2009 Team MDK KTM Rider Wil Hahn
Reliant Stadium will play host to the highly anticipated opening race of the 2009 Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship tomorrow as Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, drops the gate in Houston for the 43rd time in history.
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).
Wharton, who is from Texas, makes his professional AMA Supercross Lites class debut this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to racing my first AMA Supercross Lites race this weekend,” said Wharton. “I have put a lot of work into my starts because I’ve learned that a good start is everything in supercross racing. My plan is to be consistent because you can’t afford to crash or fade with only 13 laps in a race. I have been practicing at the Honda test track in Corona everyday riding with the Honda riders, and I feel ready and prepared to race my first race for GEICO Powersports Honda this weekend in Houston.”
At last weekend’s race in Anaheim, defending, two-time AMA Supercross class champion Reed took over the championship points lead, thanks to a second-place finish. Prior to that, Reed had tallied two more podium results.
Reed took over the points lead at Anaheim 2 but can he hold off Stewart?
“I feel good about Houston,” said Reed. “Houston is a lot like Phoenix for me; it’s a race where I’ve kind of struggled over the last few years. I look forward to going there and putting in a solid ride on the Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450. The track at Anaheim last weekend was dry and slick and difficult to pass on, and I learned a lot about falling and when you need to dig deep and really go for it. I think Houston is going to be good, it’s a stadium I enjoy, it’s the new one and a football arena, so there are a lot more 180-degree turns, which I really enjoy.”
Geico Honda’s Kevin Windham is the defending winner of the Houston race. Last weekend in Anaheim he finished a season-best third place.
“It was great to be back up on the podium last weekend,” said Windham. “Knowing the success I had in Houston last year, winning the event, I feel confident heading there again. The GEICO Powersports Honda team put a lot of work into each race and I am confident we will again be on the box this weekend. Since the start of the year I have been in California riding and training, and I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends and family again. I’m especially looking forward to seeing my wife and daughters–they always give me energy.”
Honda Red Bull Racing’s Ivan Tedesco, who missed this race last year due to injury, has finished sixth (Anaheim 1), fourth (Phoenix) and seventh (Anaheim 2). He’s currently sixth overall in the AMA Supercross class standings.
“I just want to get on the box this weekend. I just want to put A2 behind me and move on to Houston. I didn’t get to race Houston last year because I was out injured so I am keen to race in front of the Texas crowd again.”
Honda Red Bull Racing’s Davi Millsaps would rather forget the first three races of his 2009 season, finishing 12th (Anaheim 1), 12th (Phoenix) and 10th (Anaheim 2) during the
“I definitely haven’t started my season off the way I had hoped for. It’s hard to say where my plan isn’t working. I love the bike and it runs great, and I’m feeling really fit and healthy. I just need to put it all together come race day. I am trying to mix things a bit and have fun riding. I want to arrive at the track in high spirits and enjoy the competition. That is my plan for this week anyway
Villopoto proved he has what it takes to make it in the main event with a solid fourth-place finish at Anaheim 2.
AMA Supercross class rookie Ryan Villopoto earned his best finish of the season, placing his Monster Energy Kawasaki in the fourth-place position.
“Running up front last week was really good for me,” said Villopoto. “I know I have the speed to race with the leaders and I just have to work on a couple of little things to be with them every week. It is about getting better every weekend and right now I’m doing that.”
Villopoto’s teammate, Tim Ferry, comes into Houston looking to move up on the speed chart. Last weekend saw Ferry up in the top five during practice and looking good in his heat race as well.
“I always like coming to Houston,” said Ferry. “After being on the West Coast, it is good to head back East and get in some different dirt. I know I have the speed to be up front and I just need to put together a solid race this weekend.”
Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Mike Alessi continues to make progress as the AMA Supercross season rolls on. At Anaheim last weekend, Alessi picked up a ninth-place finish, which is a steady improvement over the two 11th-place finishes he carded previously. Alessi is currently in ninth place in the overall championship points standings.
“I think Houston is gong to be a good race,” said Alessi. “I’m just trying to keep getting a little better each weekend and working on steady improvement. Next weekend, the goal is to be in the top 15 in practice times, fifth again in the heat race and, in the main event, I’ll try to get another holeshot. Also, I want to better my finish by a position, so hopefully eighth place. That’s all I can really ask for.”
Izzi finished off the 2008 race season by taking the prestigious AMA Rookie-of-the-Year award for Supercross/Motocross. Izzi raced the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross championship in 2008 and finished third overall – for 2009 he will again race on the East Coast and hopes to improve his results.
“I think Houston is gong to be a good race,” said Alessi. “I’m just trying to keep getting a little better each weekend and working on steady improvement."
- Mike Alessi (800)
“I’ve been preparing and training really hard for the first AMA Supercross Lites race,” said Izzi. “I’m better prepared this year for the start of the season than I was last year and I think a lot of people are going to be surprised. For my first supercross race this year, I just want to get on the podium and, then, I’d like to try to be consistent and stay on the podium all season.”
Metcalfe brings a wealth of experience to the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship as he makes his debut for the GEICO Honda team.
“Everything with the GEICO Powersports Honda team and myself is going great. The CRF250R is a great bike and can’t wait to race it at the opening round of the Supercross East Lites Championship this weekend. The competition is going to be strong but I have confidence in my ability to be up front.”
Two new faces will be under the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki tent this weekend as the supercross lites class opens its East Coast season. Austin Stroupe and Chris Pourcel are set to challenge for the championship on their Kawasaki™ KX250Fs. Stroupe comes into Houston as the defending lites class winner. Last season, Stroupe earned his first professional win at Reliant Stadium.
“Houston is a great place to race,” said Stroupe. “It’s been a long off season and I’m ready for the season to start. I’m glad we are in Houston, winning there last year was amazing and it gives me a lot of confidence coming into the season.”
For Pourcel, the 2009 season marks a return to the United States for the French rider. Pourcel raced twice in 2007 before injuries sidelined him for the better part of the last two seasons. He is fully recovered and ready to get back on top of the podium.
“I’m excited to be racing in the U.S.,” said Pourcel. “I’ve been training really hard and I think we can have a really good season this year.”
Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM Factory Racing Team riders Martin Davalos and Wil Hahn are eagerly awaiting the start of the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites championship in Houston this weekend.
“My bike is dialed in and I feel really comfortable and confident about the first race."
- Martin Davalos
“I have been working so hard for this season,” commented Davalos. “My bike is dialed in and I feel really comfortable and confident about the first race. I can’t wait to get to Houston and see what the night brings.”
Hahn, who was injured just five weeks ago at his practice track in Texas, said: “I feel almost up to speed. I am amazed at how quickly I recovered from my injury and I am actually feeling really good about the Houston supercross.”
Director of Racing for KTM, Kurt Nicoll, commented, “Hahn looked good at the test track this week. We are glad to see he is recovering well and that he will be ready enough for the first round. Davalos has also been hard at work and we anticipate good results over the weekend.”
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.
For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to
www.SupercrossOnline.com.
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.
