Jason Anderson, Darryn Durham, Tyla Rattray, Martin Davalos, and Kyle Cunningham getting ready for the 2013 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.

Cool stuff with Tyler Bereman and Darryn Durham blasting around Pala Raceway – the weather there is so nice, please invite us over.

Dean Wilson and Darryn Durham are a little low on funds. Maybe a bike wash with Miss Supercross, Dianna Dahlgren, can help.

Watch all the episodes RIGHT HERE

Sit up straight and pay attention. Class is in session with Miss Supercross, Dianna Dahlgren. Also, featuring Blake Baggett, Broc Tickle, and Darryn Durham.

Supercross is a tough business. Watch as Dean Wilson, Darryn Durham and Miss Supercross, Dianna Dahlgren, compare their battle scars while at the Party in the Pit.

(Photo: Frank Hoppen)

In the Supercross class, Thor’s Ryan Villopoto added another win to his championship season. After winning his heat race, Villopoto led every lap of the main even to earn win number nine. Brett Metcalfe tied his best result of the season with a great ride to fourth-place, while Broc Tickle battled back from an early race crash to finish 10th. Jake Weimer went down on the opening lap and eventually had to pull off, finishing 20th.

(Photo: Frank Hoppen)

The GNCC held its fourth round in Union, S.C. and it was all Thor’s Kailub Russell. Leading from start to finish, Russell made it three wins in a row, closing the gap to the points leader by only two points. Also joining Russell on the podium was Thor’s Charlie Mullins, who currently sits third in the championship standings. Cory Buttrick battled the tough terrain to finish seventh. In the women’s class, Thor’s Maria Forsberg remained perfect, capturing her fourth win of the season.

(Photo: Shan Moore)

For all the latest from Thor, be sure to visit thormx.com, Thor on Facebook and follow @ThorMXOfficial on Twitter.

A crowd of 33,392 filled the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday night, as Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, hosted its 14th race of the 2012 season in a return to New Orleans. One race after capturing back-to-back Supercross Class Championships, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., won his ninth win of the season with a convincing effort. In the Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class, GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia, of Ochlocknee, Ga., secured his second-consecutive title with a fourth-place finish, while Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Darryn Durham, of Butler, Pa., raced to the first victory of his career.

Villopoto was the first rider out of the gate in the 20-lap Supercross Class Main Event, grabbing the Nuclear Cowboyz® Holeshot Award with Foremost Insurance/Motosport.com Kawasaki’s Nick Wey, of Dewitt, Mich., and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer, of Rupert, Idaho, close behind. It didn’t take long for Villopoto to open a gap on the field, ultimately taking a wire-to-wire win.

“The track was tough, so the bike was a big key,” said Villopoto, who is in the midst of a four-race winning streak. “The track was breaking down and it had a lot of ruts, so it was easy to get caught off guard. You had to stay on toes and try to log consistent laps. I’m looking forward to returning home next week (in Seattle).”

All eyes were on the battle for the remaining spots on the podium, as both Jeff Ward Racing Kawasaki’s Josh Grant, of Corona, Calif., and MotoConcepts Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, of Hilliard, Fla., were both in search of their first top-three efforts of the season. Grant set a strong pace in second after a good start, keeping a consistent gap over third. Alessi, however, wasn’t as fortunate, making contact with a lapped rider while running third on Lap 16, falling to the ground. That allowed Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Brayton, of Murrieta, Calif., to grab the final spot on the podium.

Grant’s runner-up effort was his best finish since winning the opening race of the 2009 Monster Energy Supercross season and also signified the inaugural podium finish for the first-year Jeff Ward Racing team.

As the gates dropped on the Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class Main Event, Eleven10 Mods Honda’s Alex Martin, of Millville, Minn., captured the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot Award, with Barcia and Durham in tow. Prior to the conclusion of the opening lap, Durham made his way into second and proceeded to make what would be the winning pass on Lap 2 over Martin.

JDR/J-Star KTM’s Malcolm Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., worked his way into second following a strong start and set his sights on Durham. Behind him, Barcia took advantage of his healthy points lead and settled into podium position, needing only to finish fourth or better.

