Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Heads into Season Break with Double Podium

Irvine, Calif. – Heading into an eight-week break in the AMA Supercross Lites schedule, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Morais and Jake Weimer both climbed up on the podium finishing second and third respectively. In the Supercross class, Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto rode through the field to finish fourth while Timmy Ferry overcame a crash in the first turn to finish 14th.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under the Tent

Payday

Morais rocketed to another holeshot on his way to finishing second. Missing some of the first practice didn’t hamper Morais at all as he finished second in both his heat race and the main event.

“My Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki machine is just amazing,” said Morais. “It helps me so much. My starts have been incredible this year and unfortunately they took the holeshot award away because I would have some extra money. I feel like I rode well today considering my day hasn’t been on pace. I rode less than half of the first practice session and I was riding tight all night. I was able to pull it together in the main event.”

On the Podium

Weimer overcame a slow start to work his way up to third but after winning the last two main events, Weimer wanted to get his third win in a row.

“You always want to win and when you don’t you’re a little bit bummed out,” said Weimer. “It’s just dirt bike racing though and my starts just weren’t where they needed to be tonight. Third place was the best I could do. I wouldn’t say I’m really bummed to finish third, but if I were to draw a picture of how I wanted this race to go I wouldn’t have been exactly like this.”

Coming Back

In San Diego, the rookie Villopoto showed veteran skills working his way up from ninth after the start to finish fourth. It was almost his third podium of the season as he charged into the final turn with a chance to grab third place.

“I didn’t get the start I wanted,” said Villopoto. “I started charging forward and I picked off guys pretty quick. It came down to just catching Shorty (Andrew Short). I showed him a wheel in the last corner before the checkered flag, but it wasn’t enough. It was a good ride, especially coming off of last weekend. Everything came out good tonight, it was a better ride.”

Teammate Battle

Late in the main event Morais faced a challenge from his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammate Weimer. The two came up on lapped traffic and Morais was able to knife through quicker.

“I was riding a little tight during the main event,” said Morais. “I started to pull it together when we got to the lappers and I was able to get through them and plan everything a couple of turns ahead. It paid off and I got some breathing room. Jake has been riding awesome and its great for both of us to keep our feet up on the podium”

Tricky Pass

The track layout in San Diego included a combination of a flat left then right turn that was easily the most slick part of the track. After Villopoto got passed Kevin Windham in the rhythm leading into the flat section, Windham charged back and they both went into the tricky section side-by-side.

“I passed Kevin in the rhythm section before we came on the start straight,” said Villopoto. “He squared me up on the last jump and got beside me. I was able to inch him out on the outside going to the staircase obstacle. It was a pretty close right there, being on the outside, especially with how slippery the turn was.”

Still Searching

Morais is still looking for his first win, but it seems every week he is in the hunt to get it. For the fourth time this season Morais has claimed the second step on the podium.

“I’ve been working so hard during the week to get my first win,” said Morais. “It’s about putting in the time. I dedicate every day to this, going to bed early and waking up early. It’s going to pay off one of these days and it’s going to be worth it.”

First Turn Woes

Right after the gate dropped, Ferry looked to be in position for a good finish, but when a couple riders fell in the first turn, Ferry was collected and he went down as well.

“I got a really good jump out of the gate,” said Ferry. “I got a little squirrelly down the straight and a couple of guys went down in front of me and I just kind of fell on top of them. We were kind of bouncing off of each other and I’m sure they didn’t want to go down either. Man, the start is key right now and if you go down start you might as well forget it.”

Climbing Up

After going down in the first corner, it took just one kick for Ferry to get his Kawasaki KX450F started and he began his ride to salvage a good finishing position.

“I got going quick,” said Ferry. “I wanted to put in some fast laps and my first lap was my fastest so it was kind of a good starting point. I laid down some good laps and finally caught the pack. When the race is going on it feel like you’re never going to catch it. I made some okay passes once I caught up. I feel like I rode well tonight.”

Stacked Heat

Both Villopoto and Ferry qualified for the second heat which had an amazing number of fast riders. Four of the top five riders in the points standings lined up on the gate for the heat race.

“You normally don’t see that in the heat race,” said Villopoto. “It was basically the whole field expect for just a couple of guys. I got a good start and stayed on Chad (Reed) and that was good for me.”

Steady Progress

Villopoto’s ride in San Diego showed his continued progress on the Kawasaki KX450F as he fought his way into the top five and battled for a podium finish.

“For me, I don’t think this was my best ride of the season,” said Villopoto. “But for the Monster Energy Kawasaki guys, I think they like what they see. Obviously we all want to win and its going to take steps to get there. You can’t just go out and expect to win right off the bat.”

Taking Time Off

As the series shifts to the East Coast, both Weimer and Morais will have an eight week break before their next race in Seattle, Wash. Weimer is second in the standings heading into the break, sitting just two points back and going to use the time to start working on his outdoor program.

“No matter how much I think about it, or talk about it, I’m not going to be able to change the points during this break,” said Weimer. “It’s just time to take some time off from racing and go to work. I’m going to do some outdoor testing I’m sure and come out swinging at Seattle. It’s always nice to take a little break, this may be a little long, but it should be fun.”