Team Babbitt's Race Report Des Moines 2011

MUSKEGON , Mi. (April 12, 2011) – Babbittsonline.com - Babbitts Motor Sports Racing

Heading
in the 2011 AMA Arenacross series finale in Des Moines, Iowa, the
Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tires Team
has already accomplished what they had set out to do – winning the 2011
Championship.  Yet there was still a final night of racing, a chance to
get another win, and the opportunity for Chad Johnson to take second
overall in the series. 

Before
the nights racing took place, new Champ Tyler Bowers was presented with
a Championship winning check, Championship Trophy, and the Number One
plate by Babbitt’s Team Owner Eddie Babbitt, long with Arenacross
promoter Feld Motorsports.

Bowers
and Johnson would both qualify for the Main Event; Chad taking second
in Heat One, and Tyler winning Heat Two.  Gray Davenport was struggling
somewhat in Des Moines, but would qualify through the Last Chance
Qualifier. 

When
the main event took off Tyler Bowers would start decently in the main
(top five), Johnson in the top ten, and Davenport (with a second row
gate position) unfortunately starting near the tail end of the pack. 
By mid- point Bowers would move into second place, as Chad Johnson
began pressuring championship rival Jeff Gibson for third spot.  Then
as the laps were almost finished Bowers moved into first; with Johnson
passing rival Jeff Gibson soon after for third place.  Unfortunately
Gray would continue to struggle, and finish the night in ninth.  “Des
Moines was great; the track was slick, and had a very one-off layout. 
It also had two sections of whoops that I was very happy about.  Taking
two good starts in my heat race, and the main made it easier to move
into the lead and take care of business” said Tyler Bowers.  Chad
Johnson would add “Yeah I had a rough start, but came back to finish
third – I felt strong the entire race.  Overall it was a good season;
not exactly the way that I wanted it to go, but I ended up healthy and
with a strong finish!”   A disappointed Gray Davenport would later say
“I bent my shift lever in my heat race which forced me to the LCQ;
after that I had a back-row start position for the main where I just
struggled in the whoops section.  Des Moines had two whoop sections so
that made it even worse for me – of course the taller guys liked it. 
Overall it was a great season though; Tyler won the championship and I
really enjoyed being on Team Babbitt’s!  I really want to thank Eddie
Babbitt, and a special thanks to Denny Bartz who gave me this
chance!”  

One
of the happiest guys at Des Moines was Team Manager Denny Bartz who
said “I’m very happy with tonight’s race; it was great to have two guys
on the podium.  Chad put in a great effort to get second in the
championship, but just came up a little short.  Right now Tyler is
riding to a whole other level and is very confident, so I’m looking
forward to finishing up at the three final supercross events.”

Final
thoughts on Des Moines, and the 2011 AMA Arenacross Championship was
provided by Team Owner Eddie Babbitt who said “I’m really happy with
the race, and winning the final round.  Then to take first and third in
the championship wasn’t too shabby either!  Now I am excited about
Tyler doing the final three Supercross rounds where I believe that
he’ll do great – then it’s on to next year!”  I want to thank all of
our sponsors for another unbelievable season, without all of your help
we could not do what we do at this caliber.

Of
course Tyler Bowers had already wrapped up the title, so when the final
points were tabulated Chad Johnson was only six points short of taking
second overall in the points; while he had won the war, Gibson had won
the battle.  Gray Davenport would finish the series in seventh; that
same position as his 2011 number.

Stay
tuned for more from Team Babbitt’s as Tyler Bowers now tackles the
remaining three Supercross rounds.  For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com 

April 10, 2011

Jim Kimball

photos by; Jason Bradwell Photo Iowa