On Lap 6, Stewart crashed out of second, allowing a three-way battle for the position to ensue between Barcia, Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen, of Murrieta, Calif., and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett, of Grand Terrace, Calif. Baggett prevailed in this battle and after Durham bobbled heading into a triple jump on Lap 9, it became a duel between the teammates.

Baggett moved inside Durham several times in an attempt to make a pass during the closing laps but wasn’t able to secure the position and settled for second. It marked the first win of the season for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki in the Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class, capped off by a 1-2 effort.

“This is at the top of the list (of accomplishments),” said Durham. “I’m speechless. It was a great race and I couldn’t have done it without my team. I’m super excited, but just don’t know what to say. I had a rough practice and heat race, but got great start. I think I led all the laps, but I don’t even know.”

Barcia settled into fourth, his first finish off the podium this season, to guarantee back-to-back championships, while his teammate Justin Bogle, of Cushing, Okla., made a late charge to the front to tie his career-best finish in third.

Congrats to BAM BAM

“Tonight is mind blowing,” said Barcia, who has compiled a 1.4 finishing average in eight races this season. “To win two championships feels amazing. It was a tough season at times, but it took a lot of hard work and dedication to get here. I couldn’t have done it without everyone on my team. This is an awesome feeling.”

Monster Energy Supercross continues next weekend, hosting the 15th race of the 2012 season from Seattle’s CenturyLink Field.

Supercross Class Results: New Orleans
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
Josh Grant, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Yamaha
Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Kawasaki
Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki

Supercross Class Season Standings
Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 321
Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 206
Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda – 201
Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 192
James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 178
Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki – 172
Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 171
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 166
Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla., Suzuki – 162
Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki – 133

Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class Results: New Orleans
Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Kawasaki
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda
Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda
Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha
Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda
Tyler Bowers, Danville, Ky., Kawasaki
Austin Politelli, Sun City, Calif., Honda
Philip Nicoletti, Cochecton, N.Y., Honda

Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda – 185
Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Kawasaki – 143
Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM – 143
Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki – 142
Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki – 128
Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda – 118
Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda – 107
Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha – 70
Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda – 67
Matthew Lemoine, Collinsville, Texas, Kawasaki – 66

Monster Energy AMA Supercross headed to Toronto, Canada on Saturday night, where Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto overcame a challenging track to take his seventh win of the season.

Other Kawasaki riders too performed well at the Rogers Centre in Toronto: Jake Weimer rode a strong main event to finish fifth despite jumping off the track and getting tangled with a lapped rider. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle finished inside the top-ten for the third straight week, taking eighth place. In the supercross lites main event, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Darryn Durham held a podium finish until losing the front end, dropping him to fifth. Teammate Blake Baggett battled from a poor start to finish 15th.

Unmatched Pace
After 12 rounds, the key to success this season has proven to be survival. With many of the top riders succumbing to injury, Villopoto has been able to stay strong and healthy, but that doesn’t mean he’s backing it down. In qualifying practice, the reigning champion ended up second, and was not happy about it. Striving for nothing but victory, Villopoto grabbed the early lead in the heat race and took the win. In the main event, he rounded the first corner in second and looked to get out front early and stay out of trouble. Villopoto made the pass for the lead, but would nearly throw it away in the deteriorating whoop section, getting out of control and nearly riding it out side-saddle.

“My starts were great all night,” said Villopoto. “I made a couple big mistakes in the whoops the first couple laps and almost threw it away. I felt really good on the rest of the track, but it took me a while to get the whoops sorted out. From here the plan is to keep going for wins and try to wrap this title up while we’re still in dome stadiums.”

Feel Good, Ride Good
After a couple of tough weeks, Weimer was ready to return to riding at his potential. He finished second behind his teammate in his heat race and felt confident going into the main. While running in a podium position for the first 12 laps of the main, Weimer chose the wrong line while lapping a rider and they came together, which dropped him to fourth. Still frustrated with what just happened, two corners later he misjudged one of the rhythm sections and jumped off the track. This dropped him to fifth which is where he finished the night.

“I had a really good week coming into Toronto,” said Weimer. “I felt awesome all day and had a great gate pick for the main. I snuck around the inside and made some passes to put me in third, but then ran into trouble. I know I should be on the podium and I’m riding better than I have been the last couple weeks.”

