MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (August 27, 2010) – Following the final off-week of the 2010 season, the world’s best riders of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship return to action this weekend for American motocross’ lone sand race, the Rockstar Energy Southwick National from Moto-X 338 in Southwick, Mass. The legendary event serves as the 10th round of the 12-race championship and will kick-off a three-week sprint to the finish.
Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey will look to make history on Saturday with the opportunity to clinch the 450 Class title. At the previous round from Unadilla, Dungey raced to his eighth consecutive victory, overcoming the return to San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart and a threat from World Grand Prix competitor Clement Desalle.
In the 250 Class, GEICO Powersports Honda’s Trey Canard continued to dominate the second half of the season with his fourth straight win. While points leader Christophe Pourcel found misfortune at Unadilla aboard his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki, Canard capitalized and closed to within striking distance of the championship lead.
Additionally, the MotorcycleUSA.com Women’s Motocross Championship also returns to the track after a midseason break. The nation’s fastest females, led by points leader and DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha rider Jessica Patterson, begin their final three-race push towards crowning a champion.
450 Class
Rockstar/Makita Suzuki
After Unadilla and the announcement of Team USA for the Motocross of Nations, Ryan Dungey has been doing exactly what he always does: train, practice, and focus on the next stop of the championship. Dungey is currently 111 points ahead of Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short and he could wrap up the title early, capping off what is becoming the most successful rookie season in history. Dungey is looking forward to the challenge of Southwick and its sandy track while taking another step toward earning the 450 Class title.
Honda Red Bull Racing
With three races remaining, Andrew Short is looking to maintain his hold on the runner-up spot in the championship standing. After being selected to his first Motocross of Nations at Unadilla, Short’s confidence is stronger than ever as he will look to carry the momentum into Colorado. Despite a seventh-place effort last year at Moto-X 338, Short is ready to turn things around and finish the season strong.
Kevin Windham had an up and down day at Unadilla. After a tough fall in the opening moto, he bounced back to finish just of the Moto 2 podium in fourth. He hasn’t competed at Southwick since 2007, and at that event, he brought home a 10th-place result.
GEICO Powersports Honda
With the season drawing to a close, Brett Metcalfe knows he needs to land on the overall podium the way he did at Unadilla for the remainder of the season in order to have a chance at overcoming Short in the standings. His consistent and impressive rookie season has been overshadowed by Dungey’s success, but Metcalfe has asserted himself as a title contender in the premier class. He has also achieved success in the 250 Class at Southwick and will look to carry it over on Saturday.
Muscle Milk/Toyota/JGR
After a ninth-place finish at Unadilla, Josh Grant remains fourth in the 450 Class standings and looks to be a lock to post a top-five finish in the championship. Grant hasn’t competed at Southwick since 2007 when he was in the 250 Class. That season, he posted a fifth-place result.
For the first time this season, Justin Brayton edged out his teammate in the overall results, but just barely. Brayton’s eighth-place result was a sign of his recent turnaround and he will hope to keep the momentum going as the series hits the sand.
Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda
Ben Townley bounced back from a tough outing at Washougal to finish sixth at Unadilla. His result allowed him to close in on Grant for fourth spot in the standings in which he sits just 11 points out. Like Grant, Townley hasn’t competed at Moto-X 338 since 2007 as a member of the 250 Class. However, he walked away victorious after that race and hopes it can translate into success on Saturday.
Jagermeister KTM
A pair of 13th-place efforts landed Mike Alessi in 14th overall at Unadilla. Like many of his peers, Alessi hasn’t competed at Southwick since 2007. That season he finished fifth and will see if his 350cc machine can become an advantage in the sand this weekend.
Monster Energy Kawasaki
Nick Wey is looking to get back into top 10 as the series heads to the sand track at Southwick. Wey has had a strong second half of 2010 and has posted three top 10’s this season and knows he can get up there again.
“I’ve been working hard during the off week,” said Wey. “There are only three races left this season and I want to get as many good finishes as I can.”
Rockstar Energy Suzuki
Tommy Hahn was solid at Unadilla, finishing 10th overall. The upcoming races are strong tracks for Hahn and last season, he finished fourth at Southwick. In his professional debut, Loretta Lynn’s graduate Austin Howell finished a respectable 18th in the sport’s elite division and could be in store for a bright future.
250 Class
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki
Christophe Pourcel continues to lead the 250 Class championship standings despite running not finishing the first moto last weekend. He rebounded to take a come-from-behind win in Moto 2. Last year the Frenchman experienced misfortune at Southwick and will look to overcome that this weekend.
“Last race was tough for me,” said Pourcel. “But I was able to get back and win the second moto. My goal is the championship and I’m still in position to take the title so everything is good right now.”
