Stewart triumphs against fierce competition
Washougal, Wash. (July 30, 2006) – Kawasaki Racing Team rider, James Stewart, put forth a stellar performance aboard his Kawasaki KX™450F as the 2006 AMA/Motocross Series came to Washougal MX Park near Washougal, Wash., this weekend. In the first moto, the popular rider from Haines City, Fla., moved into the lead early and held his ground for nine laps before relinquishing his position to series point leader Ricky Carmichael. In the second moto, Stewart took the holeshot over his teammate, Michael Byrne, and showed increasing fortitude as he held off a hard-charging Carmichael for 13 laps. The duo would eventually battle back-and-forth for the remaining two laps with Stewart emerging victorious. His 2-1 finish for the day awarded him with his second overall victory for the season. Byrne maintained a calculated effort in the first moto, advancing from tenth to ninth before the checkered flag dropped. In the second moto, Byrne unfortunately went down shortly after the start but quickly remounted his KX450F and soldiered forward from 21st to eventually cross the finish in 11th and placed tenth overall for the weekend.
In Motocross Lites action, Team Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider, Ryan Villopoto, from Poulsbo, Wash., unfortunately relinquished his series point lead after he was forced to pull out of the first moto due to engine problems. Despite the setback, Villopoto came back strong in the second moto and advanced from fifth into second place where he remained for the duration. He finished out the day at sixth overall and currently trails Mike Alessi by three points in the AMA Motocross Lites standings. Team Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider, Troy Adams, had a promising weekend going 6-5 for fifth overall. His teammate, Chris Gosselaar, also fared well going 7-15 for tenth overall.
Kawasaki Racing Team and Team Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki head to Spring Creek MX Park in Millville Minn., Aug. 13, for round nine in the series.
2006 AMA MOTOCROSS RESULTS AND POINTS:
AMA Motocross Results, Washougal MX Park, Washougal, Wash.
1. James Stewart, Kawasaki KX450F 2-1
2. Ricky Carmichael, Suzuki 1-2
3. Chad Reed, Yamaha 3-3
10. Michael Byrne, Kawasaki KX450F 9-11
AMA Motocross Point Standings:
1. Ricky Carmichael, Suzuki, 389
2. Chad Reed, Yamaha, 313
3. Davi Millsaps, Honda, 269
6. James Stewart, Kawasaki KX450F, 211
15. Michael Byrne, Kawasaki KX450F, 62
AMA Motocross Lites Results, Washougal MX Park, Washougal, Wash.
1. Andrew Short, Honda, 1-1
2. Josh Grant, Honda, 2-3
3. Mike Alessi, KTM, 3-4
5. Troy Adams, Kawasaki KX250F, 6-5
6. Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki KX250F, 40-2
10. Chris Gosselaar, Kawasaki KX250F, 7-15
AMA Motocross Lites Point Standings:
1. Mike Alessi, KTM, 315
2. Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki KX250F, 312
3. Andrew Short, Honda, 280
8. Troy Adams, Kawasaki KX250F, 143
19. Grant Langston, Kawasaki KX250F, 61
23. Chris Gosselaar, Kawasaki KX250F, 46
