Since the start of the season, Stroupe has placed in the top 5 in 5
of the 7 west coast rounds, he’s grabbed the hole shot and
made the podium 3 times with 1 win. Not bad for a rookie.
In the Lites class, it was a five-way battle for the lead. Ryan
Dungey, Jason Lawrence, Jake Weimer, Thor’s Brett Metcalfe and
Thor’s Austin Stroupe made the race exciting and unpredictable.
Dungey started off in the lead, then lost it after stumbling in the
whoops. Stroupe then caught up to the top 4 and worked his way
through the pack, passing Lawrence for the lead on lap 6. It was
a close battle between Stroupe and Lawrence, but Stroupe stayed
in front and landed his first career AMA win!
Stoupe is now third in the Lites season point standings, with
teammate Brett Metcalfe in fourth. Stroupe and Metcalfe will get a
break while the AMA heads to the east coast – returning to the
west coast in Seattle on April 26th for an exciting fight for the #1
plate.
In the SX main, Thor's Chad Reed had a rough start and finished
the first lap in seventh. He worked his way through the pack,
trying to catch up to leader Kevin Windham. Thor's Josh Hill held
onto second for most of the race, until Reed came charging past
him on a mission to take over the... full story on thormx.com
Thor’s Austin Stroupe celebrates his first win of his AMA career in Houston
Austin Stroupe Gets First Win in Houston
In only his seventh supercross race, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/
Kawasaki rider Austin Stroupe stood on the top step of the
podium after earning his first career AMA Supercross Lites win.
His teammate Brett Metcalfe finished fifth. In the Monster Energy
AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship main event, Monster
Energy Kawasaki’s Timmy Ferry earned his third straight podium,
finishing third at Reliant Stadium. Travis Preston finished 20th.
Everything is Bigger in Texas
They say everything is “Bigger in Texas” and nothing was bigger
on Saturday night than the ride by Stroupe to win his first race as
a professional. The 17-year-old rider used a good start to get
near the front of the field before taking the lead for good on lap
six. The win moves Stroupe to third in the series’ standings just
one point ahead of his teammate Metcalfe.
“It feels awesome,” said Stroupe. “When I saw the checkered flag
it was great. Near the end of the race I was just trying to get
good lap times and stay loose. I felt good coming into the season
and it just is awesome to get a win. It has been tough all season
and I’m just stoked.”
Three Times a Podium
For the third straight week, Ferry put his Kawasaki KX™450F on
the podium. After getting caught in traffic on the first lap, Ferry
fought his way through the pack to finish third. Ferry continues to
hold down the third spot in the championship standings.
“It was a good night,” said Ferry. “Third was just my spot. It was
a good ride and three podiums in a row keeps us up in the points.
I had to make some block passes in the corner after the short set
of whoops. It was tricky out there. It was rough and bumpy and
some of the ruts were down to the concrete floor. The track
challenged us and that is good for me.”
Fifth Place Finish
After finishing second in his heat race, Metcalfe carried that
momentum in the AMA Supercross Lites main event. Metcalfe
never ran lower than third until the last lap when he went down
on his own. Metcalfe quickly recovered to finish fifth. “It’s real
disappointing,” said Metcalfe. “It would have been nice to get
another podium. My front end washed out and that was it. I was
just trying too hard and I tried to get through that turn a little
better. Before the last lap the race was going well. After I went
down I was able to salvage a fifth but I it could have finished
much better.”
Something Spoke
For Preston, a broken spoke ended his night early. While battling
in traffic on the fourth lap, Preston and another rider made
contact and the foot-peg from the other bike broke a couple of
spokes on the front wheel. Preston wasn’t able to continue and
finished 20th.
“I got together with someone and their peg broke a couple of my
spokes,” said Preston. “Right now I need all the laps I can get so
it’s not good to pull off early. I was riding pretty good but I still
need to get better starts.”
full story on kawasaki.com
pics from tedescophoto.com
Houston Supercross Lites class Main Event
Once again it was a clinic on how to properly choke one's self out
of championship contention courtesy of Rockstar Makita Suzuki's
Ryan Dungey. The one-time points leader needed a great start and
smooth pace to best the red-hot Jason Lawrence and his Yamaha
of Troy mount.
