It has been three races of playing catch up for Team San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart after starting the season 18 points behind arch rival Chad Reed of the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team. Stewart, of Haines City Fla., has won the last three consecutive AMA Supercross class races and has his sites set on four tomorrow night as Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, rolls into San Francisco’s AT&T Park. Current Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class points leader Ryan Dungey, who rides for the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki team, carries a two-race win streak into AT&T Park.

The AMA Supercross class will air on CBS Sports on Sunday, February 1 at Noon EST and the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class race will also air on SPEED on Sunday, February 1 at Noon EST.

Defending, two-time AMA Supercross champion Reed currently leads the overall AMA Supercross class championship points lead and is the only rider to be on the podium every race of the 2009 season showing his consistent ways.

“San Francisco is always a good race for me. I’ve always had good, strong rides there and I’m looking forward to racing the Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 there,” said Reed. “We all know San Francisco has the potential to be muddy, so who knows what we’ll get? But I’m looking forward to it.”

Reed’s AMA Supercross class teammate Mike Alessi keeps getting stronger with each AMA Supercross class race. The Californian is currently in ninth place overall, having picked up his best results of the 2009 season at last week’s Houston race.

“My goal is to keep riding hard on my Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z450 and training hard during the week,” said Alessi. “I want to go to San Francisco with a positive outlook, and I want to keep improving and try to be a little faster in practice. I want to try and be, again, top four or five in my heat race, and get another top-10 in the main, for sure. I want to try to better my result next weekend and get sixth.”

After taking a weekend off when the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class championship started last weekend in Houston, Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey is looking forward to racing again at San Francisco.

“We had two weeks off between races and I headed back to Florida to ride back there on that type of soil,” said Dungey. “We’ve done some testing with the Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z250, and I’ve had a little bit of fun and now I’m ready to show up at San Francisco 100 percent ready.”

Defending Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites class champion Trey Canard, of the GEICO Powersports Honda team, returns to action after suffering an injury during the Phoenix stop of this year’s tour.

“It was disappointing to miss out on racing Anaheim two but I am back and feeling great heading into this weekend,” said Canard. “I’m told it rained a lot at this race last year and was really muddy. As far as I’m concerned, it can’t get any muddier than the Daytona race last year where my bike was submerged in the mud. I went the distance then, so I know it can go the distance with whatever the San Francisco weather brings.”

Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM rider Wil Hahn was the surprise of the night when he finished 6th in the main event in Houston last weekend. It was Hahn’s first race back since breaking his sternum.

“I was pretty happy with my result,” said Hahn. “Of course, I would have liked to be on the podium, but I was glad to finish inside the top ten and gauge where my speed is since returning from my injury.” Hahn’s teammate, Martin Davalos, finished 7th at Houston and was not as impressed with his result, “I really expected to come out better for the first round. I struggled to relax the whole day and I rode tight in both my heat and the main event.”

Davalos will now head out West to train with his teammates in California in preparation for the Atlanta supercross.

“We think it will be best for Davalos to train in California over the next month. Allowing him the opportunity to ride with fast riders in California is better than him riding alone back east,” responded KTM Director of Racing, Kurt Nicoll.

West Lites rider, Ryan Sipes, will return to the KTM 250 SX-F machine for this week’s San Francisco Supercross after riding the KTM 450 SX-F in Houston last weekend. “It was fun to ride the 450 SX-F in Houston, but some bad luck in my heat and an even worse start in the LCQ kept me from qualifying for the main event,” reported Sipes. “I intend to race the 450 at another East round and hope the result will be much improved.”

Justin Brayton was the only Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM rider that stayed back last week to put in laps on his Lites bike. “I currently sit fourth in points and I hope to move into the top three after San Francisco. I’ve been training hard and I feel confident about the next round,” stated Brayton.

Monster Energy Kawasaki comes to AT&T Park with momentum in their favor as Ryan Villopoto looks to capitalized on his podium finish last weekend in Houston. The AMA Supercross class rookie led the main event for the first time in his career last weekend. Despite a bobble that cost him the runner-up spot, he rode a strong race to get on the box.

“We are just looking to make progress every week,” said Villopoto. “We’ve gone from fourth to third so that just leaves second and our course a win. I’m even ready to skip second this week and get the win if I can. It is still a long season and I’m going to just keep working on getting better each race.”

Villopoto’s Monster Energy Kawasaki stable mate Timmy Ferry scored a second straight eighth-place finish last week after losing the rhythm of the track during the main event. After a month away from his Florida home, Ferry stayed on the East Coast this week to recharge before the San Francisco event.