Sitting third in the points is rookie Dean Wilson. The 18-year-old earned his fifth podium result of the season at Unadilla and is looking forward to racing at Southwick for the first time.
“I hear the sand at Southwick is sick,” said Wilson. “I can’t wait to ride there. This season has been good and I know I can get another podium this week.”
Another rider looking forward to Southwick is Tyla Rattray. The South African rider likes the track in Massachusetts but his attention is going to be split as he awaits the birth of his first child.
“Southwick is an amazing track,” said Rattray. “I really am looking forward to racing there, but I might be a little distracted this week. My first child is due anytime now and that is even more exciting.”
GEICO Powersports Honda
All eyes will be on Trey Canard as the 250 Class hits the track this weekend. His recent dominance had created a new landscape in the championship and after being selected to represent Team USA at the Motocross of Nations, his motivation to continue to win is even greater.
Canard’s teammates at GEICO Powersports Honda also had strong showings at Unadilla. Justin Barcia, Blake Wharton and Eli Tomac all finished inside the top six overall and the entire team will look to keep up the strong, well rounded performances at Moto-X 338.
WMX Class
While Jessica Patterson leads the way in the WMX Class, Honda Red Bull Racing’s Ashley Fiolek will be looking to claim her second win of the 2010 season and close in on her rival for the championship lead. The pair has put on several exciting battles throughout the season and that trend will surely continue at Southwick. Should either encounter trouble, Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda’s Tarah Gieger, MotoConcepts Yamaha’s Vicki Golden and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Sara Price will surely be there to capitalize.
Series Statistical Report
Rockstar Energy Southwick National
Moto-X 338 – Southwick, Mass., August 28
- Southwick serves as the only sand track to host an AMA Motocross National.
- The legendary facility has hosted an AMA Motocross event since 1976.
- The layout of Moto-X 338 is unique in that it allows for great viewing lines from any portion of the track thanks to its intimate configuration that features several out and backs.
- Veteran and local legend John Dowd made history at Southwick last season by becoming the oldest rider in history to finish on the podium. This weekend he will set several age records when he competes at the age of 45.
- Ryan Dungey’s eight straight victories are the most ever by a rookie and the most ever by a rider that didn’t achieve a sweep of all 12 rounds.
- Dungey’s eight wins leaves him one short of the rookie record set by Ricky Carmichael.
- Dungey has swept both motos at the last four rounds and has captured 14 of the last 16 motos. He boasts an average finish of 1.9. He is also remains the only rider in the class to capture more than one moto win.
- With his eighth win in the 450 Class, Dungey sits 14th on the all-time wins list and has more 450 Class victories than he did through three years of 250 Class competition.
- Dungey possesses the best average finish of any rider in the 450 Class at 1.9. Andrew Short possesses best average start at 2.2 and boasts a series-leading eight holeshots.
- Through nine rounds of his rookie season, Ricky Carmichael only had six overall wins. He went on to win the final four rounds to bring the total to nine.
- Through nine rounds of his rookie season, Ricky Carmichael only had 10 moto wins. Dungey has 14.
- Dungey currently boasts a nine-moto winning streak. Carmichael’s longest in his rookie season was five.
- Throughout his entire rookie season, Carmichael had five moto sweeps. Dungey has six through only nine rounds.
- Only Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and GEICO Powersports Honda riders have won 250 Class motos in 2010. GEICO boasts more overall wins with five.
- Canard is the first rider this season to win consecutive races and the first rider to claim four wins in a row since 2008.
- Of the five different winners in eight rounds of the 250 Class, four were first-time winners in 2010.
- Three of Mitch Payton’s four Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders have won an overall in 2010.
- Canard possesses the best average finish of any rider in the 250 Class at 3.9. Pourcel holds the best average start at 4.1.
450 Class Stats
- The first race held at Southwick was June 6, 1976. Pierre Karsmakers won on a Honda. It was his final AMA Motocross victory.
- This will be the 32nd time the gate will drop for a 450 Class race at Southwick.
- Ricky Carmichael, John Dowd, Mike Kiedrowski, Doug Henry and James Stewart have won at Southwick in both classes.
- Ricky Carmichael won eight consecutive races at Southwick from 2000 to 2007.
- Southwick has hosted a Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship event for all but three years since 1976 (break from1983-1985).
- Honda has swept Southwick in both the 450 and 250 classes four times, while Yamaha has done it twice. Kawasaki did it in 2008.
- Four riders have earned their final career AMA Motocross victory at Southwick.
- Matt Goerke’s first career win at Southwick last season ended a 10-year drought for Yamaha.
