James Stewart has three wins at Reliant Stadium and is on a two-race wins streak.
While San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., is on a two-race win streak, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., takes over the points race as Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, heads to Houston’s Reliant Stadium this Saturday night. With tickets available for as low as $10, fans can watch this epic showdown in the AMA Supercross class and the opening race of the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class.
With three races completed, the hotly contested AMA Supercross class has seen two winners, JGRMX/Yamaha/Toyota’s Josh Grant (Anaheim 1) and Stewart (Phoenix & Anaheim 2). Last Saturday night 43,009 Monster Energy® fans at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., watched Stewart win his second consecutive race of the year and chipped away at the points deficient he was faced with after finishing 19th at the season opener.
Heading into Phoenix’s Chase Field Stewart was 23 points out of the points race; his victory there moved him up to seventh place in the standings (18 points out of the points standings) and a win Saturday night in Anaheim moved him into fourth place, just 12 points behind Reed. A three-time winner in Houston, Stewart continues his quest to the top.
“I didn’t get the greatest start,” said Stewart. “It was a freight train out front, but I was able to get around Windham (Kevin) and Ryan (Villopoto). I came up short on the triple jump and lost my back brake for a few laps.”
Josh Grant held the AMA Supercross class points lead at Phoenix and Anaheim 2.
Reed knows something about comebacks as well. Starting in last place Saturday night in Anaheim, Reed used every lap of the 20-lap main event to claw his way into second place, which was good enough to take over the points lead from Grant. Reed, a two-time winner in Houston, races for his first win of the 2009 Monster Energy® Supercross season.
“I was somewhere in the top five off the start and someone took me out,” said Reed. “I tried to play damage control tonight,” added Reed. “It was a super difficult track to pass on. We have the points lead now, so I am so excited. Our team has been working their butts off, and I am confident. I tried to be smart for 20 laps. I knew these guys would get tired, so I kept my head down and charged hard.”
The AMA Supercross class main event at Angel Stadium began with GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham, of Centerville, Miss., winning the holeshot and leading the first 10 laps before Stewart passed him for the lead.
The riders competing on the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship will take a break as the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship begins at Reliant Stadium. Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., takes a six point lead into the break over Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryan Morais, of Murrieta, Calif.
Chad Reed moved into the AMA Supercross class points lead last week in Anaheim as he picked up the 89th career podium finish of his career.
Coming into Anaheim, Dungey enjoyed a two-point lead. In the main event, he passed Morais for the lead and rode off to his second consecutive race win of the season and extended his points lead.
“It was a great ride,” said Dungey. “I heard the fans every step of the way. The track played out really good for us. This is really enjoyable. We have a two week break in the Lites class, so we can go back and work hard and show up prepared for the next race.”
The Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship will be headlined by last year’s winner at Reliant Stadium Austin Stroupe (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) rookie Blake Wharton (Geico Powersports Honda), veteran Brett Metcalfe (Geico Powersports Honda), sophomore Wil Hahn (MDK/KTM) and 2008 AMA Supercross Lites third-place finisher Nico Izzi (Rockstar/Makita Suzuki),
This weekend’s Monster Energy® Supercross race from Reliant Stadium will mark the 43rd time the gate has dropped in Houston. During last year’s AMA Supercross class main event, GEICO Powersports Honda’s Kevin Windham grabbed his first victory since 2005, capitalizing on an error by Davey Millsaps to go unchallenged the rest of the way.
“I have been working hard this year, and tonight it paid off,” said Windham after last year’s victory. “I could not have won in front of a better crowd. I put my head down tonight and used the crowd to my advantage. The crowd was on their feet for the entire race.”
The win sparked a stellar championship run for the veteran, who chased eventual champion Chad Reed to the wire.
Ryan Dungey leads the way in the western regional AMA Supercross lites class.
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe became the fourth different winner of a young 2008 season when he garnered his first career victory in Houston. The rookie competitor made an impressive pass for the lead over Jason Lawrence to stay in front over the final 10 laps of the main event.
“I finally had a decent start, and that helped me in the beginning of the race,” said Stroupe. “I put myself in position to stay up front and that’s what I did.”
Since 1974 Houston has been on the AMA Supercross class schedule. From 1974-2002 the Houston Astrodome served as host to the race before the race was moved to Reliant Stadium in 2003. The first AMA Supercross class race in Houston was on March 15, 1974 where Jim Pomeroy earned the win. In AMA Supercross Lites competition, Eddie Warren won the first race held in Houston on April 20, 1985. Jeremy McGrath, the all-time winningest supercross rider, shares the all-time win record along with Mark Barnett with five.
