Ryan Sipes came to round 1 filling in for the injured Davi Millsaps for the 2013 MX season in the 450 class. Ryan was just racing a 250 two short weeks ago in Las Vegas. That means he had very little time to adapt and test on the larger bike. That is tough when racing at this level. Sipes exceeded all expectations anyone had for him given the circumstances. He simply rode amazing. Most impressive was his stamina. He came out on a very gnarly track with 200 more CC’s and was charging through the last lap. If round 1 is any indication, Sipes will be vying for top 5’s right away.

Ryan Sipes: “I thought it was a good weekend. I didn’t really know where I stood comin into this thing and I just wanted to come up here, be consistent, finish the motos strong and it worked out. Hangtown is one of my least favorite tracks but I just tried to grind it out and not slow down. 6th overall is the best I’ve ever done here so I’m alright with it.”

Unlike Jason Anderson’s teammates, he came in with nothing outside weighing on him but the pressure of being a podium guy. Jason’s results on paper, in no way tell the story of how great he really rode. In moto one he was involved in an incident that collected several riders. He came back from outside the top 30 to find himself cross the finish line in 12th. The second moto, he started out much better quickly moving into 3rd place. But then he unexpectedly began to move backwards. Turns out that was a result of the adversity that Jason came across on Saturday. He actually lost his rear brakes in both motos. On a track with massive braking bumps going down steep hills and high speed step-ups landing right into corners, what he did was beyond stellar. Anderson managed to salvage 7th overall by the end of the day and it is very clear that he really does harbor podium speed.

Jason Anderson: “Hangtown was alright. I lost my brakes. Got 12th in the first moto, 6th in the second moto, rode good but I’m a little frustrated. Going to come out swinging even harder next weekend in Colorado.”

Blake Wharton had been struggling with breathing throughout the entire Supercross season. After seeing a doctor it was discovered that he was suffering from a deviated septum. Not being able to pull oxygen in through your nose can cause multiple problems including muscle fatigue and arm pump. Blake had a surgery to repair this which will help him greatly as the season moves on but he was forced to stay off the bike for a while prior to the race. Round 2 will be much better for Wharton as he even made a substantial improvement from moto 1 to moto 2.

Blake Wharton: “Hangtown is always an interesting race. First round, takes me a while to get going sometimes it seems. I just back from my surgery on my septum. So it was good to ride my bike. I knew it would be tough in the first round after having some time off. The first moto was terrible for me to be honest. I had some issues for sure. The second moto I knew I could do better, and it was better. I ran up front for a while and I gotta race my way back into consistency. Gonna go into next round and try to improve.”

Nico Izzi had a weekend to forget. However, forgetting the weekend is exactly what Izzi needs to do. He spent a lot of time away from racing after having his knee surgically repaired. There is no amount of riding or training that can mimic actual racing. You can ride at a practice track every day for months, but nothing compares to lining up behind the gate with your toughest competitors. It will certainly take Nico a couple rounds to get the racing edge back and that is what was expected.

Nico Izzi: “First moto I felt ok for about 20 minutes. I had a minor tip over about halfway, I was in 8th when I did that. Got passed by a couple guys and went back to to 10th. Then I stalled the back and went back to 23rd. It kinda took a lot of energy out of me. The second moto I had about a 25th place start. I just need better starts and try to build up my intensity a bit. It’s the first race back and I just have to build.”

Rockstar Energy racing will head east of the Rocky Mountains next week to overcome the challenge of a track over a mile high above sea level in Lakewood, CO. Sipes will look to build on a successful round 1. Anderson will expect to find his way to a podium finish. Wharton and Izzi will try to improve on their performances getting back to form. The team will be joined by Clement Desalle and Kevin Strijbos of the Rockstar Energy Suzuki World MX1 Team out of Belgium. The duo will be coming fresh off a double podium in Beto Carrero at the GP of Brazil and will try to do the same against the best in the US.

