Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Stroupe & Metcalfe Both Podium @ Anaheim

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Stroupe pulled
the Lites class’ monster holeshot on his Monster Energy/Pro
Circuit/Kawasaki KX250F, which put him up front and into a
position when he could capture a 2nd place podium position at
Anaheim 3 – his second podium finish of 2008 Monster Energy
AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, season.

Stroupe, who moved up to 5th place overall in the Lites class
standings – just six points off the overall podium – earned a
cool $1,000 from Progressive Insurance for his holeshot effort.

“I’ve been sick all week but was still able to progress,” said
Stroupe. “Things have been tough and I’m not where I want to
be (regarding the overall points chase), but it’s getting better.
Owe it all to my team.”

In hot pursuit of the overall podium from the start was
Stroupe’s Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate,
Brett Metcalfe. The Aussie tracked down, caught and passed
Honda’s Billy Laninovich and Yamaha’s Kyle Cunningham (on
lap five of 15) to secure 3rd place – a position he’s hold
through the checkers.

“This is definitely a big help, my second 3rd place finish this
year,” said Metcalfe. “I’m just trying to be consistent, chip
away at the title chase.”

Metcalfe had to run through a portion of the pack early to get
to the podium. The conditions were difficult, but Metcalfe would
prevail. “It was fun. I ate about a pound of sand, but I’m
stoked with my performance,” he said. With the effort Metcalfe
now stands alone in 4th place overall in the Western Lites
points chase, just two points off the overall podium.

Next up for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is
Round Six of 2008 Monster Energy Supercross at San Diego’s
Qualcomm Stadium (Feb. 9). monsterenergy.com