“I got the best night sleep I’ve had in a month on Sunday night,” said Ferry. “Being in my own bed in my house has been great for me this week. I just had my supercross track redone so I’m still getting in some quality riding and also getting to spend some time with my family.”

After a one-week break both Ryan Morais and Jake Weimer are ready to continue their drive towards the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class title. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Lites riders are currently second and third respectively in the standings and both are ready to stay on the podium.

“So far this season has been a dream,” said Morais. “This is kind of my home race, since I grew up in Turlock, California. I really want to get my first win and there is no better place than San Francisco to get it. Because I was sick, I didn’t get to ride at all before the second Anaheim race and I got second so with two weeks of practice behind me, I’m ready to have a great race.”

Weimer is looking forward to not having to prepare for a mud race in the Bay Area.

“San Francisco is always a good event,” said Weimer. “This year it should be even better since it looks like it will be dry and we won’t have a mud race. I know we’ll be prepared for rain if it comes, but it will be awesome to give the fans a great show without all the mud.”

Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short, who struggled in the rain at last year’s race is ready to turn in a podium finish at A&T Park.

“Last year at San Francisco I didn’t have a great race so I am looking to make amends this weekend,” said Short. “It’s usually rains or ends up being a pretty messed up race so it is important I get a good start to give myself the best possible chance; staying clear of any unnecessary hassles. My bike is running great and I know the Honda Red Bull Racing team will again have it dialed in to deal with the tough conditions.”

Last year Honda Red Bull Racing’s Davi Millsaps earned the first podium of his 2008 campaign and went on to pick up three consecutive podium finishes. Millsaps looks to get things going tomorrow night in what is expected to be a dry evening.

“I finished third at San Francisco last year at what was a tough–muddy race,” said Millsaps. “That podium result started my run of podium finishes and I am hoping to replicate that run again this weekend.”

AMA Supercross class veteran Kevin Windham, who rides for the GEICO Powersports team, finished second in San Francisco last year.

“I finished second on the podium at San Francisco last year and it was a good race for me,“ said Windham. “Consistency is the key to staying in the championship point’s race and that’s my goal right now. I really want to get on that podium this weekend and continue doing so.”

Fans can take advantage of several discounts that are now available, including a $10-off coupon from participating Big O Tire locations, $40 off with purchase of the Fan Four Pack at participating Jack in the Box locations and free Extreme Value ticket vouchers are available at OTD Cycle Sports.

For more information on the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com

AMA Supercross Class Stats

• The first race at AT&T Park was held January 25, 2003 and Ricky Carmichael won a Honda.

• This race marks the 7th time the gate will drop in San Francisco for the AMA Supercross class.

• Each rider that has won the main event in San Francisco lives in the state of Florida.

• James Stewart is the only rider to win in San Francisco in both the AMA Supercross and the AMA Lites class.

AMA Supercross Class Wins by Brand in San Francisco

Suzuki (2)
Yamaha (2)
Kawasaki (1)
Honda (1)

Houston AMA Supercross Class Notables

• Chad Reed earned his 90th podium, 38 of those have been 2nd place.

• In winning the first four races of the 2009 season, Yamaha is enjoying their best start since 2000 (Yamaha won the first 8 rounds, and 14 of 16 on the season).

• Josh Grant has finished the top 5 in all 4 rounds.

• James Stewart has gone from 19th place in the points (down by 23) to tie for second in the points (9 points down).


AMA Supercross Lites Stats in San Francisco

• The first race at AT&T Park was January 25, 2003, and James Stewart won on a Kawasaki.

• This race marks the 7th time the gate will drop in San Francisco for an AMA Supercross Lites race.

• Nathan Ramsey is the only Lites rider to win 2 times in San Francisco.

AMA Supercross Lites Class Wins by Brand in San Francisco

Kawasaki (2)
Honda (2)
KTM (1)
Yamaha (1)

• Suzuki has never won in San Francisco, can Ryan Dungey give them the first?

• In 2006 Nathan Ramsey gave KTM their last Lites class win here in San Francisco


Houston AMA Supercross Lites Class Notables

• Pourcel earned first win since the second race of the 2007 season.

• Pro Circuit earned their 92nd Lites class win.

• Rookie Blake Wharton finished in 5th place at his Lites class debut.