Jason Anderson http://mx.rockstarenergy.com/rockstar-energy-racing-hangtown-motocross-photo-gallery-jason-anderson/

Nico Izzi http://mx.rockstarenergy.com/rockstar-energy-racing-hangtown-motocross-photo-gallery-nico-izzi/

Ryan Sipes http://mx.rockstarenergy.com/rockstar-energy-racing-hangtown-motocross-photo-gallery-ryan-sipes/

Nico Izzi http://mx.rockstarenergy.com/rockstar-energy-racing-hangtown-motocross-photo-gallery-blake-
wharton/

450 Results

Ryan Villopoto 1-1
Ryan Dungey 2-2
James Stewart 3-3
Trey Canard 4-4
Justin Barcia 5-5
Ryan Sipes 8-7
Andrew Short 6-10
Mike Alessi 12-6
Tyla Rattray 9-9
Weston Peick 13-8
Phil Nicoletti 11-11
Broc Tickle 14-12
Jake Weimer 7-24
Dean Wilson 14-14
Chad Reed 10-38
Fredrik Noren 16-17
Travis Preston 15-18
Justin Brayton 33-13
Michael Byrne 19-16
Malcolm Stewart 36-15
Vince Friese 18-39
Nick Wey 21-19
Gareth Swanepoel 22-20
Josh Grant 20-27
Chris Blose 27-21
Les Smith 23-22
Derek Anderson 38-23
Robby Marshall 28-25
Nick Schmidt 39-26
Lowell Spangler 26-28
Heath Harrison 24-29
Dalton Carlson 29-30
Austin Howell 25-31
Dustin Pipes 32-32
Ryan Huffman 34-33
Kyle Partridge 31-34
Ty Keenom 35-35
Tevin Tapia 37-36
Travis Sewell 30-37
Chris Plouffe 40-40
450 Points

Ryan Villopoto 50
Ryan Dungey 44
James Stewart 40
Trey Canard 36
Justin Barcia 32
Ryan Sipes 27
Andrew Short 26
Mike Alessi 24
Tyla Rattray 24
Weston Peick 21
Phil Nicoletti 20
Broc Tickle 16
Jake Weimer 14
Chad Reed 11
Dean Wilson 11
Travis Preston 9
Fredrik Noren 9
Justin Brayton 8
Michael Byrne 7
Malcolm Stewart 6
Vince Friese 3
Nick Wey 2
Gareth Swanepoel 1
Josh Grant 1
250 Results

Ken Roczen 1-1
Blake Baggett 3-2
Eli Tomac 2-3
Marvin Musquin 4-4
Zach Osborne 9-5
Kyle Cunningham 8-7
Jason Anderson 12-6
Jeremy Martin 7-13
Joey Savatgy 10-11
Justin Hill 13-9
Cooper Webb 5-18
Justin Bogle 19-8
Blake Wharton 17-10
Darryn Durham 6-36
Cole Seely 14-14
Dillan Epstein 11-23
Martin Davalos 38-12
Jake Canada 16-17
Alex Martin 20-15
Zach Bell 15-35
Nico Izzi 22-16
Jessy Nelson 18-24
Brady Kiesel 26-19
Kellian Rusk 21-20
Jackson Richardson 29-21
Jacob Baumert 24-22
Zack Williams 28-25
Ryan Zimmer 32-26
Todd Krieg 31-27
Jason Potter 37-28
Justin Starling 35-29
Trevor Ivey 30-30
Lance Vincent 27-31
Josh Greco 33-32
Kevin Weisbruch 34-33
Tommy Weeck 23-34
Gared Steinke 25-37
Drew Gosselaar 40-38
Brandan Leith 36-39
Austin Ullrich 39-40
250 Points

Ken Roczen 50
Eli Tomac 42
Blake Baggett 42
Marvin Musquin 36
Zach Osborne 28
Kyle Cunningham 27
Jason Anderson 24
Jeremy Martin 22
Joey Savatgy 21
Justin Hill 20
Cooper Webb 19
Darryn Durham 15
Justin Bogle 15
Blake Wharton 15
Cole Seely 14
Dillan Epstein 10
Martin Davalos 9
Jake Canada 9
Alex Martin 7
Zach Bell 6
Nico Izzi 5
Jessy Nelson 3
Brady Kiesel 2
Kellian Rusk 1

Davi Millsaps has had a season no one will ever forget. Accomplishing far more than any outside opinion could have dreamed of. From the beginning of the year when his results were considered a fluke to comments on the message boards now exclaiming that next year he will be #1. What a difference a year makes. Unfortunately next year is what Davi’s fans are going to be forced to wait for. Millsaps announced at the Vegas press conference that he will be going through a much needed surgery to repair his knee and femur. It’s a real testament to his commitment that he even completed the SX season. Certainly a tough decision to make when riding at such a high level, but it is the right one. It will extend his career in the long run and DM will be even better coming in next year. Maybe that is just what he needs to procure that elusive number 1 plate in 2014.

