Yamaha Racing Team
Josh Grant celebrates victory at Anaheim 1.
Yamaha continued their streak of victories in the AMA Supercross Championship (also an FIM World Championship) as Joe Gibbs Racing Team’s Josh Grant surprisingly took his YZ450F to first place at the opening round of seventeen in the 2009 campaign at Anaheim in Los Angeles last Saturday. 2008 champion Chad Reed clinched the last race of 2008 and Grant beat both the Australian, and pre-event favourite - and new Yamaha recruit - James Stewart to the chequered flag.
It was a dramatic first AMA outing for Stewart as part of the title-winning L and M San Manuel squad. In front of a bumper collective of 42,309 spectators, the 23 year old took the holeshot in the main event and pull away from the pack with Reed in pursuit. The pair swapped the lead before a collision caused both to hit the dirt. Stewart’s bike was hit by the pursuing Kevin Windham and he was unable to restart, pulling out of the sprint after just six laps.
Grant was running in third position prior to the Stewart-Reed incident and fronted the pack for the rest of the race for a sensational debut result in his first meeting in the Supercross category since joining Yamaha during the winter.
“I just kept plugging away and I didn’t even look at the board or the laptimes or how many laps were left. I just kept going and when it felt like halfway I looked up and it said ‘18 laps’ and I was like, ‘Thank God!’ said the young Californian, who had to nurse his machine across the line after catching a trackside banner in his rear wheel with two laps remaining. ‘I’m just so pumped, and I didn’t want to take too many chances with the banner in the wheel, so I just kept riding and it came through.’
Stewart walks away earlier than expected after a troubling night of racing.
After winning the US Open in Las Vegas and then at Paris, Bercy, it was a disappointing night for Stewart who classified 19th after his retirement.
‘I got the holeshot and uncharacteristically I let him (Reed) go by. I was making a few mistakes in the beginning and I wasn’t really comfortable yet. He ended up getting by me and actually pulled away,’ he said. ‘I found my rhythm and came back up and he might have started fading a little bit – I don’t know what he was doing – but I went past him pretty quick and then I came into that corner and I missed a shift. Once I clicked back in, all I know is - just like Toronto in 2006 - I was getting hit from the rear. He took me out and I was down and out, and couldn’t start my bike again.’
In the Lites category reigning champion Jason Lawrence recovered from his involvement in a first lap pile-up to guide his YZ250F to 5th place.
Round two will take place next Saturday at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Monster Energy Kawasaki
Jake Weimer and Ryan Morais swept the top two podium spots in the AMA Supercross Lites class at the first round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Monster Energy Kawasaki kicked off the new year with fresh faces in familiar places at Angels Stadium in Anaheim. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s newest riders Jake Weimer and Ryan Morais swept the top two podium spots in the AMA Supercross Lites class at the first round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship. Weimer earned his second career win with Morais grabbing his career best finish. In the AMA Supercross class, Ryan Villopoto won his first ever 450cc race, claiming his heat and finished his debut main event in fifth. Villopoto’s Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate Timmy Ferry finished fourth.
One for One
Weimer joined Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki over the off season and at the first race of the season he showed he is a good fit the team.
“I couldn’t have started the season any better,” said Weimer. “Coming into Anaheim 1 with a new team is tough and this is how I wanted the season to start. It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders, there is a lot of pressure that comes with riding for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team, and with Ryan (Morais) finishing second is awesome.”
Great Start
Villopoto’s supercross class debut was one of the storylines heading into the 2009 season and the 20-year-old did not disappoint. In the heat race Villopoto rocketed into the first turn to take the holeshot and led wire to wire to claim the heat race victory. During the main event, Villopoto also showed his skills, earning a top-five finish in his first race.
“The night went pretty good for me,” said Villopoto. “I won my qualifier which was great. In the main I got a bad start and then fell, so I had to work my way back up. It’s not the way I wanted to start the season, but overall it was a decent night.”
Grand Debut
Villopoto wasn’t the only one making a debut at Anaheim 1. The 2009 Kawasaki KX?450F started its first race and won in its debut. The new model features electronic fuel injection as well as a refined chassis to improve the handling on an already championship caliber bike.