With the Progressive Direct holeshot under his belt, the first part of
the equation was complete, but a pair of crashes on Lap 1 and Lap
4 sent the RM-Z rider from first to 13th. While the mechanics
wrestled the suicidal gun away from Roger DeCoster, Monster Pro
Circuit Kawasaki's Brett Metcalfe gave way to Lawrence and PC
teammate Austin Stroupe for the lead on Lap 2.
Rookie Stroupe followed J-Law for four laps before making his
move stick and then held the point position until the finish of the
15-lap main event.
"I finally had a decent start, and that helped me in the beginning
of the race," said Stroupe. "I put myself in position to stay up front
and that's what I did."
Lawrence took second place and Metty was well on his way to the
box as well before a hard-charging Jake Weimer on his Torco
Racing Fuels Honda made the pass on the final circuit, as did the
rebounding Dungey to salvage fourth.
"I am going to the next race, and I plan to do exactly what I did
here tonight," said Lawrence. "I will be ready for the next race."
That race is a long way off as the series heads to the East Coast
until finally returning to Seattle on April 26. motorcycle-usa.com
pic from vitalmx.com
Windham Wins First Monster Energy® Supercross Race Since ’05
Rookie Stroupe Captures First Win of his Career
HOUSTON (February 16, 2008) – Torco Fuels Honda’s Kevin
Windham, of Centerville, Miss., won his first Monster Energy®
AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, race at Reliant
Stadium since 2005 in front of 49,986 fans. Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s
Austin Stroupe, of Corona, Calif., won the first Western Regional
AMA Supercross Lites race of his career.
Red Bull Honda’s Davi Millsaps, of Cairo, Ga., won the $1,500
Progressive Holeshot Award with Monster Energy® Kawasaki’s
Tim Ferry, of Dade City, Fla., in tow through turn one. Points
leader Chad Reed, of Tampa, Fla., went through turn one near
the middle of the pack.
While leading, Millsaps crashed and Windham moved into the lead
and never looked back. Reed, who rides for Team San Manuel,
moved into second place on lap 11 and couldn’t catch Windham.
Reed finished second and Ferry finished third.
“I have been working hard this year, and tonight it paid off,” said
Windham. “I could not have won in front of a better crowd. I put
my head down tonight and used the crowd to my advantage. The
crowd was on their feet for the entire race.”
“This is a tough pill to swallow,” said Reed. “I gave it everything
I had tonight, but Kevin (Windham) rode a great race. We have
had a good season, and we will have to put it together in Atlanta
next weekend.”
Rockstar Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., won the
$1,000 Progressive Holeshot Award as he led Pro Circuit
Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe, of Murrieta, Calif., and Lawrence
through turn one. Metcalfe passed Dungey for the lead but was
re-passed on the opening lap. Moments after moving into the
number-one position, Dungey crashed and fell back several
positions and allowed Lawrence to assume the lead. Two laps
later Dungey suffered another crash.
On lap five Stroupe, who is a rookie this season, moved past
Lawrence for the lead and held on for the next 10 laps.
“I am going to the next race, and I plan to do exactly what I
did here tonight,” said Lawrence who now has a six-point lead.
“I will
be ready for the next race.”
“I finally had a decent start, and that helped me in the
beginning of the race,” said Stroupe. “I put myself in position to
stay up front and that’s what I did.”
AMA Supercross class race will air on CBS Sports Sunday,
February 17 at Noon, and the AMA Supercross Lites class race
will air on SPEED Friday, February 22 at Noon.
supercrossonline.com
pics from tedescophoto.com
Tommy Hahn Xtreme Interview: Post San Diego -ozzy go-
Tommy Hahn has turned on the heat as of late. What looked to
be a top ten season for the Motosport Kawasaki Xtreme Team
Green rider has shifted gears and now has Hahn looking at a
possible top three...or better.
In only their first year as a professional team, Xtreme is already
showing signs of duplicating their success in the amateur ranks
at the next level. A success not so well known by many other
first year teams.
While there is still the question of the east, Motosport Kawasaki
Xtreme Team Green seems to be heading in the right direction.