Although the Supercross Championship had been locked up by Ryan Villopoto a week ago in Salt Lake City, there was still 2nd place to be decided. Davi and Ryan Dungey were separated by a mere 3 points coming into Las Vegas. When the gate dropped for the main event the 3 top riders this season quickly found themselves in a familiar position. 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Millsaps did exactly what he needed to by picking up his incredible 12th podium of 2013. He eclipsed Dungey by 1 point, finishing 2nd overall in the championship for the second consecutive year.

Davi Millsaps – “Good Season. It’s over. 2nd overall. Not too shabby. Gonna come back swinging next year.I did the best I could. It was fun, exciting and I’m looking forward to what’s next to come.”

Blake Wharton also matched his season overall from last year with 3rd place in the East Coast 250 Championship. He just missed the podium in his main event with a solid 4th. He was also the top Rockstar Energy Racing rider in the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout with another top 5.

Jason Anderson picked up the first win of his young career one week ago. In doing so he had great starts all night. He rode good in Sin City but suffered from less than stellar results out of the gate in both the West Coast main and the shootout. He came through the pack good but just had too big of a deficit to make up in both races. He could only manage two 6th place finishes by night’s end. Jason finished 4th overall in the series.

Jason Anderson – “It was an alright day. I had bad starts. I’ve definitely had better starts. I ended up 6th in my main and the shootout and I just rode alright.”

Ryan Sipes is still racing himself back into shape after his long layoff. He was able to pick up a top 5 in the West main event however. His result in the shootout was not quite as good as he crossed the finish line in 7th place just behind Anderson.

Ryan Sipes – “It was better than last week I thought. Better than Salt Lake or Seattle. I felt like I rode a little stronger. I’m still not riding like I can but I’m working on it and getting closer. My starts are better so I just need to try to build off of it and take it to outdoors.”

The team now has a weekend off of racing so they can make the shift to focusing solely on the Lucas Oil Outdoor Motocross Championship beginning at Hangtown MX in Rancho Cordova, CA. Millsaps will immediately get his surgery out of the way and work to rehab for next season. Anderson who had a good SX season is very excited for MX as he is more comfortable on that style of track. Nico Izzi will be very eager to finally make his return to the race track after a knee injury sidelined him for the entire SX season. Sipes will enjoy the week off to work on returning to his top form. Wharton will also be working on some things to prepare for the much more physically challenging outdoor format.

450SX Overall
1. Ryan Villopoto Kaw
2. Ryan Dungey KTM
3. Davi Millsaps Suz
4. Jake Weimer Kaw
5. Justin Barcia Hon
6. Chad Reed Hon
7. Weston Peick Suz
8. Justin Brayton Yam
9. Andrew Short KTM
10. Broc Tickle Suz
11. Phil Nicoletti Yam
12. Robby Kiniry Yam
13. Kyle Regal Yam
14. Josh Hill Suz
15. Chris Blose Yam
16. Cody Gilmore Kaw
17. Kyle Partridge Hon
18. Nicholas Schmidt Hon
19. Tevin Tapia Suz
20. Trey Canard Hon

450SX Final Point Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto 371pts Kaw *Clinched title
2. Davi Millsaps 338pts Suz
3. Ryan Dungey 337pts KTM
4. Justin Barcia 277pts Hon
5. Chad Reed 239pts Hon
6. Trey Canard 221pts Hon
7. Andrew Short 214pts KTM
8. Justin Brayton 190pts Yam
9. Broc Tickle 176pts Suz
10. James Stewart 174pts Suz
11. Jake Weimer 157pts Kaw
12. Matt Goerke 139pts KTM
13. Mike Alessi 107pts Suz
14. Weston Peick 105pts Suz
15. Josh Hill 93pts Suz
16. Robby Kiniry 66pts Yam
17. Phil Nicoletti 58pts Yam
18. Eli Tomac 52pts Hon
19. Chris Blose 50pts Yam
20. Vince Friese 45pts Hon