“The fuel injection on the Kawasaki KX 450F is awesome. I love it,” said Ferry. “It really makes a difference for us in supercross, I can’t even imagine riding a carbureted 450F bike anymore. The new chassis on the Kawasaki is good too and I’m pretty excited for the rest of the season. We have a good solid bike and a great team.”
Runner-up
After a great heat race, Morais was excited for the main event. Though he didn’t get the holeshot, he rode a smart race to earn his best career finish.
During the heat race Weimer and Morais battled for the top spot, racing each other clean but still both fighting for the win.
“The main event was awesome,” said Morais. “I wanted to get the holeshot, so I just dumped the clutch and got a little crazy out of the gate. I came out in about sixth and I just tried to stay patient and make good decisions. I was riding hard and getting close to the lead. I started to get excited. I just tried too hard and started making mistakes with the lappers. I just settled back in and held on for second. It is such a great feeling, and I feel like a huge weight is off my shoulders.”
Fourth Place
While his teammate Villopoto was making his supercross class debut, Ferry was starting his 13th season in the class. With that experience comes the knowledge that it is a long season and consistency typically pays off.
“This is a really good result,” said Ferry. “Coming in I said I wanted to get in the top five. I’m riding well and this is a long series. I rode really well in the heat race and finished second. There are 17 races and fourth place is a good way to start.”
Holeshot
In the first supercross lites heat race, both Morais and Weimer were lined up on the gate and it was Morais who shot out to holeshot and the early lead.
“The heat race was great,” said Morais. “I ripped the holeshot and I was over the first double going into the whoops and I was like ‘wow, I can’t believe I got the holeshot.’ I got really excited leading and started riding a little tight and Jake was able to get by me, but going one-two in the heat race was awesome.”
Heat Racing
During the heat race Weimer and Morais battled for the top spot, racing each other clean but still both fighting for the win. Weimer was able to pass Morais without incident and both of them earned good gate picks for the main event.
“I’ve done that in the past, I got carried away because everyone wants to win,” said Weimer. “When you’re in second you want to get that next guy. I was careful and I didn’t want to bump him. The most important thing in the heat race is to qualify for the main event.”
Making Changes
“I couldn’t have started the season any better,” said Weimer. “Coming into Anaheim 1 with a new team is tough and this is how I wanted the season to start." - Jake Weimer
One of the secrets to getting supercross wins is learning something every time you’re on the track. Weimer knew that and after not getting a good start in his heat race, he worked with the team to improve his technique.
“In the heat race, I didn’t get off the line as good as I wanted too,” said Weimer. “Before the main we talked about it and I made a few adjustments and it worked out great. I was right there for the holeshot and just missed it, but I stayed calm and made the pass. I rode as smart as I could and took it to the checkers.”
Adapting
Though he is listed as a rookie, Villopoto rode like a veteran during the race, overcoming an early fall to work his way toward the front.
“It’s definitely tough,” said Villopoto. “Your heart rate spikes and it really throws a wrench in the program. I tensed up a little during the main, but I knew I could salvage a good finish.”
Rockstar Makita Suzuki
Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing’s Chad Reed had an impressive 2009 AMA Supercross season debut with his new team at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, on Saturday night. The two-time and defending AMA Supercross champion got a good start on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 and was battling for the lead when he suffered a nasty crash. The Australian rallied and rejoined the race, bringing home a third-place finish. Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammate Mike Alessi got caught up in an early-race pile-up, but managed to get back into the fray and finished in 11th position. Finally, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Michael Byrne did not race, due to an injury sustained in the off-season. He hopes to be back racing as soon as possible.
In the Supercross Lites class, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey also started the 2009 season with a podium finish. Although Dungey suffered a get-off in his heat race, he came back and won the evening’s LCQ. Following that, Dungey charged hard on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z250 in the SX Lites main to bring home an impressive third-place finish.
The two-time and defending AMA Supercross champion got a good start on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 and was battling for the lead when he suffered a nasty crash.