As for Hahn, he now sits only four points behind third place rider
Bret Metcalfe and only 22 points back from Jason Lawrence in
first. With Houston and Seattle still to go, it's sure to be an epic
end to an already epic season. interview on
xtremeteamgreen.com - pic from vitalmx.com
Metcalfe & Stroupe Are Both Top Five O/A In WSX Lites Points Chase
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe charged
from a 10th place start in the WSX Lites main event in San Diego
this past Saturday to nearly make the podium, settling for a
hard-fought 4th place finish at Round Six of the 2008 Monster
Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, tour.
Metcalfe, who had to transfer to the main through the LCQ (which
he won) after having some difficulties in the first heat race, got
held up a bit in the start and had to charge from mid pack on his
Pro Circuit-tuned Kawasaki KX250F. Getting by riders Chris Blose
and Will Hahn, Metcalfe moved into 4th place and held off Justin
Brayton – though he was not able to catch Bobby Kiniry for 3rd.
“My shot at the podium was lost early in the race,” said Metcalfe.
“My KX was tuned perfectly, but I made a few mistakes and it
cost us the podium. I know a lot of teams would be happy with
4th, but we’re not. We were prepared to win that race and didn’t.
So we’ll have to hit practice hard this week and come into
Houston and put this bike back on the podium.” Note: Metcalfe is
currently in 3rd place in the overall AMA WSX Lites class overall
championship chase with 96 points. 
Metcalfe’s teammate, Austin Stroupe, would also race to a solid
finish, placing 7th after a back-of-the-pack start. Stroupe, who
finished 7th in the first heat race, is currently in 5th place (88
points) overall in the WSX standings in this his rookie year on the
Monster Energy Supercross tour.
Next up for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team is
Round Seven of 2008 Monster Energy Supercross at Houston’s
Reliant Stadium (Feb. 16). monsterenergy.com
Team Green Race Report: San Diego Supercross Lites
Motosport Xtreme Kawasaki’s Tommy Hahn raced to a second-
place finish in the AMA Supercross Lites class at Qualcomm
Stadium in San Diego. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s
Brett Metcalfe battled through the pain of a bad ankle to finish
fourth while teammate Austin Stroupe finished seventh.
Xtreme Podium
For the second time in California, Hahn rode his Kawasaki
KX™250F to the podium in the AMA Supercross Lites, getting a
second place finish in San Diego. In conditions totally different
from a muddy San Francisco, Hahn came off the starting line in
second and had a clean race on a technical track. “Everyone was
saying I could only do it in the mud,” said Hahn. “I guess I
showed them I can do it in the dry as well. I want to thank my
team. They did a great job. The track was tough and I need to
thank my trainer too. I couldn’t have done it without him.”
Riding Hurt
During the second practice, Metcalfe tweaked his ankle and spent
the time before the night program with his foot in a bucket of ice.
During his heat race, he went down in the first turn and was
unable to make the main event and had to go to the last chance
qualifier. In the LCQ, Metcalfe hit the holeshot and led all four
laps to get to the main event. In the main, Metcalfe overcame a
rough start to work his way up to fourth at the checkered flag,
which moves him to third in the series’ standings.
“My ankle is fine, but it is just a little sore,” said Metcalfe. “It is
going to be really sore in the morning. It was pretty numb for the
races and I just got a bad gate pick for the main. Going to the
LCQ probably helped me a little though because it kept my ankle
moving and loose and I wasn’t thinking about it too much. I
overcame the outside start and finished fourth which salvaged
some points.”
Hard Fought
It was an eventful race for Stroupe, as he battled throughout both
his heat race and the main event. During both races he found a
quick way through the sand and was able to make passes right
after the finish line. “I didn’t get the start I usually get and I’m
bummed,” said Stroupe. “Back in the pack you can’t do much, but
I passed as many people as I could and ended up with seventh.”
kawasaki.com - ad pic from monsterenergy.com
Team Green Race Report: San Diego Supercross class
Tim Ferry Battles for Runner-up Finish
In a fight to the finish, Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Timmy
“Red Dog” Ferry rode to an amazing second place finish at
Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. After winning his heat race Red
Dog adapted to a tricky track, and with a last lap pass in the
sand, earned his second-straight podium finish. His teammate
Travis Preston finished 14th.
Making the Move
With the laps clicking off quickly Ferry was determined to get into
second place. After making the pass for third in an off-camber
turn, Ferry saw an opening in the sand area of the track. After his
heat race, Team Manager Mike Fisher told Ferry how Stroupe had
used an outside line going into the sand to make passes.