Wins by brand at Southwick
Honda – 14
Kawasaki – 6
Suzuki – 6
Yamaha – 5
First Time Winners at Southwick
Matt Goerke, 2009 – Yamaha
Jeff Emig, 1995 – Yamaha
Last win by brand at Southwick
Yamaha – 2009
Kawasaki – 2008
Suzuki – 2007
Honda – 2004
Riders to win Southwick in both classes
Ricky Carmichael
John Dowd
Doug Henry
Mike Kiedrowski
James Stewart
Brand Sweeps at Southwick
Yamaha: Bob Hannah, Broc Glover – 1978
Honda: Rick Johnson, Micky Dymond – 1987
Honda: Jeff Stanton, Jeff Ward – 1989
Honda: Jeff Stanton, Jean-Michel Bayle – 1990
Honda: Jeremy McGrath, Steve Lamson – 1996
Yamaha: Doug Henry, John Dowd – 1998
Kawasaki: James Stewart, Ryan Villopoto – 2008
Riders to Win Their Final Race at Southwick
Ezra Lusk – 1999
Jeff Stanton – 1992
Marty Smith – 1977
Pierre Karsmakers – 1976
Past Winners at Southwick
August 29, 2009 Matt Goerke, Lake Helen, FL Yamaha
August 24, 2008 James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
June 10, 2007 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Suzuki
June 11, 2006 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Suzuki
June 12, 2005 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Suzuki
June 13, 2004 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
June 8, 2003 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
June 9, 2002 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Honda
June 10, 2001 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Kawasaki
June 11, 2000 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Kawasaki
June 13, 1999 Ezra Lusk, Bainbridge, GA Honda
June 14, 1998 Doug Henry, Oxford, CT Yamaha
June 22, 1997 John Dowd, Chicopee, MA Yamaha
June 23, 1996 Jeremy McGrath, Menifee, CA Honda
June 25, 1995 Jeff Emig, Riverside, CA Yamaha
June 26, 1994 Mike LaRocco, South Bend, IN Kawasaki
May 2, 1993 Mike Kiedrowski, Canyon Country, CA Kawasaki
May 17, 1992 Jeff Stanton, Sherwood, MI Honda
August 4, 1991 Jeff Stanton, Sherwood, MI Honda
July 22, 1990 Jeff Stanton, Sherwood, MI Honda
May 21, 1989 Jeff Stanton, Sherwood, MI Honda
May 22, 1988 Jeff Ward, Mission Viejo, CA Kawasaki
May 17, 1987 Rick Johnson, El Cajon, CA Honda
May 18, 1986 Rick Johnson, El Cajon, CA Honda
May 16, 1982 Donnie Hansen, Canyon Country, CA Honda
May 17, 1981 Kent Howerton, San Antonio, TX Suzuki
May 18, 1980 Kent Howerton, San Antonio, TX Suzuki
May 20, 1979 Kent Howerton, San Antonio, TX Suzuki
May 7, 1978 Bob Hannah, Whittier, CA Yamaha
May 1, 1977 Marty Smith, San Diego, CA Honda
June 6, 1976 Pierre Karsmakers, Holland Honda
2010 Stats
450 Class Point Standings – After 9 of 12 rounds
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 418
- Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 307
- Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 293
- Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 260
- Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda, 249
- Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 235
- Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 204
- Kyle Regal, Kemp, Texas, Honda, 185
- Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha, 183
- Ryan Sipes, Flaherty, Texas, Yamaha, 181
450 Class Overall Wins
Ryan Dungey – 8
Chad Reed – 1
450 Class Moto Wins
Ryan Dungey – 14
Mike Alessi – 1
Josh Grant – 1
Chad Reed – 1
Andrew Short – 1
450 Class Wins by Brand
Suzuki – 8
Kawasaki – 1
450 Class Laps Led
Ryan Dungey – 144
Andrew Short – 56
Mike Alessi – 19
Josh Grant – 19
Chad Reed – 16
Ben Townley – 15
Brett Metcalfe – 9
Kevin Windham – 7
Clement Desalle – 4
450 Class Holeshots
Andrew Short – 8
Ryan Dungey – 2
Brett Metcalfe – 2
Mike Alessi – 1
Justin Brayton – 1
Chad Reed – 1
Ryan Sipes – 1
Kevin Windham – 1
250 Class Stats
- The first race was held at Southwick on May 7, 1978. Broc Glover won on a Yamaha.
- This will be the 27th time the gate will drop for a 250 Class race at Southwick.
- Only three riders have won back-to-back races at Southwick: Doug Henry (93-94), Steve Lamson (95-96) and Travis Pastrana (00-01).
- Kawasaki has won four of the last six races at Southwick, each with a different rider.
