Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Shows its Resiliency at Phoenix Supercross

CORONA , Calif., (January 15, 2014) – The second round of the 2014 Monster Energy Supercross season presented an opportunity for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki to solidify itself as the team to beat in the Western Regional 250SX Class Championship. Phoenix’s Chase Field was the site of the season’s second stop and the three-rider lineup of Dean Wilson, Darryn Durham, and Justin Hill all showcased speed to make them a threat for the podium.

While all three riders performed well and were in the hunt throughout the evening, misfortune struck in the main event, hindering the overall results of the team. While the score sheet may not reflect the high level of riding each rider displayed, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki left Phoenix feeling confident about its performance.

Wilson Getting Back in Top Form

Dean Wilson revealed that he was battling through the lingering effects of a crash just before the season began on New Years Day. He felt considerably better heading into Phoenix, but was still racing his way back into his peak level.

A strong second-place effort in practice gave Wilson confidence heading into the evening where he went on to take his first heat race win of the season. In the main event, Wilson asserted himself in the top three and engaged in a battle for third for most of the 15-lap race. He ultimately grabbed his second fourth-place finish of the season and is still in the thick of the early title hunt. Wilson also knows where he can improve heading into the next round of action.

“Things were definitely better this weekend, but I still need to make sure I can keep up the pace for the entire main event,” said Wilson. “I know my speed is where it needs to be and I felt good in the heat race, but I need to find that little extra to make sure I’m up front when it matters. All I can do is keep progressing each week.”

Hill Stepping Up His Game

Justin Hill took advantage of the confidence he gained at the season opener to come out swinging in Phoenix. The sophomore rider was seventh-fastest in practice and came out strong in the heat race to finish third and give him top-three finishes in each heat race this season.

In the main event Hill started inside the top 10, but quickly started to work his way through the field and set his sights on the top five. He eventually took over fifth place halfway through the race, but experienced misfortune in the closing laps. He rebounded to finish eighth and still finished ahead of his original starting spot.

“It’s a bummer to have a little trouble there late in the main event, but I’m pumped on how things went overall,” said Hill. “I’m feeling better and better on the bike every time I ride it, and I look forward to getting out there to bang bars. I’m getting close to where I know I can be so I’m looking forward to the next few rounds.”

Durham Fights Through Adversity

After a solid start to his season, Darryn Durham was looking for more in Phoenix. The veteran posted the ninth-fastest lap in practice and was feeling optimistic heading into the evening. In his heat race, Durham asserted himself into a comfortable fourth spot but suffered a crash while making a push towards the front, ultimately being forced into the LCQ. In the LCQ, Durham easily took the win to secure his spot in the main event.

Durham overcame his gate pick to move into the top 10 on the opening lap and started to work his way forward alongside teammate Hill. However, Durham stalled his bike on the third lap and fell to the tail end of the field. Despite his hard luck, Durham continued to push and was able to fight his way back to 14th place and salvage valuable championship points.

“That was a tough break out there but sometimes that’s racing,” said Durham. “I felt good on the bike but we just had a little bad luck tonight. We’re leaving Phoenix knowing we have the speed to run up front and as long as we continue to put in the work, things will pay off. We’ll be ready next weekend.”

Looking Ahead >> Anaheim’s Angel Stadium

The return to Anaheim signifies the 40th Anniversary of Monster Energy Supercross. In its 24 years of competition, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki has captured 19 250SX Class titles to make it one of the most dominant teams in the history of the sport. Its 120 wins have set a standard for the entire division and the team continues to be the home of the sport’s most promising young riders.

RESULTS >>
Round 2: Chase Field – 250SX West Region
1. Jason Anderson

2. Cole Seely

3. Zach Osborne

4. Dean Wilson

...

8. Justin Hill

14. Darryn Durham

CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS >>
250SX West Region

1. Jason Anderson – 50 points

2. Cole Seely – 44 points

3. Zach Osborne – 40 points

4. Dean Wilson – 36 points
…

7. Justin Hill – 28 points

9. Darryn Durham – 21 points

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About Pro Circuit

Based in Corona, Calif., Pro Circuit Products, Inc. is a leader in off-road motorcycle and ATV exhausts and aftermarket performance parts. Started in 1978, Pro Circuit is the go to shop for recreational riders and professionals for everything from suspension work to complete engine packages, and everything in between.

Created by former desert racer Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit proves its products and services week-in and week-out through its tagline “We Race.” Every product that dons the Pro Circuit stamp stems from the legendary Pro Circuit race team. A staple in the professional paddock, Pro Circuit Racing has earned 28 AMA championships and more than 200 race wins in more than 30 years of competition.