After a lack-luster past two-years, the X Games Step Up returned to the Staples
Center for an exciting five-rider showdown, where KTM’s Ronnie Renner, aboard
the only four-stroke in the competition, took top honors after clearing a height of
33 feet.
The showdown went down between Jeremy McGrath, Tommy Clowers, Matt
Buyten, Renner and Brian Deegan. It was a disappointing night for McGrath, who
was the first one out while the other four advanced several feet.
Once heights reached over 30-feet, complications began for the two-strokes.
They had to dump the clutch so hard that it was causing them to spin on the
take-off, and on the lip. In one scary attempt, Deegan spun and got a little
sideways off the lip, and landed a little too-close-for-comfort in the soft dirt
next to the course workers. No one was hurt, but the course workers received
a heavy roosting.
Only Renner seemed to have no trouble hooking up on his 450 SX. Apparently
he struggled with the decision of whether to race the two-stroke or the four-
stroke, but in the end, it proved to be a good decision.
“Watch – next year there will be five four-strokes in the event,” said KTM boss
Kurt Nicoll, who was ecstatic to see KTM collect its first X Games gold medal.
Moto X Step Up Final
1. Ronnie Renner (Westminster, CA) 33'0'' Feet
2. Tommy Clowers (Ramona, CA) 32'0'' Feet
2. Matt Buyten (Minden, NV) 32'0'' Feet
2. Brian Deegan (Temecula, CA) 32'0'' Feet
5. Jeremy McGrath (Encinitas, CA) 26'0'' Feet