“Fisher had been pointing out a line,” said Ferry. “They cut the
last whoop out after the finish line and it set you up to turn early.
I hit it every lap just because it felt comfortable and it ended up
being the money pass.”
Making Changes
The track at Qualcomm Stadium featured a gnarly rhythm section
that gave Ferry fits throughout practice and the heat race. It
wasn’t until the middle of the main event that he found the fastest
way through.
“The rhythm section was tough,” said Ferry. “I was in fourth and
saw the guys in front going double, triple, double, triple. I hadn’t
done that at all in practice or the heat race and the main event
isn’t the time to try new things, but I knew that was the only way
I could keep up. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.”
The Heat is On
Ferry’s night started of with a bang as he earned his first heat
race win in years. After nailing the holeshot, he paced the field
leading all eight laps.
“The heat was awesome,” said Ferry. “I hit the holeshot from the
outside and it has been working for me lately. It felt great. I
haven’t won a heat in a while and I need to run that pace. It
opened my lungs up and got my hands working which set me up
for the end main.” full story on kawasaki.com
San Diego AMA Supercross class Results
Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA - February 9, 2008
2008 Monster Energy Supercross Championships
AMA Supercross class Round 6: San Diego
San Diego Supercross class Main Event
1. Chad Reed (Yamaha)
2. Tim Ferry (Kawasaki)
3. Davi Millsaps (Honda)
4. Andrew Short (Honda)
5. Kevin Windham (Honda)
6. Josh Hill (Yamaha)
7. David Vuillemin (Suzuki)
8. Nathan Ramsey (Yamaha)
9. Nick Wey (KTM)
10. Jason Thomas (Honda)
11. Troy Adams (Honda)
12. Kevin Johnson (Honda)
13. Paul Carpenter (Honda)
14. Travis Preston (Kawasaki)
15. Jeff Alessi (Hoinda)
16. Eric Sorby (Honda)
17. Jacob Marsack (Honda)
18. Josh Hansen (Yamaha)
19. Gregory Crater (Honda)
20. Charles Summey (Yamaha)
FLT 00:49.568 Chad Reed
San Diego Supercross Heat 1 top-10
1. Tim Ferry (Kawasaki)
2. Andrew Short (Honda)
3. Davi Millsaps (Honda)
4. Josh Hansen (Yamaha)
5. Paul Carpenter (Honda)
6. Jacob Marsack (Honda)
7. Troy Adams (Honda)
8. David Vuillemin (Suzuki)
9. Gregory Crater (Honda)
10. Bryan Johnson (Honda) NQ
San Diego Supercross Heat 2 top-10
1. Kevin Windham (Honda)
2. Chad Reed (Yamaha)
3. Nick Wey (KTM)
4. Travis Preston (Kawasaki)
5. Eric Sorby (Honda)
6. Jason Thomas (Honda)
7. Kevin Johnson (Yamaha)
8. Charles Summey (Yamaha)
9. Josh Hill (Yamaha)
10. Jiri Dostal (Kawasaki) NQ
San Diego Supercross LCQ top-10
1. Jeff Alessi (Hoinda) Q
2. Nathan Ramsey (Yamaha) Q
3. Ryan Clark (Honda)
4. Jeff Gibson (Kawasaki)
5. Jiri Dostal (Kawasaki)
6. Antonio Balbi (Honda)
7. Keith Johnson (Yamaha)
8. Ryan Abrigo (Yamaha)
9. Dennis Ewing (Suzuki)
10. Cole Siebler (Honda)
pics from vitalmx.com
San Diego AMA Supercross Lites class Results
Qualcomm Stadium - San Diego, CA - February 9, 2008
2008 Monster Energy Supercross Championships
AMA Supercross Lites West Round 6: San Diego
San Diego Supercross Lites class Main Event
1. Jason Lawrence (Yamaha)
2. Tommy Hahn (Kawasaki)
