One thing I like about Canada is Toronto. The city has more diverse
culture than many places. I was fortunate enough to be taken on a tour
a couple years ago to see the different areas. Little Italy was my
favorite because all the restaurants are fairly frequently blown up by
feuding Mafias. Some of these have been torched more than once. I think
that is pretty cool. One thing I don’t like aboot Canada? Immigration.
I think I’m a pretty good all around nice guy, but when I cross that
border I actually start believing I’m a drug smuggling, money
embezzling hardened criminal. The border guys are that good. At least I
get a tour of the back room every year and they give me the opportunity
to practice repacking my luggage! I even tried sporting a beard this
year…..still didn’t help. Well at least it aided in braving the
freezing temperatures. Next week for Dallas, my new facial hair will
certainly fit in. Stay tuned.
A
couple weeks ago I had almost all but written off Rockstar Makita
Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey’s chance at his Supercross Title Defense. I’m
really not usually one to do that but with the level of competition,
the points gap and the way the entire “Large 5″ had been riding every
week, it didn’t look good. I also stated that he would need a lot of
help to even have a chance. Well in Jacksonville, he got a lot of help,
then last weekend, not only did he get some more but he also helped
himself. Starting near the front for the first time in what seemed like
forever, Ryan collected what I believe was his ninth podium finish of
the year. However this time he finished on top for the first time in
2011. He rode a great main event on a pretty technical track while also
dealing with the ever present lapped riders. Everyone in the front of
the pack has to deal with the guys having the blue flag waived at them,
but I think it truly benefits the rider in the 2nd position. Things got
really scary a couple times as Chad Reed quickly closed on him, but
then Dungey would pull ahead a couple seconds for some breathing room.
Now how about those points? RD is now only 8 points out of the lead?
Wow, what a difference a couple weeks makes! There are only 22 points
separating Chad Reed in 1st and Trey Canard in 5th! Looks like these
indoor soil cycle races will continue to sell out this year. Great to
see the sport growing!
Nick
Wey has really stepped up his game the last few weeks and I couldn’t be
happier. Is it wrong that I’m almost more excited about the Valli
Motorsports Rockstar Yamaha rider finishing in a stellar 6th place than
anything else from the weekend? I don’t think so. As Nick said in a pit
party interview in Jacksonville…….”I’m just a couple clicks away from
Domination”. Just one of the many interviews the Social Superstar has
laid down fantastically this season. So glad to be able to work with
him this year. But NYK has also been showcasing his hard work with his
third consecutive top ten in the premiere class. In the process of
improving his finishes recently, he also snuck into the 10th overall
for the series. I think he could be a top ten guy for at least the next
20 years……just sayin….
The
rule to my race reports is that if you don’t finish in 10th or better
in a Supercross main event, I’m not writing about you. Perhaps this is
the reason for Hunter Hewitt’s recent success as of late. Well maybe
it’s his hard work. You decide. All I know is since I told him the
rules……..he’s been in my report a lot. I couldn’t be happier for the
kid though. He’s so driven right now to prove himself and get it done
on the track. The next step for Hunter is the top five. He’s been close
a couple times already this year, and I think he just needs to relax.
When better to get in there than next week when Double H is so close to
home in Dallas. Hey Hunter, maybe I should only write about guys who
finish no worse than 5th in a main? Haha great ride this weekend
though. Hunter gave it his all. Also Hunter, see you on the tracks of
reflex……just laid down a dominating victory while writing this
report……..not lyin
-Professor James Hanson
Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre
AMA Supercross Class:
1. Ryan Dungey Suz
2. Chad Reed Hon
3. Trey Canard Hon
4. James Stewart Yam
5. Justin Brayton Yam
6. Nick Wey Yam
7. Andrew Short KTM
8. Kevin Windham Hon
9. Ryan Villopoto Kaw
10. Cole Seely Hon
11. Davi Millsaps Yam
12. Weston Peick Yam
13. Fabien Izoird Kaw
14. Michael Byrne Suz
15. Tye Simmonds KTM
16. Matt Boni Kaw
17. Chris Blose Kaw
18. Ivan Tedesco Kaw
19. Austin Stroupe Yam
20. Mike Alessi KTM
Season Points Standings:
Chad Reed…………………….236pts.
Ryan Villopoto………………..233pts.
Ryan Dungey………………….228pts.
James Stewart………………..216pts.
Trey Canard…………………..214pts.
Andrew Short… ………………159pts.
Justin Brayton…………………137pts.
Kevin Windham……………….134pts.
Davi Millsaps…………………..128pts.
Nick Wey…………………………109pts.
Ivan Tedesco…………………..108pts.
Brett Metcalfe………………….107pts.
Mike Alessi………………………83pts.
Chris Blose……………………..68pts.
Kyle Regal………………………60pts.
Matt Boni………………………..48pts.
Kyle Chisholm…………………46pts.
Fabien Izoird…………………..44pts.
Michael Byrne…………………36pts.
Weston Peick………………….34pts.
AMA Supercross Lites Class East:
1. Dean Wilson Kaw
2. Justin Barcia Hon
3. Blake Wharton Hon
4. PJ Larsen KTM
5. Ryan Sipes Yam
6. Blake Baggett Kaw
7. Gannon Audette Yam
8. Hunter Hewitt Suz
9. Darryn Durham Hon
10. Matt Lemoine Kaw
11. Justin Sipes Kaw
12. Les Smith Hon
13. AJ Catanzaro Hon
14. Alex Martin Hon
15. Lance Vincent Hon
16. Ricky Renner KTM
17. Taylor Futrell Hon
18. Bradley Ripple Hon
19. Malcolm Stewart Suz
20. Jason Anderson Suz