AMA Supercross Round 3 – Los Angeles Pre-Race Talk

AMA Supercross Round 3 – Los Angeles Pre-Race Talk



With the inaugural race in Dodger Stadium one day away I figured it’s time to give a perspective of the upcoming race and throw out some predictions. This should be the race where we start to see who is for real and who’s not. The first two rounds of racing have been awesome but I don’t believe it actually gives an accurate view of what the season is going to look like. Starting round 3 is where things start to settle down and should give us a pretty nice snap shot of what we can expect this season.



However, there are a few things that have been made pretty obvious in the first two rounds of Supercross. First, James Stewart is back and looking strong by showing a new side of himself. A patient James Stewart is definitely a dangerous James Stewart. Second, Ryan Villopoto looks like he will be challenging JS7 all season. I’m looking forward to see some intense racing between these two. Third, RV2 and JS7 are on an entirely different level than the rest of the field. These two are pulling away from the pack almost immediately in each race, their lap times are almost a full second higher than anyone else. Fourth, a lot of fans are watching Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey to see if they are for real or not. Both have top 5 finishes this year, but neither has really shown much so far. If I had to pick 1 of the 2 to start showing up I would go with Chad Reed. To me, Reed seems like a predator slowly stalking its prey. He’s just being patient keeping himself towards the front each week and just waiting for his opportunity to pounce to the front. Hopefully he does this soon or RV2 and JS7 are going to open up a large points lead on everyone else. Oh and last but not least everyone needs to watch out for Ryan Clark, this dude has taken out nearly everyone at least once this season and we’re only 2 races in!



When it comes to the Lites class and what I’ve seen so far, there’s pretty much only 1 thing that is completely obvious to me. Josh Hansen is out to win this year. He is the senior in the Lites class and has always been so close to the wineach and every race leading up to this season. This year it looks like he is finally putting it together and pulling out wins. Broc Tickle is a strong competitor and if he can just keep it on 2 wheels I would expect to see a number of last lap barn burners between these two. Behind 1st and 2nd place each week there isn’t a lot that’s obvious. Ken Roczen is crazy and scary on a supercross track and Cole Seely wants some recognition, but other than that it’s a mix up!







AMA Supercross Lites Top 5 Prediction:

1. Josh Hansen (100) - I don’t think Broc Tickle is quite ready to keep it on two wheels yet and Lil’ Hanny will be waiting

2. Tyla Rattray (28)

3. Cole Seely (36) - That’s right!! I’m giving him recognition. He went from 14th to 4th on a slick track at Phoenix. If he can get a better start at L.A. he’s got the speed to make the box.

4. Broc Tickle (20)

5. Eli Tomac (19) He has shown consistency so far and I don’t expect it to stop now.







AMA Supercross Top 5 Prediction:

1. James Stewart(7) – Two gnarly looking whoop sections are in place for L.A. and we all know who the king of whoops is.

2. Ryan Villopoto(2)

3. Chad Reed (22) – I feel like the predator is ready to show himself this week, he’s hungry for the box. Now that he has seen James Stewart up there he has to make a showing.

4. Trey Canard(41) – I don’t think anyone is as surprised as I am to see how well Canard is doing already. I expect we’ll see him top 5 every race this year. The guy has amazing control on the bike and is very calm besides, it’s obvious he’s out there having fun! They always say to do what you love and you’ll succeed right? Canard is definitely doing this!

5. Justin Brayton(10) – Might be throwing out a wild card here, keeping Dungey out of the top 5 and putting Brayton in. I think he has shown some serious skill on the bike, he’s won a heat race and he’s tired of people saying he’s just working his way up. He is ready to be on that box and I think he’ll get closer this week.