Chasing the Leader
In the Supercross Lights Eastern Region, Durham has demonstrated the speed to win the past few weeks, but has yet to make it to the top step of the box. His night started with a heat race win, which he was hoping to transition to the main. The first few laps of the main saw Durham battling back and forth for third until his front end washed out. After dropping back to ninth, Durham put on a hard charge and fought his way back up to fifth.

“The track was tough all day,” said Durham. “I got a sick holeshot in the heat race and won that, which felt really good. In the main I fell and had to come back through the pack to get fifth. The track was really soft and rutted, so I’m just happy to get out of there healthy and ready to go at it next week.”

Consistency at Last
This season Tickle has been up and down the results page, but for the third-consecutive week he finished in the top-ten. Toronto’s deep ruts seemed to suit him as he rode a solid heat race to finish fourth and battled for the full 20 laps to finish eighth, despite a crash.

“This weekend I tried something a little different and had a plan for practice,” said Tickle. “I felt really comfortable on the bike and I think that showed in the heat race. In the main I was as high as seventh, crashed back to 11th and was still able to come back to eighth, so I’m happy with how I rode.”

Putting the Pieces Together
Baggett started his day strong by laying down fast laps early in practice. In the heat race he nearly got the holeshot and finished third. In the main event, Baggett was cut off on the start and was pushed outside the top-ten. While coming from the back, he made an aggressive move for seventh which cost him and dropped him to 15th where he would finish.

“I didn’t ride to my full potential tonight,” said Baggett. “I really struggled in the whoops and never was able to find a fast way through them. I really needed to be more aggressive, but couldn’t make it happen on that track. I’m disappointed, but I’m going to move forward to next weekend and look for a better result in Houston.”

Track Conditions
Due to Canada’s climate, Toronto’s dirt often has been difficult for the organizers and riders to manage. In years past, frost would start to thaw within the dirt creating a very soft and wet surface. This year however, the dirt held up much better and only deteriorated in certain areas of the track. The soft, deep ruts still played a large part in the outcome of the race.

Wrapping Up
With many of the top title contenders currently out with injury, Villopoto could possibly clinch the 2012 title, as early as next week in Houston, Tex., at the Reliant Stadium. A win next week could give him more than 100 points over second place, which is enough to seal the deal.

Results
Monster Energy AMA Supercross Season
Rogers Centre – Toronto, Ontario, Canada
March 24, 2012

Supercross Class Results
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POULSBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
2. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
3. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
4. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
5. JAKE WEIMER, WILDOMAR, IDAHO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
6. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
7. KYLE CHISOLM, VALRICO, FLA., JWR KAWASAKI
8. BROC TICKLE, HOLLY, MICH., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI
9. Bobby Kiniry, Holland Patent, N.Y., Yamaha
10. Will Hahn, Decatur, Tex., Honda

Supercross Class Season Standings
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POULSBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 271
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 192
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 177
4. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 169
5. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 166
6. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 165
7. JAKE WEIMER, RUPERT, IDAHO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 150
8. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 145
9. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki, 136
10. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda, 128

Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class Results
1. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, GA., Honda
2. Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
3. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki
4. Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Honda
5. DARRYN DURHAM, BUTLER, PA., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI
6. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda
7. Tommy Weeke, Menifee, Calif., Honda
8. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda
9. MATT LEMOINE, COLLINSVILLE, TEX., KAWASAKI
10. Jeff Gibson, Blacklick, Ohio, Honda

Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 145
2. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 117
3. DARRYN DUNHAM, BUTLER, PA., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 114
4. Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Ga., KTM, 102
5. Jake Canada, Sun City, Calif., Suzuki, 90
6. BLAKE BAGGETT, GRAND TERRACE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 86
7. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda, 74
8. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., KTM, 50
9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda 50
10. MATT LEMOINE, COLLINSVILLE, TEX., KAWASAKI, 46

Monster Energy Kawasaki and Ryan Villopoto painted Indianapolis green following the Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Villopoto claimed his third win in a row and extended his points lead to 54 points.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle finished eighth for the night while Jake Weimer failed to qualify for the main event after finishing fourth in the last chance qualifier. In the supercross lites class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Darryn Durham finished on the podium again, taking the runner-up spot, while his teammate Blake Baggett finished fourth.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under the Tent

Three-Peat

Villopoto claimed his third straight win in Indianapolis overcoming a slow start and cautiously making his way into the lead. By the end of the night, Villopoto led only five laps en route to his sixth win of the season.