3. Bobby Kiniry (Honda)
4. Brett Metcalfe (Kawasaki)
5. Justin Brayton (KTM)
6. Ryan Dungey (Suzuki)
7. Austin Stroupe (Kawasaki)
8. Will Hahn (Yamaha)
9. Michael Lapaglia (Suzuki)
10. Billy Laninovich (KTM)
11. Chris Blose (Suzuki)
12. Gavin Gracyk (Honda)
13. Zack Osborne (Yamaha)
14. Jeff Northrop (Honda)
15. Michael Willard (Honda)
16. Justin Keeney (Honda)
17. Jake Weimer (Honda)
18. Michael Blose (KTM) 
19. Carlos Gonzales (KTM)
20. Tiger Lacey (Honda)
21. Dan Reardon (Honda)
22. Matt Lemoine (Yamaha)
FLP 00:50.454 Jason Lawrence
San Diego Supercross Lites Heat 1 top-10
1. Ryan Dungey (Suzuki)
2. Dan Reardon (Honda)
3. Michael Lapaglia (Suzuki)
4. Tiger Lacey (Honda)
5. Michael Willard (Honda)
6. Jeff Northrop (Honda)
7. Austin Stroupe (Kawasaki)
8. Michael Blose (KTM)
9. Carlos Gonzales (KTM)
10. Michael Horban (Yamaha) NQ
San Diego Supercross Lites Heat 2 top-10
1. Jake Weimer (Honda)
2. Tommy Hahn (Kawasaki)
3. Chris Blose (Suzuki)
4. Zack Osborne (Yamaha)
5. Wil Hahn (Yamaha)
6. Justin Brayton (KTM)
7. Gavin Gracyk (Honda)
8. Bobby Kiniry (Honda)
9. Jason Lawrence (Yamaha)
10. Matty Dowell (Yamaha) NQ
San Diego Supercross Lites LCQ top-10
1. Brett Metcalfe (Kawasaki) Q
2. Matt Lemoine (Yamaha) Q
3. Justin Keeney (Honda) Q
4. Billy Laninovich (KTM) Q
5. Kyle Cunningham (Honda)
6. Turbo Reif (Honda
7. Michael Horban (Yamaha)
8. Bradley Graham (KTM)
9. Casey Hinson (Suzuki)
10. Adam Chatfield (Suzuki)
pic from racerxill.com
Monster Energy® AMA Supercross: San Diego Facts & Stats -ozzy go-
San Diego AMA Supercross class Winners past 5 years
February 17, 2007: Chad Reed (Yamaha YZ450F)
February 11, 2006: James Stewart (Kawasaki KX450F)
February 19, 2005: Chad Reed (Yamaha YZ250)
January 24, 2004: Chad Reed (Yamaha YZ250)
February 08, 2003: Chad Reed (Yamaha YZ250)
San Diego AMA Supercross Lites Winners past 5 years
February 17, 2007: Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki KX250F)
February 11, 2006: Andrew Short (Honda CRF250R)
February 19, 2005: Nathan Ramsey (KTM 250SXF)
January 24, 2004: Ivan Tedesco (Kawasaki KX250F)
February 08, 2003: James Stewart (Kawasaki KX250F)
First Winner in San Diego Supercross class
October 25, 1980: Mike Bell (Yamaha)
First Winner in San Diego Supercross Lites
January 26, 1985: Todd Campbell ()
All Time SX-class Winningest in San Diego
1. Jeremy McGrath (Honda/Yamaha) 5 wins
2. Chad Reed (Yamaha) 4 wins
3. Rick Johnson (Honda) 3 wins
RacerX Race Report: 2007 San Diego Supercross
Tim Ferry on Vital Buzz -ozzy go-
Tim Ferry scored another podium finish on Saturday night, taking
home third spot, but had a post-race discussion with Paul
Carpenter. When asked about it afterward, Red Dog said, “I felt
like he should have obeyed the move over flags more. There
was no one behind him, he had nothing to gain and Davi and me
were still racing for second spot. That’s all it was. I was just
frustrated, I thought I had a chance at Davi, and you never want
to give up a spot. That’s also a couple extra points and I just
wanted to let him know I was unhappy and hopefully he obeys
the flag. I got lapped a few times this year and I completely
pulled over.”
