2013 AMA Lucas Oil Motocross Spring Creek Results

James Stewart Grabs The Overall Win At Spring Creek

[caption id="attachment_27870" align="alignright" width="300"] James Stewart proved he can still take home the win.[/caption]

AMA Motocross is in the final stretch of its 2013 season, and with three rounds remaining, most fans are waiting for Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey to duke it out for the championship. While those two riders may be the prohibitive favorites, they certainly not the only ones capable of taking home a motocross win. James Stewart proved that this past weekend at the ninth round of the motorsports series at Spring Creek in Milleville, Minn.

Stewart grabbed the win in the first moto, capitalizing on troubles from Villopoto and Dungey. He edged out Trey Canard and Justin Barcia near the end of the race, and those two riders held on for second and third, respectively. That win allowed Stewart to come out flying in the second moto, but it wasn't enough to hold off Dungey, who went on to win the moto and salvage a third place overall finish on the day.

"Things just came together today, but it was probably the hardest two motos I've ridden since last year," said Stewart. "We're just building for next year, so any little bit helps. I want to finish this thing and get a couple more wins to carry the momentum into next season."

The win was the first for Stewart this year and keeps him in fourth place in the overall standings - still very much in the hunt for a spot on the podium when the season ends. Villopoto still has a strong grasp on first place, while Dungey is 34 points behind in second.

James Stewart And Yoshimura Suzuki Get 1st Win

[caption id="attachment_27867" align="alignright" width="200"] James Stewart celebrated his first 450 class race win and overall victory of the season.[/caption]

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's James Stewart celebrated his first 450 class race win and overall victory of the season in spectacular fashion at round nine of the 2013 AMA Pro Motocross Championships at the Spring Creek National in Millville on Saturday.

Having finished on the podium in the last two rounds, Yoshimura Suzuki's Stewart was ready to take his rightful spot on top of the box, and he was not to be denied: In moto one, Stewart got a good start on his Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and ran fourth before moving into a podium position. Pushing the edge but maintaining his composure, Stewart went on to overtake second and then the lead. Despite constant pressure from the competition, he sailed across the start/ finish to capture his first moto win of the year.

"It was great to get the moto win," said Stewart after the first race. "For me, for my family, for the Yoshimura Suzuki team and for my fans. I had to work for that one, and I had a good pace going in the beginning. But it had been a long time since I'd been in the lead and it got a little close towards the end. But a win's a win, and we'll take that right now."

[caption id="attachment_27868" align="alignleft" width="300"] James Stewart's 1-3 results pushed him to his overall win.[/caption]

The second moto saw Stewart get the holeshot and lead for the first several laps before turning in another smart race and finishing a solid third. The combined moto results were good enough to give the Yoshimura Suzuki rider the overall victory for the day.

"I've been getting good starts in the last few races and that's made all the difference," said Stewart, after taking the overall win. "The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 pulled another holeshot and this win was a long time coming. In the second moto, I felt like I rode better when I was running in second and those guys made me work for it - it was just bar-to-bar out there. I'm so happy right now and I'm looking forward to taking a week off and coming back strong for Unadilla."

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing's next race is round 10 of the 2013 AMA Pro Motocross Championships on Saturday, August 10th at the Unadilla National in New Berlin.

Check out the Millville "Behind The Scenes Race Report" Video:


Source: Team Suzuki

Ryan Dungey Earns 3rd At Spring Creek Motocross National

[caption id="attachment_27864" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Dungey earned 3rd overall in the 450 Motocross class - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Ryan Dungey earned 3rd overall in the 450 Motocross class after salvaging a 5th place finish after a first moto incident coupled with a second moto win in front of his hometown crowd at the ninth round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Series held at Spring Creek Raceway.

Dungey launched off to a 3rd place start in the first moto and was moving forward toward the top two riders. Around the halfway point of the race, his chain derailed in the sand whoops and Dungey had to dismount his bike to put the chain back on. He lost approximately 20 seconds during this time and reentered the race in 10th position. Very determined to gain back the positions lost, Dungey pushed forward and was able to climb back to an impressive 5th place finish.

Despite his unfortunate luck in the first moto, Dungey did not let it deter him from his main goal of winning motos. When the gate dropped for moto two, Dungey jumped off the line to a top three start. He soon found himself battling with James Stewart for the lead position. The two riders battled back and forth exchanging the lead for the first half of the race before Dungey made the final pass to take over the lead and began to pull away. He went on to win the moto by three seconds.

Dungey's 5-1 moto scores earned him 3rd overall for the day. His main competitor for the championship, Ryan Villopoto, finished 5th overall which allowed Dungey to gain valuable points toward the championship title. The riders will now have a one week break before heading to the next round in New Berlin, NY.

