2013 AMA Motocross Budds Creek Results

Ryan Dungey Takes Another Motocross Win At Budd's Creek

[caption id="attachment_27213" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Dungey's recent back-to-back victories have him just 16 points behind Villopoto in the hunt for the overall crown - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Don't look now, but Ryan Dungey is starting to make his move. The defending AMA Motocross Champion fell behind Ryan Villopoto in the rankings early in the motorsports season, but in the past few weeks he has put on some solid performances to launch himself back into the hunt competition for the title. In fact, Dungey's recent back-to-back victories have him just 16 points behind Villopoto in the hunt for the overall crown.

During the fifth round of AMA Motocross, which took place at the Budd's Creek track in Mechanicsville, Md., Dungey grabbed a first and second place finish in the two motos to earn the overall win. Although the KTM rider didn't start out in the lead, he managed to move up into second place by the end of the opening lap and soon overtook Villopoto for the top spot, Ultimate Motorcycling reports.

Dungey then experienced some bad luck, suffering from a crash that cost him the first position, but he fought back to take second place behind Villopoto. That wasn't enough to discourage him, however, as he came back stronger in the next event.

[caption id="attachment_27209" align="alignleft" width="300"] 2013 AMA Motocross Budds Creek 450MX Winner's Podium - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

The second moto saw the KTM rider storm out to another early lead, but this time there was no machine or motorcycle gear malfunction and Dungey was able to hold on for the win. There's seven rounds remaining in the AMA Motocross series and Dungey just gaining momentum, so the title is still up for grabs.

"With more intensity and more guys out there this year, it keeps you on your feet, and you really have to push it," said Dungey. "I feel like we've made good progress with the bike - the last couple of weeks we've been doing a lot of testing, and it was good to see everything pay off today."

Ryan Dungey Wins Budds Creek National

[caption id="attachment_27212" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Dungey captured his second 450 class overall victory of the season - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey captured his second 450 class overall victory of the season at round five of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series held at Budds Creek Raceway.

Dungey got a good start in moto one moving into second place on the opening lap. Showing good pace he along with race leader Ryan Villopoto began lapping riders by the midway point in the moto. Building momentum and riding stronger as the race went on Dungey lost his footing and crashed hard in the sand rollers while applying pressure to Villopoto making a charge toward the front. Winding himself in the fall he quickly remounted and without relinquishing a position went on to finish the moto in second spot.

In the final 450 class moto Dungey rode a flawless race. Mike Alessi nabbed the holeshot but Dungey quickly made his way around him to take over the lead on the opening lap. Putting his head down and riding 17 solid laps, Dungey lead every lap of the race on his way to the moto win. His 2-1 results secured him his second overall victory of the season.

"I'm really happy with the way today went," stated Dungey. "The team and I put in a lot of work on our weekend off from racing testing at my home on Florida. I felt we made great progress and that showed in our result today. I feel like Ryan (Villopoto) and I have really stepped it up to a new level this year and we are both pushing each other to ride at our limits. It definitely makes the racing exciting and keeps me on my toes and I'm enjoying that this year."

Next Event: Southwick, MA - June 29, 2013

Source: KTM North America

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett Takes Overall Win at Budds Creek

[caption id="attachment_27229" align="alignright" width="300"] Blake Baggett took his first overall win of the season with a 1-2 moto score.[/caption]

In the rolling valleys of Mechanicsville, Md., Round 5 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships took place at Budds Creek Raceway on Saturday. Overcoming the heat and humidity, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett took his first overall win of the season with a 1-2 moto score. Teammate Darryn Durham achieved his first career outdoor podium in Moto 2 after leading over half the race to finish 13-3 for seventh overall. Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto retained his points lead by finishing 1-2 for second overall and Jake Weimer rode consistently to finish 8-10 for eighth overall in the 450 class. The rookies Justin Hill and Adam Cianciarulo followed their teammates with 10th and 16th overall in the 250 class, while Martin Davalos did not compete due to illness and Tyla Rattray sat out the second moto after a crash in the first moto ended his day while running in the top-five.

El Chupacabra
Known for his late-race charges, Baggett showed true heart and dedication in the first moto. After starting just inside the top-10, he silently made his way through the pack and found himself in third, yet a ways back from the leader. With four laps remaining Baggett laid down the fastest laps of the race, besting his competition by more than two seconds a lap to catch and pass into the lead in true "El Chupacabra" fashion. He backed it up with a second place finish in the second moto to take his first overall win of the season.