“The track was really difficult tonight,” said Villopoto. “It was so slippery you had to go slow, to go fast. If you tried to be too aggressive you would cost yourself time. I knew I had the training and endurance to last so I settled on my pace and moved up for the win.”

Runner-Up

The supercross lites race made history in Indianapolis. For the first time ever, a supercross lites main event was re-started single-file by running order. After the red flag was drawn following the completion of the fourth lap, a single-file restart, reminiscent of flat track racing occurred. On the re-start, Durham moved up to third and then following a crash by the leader, he slotted himself in the runner-up position to earn his third podium finish of the season.

“The track was really tough tonight,” said Durham. “I’ve raced GNCC so the single-file start was something I’ve done before, and I’m just glad it wasn’t a dead-engine start as well. I tried to ride smart and keep it on the podium tonight.”

Running at the Front

After getting his heat race win, Baggett was ready to put his KX250F on top of the box. After nearly claiming the holeshot off of the initial main event start, Baggett ran near the front of the pack all night. He stayed with the lead pack stalking a podium position, only to come up short finishing fourth.

“I got a good start and was running well when the red flag came out,” said Baggett. “On the restart, I thought about when I raced as an amateur and they used to flip the field at the halfway point for a single file restart. The track was slippery all the way around so it was difficult to move and make passes.”

Solo Fighter

For Tickle, the supercross main event was a test of wills as he rode mostly alone for the 20 laps. After the start, Tickle settled into his pace on the slick track and slowly moved up through the field from a mid-pack start to finish eighth.

“I didn’t get the best jump out of the gate,” said Tickle. “I knew the track was slick and I would have to be careful out there. A top-ten is always a good result, but I think I had a little more for everyone tonight. I’m going to keep working hard and get ready for Toronto next week.”

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

Weimer had a tough heat race in preparation for the main event. On the first lap another rider went down right in front of him and he had no place to go. After remounting, the Idaho native did his best to move up to a transfer position, but he was unable to move directly to the main event. In the last chance qualifier, a bad start put Weimer behind the eight ball and despite a valiant attempt to move up, he had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

“In my heat race, I was kind of back, and when Nick (Wey) went down I had no where to go,” said Weimer. “His bike cartwheeled right into my landing so I was stuck. I got up and tried to move up, but I was too far back. In the LCQ, I needed a better start on this slick track and I didn’t get it. I did my best to try and get to the main, but it wasn’t enough tonight.”

Slippery When Dry

The dirt in Indianapolis was surprisingly slick inside the stadium, wreaking havoc throughout the night. Though it appeared to be tacky, the dirt was breaking down in many places making the surface seem more like ice.

Smooth is Fast

For Villopoto, his move through the pack showed the patience of a champion. As the Washington native gauged the track he knew that trying to go too fast would lead to slower lap times.

“This was our toughest track of the year,” said Villopoto. “Every time I tried to push hard to make up time, I ended up going slower. When I settled into a smooth rhythm I was able to hit my marks and put in better lap times.”

North of the Border

Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to Toronto, Ontario, Canada for the only round outside of the U.S. at the Rogers Centre on March 24, 2012. Look for Villopoto to extend his points lead, while Durham tries to make up more points in the standings.