Tickets are available at Reliant Stadium, all Ticketmaster locations, participating Yamaha locations or by phone at 713-629-3700. Extreme and Club level tickets are available for $40 club; Gold Circle tickets $40/adults/$10 kids; Treadhead Seats $10. Get in free with an empty can of Monster Energy.
AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 64
2. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 61
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 53
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 52
5. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 48
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 47
7. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 43
8. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 41
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 32
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 31
Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 70
2. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 64
3. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 63
4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 50
5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 50
6. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM, 39
7. Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 34
8. Ben Evans, Boise, Idaho, Honda, 31
9. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 28
10. PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 26
Past Winners in Houston
AMA Supercross Class
February 16, 2008: Kevin Windham
February 10, 2007: James Stewart
April 01, 2006: James Stewart
April 30, 2005: James Stewart
February 14, 2004: Chad Reed
March 29, 2003: Chad Reed
March 23, 2002: Ricky Carmichael
March 24, 2001: Ricky Carmichael
February 05, 2000: Jeremy McGrath
March 19, 1999: Jeremy McGrath
January 17, 1998: Ezra Lusk
March 22, 1997: Jeff Emig
March 16, 1996: Jeremy McGrath
March 25, 1995: Jeremy McGrath
January 22, 1994: Jeremy McGrath
January 16, 1993: Damon Bradshaw
January 18, 1992: Damon Bradshaw
January 19, 1991: Jean-Michel Bayle
February 03, 1990: Damon Bradshaw
March 18, 1989: Jeff Stanton
February 06, 1988: Jeff Ward
February 07, 1987: Jeff Ward
February 02, 1986: Jeff Ward
April 20, 1985: Jeff Ward
March 24, 1984: David Bailey
March 20, 1983: Mark Barnett
March 19, 1983: Bob Hannah
March 20, 1982: Mark Barnett
March 19, 1982: Mark Barnett
March 14, 1981: Mark Barnett
March 13, 1981: Mark Barnett
March 14, 1980: Mike Bell
March 15, 1980: Broc Glover
March 17, 1979: Bob Hannah
March 16, 1979: Bob Hannah
March 18, 1978: Bob Hannah
March 18, 1977: Tony DiStefano
March 19, 1977: Jim Ellis
March 12, 1976: Jim Weinerd
March 14, 1975: Jim Ellis
March 15, 1974: Jim Pomeroy
AMA Supercross Lites Class
February 16, 2008: Austin Stroupe
February 10, 2007: Ryan Villopoto
April 01, 2006: David Millsaps
April 30, 2005: Andrew Short
February 14, 2004: James Stewart
March 29, 2003: Brock Sellards
March 23, 2002: Matt Walker
March 24, 2001: Travis Preston
February 05, 2000: Derrick Shae Bentley
March 19, 1999: Nathan Ramsey
January 17, 1998: David Vuillemin
March 22, 1997: Kevin Windham
March 16, 1996: Kevin Windham
March 25, 1995: Damon Huffman
January 22, 1994: Ezra Huffman
January 16, 1993: Jimmy Gaddis
January 18, 1992: Brian Swink
January 19, 1991: Tallon Vohland
February 03, 1990: Jeff Emig
March 18, 1989: Mike LaRocco
February 06, 1988: Jeff Matiasevich
February 07, 1987: Keith Turpin
February 02, 1986: Willie Surratt
April 20, 1985: Eddie Warren
Houston AMA Supercross Class Stats
• The first race held in Houston was March 15th, 1974 and Pierre Karsmakers won on a Yamaha
• This will be the 43rd time the gate will drop for an AMA Supercross race
• Houston and Daytona are the only two original venues from the 1974 AMA Supercross championship and have not missed a year since.
• Houston has now hosted 43 AMA Supercross races. It is 3rd behind Anaheim and Pontiac for most races being held in one city.
• Houston hosted the second double header race in 1977.
• In 1978 & 1979, Bob Hannah swept both double-headers in back-to-back years.
• In 1981 & 1982, Mark Barnett did the same thing.
• Jeff Ward won 4 consecutive years in Houston from 1985-1988.
