Ryan Villopoto’s impressive 1-1 result at the Steel City Raceway leaves him in pole position to clinch his first 450cc class title.
His closest competitor, Ryan Dungey, was only able to secure a 2-2 and an overall second place, a result which gives Villopoto a 14 point leader over his closest challenger with only the series finale at Pala remaining.
The first moto of the weekend was arguably the best between the two all year. Dungey took an early lead, while Villopoto had to battle his way past the gutsy and impressive newcomer Justin Barcia. The two Ryan’s were certainly on a charge as they were putting in laps which were eight seconds faster than Brett Metcalfe, who occupied third place. Their incredible pace meant that they were over a minute ahead of the field.
The ending to the first moto didn’t disappoint, with Villopoto storming around the outside of Dungey on the final corner of the last lap. This gave Villopoto a lead of 11 points heading into the final three motos. Chad Reed, who earlier in the season was a real championship contender, could only manage a fifth place, behind Barcia in fourth.
The second moto started at the same high tempo that one has come to expect when watching Villopoto and Dungey. Dungey initially took the lead, but Villopoto breezed past early on and went on to finish first with a 15 second lead over his nearest championship rival.
Reed achieved a satisfying third place: good results have seemingly been hard to come by of late for the experienced Australian rider so he will find some degree of comfort in this performance. He in turn was closely pursued by Metcalfe in fourth, who has really found his form in recent events on the Suzuki.
Meanwhile in the 250cc class, the emphatic and dominant Dean Wilson was able to secure his first career professional title.
In the opening moto he led from wire-to-wire, claiming his eighth moto win in the process. Wilson’s task was made easier as his closest competitors, as well as team-mates Blake Baggett and Tyla Rattray were unable to finish on the podium. Second was taken by Eli Tomac while third went to Frenchman Marvin Musquin.
The second moto was much like the first as Wilson, once again, stormed to victory. The holeshot was Tomac’s but Wilson was able to pass him early on en route to his second win of the weekend. Like the first moto, Tomac took second while third, as before, went to Musquin.
Wilson subsequently took to the podium to receive the number one plate for the 250cc championship, with one event at Pala remaining.
However all is not settled in the 450cc class. Although Villopoto has a 14 point lead over Dungey, the title is still attainable for either Ryan. A star performance is needed from Dungey to take the title, while the current leader needs only a solid and safe outing in order to ride away with the spoils.
The championship reaches its climax at the Pala National circuit over the weekend of September 10/11.
450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-2)
3. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki (3-4)
4. Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda (5-3)
5. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (6-6)
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (8-5)
7. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (7-7)
8. Kyle Regal, Howell, Mich., Suzuki (9-8)
9. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha (11-10)
10. Michael Byrne, Rockhampton, Australia, Suzuki (13-9)
450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki - 481
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki - 467
3. Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda - 402
4. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki - 342
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM - 272
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki - 251
7. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM - 196
8. Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda - 193
9. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha - 191
10. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha - 173
250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-2)
3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (3-3)
4. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (4-4)
5. Gareth Swanepoel, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yamaha (7-6)
6. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (5-8)
7. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (6-10)
8. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda (10-7)
9. Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecuador, Suzuki (11-9)
10. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (8-14)
250 Class Championship Standings
1. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki - 488
2. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki - 436
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki - 427
4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda - 290
5. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha - 283
6. Gareth Swanepoel, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yamaha - 270
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki - 236
8. Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecuador, Suzuki - 197
9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda - 195
10. Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Honda - 181
Catch Motors TV’s live AMA Motocross coverage on Saturday evenings this summer.
Tom Cauvain
International
