Fiolek and Patterson, The Battle Continues
The second round of the Lucas Oils Motocross Championship began with the beautiful California sunshine and thousands of die-hard motocross fans braving the fierce afternoon heat. Hangtown is one of the oldest outdoor nationals in the series and the new “rice-husk” soil mix made for some excellent riding conditions.
Ashley Fiolek once again took both MotorcycleUSA.com Holeshot Awards on here way to a 1-2 finish at Hangtown.
The action began early with Honda Red Bull rider, Ashley Fiolek once again setting the pace in Moto#1 by narrowly claiming the first MotorcycleUSA.com holeshot award. Rookie sensation Vicki Golden closely followed Ashley after she managed to pass Suzuki rider Sherri Cruse. Ashley’s lead was unchallenged as she finished the moto with a 4.39 second lead. However there were several place changes between Cruse, Price and Balbi, who were fighting for third, fourth and fifth places. In the end it was Ashley Fiolek taking first, Vicki Golden second, Jessica Patterson third and Sara Cruse fourth.
Moto#2 began with Ashley Fiolek just barely claiming the second MotorcycleUSA.com holeshot award followed closely by Jessica Patterson. The action unfolded quickly three turns later as Patterson would take the lead. The battle for first between Patterson and Fiolek would continue to the very end. Patterson’s lead was a mere 1/10th of a second in lap three, but after several mistakes by Fiolek, Patterson’s lead would increase to eight seconds in lap six. Patterson’s training by Ryan Hughes was evident as she claimed her first, first place finish of 2009.
A second battle developed between Kawasaki rider Sara Price and Suzuki rider Sherri Cruse who were wrestling for fourth. The two riders changed places several times but ultimately it was Sherri who would claim fourth place finish. As the checkered flag dropped, it was Jessica Patterson for first, Ashley Fiolek finishing second, Vicki Golden for third and Sherri Cruse finishing fourth.
Next Event: Freestone County Raceway, Wortham Texas
(top left, clockwise) Ashley Fiolek took the holeshot in Moto 1; Sherri Cruise couldn't hold
off Jessica Patterson for third in Moto1; Fiolek taking the Moto 1 win with a 4 second
lead over Vicki Holden; Vicki Holden took third in Moto 2 behind Patterson and Fiolek.
1. Ashley Fiolek (1-2)
2. Jessica Patterson (3-1)
3. Vicki Golden (2-3)
4. Sherri Cruse (4-4)
5. Sara Price (8-5)
6. Elizabeth Bash (9-7)
7. Tatum Sik (7-9)
8. Jacqueline Strong (6-10)
9. Mariana Balbi (5-11)
10. Penni Cyrus (12-6)
Women's Class Points Standings:
1. Ashley Fiolek - 97
2. Jessica Patterson - 87
3. Vicki Golden - 78
4. Sherri Cruse - 72
5. Sara Price - 63
6. Elizabeth Bash - 56
7. Tatum Sik - 54
8. Jacqueline Strong - 39
9. Mariana Balbi - 48
10. Penni Cyrus - 46