Next Event: New Berlin, NY - August 10, 2013

Source: KTM North America

Monster Energy Kawasaki Scores Top 10 Results In Minnesota

[caption id="attachment_27862" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Villopoto overcame multiple crashes to finish fifth overall.[/caption]

Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minn. played host to the ninth round of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship as Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto and Jake Weimer both scored top-10 finishes on the sandy layout in America's heartland. Villopoto overcame multiple crashes to finish 6-4 in the motos and fifth overall while Weimer rode consistently to finish 9-9 for ninth overall.

In the 250cc class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett put in an impressive second moto, leading and eventually finishing third in the moto and fifth overall, while his teammates Justin Hill (7-11) and Adam Cianciarulo (9-12) battled to eighth and 11th place overall finishes respectively. Darryn Durham finished 12th and Martin Davalos finished 14th. Tyla Rattray also had a busy day in the 450cc class finishing 13th overall.

Salvaging Results
The first moto for Villopoto was a difficult one, after the current points leader crashed on the first lap and found himself rejoining the race in 28th place. A strong ride through the field saw Villopoto work his way up to sixth, just one spot behind his closest rival. In the second moto, a slow start and early trip to the ground saw Villopoto have to make up time once again as he picked his way through the field to finish fourth in the moto and fifth overall. Villopoto goes into the final three events of the series with a 34-point lead in the standings.

"Today was a tough day, but I was able to salvage points as best as I could," said Villopoto. "All along the goal is the championship and we are all pulling together towards getting back the No.1 plate and adversity like we saw today isn't going to slow us down."

[caption id="attachment_27850" align="alignleft" width="300"] Blake Baggett rode two strong motos for 5th place overall.[/caption]

Keep It Close
Baggett rode two strong motos in Minnesota, as he had to overcome a tough start in the first and fight his way up to sixth place. In the second moto, he jumped out of the gate strong and led early in the race doing his best to keep his competitors in tow. After battling for 35 minutes, Baggett held on for third in the moto, but caught a bit of bad luck as his 6-3 motos score was only good enough for fifth, just one point back of a three way tie for third.

"It was difficult out there today," said Baggett. "I worked really hard this week to try and improve my results and I think the work is starting to pay off. It was good to be back out front again but I know I have to keep working to get back on the podium."

Teammates
The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team was out in full force at Millville with defending 250cc champion Baggett leading the way. But the rookies Hill and Cianciarulo both held their own on the day, battling together for most of the afternoon. As has been seen in the last couple of weeks, the Pro Circuit riders can't seem to get away from one another as they all race to get to the front.

"Today didn't go exactly to plan," said Hill. "I wasn't able to get the starts I wanted or needed but it was good to be out there racing bar-to-bar for both motos. It is a little more difficult when you are racing so close with your teammates because you want to beat them, but you don't want to be too rough and have to face Mitch (Payton) back at the hauler."

[caption id="attachment_27871" align="alignright" width="300"] 2013 AMA Motocross Spring Creek - Millville MX Track[/caption]

Unseasonably Cool
The weather in Minnesota was unseasonably cool as temperatures stayed in the 60's and overhead clouds threatened rain most of the day. The cooler weather was a welcome relief compared to races in Millville's past where hot and humid conditions had led many a rider to want to take a dip in the tracks namesake, Spring Creek to cool off after the long motos.

A Thin Line
The track at Spring Creek MX was a little different this year with some subtle changes leading to quicker lap times. Also the soil wasn't tilled as deep, as a hard base sat under a thin layer of sand and wood chips. The surface made for a slippery track that also saw a lot of good side-by-side racing.

Looking Forward
The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will take its final break of the summer as the teams get a weekend off before heading to Unadilla for the 10th round of the AMA Pro Motocross National Series.

Source: Kawasaki Racing

GEICO Honda Race Report

[caption id="attachment_27857" align="alignright" width="300"] Eli Eli Tomac won both 250cc motos at the Spring Creek National - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

GEICO Motorcycle Honda rider Eli Tomac won both 250cc motos at the Red Bull Spring Creek National in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday and took advantage of a lucky break to assume control of the class championship lead.

"It was an all-round awesome day," Tomac said. "The starts weren't there, but the rest of it was there for me for sure. The track at my home is a lot like this one, so I think that was a big key today.

"We're leaving here with the red (leader's) plate, so it's awesome."

The turning point came during Moto 1. Tomac had an average start and was quickly working his way toward the front as Ken Roczen, who came into the day leading the 250cc standings by a point, was running in the top three.

[caption id="attachment_27852" align="alignleft" width="300"] 2013 AMA Motocross Spring Creek 250MX Winner's Podium - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Roczen had a cushion around him but encountered trouble and was thrown from his bike at nearly full speed in the sand section. His bars hit him in the chest and knocked the wind out of him. Roczen pulled off the track as Tomac, who was running sixth at the time, continued his charge to the front.