"This track is gnarly," said Baggett. "That first moto I knew it was my time to get it done. I was making up time on the leaders and the last few laps I just put everything into it and was able to get both of them. The second moto I got a much better start, but couldn't get into a rhythm. It's a step in the right direction."

[caption id="attachment_27210" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ryan Villopoto retained his points lead by finishing 1-2 for second overall.[/caption]

Constantly Adapting
Villopoto made quick work in the first moto as he got into the lead within the first few corners and went on a tear to check out from the field by 50 seconds. In Moto 2 he had to maneuver through traffic and by the time he reached second place the leader had built up a gap that despite his best efforts, he could not overcome. After breaking down the track with the team following the motos, Villopoto thought that the track reminded him of what High Point conditions usually consist of, with loamy outside ruts and a hard base underneath. No matter the results of Villopoto and Weimer, who finished eighth overall, the team is always learning and progressing with the KX450F.

"Today was good overall," said Villopoto. "I never gave up or settled for second, but Ryan (Dungey) just had too big of a gap in the second moto. We learned a lot about the bike and are going to be testing some things this week to continue making improvements."

Double D
Having last weekend off was perfect timing for Durham, who has been recovering from his crash at Round 1 in Hangtown. The additional weekend in between rounds allowed him two weeks of riding during the week to get his speed back to where it was. Durham was battling within the top-10 in Moto 1 until a crash dropped him to 13th, but it was Moto 2 where he showed his true potential. Durham rounded the hairpin first turn neck and neck for the holeshot, took over the lead and began to distance himself from the pack. Having not led a moto since 2010 at High Point, "Double D" ran strong for 10 of 17 laps. Despite a small tip-over, he finished a strong third and achieved his first national podium finish.

[caption id="attachment_27219" align="alignright" width="300"] Darryn Durham finished a strong third in the second moto and achieved his first national podium finish.[/caption]

"Man, it's sick to be up front," said Durham. "It had been a while and there's no other feeling like it. Having the fans hanging over the fences cheering you on each lap is unexplainable. I can't wait to be up there again."

The Rookies
All season long Hill has been stringing together top-10 finishes, and this weekend he was joined by Cianciarulo. Hill matched his career best finish by going 10-10 for 10th overall on the rough, rutted track. Cianciarulo showed speed early on by running within the top-3, but learning the speed and intensity of the 250 class takes time and he finished 14-17 for 16th overall. Cianciarulo almost matched his Kawasaki teammate, Villopoto's debut performance where he went 14-16 in 2005 at Broome-Tioga. Two rounds later Villopoto went 3-2 at Glen Helen.

"There is no replicating how hectic it is out there," said Cianciarulo. "Whether I was near the front or in the back, guys are wide open, going for it. I expected that it would be tough, but it was still eye opening. Next weekend I'll be ready for it."

[caption id="attachment_27230" align="alignleft" width="300"] Battered and bruised, Tyla Rattray decided it was best to sit out the second moto and rest up for next weekend.[/caption]

Highs and Lows
At High Point two weeks ago, Rattray and Davalos had two of their best finishes of the season. Rattray rode to his first career 450 class overall podium and carried that momentum into Budds Creek. In the first moto he was coming through the pack and was battling for a top-five position when he suffered a violent crash in the rollers before the finish line. Battered and bruised, Rattray decided it was best to sit out the second moto and rest up for next weekend at Southwick where he won his first 450 moto last season. Davalos had been battling a bug all week and after practice he also decided to sit out the day in order to heal up.

Halfway Point
The Championship series reaches the halfway point next weekend as it heads to the legendary Moto-X 338 for the last time. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders will head to Southwick, Mass., early to ride for the local press and get some extra time on the treacherous sand track.

Source: Kawasaki Racing

Eli Tomac Makes Gains On Points Leader At Budds Creek MX

[caption id="attachment_27227" align="alignright" width="300"] Eli Tomac applied more pressure to the points leader Saturday with an overall second-place ranking - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

GEICO Honda motocross star Eli Tomac applied more pressure to points leader Ken Roczen Saturday with an overall second-place ranking at the Red Bull Budds Creek National. Tomac's finishes of fifth and first in the day's two motos allowed him to gain six points on the German rider with more than half the season left to be contested.

"If I could figure out how to have better results in the first moto every weekend I'd really be onto something," Tomac said. "It's ridiculous. I guess everyone is fresher in the first moto, and that makes it harder to pass people. Once the second moto comes around, then you see guys getting gassed and dropping off.

