Monday, July 15

RC Wins Again

By Travis Crowell
MotoWorld.com

Kenworthy's Motocross was the sight for Round 7 of the AMA/Chevy Trucks U.S. Motocross Championship Series. Riders were greeted with perfect conditions in the mid 80's and a perfectly prepared race track. All eyes were focused on the battle in the 125cc Class between Chevy Trucks Kawasaki's James Stewart and Boost Mobile/YOT's Chad Reed. Also, a highlight for the spectators was the continued dominance of Honda's Ricky Carmichael.

125cc Class:

Moto 1 saw Red Bull/KTM's Brock Sellards grab the holeshot. Sellards lead didn't last long as Boost Mobile/Yamaha's Chad Reed made his move into1st. Chevy Trucks Kawasaki James Stewart had a mid-pack start, but made quick work of everyone and was into second by lap three. Next was Reed, and Stewart wasted no time taking the lead and running away with the moto 1 win. Reed had his share of problems with a small crash that moved him back and a flat tire ending the moto 23rd. These problems gave Stewart 25 more points toward the championship. Blimpie Suzuki's Branden Jesseman worked his way to 2nd, followed by Simple Green/Pro-Circuit's Matt Walker in 3rd. Moto 2 was Blimpie Suzuki rider Danny Smith with the holeshot and early lead. Chevy Trucks/Kawasaki's James Stewart made quick moves on Blimpie Suzuki's Buddy Antunez and Simple Green/Pro-Circuit's Eric Sorby. Next Stewart out jumped Smith for the lead, and another convincing win on the day. Boost Mobile/YOT's Chad Reed had a better second moto working his way to the runnerup position allowing him to conserve championship points. Blimpie Suzuki teammates Danny Smith and Branden Jesseman finished 2nd and 3rd in moto 2.

125 Overall:

1. James Stewart
2. Branden Jesseman
3. Danny Smith
4. Ernesto Fonseca
5. Brock Sellards
6. Eric Sorby
7. Chad Reed
8. Larry Ward
9. Matt Walker
10. Casey Johnson

250cc Class:

Privateer James Povolny took the holeshot in moto 1, but didn't make it past turn two in the lead. Honda's Ricky Carmichael made a quick pass for the lead, and a push for his 13th moto win of the season. For most of the race Honda's controlled the front of the pack. Nathan Ramsey had a good start running 2nd until problems later in the moto dropped him out of the points. Mike LaRocco held second until the fast closing Sebastien Tortelli made his move with 2 laps remaining. Ending order was Carmichael, Tortelli, and LaRocco for the Honda sweep. In moto 2 Ricky Carmichael made quick work of everyone by grabbing the holeshot. He would finish 30+ seconds ahead of the field for his 14th moto win and still perfect score. Action behind RC was fierce as Yamaha's Timmy Ferry moved from 10th to 2nd and back to 5th in just four laps. Tortelli moved into second with the mistake by Ferry. Kawasaki's Ezra Lusk followed Tortelli past Ferry, and home for a 3rd to end the day.

250 Overall:

1. Ricky Carmichael
2. Sebastien Tortelli
3. Ezra Lusk
4. Mike LaRocco
5. Robbie Reynard
6. Timmy Ferry
7. Kyle Lewis
8. Paul Carpenter
9. Heath Voss
10. Keith R. Johnson