All-time AMA Supercross Win List

Jeremy McGrath (72)
Ricky Carmichael (48)
Chad Reed (35)
Rick Johnson (28)
James Stewart (28)
Bob Hannah (27)

AMA Supercross Laps Led

James Stewart 47
Josh Grant 14
Kevin Windham 11
Chad Reed 5
Ryan Villopoto 3

AMA Supercross Lites Class Laps Led

Jake Weimer 19
Ryan Dungey 21
Christophe Pourcel 15
Ryan Morais 4
Daniel Reardon 2

Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Class)

James Stewart (Anaheim 1)
Josh Grant (Phoenix)
Mike Alessi (Anaheim 2)
Mike Alessi (Houston)

Holeshot Award (AMA Supercross Lites Class)

Daniel Reardon (Anaheim 1)
Jake Weimer (Phoenix)
Ryan Morais (Anaheim 2)
Christophe Pourcel (Houston)

MMI Top Tech Award

Mark Valcore (Anaheim 1)
Rich Simmons (Phoenix)
Mike Gosselaar (Anaheim 2)
Glenn Hobson (Houston)

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)
Fred Karrle (Houston)

Racer X Gas Card

Jacob Marsack (Anaheim 1)
Sean Hamblin (Phoenix)
Josh Summey (Anaheim 2)
Ben Lamay (Houston)

AMA Supercross Class Results, Houston

1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
4. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
5. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
7. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki
8. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki
9. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda

AMA Supercross Class Season Standings

1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 86
2. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 77
3. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 77
4. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 71
5. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 68
6. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 62
7. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 56
8. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 53
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 46
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 42

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Houston

1. Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki
2. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda
3. Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
4. Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki
5. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM
7. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM
8. Darryn Durham, Wildomar, Calif., Yamaha
9. Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda
10. Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings

1. Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 25
2. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 22
3. Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 20
4. Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 18
5. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 16
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 15
7. Martin Davalos, Cairo, Ga., KTM, 14
8. Darryn Durham, Wildomar, Calif., Yamaha, 13
9. Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda, 12
10. Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 11

AMA Supercross Class Rider Finishes
 
James Stewart
Anaheim 1: 19
Phoenix: 1
Anaheim 2: 1
Houston: 1

Chad Reed
Anaheim 1: 3
Phoenix: 2
Anaheim 2: 2
Houston: 2

Ryan D. Villopoto
Anaheim 1: 5
Phoenix: 7
Anaheim 2: 4
Houston: 3

Andrew Short
Anaheim 1: 2
Phoenix: 5
Anaheim 2: 6
Houston: 4

Joshua M. Grant
Anaheim 1: 1
Phoenix: 3
Anaheim 2: 5
Houston: 5

Ivan Tedesco
Anaheim 1: 6
Phoenix: 4
Anaheim 2: 7
Houston: 6

Mike A. Alessi
Anaheim 1: 11
Phoenix: 11
Anaheim 2: 9
Houston: 7

Timmy M. Ferry
Anaheim 1: 4
Phoenix: 9
Anaheim 2: 8
Houston: 8

Kevin W. Windham
Anaheim 1: 15
Phoenix: 6
Anaheim 2: 3
Houston: 9

David D. Millsaps
Anaheim 1: 12
Phoenix: 10
Anaheim 2: 10
Houston: 10

Joshua R. Hill
Anaheim 1: 16
Phoenix: 8
Anaheim 2: 12
Houston: 11

Heath D. Voss
Anaheim 1: 7
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: N/A
Houston: 12

Paul P. Carpenter
Anaheim 1: 10
Phoenix: 13
Anaheim 2: 11
Houston: 13

Cole T. Siebler
Anaheim 1: 13
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: N/A
Houston: 14

Matt Boni
Anaheim 1: 14
Phoenix: 20
Anaheim 2: 20
Houston: 15

Ben Coisy
Anaheim 1: 8
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: 17
Houston: 16

Kyle P. Chisholm
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: N/A
Houston: 17

Charles J. Summey
Anaheim 1: 20
Phoenix: 12
Anaheim 2: N/A
Houston: 18

Manuel Rivas
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: N/A
Anaheim 2: N/A
Houston: 19

Joshua Hansen
Anaheim 1: N/A
Phoenix: 17
Anaheim 2: N/A
Houston: 20

Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Rider Finishes

Christophe Pourcel
Houston: 1

Brett Metcalfe
Houston: 2

Nico A. Izzi
Houston: 3

Austin L. Stroupe
Houston: 4

Blake Wharton
Houston: 5

Wil A. Hahn
Houston: 6

Martin Davalos
Houston: 7

Darryn L. Durham
Houston: 8

Daniel M. Blair
Houston: 9

Matthew C. Goerke
Houston: 10

Jacob Saylor
Houston: 11

Branden L. Jesseman
Houston: 12

Steven J. Clarke
Houston: 13

Hunter Hewitt
Houston: 14

Teddy P. Parks
Houston: 15

Tyler A. Wharton
Houston: 16

Kyle M. Gills
Houston: 17

Matthew J. Lemoine
Houston: 18

Chad E. Ward
Houston: 19

Vince A. Friese
Houston: 20