"I really learned some good lines in the first race and used those in Moto 2. I just had a real good flow and I was able to get out front early and just check out. I like to push early and get a big lead if I can so I can take it a little easier in the second half and limit my mistakes. It worked out great today."

[caption id="attachment_27221" align="alignleft" width="300"] Wil Hahn looked sharp on his GEICO Honda CRF250R - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Returning to action for the first time since May 4 when he broke his hand at the Supercross season finale in Las Vegas, Wil Hahn looked sharp on his GEICO Honda CRF250R, earning the holeshot in both motos before logging finishes of sixth and fifth for an overall placement of fifth.

"I was surprisingly calm in both races and really felt good," Hahn said. "The pace was really fast. I'm impressed with these guys; they are riding lights out. I did get a little tired at the end of both motos but that's to be expected. It takes a few races at this pace to get back in race shape."

Zach Osborne had a couple of get-offs in Moto 1 that hurt his positioning, but he rebounded to finish 17th in that race and then pushed hard for a fourth-place result in Moto 2 for an overall ninth-place ranking. He is now fifth in the championship standings.

[caption id="attachment_27216" align="alignright" width="300"] Despite being banged up from his earlier accident, Justin Bogle ended up 14th overall - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

"I'm pretty pleased with the day," Osborne said. "I passed a lot of guys. I liked the lines I was taking and felt like I could ride with the top guys. I just got caught up early in the first race and that cost me. (Cooper) Webb went down right in front of me in the first turn and I didn't have anywhere to go. The second moto was much better, obviously."

Justin Bogle also wrecked in Moto 1 and was forced to pull off the track in the mechanic's area to have his bike inspected for damage. But he rejoined the race moments later and rode from 40th place to finish 19th. Moto 2 went a little smoother and despite being banged up from his earlier accident, Bogle ended up eighth in the race and 14th overall.

"That was a big wreck," Bogle said. "It really got me. Little things keep holding me back. It's frustrating. The second race was good. All the good guys were right there in front of me, and we were turning the same lap times. That was encouraging.

"I came into this race feeling pretty weak. I've been out sick for like a week and a half. It was a struggle just to get going here. I probably only rode one day in the last two weeks."

The series resumes next Saturday with the Moto-X 338 National in Southwick, Mass.

Source: GEICO Honda

James Stewart Looks Ahead To Southwick MX

[caption id="attachment_27236" align="alignright" width="300"] James Stewart remains upbeat after he crashed in both races but fought back into points-scoring positions.[/caption]

Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart remains upbeat after the weekend's fifth round of the AMA Pro Racing Motocross Championship that saw him crash in both races but fight back into points-scoring positions.

Stewart gave 100% at the Budds Creek National and, although his results didn't necessarily reflect it, the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 rider felt better, stronger and more-prepared for the remainder of the season.

Although he hadn't raced at Budds Creek since 2008, he made the best of the challenging track by turning in the fastest lap of the day in qualifying. In the first moto, he was clicking-off smooth, hot laps when he suffered a couple of unfortunate get-offs. Despite the setbacks, he still managed an 11th-place finish. In the second moto, Stewart got a top-10 start and ran in a podium position for several laps before tip-overs saw him finish 13th and 12th overall for the day.

[caption id="attachment_27235" align="alignleft" width="300"] James Stewart felt better, stronger and more-prepared for the remainder of the season.[/caption]

Said Stewart: "I have to admit that we struggled a bit at Budds Creek. I went down a total of four times; twice each moto. The first time I went down, I started coming back up and I was battling with some fast people and got tangled-up with a rider and finished 11th. In the second moto, I didn't get a good start but made my way up to third and it went a little better. I had some problems but made my way back to fifth and then wound-up crashing in the same spot I did in the first moto. It was just a bummer, but I could feel a difference in the second moto and it was better. Now we're just focusing on being strong for Southwick and the rest of the races this year."

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's next race is round six of the 2013 AMA Pro Motocross Championships on Saturday, June 29th at the Moto-X 338 National in Southwick.

Check out the Budds Creek 'Behind The Scenes Race Report':


Source: Team Suzuki

Marvin Musquin Third At Budds Creek National

[caption id="attachment_27226" align="alignright" width="300"] Marvin Musquin finished Budds Creek third overall in the 250 class - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Marvin Musquin finished round five of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series held at Budds Creek Raceway third overall in the 250 class while teammate Ken Roczen rounded the weekend out in fourth place.

