Short triumphs as Roczen stuns on dbeut

Andrew Short ended a six-year hunt for his maiden AMA Supercross victory by triumphing in Seattle on Sunday.

However the show was very nearly stolen by a man making his debut in the SX class: Red Bull-backed sensation Ken Roczen.

L&MC Racing Honda rider Short took the holeshot into turn one with Justin Brayton (Muscle Milk Honda) and Red Bull KTM's Roczen in persuit.

Further back there was disaster for 2012 champion Ryan Villopoto, who clashed with another rider in the midfield pack and appeared to injure his leg. The Kawasaki man was able to walk off under his own power, albeit in some pain and out of his home race.

Out front Roczen made his way past Brayton and quickly cruised up on the leader. The reigning MX2 World Champion began to challenge Short, an engaging battle developing between the two. However with a few laps remaining Short was able to break away from the German to secure his maiden triumph. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer completed the rostrum.

“It doesn’t feel real,” said a delighted Short afterwards. “My team has been through some challenges, but we stuck together.

"There are so many people who have helped me in 11 years of doing this. I’m getting old. I didn’t believe (I could win) too much until the end and I think that’s been one of my problems in the past. All I wanted to do was be out here and to win is unreal.”

Meanwhile Villopoto's team manager revealed why the double AMA SX champ was forced to hobble out of his hometown event.

“Ryan didn’t get such a good start,” said Monster Kawasaki boss Reid Nordin. “He was charging through the pack and lost the front end and ended up getting a handle bar to the gut, which knocked the wind out of him, and he got a stinger when the foot peg came down on him.

"He’s really bummed out and upset with himself with what happened. He really wanted to do well for the fans here.”

The penultimate round of the 2012 AMA SX campaign – a trip to Salt Lake City – takes place next Saturday (April 28).


Watch AMA SX highlights on Motors TV


James Weeks