250SX West Region Overall
1. Eli Tomac Hon
2. Ken Roczen KTM
3. Martin Davalos Kaw
4. Kyle Cunningham Yam
5. Ryan Sipes Suz
6. Jason Anderson Suz
7. Malcolm Stewart KTM
8. Cole Seely Hon
9. Tyla Rattray Kaw
10. Joey Savatgy KTM
11. Travis Baker Yam
12. Topher Ingalls Hon
13. Gared Steinke Kaw
14. Killy Rusk Hon
15. Dakota Tedder Kaw
16. Scott Champion Hon
17. Chris Plouffe Hon
18. Ross Johnson Hon
19. Austin Politelli Hon
20. Zach Osborne Hon

250SX West Region Point Standings
1. Ken Roczen 185pts KTM *Clinched 250SX West title
2. Eli Tomac 183pts Hon
3. Cole Seely 148pts Hon
4. Jason Anderson 139pts Suz
5. Martin Davalos 134pts Kaw
6. Kyle Cunningham 114pts Yam
7. Zach Osborne 112pts Hon
8. Tyla Rattray 99pts Kaw
9. Joey Savatgy 98pts KTM
10. Malcolm Stewart 88pts KTM
11. Christian Craig 87pts Hon
12. Travis Baker 80pts Yam
13. Austin Politelli 76pts Hon
14. Ryan Sipes 75pts Suz
15. Jessy Nelson 60pts Hon
16. Max Anstie 38pts Suz
17. Josh Cachia 29pts KTM
18. Jake Canada 28pts Hon
19. Scott Champion 28pts Hon
20. Dakota Tedder 24pts Kaw

250SX East Region Overall
1. Tyler Bowers Kaw
2. Marvin Musquin KTM
3. Wil Hahn Hon
4. Blake Wharton Suz
5. Gavin Faith Hon
6. Vince Friese Hon
7. Lance Vincent KTM
8. Cole Thompson Hon
9. Daniel Herrlein Hon
10. AJ Catanzaro Kaw
11. Brady Kiesel Yam
12. Levi Kilbarger Hon
13. PJ Larsen Yam
14. Ryan Zimmer Hon
15. Justin Starling Hon
16. Mitchell Oldenburg Hon
17. Adam Gulley Kaw
18. Jackson Richardson Hon
19. Landen Powell Hon
20. Steven Clarke KTM

250SX East Region Point Standings
1. Wil Hahn 198pts Hon *Clinched 250SX East title
2. Marvin Musquin 195pts KTM
3. Blake Wharton 171pts Suz
4. Vince Friese 118pts Hon
5. Gavin Faith 116pts Hon
6. Cole Thompson 96pts Hon
7. Dean Wilson 87pts Kaw
8. Lance Vincent 80pts KTM
9. Kyle Peters 78pts Hon
10. AJ Catanzaro 73pts Kaw
11. Jeremy Martin 71pts Yam
12. Justin Hill 68pts Kaw
13. Jimmy Decotis 66pts Kaw
14. Mitchell Oldenburg 66pts Hon
15. PJ Larsen 62pts Yam
16. Tyler Bowers 59pts Kaw
17. Levi Kilbarger 49pts Hon
18. Jackson Richardson 45pts Hon
19. Daniel Herrlein 43pts Hon
20. Steven Clarke 40pts KTM

Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout
1. Ken Roczen KTM
2. Kyle Cunningham Yam
3. Marvin Musquin KTM
4. Martin Davalos Kaw
5. Blake Wharton Suz
6. Jason Anderson Suz
7. Ryan Sipes Suz
8. Cole Seely Hon
9. Malcolm Stewart KTM
10. Tyla Rattray Kaw
11. Zach Osborne Hon
12. Joey Savatgy KTM
13. Eli Tomac Hon
14. Tyler Bowers Kaw
15. Vince Friese Hon
16. Lance Vincent KTM
17. Cole Thompson Hon
18. Daniel Herrlein Hon
19. Gavin Faith Hon
20. Wil Hahn Hon