It was Musquin who got a great start launching from the start gate grabbing the holeshot in the opening moto and he moved into the lead early in the race. Roczen didn't get such a good start - he was midpack - and rounded the opening lap in 10th place. However, while Musquin locked in the lead Roczen made fast work of those in front of him and by lap five had moved into second spot. Musquin maintained his lead until Blake Baggett made a late charge and maneuvered his away past both Roczen and Musquin with three laps to go. The KTM duo engaged in several battles with each other during the closing stages of the race but it was Musquin who held onto finish the moto in second position with Roczen close behind in third.

[caption id="attachment_27223" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ken Roczen rounded the weekend out in fourth place and still in the championship lead - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

In moto two, this time both Roczen and Musquin got midpack starts putting them seventh and eighth respectively in the early stages of the moto. A hard charging Eli Tomac slipped by the pair on laps 4-5 before going on to get by moto frontrunners Blake Baggett, Darryn Durham, Kyle Cunnigham, Cole Seely and Wil Hahn for the win. In the later stages Musquin reeled in and got by both Roczen and Hahn only to make a mistake shortly after and hand the positions back. In the end Musquin's 2-7 (36 points) moto results beat out Roczen's 3-6 (35 points) finishes for third overall.

"I like winning but I'm fine with third overall today," remarked Musquin. "The motocross series is a long season and my goal is to consistently be among the top guys each week. I feel good and my confidence is high so I want to just keep doing what I'm doing and close up the championship points gap on Ken and Eli."

Next Event: Southwick, MA - June 29, 2013

Source: KTM North America

Mixed Results For Rockstar Racing At Budds Creek

[caption id="attachment_27234" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Sipes powered through the heat and exhaustion to finish 15th overall - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Rockstar Energy Racing is leaving the Budds Creek Motocross National with very mixed results but also some definite positives to carry into next weekend. The Maryland track was consistent with what was to be expected. Sunny, humid and loamy with several rutty off camber corner sections and hills. The first motos provided excellent results to build on. The second moto finishes were less than stellar but also provided lessons to be learned. This sport is a constant process of trying to find ways to improve and those solutions are at times discovered through trial and error.

Ryan Sipes started out his day better than he ever has in the premier 450 class. He began the first moto near the front of the pack with the rest of the top guys. He kept pace the entire moto and had himself in the right place to finish in a possible podium position. He ended up crossing the finish line in 5th for a career best moto result. He continues to run consistently nearly every week and he is bound to finish on the podium. The expectations for Ryan have most certainly changed from what they were prior to the start of the season at Hangtown.

Sipes' second moto start was not nearly as good as the first. He was about 10th and no doubt planned to move forward. Surprisingly to onlookers who have that heightened expectation of him, he was not making much progress. In fact as the race neared it's end he was moving backwards. 99% of the time Ryan comes off the track looking strong, including moto one. Moto two was much different. The heat really got to him. Sometimes it just happens. These guys train so hard, sometimes maybe they do too much.

Perhaps Sipes did too much last week. A balance has to be found between work and rest. One thing is for sure however, Ryan was not pulling off the track prematurely. Although he had to go straight to the Asterisk Mobile Medical Unit immediately after the checkers waived, he refused to give up until the end. There is something to be said about that.

Ryan Sipes: "The weekend was up and down. I finally got a top 5 finish, I was stoked about that. I felt good battling with those guys. Coming into the second moto I kind knew I didn't feel very good in between. At about half way I was just hot and I was weak and didn't feel very well. I may have pushed it too hard during the week but I'll definitely make some adjustments. The speed is definitely there to be a top 5 guy so I'm gonna come back next week and whoop it."

[caption id="attachment_27220" align="alignleft" width="200"] Jason Anderson found many untouched lines and fought hard for 6th overall - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Just as the team is constantly finding ways to make things better, Jason Anderson is also learning every week. On a track like Budds Creek, sometimes talent and training are not enough. Riders have to tap into the artistic side of their brain and find creativity. That may sound weird to some but it is a positive trait in motocross. When Jason was talking about lines with Team Owner Bobby Hewitt, he stated "I need to open my eyes a little more."

He was in his own way referring to creativity. Then en route to his personal best career moto finish, that plan was applied. He was finding lines on the track that were nearly completely untouched and making them work. Literally blowing by guys that didn't even see it coming. That type of thought process will continue to pay off on the rough outdoor tracks.

Jason's second moto, was a testament to just how this year's 250 class can be considered the most competitive ever. Anderson spent the entire moto hovering around 10th, which could be considered less than stellar for a rider of his caliber. The fact was however, he was right behind Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin who are battling for the championship. He was just in front of top riders Justin Bogle and Zach Osborne. The latter of the two who has finished on the podium this season. Jason's moto finishes in relation to his overall also point to the stacked field. He was only able to muster an 11th to back up his 4th. However in the end he finished 6th overall. That is just how mixed up every moto is, every weekend.

