed throughout the season. I am very proud of all the riders that put in 100 percent every weekend."

2011 Motocross of Nations

Baggett and Villopoto will be making the trip to France for the 2011 Motocross of Nations trying to help Team USA claim another victory. Teammates will turn into rivals, as Rattray will be assisting South Africa and Wilson helping Great Britain. The race will take place September 18.

AMA 450 Motocross Final Points Standings
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, SEATTLE, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 526
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 514
3. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda, 429
4. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 374
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 304
6. JAKE WEIMER, RUPERT, IDAHO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 271
7. Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha, 218
8. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM, 196
9. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 193
10. Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 173

AMA 250 Motocross Final Points Standings
1. DEAN WILSON, MENIFEE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 538
2. TYLA RATTRAY, WILDOMAR, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 472
3. BLAKE BAGGETT, GRAND TERRACE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 469
4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 314
5. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 311
6. Gareth Swanepoel, South Africa, Yamaha, 300
7. BROC TICKLE, HOLLY, MICH., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 253
8. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda, 213
9. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Suzuki, 213
10. Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Honda, 195

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