"I tried to make my passes early just so I could get it done," Tomac said. "I've been on the podium every race this season, and I really want to stay up there."

Tomac would end up winning the moto with ease and get max points over Roczen. Tomac went into Moto 2 with a 24-point lead, which he would stretch to 27 points with another resounding win in Moto 2. It's the first time since 2010 that Tomac has held the 250cc points lead during outdoor season.

There are three stops left on the season schedule.

[caption id="attachment_27879" align="alignright" width="200"] Justin Bogle had another strong afternoon, finishing sixth overall - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

GEICO Honda teammate Justin Bogle had another strong afternoon, turning in moto finishes of fifth and sixth to finish sixth overall on the day.

"I rode well," Bogle said. "I got started around fifth or sixth and stayed there the whole time. I was battling the while time, just not moving forward. I felt like I rode really well, so I can't be bummed.

"It took me a while to get going today. For some reason I was really slow in practice, but once the gate dropped I figured it out. My teammate Wil Hahn is killing those starts. I'd love to get some of that magic."

Hahn did indeed continue his streak of top-flight starts by winning both holeshots and taking an eight-point lead over second place in the 250cc class of the Holeshot Championship. Hahn has earned the holeshot in seven of the 10 motos he has raced in this season.

"It seems to be the highlight of my weekend," Hahn said. "I'm not getting the results I'm looking for after leading as many laps as I have. I am making progress, but man I want to be on that podium. I keep getting better, but I still need to work on a few things."

[caption id="attachment_27877" align="alignleft" width="300"] Wil Hahn has earned the holeshot in seven of the 10 motos he has raced in this season - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

As for the finish, Hahn collected a pair of eighth-place finishes to finish seventh overall on the day.

Zach Osborne had moto finishes of 11th and ninth to finish 10th overall.

"I felt really good in practice this morning," Osborne said. "I just struggled with the track today and just couldn't find the speed. It was one of those days. I was prepared for the track to be different than it wound up being. It's disappointing, but we'll regroup during this break and come back stronger."

Up next for the GEICO Motorcycle Honda team is the Aug. 10 Built Ford Tough Unadilla National in New Berlin, N.Y.

Source: GEICO Honda

Marvin Musquin Earns 2nd At Spring Creek Motocross National

[caption id="attachment_27856" align="alignright" width="300"] Marvin Musquin took 2nd overall in the 250 Motocross class - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Red Bull KTM Factory rider Marvin Musquin took 2nd overall in the 250 Motocross class at the ninth round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross National Championship Series. His teammate, Ken Roczen, did not finish the first moto after a bad crash but came back strong to finish 2nd in the second moto to earn 9th overall for the day.

In the first 250 moto, both KTM riders got off to top five starts. Roczen quickly moved into the top three and was soon challenging Wil Hahn for the lead. Unfortunately as he was trying to find different lines to make a pass he suffered a hard crash. Roczen was shook up pretty bad and unable to finish the race.

"Luckily, I walked away from that crash with no broken bones," stated Roczen. "I know I will be feeling pretty banged up tomorrow, but I am thankful I was not seriously injured and I will be able to race the second moto."

His teammate, Musquin had better luck in the first moto. He ran as high up as 3rd position before he lost one spot near the end of the moto. He remained in that position and finished 4th for moto one.

[caption id="attachment_27875" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ken Roczen did not finish the first moto after a bad crash but came back strong in moto 2 - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

In moto two, Musquin launched off the line to a 4th place start while Roczen was two positions back. The two teammates found themselves together early on and battled for a few laps before Roczen made the pass. Roczen then moved up a few more spots before battling with Blake Baggett for the lead. He moved around Baggett and held the lead for a few laps before Eli Tomac began to challenge for the position. Tomac made the pass on Roczen and Roczen remained close for about five laps before he began to suffer from arm pump and fell back a few seconds. Roczen held on to finish the moto in 2nd place while Musquin duplicated his first moto finish and earned 4th.

Roczen's DNF the first moto coupled with his 2nd place finish in the second moto earned him 9th overall for the day. Musquin's 4-4 moto results were strong enough to land him in the runner-up position and helped him gain a boost in the championship point standings.

Next Event: New Berlin, NY - August 10, 2013

Source: KTM North America

Rockstar Energy Racing Millville Motocross National Race Report

[caption id="attachment_27858" align="alignright" width="300"] Ryan Sipes' Rockstar Energy Suzuki - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

The Spring Creek Motocross National was not what all have become accustomed to in 2013. First the track was quite a bit different. While it is usually riddled with deep ruts everywhere, this year it was more flat than in the past. However it was still very challenging.