SLC presented without a doubt, the toughest set of whoops this season. They were big, abrupt and hard packed. While that description makes most riders cringe, it’s like a gift to Davi Millsaps. Top riders were struggling and dreading them all day. Davi looked at times like he was just going down a straightaway, staying on top of them like they weren’t even there. Millsaps was the fastest by a significant margin all day in practice. His heat race was more of the same, crossing the finish line first with Ryan Villopoto in tow. As the first lap of the 450 main event unfolded, all 3 title contenders were up front. Davi moved by Ryan Dungey for second place and began to close on Villopoto. The trio stayed in those positions for the entire race. Typically when a freight train like that takes place, the race is considered boring. This was quite the opposite. Sometimes Villopoto would pull away. Then Dungey would catch Millsaps. Then Millsaps again would be all over the lead. It was an amazing race with 3 intense competitors. It was very evident that they were giving it their all and it was exciting for all fans in attendance at the edge of their seats. When the race concluded they were way ahead of the rest of the pack, all satisfied with their efforts and all had been pushed to their limit.

Davi Millsaps: “I gave it everything I had. I seriously had nothing left in me when I crossed that finish line. I was so happy to see the checkers. Ryan Villopoto ran a good last half of the season and I ran a bad one. It was a great run and it was fun racing against those guys. Definitely congratulations to Villopoto. He rode like a champion. It was a learning year for me, I’ve never been in the front, never had the points lead, let alone have this many podiums. All in all it’s been a good season so far and I’m definitely looking forward to next year.”

Jason Anderson really put everything together in Utah. Competitive all day in practice, then nearly catching the leader in his heat race en route to a 2nd place qualifying position. His main event was virtually flawless. Jason got a good start, rode a very smart race and kept his nerves calm for the entire 15 laps. Anderson started in 3rd, then in no time at all moved his way into the lead. He rode out front like veteran would, like a rider who had done it many times. It’s been a long road since Jason’s rookie season and all his hard work showed Saturday night. Once he got into the lead, he stayed there for every lap on the way to his first career victory, eventually building a 7 second lead. Now that this kid knows he can win, the rest of the 250 class may be in trouble.

Jason Anderson: “My win tonight was good. I got a good start and led the whole main which is something I’ve never done. I was stoked to do it here in Salt Lake. It was a good race for me. I got my first podium here last year, which was my first time here. To get my first win this year, I’m happy and super excited. I usually just go crazy. Just being calm and putting in my laps made the difference. The whoops were gnarly tonight. I definitely didn’t wanna crash the last lap in them. Once I made it through them it was like sigh of relief. It was a good night.”

Ryan Sipes has had a tough couple weekends to come back to. First, last week returning to a rutty, slick and rainy Seattle Supercross. Then to a tough track in Salt Lake with the elevation variable. Sipes qualified a solid 4th coming through the pack in his heat race. Then in his main he became engaged in a crazy multi rider battle. Everyone from 3rd to 10th was swapping positions. It was like a swarm of bees all criss crossing and flying around the track. Amazing for the fans and fierce for the athletes involved. Yet another tough facet for a rider who has been off the line for several months to overcome. Sipes ended up finishing 7th but could have finished anywhere from 10th to 3rd. He will look to improve next week where he has won the shootout before.

Ryan Sipes: ” Weekend was rough. I’m a little disappointed in myself. It’s takin me a while to get back in the racing mode. I get out there and I kinda just lock up. I’m not flowin and I’m not riding nearly as good as I do at the practice track. If I could ride like I practice, I feel like I could be in the hunt for wins. It’s not happening right now. Hopefully I can work on some stuff this week and make it better in Vegas.”

Rockstar Energy Racing will travel south to Las Vegas next weekend where the temperatures are always high. The team will have 4 main events to try and pick up another victory. Millsaps will look for his 3rd, Anderson his second, Wharton his second and Sipes his first in the final round of this successful season.

450 Main Event
1. R. Villopoto
2. D. Millsaps
3. R. Dungey
4. T. Canard
5. J. Barcia
6. J. Brayton
7. J. Hill
8. A. Short
9. W. Peick
10. C. Reed
11. B. Tickle
12. B. Lamay
13. J. Weimer
14. R. Kiniry
15. P. Nicoletti
16. V. Friese
17. C. Blose
18. C. Gilmore
19. A. Enticknap
20. K. Partridge

450SX Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 346
2. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 318
3. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 315
4. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 261
5. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda, 224
6. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 220
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 202
8. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha, 177
9. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 174
10. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki, 165