Results

Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, Ind.
March 17, 2012

Supercross Class Race Results
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POULSBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
2. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
3. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
4. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
5. Cole Seeley, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki
7. Marvin Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
8. BROC TICKLE, HOLLY, MICH., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI
9. WESTON PEICK, WILDOMAR, CALIF., KAWASAKI
10. Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha

Supercross Class Points Standings
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POULSBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 246
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 192
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 177
4. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 151
5. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 146
6. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 143
7. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 142
8. JAKE WEIMER, RUPERT, IDAHO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 134
9. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda, 128
10. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Calif., Suzuki, 128
11. BROC TICKLE, HOLLY, MICH., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 95
12. KYLE CHISHOLM, VALRICO, FLA., JWR KAWASAKI, 92
13. JOSH HANSEN, ELBERT, CO, DODGE/HART & HUNTINGTON KAWASAKI, 87
14. NICOLAS WEY, MURRIETA, CALIF, KAWASAKI, 76
15. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 59

Under unusually heavy rainfall, Blake Baggett excelled in the soft, rutted conditions and finished second. His teammate Darryn Durham came back from a poor start to take the final spot on the podium.

Daytona Beach is best known for its sunshine, but the sun was nowhere to be seen on Saturday for Monster Energy AMA Supercross at Daytona International Speedway. Rain bombarded the area off-and-on all day, leaving the track more challenging than anticipated.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett excelled in the soft, rutted conditions finishing second.
Teammate Darryn Durham came back from a poor start to take the final spot on the podium and reclaim second in the points standings.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto slid out in the mud in the second corner of the main and charged from last place to finish fifth.
After riding half of the race within the top-five, Jake Weimer, among many, fell victim to the difficult conditions and finished seventh followed by Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle in eighth.

Riding to His Potential
Known for his blazing speed outdoors, Baggett knew that Daytona’s track suited his riding style and could be a turning point for his season. Rain forced officials to shorten qualifying practice to only one session, but Baggett had no problem dialing in the course. He got out front in his heat race and with very little difficulty stayed as clean as possible through the standing water and slick track surface. Baggett got a great start in the main on his KX250F and started pursuing the leader. On lap six he tipped over while exiting one of the deep, long, rutted corners and lost close to 10-seconds on the leader. Knowing the main event had been cut to only 12 laps, Baggett rode the wheels off his Kawasaki and reeled the leader back in, but ran out of laps to make the pass.

“I rode more like myself tonight, minus the crash,” said Baggett. “The track was really bad and got worse with each lap. Once I fell I had to do something because I knew I was faster. So I just hung it out, over-jumping jumps, getting out of control and I came really close to getting him. It’s a step in the right direction and I hope to ride this momentum for the rest of the series.”

Experience Prevails
Durham knew that it wasn’t going to be easy once the rain started coming down in Daytona, but he had a strategy to simply ride smart and make it to the main event, then he could give it everything he had. The always-smiling Durham was having fun in the mud from the very first practice session. After wiping out in the first practice and belly sliding in the mud in front of the grandstand, Durham got up and ran towards the crowd throwing his muddy goggles and high-fiving a few fans. He played it safe in the heat race, knowing that he just needed to make the main event and then could hang it out. When the gate dropped for the main, Durham got a top-ten start and sat in seventh for the first half of the race. As the race wore on, riders continued to make mistakes and Durham steadily moved through the field to finish in third.

“My starts are what kept me back tonight,” said Durham. “But I rode well in the main. There were so many ruts, you just had to be smart and be on your toes the whole time. I’ve ridden a lot of mud races, so I knew guys would be dropping like flies out there. I was just patient and took my time to move my way up. “

Keeping a Cool Head
As the current points leader, Villopoto knew that with the terrible track conditions, survival would be key. After falling a bit behind at the beginning of his heat race, it was obvious that the start was crucial to a good finish and staying out of the carnage. Villopoto made some tire and suspension changes heading into the main, which he hoped would help get through the thick mud that covered the infield of the famous speedway. From the inside, Villopoto’s KX450 pulled down the start stretch battling for the lead, but in the second corner he would go down getting up in last place. With the motos being shortened due to the conditions, Villopoto had his work cut out for him, but knew he needed to take his time and be smart. He came around the first lap in 17th place and progressively picked off riders taking untouched lines in order to make passes. Villopoto crossed the finish line in fifth place and left Daytona still leading the points standings.

“The night was alright, all things considered,” said Villopoto. “I made some changes right before the main that helped in some parts of the track, but not everywhere. I just made too any mistakes tonight. I was really hoping to get out front early and not get roosted, but ended up in last place two corners in. They made some track changes due to the conditions which was a positive, but unfortunately for me the shortened moto cut back on my time to get to the front.”