While it wasn't as deep as the norm, it was still extremely rough. There were bumps on top of bumps on top of bumps, which proved very challenging and made line choice technical and vital. The other difference was the weather itself. Just two short years ago it flooded Friday before the race which in turn created the really soft, loamy terrain that is expected. Then on Saturday the sun came out and the heat index skyrocketed to 126 degrees.

This year it was just plain freezing. Windy and cloudy with occasional showers. Many in the industry didn't check ahead and pack sweatshirts, so there were shivering bodies seen everywhere. For Rockstar Energy Racing it was a great day mixed with misfortune.

[caption id="attachment_27859" align="alignleft" width="300"] Ryan Sipes started the day on fire, but suffered a major crash - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Ryan Sipes started the day on fire. Qualifying a stellar 5th place in the first 450 practice. He started near the top ten in moto 1 and began moving forward. He moved up to as high as 7th before disaster struck.

In one of the famous Millville roller sections, Ryan came in a bit sideways. He held the throttle wide open to straighten out the swap, which is the right thing to do. In this particular instance however, it did not pay off. He ended up just picking up much more speed before going down.

Swapping is one of the worst kind of crashes riders experience. You go one direction, then back the other way which doubles your momentum similar to when a wakeboarder cuts back across the wake. The result equals hitting the ground like a ton of bricks. Sipes was very fortunate to have all his safety equipment on when the incident took place. Although he broke both his neckbrace and his helmet, they both did exactly what they were designed to do. Ryan at least left the track with no neck injury and concussion free.

Ryan Sipes:
"Millville was a little rough. I felt really good in practice and really good in the first moto until I crashed. I swapped in the whoops and ended up landing on the back of my neck. I broke my helmet and my neck brace, a couple ribs and I think my hand. It was a tough one and I'm in a lot of pain, but what is pleasure without pain?"

[caption id="attachment_27854" align="alignright" width="300"] Jason Anderson has clearly begun to fire on all cylinders - Photo: Simon Cudby[/caption]

Jason Anderson has clearly begun to fire on all cylinders. It was evident a change took place in moto 2 at Washougal MX Park just one week ago. Those who are familiar with racing know exactly how that feels. One day when riding you will just feel something click. Suddenly you're riding at a much faster pace but feeling completely comfortable at the same time.

Anybody can ride over their head to drop lap times but that increase will always be short lived and accompanied with crashes. The key is to be patient, do the work and let it come to you. That is exactly what Jason has done all year. He has been right on the verge and is now climbing into the position of one of the best of the best.

In moto 1 in Minnesota he also combined his recent growth with a great start. Something he has struggled with. The result was the best moto finish of his career. In the second moto the great start was not there so he had to rely on his speed. He was able to move through the pack into a position that garnered him a 3 way tie for 2nd with Marvin Musquin and Rockstar rider Jeremy Martin. With the way the final race panned out, Musquin picked up 2nd with Anderson and Martin 3rd and 4th. This was Jason's first ever outdoor podium and the indication is that there will be many more to come.

Jason Anderson:
"Millville ended on a good note with my very first outdoor podium. My start wasn't very good in the second moto but I made it work. It was sick and I felt like I was ripping!"

There will now be another weekend off to accommodate the Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship taking place from Monday - Saturday this coming week. Rockstar Energy Racing rider Daniel Baker will look to pick up titles in the A class, the pinnacle of amateur racing. Anderson will spend the week off from the Nationals and race the Super X event at X Games in Los Angeles. Sipes will see the doctor Monday to get X rays and determine exactly what he will now need to recover from.
Source: Rockstar Energy Racing

Spring Creek Overview And Point Standings

Overall Results - 450MX Class

1. Ryan Villopoto - 413
   
2. Ryan Dungey - 379
   
3. Justin Barcia - 307
   
4. James Stewart - 269
   
5. Trey Canard - 263
   
6. Mike Alessi - 195
   
7. Andrew Short - 191
   
8. Jake Weimer - 184
   
9. Broc Tickle - 183
   
10. Josh Grant - 176
    

1. Kawasaki - 413
   
2. KTM - 397
   
3. Honda - 342
   
4. Suzuki - 341
   
5. Yamaha - 236
   

1. Eli Tomac - 405
   
2. Ken Roczen - 378
   
3. Marvin Musquin - 334
   
4. Blake Baggett - 295
   
5. Zach Osborne - 261
   
6. Jason Anderson - 238
   
7. Justin Bogle - 209
   
8. Jeremy Martin - 207
   
9. Kyle Cunningham - 183
   
10. Cooper Webb - 170
    

1. Honda - 407
   
2. KTM - 405
   
3. Kawasaki - 314
   
4. Yamaha - 275
   
5. Suzuki - 242