250 Main Event
1. J. Anderson
2. C. Seely
3. M. Davalos
4. M. Stewart
5. C. Craig
6. E. Tomac
7. R. Sipes
8. T. Rattray
9. J. Savatgy
10. T. Baker
11. K. Cunningham
12. Z. Osborne
13. D. Tedder
14. T. Ingalls
15. S. Champion
16. T. Bereman
17. C. Hinson
18. R. Johnson
19. A. Politelli
20. B. Hall

Western Regional 250SX Class Points
1. Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM, 163
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 158
3. Cole Seely, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 135
4. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 124
5. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Kawasaki, 114
6. Zach Osborne, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Honda, 111
7. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 96
8. Christian Craig, Wildomar, Calif., Honda, 87
9. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 87
10. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., KTM, 87

Davi Millsaps looked incredible in the final 450 qualifying practice of the day. Not only was he on top of the leader board for the majority of the practice, but he just kept posting faster and faster times. It was no surprise that he easily won his heat race by several seconds. Then as the track crew was reworking the racing surface prior to the 450 main, the clouds began to spit yet again. Davi decided to have mechanic Steve Westfall change his front tire. The expectant downpour did not arrive however so the tire change was not needed. Millsaps had a decent start and quickly moved into 3rd. At one point he was catching the leaders in front of him and really seemed to be pushing to the front. Then all 3 riders settled into their pace on the tough track and cruised to the finish line.

“It was a tough race. I made a change before the start. It started raining and I kinda panicked. I shouldn’t have made that change but hey, it’s racing and I took a chance. It was good in the beginning when it was slippery. But once it tacked up a little bit I was struggling. I’m a very heavy front end rider and I went to a more grippy front tire and it ended up not raining. So you live and you learn. It was a great night though and it was my 10th podium of the year so I’m pretty stoked on that. Also my 7th heat race win. It’s just been an awesome season. I know I lost the points lead, then dropped to 3rd and now I’m back to 2nd but it doesn’t matter. It’s been a great run and the best of the best are all in this class right now and we’re all near the front.” Davi Millsaps

Ryan Sipes hasn’t been able to line up on the gate and race since the middle of January. After breaking his hand in a pile-up at Anaheim 2, then having to have a couple surgeries to repair it, he has been kept off the bike for quite some time. Ryan was ready to make his return, but the unpredictable track made things very difficult. He looked to be riding good enough to pick up a podium however at about the halfway point of the main event. That is about the time his arms began to pump up. Anyone who has ever had arm pump knows it’s scary. Imagining arm pump on a slick, rutty Supercross track is a frightening thought for most. It was clear that Sipes was not just going to give up though. He fought for every position and battled with his peers til the bitter end. His speed was there and he needs to take the positives into next week.

“It was an ok weekend. It was a tough one to come back to cause the track was so technical and I was just fighting it. I couldn’t find a flow but luckily my starts were really good.In the main I got out and passed Christian [Craig] into 3rd. For about 7 or 8 laps I felt pretty good. The leaders were getting away a little bit, but I was just kind of riding my pace. Then I just got tight. I was afraid to charge stuff cause I thought my hands were gonna come off. I don’t really ever get arm pump but I got it tonight. I think it was just because it was my first one back and the track being so gnarly. I gave it everything I had and fought til the end. 7th isn’t where I wanna be but there were good parts to the night.” – Ryan Sipes

Jason Anderson was very fast all day. Frequently on the qualifying leader board. In his heat race he got a great start, then it was red flagged. After the caution it was a full restart and again Jason rounded the first turn in a stellar position. He rode to a solid 2nd place in the heat but more impressively was the fact that he was catching Eli Tomac and remaining mistake free on a track most riders were faltering on. Things were looking very good going into the main. Unfortunately Anderson’s main event did not start as well. He began the race buried in the pack. Then things just got worse. With the track being so rutty, a lot of the riders were looking for new lines on the very edges of the track. Under these circumstances, tuff blocks get kicked into the track frequently. That is exactly what happened just in front of Jason. He could not avoid the tuff block and went down. He is certainly not a 10th place guy, but with everything that took place, he couldn’t ask for much more. Anderson nearly won in Salt Lake City last year, so he will be looking forward to next week.