- John Dowd won at Southwick in the 250 Class in 1998, one year after winning in the premier 450 Class.
- Justin Barcia became the fifth first-time winner at Southwick last season. The first since 2003 and the first Honda-mounted rider to do so.
Wins by brand at Southwick
Honda – 10
Kawasaki – 7
Yamaha – 5
Suzuki – 4
First time winners at Southwick
Justin Barcia, 2009 – Honda
Craig Anderson, 2003 – Yamaha
Danny Smith, 2002 – Suzuki
Travis Pastrana, 2000 – Suzuki
Keith Bowen, 1986 – Yamaha
Last win by brand at Southwick
Honda – 2009
Kawasaki – 2008
Yamaha – 2003
Suzuki – 2002
Past Winners at Southwick
August 29, 2009 Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, GA Honda
August 24, 2008 Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, WA Kawasaki
June 10, 2007 Ben Townley, New Zealand Kawasaki
June 11, 2006 Andrew Short, Murrieta, CA Honda
June 12, 2005 Grant Langston, South Africa Kawasaki
June 13, 2004 James Stewart, Haines City, FL Kawasaki
June 8, 2003 Craig Anderson, Corona, CA Yamaha
June 9, 2002 Danny Smith, Middleton, ID Suzuki
June 10, 2001 Travis Pastrana, Annapolis, MD Suzuki
June 11, 2000 Travis Pastrana, Annapolis, MD Suzuki
June 13, 1999 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Kawasaki
June 14, 1998 John Dowd, Chicopee, MA Yamaha
June 22, 1997 Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL Kawasaki
June 23, 1996 Steve Lamson, Pollock Pines, CA Honda
June 25, 1995 Steve Lamson, Pollock Pines, CA Honda
June 26, 1994 Doug Henry, Oxford, CT Honda
May 2, 1993 Doug Henry, Oxford, CT Honda
May 17, 1992 Larry Ward, Society Hill, SC Suzuki
August 4, 1991 Mike Kiedrowski, Canyon Country, CA Kawasaki
July 22, 1990 Jean-Michel Bayle, France Honda
May 21, 1989 Larry Ward, Society Hill, SC Honda
May 22, 1988 George Holland, Kerman, CA Honda
May 17, 1987 Micky Dymond, Yorba Linda, CA Honda
May 18, 1986 Keith Bowen, Auburn Hills, CA Yamaha
May 18, 1980 Broc Glover, El Cajon, CA Yamaha
May 7, 1978 Broc Glover, El Cajon, CA Yamaha
2010 Stats
250 Class Point Standings – After 9 of 12 rounds
- Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 365
- Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 349
- Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki, 329
- Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 320
- Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 248
- Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 243
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 233
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 209
- Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 195
- Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Yamaha, 187
250 Class Overall Wins
Trey Canard – 4
Christophe Pourcel – 2
Tyla Rattray – 1
Eli Tomac – 1
Dean Wilson – 1
250 Class Moto Wins
Christophe Pourcel – 9
Trey Canard – 5
Justin Barcia – 1
Tyla Rattray – 1
Eli Tomac – 1
Dean Wilson – 1
250 Class Wins by Brand
Honda – 5
Kawasaki – 4
250 Class Laps Led
Christophe Pourcel – 101
Trey Canard – 83
Dean Wilson – 40
Eli Tomac – 35
Justin Barcia – 18
Wil Hahn – 4
Tommy Searle – 2
Tyla Rattray – 1
250 Class Holeshots
Eli Tomac – 5
Christophe Pourcel – 4
Trey Canard – 3
Dean Wilson – 3
Wil Hahn – 2
Nico Izzi – 1
WMX Class Stats
- The first WMX Class race held at Southwick was in 2008. Jessica Patterson won on a Honda.
- Jessica Patterson is the only WMX rider to win at Southwick.
Wins by brand at Southwick
Honda – 2
2010 Stats
WMX Class Point Standings – Thru 5 of 8 Rounds
- Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha, 241
- Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda, 219
- Tarah Gieger, Winter Gardens, Fla., Honda, 189
- Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Yamaha, 159
- Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki, 148
- Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Yamaha, 138
- Sarah Whitmore, Cheboygan, Mich., KTM, 130
- Alexah Pearson, Rocklin, Calif., Yamaha, 114
- Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha, 109
- Jacqueline Strong, Sedona, Ariz., Yamaha, 104
WMX Class Overall Wins
Jessica Patterson – 4
Ashley Fiolek – 1
WMX Class Moto Wins
Jessica Patterson – 7
Ashley Fiolek – 3
WMX Class Wins by Brand
Yamaha – 4
Honda – 1
For tickets and fan and racing information on the 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, log on to www.allisports.com/motocross.