Team Babbitt's Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Race Report Kansas City 2011

MUSKEGON , Mi. (January15, 2011) – Babbitts Power Sports  - Team Babbitt's worked hard this weekend to provide great results, winning both of the heat races in Kansas City.

After
taking two podium positions the previous weekend, the Babbitt’s Monster
TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tire team came into Kansas City
ready to continue their charge for the 2011 AMA Arenacross
Championship.   Truer words were never more spoken when just after
practice Team Manager Denny Bartz stated that “all three riders like
the track, and are ready to win”; especially evident after Tyler Bowers
and Chad Johnson set the fastest two practice lap times.  Gray
Davenport clocked in at tenth fastest during the afternoon practice. 
 By night’s end the Team Babbitt’s trio of Chad Johnson, Tyler Bowers,
and Gray Davenport would finish third, fourth, and ninth respectively.

Early
in the evening program both Johnson and Bowers would win their
respective heat races, setting the stage for impressive results in the
main.  Davenport also had an excellent heat race as he holeshot, and
led teammate Bowers for much of heat two; eventually Bowers took
control, but Davenport finished a very strong second!

In
the main event things started out extremely well as Bowers exploded out
of the gate well, and quickly set the pace up front.  Chad also had a
decent start, and would later comment “ yeah, my start was okay; I was
about sixth and just tried to put my head down and push forward.  I
focused on being both strong and fast, and then moved into third by the
finish.”  Up front it definitely appeared that Bowers was on his way to
his first main event win of the year, until a late race crash moved him
backward.  “I pulled a holeshot in the main and led for over half the
race.  But then I just lost the front end near the finish line; I got
back up, and made a few more mistakes.  But it’s okay; I’m just going
to keep moving forward with what’s been working, and looking forward to
the next round” explained Tyler.   Johnson; who had been keeping track
of Bowers up front would later say “Tyler was going fast, pulling away,
and simply checked out.  I didn’t see exactly what happened, but I
think his front end slid out in a corner.”  Bowers regrouped, and
eventually finished fourth for the night.  With Johnson on the podium,
and Bowers one spot away, their title hopes remain good, and the duo is
more focused than ever on getting to that top podium spot!   

While
Gray Davenport may not be totally happy by his ninth place finish; he
nonetheless showed excellent speed and fitness.  Starting outside the
top ten, Davenport was on a roll as he worked his way into sixth.  But
then Gray had an incident with a lapped rider (Vincent Blair).  “I was
feeling really good with my riding, but then as I tried to pass lapper
Vincent Blair on the inside of a corner, he fell over on me.  It’s a
frustrating way to lose positions, but it’s a lesson learned for next
week.”  Talking about lapped riders Chad Johnson would add “I’m not
sure what the reason was, but lappers were everywhere tonight!”

It’s
clear that the Team Babbitt’s riders have the determination, speed, and
fitness to win; it’s just about avoiding trouble and minimizing little
mistakes. Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by
Maxxis Tires Team will make its way to round 3 in at the Nutter Center
in Dayton, Ohio this coming weekend.   For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com 

January 15, 2011

Jim Kimball