“My night started out good. My starts are getting better. I just need to put it all together with laps and not getting too anxious and not crashing. I was riding good tonight so I can take that away from it. – Jason Anderson

The team trio heads to Utah next week where it has snowed the past several years. Also an open stadium, the hopes will be for a nicer climate than the previous two races. Davi will aim for his 11th podium and 3rd win of the season. Sipes will look to get back on track returning from his injury and Anderson will compete his first career Supercross win.

250SX Results

1. K. Roczen
2. E. Tomac
3. Z. Osborne
4. C. Seely
5. T. Rattray
6. A. Politelli
7. R. Sipes
8. J. Savatgy
9. M. Davalos
10. J. Anderson
11. M. Stewart
12. C. Craig
13. K. Rusk
14. J. Canada
15. T. Baker
16. S. Champion
17. T. Bright
18. K. Cunningham
19. B. Stewart
20. T. Ivey

450SX Results

1. J. Barcia
2. R. Villopoto
3. D. Millsaps
4. R. Dungey
5. J. Weimer
6. M. Alessi
7. B. Tickle
8. J. Brayton
9. A. Short
10. P. Nicoletti
11. V. Friese
12. J. Hill
13. B. Lamay
14. C. Blose
15. C. Gilmore
16. W. Peick
17. K. Partridge
18. T. Canard
19. M. Horban
20. C. Reed

250SX Points

1 94 Ken Roczen 163
2 1 Eli Tomac 143
3 43 Cole Seely 113
4 338 Zach Osborne 102
5 21 Jason Anderson 99
6 40 Martin Davalos 94
7 38 Kyle Cunningham 86
8 176 Joey Savatgy 75
9 28 Tyla Rattray 74
10 76 Austin Politelli 72

450SX Points

1 1 Ryan Villopoto Seattle, WA 321
2 18 David Millsaps Murrieta, CA 296
3 5 Ryan Dungey Belle Plaine, MN 295
4 51 Justin Barcia Pinetta, FL 245
5 22 Chad Reed Dade City, FL 213
6 41 Trey Canard Shawnee, OK 202
7 29 Andrew Short Smithville, TX 189
8 7 James Stewart Haines City, FL 174
9 10 Justin Brayton Cornelius, NC 162
10 20 Broc Tickle Holly, MI 155

On a side note, if you’re planning to attend this race next year, be sure to find the time to head over to San Francisco and check out Franchino’s Restaurant. You will find the best Italian food I’ve ever had and see Mr. Franchino himself sitting outside telling some great stories and sipping on wine. I plan to make it an annual stop.

Running the red plate most certainly puts pressure and a target on the back of any rider holding the points lead. Part of becoming a champion however is overcoming the mental challenges that come with carrying that weight week in and week out. Through the eyes of an outsider to the sport, it’s clear the physical toughness it takes to become a top Supercross athlete. What many may not know is how strong a riders mind has to be to remain focused through the entire duration of a main event on the most technical tracks in the world. The math may not add up here, but this is one form of racing that is 100% physical and 100% mental. Millsaps positively has these traits working to his advantage. He has held the points lead since the opening gate drop and seems unaffected by the pressure and adversity he has experienced in this young season. Davi had a bit of a rough day in practice howeve trying to find his comfort zone and settle into the very fast pace these guys are racing at. Once again lap times of the top ten were very, very close making the start extremely important. Fortunately when it really counts, Millsaps has consistently stepped up his game. This week was no different as he easily won his heat race becoming more relaxed and confident with every lap. When he rounded the first turn as the main event began, Davi had another great start. This proved to be extremely important as the pack was consumed in a huge pile up behind him. Millsaps simply just went to work, riding a smart race for twenty solid laps and finding himself back on the podium after just missing it at A2. Davi’s second place finish was his third podium in four races and helped him extend his points lead to seven over Trey Canard.

Davi Millsaps – “It was a good ending to a day that started off not that great and I’m pretty excited about it. Pretty cool ride. First practice and second practice were not that great. Third practice was better but I was still uncomfortable and not feeling it. Even in the heat race I was struggling. To come out on the podium, definitely got my confidence back up. Next week is next week. Going to take this one step at a time.”