“This was a good day, we learned a lot. In the first practice session, I was third, and we made some changes and I got more comfortable with the track conditions. In the main event, I tried to put myself in a good position. I went to second place right away, and I felt like I had some better lines than the leader. When he made a mistake, I got by him and tried to put my head down but he got back by me. Then, I was getting ready to pass him back when I think he missed a gear and we both went flying. We bent the bike up pretty good and I lost the front brake so I’m pretty excited to be on the podium. It’s a shame that we crashed because I think we would have had a good battle. I felt like I had a win in me, for sure.”
Mike Alessi: “The race was actually pretty good, especially since I haven’t been riding for a couple of months because of my leg injury. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 was running good – there was a lot of power and the suspension was spot-on. The whole team was working great and everybody was helping me out. In the main, I didn’t get a good start – I was about 10th and, then, in the second turn there was a pile-up and I got caught up in it. I had to turn around and get back on the track and I started dead last. But I went from last to 11th, and I just tried to run my own race and ride consistent laps and run the pace I felt comfortable with. It’s good to get the first race out of the way.”
Ryan Dungey: “We had a few ups and downs at Anaheim, but it was also a chance for our whole team to come together. I worked my butt off on the track, but they worked their butts off before that, changing motors and getting everything ready for the main. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z250 ran strong in the main event and that’s what counts – the team stepped it up when they had to. I was just thankful to finish up on the podium and end up where we did.”
Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing will race next at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009.
Team San Manuel Yamaha
Despite a nasty finish on the night, Stewart was credited with 19th place and earned two Supercross Championship points.
Team San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart started the long January 3rd day off by setting one of the fastest qualifying times on the tough Anaheim course - the first rider to come in under the one minute mark with a 59.806.
With evening race conditions chilly and drizzly by Southern California standards and a season opener Angel Stadium crowd that was close to being sold out, Stewart had fans on their feet with a dominant win in the second Supercross heat race, finishing 11.4 seconds over second place and cutting a best lap time of 1:00.382 on the deteriorating track.
When the gate dropped on the main even, Stewart jumped out into the lead with a strong holeshot. Reed followed and the two riders started pulling away from the pack, dicing back and forth for the lead when disaster struck. Stewart missed a gear coming out of a turn that led into a short whoop section and Reed slammed into the back of Stewart forcing both riders down. Stewart, taking a hard hit to the head, was slow to get up and remount and as he valiantly pushed his bike off the racing line, was T-boned by Kevin Windham and slammed to the ground yet again. Stewart remounted but could not get his bike restarted; he ended up walking back to the pits in frustration. Stewart was credited with 19th place and earned two Supercross Championship points.
Team San Manuel’s rookie rider Kyle Chisholm rode well throughout the day, earning a qualifying spot for the heats with a respected lap time of 1:05.346. Kyle finished 12th in his heat race and looked to be in contention to take the Last Chance Qualifier, but was knocked back to 8th.
“We’ll regroup and come back stronger next week,” said San Manuel Yamaha Team Manager Larry Brooks. “Hopefully, we’ve gotten all of our bad luck out of the way now and we can focus on just winning races. James is the fastest rider on any track and he knows how to win races and Championships. Now, we don’t have to protect a point’s lead so we’ll concentrate on winning races.”
Team San Manuel Yamaha Highlights/Anaheim 1 – Round 1
James Stewart – Winner Heat Race #2
Kyle Chisholm - 12th place Heat race #1; 8th place LCQ
James Stewart – Holeshot Supercross Main Event
James Stewart - Fast Qualifying lap; 0:59.806
Kyle Chisholm – Fast Qualifying lap; 1:05.346
MDK/Warthog Racing Academy
The 2009 AMA Monster Energy Supercross season was open for business this past Saturday, January 3, 2009, in the city Mickey Mouse built, Anaheim, CA. Also open for business for the first time was the Warthog Nation, Warthog Racing’s innovative program to unite teams with like philosophies and principles to share resources and successes.
The backbone of the Warthog Nation is Mastercraft’s Heath Voss as the Nation’s seasoned and ageless leader, plus the MDK/Warthog Racing Academy (WRA) contingent of up-and-comers and future champions – each striving to reach the next rung on the ladder of success as they toil under the MDK/WRA canopy and tent.