Jason Anderson: "The weekend at Budds Creek was good until the last moto. I'm riding good though after being sick the past couple weeks. I'm coming out of here with 4-11 moto finishes which isn't too bad. I'm looking forward to stepping my game up going into Southwick next weekend. I like that track."

[caption id="attachment_27215" align="alignright" width="300"] Blake Wharton has been struggling all season with something he has never had to deal with in his career, arm pump - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Blake Wharton has been struggling all season with something he has never had to deal with in his career, arm pump. Anyone who has ever experienced that knows how frustrating, dangerous and scary that is. Especially when trying to hold on for 35 minutes on the roughest tracks in the Nation. Blake has been working closely with the team and trainers to get past it. Although this weekend's results do not stack up to where Wharton should be finishing, he did ride much better. Unlike most of his peers, his lap times actually got faster in the waning laps of the final moto. That is a very good sign for Blake and hopefully the results will now start to show the improvements.

Blake Wharton: "Budds Creek, one of the bigger tracks I think. Lot of ruts, lot of tight sections yet there are some good downhills too. I was riding better this week but I need to get some better starts. Get with the front runners and start running that pace early. Everyone needs to do that though really."

Source: Rockstar Energy Racing

Joey Savatgy Earns 12th Overall At Budds Creek National

[caption id="attachment_27217" align="alignright" width="300"] Joey Savatgy earned 12th overall at the fifth round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

FMF/Orange Brigade/KTM rider Joey Savatgy earned 12th overall at the fifth round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series despite a stomach issue that hindered his second moto results giving him 8-15 moto scores.

Savatgy launched his KTM 250 SX-F off to a great start in the first moto and was sitting in 3rd place after the riders completed the first lap. He held that position for another lap before he dropped to 4th. He continued to charge hard throughout the moto but was unable to hold the pace throughout the duration of the moto and dropped to 8th by the checkered flag.

"I am getting closer to running inside the top five consistently over the past few races. Unfortunately, I suffered from arm pump at the end of the moto and wasn't able to run the pace of the top guys. I am making great progress and hope to land on the podium soon," commented Savatgy.

The young rookie earned another great start in the second moto where he came out in 5th position after the first lap. Unfortunately, he began suffering from stomach cramps shortly into the race which caused him to struggle throughout the remainder of the race. He soldiered on throughout the race and eventually finished in 15th. His 8-15 moto scores earned him 12th overall for the day. Now five rounds into the series, Savatgy holds 12th overall in the series point standings.

Next Event: Southwick, MA - June 29, 2013

Source: KTM North America

Budds Creek Overview And Point Standings

Overall Results - 450MX Class

1. Ryan Villopoto - 240
   
2. Ryan Dungey - 224
   
3. Justin Barcia - 179
   
4. Trey Canard - 153
   
5. Mike Alessi - 136
   
6. James Stewart - 122
   
7. Tyla Rattray - 95
   
8. Ryan Sipes - 95
   
9. Broc Tickle - 94
   
10. Jake Weimer - 93
    

1. Kawasaki - 240
   
2. KTM - 224
   
3. Honda - 192
   
4. Suzuki - 181
   
5. Yamaha - 114
   

1. Ken Roczen - 220
   
2. Eli Tomac - 211
   
3. Marvin Musquin - 199
   
4. Blake Baggett - 188
   
5. Zach Osborne - 149
   
6. Jason Anderson - 128
   
7. Jeremy Martin - 109
   
8. Kyle Cunningham - 107
   
9. Justin Bogle - 104
   
10. Cooper Webb - 99
    

1. KTM - 229
   
2. Honda - 213
   
3. Kawasaki - 190
   
4. Yamaha - 148
   
5. Suzuki - 132
   

1. Sayaka Kaneshiro - 86
   
2. Jessica Patterson - 72
   
3. Taylor Higgins - 72
   
4. Jacqueline Strong - 61
   
5. Sara Pettersson - 58
   
6. Mackenzie Tricker - 55
   
7. Courtney Duncan - 50
   
8. Amanda Brown - 44
   
9. Lindsey Palmer - 42
   
10. Sade Allender - 41
    

1. Yamaha - 100
   
2. Honda - 86
   
3. KTM - 68
   
4. Kawasaki - 53
   
5. Suzuki - 0