Never before in the history of AMA Supercross has the series been so close heading into the final round.
The 2011 Monster Energy
AMA Supercross Championship may be one of the closest point battles in the history of the series, but you wouldn’t guess it from the final press conference held at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium. On Friday the series leader,
Ryan Villopoto, and other top names in the class came together to discuss the last race of the season, with riders appearing relaxed and focused on the task at hand.
After knocking himself out of contention for this year’s crown in Salt Lake City, San Manuel
Yamaha’s James Stewart appeared accepting of his mistakes and shortcomings. One of the rounds which JS7 focused on was Daytona, where the ’09 champ had a shocking nosedive to the dirt and finished ninth.
“Honestly I believe that Daytona was one of the best things for me,” said Stewart. “I think people found a new respect for me. I finished ninth that race but it felt like I won. This whole year there have been things that went wrong, but for me it’s not full of regrets.”
Reed appeared cool and collected about his task in Las Vegas during the press conference.
While mistakes of the past were brought up, there was no denying the elephant in the room – especially when TwoTwo Motorsports’
Chad Reed spoke. The Aussie is currently just nine points behind RV in the standings and still has a shot at seizing his third SX championship.
“It’s been a long season and I think we’re all ready to get it wrapped up and move on to something else, Reed said. “We’re nine back and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got. It has been a hectic season in the fact that every rider has had something go wrong and there have been some very abnormal mistakes. But you never know, it’s not over yet. There are still 20 laps to go.”
Showing his usual humility and optimism, Rockstar Makita
Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey was asked about his amazing consistency throughout 2011.
“I think the main story is that I don’t necessarily race to prove something to everyone else,” said Dungey. “I don’t think I have to prove anything to anybody but myself. I was 40 points down in the championship at one point, but I’ve been trying to be consistent. I think we have a great opportunity and a great chance tomorrow night and the goal is still realistic.”
Ryan Villopoto plans on running a safe race in Vegas to collect the first SX title of his career.
Running third in the championship just three points behind Reed, Dungey has amassed 12 podium finishes and a win this season, proving his strong riding skills and lending further credit to his 2010 title.
Last but certainly not least, Villopoto made an appearance at the press center and discussed his game plan for the big evening. Despite a season which has included numerous ups and downs, RV stressed that he and
Monster Energy Kawasaki will not be changing anything and that he will approach the event as a typical race. However, the race will be anything but typical as Villopoto’s first SX title hangs in the balance.
“It definitely makes it a little more relaxing coming into the last race with a nine-point lead,” said Villopoto. “But I’ve just got to show up like it’s a normal race and not change anything. For sure, if a win presents itself I’m going to take it, but I’m just going to try to not make any big mistakes.”
Practice and qualifying begins Saturday at 12:30 p.m. with the night’s main festivities kicking off at 7:00 p.m. The event will be broadcast live on SPEED beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET.