MotoConcepts Racing (MCRMX) is the primary member of the 2009 Warthog Nation. MCRMX joined the Warthog Nation when former Warthog Racing Academy riders Jeff Alessi, Cole Siebler, Frenchman Ben Coisy, and Australian Daniel McCoy were ready for the next major steps in their careers. MCRMX proved to be the well resourced and soundly run “elite” team these riders needed to thrive. MCRMX is a new team for 2009 created by Mike Genova and Andy James and they are making a lot of the right moves as they have chosen the always capable Honda race bikes and the highly sought after MDK Speed Equipment performance products.
Also joining the Warthog Nation for 2009 is the always popular Fire and Police MX team featuring Carlos Gonzalez and Justin Keeney. Carlos and Justin will be running KTMs built by MDK Speed Equipment.
Needless to say, the Warthog Nation movement is growing rapidly. Philosophically, the Warthog Nation is really just the embodiment of a fundamental Warthog Racing principle -- Warthog Racing has always been about the “big tent” philosophy. We welcome partnerships with all like minded teams and organizations that want to work together to make the sport of Supercross and Motocross a grand sport for the Privateer racers.
So how did things go at Anaheim I for Warthog Racing and its extended family?
Well first of all, mucho kudos to Marvelous Mike Horban, who made his first main event ever. Mike has been chasing his goal of making the main for over a year while riding with the Warthog Racing Academy. Mike finished 8th in his heat to directly qualify for the main, where he finished a respectable 18th. Mike is the kind of rider who epitomizes the type of rider we value in the MDK/Warthog Racing Academy. Mike is a talented, hard-working rider who never gives up. He started racing at a relatively late age (16) but has continued to improve his skills at a pace that is now allowing him to compete with the best riders in the world. Look for Mike to improve even more in the remaining weeks of the season
The rest of the MDK/Warthog Racing Academy had a day that would be best characterized as a Learning Experience.
Mitch Rask, in his first ever Supercross race, missed the cut for the night show by a fraction of a second. It’s obvious that Mitch will have no problem making the show in the future as he gains comfort and experience.
Deven Raper made the night program in his first try and showed flashes of brilliance in both his heat and Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ).
Vince Friese experienced Supercross for the first time by riding in the big boy class as he prepares his assault on the East Coast Lites series. Vince easily qualified for the big show and spent the heat and LCQ gaining valuable track time.
Arizonian Rhett Urseth had a day he’d rather forget, DNFing his heat race and then finishing out of the money in the LCQ. Look for Rhett to rebound strongly in his home town of Phoenix this week under the watchful eye of Super Mechanic, Stitch, who also supplies Rhett’s suspension through his TrickStix company.
Tiger Lacey’s weekend was not a good representation of Tiger’s immense talent. After making the night show cut, he went down in his heat race and DNFed his LCQ. But Tiger being Tiger, he’ll be back next week stronger than ever. You can take that to the bank.
Manu Rivas, the Spanish Supercross Champion, was injured practicing before the event and was never a factor at Anaheim I. Look for Manu to bounce back in Phoenix.
Brazilian Antonio Balbi, after a short week which saw him arrive home from Brazil only a few days before the race, wasn’t quite able to get things sorted out perfectly for race day. As a result, his performance on the track suffered. Look for a marked turnaround in Phoenix.
Young Tyler Bowers, racing the Supercross class for the first time, showed flashes of brilliance but did not put in the top ten performance we all know he is capable of. A little fine tuning this week should do the trick. Expect to see Tyler in the main this week.
Veteran Sean Collier was slated to run the Supercross class for the Warthog Racing Academy. However, he was asked at the last minute by Team Principal Bobby Regan to fill-in for the injured Brock Tickle at Star Racing. This is the type of opportunity many of the members of the Warthog Racing Academy relish – a chance to ride for a factory supported satellite team. At the end of the day, Sean and his dad Mike decided that they will run the rest of the West Coast Lites series with Star Racing and then rejoin the Warthog Racing Academy to finish the series in the Supercross class. Congratulations and good luck to Sean!!