Jason Anderson felt like Oakland owed him one after last year. Just as Jason was building some steam in what appeared to be his first career podium in the waning moments of the main one year ago, he was hit hard from behind putting him down. He sustained a leg injury that hampered him for the next few weeks until he nearly won in Salt Lake City. Anderson found himself suffering from a cold this year, but qualified the best he ever has in practice putting up several impressive times. In his heat race, he was involved in a first turn altercation that put him in the back of the back. The last time that happened, he had to line up for the LCQ. Jason does not want to be in that position. Then suddenly he was all the way up to third in just a few quick laps! That gave him a quality gate pick going into the main. Anderson has been fast all year but just needed to put all the pieces together including the start. Jason did just that with one of his best starts of the season followed by fifteen mistake free laps. As the checkers waved closing out the 250 main, Anderson put Rockstar Energy Racing on the box in third, setting the stage for the teams first ever 250/450 podium night.

Jason Anderson – “This weekend was good. I came into the race a little sick and was just trying to salvage the day, but it ended up being my best weekend so far. I’m happy with that, so just ready to build on that heading into next weekend.”

Ryan Sipes is still recovering from the crash he was collected in last week. Being the team player that he is however, he came out to support the team any way he could. He watched all the practices, talking about lines and lap times through the radio to the rest of the team. Perhaps one day Ryan will make a good team manager! Sipes is hoping to be back fighting for podiums when the series heads south to San Diego.

Ryan Sipes – “I thought the night went really well for the team. Jason rode a solid race for third. It looked like he finally got a good start and just rode comfortable out there. Definitely something to build on. Davi rode great again. He was the only guy on [Ryan] Villipoto’s level and rode smart for a solid second place and still has the points lead! I’m ready to get back out there and mix it up in the front with those guys. My hand is getting better everyday so it’s just a matter of time.”

250SX Results
1. Ken Roczen
2. Cole Seely
3. Jason Anderson
4. Martin Davalos
5. Malcolm Stewart
6. Joey Savatgy
7. Kyle Cunningham
8. Austin Politelli
9. Christian Craig
10. Zach Osborne
11. Tyla Rattray
12. Travis Baker
13. Jessy Nelson
14. Chris Plouffe
15. Jean Ramos
16. Josh Cachia
17. Kade Mosig
18. Killian Rusk
19. Jake Canada
20. Eli Tomac

450SX Results
1. Ryan Villopoto
2. Davi Millsaps
3. Ryan Dungey
4. Trey Canard
5. Mike Alessi
6. Andrew Short
7. Matthew Goerke
8. Broc Tickle
9. Vince Friese
10. Justin Brayton
11. Jimmy Albertson
12. Chad Reed
13. Kyle Chisholm
14. Les Smith
15. Bobby Kiniry
16. Josh Grant
17. Cedric Soubeyras
18. Matt Lemoine
19. James Stewart
20. Justin Barcia

250SX Points
1. Ken Roczen – 91
2. Cole Seely – 80
3. Eli Tomac – 76
4. Zach Osborne – 58
5. Jason Anderson – 52
6. Kyle Cunningham – 49
7. Martin Davalos – 48
8. Christian Craig – 47
9. Malcolm Stewart – 45
10. Tyla Rattray – 45
11. Jessy Nelson – 38
12. Joey Savatgy – 38
13. Ryan Sipes – 31
14. Austin Politelli – 26
15. Max Anstie – 26
16. Travis Baker – 23
17. Jake Canada – 21
18. Michael Leib – 16
19. Josh Cachia – 12
20. Jean Ramos – 10

450SX Points
1. Davi Millsaps – 85
2. Trey Canard – 78
3. Ryan Villopoto – 77
4. Ryan Dungey – 68
5. Chad Reed – 65
6. Andrew Short – 56
7. Jake Weimer – 47
8. Justin Brayton – 42
9. Justin Barcia – 41
10. Matthew Goerke – 39
11. James Stewart – 38
12. Josh Grant – 37
13. Broc Tickle – 35
14. Kyle Chisholm – 30
15. Mike Alessi – 25
16. Vince Friese – 24
17. Weston Peick – 22
18. Kevin Windham – 21
19. Matt Lemoine – 16
20. Jimmy Albertson – 12

The Rockstar Energy Racing duo of Millsaps and Anderson will now focus on the third and final stop in Anaheim in one week. Jason will look to continue to gain momentum after his podium finish. Davi will be defending the red plate for the fourth consecutive week heading into round five.

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