A Fine Line
Being his first time at Daytona, Weimer was excited and prepared for the notoriously tough race. Even after the rain had significantly damaged the track, he still felt comfortable on his Kawasaki and was ready for anything Mother Nature had in store. Off the start of the main, Weimer spun and was immediately a bike length behind the rest of the field. He darted to the inside on the next two corners and miraculously snuck into sixth. He got as high as fifth, but the conditions got the best of him causing a few tip overs, dropping him to seventh by the checkered flag. In the points standings, Weimer sits fifth, just nine points out of forth.

“I was really having fun today, so it’s too bad the rain came in,” said Weimer. “I was third in my heat race, but tipped over while the rain was coming down and just wanted to get into the main. In the main I felt like Houdini because I was last off the start and two corners later had passed a lot of guys. I started feeling good and was pressuring fourth, but fell and had to re-pass a bunch of guys. It was a bummer having to pass the same guys over and over, but the track was gnarly.”

Where He Belongs
Tickle started the day strong and was able to throw down some fast laps in the single qualifying practice, earning a great gate pick for the heat race where he placed sixth. Feeling strong and confident in the rain, Tickle started the main within the top-ten, but wanted more. In the second half of the race he really turned it on and pushed up to fifth place. By this time, the leaders had lapped up to the top-ten and it wasn’t long before Tickle was taking a lot of roost and mud from each rider he lapped as they raced through the standing water. A few mistakes the last couple of laps dropped Tickle to eighth, where he finished.

“I should have been more patient in the main,” said Tickle. “I was riding really well and knew I should have just waited to make my passes on lappers, but I just got soaked by a few puddles and was sliding all over the bike. I’m still happy with eighth and really felt comfortable on the bike.”

Battling the Elements
After consistent showers throughout the morning, the officials decided to cancel the second practice, leaving the riders only one chance to determine gate pick. Rain continued into the night show, which forced the track workers to fill in the famous “gator-pits” that are unique to the Daytona course. Along with track modifications, the main events were cut from 15 to 12 laps for the lites class and from 20 to 16 for the supercross class. With lap times around a minute and a half, the motos were long and grueling.

Go Green or Go Home
Daytona supercross kicked off the 71st Daytona Bike Week, which Kawasaki has a large presence in. The Fan-Zone was packed with motorcycle enthusiasts all day despite the torrential downpour. The Monster Energy Kawasaki riders took care of the fans over at the Kawasaki Events tent signing autographs for the hundreds of fans spending the week in Daytona. Monster Energy AMA Supercross heads to another famous city in motorsports, Indianapolis, Ind., for Round 11 at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Results
Monster Energy AMA Supercross
Daytona International Speedway – Daytona, Florida.
March 10, 2012

Supercross Class Results
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Davi Milsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
3. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
4. Marvin, Musquin, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
5. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POULSBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
6. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla., Suzuki
7. JAKE WEIMER, RUPERT, IDAHO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI
8. BROC TICKLE, HOLLY, MICH., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI
9. Matt Georke, Lake Heln, Fla., Suzuki
10. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
11. NICHOLAS WEY, MURRIETA, CALIF., KAWASAKI
12. KYLE CHISHOLM, VALRICO, FLA., JWR KAWASAKI
13. Kyle Regal, Brighton, Calif., Honda
14. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa
15. JUSTIN SIPES, VINE GROVE, KY., KAWASAKI

Supercross Class Points Standings
1. RYAN VILLOPOTO, POULSBO, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 221
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 192
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 177
4. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 143
5. JAKE WEIMER, RUPERT, IDAHO, MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 134
6. David Milsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 131
7. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda, 128
8. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 124
9. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 121
10. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla., Suzuki, 113
11. KYLE CHISHOLM, VALRICO, FLA., JWR KAWASAKI, 91
12. JOSH HANSEN, ELBERT, COLO., DODGE/HART & HUNTINGTON KAWASAKI, 87
13. BROC TICKLE, HOLLY, MICH., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 82
14. NICHOLAS WEY, MURRIETA, CALIF., KAWASAKI, 76
15. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 59