Racer X Race Report
USA Supercross 2014
www.racerxonline.com By Chase Stallo
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Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto moved one step closer to history following a dominating performance at round 10 of Monster Energy Supercross at Daytona International Speedway. The three-time defending champion held a 23-point lead over Ryan Dungey in his quest to join Jeremy McGrath as the only riders to achieve four consecutive premier class titles. Villopoto tamed the notoriously rough Daytona circuit en route to an impressive win—his first since round 4 in Oakland—increasing his lead to 28 over Dungey.
We can put to rest any notion that Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki has “lost a step”, as the green crew sweep the podium for the second time in four races. Entering Daytona 18 points back of rookie teammate Adam Cianciarulo, Blake Baggett took advantage of the rough terrain to capture his first win of the season, and his first since Las Vegas in 2011. Cianciarulo would maintain control of the points lead following a second, with Martin Davalos finishing off the Pro Circuit podium.
In just his second career 450SX race, Dean Wilson, filling in for the injured Chad Reed, grabbed the holeshot. It was short lived, as Villopoto (pictured) quickly took command of the race. Mike Alessi, known for his holeshot artistry, was unable to squeeze through and crashed in the first turn. He would rebound to finish fourteenth.Photo: Simon Cudby
Villopto was a force under the lights, as he opened a sizable gap on the field early in the race. Meanwhile, Ryan Dungey, second in points entering the night, was left in a tight battle with Wilson, and eventually teammate Ken Roczen.Photo: Simon Cudby
With Dungey applying pressure, Roczen was able to capitalize, quickly inserting himself into the battle for second. Roczen struck first on lap 11, getting by both Dungey and Wilson to firmly grasp second. Then Dungey struck, passing Wilson shortly after. Dungey wasn’t able to make a charge, while Wilson struggled down the stretch—eventually holding off a late charge from Matt Goerke to finish seventh.Photo: Simon Cudby
Lucas Oil/Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Malcolm Stewart was impressive in his 450SX debut, running inside the top five early. But a late collision with Justin Barcia left both on the ground and Malcolm out of the race with bike problems.Photo: Simon Cudby
It was a rough night all around for the Stewart family, as James damaged his bike in the first turn after running into Alessi. He would have to pull into the mechanics area before rejoining the race and finishing 18th.Photo: Simon Cudby
Soaring Eagle/RCH Suzuki’s Broc Tickle continued his string of impressive performances with a career-high fourth in Daytona.Photo: Simon Cudby
Ryan Villopoto went unchallenged en route to his third victory of the season.Photo: Simon Cudby
Red Bull KTM rounded out the podium with a 2-3 performance.Photo: Simon Cudby
Starts have been the Achilles heel of Blake Baggett in 2014, but at Daytona, he started behind teammates Martin Davalos and Adam Cianciarulo, and was able to use the great jump to quickly take control of the race.Photo: Simon Cudby
Cianciarulo found his way around his teammate Davalos, but was never able to make a serious charge. The rookie still holds the red plate following a second place finish.Photo: Simon Cudby
Davalos would finish third on the night giving Pro Circuit a 1-2-3 finish.Photo: Simon Cudby
Blake Wharton rebounded from a tough race last weekend to finish fourth in Daytona.Photo: Simon Cudby
Following a disappointing start to the season Jeremy Martin had his best finish of the season at Daytona.Photo: Simon Cudby
It was an all green podium at Daytona. Photo: Simon Cudby
450SX Overall
- Ryan Villopoto
- Ken Roczen
- Ryan Dungey
- Broc Tickle
- Andrew Short
- Wil Hahn
- Dean Wilson
- Matt Goerke
- Justin Brayton
10. Josh Grant
11. Cole Seely
12. Justin Barcia
13. Phil Nicoletti
14. Mike Alessi
15. Josh Hill
16. Chris Blose
17. Jimmy Albertson
18. James Stewart
19. Nick Schmidt
20. Ronnie Stewart
21. Malcolm Stewart
22. Nick Wey
250SX Overall
1. Blake Baggett
2. Adam Cianciarulo
3. Martin Davalos
4. Blake Wharton
5. Justin Bogle
6. Jeremy Martin
7. Matt Bisceglia
8. Vince Friese
9. Kyle Cunningham
10. Matt Lemoine
11. Kyle Peters
12. Jimmy Decotis
13. Cole Thompson
14. Alex Martin
15. Mitchell Oldenburg
16. Gavin Faith
17. Jackson Richardson
18. Justin Starling
19. AJ Catanzaro
20. Jacob Baumert
21. Auston Albers
22. Jace Owen
450SX Point Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto 209
2. Ryan Dungey 181
3. Ken Roczen 180
4. James Stewart 157
5. Justin Brayton 155
6. Andrew Short 125
7. Justin Barcia 118
8. Chad Reed 111
9. Broc Tickle 111
10. Wil Hahn 108
250SX East Region Point Standings
1. Adam Cianciarulo 94
2. Martin Davalos 87
3. Blake Baggett 79
4. Justin Bogle 72
5. Vince Friese 61
6. Blake Wharton 51
7. Cole Thompson 48
8. Kyle Cunningham 45
9. Jimmy Decotis 43
10. Matt Lemoine 37