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 2011 Supercross Season | |
****OAKLAND SPOILER****
A fun attempt at pj style....
Lots of micro stories within an event, but the day was all about James Stewart. Shortly into the first SX class practice session (untimed) James cased a triple hard and couldn\'t save it, with his bike in a spectacular cartwheel onto the adjacent section of the track. Though free practice is only 8 minutes long, Stewart unfazed from his crash, took his bike in for an inspection and went back at it.
The long walk with merciless cameramen and journalists all too happy to document the errors of a professional!
Shortly into the second SX class practice session (first timed practice - 10 minutes) James cased yet another triple hard and again went down, this time looking a bit rattled and in pain, but after a bike check he was off again. Stewart put his head down and set the fastest qualifying time in this session. His tenacity throughout the day was very apparent.
This one stung a bit.
Minutes later...
Stewart opted out of the second timed practice, knowing his first lap times would be good enough to get his foot in the door. With Stewart resting in the trailer, Canard would steal the spotlight briefly, he was absolutely flying in practice. His aggressive riding would bite him unfortunately, as he launched over the finish jump and landed flat. The impact was too much and he hit the deck, slow to get up, he returned to practice only to fall again in the sand section.
Laying it down while ripping tearoffs in the second timed practice.
Opening ceremonies were fun, though there were no funny skits as seen in the past. Also missing was the freestyle during intermission, two minor disappointments. It\'s nice to see Canard as a part of the opening ceremonies, his stunter wheelie was good for a chuckle!
The first SX class heat would see Stewart and Stroupe out front, with Regal, Alessi, Canard, and Millsaps to follow. Stroupe fell back after nearly endoing into the face of a triple, but managed to save it, and would end up finishing fourth. Stewart would win convincingly, with Canard and Millsaps taking second and third, Regal would round out the top five.
The weather has been iffy all day without much more than a heavy mist, which turned into a light rain just as the riders were sitting on the gate for the second SX class heat. The track held up well, but enough tear offs were pulled to anger even the most conservative environmentalist.
Brayton and Metcalf pulled out the gate first, with Short, Weston Peick, Reed, Dungey, Matt Boni, Windham, and Villopoto close behind. Brayton checked out and would win convincingly, leaving 19 other rider to fight for 8 more transfer spots. Villopoto would pick his way to third, while Reed would settle in at second, leaving Windham and Dungey to round out the top five.
Picking through the pack.
Another impressive heat win for Brayton, when will he break out in the main?
Alessi has been in a funk lately, having to ride the LCQ again. With a second place start just behind Chris Blose, I was certain he was in tonight. After falling to fourth, he was out again. Almost like a light switch, his performance has been off ever since he stepped foot on the 350 (save for Hangtown).
Put Alessi back on the 450 already.
The SX class main event didn\'t quite have the excitement of LA, but there still lots of entertainment to be had! Another light rain before the lites main left the track in iffy condition, some sections became slick, while others held up well.
Reed took the holeshot, absolutely maxing out the available traction on the sidewall of his Dunlops, I might have even seen a leg or two flailing about, but who can say for sure. Villopoto snuck inside Reed on the second turn, with Stewart in third and Dungey in fourth...the stage was again set for an epic battle. Stewart quickly passed Reed and was slowly closing in on Villopoto, and then RV lost the front! Didn\'t we see something like that last week?? Stewart, Reed, and Dungey squeezed by before RV could recover, with Stroupe giving instant pressure from behind (hehe).
Stewart pulled away and rode solid for the rest of the race, but Reed, Dungey, and Villopoto gave us our moneys worth in entertainment all the way to lap 20. Reed appeared to ride tight as Dungey and Villopoto closed the gap, the group of three continued to tighten up until Dungey got by and stretched out, which seemed to help Reed relax a little. RV set his sights on Reed, but mistakes and an improved Reed kept RV in fourth for the rest of the night.
The most exciting part of the night came as Reed reeled in Dungey. With the laps winding down, a pinch of disappointment set in as it looked like Dungey would take second without challenge. A couple small mistakes allowed Reed to fully catch up with only a few corners to go, the crowd was going nuts! Another mistake from Dungey between the last corner and the finish jump was just enough for Reed to push past as the checkered flag flew! It doesn\'t matter who you love or hate in this race, it was damned exciting!
Reed pulling a great start.
RV losing the front.
Yes, it was this close!
Dungey putting on the pressure.
Reed turning it on after being passed by Dungey.
Great riding from Stewart after a dismal day of practice.
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