Next up is legendary Heath Voss, who stepped up to the challenge, as he always does. After cruising into the main event with a fifth place finish in the heat race, Heath made up for a slow start in the main event by continually pushing forward as others faded away. Heath eventually finished seventh place and picked up top privateer honors.
We would be remiss if we didn’t highlight the amazing day that MCRMX had their first time out. Jeff Alessi, Ben Coisy, and Cole Sielber all qualified for the main events decisively out of their heat races. Daniel McCoy missed a trip to the main in the premier class in his first US race after just missing out on a transfer position.
It was in the main event that Coisy really shined. After running as high as fourth for a good portion of the race, Coisy found himself being passed by a few factory riders toward the later end of the moto. Ben still finished a respectable eighth place in the Elite class and was second privateer overall.
The newest members of the Warthog Nation, The Fire and Police MX team had a day they’d rather forget. After posting qualifying times that should have guaranteed easy access to the main, things fell apart for Carlos Gonzalez and Justin Keeney. Look for Carlos and Justin to rebound strongly in Phoenix.
The Warthog Racing pit scene was off the hook at Anaheim I. Smooth Industries and DeCal Works did a great job of creating a new look for the team that included a complete makeover of the transporter, tent, people barriers, crew shirts, and rider graphics. Media partner Transworld Motocross took advantage of the 180 foot long Warthog compound and provided catering and hospitality to over 200 clients and team members.
Connexions Sports and Entertainment
In front of 42,309 screaming fans, Connexions Sports and Entertainment’s Josh Grant surprised the motorcycling World by taking the win in the opening round of the AMA Supercross Series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, CA. The event was also broadcast live on SPEED to millions of race fans.
Making his season debut in the premier Supercross class, Grant finished the opening lap of the 20 lap main event in 3rd behind favorites James Stewart and Chad Reed, but on lap 7 the lead duo hit the Anaheim clay and opened the door for the rookie Grant. For the next 10 laps Grant opened up a 12 second lead. Then, with only two laps remaining, he clipped a vinyl Tuf-Blok cover which was sucked into the rear wheel of his Yamaha and almost caused him to lose braking power while nearly sending him over the handlebars a few times.
With Grant’s rear brake smoking and everyone on their feet, Grant powered his way around the track over the final two laps to take his first ever Supercross class victory. “The rear wheel started to lock up and I didn’t know what it was, I figured I was going to just keep the throttle pinned and win or crash trying,” said Grant. He continued, “I’m pretty much speechless right now, the entire team and I have been working so hard for this and to win the Anaheim opener is just unreal!”
Josh Grant will take his points lead and head to Phoenix, AZ and Chase Field on January 10th, 2009 for round 2 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. Make sure to tune in at 6pm EST on SPEED.
Troy Lee Designs Race Team
Steve Boniface is the lone 450 rider on the team and he turned some heads on Saturday night. After finishing a strong fourth in his heat race and taking 17th over all in the main event.
A1 is in the books, and the 2009 season is underway. Chris Blose led the team at the Anaheim opener with a solid fourth place finish in the 250 (Lites) main event. After starting inside the top ten, Chris stayed out of trouble on the opening laps and took advantage of mistakes made by his competition. When Reardon and Brayton tangled and went down near the halfway point, Blose avoided the carnage and snuck by. He inherited third position and held onto it for several laps before Ryan Dungey passed him and relegated him to fourth. That finish puts the young rider in championship contention heading into his hometown race in Phoenix, AZ this weekend. "I'm just really happy to get that one out of the way," said Chris. "I feel like I have a lot more speed than I showed this weekend. I rode really tight all day for some reason. Things came around a little bit for me in the final but I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I want to get on that podium."
The team rookie, Sean Borkenhagen, made his first main event in as many tries and crossed the line in twelfth position. It was an impressive finish by the rookie and the best by any first-year rider on the gate. "It was an amazing feeling to finally be out there," said Sean. "I've dreamed of racing supercross my whole life and it's finally happening. I'm stoked with the way things went and I just want to build off that from here on out."
