Yamaha Race Report: 2008 San Francisco Supercross

Chad Reed and Jason Lawrence put their Yamaha YZs on top
of the podium in their respective Supercross and Supercross
Lites classes at the fourth round of the 2008 AMA Supercross
Series in San Francisco, CA. on Saturday, Jan. 26. The wins in
rainy, difficult conditions put Reed 19 points ahead of Kevin
Windham in the Supercross standings and boost Lawrence into
third in Supercross Lites. They also represent the first time in
recent years that Yamaha has won both Supercross classes on
the same night.

Supercross
The Supercross final was likewise reduced to 15 laps. Reed
didn’t get the start he wanted, arriving at the first corner in
mid-pack and having to battle his way forward from there. He
moved his L&M Racing YZ450F to fifth by the end of the first
lap, third by lap three, and passed early leaders Windham and
Davi Millsaps for the lead by lap seven. From then on Reed
put his Yamaha on cruise control and pulled out an 11.4-sec.
lead over Windham for his third win of the year. “I came into
this season prepared to lay it down – I want to get these race
wins!” he enthused. “It was a very muddy, exciting night and
both Jason and Chad put on an awesome show,” added
Yamaha Supercross team manager Jim Perry. “They deserve
those wins for sure.”

Supercross Lites
In Supercross Lites, Lawrence blitzed the field in practice by
setting the quickest lap time aboard his Yamaha of Troy
YZ250F. The final was shortened to 10 laps from the usual 15
laps due to the rutty, muddy track, and Lawrence reached the
first turn in third behind Thomas Hahn and Austin Stroupe. But
he quickly passed both and led every lap of the race for his
first career Supercross Lites victory. “I am excited to get my
first Supercross win,” he grinned later. “I’ve been close
several times and I‘m glad to finally put it all together.”
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