Villopoto wins again to continue AMA SX domination

Ryan Villopoto scored his ninth AMA Supercross win of the season in New Orleans as the competition again proved unable to live with the Kawasaki star.

Crowned champion two weeks ago, Villopoto was under no pressure to perform at the Mercedes-Benz Superdrome and duly rode a calm and perfect race to make it four wins on the bounce.

Villopoto (Monster Energy--Kawasaki) took the holeshot and was untroubled throughout the contest, which was missing many of the big names the Kawasaki man would have expected to clash with. James Stewart was ruled out again with a wrist injury, while Red Bull KTM man Ryan Dungey is a long-term absentee following shoulder surgery.

The podium in New Orleans was completed by Josh Grant (Jeff Ward--Kawasaki)
and Justin Brayton (GEICO--Honda)

"The track was tough, so the bike was a big key," said Villopoto post-race.

"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 your toes and try to log consistent laps. I'm looking forward to returning home next week (in Seattle)."

Davi Millsaps, who could only finish sixth in New Orleans, still heads the battle for runner-up spot in the championship. The Yamaha rider is a slender five points clear of Brayton with three rounds left on the calendar.

Watch AMA SX highlights on Motors TV


James Weeks