AMA Supercross Class Wins by Brand in Houston
• Yamaha (14)
• Kawasaki (10)
• Honda (10)
• Suzuki (6)
• Can-Am (2)
First time winners in Houston
• Jim Weinert (1976)
• Broc Glover (1980)
Most Wins in Houston
• Bob Hannah (5)
• Mark Barnett (5)
• Jeremy McGrath (5)
AMA Supercross Class Notables from Anaheim 2
• Chad Reed earned his 89th podium.
• Kevin Windham earned his first podium since Vegas of ‘08.
• Josh Grant and Chad Reed are the only riders to finish in the top 5 in all three races this year.
Houston AMA Supercross Lites Class Stats
• The first race in Houston was held April 20, 1985 and Eddie Warren won on a Kawasaki.
• This will be the 25th time the gate will drop for an AMA Supercross Lites race in Houston
• In 2001 Travis Preston gave Husqvarna its one and only Lites class win in Houston
• Kevin Windham is the only rider to win back to back Lites races in Houston
AMA Supercross Lites Class Wins by Brand in Houston
• Kawasaki (10)
• Suzuki (5)
• Yamaha (5)
• Honda (3)
• Husqvarna (1)
• Damon Huffman is the last Suzuki rider to win a Lites class race in Houston (1995).
AMA Supercross Lites Class Notables from Anaheim 2
• Ryan Dungey earned his second win of the season and is now in the points lead and is the first Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class rider to win back to back races this year.
Former AMA Supercross Lites Class Champions
1985-Eddie Warren Kawasaki
1986-Keith Turpin Honda
1987-Ron Tichenor Suzuki
1988-Todd DeHoop Suzuki
1989-Damon Bradshaw Yamaha
1990-Denny Stephenson Suzuki
1991-Brian Swink Honda
1992-Brian Swink Suzuki
1993-Doug Henry Honda
1994-Ezra Lusk Suzuki
1995-Mickael Pichon Kawasaki
1996-Mickael Pichon Kawasaki
1997-Tim Ferry Suzuki
1998-Ricky Carmichael Kawasaki
1999-Ernesto Fonseca Yamaha
2000-Stephane Roncada Yamaha
2001-Travis Pastrana Suzuki
2002-Chad Reed Yamaha
2003-Branden Jesseman Suzuki
2004-James Stewart Kawasaki
2005-Grant Langston Kawasaki
2006-Davi Millsaps Honda
2007-Ben Townley Kawasaki
2008-Trey Canard Honda
East Coast Titles by Brand
Brand Number of Titles First Title Last Title
Suzuki 8 1987 2003
Kawasaki 7 1985 2007
Honda 5 1986 2008
Yamaha 4 1989 2002
The first Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race was held in Atlanta on February 23, 1985 and Eddie Warren won on a Kawasaki. Warren was the first-ever Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class champion.
Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and James Stewart are the only former Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites East coast champions to go on and win the AMA Supercross championship.
France’s Mickael Pichon was the first non-American rider to win the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship. Four additional non-American racers have won the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship, Costa Rica’s Ernesto Fonseca, France’s Stephane Roncada, Australia’s Chad Reed and New Zealand’s Ben Townley.
In 1997, Tim Ferry won the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross championship without winning a single main event.
Since 1985, the winner of the opening race of the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship has gone on to win the title 19 times.