While he was a bit frustrated, he was also pleased with his
performance. “I stayed as close as I ever have to first place. I
know Chad had a little breathing room, so he was probably being
smart and me and Davi were going for it. We got in the triple-
triple-triple together a few times. I was one of the few guys to do
that this weekend, and I was really happy about that. I’m
definitely a little bit conservative sometimes, and I’ve been trying
to hang it out a little more.” full story on vitalmx.com
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
Travis Preston RacerX Interview -ozzy go-
Monday Conversation II with Travis Preston 2 04 2008
When it comes to replacement riders, it’s rare that a team
gets an opportunity to grab a rider of Travis Preston’s caliber
after the season has already started, as normally there are
contract issues and things like that to contend with. However,
Preston proved to be a perfect candidate for the Monster
Energy Kawasaki squad since it was still early in the season
and Preston was literally without any major contracts. After
nearly a year off of the bike, Preston came off the couch to
grab James Stewart’s Kawasaki KX450F and put it in the main
event at Anaheim III, and he learned a lot along the way.
read the interview on racerxill.com
Austin Stroupe RacerX Interview -ozzy go-
Monday Conversation with Austin Stroupe 2 04 2008
Austin Stroupe is surprising a lot of people right now. There
hasn’t been a lot of hype surrounding him coming into his
rookie AMA Supercross Championship, but after five rounds,
he not only sits sixth in points, but he sits sixth in points
despite failing to qualify for the main event at round two in
Phoenix, Arizona. In the other four races, though, he has not
finished outside the top five, and finished on the podium
twice – with the latest at Anaheim III being a second place,
which is his best finish so far this year. read the interview on
racerxill.com
Ferry Back on the Box in Anaheim -ozzy go- kawasaki.com
Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Timmy Ferry returned to the
podium at the third and final event at Angel Stadium in Anaheim,
Calif. The veteran rider has been showing speed all year and this
weekend he avoided trouble to finish third. The podium finish
keeps Ferry third in the season standings. Ferry’s new teammate
Travis Preston finished 15th. In the AMA Supercross Lites class,
it was a double podium for the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/
Kawasaki team as Austin Stroupe grabbed the holeshot and
finished second with Brett Metcalfe finishing third.
Third Place Finsih
Ferry rode to his second podium of the season after coming out
of the gate in fourth. On the technical track which suited the
veteran’s style, he got into a good rhythm and set consistent lap
times throughout the main event.
“It’s great to be back on the podium,” said Ferry. “I had a solid
start considering I had the 15th or 16th gate pick. I’ve got those
crashes behind me and every time I haven’t crashed I’ve been
on the podium so I know my speeds there. It feels so good to
just go out and practice, jump the jumps and race the track.
That is something we really haven’t had this year. Even Phoenix
was really hard, slippery and tight. This felt like a real
supercross track and I felt at home. Actually riding and pushing.
Not being able to make a rhythm section, then getting it the next
time and making up a lot of time felt good.”
Making the Main Event
With just a little time between Preston signing with the team and
racing, he showed his potential, making the main event through
his heat race.
“It was a good night for me,” said Preston. “My first race and not
having much time on the bike, I started well in the heat but
faded back to ninth. Each race I got better and better, I’m
learning the bike so I’m looking forward to going to San Diego.”
Stroupe Second
Stroupe returned to the podium at Anaheim after finishing fifth
one week ago. The 17-year-old nailed the holeshot in both his
heat and the main event and avoided mistakes for a runner-up
finish.
“I got an awesome start and I just rode as hard as I could and
as fast as I could,” said Stroupe. “I’m not in the best shape right
now but every weekend I’m getting better. Right before I went
out for the race Mitch (Payton, team owner) told me to believe in
myself. I did that and gave it all I had but it just wasn’t enough
to get a win tonight.”
Back-to-Back Podiums for Metcalfe
Metcalfe also rode a smart race coming off the starting line fifth.
The Australian rider picked his way up to third, keeping pace
with Stroupe to earn his second consecutive podium finish. With
his third podium of the season, Metcalfe sits fourth in the points
standings.
“I had just an average start, but I was able to work my way up
a couple of spots to finish third,” said Metcalfe. “The track was
technical and kind of tough. It was more like an outdoor track
with all the ruts in the sand section so I really enjoyed it. It took
me a couple of laps to make up some spots because there were
just a few places to make a pass. I’m happy with my finish
because it is good for the championship.” Full story on
kawasaki.com – ad pics from tedescophoto.com