James Stewart (shown on his 2009 bike) claimed victory on Friday night and is looking to defend his 2008 US Open of Supercross title in Las Vegas.
Yamaha’s James Stewart proved that the summer break hadn’t slowed him down any as he returned to racing action on his new 2010 YZ450F and won tonight in Las Vegas at the Rockstar Energy US Open of Supercross. Ryan Villopoto, another rider who sat out the Nationals, had a semi-successful opening night with a win in his heat race, but the Kawasaki ace was forced to pull out of the 20-lap main event. Davi Millsaps was the other heat race winner on his factory Honda CRF450R along with Stewart and his San Manuel L&M Yamaha.
“I am just happy to get out here and race tonight,” said Stewart. “There is a lot of work that I have to do, but the bike worked great tonight. This is always a fun event and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Stewart handled the competition with ease all night and jumped out to the lead with the holeshot in the final, never to be challenged. Millsaps ran down Honda-mounted Dan Reardon for second place while Matt Goerke made it to the show the hard way and managed to land in fourth. Christian Craig finished fifth on a Yamaha.
“I didn’t get the start that I wanted tonight,” said Millsaps. “I had a lot of tough guys to pass out there and I am glad to finish well and show the team that I am ready.”
Stewart is now halfway to collecting the $100,000 purse for a second time as he looks to defend and repeat his 2008 victory. Racing action will resume tomorrow with the same format but alternate track layout. The new mechanic’s challenge will also take place, though the real money will be decided as the racers take to the MGM Grand track. Millsaps, Reardon and Goerke are in terrific position to capitalize on any mistakes and walk out with a big chunk of cash.
“This is an important race for me,” said Reardon. “I look forward to tomorrow night’s race. I put myself in a great position heading into tomorrow night, so we will see what happens.”
Watch for Villopoto to come storming back after his mechanic gets the big KX450F sorted out.
US Open of Supercross Friday Results:
1. James Stewart, Yam
2. Davi Millsaps, Hon
3. Dan Reardon, Hon
4. Matt Goerke, Yam
5. Christian Craig, Yam
6. Cole Siebler, Hon
7. Tyler Bowers, Yam
8. Nick Wey, Yam
9. Chris Blose, Hon
10. Michael Byrne, Suz