AMA Supercross Laps Led
James Stewart 30
Josh Grant 14
Kevin Windham 11
Chad Reed 5
AMA Supercross Lites Class Laps Led
Jake Weimer 19
Ryan Dungey 21
Ryan Morais 4
Daniel Reardon 2
Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Class)
James Stewart (Anaheim 1)
Josh Grant (Phoenix)
Kevin Windham (Anaheim 2)
Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Lites Class)
Daniel Reardon (Anaheim 1)
Jake Weimer (Phoenix)
Mike Alessi (Anaheim 2)
MMI Top Tech Award
Mark Valcore (Anaheim 1)
Rich Simmons (Phoenix)
Mike Gosselaar (Anaheim 2)
US Smokeless Tobacco Company Pro Privateer Challenge
1. Heath Voss 14
2. Ben Coisy 13
3. Paul Carpenter 11
Asterisk Medic Card
Cole Seely (Anaheim 1)
Derek Costella (Phoenix)
Alex Martin (Anaheim 2)
Racer X Gas Card
Jacob Marsack (Anaheim 1)
Sean Hamblin (Phoenix)
Josh Summey (Anaheim 2)
AMA Supercross Class Results, Anaheim 2
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
4. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
5. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
7. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
8. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 64
2. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 61
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 53
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 52
5. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 48
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 47
7. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 43
8. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 41
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 32
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 31
Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Anaheim 2
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
2. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
3. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
4. Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha
5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda
6. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda
7. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
8. Kyle Cunningham, Fort Worth, Texas, Kawasaki
9. PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki
10. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM
Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 70
2. Ryan Morais, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 64
3. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 63
4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 50
5. Chris Blose, Phoenix, Ariz., Honda, 50
6. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., KTM, 39
7. Jason Lawrence, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 34
8. Ben Evans, Boise, Idaho, Honda, 31
9. Dan Reardon, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 28
10. PJ Larsen, Stanley, N.C., Kawasaki, 26
AMA Supercross Class Rider Finishes
James Stewart
Anaheim 1: 19
Phoenix: 1
Anaheim 2: 1
Chad Reed
Anaheim 1: 3
Phoenix: 2
Anaheim 2: 2
Kevin W. Windham
Anaheim 1: 15
Phoenix: 6
Anaheim 2: 3
Ryan D. Villopoto
Anaheim 1: 5
Phoenix: 7
Anaheim 2: 4
Joshua M. Grant
Anaheim 1: 1
Phoenix: 3
Anaheim 2: 5
Andrew Short
Anaheim 1: 2
Phoenix: 5
Anaheim 2: 6
Ivan Tedesco
Anaheim 1: 6
Phoenix: 4
Anaheim 2: 7
Timmy M. Ferry
Anaheim 1: 4
Phoenix: 9
Anaheim 2: 8
Mike A. Alessi
Anaheim 1: 11
Phoenix: 11
Anaheim 2: 9
David D. Millsaps
Anaheim 1: 12
Phoenix: 10
Anaheim 2: 10
Paul P. Carpenter
Anaheim 1: 10
Phoenix: 13
Anaheim 2: 11
Joshua R. Hill
Anaheim 1: 16
Phoenix: 8
Anaheim 2: 12
Nicholas A. Wey
Anaheim 1: 9
Phoenix: 15
Anaheim 2: 13
Heath Voss
Anaheim 1: 7
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 14
Troy K. Adams
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: 19
Anaheim 2: 15
Steve Boniface
Anaheim 1: 17
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 16
Ben Coisy
Anaheim 1: 8
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 17
Sean Hamlen
Anaheim 1: N /A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 18
Robert S. Kiniry
Anaheim 1: 18
Phoenix: 16
Anaheim 2: 19
Matt Boni
Anaheim 1: 14
Phoenix: 20
Anaheim 2: 20
Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Rider Finishes
Ryan M. Dungey
Anaheim 1: 3
Phoenix: 1
Anaheim 2: 1
Ryan Morais
Anaheim 1: 2
Phoenix: 3
Anaheim 2: 2
Jake T. Weimer
Anaheim 1: 1
Phoenix: 4
Anaheim 2: 3
Jason D. Lawrence
Anaheim 1: 5
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 4
Chris Blose
Anaheim 1: 4
Phoenix: 5
Anaheim 2: 5
Dan Reardon
Anaheim 1: 19
Phoenix: 10
Anaheim 2: 6
Justin D. Brayton
Anaheim 1: 7
Phoenix: 2
Anaheim 2: 7
Kyle B. Cunningham
Anaheim 1: 20
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 8
Michael L. Hall
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 9
P.J. Larsen
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: 6
Anaheim 2: 10
Ryan Sipes
Anaheim 1: 6
Phoenix: 7
Anaheim 2: 11
Jeff Alessi
Anaheim 1: 8
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 12
Eric J. Mcrummen
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: 13
Anaheim 2: 13
Ben D. Evans
Anaheim 1: 9
Phoenix: 9
Anaheim 2: 14
Ryan D. Clark
Anaheim 1: 11
Phoenix: 20
Anaheim 2: 15
Michael J. Sleeter
Anaheim 1: 17
Phoenix: 15
Anaheim 2: 16
Scott C. Champion
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 17
Shaun J. Skinner
Anaheim 1: 15
Phoenix: 14
Anaheim 2: 18
Michael J. Lapaglia
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 19
Sean T. Collier
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 20
For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross an FIM World Championship please log on to
www.SupercrossOnline.com.