Steve Boniface is the lone 450 rider on the team and he turned some heads on Saturday night. After finishing a strong fourth in his heat race, Boniface looked poised to impress in the final. He came out of the first turn in third position but it wouldn't last long. Steve was hit in turn two and knocked down with Mike Alessi and several other riders. He would remount eventually and finish seventeenth. It was certainly not a result that is indicative of his talent. Look for Steve to rebound with a top ten finish soon.
The Troy Lee Designs/Honda race team would like to thank all of the amazing companies that have supported our racing efforts over the years. We would also like to welcome our new sponsors that will be an integral part of the crew in years to come. Among those are Seaspan, Avia, Skull Candy, Rossignol, Kasey Kahne Racing and Icon Aircraft. These companies have come onboard for 2009 and we are excited about working with them.
We would also like to acknowledge the sponsors that are returning this year. Those include American Honda, Wings for Life, PPG, Pacific Collision Centers, Couts Heating and Cooling, Dunlop, VP Racing Fuels, Pro Circuit, Pro Honda Oils, Renthal, ODI, Excel, RK, N-Style, Selle Italia, Alpinestars, Jimmy Vasser, Cornwell Tools, Cumberland, Cycra, Malcolm Smith, Flexfit, Hinson, Leatt Brace, Light Speed, MetTec, Momo, Muc-Off, QTM, Talon Hubs and Twin Air. We could not go racing without you.
Thank you for your support of the Troy Lee Designs Race Team.
We would also like to acknowledge Mid-Cities Honda for their continued support of Sean Borkenhagen.
The series continues this Saturday, January 10 at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.
Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM Team
Sipes who rode a smooth and consistent race would finish sixth for the night.
Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM Factory Racing Team riders Justin Brayton and Ryan Sipes showed up to the Angel Stadium in typical KTM fashion, “Ready to Race,” for the opening round of the AMA West Supercross Lites Series.
Both riders held positions in the top five overall fastest practice times with Brayton qualifying second fastest while Sipes qualified fifth fastest.
After opening ceremony introductions, Brayton was up first in Lites Heat #1. Brayton got a great start nearly pulling the holeshot just a half a bike length behind Kawasaki rider Ryan Morais. Brayton held second until the third lap when a mistake on his part let rider Jake Weimer pass. Weimer would eventually go on to take the heat win over his teammate Morais while Brayton safely finished the race qualifying third. KTM support rider, Michael Sleeter, also transferred from this heat with a seventh place result.
Sipes was set to race Heat #2 when an unfortunate mechanical issue plagued his bike right before the gate drop. He was not able to race and was forced to qualify into the main from the LCQ.
Fans enjoyed a new halftime show during the intermission from the Jagermeister/KTM Freestyle riders. The four freestyle athletes hit the ramps pulling known tricks as the heart attack, cordova and numerous back flip variations. Shortly after, the well-known KTM VP, Selvaraj Narayana, was presented with the Mickey Thompson Award of excellence for his lifetime achievements and contributions to the motorcycle industry.
Brayton managed to hold 7th place after a nasty spill during lap six causing him to go over the bars.
As the gate dropped for the main event both Factory KTM riders skyrocketed out of the gate with Brayton rounding the first turn in third and Sipes one spot back in fourth. Right from the start, Brayton was on the tail of the first and second place riders Jake Weimer and Dan Reardon. By lap five Brayton had reeled in Reardon and began to set up for the pass. Unfortunately, on lap six the riders came too close together, making contact in a corner, sending Reardon to the ground and Brayton over the bars.
Brayton remounted in seventh position and would remain there through the finish of the race. Sipes who rode a smooth and consistent race finished sixth for the night.
In the Supercross class, Josh Summey representing the Jagermeister/MDK/KTM 450 Team, got a decent top ten start in the main and was running inside the top ten when he had a mechanical set back that took him out of the race. “Although Josh had some unfortunate luck in tonight’s main, his speed was there and we look forward to seeing some top ten finishes from him this season,” stated Jagermeister/MDK/KTM Team Manager, Danny Paladino.
